Bearing Cage Follower‐Platform for Bearing Studies

A separately driven shaft was located facing an operating test bearing, with the centerlines of the shaft and the bearing collinear. The shaft speed was synchronized with that of the bearing cage. Thus lead wires from cage‐mounted transducers could be brought to signal telemetering systems for remote readout. The shaft speed synchronization with the cage was obtained by reflecting light signals off the cage side wall onto three photocells, which signals were amplified to provide 3‐phase power to drive the shaft motor. The system is described in detail. An example of the system used to measure inner race and cage temperatures of a ball bearing at speeds to 15 000 rpm is given.