Pressure-Controlled Sequencing Circuit
By Terry Bartelt
This animated lesson shows how a pressure switch connected in a ladder circuit causes the cylinder of a hydraulic circuit to extend and retract.
Integral Reset Setting
Learners study animations showing the integral function of a closed-loop control system and the difference between the two types of integral controller settings, reset rate and reset time. A short quiz completes the activity.
Series Motors
The learner views animation showing how a DC motor is wired and its operational characteristics. A short quiz completes the activity.
Applying the Motor Voltage
In this animated lesson, learners examine the rectifier circuitry in a DC variable speed drive that supplies the voltages to the field coil and armature.
Ratio Control
In this animated object, learners examine the ratio control method used in automation when two or more ingredients are mixed. A brief quiz completes the activity.
Calibrating an Opposed Optical Sensor
In this animated and interactive object, learners follow three steps to calibrate an opposed optical sensor. They consider horizontal alignment, the sensitivity setting, and having an effective beam.
Linear Displacement Transducer
Learners examine how a linear displacement transducer is used to measure the linear position of a physical object. Animations show the sequential steps of the entire operation.
Phase-Splitting of Single-Phase Motors
By Terry Bartelt, Terry Fleischman
The learner will understand the two methods used to create a phase shift in current between two windings.
Armature Reaction
In this animated activity, learners study how the magnetic field of an armature can distort the DC motor's main magnetic field. A brief quiz completes the object.
Orifice Plate Flowmeters
Learners examine the operation of an orifice plate flowmeter as it is used to make process control measurements. A brief quiz completes the activity.
Crank Slider Velocity
By James Bourassa
In this animated object, learners identify the basic parts and operation of a crank slider mechanism. They also follow the steps to use rotational input velocity to determine the linear output velocity of a slider component.
Limit Switches
In this animated object, learners examine the basic types of limit switches and how they are used.
High-Low Speed Drive Adjustments
Learners examine the circuitry in a DC variable speed drive that prevents the motor from running at 0 rpm or at maximum speed under certain conditions.
Sensitivity Adjustments of a Capacitive Sensor
In this animated object, learners study the effects of making sensitivity adjustments to a capacitive sensor.
Incremental Optical Encoders
Learners study the operation and characteristics of an incremental optical encoder used in automated manufacturing applications. A brief quiz completes the activity.
What Is Torque? (Screencast)
Learners read a description of torque and study the factors that cause its magnitude to change.
Types of Flow Measurement
Learners study the most common ways to measure fluid flow for industrial processes including absolute quantity, percentage, volumetric flow rate, and mass flow. A brief quiz completes the activity.
Sequence Valves
By Terry Bartelt, Stephen Schneider
Learners view an animation of a sequence valve in operation and examine the valve’s internal structure.
Pneumatic FRL Units
Learners examine a Filter-Regulator-Lubricator (FRL) unit that is used to prepare the air in a pneumatic system.
Pneumatic Power Supply
In this animated object, learners examine the parts of a pneumatic power system, including the prime mover, compressor, and receiver tank, and how they function.
Motor Protection
By Terry Bartelt, Pat Jensen
Learners examine devices that are used to protect a motor from damage, such as fuses, overload heaters, and thermal protectors. A quiz completes the activity.
RPM of AC Motors
Learners study factors that affect the synchronous speed of an AC motor: the applied AC frequency and the number of stator poles.
Using the Microstepping Technique for Stepper Motors
Learners view animations showing how electrical signals are applied to the coils of a stepper motor to perform microstepping. A short quiz completes the activity.
The Firing Circuit of a DC Drive
In this animated activity, learners examine the firing circuits in a DC variable speed drive. The circuits cause the current flow through the armature and rpm to vary. This activity has audio content.
The Feed-Forward Control System
In this animated object, learners examine the operation of a feed-forward control system and its advantages over a closed-loop system. A brief quiz completes the activity.