Thermal measuring and testing – Temperature measurement – Combined with diverse art device
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-02
2001-04-24
Gutierrez, Diego (Department: 2859)
Thermal measuring and testing
Temperature measurement
Combined with diverse art device
C374S208000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06220749
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In centrifugal compressors, an impeller is mounted upon a drive shaft and the shaft is rotated at high speeds by a motor acting through a transmission. The drive shaft is typically rotatably supported in one or more roller bearings. Overheating of the bearings can give clear indication that the compressor drive train is experiencing some type of problem that could eventually result in damage to one or more drive components. It is therefore desirable to monitor the temperature of at least one of the support bearings in the impeller drive train so that preventative measures can be taken to insure that the drive system does not become damaged or the compressor require replacement.
One way to monitor the performance of roller bearings is to place a temperature probe in direct contact with the outer race of the bearing. Some probes typically have a fixed length and, as a consequence, contact between the probe and the bearing can be lost due to thermal deformation of parts or mechanical vibrations. Self-adjusting temperature devices are known in the art, however, these devices for the most part, are relatively complex, difficult to install, and susceptible to misalignment problems and breakage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to improve centrifugal compressors of the type used in refrigeration systems.
It is a further object of the present invention to improve self-adjusting temperature sensors that are suitable for use in monitoring the bearing temperatures in a drive system and, in particular, a centrifugal compressor drive system.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a relatively simple and easy to install self-adjusting temperature probe.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved self-adjusting temperature probe for monitoring the temperature of a bearing surface that is subjected to both thermal and mechanical displacement.
These and other objects of the present invention are attained by a self-adjusting temperature sensing apparatus that includes an elongated probe having an electrical temperature sensor mounted in its distal end section so that when the probe is brought into contact with a body, the sensor will provide an electrical output signal indicative of the body temperature. The probe is slidably contained within an opening that passes through a housing. A close running fit is provided between the probe and the opening in the housing so that the probe can only move reciprocally along the axis of the opening. The housing contains a threaded section which enables it to be threadably mounted in a support member adjacent the body that is being monitored. A first stop is mounted upon the probe between the bottom wall of the housing and the distal end of the probe and a compression spring is wound about the probe between the first stop and the housing for biasing the probe into riding contact against the body being monitored. A second stop is also mounted on the probe between the proximal end of the probe and the top wall of the housing that prevents the probe from passing out of the housing. The spacing between the two stops is such that the spring will normally hold the second stop against the housing in the event the housing is removed from the support.
REFERENCES:
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patent: 48511 (1985-11-01), None
patent: 48812 (1998-12-01), None
Advertising Brochure, “Extruder RTD Probes, Bayonet and Compression Fitting Styles”, pp C-8 andA-92 Date Unknown.
Carrier Corporation
Gonzalez Madeline
Gutierrez Diego
Wall Marjama & Bilinski
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