Patents by Inventor Joseph J. Vauter

Joseph J. Vauter has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Bismuth tracer bearings
    Patent number: 6510726
    Abstract: A method of detecting premature wear of engine bearings in locomotive engine applications includes incorporating bismuth as a tracer element into the liner of bearing metal applied to a rigid metal backing of the bearing. A soft metal overlay free of bismuth is applied over the bearing liner and the bearing installed in the engine. The engine oil is periodically tested for the presence of bismuth. Early detection indicates premature wear of the overlay, enabling corrective action to be taken to protect the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc.
    Inventors: Palliyil K. Subramanyan, Joseph J. Vauter, Ronald W. Robinson