Oil pressure visual indicator

An apparatus for providing a visual indication of oil pressure received from an oil feed line comprising:

• a first housing;
• a second housing coupled to the first housing so as to define an interior region having a sealing service, the first housing and second housing further defining an inlet for admitting oil pressure to the interior region;
• a piston disposed in the interior region defined by the first housing and the second housing, wherein the piston can move between a pressurized position and a depressurized position within the interior region;
• a spring disposed in the interior region defined by the first housing and the second housing, wherein the spring contacts the piston so as to oppose motion of the piston toward the pressurized position;
• at least one low friction seal disposed between the piston and the sealing surface of the interior region, wherein the low friction seal comprises PTFE, and wherein the low friction seal provides a sealing engagement between the piston and the sealing surface of the interior region of the housing;
• an indicator attached to the piston so as to provide a visual indication of oil pressure when the piston is in the pressurized position;
• and
• a nipple connected to the housing, wherein the nipple is shaped to receive the oil feed line and to provide oil pressure to the inlet.

A method for providing a visual oil pressure indication, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing oil through an inlet to an oil cavity so as to apply oil pressure on a piston face of a piston;
• moving a piston within a housing having a sealing surface, by the oil pressure on the piston face, from a depressurized position to a pressurized position;
• sliding low friction seals attached to the piston against the sealing surface of the housing so as to restrict oil leakage around the piston;
• compressing, by the movement of the piston to a depressurized position, a spring in contact with the piston;
• and
• moving an indicator attached to the piston so as to provide an oil pressure indication visible to a human observer when the piston moves to the pressurized position.