Element Wear Type Patents (Class 116/208)
  • Publication number: 20140299040
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring stem nut wear in a valve having a threaded valve stem that is positioned to engage the threads of a stem nut. In a preferred embodiment, a tool is mounted on the stem nut, wherein the tool rotates when the stem nut rotates. The tool indicates a measurement of stem nut rotation. An indicator indicates stem movement. The stem nut is rotated and the amount of percent wear is observed. Rotation continues until the stem begins to move. The tool provides a reading when the stem begins to move that indicates an amount of stem nut wear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicants: SHAW INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY HOLDINGS, LLC, LOOP LLC
    Inventors: CHRIS A. LABAT, CARTER REAMES, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140299043
    Abstract: A thread gauge, which allows to reliably know the time for replacement by visual checking and improves the predetermined dimensional accuracy of a thread product has a go-side thread measuring portion extending from one side of a shank portion coaxially with the shank portion or a not-go-side thread measuring portion extending from an other side of the shank portion coaxially with the shank portion, a wear checking gauge line having a predetermined length and a predetermined depth formed on male thread portions and female thread portions formed on the go-side thread measuring portion or the not-go-side thread measuring portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: NIIGATA SEIKI CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Toshiyuki IGARASHI
  • Publication number: 20140299041
    Abstract: A ring gauge with a maintenance line, which can reliably and quickly let a user know at an early stage the time for replacement during maintenance of a ring gauge, is provided with a ring gauge body which has, on an inner portion, a hole-shaped measuring portion having a circular shape in a planar view and serving as a reference for various types of measuring devices, a predetermined thickness, an upper surface portion, a lower surface portion, and a wear checking gauge line which can have a linear shape formed on an inner diameter portion of the hole-shaped measuring portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Niigata Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshiyuki IGARASHI
  • Publication number: 20140299042
    Abstract: Due to repeated use of a gauge portion, used to perform positioning and accuracy comparison measurement at the time of manufacture of various type of molds for metalworking, a gauge line on an outer circumferential surface portion of the gauge portion can disappear due to friction. A plug gauge body, which helps a user recognize the time for maintenance and replacement of the plug gauge, has a constricted portion formed on one side of a shank portion and a cylindrical gauge portion having a uniform diameter and extending from one side of the constricted portion, with the shank portion, the constricted portion, and the gauge portion, being formed axially, a wear checking gauge line having a predetermined depth and width formed so as to extend from one end portion of an outer circumferential surface portion of the gauge portion in the direction of the constricted portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: NIIGATA SEIKI CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Toshiyuki IGARASHI
  • Publication number: 20140190394
    Abstract: Devices to measure bearing wear are known for bearings such as rod-ends, wherein the rod-end must either be removed completely from its installed position or relocated relative to the device each time wear in a different axis is to be measured. Such devices also tend to be relatively large and cumbersome. The present invention provides a device 10 which is a fully portable light-weight apparatus that precisely measures bearings in two axes. When employed for the purpose of assessing bearing wear, the invention is capable of obtaining the measurement in confined spaces, without the need to remove the bearing from its fully installed position or reorient the bearing housing to facilitate both measurements. By using the disclosed apparatus, a user may ascertain the serviceability of a bearing by detecting the level of wear in the bearing allowing timely replacement and/or repair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Inventor: Shane Lovett
  • Patent number: 8752678
    Abstract: A disc brake is arrangeable in a space that accommodates a brake caliper having an application device. The brake caliper is held slidably with guiding elements on a brake carrier, which is fastened with screws to an axle connection at the vehicle. The caliper straddles a brake disc, against which brake pads can be pressed on either side while braking. At least the brake pad on the application side is mounted movably in the direction of the brake disc in a pad shaft of the brake carrier. A device for the visual identification of the wear of a brake pad and/or brake disc is constructed so that for identifying wear, a pointer element, extending in the opposite direction to the brake disc, is connected at least at one screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Gruber, Thomas Reno
  • Patent number: 8733269
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring stem nut wear in a valve having a threaded valve stem that is positioned to engage the threads of a stem nut. In a preferred embodiment, a tool is mounted on the stem nut, wherein the tool rotates when the stem nut rotates. The tool indicates a measurement of stem nut rotation. An indicator indicates stem movement. The stem nut is rotated and the amount of percent wear is observed. Rotation continues until the stem begins to move. The tool provides a reading when the stem begins to move that indicates an amount of stem nut wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignees: Loop LLC, Shaw Intellectual Property Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Chris A. Labat, Carter Reames, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8701586
    Abstract: A magnetic wear saving device including a resilient member and a magnetic member for protecting a wear surface on a material handling device. The magnetic wear saving device further including a release means provided within a bore formed through and along the central axes of the resilient member and the magnetic member for removing the magnetic wear saving device from the wear surface of the material handling device. There may be a single shear plate with several recesses for the magnetic wear saving devices, or the wear surface of the equipment itself may be integrally formed with recesses for the magnetic wear saving devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Raptor Mining Products Inc.
    Inventors: Craig E. Harder, Murray A Smith
  • Publication number: 20140102791
    Abstract: Described herein is a wear indicator (100) for use in a drill bit or a core head. The wear indicator (100) comprises an elongate element that forms part of the drill bit. The elongate element has a plurality of numbers (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180) formed along its length, each number (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180) being formed as a void and corresponds to a level of wear in accordance with the IADC dull grading system. As the drill becomes worn, the wear indicator (100) wears at the same rate to reveal one of the numbers (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180). The numbers range from “1” to “8” where the number “1” illustrates the least wear and the number “8” indicates the most wear. When unworn, none of the numbers are visible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventors: Olivier Dupont, Nuno Da Silva
  • Patent number: 8695527
    Abstract: An aircraft glazing component is provided having at least a partially transparent body and a visual wear indicator positioned on or in the body which indicator is configured such that a predetermined amount of erosion on the body changes the appearance of the indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations Limited
    Inventor: George Edmond
  • Patent number: 8695445
    Abstract: A wear-indicating system includes a wear-indicating mark applied to a portion of a surface edge margin of an internal component of a turbine. The wear-indicating mark is visually discernible from the surface edge margin through boroscopic inspection. An inner extent of the wear-indicating mark is spaced a pre-selected distance from the surface edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kurt Neal Laurer, Eloy Vincent Emeterio, Michael Thomas Hamlin, Kraig Martin Sanderson
  • Patent number: 8622016
    Abstract: A wear indication system for use in turbine engines to measure gap closure that indicates the amount of wear found on a compressor diaphragm outer hook to prevent contact between a compressor vane attached to the compressor diaphragm outer hook and an upstream compressor blade. The wear indication system enables the wear to be serviced before failure occurs. The wear indication system may be formed from a base mounting plate having one or more wearable material layers attached thereto. In one embodiment, the wear indication system may have multiple wearable material layers. The outermost wearable layer may have a cross-sectional area less than a wearable layer to which it is attached to enable visual determination of the amount of wear that has occurred. The wearable layers may be formed from a honeycomb shaped material enabling wear to occur without threatening downstream components with damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Wiebe
  • Patent number: 8474474
    Abstract: A method of diagnosing pressure boundary integrity of a control includes choosing a control valve having a valve body, determining a velocity profile within the control valve, choosing an area of the velocity profile, choosing a surface on an exterior of the valve body at or adjacent to the area, forming a pad on the exterior surface overlying the point, applying a testing device to the pad, and measuring a reference thickness of a wall of the valve body through the pad using the testing device. The method further includes applying the testing device to the pad at a time subsequent to measurement of the reference thickness, measuring a first thickness, and comparing the first thickness to the reference thickness. The comparison of the first thickness to the reference thickness can be used to calculate the amount of valve body wall lost during using and the remaining life of the control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventor: Galen Dale Wilke
  • Publication number: 20130152846
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring stem nut wear in a valve having a threaded valve stem that is positioned to engage the threads of a stem nut. In a preferred embodiment, a tool is mounted on the stem nut, wherein the tool rotates when the stem nut rotates. The tool indicates a measurement of stem nut rotation. An indicator indicates stem movement. The stem nut is rotated and the amount of percent wear is observed. Rotation continues until the stem begins to move. The tool provides a reading when the stem begins to move that indicates an amount of stem nut wear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicants: SHAW INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY HOLDINGS, LLC, LOOP LLC
    Inventors: LOOP LLC, SHAW INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY HOLDINGS,
  • Patent number: 8448286
    Abstract: A bristle cluster for a toothbrush is provided. The bristle cluster includes a number of bristles of a first type and a number of bristles of a second type. The bristles of the first type have wear characteristics that differ from the wear characteristics of the second type. The bristles of the first type have a wear indicator which causes a color change of the bristles, and the bristles of the second type, upon continuous mechanical stress, undergo a visible mechanical change and the free ends of the bristles of the second type are designed to be capable of being longitudinally fanned out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Georges Driesen, Ivo Kunath
  • Patent number: 8322298
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring stem nut wear in a valve having a threaded valve stem that is positioned to engage the threads of a stem nut. In a preferred embodiment, a tool is mounted on the stem nut, wherein the tool rotates when the stem nut rotates. The tool indicates a measurement of stem nut rotation. An indicator indicates stem movement. The stem nut is rotated and the amount of percent wear is observed. Rotation continues until the stem begins to move. The tool provides a reading when the stem begins to move that indicates an amount of stem nut wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignees: Shaw Intellectual Property Holdings, LLC, Loop LLC
    Inventors: Chris A. Labat, Carter Reames, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120160150
    Abstract: A slide bar for the track system of a snowmobile or an all-terrain vehicle comprises colored, or otherwise visually distinctive, wear indicating marks extending longitudinally along at least one of the side walls thereof. The colored wear indicating marks generally provide an indication to the operator of the vehicle that the slide bar needs to be replaced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventor: Robert Handfield
  • Publication number: 20120132129
    Abstract: An aircraft glazing component is provided having at least a partially transparent body and a visual wear indicator positioned on or in the body which indicator is configured such that a predetermined amount of erosion on the body changes the appearance of the indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATION LIMITED
    Inventor: George Edmond
  • Publication number: 20120118163
    Abstract: A notifier device and method of use which can be placed into an air filter for an HVAC system and which produces a whistling sound when the filter needs replacement. The device generally forms an air pathway and includes a resonator so that air passing through the pathway creates a whistling sound. So as to be useable with different types of filter media (113), the device can include a door which can selectively open and close the air pathway depending on the air pressure differential desired to be detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventor: Aaron Gorga
  • Publication number: 20120090953
    Abstract: A wear indicator apparatus, system and method are provided for allowing wear information from an internal flow surface of a chute to be obtained from outside the chute so as not to require access to the interior thereof for wear inspection purposes. In one form, the wear indicator apparatus has a wear indicator portion that is configured to be fit into a through opening in the chute wall assembly. The wear indicator portion has a layer of wear material that is of the same material as an inner liner of the chute wall assembly, and a mounting portion that is configured to be removably fixed to an exterior surface of the wall assembly. Preferably, the wear indicator apparatus includes a removal mechanism connected to the mounting portion that is operated outside of the chute for retracting the wear indicator portion out from the wall assembly through opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventors: John Cieplak, James Dorynek
  • Publication number: 20120060745
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring stem nut wear in a valve having a threaded valve stem that is positioned to engage the threads of a stem nut. In a preferred embodiment, a tool is mounted on the stem nut, wherein the tool rotates when the stem nut rotates. The tool indicates a measurement of stem nut rotation. An indicator indicates stem movement. The stem nut is rotated and the amount of percent wear is observed. Rotation continues until the stem begins to move. The tool provides a reading when the stem begins to move that indicates an amount of stem nut wear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicants: Shaw Intellectual Property Holdings, Inc., Loop LLC
    Inventors: Chris A. Labat, Carter Reames
  • Patent number: 8049608
    Abstract: A system for determining a distance of travel of a brake cylinder piston includes a brake cylinder having the brake cylinder piston, a pressure transducer operationally coupled to the brake cylinder and configured to determine a pressure measurement within the brake cylinder, and a control module of an electrically controlled pneumatic (ECP) brake control system. The control module is operationally coupled to the pressure transducer and configured to convert the pressure measurement within the brake cylinder determined by the pressure transducer into at least one of a displacement time of the brake cylinder piston, an equalization pressure within the brake cylinder, a pressure build-up time within the brake cylinder, a pressure leakage from the brake cylinder, or any combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Wabtec Holding Corp.
    Inventor: Edward W. Gaughan
  • Patent number: 7992245
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning tool for a cleaning device, the cleaning tool being subject to wear during operation. In order to make it easier to identify wear, the invention proposes that the cleaning tool comprise a sensor device with a sensor element which has a physical characteristic variable which changes as a function of the degree of wear of the cleaning tool. The invention also proposes a cleaning device having such a cleaning tool, the cleaning device having a detector device which is coupled to the sensor device for the purpose of sensing the change in the physical characteristic variable of the sensor element, and having an indicator device which is connected to the detector device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Alfred Kaercher GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Schuetz, Juergen Walz, Wilhelm Eisenmann, Alexander Fuchs, Markus Duenne, Ruwantha De Silva, Andreas Van De Ven, Rainer Schaefer
  • Patent number: 7984565
    Abstract: A measuring instrument includes a ruler unit including an elongated plank portion extending along a first direction, two spaced apart positioning members disposed fixedly on the elongated plank portion, and a first measuring portion extending from the elongated plank portion along a second direction. A movable seat is movably mounted on the elongated plank portion and is movable relative to the elongated plank portion along the first direction between a reset position, where the movable seat abuts against one of the positioning members, and a normal position, where the movable seat abuts against the other one of the positioning members. The movable seat has a second measuring portion. A resilient member is mounted between the movable seat and the ruler unit, and biases the movable seat toward the normal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: KMC Chain Industrial, Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Daniel Wu
  • Patent number: 7973671
    Abstract: A wireless breakage indicator for a shear pin having an axial bore. The indicator (10) comprises a stem (20) having a head (22) and a foot (24) at opposite ends thereof; a sleeve (32) around a portion of the stem between a first (28) and second (30) axial positions, the stem (20) and sleeve (32) adapted to be broken by the shear pin (12) in the event of its breakage; a spring (26) compressed between the head (22) of the stem (20) and a first end (34) of the sleeve (32); the foot (24) of the stem (20) being retained to the second end (36) of the sleeve (32). The breakage of the stem (20) frees the head (22) to be displaced by the spring (26) and indicate breakage of the shear pin (12). The indication can be direct, by visual inspection of the displaced head, or indirect by the displacement of the head activating a transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Vibrosystm Inc.
    Inventors: Marius Cloutier, Jean Pronovost
  • Patent number: 7918514
    Abstract: A composite rim (1) for a bicycle wheel (60). The rim has at least one braking surface (20) and a wear indicator (40) that indicates when a predetermined level of wear has been reached at the braking surface (20). The wear indicator (40) is arranged in the rim (1) so that its does not affect the outer surface of the rim (1) or weaken its mechanical strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Campagnolo, S.r.l.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Dal Pra'
  • Patent number: 7685736
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to shoulder refacing indicator. In one illustrative embodiment, the shoulder refacing indicator includes a body having a first side and a second side, the first and second sides being formed at an included angle of 135 degrees relative to one another, the first side adapted to engage an engaging surface of a make-up shoulder of a pipe connector and the second side adapted to engage a tapered surface of the pipe connector. The shoulder refacing indicator further includes at least one scribe line formed on the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Grant Prideco, L.P.
    Inventor: Clay Y. Steely
  • Patent number: 7487738
    Abstract: In a plasma processing apparatus capable of generating a plasma in a processing chamber accommodating therein a substrate to plasma-process the substrate, a component disposed in the processing chamber includes an identification indicia formed with one or more symbols indicated by arranging a plurality of dotted recesses on a surface of the component. The dotted recesses are of a substantially circular shape in a plane view and a substantial U-shape in a sectional view. The life span of the component can be detected based on a status of the identification indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Daisuke Hayashi
  • Patent number: 7405818
    Abstract: A seal for preventing leakage of fluid from between a first member and a second member has a seal body and a seal wear indicator. The second member is capable of moving toward and away from the first member. The seal body is adapted for engaged contact with the first and second members so as to prevent leakage of fluid as long as the seal has not worn beyond a specified depth. A seal wear indicator is positioned within the seal body at approximately the specified depth, such that when the seal has worn to the specified depth, a change in the optical conductor is detected, indicating that the seal needs replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventor: Ralph Heinzen
  • Publication number: 20080121169
    Abstract: A usage indicator 12 for a process cartridge 10 comprising a reflective tab 18; a shutter 26 connected to a rotatable mounting platform 20; and engaging means 38 attached to the rotatable mounting platform 20. In its initial state, the shutter 26 covers the reflective tab 18 in such a manner as to prevent the reflective tab 18 from reflecting light emitted by an external light sensing system. At the same time, the engaging means 38 engages a gear in a gear train 14 of the process cartridge 10. During first operation of the gear train 14 the gear train 14 engages the engaging means 38 to rotate the rotatable mounting platform 20 and thereby uncover at least a portion of the reflective tab 18 able to reflect light emitted by the external light sensing system. The rotation of the mounting platform 20 continues until the engaging means 38 no longer engages the gear train 14.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventor: Samuel Tsui
  • Patent number: 7353770
    Abstract: A visual wear indicator is disclosed capable of giving a visual indication of the degree of wear on an athletic or other type of shoe. In general, the visual wear indicator may operate by having two different colored regions, each having a viscosity which varies a function of pressure. Before pressure is applied, the boundary between the two regions is clear. However, over time, as the midsole and/or outer sole of the shoe wear away, the pressure exerted on the visual wear indicator increases during activity. As the pressure increases, the viscosity of the regions eventually decreases. When the viscosity decreases, the regions bleed together, and the boundary between the regions becomes less clear. The degree of mixture between the regions may be calibrated to give a clear visual indication of when the shoe has worn down to the point where the shoe is unable to provide a desired level of support and stress absorption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Inventor: Chéri Sanguinetti
  • Patent number: 7350476
    Abstract: A system for monitoring a condition of a consumable component in a substrate processing system that includes a tapered plug having a first axis, a second axis that intersects the first axis, a top portion with first width, a bottom portion with a second width, and sidewalls joining said top and bottom portions respectively. The tapered plug has a cross sectional profile that is substantially parallel to the top and bottom portions and a cross sectional width that varies according to a location where the cross sectional profile intersects the second axis. At least one of the tapered plugs is inserted into at least one consumable component of the substrate processing system such that the top portion of the tapered plug is exposed to a processing environment of a plasma processing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Steven T. Fink
  • Patent number: 7293524
    Abstract: An indicator device for use in indicating whether or not a no-back device is operable, the indicator device comprising an indicator member 42 moveable between a first position and a second position, a biassing arrangement 56 being provided to urge the indicator member 42 towards its first position, and a latch arrangement 46 being provided to allow the indicator member 42 to be held, against the biassing load of the biassing arrangement 56, in its second position, the indicator member 42 being adapted such that, in use of the associated no-back device, movement of the pawl 30 of the no-back device causes the indicator member 42 to be moved out of its second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Goodrich Actuation Systems Limited
    Inventor: Jonathan Alan Darby
  • Publication number: 20070175381
    Abstract: A magnetic wear device including a resilient member and a magnetic member for protecting a wear surface on a material handling device. The resilient member consisting of an upper portion and a lower portion integrally formed together. The upper portion having a top exterior surface, and the lower portion having a bottom surface for contacting with a wear surface on a material handling device. The bottom surface of the lower portion being formed with a recess for receiving and coupling the magnetic member to the resilient member. The magnetic member having an outer magnetic surface for releaseably securing the magnetic member and the resilient member to the wear surface of the material handling device. The magnetic wear device further including a shear plate having an outer edge and an inner circular edge. The outer edge is constructed with one or more notched edges and the inner circular edge defines an aperture for at least partially receiving the resilient member and the magnetic member therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventors: Craig Edward Harder, Murray Allen Smith
  • Patent number: 7248154
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system and a method for the detection of the wear state of machine parts which are subject to mechanical wear, by means of an electronic transmitting/receiving device (38) and at least one transponder device (36), which is embedded in the machine part (16) and sends back an acknowledgement signal in response to a transmitted signal which is transmitted by the transmitting/receiving device (38), in which case the reaching of a predetermined wear value can be indicated by the destruction of the transponder device (36) and by the lack of the acknowledgement signal associated with this. The invention is based on the discovery that the arrangement of a transponder device at a specific position which is a measure of a predetermined wear state means that the operational readiness of the transponder device, on the one hand, is indicated in advance by its signal return, and the reaching of the predetermined wear value is indicated by its destruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Meri Entsorgungstechnik fur die Papierindustrie GmbH
    Inventor: Lucas Menke
  • Patent number: 7194781
    Abstract: A windscreen wiper device comprising an oscillating arm and a frame connected thereto for receiving a wiper blade, which device includes a life span indicator, characterized in that said indicator is sensitive to water. The indicator can change its color in dependence on the length of time during which the indicator has-been exposed to water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul S.A.
    Inventor: Gurdev Orjela
  • Patent number: 7180409
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring belt wear or tread wear of a tire includes at least one radio frequency identification (RFID) tag with unique identification embedded in the belt or tread of the tire at one or more wear points. An RF tag reader periodically monitoring signals from the at least one RFID tag. If the RF tag reader fails to obtain any signals from the at least one RFID tag, indicating a destroyed RFID tag, the user can be warned about a wear problem of that belt or tire. RFID tags can be distributed at different depths of the tire(s), or across the tread at the same depth, of the tire(s) to determine different wear problems. The same RFID tag can also be used for inventory tracking purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Temic Automotive of North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas A. Brey
  • Patent number: 7126063
    Abstract: An electronic package includes a circuit board and a capsule layer encasing the circuit board and forming an immersible electronic module. A housing receives the electronic module and forms a protective shell around the electronic module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Adam Weisz-Margulescu, Alan Albino, Roger Robichaud
  • Patent number: 7069658
    Abstract: A shaving unit that comprises at least one blade and a skin engaging member that has a surface for engaging the user's skin adjacent the blade edge is described herein. The shaving unit may be of a disposable cartridge type adapted for coupling to and uncoupling from a razor handle or may be integral with a handle so that the complete razor is discarded as a unit when the blade or blades become dulled. The blade edge (or edges) cooperate with skin engaging surfaces to define a shaving geometry. The skin engaging member is comprised of an elongated sheath (or skin engaging layer) made of a mixture of water insoluble matrix and an effective amount of shaving aid and a rigid core (or non-skin engaging layer) extending axially throughout said sheath. The axial position of the core need not be through the central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: The Gillette Company
    Inventor: Mingchih M Tseng
  • Patent number: 6957622
    Abstract: An in-situ wear indicator for detecting wear to at least one selected part in a semiconductor manufacturing environment. The indicator is manufactured in a selected material with a selected thickness so that the indicator degrades upon exposure to the semiconductor manufacturing process at a fixed rate relative to the wear of the selected part. The indicator displays a visual indication of wear which is discernible by an automated detection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machiens Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory S. Boettcher, Steven B. Gold, Robert P. Katz, Gabriel V. Moore
  • Patent number: 6951186
    Abstract: In an apparatus including a unit which is recoverable and reusable after use, an environmental history indicator member having a property variable according to an environmental history of use of the apparatus and arranged not to participate in any functions of the apparatus during use of the apparatus is disposed inside the unit or adjacent to the unit. By checking the state of the environmental history indicator member when the unit is recovered from the apparatus after the end of service of the apparatus, a management system for reuse is arranged to easily and efficiently decide the unit to be reusable or no longer usable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Motomu Fukasawa
  • Patent number: 6944952
    Abstract: A shaving unit that comprises at least one blade and a skin engaging member that has a surface for engaging the user's skin adjacent the blade edge. The shaving unit may be of a disposable cartridge type adapted for coupling to and uncoupling from a razor handle or may be integral with a handle so that the complete razor is discarded as a unit when the blade or blades become dulled. The blade edge (or edges) cooperate with skin engaging surfaces to define a shaving geometry. The skin engaging member is comprised on an elongated sheath (or skin engaging layer) made of a mixture of water insoluble matrix and an effective amount of shaving aid and a rigid core (or non-skin engaging layer) extending axially through out said sheath. The axial position of the core need not be through the central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: The Gillette Company
    Inventor: Mingchih M. Tseng
  • Patent number: 6943672
    Abstract: The warning apparatus includes magnetic force generating units, each oppositely arranged about a timing belt to generate a mutually opposite polarity of a magnetic force. A voltage inducing unit is disposed at one lateral surface of the timing belt to induce a voltage in response to the magnetic force generated from the magnetic force generating units. A voltage detecting unit detects the voltage induced by the voltage inducing unit. A controller outputs a control signal for generating a warning signal when the voltage detected by the voltage detecting means is less than an established level. A warning generating unit generates an alarm that a replacement time of a timing belt has arrived in response to the control signal from the controller, such that when a timing belt is worn to a degree of breakage, a warning signal is given by a detection thereof so that a healthy timing belt should not be changed periodically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Young-Ho Choi
  • Patent number: 6904698
    Abstract: A piston travel measuring device for mounting to a non-pressure head is provided. The non-pressure head includes a cylinder and a piston connected thereto for reciprocal movement along a piston travel axis. The device comprises a mounting flange adapted to mount to at least a portion of the cylinder, an elongated body projecting from the flange and along at least a portion of the travel axis of the piston, and at least one indicator on the body and aligned so that at least a portion of the piston may be visually compared with the indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: TTX Company
    Inventors: William R. Halliar, Stuart F. Trout, Bruce E. Keating
  • Patent number: 6854194
    Abstract: A wheel centering adapter for being applied to an elongated mounting shaft designed for extending through a center hole of a vehicle wheel. The centering adapter cooperates with a clamping assembly to align and center the wheel relative to the shaft. The centering adapter includes an adapter body defining a cylindrical through-bore designed to receive the mounting shaft. A protective liner is formed adjacent the through-bore of the adapter body and has a non-abrasive surface for protecting the mounting shaft from wear upon application and removal of the centering adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Inventor: Allan H. Hansen
  • Patent number: 6834611
    Abstract: An indication device for monitoring a presence of a pest in a designated area includes a housing having a longitudinal axis and a plurality of openings therethrough. A trigger is positioned within the housing and is axially aligned with the longitudinal axis. An indicating member is coupled to the trigger and is axially aligned therewith, and a bias element is coupled to the indication member and is coaxial to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: United Industries Corporation
    Inventors: Bret Alan Berthold, Glen W. Dorow, Charles Duckworth
  • Patent number: 6799928
    Abstract: A screw-and-nut assembly comprising a support secured to the nut, which support is provided with a surface in contact with the thread of the screw, and an electrical sensing member responsive to mechanical interaction with the thread of the screw, the sensing member being placed in the support close to said surface to come into interaction with the thread of the screw in the event of said surface wearing, wherein the support and the nut are constituted by the same block of material, the sensing member thus being placed inside the nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: TRW Systemes Aeronautiques Civils
    Inventor: Isabelle Port-Robach
  • Patent number: 6786153
    Abstract: A printing device, system and method are disclosed for measuring and displaying the amount of wear experienced by printing rolls. A wear detection mechanism is employed in connection with rolls, such as anilox-type rolls that transfer ink to a substrate in forming a printed image. A wear detection mechanism is engraved, etched, or the like into the outer circumferential surface of the roll to provide an indication of the amount of wear experienced by the roll. Portions provided in series at predetermined depths may be correlated with a depletion scale indicia to display the wear condition of a particular roll in a printing system. A depletable wear strip comprising multiple engraved portions which correlate with values upon a depletion scale may be employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Interflex Laser Engravers, LLC
    Inventors: William Burrow, Gregory Haley
  • Publication number: 20040154715
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method whereby when the tyre reaches a wear threshold level, acoustic wear indicators emit a sound signal by coming into contact with the ground. Magnetic, optical and mechanical embodiments are also disclosed. A detector consisting of a microphone placed beneath the vehicle and a processing unit switches on an indicator placed in the instrument panel. In a more sophisticated version, the detector by matching the acoustic signal phase with the ABS data, identifies the tyre concerned. The invention is useful for detecting tyre deterioration, or that of any, other type of surface such as pads, and the like, and for detecting the presence of snow chains or nails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Arnaud Dufournier
  • Patent number: RE40884
    Abstract: Apparatus, for detecting the presence and eating activity of organisms such as termites that damage structures, includes a body; a wooden bait element controllably exposed to the organisms within a cavity of the body, and having an applied bait substance; a side wall of the body having a vertically spaced plurality of smoothly converging entrance passages for admitting the organisms, a consumable porous barrier covering each of the entrance passages. Spring tension is applied to an upper end of the bait element, an opposite end being anchored to the body. A flag member that is connected to the upper end of the bait element projects from the body when the bait element is weakened to the predetermined amount by the organisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Inventor: Michael J. Masterson