Abstract: Eddy current inspection of the step iron region of a generator stator core lamina insulation is performed while the rotor is in situ, with inspection system (81). The system (81) excites the stator core (26) and then measures any eddy currents indicative of a damaged region. The inspection system carriage (42) and its pivoting extension arm (52) are inserted within the rotor gap (34) while the rotor (22) remains in situ within the generator (20). The EL CID system's eddy current sensing coil assembly (54) includes a Chattock coil (70), which is mounted in a coil housing (56, 58) that is in turn pivotally mounted on a distal end of the extension arm (52). A sensing surface (60) of the coil housing (56, 58) remains in abutting contact with the generator core circumference in the step iron region (32), despite the step-like profile of the core circumference in that region.

Abstract: Eddy current inspection of the step iron region of a generator stator core lamina insulation is performed while the rotor is in situ, with inspection system (81). The system (81) excites the stator core (26) and then measures any eddy currents indicative of a damaged region. The inspection system carriage (42) and its pivoting extension arm (52) are inserted within the rotor gap (34) while the rotor (22) remains in situ within the generator (20). The EL CID system's eddy current sensing coil assembly (54) includes a Chattock coil (70), which is mounted in a coil housing (56, 58) that is in turn pivotally mounted on a distal end of the extension arm (52). A sensing surface (60) of the coil housing (56, 58) remains in abutting contact with the generator core circumference in the step iron region (32), despite the step-like profile of the core circumference in that region.

Abstract: In a general methodology for insulation defect identification in a generator core, a Chattock coil is used to measure magnetic potential difference between teeth. Physical knowledge and empirical knowledge is combined in a model to predict insulation damage location and severity. Measurements are taken at multiple excitation frequencies to solve for multiple characteristics of the defect.

Abstract: An automated EL CID inspection technique for the stator core of an electrical machine is provided. The inspection device includes a rail, a pickup coil and a coil support assembly. The coil support assembly includes a first part movable along the rail, and a second part where the pickup coil is actually installed. The second part is movable jointly with the first part along the rail, while also being movable relative to the first part in a direction towards or away from the stator core. A motor actuates a motion of the coil support assembly. During inspection, the motor is activated, upon which the coil support assembly moves along the rail while a specified distance is maintained between the stator core and the pickup coil by the relative motion between the first and second parts. The technique is particularly applicable in a step-iron portion of the stator core.

Abstract: An automated EL CID inspection technique for the stator core of an electrical machine is provided. The inspection device includes a rail, a pickup coil and a coil support assembly. The coil support assembly includes a first part movable along the rail, and a second part where the pickup coil is actually installed. The second part is movable jointly with the first part along the rail, while also being movable relative to the first part in a direction towards or away from the stator core. A motor actuates a motion of the coil support assembly. During inspection, the motor is activated, upon which the coil support assembly moves along the rail while a specified distance is maintained between the stator core and the pickup coil by the relative motion between the first and second parts. The technique is particularly applicable in a step-iron portion of the stator core.

Abstract: In a general methodology for insulation defect identification in a generator core, a Chattock coil is used to measure magnetic potential difference between teeth. Physical knowledge and empirical knowledge is combined in a model to predict insulation damage location and severity. Measurements are taken at multiple excitation frequencies to solve for multiple characteristics of the defect.

Abstract: A vehicle comprising a rotatable wheel (e.g., three rotatable wheels), a forward drive mechanism including a forward drive motor (e.g., an internal combustion engine), and a reverse drive mechanism. The reverse drive mechanism includes a reverse drive motor (e.g., an electric motor) adapted to move the chassis in the rearward direction, and a reverse drive control programmed to inhibit operation of the reverse drive mechanism when the forward drive motor is off. In one embodiment, the vehicle includes a battery for operating the reverse drive motor, and the reverse drive control is programmed to inhibit operation of the motor when a characteristic of the battery (e.g., an output voltage) falls below a threshold. The vehicle can further include a temperature sensor for the reverse drive motor. In this embodiment, the reverse drive control is programmed to inhibit operation of the reverse drive motor when the temperature of the motor exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: A remote-controlled dynamoelectric machine maintenance vehicle that can fit and travel within the air gap between a stator and rotor of a dynamoelectric machine. The maintenance vehicle has an effectuator that can remotely attach to an adjustable wedge within a coil slot of the stator and tighten the wedge in position and then move on to repeat the process until all the wedges on the stator are secured.

Abstract: A three-wheeled vehicle includes a main frame assembly having a steering head disposed on a front portion of the main frame assembly, a front fork assembly pivotably coupled to the steering head, a front wheel rotatably supported by the front fork assembly, a rear frame coupled to a rear portion of the main frame assembly, a rear axle assembly coupled to at least one of the main frame assembly and the rear frame, a pair of rear wheels rotatably supported by the rear axle assembly, an engine-transmission assembly supported by the main frame assembly and positioned between the front wheel and the pair of rear wheels, and a body including a first mounting portion directly mounted to the main frame assembly, and a second mounting portion directly mounted to the rear frame.

Abstract: A vehicle comprising a rotatable wheel (e.g., three rotatable wheels), a forward drive mechanism including a forward drive motor (e.g., an internal combustion engine), and a reverse drive mechanism. The reverse drive mechanism includes a reverse drive motor (e.g., an electric motor) adapted to move the chassis in the rearward direction, and a reverse drive control programmed to inhibit operation of the reverse drive mechanism when the forward drive motor is off. In one embodiment, the vehicle includes a battery for operating the reverse drive motor, and the reverse drive control is programmed to inhibit operation of the motor when a characteristic of the battery (e.g., an output voltage) falls below a threshold. The vehicle can further include a temperature sensor for the reverse drive motor. In this embodiment, the reverse drive control is programmed to inhibit operation of the reverse drive motor when the temperature of the motor exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: A three-wheeled vehicle includes a main frame assembly having a steering head disposed on a front portion of the main frame assembly, a front fork assembly pivotably coupled to the steering head, a front wheel rotatably supported by the front fork assembly, a rear frame coupled to a rear portion of the main frame assembly, a rear axle assembly coupled to at least one of the main frame assembly and the rear frame, a pair of rear wheels rotatably supported by the rear axle assembly, an engine-transmission assembly supported by the main frame assembly and positioned between the front wheel and the pair of rear wheels, and a body including a first mounting portion directly mounted to the main frame assembly, and a second mounting portion directly mounted to the rear frame.

Abstract: A remote-controlled dynamoelectric machine maintenance vehicle that can fit and travel within the air gap between a stator and rotor of a dynamoelectric machine. The maintenance vehicle has an effectuator that can remotely attach to an adjustable wedge within a coil slot of the stator and tighten the wedge in position and then move on to repeat the process until all the wedges on the stator are secured.

Abstract: An inspection system is provided for inspecting a generator including a rotor and a stator substantially surrounding the rotor. The rotor has a first end with a first circumference, and a second end with a second circumference. The inspection system includes first and second retaining rings disposed at or about the first and second ends of the rotor, and first and second motion control modules movably coupled to the first and second retaining rings. The first and second motion control modules are interconnected and guide a carriage assembly therebetween in order to perform an operation on the generator. At least one of the first and second motion control modules is structured to receive the carriage assembly and to move around the corresponding first or second circumference of the generator rotor, in order to align the carriage assembly with stator slots of the stator of the generator.

Abstract: An inspection system is provided for inspecting a generator including a rotor and a stator substantially surrounding the rotor. The rotor has a first end with a first circumference, and a second end with a second circumference. The inspection system includes first and second retaining rings disposed at or about the first and second ends of the rotor, and first and second motion control modules movably coupled to the first and second retaining rings. The first and second motion control modules are interconnected and guide a carriage assembly therebetween in order to perform an operation on the generator. At least one of the first and second motion control modules is structured to receive the carriage assembly and to move around the corresponding first or second circumference of the generator rotor, in order to align the carriage assembly with stator slots of the stator of the generator.

Abstract: A remote controlled inspection vehicle provides interchangeable modules, permitting the vehicle to be easily configured to perform a wide variety of tasks. The vehicle includes at least one frame module having a pair of drive modules on either side. Each drive module includes a continuous track surrounding a permanent magnet, and is dimensioned and configured to pivot around its longitudinal axis. The frame modules are dimensioned and configured to be hingedly secured to other frame modules, end effectors including various sensors for performing inspections, and tail units to assist in placing the vehicle in the desired environment.

Abstract: An automated tool for performing an EL CID inspection of the step iron region of a generator stator that can be employed with the rotor in place. The tool has a track that is axially cantilevered at one end and supported magnetically within a stator slot adjacent the region to be monitored. The track has a smoothly rounded contour that approximately conforms to the profile of the stator step region. A carriage carrying a pickup coil is slideably mounted on the track and is driven back and forth along the track over the area to be inspected by a remotely-operated drive system. A video camera is mounted on the track and provides a remote visual indication of the location of the carriage relative to the stator.

Abstract: A remote-controlled vehicle and method for performing a plurality of tasks in a location generally inaccessible to humans are provided. The vehicle may include a propulsion frame, and a platform attached to the frame or integral therewith for supporting an interchangeable accessory selected from a set of distinct interchangeable accessories. Each distinct interchangeable accessory may be configured to perform a distinct operational task. The platform includes at least one mechanical power takeoff, and each accessory includes at least one mechanical power receptor configured to interface with the mechanical power takeoff for coupling mechanical energy to the accessory. The platform constitutes a universal platform for the set of distinct interchangeable accessories.

Abstract: An automated tool for performing an EL CID inspection of the step iron region of a generator stator that can be employed with the rotor in place. The tool has a track that is axially cantilevered at one end and supported magnetically within a stator slot adjacent the region to be monitored. The track has a smoothly rounded contour that approximately conforms to the profile of the stator step region. A carriage carrying a pickup coil is slideably mounted on the track and is driven back and forth along the track over the area to be inspected by a remotely-operated drive system. A video camera is mounted on the track and provides a remote visual indication of the location of the carriage relative to the stator.

Abstract: A remote-controlled vehicle and method for performing a plurality of tasks in a location generally inaccessible to humans are provided. The vehicle may include a propulsion frame, and a platform attached to the frame or integral therewith for supporting an interchangeable accessory selected from a set of distinct interchangeable accessories. Each distinct interchangeable accessory may be configured to perform a distinct operational task. The platform includes at least one mechanical power takeoff, and each accessory includes at least one mechanical power receptor configured to interface with the mechanical power takeoff for coupling mechanical energy to the accessory. The platform constitutes a universal platform for the set of distinct interchangeable accessories.

Abstract: A remote controlled inspection vehicle provides interchangeable modules, permitting the vehicle to be easily configured to perform a wide variety of tasks. The vehicle includes at least one frame module having a pair of drive modules on either side. Each drive module includes a continuous track surrounding a permanent magnet, and is dimensioned and configured to pivot around its longitudinal axis. The frame modules are dimensioned and configured to be hingedly secured to other frame modules, end effectors including various sensors for performing inspections, and tail units to assist in placing the vehicle in the desired environment.