Patent ID: 6672169
Filing Date: 2004-01-06
Classification: B63H,G01L,G01M

Abstract:
A performance measuring system for a rotating shaft, the performance measuring system comprising:a first annular support assembly to be coupled adjacent to a first end of a rotating shaft inwardly of associated shaft bearings; a second annular support assembly to be coupled adjacent to a second end of the rotating shaft inwardly of associated shaft bearings; a third annular support assembly to be coupled to the rotating shaft and to be interposed between the first and second support assemblies; a laser source mounted on the first annular support assembly; a laser detector mounted on the second annular support assembly for generating a first detection signal based on light received from the laser source and indicative of the degree of torque exerted on the rotating shaft; a first magnetic sensor for detecting the Earth's magnetic field, the first magnetic sensor being mounted on the first annular support assembly for generating a second detection signal based on detection of the Earth's magnetic field and indicative of shaft spin rate and torque; a second magnetic sensor for detecting the Earth's magnetic field, the second magnetic sensor being mounted on the second annular support assembly for generating a third detection signal based on detection of the Earth's magnetic field and indicative of shaft spin rate and torque; an accelerometer mounted on the third annular support assembly for generating a fourth detection signal based on rotational acceleration of the shaft and indicative of whether the rotating shaft is bent or out of balance; and a transmitter to be mounted on the rotating shaft for generating a transmission signal carrying information based on the detection signals for processing in order to determine the performance of the rotating shaft.