Product Manual

CHAPTER XII
Glossary
Actuator: A device that creates mechanical motion by converting
various forms of energy to rotating or linear mechanical energy.
Adjustable Speed Drive: A mechanical, fluid or electrical device that
variably changes an input speed to an output speed matching operating
requirements.
AGMA (American Gear Manufacturers Association): Standards
setting organization composed of gear products manufacturers
and users. AGMA standards help bring uniformity to the design and
application of gear products.
Air-Over (AO): Motors for fan or blower service that are cooled by the
air stream from the fan or blower.
Alternating Current (AC): The standard power supply available from
electric utilities.
Ambient Temperature: The temperature of the air which, when
coming into contact with the heated parts of a motor, carries off its
heat. Ambient temperature is commonly known as room temperature.
Ampere (Amp): The standard unit of electric current. The current pro-
duced by a pressure of one volt in a circuit having a resistance of one ohm.
Armature:
• The rotating part of a brush-type direct current motor.
• In an induction motor, the squirrel cage rotor.
Axial Movement: Often called “endplay.” The endwise movement of
motor or gear shafts. Usually expressed in thousandths of an inch.
Back Driving: Driving the output shaft of a gear reducer – using it to
increase speed rather than reduce speed. Worm gear reducers are not
suitable for service as speed increasers.
Backlash: Rotational movement of a gear reducer’s output shaft
clockwise and counter clockwise, while holding the input shaft
stationary. Usually expressed in thousandths of an inch and measure at
a specific radius at the output shaft.
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