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US 7,368,743 B2Granted
Device for detecting fluorescent trace material
AssigneeNichols Applied Technology, LLC
InventorBruce W. Nichols
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A fluorescent trace material is provided within at least a portion of an electrical contact or interrupter assembly component, or a cavity defined therein. At least a portion of the fluorescent trace material is exposed or released from the electrical contact or interrupter assembly component, indicating a degree of component wear.
Claims6
A device for detecting fluorescent trace material in a medium surrounding a contact assembly, comprising:
- a source of electromagnetic radiation;
- a detector for sensing the level of fluorescent radiation generated by the fluorescent trace material in response to the electromagnetic radiation source;
- an optically-transmissive conduit providing a means for transmitting electromagnetic radiation from the electromagnetic radiation source to the surrounding medium and a means for transmitting fluorescent radiation between the surrounding medium and the detector;
- and
- a connector on the optically-transmissive conduit configured to engage an access port to an enclosure of the contact assembly.
2 more elements
A device for detecting fluorescent trace material in a medium surrounding a contact assembly, comprising:
- a source of electromagnetic radiation;
- a detector for sensing the level of fluorescent radiation generated by the fluorescent trace material in response to the electromagnetic radiation source;
- a first optical guide component for directing electromagnetic radiation from the electromagnetic radiation source to at least a portion of the surrounding medium;
- and
- a second optical guide component for directing fluorescent radiation from the fluorescent trace material in the surrounding medium to the detector;
- and
- a connector on the first optical guide component configured to engage an access port to an enclosure of the contact assembly.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.