Abstract: A self-powered automatic lubrication system for electric motors utilizes an electromagnetic sensor/generator, which picks up motor vibrations that are synchronous with the rotations of the motor shaft, and in response, generates an alternating current. The current is rectified and used to charge a secondary battery that supplies power to the electronic control system. This control system utilizes the alternating current produced by the sensor/generator as an output signal to time the injection of the lubricant into the motor bearings. The sensor/generator comprises a coil and a permanent magnet suspended by springs within the coil. The magnet moves as the motor vibrates causing electric current to be generated in the coil. The physical parameters of the magnet and the springs are selected such that the movement occurs in resonance with the fundamental frequency of the motor vibrations.

Abstract: A system for automatic detection of defects in railroad wheels, a system that is stationary and is installed in extended intervals in the rails uses stationary acoustical/vibration sensors installed at intervals in the rails. Rail segments associated with the detectors are acoustically isolated. The sensors acquire the sounds and vibrations generated by the wheels rolling over the rails. Signal analyzers identify rail defects from intensity vs., frequency distributions of acoustical spectra. Such spectra reflect the condition of the wheels and change their intensity vs. frequency distributions when the wheels pass the sensors installed in the rails. The acquired information on the condition of the wheels is transmitted to a central location. Any defective wheel is identified and marked for repair or replacement.

Abstract: A system is described for automatic detection of overheated wheel bearings of railroad cars and carriages. Signals representing the temperature of such bearings are generated by temperature sensors that are installed in close proximity of the wheel bearings. The signals are amplified, digitized and, to prevent false indications, averaged for each individual bearing. The averaged signals from each bearing are than compared to the averaged signals from the other three bearings of the same car or vehicle. If the signal from any bearing deviates by a present magnitude value, an alarm signal is generated and transmitted to a central monitoring location. The signals from each bearing are uniquely identified by a code. Light emitting diodes are installed close to the bearings and light up to indicate overheating. The electric power for the system is generated by an electromagnetic generator, which responds to the vibrations of the moving car.

Abstract: A dual laser web scanner is disclosed designed to detect defects in all types of webs and flat sheet materials, e.g., metal, plastic, textiles, paper, film, and others. The scanner can be used on opaque and transparent materials. Compared to the existing web scanners, the subject scanner offers a simplified detection system, as well as, greater resolution, accuracy and repeatability. A focusing lens images the two beams onto an optical scanner. The two beams are therefore periodically deflected and imaged through an F-theta lens onto to surface of the web being scanned. The scanning occurs transversely to the direction of the web movement. The flying spots generated by the laser beams are situated one above the other in the direction parallel to the direction of the web movement.