Abstract: A device for sealing and generating electrical pulses in a bearing assembly including fixed and rotating bearing rings especially a wheel bearing for motor vehicles. The device consists of a sealing section on the fixed bearing ring with an embedded pulse generator for detecting rotational movement and a sealing section on the rotating bearing ring having cells a certain distance apart from each other which activate the pulse generator. The fixed bearing ring (4, 19) rotates with respect to the sealing section (2) which is secured against rotation by way of a machine element (1, 24), which holds the fixed bearing ring (4, 19).

Abstract: Overheated railroad journal bearings, wheels, and wheel components on a moving or stationary railroad train are detected by amplifying the current signal from an infrared radiation sensor comprising a pyroelectric cell. A reference temperature is sensed by chopping the incident infrared radiation with an asynchronous shutter that momentarily closes at successive time spacings of shorter duration than the scanning period of the sensor. The amplified signal is converted to a digital signal and processed by a microcontroller and associated hardware and software. The software comprises a free-running loop Main Program which is subject to several interrupts. The output signal may be digital or analog and is transmitted to remote signal processing equipment for further processing.

Abstract: A device is provided for measuring bearing or shaft wear in an apparatus utilizing a rotating shaft positioned in a bearing. A plurality of magnets are mounted on the rotating shaft and at least three coils forming at least two pairs of coils are mounted on a stationary housing surrounding the shaft. Means are provided for measuring the change in induced voltage for each pair of coils independent of shaft rotation speed, ambient temperature, the flux density of the magnets and the concentricity of the bearing and shaft diameters.

Abstract: A thermal sensor composed of a standard bolt which has been modified to embody a temperature sensing element and placed into a bearing assembly of a train. This element contains a heat-sensitive wax that at a preset temperature expands causing the motion of a piston which exposes projections. The projection may function as an antenna either passive (reflective) or active (transmitter) that can be probed from the wayside with very high selectivity.

Abstract: A gating circuit and method for controlling the output of data from the scanner of a heat detector in response to a bi-polar signal indicating the presence of an object within the scanning window of the heat detector; stores the data output; senses the stored data with respect to a reference signal with a differential amplifier responsive to the data output; gates the data output to storage by a first gate interconnecting the data output with the differental amplifier; generates control signals for opening and closing the gate with different states of the bi-polar signal for controlling the gate such that the reference signal represents the last immediate data output; detects the difference between the stored peak value and the highest data value of the output data subsequent to turning off a first gate; and using a second gate interconnecting the output of the sensor with the detector and controlled by the control signals to be open with the first gate closed and closed with the first gate open.

Abstract: A bearing assembly includes a bearing including a rotatable inner race having a mounting portion integral with a rotatable member and having an annular first groove for rolling members formed in the outer peripheral surface thereof, an outer race fixedly disposed outside and concentrically with the inner race and having a second groove for rolling members formed in the inner peripheral surface thereof in opposed relationship with the first groove for rolling members, a plurality of rolling members interposed between the first and second grooves for rolling members, and a pair of seals disposed on the axially opposite outer sides of the rolling members for sealing the space between the inner and outer races; a pulser gear formed on that portion on the outer peripheral surface of the inner race which is positioned between the pair of seals and having convex portions and concave portions alternately formed circumferentially on the outer peripheral surface thereof; and a sensor mounted on the inner race and oppos

Abstract: A method for detecting faults or defects in moving machine parts wherein mechanical vibrations produced by a fault or defect are converted into an electrical signal from which the condition of the machine part is obtained. For converting the mechanical vibrations into an electrical signal, an acoustic-emission transducer with wide bandwidth is used. A frequency range in the electrical signal is selected where the half wavelength is smaller than the smallest linear dimension of the cross section of the transducer face which is in contact with the machine part.

Abstract: A mobile device for testing an axle-mounted roller bearing of a railcar to determine possible defects in the bearing. A movable base plate has an electric motor, a drive roller, a driven roller, and a plurality of leveling jacks mounted thereon. The motor actuates the driver roller and the leveling jacks raise the base plate to move the drive roller and driven roller into contacting engagement with the outer race of the roller bearing. The outer race of the bearing is rotated by the drive roller at a predetermined rate. Shock pulses of energy also known as an acoustic emission, are emitted by defects in the bearing. A probe which senses such emissions is connected by a cable to a monitoring instrument. The probe is placed on a test point having direct metallic contact with the bearing, whereby the monitoring instrument will measure the type and magnitude of shock pulses, if any, emanating from the bearing. These readings are used to determine the type and extent of possible defects present in the bearing.

Abstract: Means for determining the state of lubrication in surfaces lubricated by a lubricant and rolling or sliding with respect to one another, provided with a unit for generating a signal dependent upon the capacitance between the lubricated surfaces, characterized by an operating circuit connected to the unit which, in response to the signal dependent upon the capacitance, emits a second signal which is dependent in accordance with a non-linear, for example, exponential, function upon the capacitance between the lubricated surfaces such as that one and the same relative variation in the thickness of the lubricant between the lubricated surfaces results in a fairly great signal variation in the event of decreasing thickness, the second signal being supplied to an integrator which integrates the second signal over an integration period displaced in time and the output signal of which indicates the state of lubrication.

Abstract: An improved vibration monitoring system and apparatus are disclosed for monitoring rotating shafts, as in motors, pumps, blowers, generators, etc., and signaling the occurrence of an unsafe condition. The apparatus includes a vibration monitoring probe assembly of improved design which is mounted adjacent to a rotating shaft and to the method of attachment thereon. The probe assembly is supported on the fixed housing of the rotating shaft in insulated relation thereto and includes a probe element in spaced relation to the shaft for contact therewith upon occurrence of excessive vibration. A signal conditioner mounted near the probe assembly provides power to the probe and processes the signal and transmits it to the monitor. A remote monitor is provided which indicates excessive vibration in response to a signal from the probe. An electronic circuit is provided which detects and registers the excessive vibration on the monitor through a visual and audible alarm.

Abstract: A machine condition diagnostic system is provided wherein machine components or their immediate surroundings are labelled with indicator materials. A normal level of indicators in the lubricant will be established. The lubricant is monitored and periodically sampled to determine the presence of abnormal levels in the amount of indicator material. Since each component or components performing a similar function will be labelled with the same indicator, the presence of a particular indicator in abnormal amounts in the lubricant will direct the machine operator to the precise location requiring repair or replacement.

Abstract: A hot box detector system is provided wherein heat signals from bearings within a housing are analyzed to determine if the scanned surface of the housing is an inner sidewall surface or an outer sidewall surface. The signals are normalized to account for differences in the heat dissipating characteristics of the inner and outer sidewalls and air stream cooling resulting from the trains movement.

Abstract: This invention is related to an apparatus for detecting an abnormal condition and limit of use of a forced lubricating plain bearing which supports a rotary shaft. An oiling pressure bore is formed in the plain bearing, and a pressure detector is connected to this oiling pressure bore. The oiling pressure bore is communicated with a lubricating oil feed bore via a throttle element. A closed portion of the oiling pressure bore is melted and broken by the heat generated when seizure occurs on the plain bearing, to cause a decrease in the oil pressure. This decrease in the oil pressure is detected to ascertain that the plain bearing is in an abnormal condition or reaches a limit of use.

Abstract: A dynamic pressure fluid bearing, and particularly a dynamic pressure fluid bearing for effectively ensuring a minute gap between the shaft of the dynamic pressure fluid bearing and a bearing. More particularly, fluid intervenes between the shaft and the bearing and these two rotate relative to each other in a non-contact state, and a part or the whole of the bearing is formed of resin and the resin is endowed with electrical conductivity.

Abstract: A system for monitoring flow of lubricant in a line in a lubrication system wherein, in normal operation, lubricant is intermittently delivered through the line, the system comprising a thermistor in the line adopted to be cooled by lubricant flowing in the line, a timer for intermittently timing out periods during each of which a delivery of lubricant should occur, and a monitoring circuit which includes a fault signal actuated at the termination of any period in which a normal flow of lubricant has not occurred and the thermistor accordingly has not been cooled.

Abstract: A machine condition diagnostic system is provided wherein machine components are labelled with indicator materials. A normal level of indicators in the lubricant will be established. The lubricant is monitored and periodically or continually sampled to determine the presence of abnormal levels in the amount of indicator material. Since each component or components performing a similar function will be labelled with the same indicator, the presence of a particular indicator in abnormal amounts in the lubricant will direct the machine operator to the precise location requiring repair or replacement.

Abstract: A canned motor pump has a bearing wear sensing device comprising a pair of ring elements having opposing surfaces. The outer element is mounted fixed with respect to the stator and the inner element is mounted for rotation with the rotor. The outer, fixed element is coated with polytetrafluoroethylene. An ohmmeter measures the resistance between the elements through the coating. As the motor bearings wear, displacement of the rotating element causes wear of the coating which reduces its thickness and decreases the resistance between the sensing elements through the coating. One conductor of the ohmmeter is connected directly to the outer, fixed element, and the other ohmmeter conductor is connected through the conductive bearings to the rotating element. Thus, the ohmmeter can dynamically measure the motor bearing wear.

Abstract: A rub detector for rotating machines such as turbines wherein a grounding arrangement for the turbine rotor is monitored to detect coincidence between a rotor potential discharge and resulting current flow through the grounding arrangement. In the absence of such coincidence, a rub is suspect. In another arrangement in which a grounding strap is utilized, the strap is elevated from ground by means of a diode arrangement and the rotor voltage is monitored and compared with a predetermined reference which may not be exceeded. If the reference potential is attained by the rotor, then the rotor is discharged such that during cyclical operation, a certain discharge waveform is produced, and which waveform is modified in the presence of a rub condition. Means are also provided for imparting a potential to the rotor during initial start-up conditions.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the lubricational condition of an operating rolling element bearing utilizing a shock pulse measuring technique. A schedule of occurring shock pulses and lubricant film parameters for a running rolling element control bearing is established. The magnitude of occurring shocks within the operating bearing is determined and the lubricational condition of the operating bearing determined with reference to the established schedule. A programed shock pulse measuring instrument provides direct output of information relative to the lubricational condition of an operating bearing.

Abstract: A system for measuring the variation in the capacitance of a bearing installed on a shaft in a housing. It is shown to include an electrically conductive measuring ring interposed between the bearing and the housing, an insulating layer surrounding the measuring ring wherein the insulating layer between the bearing and the measuring ring is considerably thinner than the remaining portion of the insulating layer, and measuring means connected to the measuring ring and the shaft to measure the variations in the capacitance of the bearing. In such a system, capacitance measurements are made without significant interference from the capacitance existing between the housing and the shaft.

Abstract: A rub between the rotating and stationary parts of a turbine is detected by connecting the rotor to electrical ground and introducing electrical energy into the rotor-ground circuit. A rub between the rotating stationary part modifies the currents in the grounding circuit to an extent that the condition may be detected so as to provide a rub indication. In another embodiment the rotor discharge current in one or more grounding devices normally associated with a turbine is monitored to detect any abnormal condition.

Abstract: Hot-box signalling devices are disclosed for indicating the presence of overheated bearings in vehicles such as rail cars. The device includes means defining a closed compartment containing a fluid and pressure-sensitive means communicating with the compartment. The compartment is arranged in thermal communication with a bearing of the vehicle so that increases in the temperature of the bearing cause increases in the pressure exerted by the fluid. The pressure-sensitive means is adapted to produce a signal when the pressure exerted by the fluid exceeds a predetermined threshold representing an over-temperature condition in the bearing. Preferably, the pressure-sensitive means takes the form of a plug normally closing an opening in the compartment, and a marker material, the plug and marker material being expelled when the pressure in the compartment reaches said predetermined threshold. In one aspect of the invention, provision is made to compensate for ambient temperature.

Abstract: A train monitoring system for detecting hot boxes, dragging equipment and the like at the rail site, determining the location on the train of a monitored defect and annunciating the defect and location from a digital automated voice generator to the train crew as well as along a telephone line to a central location. Recording of the defect with time and date of same is provided. The system also has provision for self check via an external simulated train.

Abstract: A shaft vibration evaluator employs measured displacement of a shaft in the vicinity of a bearing together with known or measured shaft eccentricity to calculate the dynamic bearing load so that damaging loads can be avoided. Shaft vibration or motion is assumed to be elliptical having major and minor axes which are inclined at angles with respect to the bearing displacement sensors. The magnitude of the major and minor axes and the angular displacement are calculated from the measured parameters and provide one set of inputs to the load calculator. Bearing eccentricity can be calculated from a knowledge of shaft speed, lubricant temperature and known bearing geometry. For a given eccentricity, a set of four damping coefficients and four spring coefficients of the bearing may be derived. These coefficients are the remaining inputs to the dynamic load calculator.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus for early detection of wiping contact between a rotating shaft and bearing metal in a flow lubricated bearing. In one form of the invention, a temperature sensor is provided to monitor bearing temperature at a location on the bearing in proximity to the maximum loading position. The sensor signal is sampled periodically by a plurality of sample and hold circuits so that present and immediately past values of the bearing temperature are always on hand. The sampled values are applied to a set of subtracters, each one of which provides a signal representing the difference between two consecutively sampled temperature values. Selected ones of the temperature differences are applied to summers and the largest sum is selected by a high-value selector and compared with a preselected setpoint value representing an excessive temperature change for a given time period.

Abstract: A transformer motor pump unit for circulating a fluid in a transformer characterized by a rotating pump shaft mounted in non-electrically conductive bearings, means for detecting shaft displacement due to bearing wear, and a static arrester grounding the pump shaft and all rotating parts for preventing static electricity buildup on the shaft and subsequent discharge from the shaft to the bearing area. Power circuit means for operating the pump includes the static arrester as a control circuit for tripping the pump out of operation should mechanical failure occur.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system of analysis by visual display of the vibratory movements of a rotary machine having at least one shaft supported by at least one bearing.This system comprises two first transducers transmitting electrical signals as a function of the relative displacements of the shaft with respect to the bearing, positioned in the bearing and forming between the two transducers an angle of 90.degree., two second transducers transmitting electrical signals as a function of the absolute displacements of the bearing and positioned level with the bearing forming between the two transducers an angle of 90.degree., control and detection means connected to the first and second transducers, means for combining the electrical signals from the detection means making it possible to determine the absolute movement of the shaft, display means for producing and positioning two groups of animated or moving circles so as to display the real image of the machine.

Abstract: A method of and a system for monitoring the conditions of a journal bearing having a bearing surface for supporting a rotatable shaft through an oil film. Detectors detect the speed of rotation of the shaft and the pressure of the oil film. The load on the journal bearing is calculated based on the rotational speed of the shaft and the pressure of the oil film.

Abstract: A rotor centering device comprising two radial bearings each one constituted of first and second opposing members with angular contact races, mounted with axial clearance so that if one of the said members is in abutment, the other member has a radial clearance. The first angular contact centering members of the first and second bearings are also opposing, and the second angular contact centering members of the first and second bearings are likewise opposing, so that by relative axial movement of the inner and outer contact races of both first and second centering means belonging to the two bearings, simultaneous contact of the inner and outer faces is achieved either with the first centering members or with the second centering members which happen to be opposing on the two bearings.

Abstract: In a squirrel cage type of induction motor, conductive strips insulated from the stator are circularly spaced, ninety degrees apart, and project 0.003 inches into the rotor-to-stator clearance space. Upon excessive lateral rotor movement, it contacts a strip, closing a low voltage circuit triggering an alarm and de-energizing the motor. A reset button must be pressed to enable starting the motor.

Abstract: A bearing assembly includes a lubricated bearing and a thermistor mounted in or adjacent the lubricant flow path through to or from the bearing. The thermistor is in heat exchange relationship with the lubricant and is connected in an electrical circuit so as to operate in the self heating mode to respond to a deleterious change in the flow of lubricant along the path. The rate of flow of lubricant determines the rate of dispersion of heat from the thermistor and thereby determines the temperature of the thermistor.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for monitoring the condition of a basic oxygen furnace (BOF) trunnion bearing. A shaft attached to a basic oxygen furnace (BOF) vessel is supported on either vessel side by a radial bearing which allows rotation of the shaft with respect to those bearings. One of the radial bearings is in turn mounted to a ladder bearing which allows shaft expansion and contraction with temperature. A Hall Effect transducer is mounted on both bearing sides to monitor the distance between the shaft and the transducer. If an output from the transducer deviates from a predetermined range the shaft position has shifted. This shift is an indication that either the radial or ladder bearing has or may in the near future fail. The apparatus therefore provides a warning that either replacement or repair of the BOF vessel trunnion bearing may be required.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the temperature of a plurality of bearings and motors, for example in a grain elevator, includes a plurality of sensors associated with the respective bearings and motors whose temperatures are to be monitored. A first circuit energizes a display for providing a readout of the temperature at each sensor location, and a second circuit compares the temperature at each sensor with a maximum desired temperature for its associated bearing or motor, and energizes an alarm when this desired maximum is exceeded. A third circuit drives a display indentifying the sensor being monitored by the first and second circuits. A malfunction detector circuit produces an observable indication in response to an open circuit condition at any of the sensors.

Abstract: A high speed textile spindle assembly is provided which includes a spindle adapted to support a yarn package, a spindle support housing, and bearing means rotatably mounting the spindle on the support housing and including a relatively elastic, electrically nonconductive member, and such that the spindle is adapted to be operated at a rotational speed above its critical speed to thereby avoid vibrational resonant conditions. A monitoring circuit is provided for detecting metal to metal contact between the spindle and support housing, which would be indicative of a failure of the elastic member, and which could result in operation at its critical speed and damage to the assembly from the resulting excessive vibrations. Upon the detection of such contact, the monitoring circuit initiates a responsive electrical signal, which preferably terminates rotation of the spindle. The monitoring circuit also includes provision for monitoring its own proper functioning.

Abstract: A railroad car hot box detector system is provided which includes a variable circuit means for processing the heat signal generated by an infra-red detector viewing a sensing zone along a section of track. The system includes a conditioning circuit which determines one or more conditions of the train (such as the wheel speed or temperature of the car bottom) and uses that information to vary the processing circuit to enable the heat signal to be processed optimally for the detected condition.

Abstract: Fluid-cooled electrical apparatus having a new and improved pump for circulating the fluid within the apparatus. The pump has a motor portion in fluid communication with a pump portion, non-electrically conductive bearings supporting a common shaft between the two portions, and means for detecting shaft displacement due to bearing wear. Electrically conductive contact rings disposed within recesses in the bearings' sleeve and thrust surfaces complete an electric connection with the shaft in the event of bearing wear. Circuit means connected to the electrically conductive contact rings deenergizes the motor when the contact rings detect predetermined bearing wear.

Abstract: In a method for advance indication of the possibility of damage occurring to wheel bearings of vehicles, particularly railroad vehicles, the temperatures of the wheel bearing sets of a plurality of wheels are monitored by temperature detectors fixedly mounted on the vehicle. A determined value is derived from the measured values of temperature, and this determined value is compared with the temperature of a further temperature detector, in order to produce a warning signal. The warning system is incorporated in the vehicle itself, and provides a warning to the vehicle personnel.

Abstract: An improved method and circuit is provided for processing waveforms from a railway car heat signal to eliminate spurious signals and to differentiate between roller bearings and friction bearings in a railroad hot box detector system. The waveforms generated by passing bearings are discretely sampled and spurious signals are eliminated by considering only those signals that fall within the crossing points of a threshold value. Discrimination between roller bearings and friction bearings is obtained by determining the ratio of the sum of the discrete values of the amplitude of the waveform within a first set of samples between the crossing points to the sum of the discrete values of the amplitude of the waveform within a second set of samples between the crossing points.

Abstract: A conductor for transmitting an electrical signal from a signal generator on a rotating member to a signal detector on a relatively stationary member across the motion interface between the two members comprises at least one solid carbon graphite ring mounted coaxially between the two members and having a first annular surface in intimate contact with a mating conductive surface on the signal generator and having a second annular surface in intimate contact with a mating conductive surface on the stationary member that is electrically connected to the signal detector, said carbon graphite ring functioning as an electrical interconnection between the two members.

Abstract: A signal communicator for transmitting an electrical signal from one member rotating relative to another member is in the configuration of a journal bearing and comprises at least one conically shaped annular graphite ring supported by inner and outer electrically conductive races. While one race is insulatively mounted on the rotating member and electrically connected to a condition sensor, the other race is insulatively mounted on the relatively stationary member and electrically connected to a signal detector, and the graphite ring is an electrical conductor interconnecting the sensor and detector via the two races. Alternatively, two opposing and contacting graphite rings are mounted in nonconducting carriers, one of the carriers keyed for rotation with the sensor while the other is mounted on the relatively stationary member.

Abstract: A refrigerant compressor for use with an air conditioner for vehicles, which comprises a housing in which a vane pump is accommodated, and a covering disposed so as to enclose said housing in a fashion that its inner wall cooperates with the outer wall of said housing to define a refrigerant delivery chamber, characterized by that a temperature sensor is embedded in a portion of the outer wall of said housing. The sensor may be composed of a semiconductor thermo-sensitive device or a conductor wire made of a metal including a high resistance metal. Thus, accurate and stable detection of the internal temperature of the compressor is feasible, thereby making it possible to avoid seizure of the sliding machine parts of the compressor.

Abstract: In order to monitor irregularities in textile yarn being produced in an open-end spinning turbine of the type having an elastically mounted rotor, there is provided a sensor arranged to sense radial deflections experienced by the rotor or its bearing and associated with the occurrence of such irregularities.

Abstract: A self-powered monitor unit with a tuned mechanical resonator power unit and a radio transmitter is mounted on every piece of rotating equipment being monitored, such as machinery with ball bearings. Bearing vibrations are sensed and the generation of a defect signal triggers the transmission of a radio signal modulated to identify the source. A central station receives and demodulates an emitted radio signal and displays the location with a fault condition. Large numbers of equipment can be monitored conveniently by unattended units.

Abstract: A heat sensor, typically a cold-conductor resistor with a high temperature coefficient, is located close to a bearing of the alternator. It is connected to an evaluation network which, in turn, is connected to the charge control indicator to cause the charge control indicator to provide a trouble indication if the temperature of the bearing rises above a predetermined limit.

Abstract: In the production of yarn in an open-end spinning turbine having an elastically mounted rotor bearing, a break in the yarn or an operating state which influences yarn quality is detected by means of a sensor which produces a signal representative of radial deflections of the bearing and an evaluation circuit which responds to the absence of and/or a change in the signal component produced by the sensor as a result of radial deflections created by the fiber material present on the rotor.

Abstract: A bearing wear detector for an AC rotary electric instrument such as an electric motor or a generator in which more than three detecting coils are mounted around a core of the electric instrument having poles of three or not three multiples at a relative space angle and the detecting coils are connected in series to obtain a resultant voltage.

Abstract: A shaft speed and hot bearing indicating apparatus is described having a transducer actuating means mounted on the shaft immediately adjacent the supporting bearing for actuating an electrical transducer to produce an electrical pulse as the transducer actuating means is rotated during each revolution of the shaft. The transducer pulse is processed by an electronic mechanism for multiplying the transducer pulse by sixty by a phase-locked loop network and then counting the number of multiplied pulses occurring during each one second of time interval in a BCD counting mechanism. The total count is displayed each second on a decimal digital display. The apparatus also has means for activating an alarm when the sensed speed falls below a preset speed. The transducer activating means is responsive to the temperature of the bearing and is rendered ineffective when a preset temperature is reached.

Abstract: A bearing joint has a body defining an internal chamber, an opening for supplying an electrically conducting fluid to the chamber, and an electrically nonconducting plug in the opening. An electrical conductor extends through the plug so that the electrical resistance can be measured through the fluid between the conductor and the body of the bearing joint.

Abstract: Apparatus monitors the wear of a propeller shaft bearing such as may be found in a tanker, or any other ship, while it is in service. As the shaft is rotating a sensor provides a signal corresponding to the displacement of the shaft with respect to its longitudinal axis. The displacement signal is applied to an averaging network which provides a signal corresponding to the average displacement to a recorder. The recording of the average displacement signal permits determination of wear of the shaft bearing.