Electricity: battery or capacitor charging or discharging – Cell or battery charger structure
Reexamination Certificate
2000-09-29
2001-11-27
Tso, Edward H. (Department: 2838)
Electricity: battery or capacitor charging or discharging
Cell or battery charger structure
Reexamination Certificate
active
06323619
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a condition monitoring and battery recharging system that can be used to monitor a characteristic of a dynamic member. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system for monitoring a characteristic such as speed, vibration, or temperature of a dynamic member such as a rotatable member while simultaneously powering the monitoring system using a signal generated by the monitoring system.
The various types of machinery generally found in an industrial setting will often utilize bearings, speed reducers, motors, or other such mechanical components. For example, a single conveyor will frequently be equipped with multiple pillow block or flange bearings to support its various rotatable shafts. Speed reducers or other gear boxes may be utilized to transmit mechanical power to the machinery from a suitable prime mover.
The status of these mechanical and electrical components is often monitored during operation to determine when some form of corrective action should be taken. For example, the temperature of a bearing can be monitored to lessen the occurrence of overheating which can cause failure. It is also frequently desirable to monitor the rotational speed of a rotatable member such as a shaft to which a bearing is attached, or a shaft of a prime mover such as an electrical motor. Also, vibration may be monitored. To facilitate such monitoring, the various mechanical components can be equipped with a plurality of sensors.
The signal information provided by the various sensors may be processed at a central monitoring controller. In the past, however, dedicated transmission lines have typically been provided for each of the sensors. As a result, several transmission lines could be required between each of the mechanical components and a central monitoring facility. To reduce the number of transmission lines, it has been proposed to provide a central communication bus to thereby simplify the provided wiring. Such a system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,844,501, owned by Applicant's Assignee and incorporated by reference herein.
While such system is useful for its intended purpose, wiring is still required to be connected to the sensors disposed on each of the electronic components. Also, a separate power source must be provided to each sensor device if it includes any non-passive components such as a processor, transmitter, etc. To further reduce wiring requirements, batteries may be provided for non-passive components in such systems. An inherent drawback of batteries is their finite life, requiring periodic replacement or recharging of the batteries.
OBJECTIVES AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an objective of the invention to provide a system for monitoring a characteristic of a dynamic member, where the system is simple and economical to install and operate, and is reliable in use.
According to one aspect of the invention, a system for monitoring a characteristic of a dynamic member is provided, the system including a sensor device operative to sense the characteristic of the dynamic member and to generate a first signal in response to the sensed characteristic. A monitor is in communication with the sensor device, the monitor wirelessly transmitting a second signal responsive to the first signal. A battery is in electrical communication with the sensor device and monitor, the sensor device charging the battery via the first signal, the battery powering the monitor.
The measured characteristic may be a rotational speed or acceleration, a vibration, or a temperature of the dynamic member. A warning device may be provided to generate a warning signal responsive to the first signal. The warning device may be an aural or a visual device. The battery may be disposed within a wireless monitor module and may be removably securable proximate the dynamic member.
The device may further include a signal generating device attached to a rotatable member and cooperating with the sensor device to generate the first signal. The sensor device is preferably a magnetic sensor. If a magnetic sensor, the sensor device may be a reluctance sensor or a tachometer. The tachometer can be used as a speed indicator and a DC generator.
According to another aspect of the invention, a system is disclosed for monitoring a rotatable member rotatably mounted within a housing, the system including an adapter nut secured to the rotatable member to rotatably mount the rotatable member within the housing. A sensor is operative to sense a rate of rotation of the rotatable member by sensing a rotation of the adapter nut and to generate an electrical signal in response to the sensed rotation. A monitor is in communication with the sensor for receiving and monitoring the electrical signal. A battery is in communication with and powers the monitor. A battery charging circuit in communication with the battery, the battery charging circuit being electrically connected to and powered by the electrical signal generated by the sensor. The battery is recharged when the sensor generates the electrical signal.
The sensor may be an encapsulated generator extending through the housing proximate the adapter nut. The monitor may wirelessly transmit a second signal responsive to the electrical signal, the second signal being indicative of the rate of rotation of the rotatable member. The monitor can also send signals indicative of the condition of the equipment such as vibration and temperature.
According to another aspect of the invention, a method of remote monitoring of a dynamic member comprises sensing a characteristic of the dynamic member, generating a first electrical signal in response to the sensed characteristic, charging a battery via the first electrical signal, and powering a transmitter with the battery to wirelessly transmit a second electrical signal responsive to the first signal to a remote location, the second signal indicative of the sensed characteristic.
The sensing step may include magnetically sensing a rotational speed using a coil, and the generating step may include magnetically generating the first electrical signal using a coil.
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Gerasimow Alexander M.
Karmilovich Jeffrey M.
Reliance Electric Technologies LLC
Tso Edward H.
Walbrun William R.
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