Abstract: An improved speed reducer having a temperature sensing device electrically connectible to an external monitoring device. The temperature sensing device is supported by the speed reducer housing and extends at least partially into the speed reducer interior area to a predetermined location. The predetermined location is below a minimum lubricant supply level within the speed reducer interior. The temperature sensing device is responsive to the temperature of the lubricant fluid within the speed reducer and is configured to communicate information indicative thereof to an external monitoring device, which may include an alarm or a downstream processing device.

Abstract: An improved bearing apparatus including a housing having a bearing assembly contained therein. A sensor device is mounted to the housing for detecting the rotational rate of the shaft. The sensor device may be configured as a magnetic-type sensor operative to sense variations in magnetic characteristics produced during rotation of an annular detection element. Alternatively, the sensor device may be an optical sensor for detecting variations in optical characteristics produced by shaft rotation. In some presently preferred embodiments, the detection element is a nut or collar also utilized to effect securement of the bearing assembly to the shaft. Preferably, the shaft terminates at an interior location of the housing. In this case, the housing may include an end wall or cap for covering an end of the shaft.

Abstract: A bearing system includes a lubricant circulation apparatus to provide a continuous supply of lubricant fluid to a bearing device. The bearing device may be a hydrodynamic sleeve bearing having a bearing housing defining a sump for maintaining lubricant fluid therein. An oil ring may be situated about the mechanical shaft supported by the bearing device to deposit oil on top of the shaft during rotation. In addition, a bearing inlet is defined at a location radially above the shaft, with a bearing outlet being defined at a location radially below. The bearing outlet is in fluid communication with a reservoir of the lubricant circulation apparatus. A pump communicates with the reservoir to draw lubricant fluid therefrom and deliver it to the bearing inlet. Preferably, the pump draws lubricant fluid from the reservoir at a rate greater than can be passed through the bearing housing.

Abstract: Bearing assembly including at least one proximity probe for monitoring the relative vibration of a rotating shaft contained therein. The bearing assembly includes a bearing housing surrounding and supporting a cylindrical shell. The cylindrical shell defines a shaft bore for receiving a rotating shaft. At least one proximity probe is embedded in the cylindrical shell for monitoring the shaft vibration. A second proximity probe may be added to enable monitoring radial shaft position. The proximity probes are connected to an instrument or instruments for displaying a signal received from the probes for allowing a user to determine shaft vibration or position.

Abstract: A bearing assembly with a temperature switch embedded in the housing and arranged so as to be responsive to the temperature within the housing. The bearing assembly includes an indicator adapted to indicate the status of the temperature switch such that when a predetermined temperature is reached in the housing, the switch will be activated and the indicator will indicate that the predetermined temperature has been reached so that bearing failure can be prevented.

Abstract: A bearing assembly with a temperature measuring device embedded in the housing and arranged so as to be responsive to the temperature within the housing. The bearing assembly includes a transmitter for transmitting the signal received from the measuring or sensing junction of the temperature measuring device to an instrument for determining the temperature sensed by the device.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic servo control system which has N dynamic state variables and includes a servo actuator adapted to variably position a load mass. An actuator control system includes sensors coupled to the actuator for providing indications of X measured state variables, such as actuator position and/or velocity, and a digital observer responsive to the X measured actuator variables for estimating the remaining N-X variables at the actuator such as velocity and/or acceleration. Signals indicative of measured and estimated state variables are fed to a comparator together with a state command signal, for obtaining a difference or error signal to provide a control input to the actuator. The observer electronics include digital computation means suitably programmed to estimate N state variables as solutions to N linear equations for N unknowns.

Abstract: A variable displacement pump control system comprising a variable displacement pump having a movable element for controlling pump displacement, a hydraulic motor for moving the movable element, and a transducer for producing an electric signal corresponding to the actual position of the movable element. A comparator compares the electrical signal from the transducer and an electrical signal corresponding to the desired displacement of the pump and produces an error signal. A control operates in response to the error signal to meter fluid flow from the pump output to the hydraulic motor. The control comprises a relief valve, a compensator valve and a servo valve. The servo valve is preferably a single-stage valve that includes damping orifices to provide stability.

Abstract: An electrically controlled hydraulic remote controller for use in piloting the operation of a hydraulic control valve comprising a pair of electrically operated three-way pressure control valves. Each control valve has a supply pressure inlet and a controlled pressure outlet operable in the de-energized position to prevent flow from the supply inlet to said controlled pressure outlet and connect said outlet to tank pressure. Each valve when energized is operable to permit fluid flow from the inlet to the controlled pressure outlet in proportion to the solenoid force operating said valve and simultaneously permit fluid to flow to tank pressure. The controller is responsive to the higher of the controlled pressure of the outlets of the two pressure controlled valves for applying the higher controlled pressure to the valve having the lower controlled pressure to operate the valve in direction increasing the passage of fluid through the other valve to tank.