Universal joint wear indicator

Details Universal joint wear indicator Universal joint wear indicator

1995-03-09

1998-02-17

Darling, John P.

Rotary shafts, gudgeons, housings, and flexible couplings for ro

With auxilliary indicator or alarm

464136, 116218, F16D 316, G08B 1900

Patent

active

057186332

ABSTRACT:
An end of life indicator for a universal joint comprises an indicator member that monitors the temperature of the cross member of the universal joint. As the universal joint approaches the end of its life, the cross member exceeds expected temperatures as the bearings begin to wear. At a temperature above the typical operational temperature expected with a properly functioning universal joint, but below the temperature wherein the universal joint could be damaged or seize, a portion of the temperature indicator melts allowing the indicator to move to the actuated position. An operator will be able to visually identify the universal joint as approaching the end of its life. In one preferred embodiment, the indicator includes a plug at a position spaced forwardly of the indicator piston, with the plug holding the piston at the non-actuated position. When the plug melts, the indicator is spring biased to an outwardly actuated position where the operator will be able to visually identify an actuated indicator.

REFERENCES:
patent: 3401666 (1968-09-01), Munroe
patent: 3603280 (1971-09-01), Zahuranec
patent: 3682130 (1972-08-01), Jeffers
patent: 3693579 (1972-09-01), Kliewer
patent: 3759103 (1973-09-01), Volk
patent: 3813178 (1974-05-01), Herbenar et al.
patent: 3820499 (1974-06-01), Kliewer et al.
patent: 3890052 (1975-06-01), Herbenar et al.
patent: 4289088 (1981-09-01), Scibelli
patent: 4356790 (1982-11-01), Gee
patent: 4365643 (1982-12-01), Masclet et al.
patent: 4445875 (1984-05-01), Kosuda et al.
patent: 4626121 (1986-12-01), Tajima et al.
patent: 4660247 (1987-04-01), Frohbieter et al.
patent: 4818119 (1989-04-01), Busch et al.
patent: 4947786 (1990-08-01), Maynard et al.
patent: 5188564 (1993-02-01), Keller
patent: 5315954 (1994-05-01), Richmond

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Universal joint wear indicator does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Universal joint wear indicator, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Universal joint wear indicator will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1780000