Temperature indicator for a semi-fluid synthetic grease filled axle
US6203114A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 9, 1999 |
| Grant date | Mar 20, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 9, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16C2326/02
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A novel temperature probe provides a visual indicator to an operator of when an assembly, such as a vehicle axle, filled with a semi-fluid synthetic grease for lubricating the bearings therein has reached an unsafe temperature during operation. In one embodiment, the temperature probe is provided in a specially drilled bore through one of the components. In another embodiment, the temperature probe is provided in a bore drilled into a fastener member which is normally used in the assembly. The temperature probe includes an indicator pin which is mounted in a housing. When the components reach an unsafe temperature during operation, the indicator pin pops outwardly from the housing to alert a user that an unsafe temperature has been reached.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.