Abstract: An improved hoisting device, such as a hook, shackle, ring, link, or the like, includes indicia for determining deformation damage to the device from overstressing. The indicia includes components which assume a predetermined geometrical configuration, such as a line segment co-linearly aligned with another line segment or dot, as the device is in an unstressed and undeformed state, and which do not assume the predetermined configuration if the device have been damaged from over-stressing. The indicia also includes cooperating components for dynamically indicating the magnitude of stressing relative to the maximum design stress of the device. The indicia is adapted for both close proximity and remote stressing determinations.

Abstract: Electronic stroke indicators have sensor structures which are incorporated into a stone shield for a brake actuator. The incorporation of the sensor into the stone shield protects the sensor and its associated wires and contacts from damage by the other components in the brake actuator. In particular, the spring is typically maintained out of contact with any of the electric portions of the electronic stroke indicator, thus prolonging the life of the electronic stroke indicator. In further features of this invention, a magnetic sensor may monitor the position of magnetic portions on a piston rod. Alternatively, a pair of electric contact switches may be serially contacted by a structure on the piston rod as the brake moves further out of stroke. The two electric contacts provided different signals to an operator in a vehicle cab such that signals of the level of out-of-stroke conditions are provided to the operator.

Abstract: The bearing assembly for supporting and guiding a moving member includes a first bearing member and a second bearing member. The second bearing member and the first bearing member have movement relative to one another. The second bearing member includes a wearing surface in contact with the first bearing member. The wearing surface wears in response to the relative movement between the first and second bearing members. The second bearing member also includes a chamber and a wear identifier. The chamber is located behind the wearing surface. The wear identifier is within the chamber. Upon sufficient wear of the wearing surface, the wear identifier is released from the chamber onto the wearing surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring an elevator brake includes at least one sensor and a monitoring circuit. The elevator brake has a rotating brake drum upon which a pair of brake shoes are pressed during braking. The sensor is embedded in a carrier which is mounted on the brake shoe and extends into a brake lining on the shoe. The sensor has a pair of connecting wires each formed into a generally U-shaped loop extending toward the brake drum. The sensor can be a temperature dependent resistor wherein the temperatures in the brake lining, caused by excessive braking processes, can be detected electrically. The thickness of the brake lining decreases due to wear until the brake drum connects the loops upon braking, whereby the sensor is short-circuited which condition can be detected electrically. In the case of brake lining breaks, an infinite resistance occurs between the connecting wires which can likewise be detected electrically.

Abstract: A wear indicator is located on the head or frame of a disposable razor or razor cartridge, in close proximity to the shaving edge of the blade. The wear indicator comprises a mass of material that gradually wears away as the disposable razor or cartridge is used in shaving, the amount of material wearing away being correlated with the amount of wear on the blade edge to provide a visual indication of the relative wear on the blade. Preferably, the wear indicator comprises two strips of material, one atop the other, the upper strip wearing away to reveal the contrastingly-colored lower strip. Alternatively, the material may wear away to reveal indicia or lettering on the lower strip.

Abstract: An indicator unit for a vehicle air brake system is provided which includes a brake rod mounted for movement between a non-braking first position and a predetermined safe maximum braking second position. A pivotally mounted slack adjuster is connected to the brake rod and is responsive to the movement of the rod. An indicator unit is provided which has a first section removably mounted on the connection between the rod and adjuster, a second section retained in a predetermined alignment with the rod, and a third section angularly disposed relative to the second section. The unit third section is provided with angularly disposed, exposed, first and second reference marks. When the rod is in the first position, the first reference mark is aligned with a predetermined first segment of the adjuster. When the rod is in the second position, the second reference mark is aligned with the predetermined segment of the adjuster.

Abstract: The brake monitoring system of the present invention monitors and measures brake adjustment and brake lining wear in vehicles employing air brakes having an "S-Cam" assembly. The S-Cam is actuated by an pneumatically driven push-rod, which rotates a cam shaft on which the S-Cam is mounted by moving a slack adjuster lever mounted on an opposed end of the cam shaft. The S-Cam forces a pair of opposed brake shoes against the interior surface of a brake drum. Rotation of the S-Cam is measured with each application of the brakes and converted into a readout of the adjustment of the brake's adjustment and brake wear which is displayed in the vehicle cab.

Abstract: A wear indicator for a latex product having an underlying latex structure comprises an outer layer positioned over the latex structure. The outer layer comprises latex having a particulate filler for establishing pores in the layer and a soluble colorant that leaches out of the pores. The leaching of colorant is simulative of wear of the latex product since leaching of the colorant occurs through degrading environmental exposure.

Abstract: A gauge for indicating the setting and linear stroke movement of a brake rod of a brake assembly. Reference indicators are provided on both the brake-rod's yoke or clevis and on the arm of the brake's slack adjuster member; and the indicators cooperate, by their relative movement, showing brake rod travel and adjustment as a visual indication by the relative movement by the reference indicator of the linearly-moving clevis with respect to the angular rotation of the reference indicator on the rotating-slack adjuster arm.

Abstract: The invention provides novel, improved wear indicating brush filaments and novel, improved coextrusion process for their manufacture. Essentially, the filaments of the present invention are coextruded filaments which include a longitudinal surface providing a boundary about the cross-sectional area of the filament and the longitudinal surface and/or the cross-sectional area presents a two colored region adapted to provide a visual signal indicative of wear in response to filament use. The filaments can be natural or synthetic materials. In filaments of the present invention, the colored region provides an initial color or color intensity viewable to the user. As wear is produced by continuing use of the filaments, the intensity of the colored region changes to a point which signals the user that the filament no longer provides the requisite performance characteristics for effectively performing its assigned function.

Abstract: An automatic slack adjuster or manual slack adjuster conversion which automatically adjusts the brakes incorporating a monitoring system that monitors the operation and adjustment of air powered brakes as used on vehicles. The system monitors the travel of the brake components, and when needed uses electromagnetic or pneumatic power to provide adjustment of the vehicle's brakes. Using groups of visual indicators to create a visual dashboard display of all brakes on the vehicle, the driver is provided with immediate and accurate brake operation and adjustment information. The visual indicators are controlled by multi-range position detectors that are incorporated into the automatic slack adjuster or conversion unit. Each position of the multi-range position detector activates an individual visual indicator providing precise range of adjustment indications each time the brakes are applied.

Abstract: A marker, instalable without tools on a push rod of an air brake piston for determining the axial movement of the push rod during application of the brake.

Abstract: A clip-type wear indicator suitable for use with a disk brake. The disk brake includes a rotor, a pair of slidable friction pads located on opposite sides of the rotor, the friction pads including a lining and a backing plate attached thereto and extending radially therefrom, a stationary support member radially spaced from the rotor and having a mating guide, and a caliper adjacent to the backing plates for urging the linings against the rotor. The clip is secured to the stationary support member when the upper, lower, left and right suppressing pieces are brought into elastic engagement with the mating guide on the stationary support member. The upper suppressing piece has a notch that is positioned so that when the caliper urges the lining against the rotor and edge of at least one of the backing plates is aligned with the notch when the lining is worn to such an extent that the friction pads should be replaced.

Abstract: A seal prevents leakage of fluid between the seal and a moving surface. The seal includes a seal body and a conductor. The seal body can undergo wear to a specified depth before the seal requires replacement. The conductor is placed about the moving surface such that wear of the seal body to a specified depth brings the conductor into contact with the moving surface. The conductor may be embedded in the seal body to position the conductor about the moving surface. Wear of the seal body to a specified depth can be checked by checking electrical continuity of the conductor. The existence of electrical continuity between the conductor and the moving surface may indicate that the seal requires replacement. Alternatively, the conductor may be positioned such that the conductor has worn entirely through when the seal body has worn to a specified depth, with a loss of electrical continuity through the conductor indicating that the seal requires replacement.

Abstract: A brake wear limit indicator which is matched to the brake energy capacity of the overhauled brake. A wear limit bushing is attached to the brake piston housing. The bushing length is chosen based on the brake energy capacity of the brake and is marked with a related part number. A wear pin is attached to the brake pressure plate and extends through a hole in the bushing. Brake overhaul is required when the brake wears such that the pin no longer protrudes from the bushing.

Abstract: An early warning system for a material transfer system having an elongated area to be monitored for internal wear caused by erosive flow action of a transfer material. A material transfer conduit has an inner surface forming a flow passageway for the transfer material and an outer wall surface with a wear detection indicator normally visible in situ at an elongate section of the outer wall and being subject to obliteration upon wear-through of an underlying portion. A translucent or transparent outer containment layer surrounds the outer wall surface of the transfer conduit The wear indicator is colored to contrast with the transfer material and indicates wear by an eroded area which can be visually observed through the outer translucent layer.

Abstract: A Brake Travel Indicator for use on a vehicle having a plurality of air brake assemblies secured to the undercarriage of the vehicle and stationary with respect thereto, responsive solely to the linear movement of the push rod clevis of each air brake assembly to provide a visible indication of excess linear movement of the push rod clevis and probable need for brake maintenance as well as an indication of the particular wheel where such maintenance is probably needed and comprising a travel indicator tube which slideably engages with a fixed reference tube to slide in and out of said reference tube to provide visible indication of probable need for brake maintenance and an electrical monitoring system cooperating with the travel indicator tube comprising a continuous electrical circuit connected to a remote display panel with a plurality of multicolored lamps to indicate excess brake travel by one colored lighted lamp, to indicate open circuit or power loss condition by lack of lighted colored lamps, and to

Abstract: A brake system tool for measuring the slack adjustment between an air cylinder and the brake shoe engagement with the drum of a conventional braking system. The tool includes an elongated tubular body carrying a bushing which slidable supports an indicator. The tool or slack adjustment tester as it is commonly called is held in place by a base releasably attachable to the air cylinder of an air brake system. The base is connected to the indicator. A sliding pin body is adjustably held on the tubular body by a set screw and carries a removeable pin which engages a slack adjuster arm or equivalent throughout its movement. The movement is displayed on the indicator as the tubular body is moved uncovering the indicator for a reading of the indicia.

Abstract: Disclosed is a brake adjustment indicator which is suited for the retrofit installation on pneumatic or the like brakes systems. The indicator comprises of a plastic scratch resistant sleeve that is of three colors and fits securely over the push rod of the pneumatic actuator between the push rod attachment at the diaphragm and the clevis locking nut at the slack adjuster. The sleeve has an outside diameter permitting it to be received in the aperture of the ambient brake chamber which receives the push rod. The inside diameter of the sleeve is that of the outside diameter of the push rod. The memory of the plastic material holds the indicator on the push rod. The length of the indicator is that of the push rod between the attachment at the diaphragm and the locking nut of the clevis at the slack adjuster, with color lengths corresponding to type of application and design. When the brake is applied the sleeve travel observed outside the brake chamber is the same as that of the push rod.

Abstract: A brake wear indicator, which in one aspect is clampable to a push rod of a brake and having an indicator member contactable with or affixable to a brake housing or other member of a vehicle, the indicator member contained in and freely movable from a hollow cartridge and being exposed upon actuation of the brake and movement of the push rod and being returned into the cartridge upon deactivation of the brake; in one aspect the indicator indicating brake overadjustment and having readjustment indicia; and in another aspect the hollow cartridge having a closure member for closing off an end thereof after the insertion of an indicator member or other items e.g. a spring, therein.

Abstract: A disc brake includes a rotating disc, a friction pad having a backing plate and a lining fixedly attached to one surface of the backing plate, and a wear sensor for sensing a limit of wear of the lining. The wear sensor is a bent elongate metal plate mounted on the backing plate with one end thereof projecting beyond the front surface of the backing plate. The disc brake is further provided with structure for preventing excessive deflection of the sensor.

Abstract: An accurate monitoring of the conditions of a perishable product is achieved by integrating two indicator types - a primary indicator which develops a color change as a result of cumulative time-temperature exposure and a threshold second indicator - into a single device. The combination of the two indicators in the same indicator device provides a human readible signal that gradually and irreversibly develops color as a function of time and temperature and more closely monitors the actual condition of a deteriorative product than does a single indicator. Important features of this integrated monitoring device are reliability and printability. The primary indicator in the system is assisted in color development by the secondary indictor that is set to trigger at a predetermined temperature. When this temperature is reached or exceeded both indicator mechanisms function in an additive mode to cause a break in the typical Arrhenius curve, which a primary indicator alone produces.

Abstract: A re-usable wear indicator (14) detachably secured to the pad carrier plate (2), especially intended for a disc-type brake shoe (1), which is located at the same point as is a spring (8) precluding rattling from occurring. This measure enables a recess (4) in the brake pad (3), required for fixing the spring, to be used, at the same time, to accommodate the wear indicator (14). The fixation is with the aid of a snap or O-ring (20) secured in an annular groove (19) on an extension (17) of the wear indicator (14), which ring (20) undergrips the constricted first end (21) of a hollow clip (22).

Abstract: A brake wear indicator having a hollow cartridge clampable to a push rod of a brake and having an indicator member within the cartridge spring biased at one end and contractible with the brake housing or other stationary member of a vehicle. The indicator member being exposed upon actuation of the brake and movement of the push rod. Warning indicia on the indicator member being exposed after the push rod has been moved a predetermined distance.

Abstract: Refractory, gas-permeable bubbling plugs for a vessel containing a molten metal have a cold end remote from the molten metal and a hot end facing the molten metal. The hot plug end is subject to wear by the heat radiated from the molten metal to leave a remaining plug size after wear, and such plugs comprise at least one measuring probe displaying the remaining plug size. According to the invention, the measuring probe comprises a small tube having a tip extending into the plug and spaced a predetermined distance from the cold plug end, and an end section protruding from the cold plug end, a wire movably mounted within the small tube, a spring preloading the wire, a connection connecting an end of the wire to the tip of the small tube and detachable by the effect of the radiated heat, and an optical display unit attached to the wire in the protruding end section of the measuring probe tube.

Abstract: Chain elongation indicator and method for use with a chain having a first link reference point on a first link and a second link reference point on a second link. The indicator includes an indicator body having first and second indicator reference points, such that the distance between said first and second indicator reference points corresponds to a predetermined percentage distance between first and second link reference points of a non-elongated chain. The first indicator reference point is aligned with the first link reference point on the first link of the chain, and the second link reference point is aligned with the second link reference point on the second link of the chain, so that the distance between the first link reference point and the second link reference point may be observed.

Abstract: A brake stroke indicator for use on an air brake having an elongated brake pushrod that travels a linear distance when the brake is applied. The length of the linear distance travelled depends upon the condition of the brake. The indicator comprises an elongated gauging probe having a plurality of grooves spaced at intervals along the length of the probe. Each such groove extends in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the probe. A pushrod bracket is also provided having a flange for engaging the probe in the grooves as the probe is slid longitudinally across the flange. The pushrod bracket has clamping arms to allow attachment of the bracket at a preselected position along the length of the pushrod such that the flange extends in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the pushrod.

Abstract: A brake wear indicator for an air brake system that includes an actuator having a diaphragm adapted to move within the actuator in response to air pressure, and a push rod mechanically coupled to the diaphragm and extending from the actuator through an opening in the actuator wall. The brake wear indicator comprises marking means having a generally cylindrical outer surface, a longitudinal axis, a distance indicator on the outer surface, and means for securing the marking means to the push rod within the opening. The marking means thereby provides a visual indication of the position of the push rod along such axis at the opening. In a preferred embodiment, the marking means comprises a tubular member having an internal diameter large enough to accommodate the push rod, and an outside diameter small enough to permit the tubular member to move through the opening, and a flange having an outside diameter too large to fit through the opening. An indicator formed integrally with the push rod is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the thickness of piston rider rings includes a probe disposed in the vicinity of the piston rod of a piston in a horizontal reciprocating machine to determine the vertical distance between the probe and the rod. Changes in the vertical distances are used to calculate wear of the piston rider rings. The apparatus may synchronize vertical distance measurements with the rotation of the crankshaft of the piston so that the distance measurements are taken at the same position of each stroke.

Abstract: A strap controlling the motion of weft yarn grippers in shuttleless looms, allowing to detect its state of wear, is provided with layers or inserts distributed according to the thickness and positioned along the length of the strap, adapted to supply optic, electric or magnetic signals indicating the wear of the strap.

Abstract: Apparatus for visually indicating a worn brush condition for carbon brushes arranged in a gang-type brush holder. A strip of red Teflon tape, or other distinctive marking, is positioned on the linear spring having a coiled top portion which biases the brush into contact with the collector ring. As the brush wears down, the marking on the spring becomes visible as the spring coils more and more. The tape is positioned on the spring such that, when the exposed top portion of the spring shows completely red (i.e., the color of the marking), it is indicated to the operator that a worn brush is to be replaced.

Abstract: A wellhead assembly for a beam pumped production well comprises a stuffing box for providing a seal around a polished rod of the beam pump assembly and a flapper type safety valve for sealing off the wellhead in case of polished rod failure. The safety valve comprises a wear plate which is pressed against the polished rod and means are provided for monitoring the amount of wear of the wear plate on the basis of the angular orientation of the safety valve relative to the stuffing box.

Abstract: An indicator that provides information on the wear status of a composite tool that is subject to abrasion during use. The composite tool contains at least one wear groove in the area subject to abrasion. The wear groove has a desired length and predetermined depth. The wear groove is formed of a desired length and of a predetermined depth into the tool in the area subject to abrasion. During use of the tool in composite forming, the tool is inspected for the presence and depth of the wear groove thereby indicating the wear status of the tool.

Abstract: An air brake adjustment marker for use on a vehicle having an air brake system attached to the undercarriage of a vehicle. The air brake system incudes an air supply, an air canister connected to the air supply and attached to the undercarriage. The air brake system further includes members movable with respect to the undercarriage. The movable members include a push rod extending from the air canister that moves between a retracted position to a first extended position and to a second over-extended position. A brake mechanism is operably connected to and movable by the push rod. The adjustment marker includes a chain attached to the push rod and having a predetermined length corresponding to the first extended position. A snap is attached to one end of the chain and a clamp is attached to the other end.

Abstract: The wear indicator comprises essentially a coaxial cable (4, 5) of which the conducting core (4) and the conducting sleeve (5) are connected electrically by a socket (6, 6', 6", 6'41 ). One bared end of the core (4) is disposed on a wear limit plane of a lining forming part of a friction member. A rotating member, disc or drum then cuts the end of the core when the lining reaches its permissible wear limit.

Abstract: An induction heater (1) includes a substantially cylindrical jacket adapted to be placed around an article which is to be induction heated, an induction coil (5) arranged within the jacket, and protuberances (4) projecting inwardly from the internal surface of the jacket to keep the article spaced apart from the surface so as to avoid abrasion of the surface by the article. The protuberances (4) may be axially extending ribs, and may incorporate a device, such as an embedded layer, to provide a change in the visible color thereof when worn down. A multipart construction is given for the heater, in which the coil (5) is wound onto an inner former (2) and outer shells (6) are located over the coil.

Abstract: A disc brake lining wear sensor (40) comprises a plastic encapsulated lining wear sensor (40) having a support bracket (42) which is attached to a support member (12) of the disc brake (10). The inner brake pad (16) has a peripherally projecting portion (17) and the caliper (22) has a peripheral caliper projecting portion (23). The sensor (40) extends axially from a longitudinal mid-portion (46) into two oppositely disposed and axially extending end portions (48, 50). Each of the end portions (48, 50) is connected with the mid-portion (46) by a sloped or ramped surface (52, 54). A metal conductor (55) is encapsulated within the wear sensor (40) and disposed adjacent the surfaces (52, 54) of the end portions (48, 50).

Abstract: The indicator comprises a loop of an electrical conductor 2 embedded in a body 1, from which a stud 3 and a lug 4 project. The stud 3 is pushed into a hole 9 made in a support plate 5 of the friction member, and the rest of the body and the lug 4 are turned down round one edge of the plate as a result of the deformability of the body between the stud 3 and the 4. The groove formed at the end of the stud 3 makes it possible to retain the lug 4 against the support plate in order to ensure that the indicator is fastened to this plate. The invention is used on disc brakes or drum brakes for motor vehicles.

Abstract: A wear indicator for an igniter of the type having a center electrode, an annular ground electrode surrounding the center electrode, and a spark gap between the electrodes extending along a surface of a ceramic material. An annular wear indicating groove is formed in the ground electrode to indicate when the ground electrode is sufficiently eroded to necessitate replacement of the igniter. For a low voltage igniter the ceramic material at the spark gap is a semiconductor material which also is subject to erosion during use. A wear indicating groove also may be formed on the center electrode at a location which becomes exposed to indicate when the semiconductor material is sufficiently eroded to necessitate replacement of the igniter.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for ensuring periodic adjustment of vehicle braking systems to maintain brake mechanism motion within prescribed bounds are disclosed and include an arrangement for monitoring motion of a selected brake mechanism component each time the vehicle brakes are applied and triggering a visible indicator only when the application of the vehicle brakes results in movement of the monitored component beyond a predetermined distance. Once triggered, the indicator remains triggered or "on" until manually reset.

Abstract: A brake adjustment indicator adapted to be mounted to a mounting bracket which supports a brake air chamber on a surface of the mounting bracket opposite the brake air chamber with the brake air chamber having a rod extending therethrough with one end of the rod adjacent the surface and connected by a clevis pin to a brake arm. The brake adjustment indicator comprises a bracket having an elongated body portion and having on one end thereof a base plate positioned generally at right angle to the base portion. The base portion is adapted to be mounted onto the mounting plate. The elongated body portion has an elongated, continuous slot therethrough, which slot is generally parallel to the rod when the base plate is mounted to the mounting plate. The brake adjustment indicator also comprises a pointer adapted to be adjustably mounted in the slot of the body portion.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a thermal barrier coating wherein multilayers of (I) a ZrO.sub.2 layer containing a luminous activator and stabilized by Y.sub.2 O.sub.3, CaO, MgO or a mixture thereof and (II) a ZrO.sub.2 layer containing a luminous activator different from that used in (I) and stabilized by Y.sub.2 O.sub.3, CaO, MgO or a mixture thereof, or a ZrO.sub.2 layer not containing a luminous activator and stablized by Y.sub.2 O.sub.3 are stacked, and the layers at least under an uppermost layer opposite to a base member to be protected have a total thickness sufficient for exhibiting a thermal barrier effect. The present invention has as its object to provide a thermal barrier coating which allows non-destructive testing to determine whether it has a thickness sufficient for themal barrier effect.

Abstract: A brake adjustment monitoring device of use on motor vehicles to warn the operators when the brakes are in need of adjustment or repair. A magnet is adjustably secured to the brake shaft connected to an existing brake air chamber assembly. A magnetically sensitive switch which is electrically connected to a wear signaling device is mounted on a rod proximate to the brake shaft at a predetermined distance from the magnet, so as to close the switch by magnetic flux when the shaft of the air chamber moves outward too far after the operator touches the brake pedal of the vehicle. The switch when closed energizes the wear signaling device, such as a buzzer and bulb, to alert the operator that the brakes are in need of adjustment.

Abstract: A plate lifting clamp has an eccentric cam with spaced apart rounded teeth having sharp crested edges which are provided with gauge marks extending into each tooth. Excessive wear on the teeth may be visually observed by comparing the worn portion of each tooth to the location of the gauge marks.

Abstract: The cable (70) of a wear indicator for friction linings (54) of a spot-type disc brake having a floating caliper (12) is received in a trough (72) of the contact pressure web (62) of a hold-down spring (60) for the lining so as to protect the cable from damage. The trough is covered by a sheet metal member (74).

Abstract: An indicator for monitoring both the temperature and the degree of wear of a brake. Specifically this invention may be used with multi-disk brakes, especially aircraft brakes. Upon brake actuation, a pressure plate compresses stationary and rotating members to provide braking. A probe member moves with and in contact with the pressure plate. The degree of wear of the brake stack is determined by the relative distance traveled by the probe. The probe member may be marked with indicia for indicating the wear or remaining brake life. The probe member also has a thermocouple embedded within it, thereby providing temperature indication of the brake stack. Signals from the thermocouple may be transmitted for indication and/or processing. Furthermore, this invention provides for modification of existing wear pins by the attachment of a thermocouple assembly.

Abstract: This invention is related to an apparatus for detecting an abnormal condition and limit of use of a forced lubricating plain bearing which supports a rotary shaft. An oiling pressure bore is formed in the plain bearing, and a pressure detector is connected to this oiling pressure bore. The oiling pressure bore is communicated with a lubricating oil feed bore via a throttle element. A closed portion of the oiling pressure bore is melted and broken by the heat generated when seizure occurs on the plain bearing, to cause a decrease in the oil pressure. This decrease in the oil pressure is detected to ascertain that the plain bearing is in an abnormal condition or reaches a limit of use.

Abstract: A plate lifting clamp has an eccentric cam with spaced apart teeth having sharp crest edges which are provided with slots extending radially into the teeth. Excessive wear on the teeth may be visually observed by the decreasing depth of the slot or disappearance thereof on any one tooth. The tooth crests may be curved in a plane parallel to an axis of rotation of the cam so that a generally elliptical shaped surface appears on the tooth crest as it is worn away. The length of the wear surface may be measured to determine when cam replacement is desirable.

Abstract: A ball and socket joint for automotive wheel suspensions or the like has a ball stud extending into a housing through its open end. The ball end of the ball stud rotatably bears against a load carrying bearing and a wear takeup bearing within the housing, in which is also mounted a spring urging the wear takeup bearing toward the load carrying bearing. The wear takeup bearing has a protuberance extending through an aperture in a cover closing the housing end opposite to its open end. Fitted over the protuberance, a wear indicator cap is normally engaged therewith in a position close to the housing cover and is sprung or otherwise preloaded in a direction away therefrom. When the protuberance recedes into the housing to such an extent that the wear of the joint exceeds an acceptable limit, the wear indicator cap travels from the housing under the preload and comes to a stop on the distal end of the protuberance, indicating the wear of the joint in a greatly amplified, visually recognizable manner.

Abstract: A machine condition diagnostic system is provided wherein machine components are labelled with indicator materials. A normal level of indicators in the lubricant will be established. The lubricant is monitored and periodically or continually sampled to determine the presence of abnormal levels in the amount of indicator material. Since each component or components performing a similar function will be labelled with the same indicator, the presence of a particular indicator in abnormal amounts in the lubricant will direct the machine operator to the precise location requiring repair or replacement.