Thrust bearing wear detector positioner
AssigneeGeneral Electric Company
InventorDavid J. Collins
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A thrust bearing wear detector is mounted on a positioning apparatus which is capable of moving the sensor a predetermined fixed distance toward and away from a rotating collar fixed to a turbine shaft. The positioning apparatus comprises a fixed piston, a movable piston, and a movable casing in which the pistons are slidable. Additionally, bias means, such as springs, position the pistons and the sensor in a predetermined, fixed position until working fluid is delivered under pressure through channels in the fixed piston. The positioning apparatus of the present invention readily facilitates verification of the proper operation of the wear detector.
Claims9
An apparatus for positioning a sensor with respect to a movable component, such as a rotating turbine, within housing, said apparatus comprising:
- a first piston fixed with respect to said housing, said first piston having first and second fluid channels therein;
- a movable casing in which said first piston is slidable between two stops within said casing, said first piston dividing the interior of said casing into two pressurizable volumes, a first volume in communication with said first fluid channel and a second volume in communication with said second fluid channel;
- first bias means urging said casing in a given direction with respect to said first piston, said direction tending to reduce said first volume;
- a second piston slidable between two stops within said casing, said second piston, said first piston and said casing defining said second volume;
- and
- second bias means urging said second piston in a given direction with respect to said casing, said direction tending to reduce said second volume.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.