Vibration monitoring system and apparatus

An apparatus for monitoring vibration and movement of a rotating shaft, relative to its center axis, in machinery comprising

• a probe assembly adapted to be supported on the fixed housing of a rotating shaft in insulated relation thereto and adjacent to the shaft bearing,
• said probe assembly including a probe element positioned, when supported on said housing, in spaced relation to the rotating shaft for contact therewith in the event of a predetermined movement of said shaft relative to its center axis,
• said probe element having an elongated body of electrically conductive metal having an enlarged outer end, an intermediate portion of reduced diameter threaded for support on said shaft housing, and a smaller inner end portion having an end recess,
• a probe member slidably positioned in said end recess,
• a cap member closing the end of said recess and securing said probe member therein,
• a spring member positioned in said recess urging said probe member against said cap member with the end portion protruding outward therefrom, and
• said probe member end portion being adapted to make electrical contact with said shaft on excessive movement of said shaft,
• a signal conditioner including first circuit means adapted to be connected to said probe assembly including power supply means for supplying electric current to said probe assembly and having an open circuit portion completed upon contact of said probe element with said rotating shaft,
• a remote monitor having second circuit means responsive to said first circuit means to indicate contacts of said rotating shaft with said probe element, and
• alarm means for signaling the occurrence of a predetermined degree of movement of said rotating shaft including third circuit means responsive to said first circuit means.