Fluid contamination detecting apparatus
AssigneesCaterpillar Inc., David A. Duff
InventorsDavid A. Duff, Daniel S. Gove, Edward E. Schmillen
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Fluid reservoirs are often provided with a means by which the severity of fluid contamination may be monitored. One method of checking the condition of the fluid, requires the disassembly or removal of one or more components from the associated reservoir in order to read the monitoring device. Another method is utilized in conjunction with the filtration system of the fluid and an indication is observed when the level of contamination reaches a predetermined point. The present invention provides an apparatus whereby the condition of a fluid may be continually observed without requiring the disassembly or removal of any components attached to the fluid reservoir, regardless of the condition of the fluid.
Claims18
An apparatus for detecting the contamination of a quantity of fluid, comprising
- a drive mechanism defining a reservoir;
- means for covering one end portion of the reservoir, said covering means having an opening formed therethrough and being positioned for sealing engagement with the reservoir;
- a transparent member positioned within the opening in the covering means and being sealingly engaged therewith;
- and
- means for collecting impurities suspended within the fluid, said means being positioned adjacent an inner side of the transparent member in a manner such that said collected impurities are visible when viewed from a point outside the transparent member.
An apparatus for detecting the contamination of a quantity of fluid, comprising:
- a reservoir having a predetermined quantity of fluid held therein;
- a cover member mounted on the reservoir, said cover member having a boss positioned on an inwardly facing wall, said boss defining a stepped bore having first and second portions;
- a transparent member positioned within the first portion of the stepped bore;
- a magnetic member positioned within the second portion of the stepped bore at a location that is adjacent the transparent member;
- and
- a plurality of fluid passages defined in the boss to allow fluid communication between the stepped bore and the reservoir, said fluid being directed past the magnetic member as it flows therethrough.
An apparatus for detecting the contamination of a quantity of fluid maintained within a reservoir, comprising:
- means for covering the reservoir, said covering means defining an opening therethrough and being positioned for sealing engagement with the reservoir;
- a drain plug having a bore defined therethrough and being positioned within the opening formed in the covering means in a manner to allow the fluid to be drained from the reservoir;
- a transparent member positioned within an inner portion of the bore defined in the drain plug;
- and
- a magnetic member attached to and extending from said transparent member to define a magnetic surface that is spaced from an adjacent to said transparent member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.