Patent · US Expired

Particle sensor plug with wireless casing connection

US5027065A · kind A · utility

14Cited by
3References
9Claims
0Family size

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 17, 1990
Grant dateJun 25, 1991
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 17, 2010

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF16N29/00
  • WIPO fieldMechanical elements
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A particle sensor having a magnet for attracting and retaining metallic particles in a lubricating fluid is disclosed having a sensor to determine when the particles attracted and retained on the magnet have reached a predetermined level and to transmit this information to a machine operator. The sensor, which includes a plug removably attached to the machine casing, has a magnet which extends into the path of the lubricating fluid to attract and retain metallic particles. A pair of coils, one attached to the moveable plug and one attached to the casing adjacent to the plug are inductively coupled such that the accumulation of particles on the magnet changes the inductance of the coils. An electronic circuit converts the changes in inductance to voltage changes to activate an alarm or other signal to the operator when the threshold value has been reached.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.