Abstract: A system for online monitoring the condition of a thermal barrier coating on the vanes and/or blades of a combustion turbine, or other forms of component deterioration affecting the acoustic properties of the vanes and/or blades. The system begins with a signal generator for transmitting a signal to an acoustic transmitter, and then to an acoustic waveguide secured within the turbine, adjacent to a vane. Acoustic waves passing through the vane's coating will have a certain magnitude and velocity when passing through an intact coating, which will change as the coating deteriorates. Additional variation of the acoustic wave will occur due to pressure pulses from passing blades, with the magnitude of the pressure pulses increasing as the blade's coating deteriorates. The acoustic waves are then received by a second acoustic waveguide.

Abstract: A rolling bearing which has as rolling bearing components one bearing race with a first running surface, a second bearing race with a second running surface opposed to the first surface, and rolling elements arranged between the running surfaces. At least one sensing unit is integrated into the rolling bearing components. The sensing unit can be interrogated by radio via antennas or can be connected to an interrogator by a cable. The sensing unit uses at least one component operating on the SAW or BAW principle to sense changes in length and/or changes in temperature in the material of the rolling bearing component and sends the result of the measurement after the arrival of a radio signal via the antenna or via a cable.

Abstract: A method of characterizing the vibration of a plurality of rotating blades (12), such as turbine blades in a gas turbine engine, includes the steps of providing a single strain gauge (16A) on a single one (12A) of the blades and providing either one or two tip timing probes (22A, 22B) on a casing surrounding the blades. The data from the strain gauge (16A) allows the vibration of the single blade (12A) to be fully characterized while the data from the tip timing probes (22A, 22B) allows the amplitudes or velocities of vibration of all the blades to be determined. The relationship between the data from the tip timing probes for the single blade (12A) and the stress data from the strain gauge may be established. This relationship may then be assumed to apply to all the blades, thus allowing the stresses induced in all the blades by the vibrations to be determined.

Abstract: A method for visualizing and indicating characteristics of vibration measurement data for a rotating or vibrating object. Specific components are removed from the measurement data or are minimized therein. After removing or minimizing the specific component, the measurement data is indicated in a Campbell diagram.

Abstract: A system for online monitoring the condition of a thermal barrier coating on the vanes and/or blades of a combustion turbine, or other forms of component deterioration affecting the acoustic properties of the vanes and/or blades. The system begins with a signal generator for transmitting a signal to an acoustic transmitter, and then to an acoustic waveguide secured within the turbine, adjacent to a vane. Acoustic waves passing through the vane's coating will have a certain magnitude and velocity when passing through an intact coating, which will change as the coating deteriorates. Additional variation of the acoustic wave will occur due to pressure pulses from passing blades, with the magnitude of the pressure pulses increasing as the blade's coating deteriorates. The acoustic waves are then received by a second acoustic waveguide.

Abstract: To make available to the vehicle control systems more information on the forces and directions of the forces which act on the individual tires, in order to determine these forces, the displacements between the outer ring and inner ring in the wheel bearings are measured in a contactless fashion using ultrasound. Displacements are measured by one or more sets of an ultrasound transmitter and a receiver on the stationary ring and a reflection surface on the rotating ring for reflecting back the ultrasound energy. The measured time until the signal is received enables displacement to be determined. It is possible to use these displacements to calculate the forces acting from a knowledge of the spring characteristic of the wheel bearings.

Abstract: A system is provided for monitoring the operation of a press machine over a series of press running cycles. A plurality of press operating events associated with the operation of the press machine are defined. Each press operating event has a modifiable control function associated therewith. An arrangement of accelerometers measures the press machine vibrational activity associated with each press operating event that occurs during the series of press running cycles. A processor processes the vibration measurements associated with the press operating events to identify the presence of a vibration trend therein meeting a defined trending criteria. A controller is responsive to trend identification signals generated by the processor for modifying the respective control function of each press operating event which is associated with identification of the vibration trend.

Abstract: The present invention is for a system (11) or method for conditioned based monitoring of a bearing assembly. The system (11) comprises a sensor (13) placed in proximity to a bearing assembly (12). The sensor (13) generates a signal indicative of the amplitude and frequency of the vibrational movement of the bearing assembly. A process (14) in communication with the sensor (13) receives the signal from the sensor (13) and generates spectral data representative of the bearing vibrational movement. A database (15) comprises data representative of an amplitude threshold, for at least one predetermined frequency, characteristic of a bearing fault. The processor (15) compares the spectral data to the amplitude threshold and generates a signal indication of the bearing assembly.

Abstract: An ultrasonic testing method uses surface waves to prevent false detection of primary cracks, to lower the level of structural noises from grain boundaries, and to improve the detectability in the ultrasonic testing by surface wave testing of hot rolling rolls. A surface wave probe 10 capable of transmitting and receiving a surface wave is provided with a piezoelectric element 10A, a resin wedge 10C disposed on the front surface of the piezoelectric element 10A and a damping block 10B disposed on the back surface. The surface wave probe 10 is driven to produce a short pulse having a pulse length being at most 2.5 times the wavelength of the surface wave to be produced. A coupling liquid medium is supplied to the probe 10 in accordance with the peripheral speed of the roll to be tested. Depending on the height of the reflected waves measured, the grinding allowance of the roll is determined, and the roll is ground according to the thus-determined grinding allowance.

Abstract: A surface to serve as a surface under ultrasonic inspection has a roughness of 0.4 &mgr;mRa or less, and wherein all imperfections existing a controlled volume X corresponding to all cross sections of a raceway ring 1 assume a length of 0.2 mm or less as represented by the square root of areas of the imperfections. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a rolling bearing which does not become short-lived and obviates a concern about occurrence of cracking even when used in a harsh environment.

Abstract: The x- and y-direction vibration components of radial vibration of a rotational shaft 106 obtained by measurement from x and y directions are transformed into frequency sample values {XkYk, k=0, 1, . . . N−1} by discrete Fourier transform. RMS amplitude values {2½|Fki(2j&pgr;/M)|, j=0, 1, . . . M/2−1} are calculated at azimuths {&thgr;j=2j&pgr;/M, j=0, 1, . . . M/2−1} corresponding to 0 to &pgr; on the basis of frequency sample values at frequency points {ki, i=1, . . . P} corresponding to specific frequencies {fi, i=1, . . . P} of NRRO vibration components selected from the x- and y-direction frequency sample values obtained by the discrete Fourier-transform. RMS evaluation values Aki are selected from these RMS amplitude values.

Abstract: A method of measuring the vibration of an actuator assembly in a disc drive in the plane of rotation of the actuator assembly and determining the resonance behavior of the actuator assembly from the measured vibrations is disclosed. The method involves use of a laser to measure the vibrational behavior of the actuator assembly in the rotational plane. A method is described for adjusting the resonance behavior of the actuator assembly during the manufacturing process without the use of glue or extra parts. The resonance behavior is determined and the preload on the bearings in the actuator assembly is adjusted until a desired resonance behavior is achieved.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing vibration in a bladed disk includes a motor-driven rotor upon which the bladed disk can be attached. At least one nozzle coupled with a liquid source is positioned to direct liquid from the liquid source to a position where it would impact at least one blade of the rotating bladed disk. The stress state and/or position of a rotating blade, so impacted, can be monitored to test its vibration characteristics.

Abstract: A method and system within a data processing system for predicting failure of a hard disk drive having a fluid bearing during runtime operation of said hard disk drive, wherein said fluid bearing has an established signature dynamic fluid response. First, a runtime vibration level of the fluid bearing is measured. This runtime vibration level is then translated into a runtime dynamic fluid response which provides an indication of the operating condition of the fluid bearing. The runtime dynamic fluid response is compared with the baseline dynamic fluid response in real-time during operation of the hard disk drive. Finally, in response to a predetermined departure of the runtime dynamic fluid response from the baseline dynamic fluid response, a protective response is initiated, such that data loss within the data storage system due to fluid bearing failure is prevented.

Abstract: A rolling bearing which has as rolling bearing components one bearing race with a first running surface, a second bearing race with a second running surface opposed to the first surface, and rolling elements arranged between the running surfaces. At least one sensing unit is integrated into the rolling bearing components. The sensing unit can be interrogated by radio via antennas or can be connected to an interrogator by a cable. The sensing unit uses at least one component operating on the SAW or BAW principle to sense changes in length and/or changes in temperature in the material of the rolling bearing component and sends the result of the measurement after the arrival of a radio signal via the antenna or via a cable.

Abstract: These objects are achieved by a method of acoustically inspecting a one-piece bladed wheel in which the wheel is driven in rotation; each blade of the wheel is subjected to mechanical excitation; its acoustic response is picked up and a corresponding electrical signal is generated; its frequency response is determined by computing a FFT; the electrical signal and the associated frequency response are stored; the characteristic frequencies of each blade of the wheel are identified; and a wheel is rejected or accepted depending on whether or not the frequency distribution obtained in this way matches a predetermined set of forbidden frequency distributions. Advantageously, an additional step is provided in which the defects of a blade are determined by comparing its frequency response with predetermined frequency responses that are characteristic of various types of defect.

Abstract: A method and a system for measuring the mechanical vibrations of an object. In order to simplify the electronic circuit necessary for the measurement chain and to reduce its costs, this method and this system are characterized in that they comprise the processing of an input signal, representative of an acceleration or of a velocity related to a mechanical vibration of said object, said input signal having a frequency spectrum comprising a so-called low frequency band, situated below a so-called transition frequency, and a so-called high frequency band, situated above said transition frequency, said method and system carrying out said processing of said input signal by means of an electronic circuit for producing an output signal which, in said low frequency band, corresponds to the mathematical integral over the time of said input signal, and, in said high frequency band, corresponds to said input signal.

Abstract: A high-speed bearing vibrational analysis system for testing a bearing includes a bearing holding member to accommodate a shaft and the bearing. The bearing holding member is adapted to rotate the bearing at high-speeds. The shaft is inserted into an accommodation portion of the bearing holding member. A vibration sensor is in contact with the bearing to detect vibrations of the bearing, while it is rotated at high speeds, and to transmit data for analysis. A computer system is provided for executing a software program that receives and analyzes the data from the vibration sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing at least one joint includes an articulation device and a defect detection system. The first joint being tested has an inner race rotatably mounted within an outer race, a driving shaft connected to either the inner race or outer race, and a load bearing shaft connected to the other one of the inner race or outer race. The articulation device connects to the driving shaft and articulates the driving shaft to articulate the first outer race with respect to the first inner race without rotating the driving and load bearing shafts. The defect detection system detects first signals from the first joint during the articulation of the first outer race with respect to the first inner race and determines if there is a defect in the first joint based on the detected first signals.

Abstract: To correct the rotational balance of a spindle motor for rotating a disc on a base, a position and an amount of offset for correcting dynamic balance are determined from a position deviation signal, which is obtained from vibration transmitted to a rotary type position control unit located on the base similarly by lowering the servo gain thereof, and an index signal from the spindle motor. With this arrangement the dynamic balance of the spindle motor of an information recording/reproducing apparatus can be simply and accurately corrected without adding an accelerator sensor and the like.

Abstract: A method for determining the operational condition of a rotary machine is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of monitoring the machine under a baseline operating condition and collecting baseline vibrational data. A preselected number of baseline parameters are calculated from the baseline vibrational data. Next, a first baseline operational indicator is calculated from the baseline parameters, and the baseline parameters and the first baseline operational indicator are stored in a memory location. The machine is then monitored under a subsequent operating condition, and subsequent vibrational data is collected during the subsequent operating condition. A preselected number of subsequent operating parameters is calculated from the subsequent vibrational data, and a first subsequent operational indicator is calculated from the preselected number of subsequent operating parameters. Finally, the baseline data is compared to the subsequent operating data to determine the condition of the machine.

Abstract: A diagnostic apparatus for diagnosing abnormal vibration of a bearing provided for a rotary shaft of a roller, such as one of a series of table rollers, even in a place with no facilities of external power supply is disclosed. The diagnostic apparatus includes a vibration detector that detects vibration of a bearing; a computing unit that executes computation based on data detected by the vibration detector and received as an input signal; a monitoring device that provides a vibration status of the bearing based on an output signal from the computing unit; a generator that generates electric power by utilizing rotary motion of the rotary shaft as a motive power source; and a motive power transmitting device that transmits the rotary motion of the rotary shaft to the generator. The generated electric power is supplied to the vibration detector, the computing unit and the monitoring device. Methods of detecting vibration of bearings are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a method for monitoring the wear condition of a tool (2) during machining of a metal workpiece (4) by means of a machine tool (1) by detecting measuring signals generated during the machining process with the aid of at least one sensor (6) and by transforming said measuring signals detected by said sensor (6) into wavelet coefficients by means of a wavelet function, wherein the resultant wavelet coefficients are used for calculating wear condition parameters for the tool (2), it is provided that the vibrations, which are generated during the machining process, of a vibration system comprising at least the tool (2) and the metal workpiece (4) are detected by at least one vibration sensor (6).

Abstract: Analog test signals may be picked up from the test object with vibration sensors. A computer is equipped with a standard interface card which is connected by an interface, preferably parallel interface, and serves to digitize the test signals. A switching means serves to generate a trigger signal which can be input over a preferably serial interface. An executive routine in the computer switches the input of test signals on and off via the trigger signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting ultrasonic energy generated by a mechanical device and for applying lubricant to the device is presented. The apparatus includes a lubrication tool, such as a grease gun, which has a lubrication delivery element for delivering lubrication to the mechanical device. An ultrasonic transducer is contained in a housing which is removably attached to the outside of the lubrication delivery element. The housing is configured to acoustically isolate the transducer from the lubrication tool. An acoustic waveguide depending from the housing is provided to carry ultrasonic energy from the device to the transducer when the lubrication tool is applied to the device. An electrical circuit, which may be attached to the lubrication device, produces an output signal which indicates the magnitude of detected ultrasonic energy.

Abstract: An industrial machine in which vibration exerted on a position detector provided for an axis of the machine is detected and countermeasures against the vibration can be swiftly taken. A ball screw is driven by a servo motor MZ supplied with power from a servo amplifier via a power line so that a cutting unit is advanced and retracted. A spindle motor MS above the cutting unit rotates a cutting tool via a spindle shaft and a workpiece W on an XY table is machined. An acceleration detection element is built in a position detector attached to a motor shaft of the servo motor MZ. An angle detection signal for servo control and a vibration level signal outputted by the acceleration detection element are converted into serial signals and are transmitted to a controller (axis control circuit of Z-axis) via the common signal line. The controller takes measures of changing the machining condition (for example, change of spindle rotational speed) and stopping the machine in accordance with a rank of the vibration.

Abstract: A vibration coupling stud for use in a vibration monitoring system includes digital memory and temperature sensing devices. Data is transferred between the vibration coupling stud and a vibration monitor. Data stored in the stud may include asset identification code, measuring point identification, prior measurement data, machine or bearing part numbers, and alarm limits.

Abstract: In a method for initiating protective measures on rapidly running rotary machines upon the occurrence of impermissible vibrations, or other disturbances which cause vibrations, the vibrations are measured as measured variables essentially at the bearings of the rotors or derived values. In a first relatively long time interval (t1) a number of measured data of this measured variable are recorded and conditioned using an equalizing function. In a second, relatively short time interval (t2) the measured data of the same measured variable which are current in this time interval are recorded. Thereafter, these current measured data are compared with the conditioned measured data of the relatively long time interval (t1) and, depending on the result of the comparison, a monitoring signal corresponding the result, or an emergency shutdown signal is triggered.

Abstract: An apparatus and method monitors the condition of a bearing/shaft assembly by forming diagnostics based on spectral analysis of assembly's vibration. Baseline parameters are determined by a microprocessor analysis of the vibration spectra, comparing actual peaks to the peaks predicted by a model. The microprocessor estimates rotation rate and preferably number of rolling elements by attempting to fit the model to the actual vibrational spectrum, by varying the assumptions. Baseline profiles are formed from one or more selected tones and preferably also harmonics thereof, to characterize the bearing/shaft assembly. The baseline profiles and parameters are compared against later acquired vibrational characteristics, and the comparison is used to diagnose bearing and/or shaft conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing at least one joint includes an articulation device and a defect detection system. The first joint being tested has an inner race rotatably mounted within an outer race, a driving shaft connected to either the inner race or outer race, and a load bearing shaft connected to the other one of the inner race or outer race. The articulation device connects to the driving shaft and articulates the driving shaft to articulate the first outer race with respect to the first inner race without rotating the driving and load bearing shafts. The defect detection system detects first signals from the first joint during the articulation of the first outer race with respect to the first inner race and determines if there is a defect in the first joint based on the detected first signals.

Abstract: A wear monitor suitable in particular for monitoring the wear and tear of rider rings (7) on the pistons (5) of horizontally operating reciprocating compressors presents a sensor (9) that monitors the thickness of the rider ring (7) at least indirectly, is arranged in the area of the rider ring (7) in such a way as to move together with it and can be interrogated without contact via a motionless interrogation unit (16), which communicates with an evaluation unit (18). The sensor (9) preferably presents a passive surface acoustic wave element (23), whose electromagnetic reflection behavior depends on the thickness of the rider ring (7) consequent upon the degree of wear and tear thereof and which communicates with a sensor antenna (19) moving together with it, while the interrogation unit (16) presents a communicating interrogation antenna (20).

Abstract: A method and a device for monitoring a bearing arrangement, having at least one bearing, in a mounting element of a roller journal bearing of a roller in a stand of a rolling mill train are designed to initiate upkeep or repair work on the bearing arrangement at the correct time. The method involves measuring a process quantity at the bearing or in an area adjoining the bearing, providing an evaluation device with the measured value of the process quantity, comparing the measured value with a stored preset value, and triggering a signal as soon as the measured value exceeds or falls below the stored preset value.

Abstract: A method and device for monitoring a bearing arrangement, having at least one bearing, in a housing of a roller journal bearing of a roller in a continuous casting installation are designed to initiate upkeep or repair work on the bearing arrangement at the correct time. The method involves measuring a value of a process quantity at the bearing or in an area adjoining the bearing, providing an evaluation device with the measured value of the process quantity, comparing the measured value with a stored preset value, and triggering a signal as soon as the measured value exceeds or falls below the stored preset value.

Abstract: The method of detecting a fault in an epicyclic gear train having ring, planet and sun gears, and a planet carrier, the steps including locating a vibration monitoring detector in association with the ring gear; operating the gear train to produce vibration detected by the detector to obtain an overall vibration signal; and timewise dividing the overall vibration signal into contributions from each planet gear.

Abstract: A ball bearing inspection apparatus 1 comprising: a rotation shaft3 fitted to one (for example, inner race 7) of inner and outer races 7 and 9 for rotating one race while limiting the movement of one race in an axial direction of the rotation shaft 3; a press plate 13 disposed on an opposite side of the rotation shaft 3 with respect to a ball bearing 5 for pressing the other race (for example, outer race 9) in the axial direction of the rotation shaft 3 while limiting the rotation of the other race; and a press-back plate 33 provided so as to be movable in the axial direction of the rotation shaft 3 for pressing back the other race in a direction reverse to the pressing direction of the press plate 13. Hence, the ball bearing inspection apparatus can inspect a large area of ball surfaces in a short time at one installing try.

Abstract: A vibration phasor monitoring system for real time determination of a vibration phasor magnitude and angle including a quadrature detector, implemented in software or hardware, whose reference phasors are locked in phase, via hardware, to a physical reference point on a rotating shaft. A vibration transducer and a transducer that senses a complete revolution of the shaft are disposed around the shaft. The transducers may be axially separated along the shaft. A clocking arrangement is implemented to determine the shaft angle at the time an output of the vibration transducer is read. Thereafter, the sine and cosine of the determined shaft angle are obtained and are used to multiply the vibration transducer output reading thereby resulting in respective projections of the vibration phasor on the sine and cosine reference phasors. These projections are then manipulated to obtain the vibration phasor angle and magnitude. Harmonic analysis in easily implemented by multiplying the generated shaft angle.

Abstract: A device detects an emission source of a vibration signal against a background of noise, where the vibration signal is produced by a mechanical system and has one or more frequency components. A sensor senses the vibration signal and produces a sensor signal corresponding to the vibration signal. The sensor has a mechanical frequency selection structure for mechanically resonating at desired frequencies and for mechanically attenuating a frequency component of the vibration signal having a frequency outside the desired frequencies. The mechanical frequency selection structure thus produces a mechanically-tuned sensor signal. Electrical frequency selection filters electrically attenuate a frequency component of the mechanically-tuned sensor signal having a frequency outside the desired frequencies. The electrical frequency selection filters thus produce an electrically-tuned sensor signal.

Abstract: In a bearing rigidity evaluation apparatus, a vibration portion 1 excites a bearing 4 to vibrate. Vibrations of the bearing 4 thus excited are detected by vibration detecting sensors 21a, 21b and 21c. Output signals of the vibration detecting sensors 21b and 21c for an outer race 42 are added up in time sequence by an adder 23 and then supplied to a transfer function computing unit 3a. An output signal of the vibration detecting sensor 21a is supplied to the transfer function computing unit 3a. The transfer function computing unit 3a calculates a transfer function H between inner and outer races (between a hub shaft 41 and the outer race 42) by FFT. On the basis of this transfer function H, there is obtained a vibration mode in which a resonance frequency (natural frequency) fa appears in a position of −&pgr;/2 phase difference from local-mode vibration components (in-phase components) contained in the aforementioned input signals after erasing of the local-mode vibration components.

Abstract: In view of the fact that, when backup roll bearings which have been found satisfactory in the purity thereof in the sample evaluation through observations using a microscope are checked many times for the top surface layer portions of the raceway surfaces thereof according to an ultrasonic detecting method, on quite rare occasions, there can be found a bearing which contains one or more inclusions each having a size of as large as several hundreds &mgr; m, and such inclusions give rise to occurrence of a short-life bearing as a finished product, a range expressed by 2%Da depth×raceway surface is used as a test piece volume and the size of a non-metallic inclusion existing in the test piece volume is restricted to a length less than 500 &mgr;m, preferably, less than 100 &mgr;m. Here, the term “2%Da depth” means a depth up to 2% of a rolling element mean diameter from the surface of an inner or outer race of a bearing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method determines ultrasonic measurement parameters of ultrasonic measurements to be performed on a mechanical system, where the ultrasonic measurements are performed using a portable ultrasonic measurement device. The ultrasonic measurement parameters consist of information used in configuring the portable ultrasonic measurement device to make the ultrasonic measurements. The measurement parameters are used to configure an ultrasonic measurement device that uses an ultrasonic sensor to measure ultrasonic characteristics of the mechanical system, where the ultrasonic characteristics are indicative of an operating condition of the mechanical system. The apparatus includes a processor for generating user instruction messages that query a user concerning specific characteristics of the mechanical system on which the ultrasonic measurements are to be performed. The user instruction messages also provide response options from which the user chooses in responding to the instruction messages.

Abstract: A broadband vibration sensor apparatus includes a single housing having at least two vibration sensors disposed in signal communication with a machine contact surface of the housing and a machine on which the housing is mounted. One of the sensors is a piezoelectric element capable of detecting high frequency vibrations and the other sensor is an accelerometer capable of detecting low frequency vibrations. A low impedance transducer is mounted in the housing to convert the output of the piezoelectric element to a low impedance output. An amplifier is connected to the output of the low impedance modified first sensor and the output of the second sensor for amplifying both outputs. A single cable connects the housing to an amplifier housing. Select jumpers are provided for converting the amplifier between a one input, two or four channel amplifier and a two input, two channel amplifier.

Abstract: A vibration coupling stud for use in a vibration monitoring system includes digital memory and temperature sensing devices. Data is transferred between the vibration coupling stud and a vibration monitor. Data stored in the stud may include measuring point identification, prior measurement data, machine or bearing part numbers, and alarm limits.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for detecting machining flaws of machine tools mechanically removing material from surfaces, especially of grinding machines, with the help of which the occurrence of machining flaws can be determined directly during the machining of the workpiece itself. This is achieved as far as the method is concerned in that the force exerted by the tool bit upon the workpiece during the machining process is measured as an “actual or momentary” value. This value is then fed to an electronic data processing unit and is compared there with a “nominal” value stored there and obtained from the processing of an unflawed workpiece, the thus obtained values can be documented and used to identify a flawed product.

Abstract: A V-belt is mounted on a first fixed conical plate and second fixed conical plate of a lower unit, and an upper unit is made to descend. A first movable conical plate and second movable conical plate are installed in the upper unit, and the V-belt is gripped between the fixed conical plates and movable conical plates. When a rotary actuator of the lower unit draws a drawbar which extends below the movable conical plate downwards, a predetermined pressure is applied to the V-belt. The first movable conical plate and first fixed conical plate are rotated in this state to drive the V-belt, and a noise test is performed.

Abstract: A transportable apparatus for detecting drive line system imbalances in an automotive vehicle includes an angular position and speed sensor located at a position spaced from, but associated with the drive shaft in non-contacting relationship therewith, the sensor generates a signal responsive to the speed and angular position of the drive shaft relative to a reference point. The apparatus also includes at least one vibration sensor, spaced from, but associated with, the drive line in non-contacting relationship therewith. The vibration sensor detects the drive line vibration and generates a signal responsive thereto. A signal analyzer receives the signals generated by the angular position and speed sensor as well as the vibration sensor and calculates any imbalance in the drive line system and presents counterweight and position parameters for correcting any system imbalance.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting ultrasonic energy generated by a mechanical device and for applying lubricant to the device is presented. The apparatus includes a lubrication tool, such as a grease gun, which has a lubrication delivery element for delivering lubrication to the mechanical device. An ultrasonic transducer is contained in a housing which is removably attached to the outside of the lubrication delivery element such that the transducer makes acoustical contact with the lubrication tool. An electrical circuit, which may be attached to the lubrication device, produces an output signal which indicates the magnitude of detected ultrasonic energy. A method using such an ultrasonic energy detector in conjunction with a lubrication tool to detect the condition of a sealed mechanical rotating device and to determine when sufficient lubricant has been applied is also presented.

Abstract: A system for detecting defects in a rotating machine system includes a sensor such as an accelerometer coupled to the machine system for detecting vibrations of a rotating element. Output of the accelerometer is transmitted, preferably via a network data link to a monitoring/control circuit. The monitoring/control circuit analyzes the vibration data to develop a normal vibration profile for the machine system during a normal operating phase. The normal vibration profile is stored in a memory circuit for later reference. During subsequent operation of the machine system, the monitoring/control circuit cyclically analyzes vibration data to develop actual vibration profiles. The actual vibration profiles are compared to the normal vibration profile and, where variations between the profiles exceed preset tolerances, the circuit provides an indication of a malfunction or defect in the machine system.

Abstract: A method of monitoring sounds of a driveline includes detecting a sound from a driveline, comparing the detected sound with-a predicted sound of the driveline, and, when the detected sound differs from the predicted sound of the driveline, sending a warning signal that the driveline may be experiencing a problem. The method of monitoring the sounds of a driveline is used to determine the physical condition of the driveline. The present invention allows the driver to check the physical condition of a driveline while operating the vehicle. A sound detector detects sounds from a driveline and send sound signals to a control which receives the sound signals, performs computations based on the detected sounds, and compares the computations with predicted sounds of the driveline. The control sends warning signals to a display, when the detected sounds differ from the predicted sounds.

Abstract: A damaged turbine rotor wheel dovetail is repaired by cutting off the annular dovetail and welding a new forged ring onto the remaining wheel body. Fine-line welding is accomplished by inserting welding apparatus into grooves opening through axial faces of the wheel body and ring and rotating the rotor to provide multiple welding passes. Periodic ultrasonic inspection of the welds is provided by applying an ultrasonic transducer to the periphery of the ring to detect defects in the weld. To enable the transducer to operate at high welding temperatures, a manifold is disposed about the transducer defining a coolant cavity. Cooling medium is supplied the coolant cavity to maintain the transducer operable within predetermined temperature operating limits.

Abstract: A diagnostic system includes a vibration sensor mounted on a machine which has vibration-generating components having different vibration characteristics with respect to a common sensor. The vibration sensor measures vibrations and sends vibration signals to a diagnostic module for evaluation of the signals. The diagnostic module has software for processing the vibration signals. From a known natural frequency of a vibration-generating component, the diagnostic module measures the amplitude of the vibration signal at more than one harmonic frequency of the known natural frequency and compares the amplitudes to amplitudes at adjacent harmonic frequencies.