October 2009

Analyzing Synchronous Belt Failure

If you’re replacing your belts more than once per year, it’s time to analyze your drive. From belt crimping damage to high belt installation tension to sprocket misalignment and adverse environmental conditions, this guide walks you through how to identify the reasons behind premature failure and makes recommendations on corrective and preventive measures.

Improving Equipment Uptime - Composite Seals Meet the Challenge

In an industrial application, equipment uptime is vital for on-time performance and profitability. The rotating members of industrial machines are subject to the highest degree of wear and are more susceptible to failure than non-moving parts. Bearing surfaces are the most critical and often the most expensive portion of the rotary assembly; it is imperative to protect these components. The primary protector of these components is the industrial seal.

Solar Energy - The Alternative Alternative

While gear and bearing manufacturers engage in a wind energy arms race, the robotic automation industry has its sights set directly on the sun. Solar power—wind energy’s somewhat neglected step brother—has been gaining ground in alternative energy since 2001.

Power Transmission vs. Wild

Typically, zoo safari rides consist of cramped trams that take guests five miles-per-hour past various exhibits. You might catch a bear sleeping, hear scripted, narrated fun facts or be somewhat entertained by eccentric tour guides, but there’s never much to look at except concession stands or souvenir shops.

Hardware-Software Synergy Automates Power Plant Data Collection

Robotics and other advanced automation technology systems are viewed as a looming threat to some in the plant maintenance field. Although there is a constant battle for some workers to remain useful while machines are continuously fulfilling more roles on the plant floor, there are those who in turn have found a better use of their newly freed time.

Meet the Dustbot - A New Spin on Waste Management

Scientists have been hard at work creating a robotic system with the capabilities to sweep and collect garbage in urban environments. This real-world Wall-E is known as the DustBot, aimed at designing, developing, testing and demonstrating a system for improving the management of urban hygiene.

Product News

The complete Product News section from the October 2009 issue of Power Transmission Engineering.

Industry News

The complete Industry News section from the October 2009 issue of Power Transmission Engineering.

Calendar

Calendar of upcoming events from the October 2009 issue of Power Transmission Engineering.