Patent ID: 6176272
Filing Date: 2001-01-23
Classification: D03D

Abstract:
A method for evaluating the operation of an electrically actuatable device operated by an electromagnet, except a valve operated by an electromagnet for controlling an air flow to one or more weft insertion nozzles in a loom, said method comprising the following steps:(a) energizing said electromagnet by applying an electrical actuation current (I.sub.1) to said electromagnet, said actuation current forming an energizing curve (I.sub.1 =f(t));(b) monitoring said energizing curve over time (t) for detecting an actual value of an electrical indicator that represents the beginning of an actually effective operation of said electromagnet;(c) establishing a reference value for said electrical indicator;(d) comparing said actual value of said electrical indicator with said reference value;(e) generating a fault signal if said actual value of said electrical indicator unacceptably deviates from said reference value, wherein said fault signal is an advance warning of expected future electromagnet failure when a difference between said actual value and said reference value exceeds a lower first threshold and does not exceed a higher second threshold, and wherein said electromagnet fault message is an indication of an actual, present electromagnet failure when said difference exceeds said higher second threshold.