Methods and apparatus for testing centrifugal start mechanisms
US5837879A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 7, 1997 |
| Grant date | Nov 17, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 7, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02P1/12
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for automated testing of centrifugal start mechanisms for electric motors are described. In one embodiment, the system includes a stepper motor and an adapter secured to the stepper motor shaft. The adapter includes a shaft sized to have a diameter about equal to the diameter of a rotor shaft which carries the start mechanisms to be tested. The system also includes a fiber optic sensor having an optical signal transmitter and an optical signal receiver. The transmitter and receiver, in operation, are substantially aligned on opposing sides of a start mechanism secured to the adapter. When the push collar of a centrifugal start mechanism moves (e.g., at the cutout and cutback speeds), such movement is detected by the sensor. The system further includes a control computer coupled to a programmable motion controller. The motion controller is coupled to a stepper motor drive which is coupled to, and controls, the stepper motor so that the motor shaft accelerates and decelerates at a rapid but fixed rate.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.