US5438322A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Thermal sensor for detection of potential mechanical failures and transmission of temperature warning signals
Assignee: Alstom Signaling Inc
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Filing: 1994-06-09
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Granted: 1995-08-01
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Expires: 2014-06-09
Abstract
Abstract A frequency generating circuit and a cap-freeing mechanism in a bolt are responsive to a longitudinal movement of a piston in response to overheating of an associated bearing. The cap-freeing mechanism transfers a force from the piston to a cap, thereby freeing the cap from a head portion of the bolt and allowing an antenna to extend to the outside of the bolt. The frequency generating circuit is activated by a connection made between a switch and a battery of the circuit by the piston. Upon becoming activated, the frequency generating circuit sends a predetermined frequency or frequency pattern through the antenna.
Inventors
- 👤 James M. Martin
- 👤 Kenton H. Barker
- 👤 Salvatore D. DiRaimo
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 13:18
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16C; F16C19/00; F16C19/52; F16C19/525; B; B61; B61K; B61K9/00; B61K9/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
120 words
A thermal sensor for detection of bearing failures comprising: a bolt having a head at one end and having a second end, said bolt having a bore extending through said head to a point adjacent said second end; a piston situated in said bore; a communication system enclosed within said bore, said system including a transmitter circuit, an antenna and an energy source; a housing enclosing said energy source, said energy source being disposed between said transmitter circuit and said piston; and means, responsive to an elevated temperature indicative of bearing failure, for moving said piston towards said head of said bolt such that said antenna protrudes from said head of said bolt and said communication system is turned on.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
120 words
A thermal sensor for detection of bearing failures comprising: a bolt having a head at one end and having a second end, said bolt having a bore extending through said head to a point adjacent said second end; a piston situated in said bore; a communication system enclosed within said bore, said system including a transmitter circuit, an antenna and an energy source; a housing enclosing said energy source, said energy source being disposed between said transmitter circuit and said piston; and means, responsive to an elevated temperature indicative of bearing failure, for moving said piston towards said head of said bolt such that said antenna protrudes from said head of said bolt and said communication system is turned on.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The thermal sensor of claim 1, in which said housing comprises a plastic material that is heat resistant.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
The thermal sensor of claim 1, in which said housing includes means for connecting one end of said energy source to said transmitter circuit, said housing also enclosing said transmitter circuit of said communication system.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The thermal sensor of claim 1, wherein said antenna has a helical shape which allows it to be compressed substantially within said head of said bolt.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
45 words
The thermal sensor of claim 1, further comprising a cap removably attached to said head of said bolt, whereby said cap retains said antenna above said housing within said head until means for moving said piston causes said cap to move away from said head.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
The thermal sensor of claim 5, in which said piston moves said housing such that said housing contacts said cap, thereby forcing said cap to move away from said head of said bolt.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
The thermal sensor of claim 1, wherein said energy source provides energy to said transmitter circuit when said means for moving said piston detects said elevated temperature.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
The thermal sensor of claim 1, wherein said means for moving said piston is a wax motor.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
150 words
A thermal sensor for detection of bearing failures comprising: a bolt having a head at one end and having a second end, said bolt having a bore extending through said head to a point adjacent said second end; a piston situated in said bore; a communication system enclosed within said bore, said system including a transmitter circuit, an antenna, and an energy source having one end; a switch arm adjacent said energy source; and means, responsive to an elevated temperature indicative of bearing failure, for moving said piston towards the head of said bolt such that said antenna protrudes from said one end of said bolt, said means for moving said piston also causing one end of said piston to contact both said one end of said energy source and said switch arm so as to connect said energy source to said transmitter circuit, thereby turning one said communication system.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
150 words
A thermal sensor for detection of bearing failures comprising: a bolt having a head at one end and having a second end, said bolt having a bore extending through said head to a point adjacent said second end; a piston situated in said bore; a communication system enclosed within said bore, said system including a transmitter circuit, an antenna, and an energy source having one end; a switch arm adjacent said energy source; and means, responsive to an elevated temperature indicative of bearing failure, for moving said piston towards the head of said bolt such that said antenna protrudes from said one end of said bolt, said means for moving said piston also causing one end of said piston to contact both said one end of said energy source and said switch arm so as to connect said energy source to said transmitter circuit, thereby turning one said communication system.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
14 words
The thermal sensor of claim 9, further comprising a housing enclosing said energy source.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
26 words
The thermal sensor of claim 9, wherein said antenna has a helical shape which allows it to be compressed substantially within said head of said bolt.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
46 words
The thermal sensor of claim 9, further comprising a cap removably attached to said head of said bolt, whereby said cap retains said antenna above said housing within said head until said means for moving said piston causes said cap to move away form said head.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
32 words
The thermal sensor of claim 12, wherein said piston moves said housing such that said housing contacts said cap, thereby forcing said cap to move away from said head of said bolt.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
27 words
The thermal sensor of claim 9, wherein said energy source provides energy to said transmitter circuit when said means for moving said piston detects said elevated temperature.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
17 words
The thermal sensor of claim 9, wherein said means for moving said piston is a wax motor.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4812826A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-07-31 | 1999-01-30 | 1999-08-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-07-31 | 2003-01-30 | 2003-08-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-07-31 | 2007-01-30 | 2007-08-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |