Abstract: The balance of rotors for dynamo-electric machines (e.g., electric motor armatures), which are wound with two diametrically opposite, simultaneously applied coils of wire, is improved by ensuring that wire is fed to both coils in substantially similar quantities. This can be accomplished by monitoring the lengths of the two wires as they are fed to the armature using wire sensors located adjacent to the flyer. Alternatively, wire sensors can be provided to monitor the rate at which wire is being fed towards respective flyers and to measure the rate of change of the lengths of those portions of the wires that are supported by the winding machine dancer arms. A control system processes the measurements from these sensors. A wire tensioner having a hysteresis clutch is also provided that allows the tension applied to a wire being wound to be adjusted rapidly. The wire tensioner also picks up slack that may develop in the wire.

Abstract: The balance of rotors for dynamo-electric machines (e.g., electric motor armatures), which are wound with two diametrically opposite, simultaneously applied coils of wire, is improved by ensuring that wire is fed to both coils in substantially similar quantities. This can be accomplished by monitoring the lengths of the two wires as they are fed to the armature using wire sensors located adjacent to the flyer. Alternatively, wire sensors can be provided to monitor the rate at which wire is being fed towards respective flyers and to measure the rate of change of the lengths of those portions of the wires that are supported by the winding machine dancer arms. A control system processes the measurements from these sensors. A wire tensioner having a hysteresis clutch is also provided that allows the tension applied to a wire being wound to be adjusted rapidly. The wire tensioner also picks up slack that may develop in the wire.

Abstract: An improved armature testing apparatus and method are provided. The individual resistances of two commutator bar lead connections can be simultaneously measured in a single measurement step. Further, the resistances of two armature coil can be determined in the same step. The present invention makes it possible to measure individual commutator coil lead connections more quickly than was previously possible.

Abstract: The balance of rotors for dynamo-electric machines (e.g., electric motor armatures), which are wound with two diametrically opposite, simultaneously applied coils of wire, is improved by ensuring that wire is fed to both coils in substantially similar quantities. This can be accomplished by monitoring the consumption of each wire as it is fed to its respective coil, and adjusting the tension with which at least one wire is fed to its coil to substantially equalize the wire consumptions. Alternatively, the tension at which both wires are fed to the coils is monitored, and the tension of at least one wire is adjusted to equalize the tension of the two wires.