Patent ID: 7841583
Filing Date: 2010-11-30
Classification: B66D

Abstract:
1. A method of detecting a discontinuity in a mechanical drive train, the mechanical dive train including an electric motor, the method comprising the steps of: controlling the electric motor with a variable frequency drive (VFD); generating a first pulse train representative of a first rotational speed of a first drive train component positioned at a first end of the drive train; generating a second pulse train representative of a second rotational speed of a second drive train component positioned at a second end of the drive train; communicating the first and second pulse trains to the VFD; processing the first pulse train within the VFD to determine the first rotational speed; processing the second pulse train within the VFD to determine the second rotational speed; comparing the first rotational speed with the second rotational speed; and if the first rotational speed differs from the second rotational speed by a predetermined amount, initiating a discontinuity detected action from the VFD.