Lubricant monitoring system
US6776261B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 29, 2002 |
| Grant date | Aug 17, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 4, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16N2270/54
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus is disclosed for monitoring characteristics of a fluid lubricant contained within a lubricant chamber formed in a wheel hub mounted for rotation about a stationary wheel axle. The apparatus includes an annular bearing spacer configured for mounting on the wheel axle between axially opposed inboard and outboard bearings, the annular bearing spacer forming an interior lubricant reservoir between an inner surface of the spacer and the wheel axle, a guide vane for directing lubricant from the lubricant chamber to the interior lubricant reservoir during rotation of the wheel hub assembly about the wheel axle, and a sensor operatively associated with the interior lubricant reservoir for determining a condition of the lubricant.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.