Jeremy Pleedle wrote:
E Z Peaces wrote:


Frank C Perkins
US Pat 1,687,507
granted Oct 16, 1928

Back about 1904 there was a Frank C Perkins who was a free-lance
magazine author writing articles about the advantages of electricity for
mine vehicles, cranes, boat propulsion, lighthouses, factory machinery,
and wireless telegraphy.

He intended it as a general-purpose vibration meter. He says he chose a
light-bulb base because checking light sockets was one purpose that came
to mind.

If you tuned in a vibration, you had to use a chart to find the
frequency. It was designed with two weights. With no weight it could
be adjusted up to 65 Hz (about 4,000 rpm). With the heavier weight it
could be adjusted down to 8 Hz (about 500 rpm).

That sounds like good coverage of vehicle engines in 1928, among other
uses. You'd just have to secure a light socket to your engine.

This page shows a vibrometer designed for large machinery such as a
steam engine:
http://www.prestonservices.co.uk/instruments.htm

spammer



For any who may be confused, "Jeremy" claims to represent the Society
for the Preservation of Ancient Machinery, Motors, Engines, and
Railstock. Nice to meet you, Jeremy!