Hydrostatic Pressure (Screencast)
By Terry Bartelt
In this animated object, learners read about hydrostatic pressure and observe how it is used to measure the level of a material in a container.
Hydraulic Pressure Switch Applications
This animated lesson demonstrates hydraulic pressure switch applications when the switch is connected to a ladder circuit to operate in a hydraulic system.
Capacitive Proximity Sensor Target Considerations
In this animated object, learners examine the factors that determine how well a capacitive proximity sensor can detect an object. Those factors include size, position, and the materials from which the target is made. A brief quiz completes the activity.
Standard Transmission Signals
Learners examine animations of the most common transmission signals used in automated systems, such as 4 mA to 20 mA, 3 psi to 15 psi, and 0 to 10 volts. A brief quiz completes the activity.
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.
Manual Control of a Reciprocation Circuit
This animated lesson shows how pushing a start or stop button on a ladder circuit causes the cylinder of a hydraulic circuit to extend and retract.
Repetitive Cylinder Cycling
In this animated activity, learners examine the operation of a pneumatic cylinder that continuously cycles by extending and retracting.
Thru-Beam Photoelectric Sensors
This animated lesson shows the operation and characteristics of thru-beam optical sensors.
Mechanical Advantage (Screencast)
By James Bourassa, John Rosz
Learners apply lever ratios to calculate the mechanical advantage in basic mechanisms.
Series Motor Runaway (Screencast)
Learners consider the changes inside a series motor that could cause it to break apart if the load was disconnected. A quiz completes the activity.
The Reynolds Number
In this animated learning object, users study the factors that affect a pipe’s fluid flow and how those factors pertain to a numerical value (the Reynolds Number).
Direct-Operated, Pressure-Reducing Valves
By Terry Bartelt, Doyle Davis
In this animated activity, learners examine how an adjustable pressure-reducing valve can produce a pressure that is lower at its output than at its input.
Data Compare Instructions
In this animated object, learners examine three data compare instructions used by programmable logic controllers (PLCs). A practical application to show how these instructions are used in an industrial setting is provided.
Sensitivity Adjustments of a Capacitive Sensor
In this animated object, learners study the effects of making sensitivity adjustments to a capacitive sensor.
Converting Rotational Velocity to Linear Velocity (Screencast)
Students view an example of how to convert rotational velocity to linear velocity. They then work practice problems.
Quick-Return Mechanism Velocity Calculations
In this animated and interactive object, learners calculate the maximum velocity of the work stroke and the return stroke.
Cascading Timers
Learners study the method of cascading two or more PLC timers to extend their time capacity.
Counterelectromotive Force
Learners study how a DC motor generates counterelectromotive force. A short quiz completes the object.
Pressure Measurement Scales (Screencast)
Learners compare the three scales used in pressure measurements: gage, absolute, and vacuum. A brief quiz completes the activity.
Calculating Belt Length (Screencast)
By James Bourassa
In this screencast, learners follow steps to determine the proper starting belt length for a timing, flat, or v-belt drive.
Pneumatic Air Conservation
By Terry Bartelt, Stephen Schneider
In this animated activity, learners read about air loss in a pneumatic system and ways to reduce the leakage. The object includes audio.
Hydraulic Color Code Circuit Example
In this animated and interactive object, learners use a color code to understand the operations of a hydraulic circuit. A brief quiz completes the activity.
The LVDT: A Linear Voltage Differential Transformer in Action
In this animated object, learners study the operation of a linear voltage differential transformer. A brief quiz completes the activity.
Humidity Measurements
Learners examine dew point and the two types of humidity values, absolute and relative, along with the types of instruments used to measure them. The activity includes a video clip and a quiz.
Crank Slider Velocity
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.