Phase detection apparatus and method

U.S. Patent Number: 5347857

Abstract: Machine assemblies often include driving and driven members such an engine associated with a driven load. These members typically include rotatable shafts (16, 18) interconnected by a flexible coupling element (20). System torsionals in such a machine often cause the shafts (16, 18) to be out of phase with one another. When this occurs, excessive energy is transferred to the coupling element (20). The subject apparatus (22) includes a device (24) for detecting and measuring rotational phase differences between driving and driven rotatable shafts (16, 18). The measured phase differences are compared with a reference phase difference level and an error signal is produced in response to the measured phase difference exceeding the reference level.

Inventors: Mirhakimi; Siamak (Peoria, IL), Earleson; Walter E. (Peoria, IL), Ohlson; Eric W. (Edelstein, IL)

Assignee: Caterpillar Inc. (Peoria, IL)

Application Number: 07/859,530

Issued: 1994-09-20

Expired: 2006-09-20

Classes: 73/118.1

Field of search: 73/116,117.3,118.1,862.31,862.321,862.325-862.328 340/438,441

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