Temperature and failure indicating probe for a bearing
AssigneeThe Trane Company
InventorsMark Otho Bergman, Paul Clement Rentmeester
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The disclosed invention relates to a combination temperature and failure indicating probe for use in a bearing. In the preferred embodiment, a negative coefficient thermistor is disposed within a tubular, electrically conductive, enclosure. The enclosure is surrounded by an electrically insulating sleeve for mounting within a bearing. Electrical conductors connected to the thermistor and to the enclosure itself lead to a resistance sensor which detects an abnormal resistance due to either: 1. an excess temperature at the bearing; or 2. contact by a metallic portion of the bearing with the enclosure due to bearing wear or failure.
Claims6
A combination temperature and failure indicating probe for use in a bearing, said probe comprising:
- a. temperature sensing means for producing a first electrical signal related to its temperature;
- b. tubular enclosure means having a closed end and an opposite end, said temperature sensing means being disposed therein at a location adjacent said closed end, said tubular enclosure means, including the closed end thereof, being constructed of a material which is electrically conductive and therefore capable of receiving a second electrical signal;
- c. electrical conductor means connected to said temperature sensing means and to said tubular enclosure means for carrying said first and second electrical signals to a point of use;
- and
- d. mounting means for supporting said tubular enclosure means in a bearing, said mounting means being constructed of electrically insulating material.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.