Abstract: A valve including indicating means for indicating overtravel of an operating member beyond its normally closed position for warning that replacement of a seal is necessary. A diaphragm valve has a diaphragm of a material which withstands repeated flexing and is clamped in a unique manner.

Abstract: A material wear indicator for a disc brake lining or clutch pad or any other erodible part comprises a vapor substance. Erosion of the part to a predetermined level exposes the substance to an ambient environment or other chemical means. The substance begins to exude an invisible vapor with a specific scent or oder. Alternatively or in combination with a scent emission, visible vapor can be color coded for a fretted part identification or erosion level thereof. The presence of the vapor immediately alerts service personnel of the danger and necessity to replace the worn-out part. The vapor emitting wear indicator does not require any electrical, hydraulic, sound or mechanical connection to any gauge or system and therefore represents one of the cheapest, reliable and most effective ways to indicate the selected level of material abrasion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for indicating wear or misalignment between a screw and barrel in a plastic material feeder includes forming an aperture in a side wall of the barrel and positioning a proximity detecting probe in the aperture. The probe generates a detection signal having a magnitude proportional to the distance between a selected reference point on the inner wall of the barrel and an outer edge of the flight as it rotates past. The detection signal is stored and displayed as a visual indication of the distance. The stored signal can be selectively reset and two or more probe detection signals can be selectively displayed.

Abstract: A fork lift vehicle lift fork having provisions to signal a user when wear of the fork on a surface or surfaces which are subject to wear, has progressed to an extent which may result in failure of the fork if subject to further continued use, such provisions including a plate element fastened adjacent a surface in such a way as to cause automatic release of the plate element when the wear has progressed to a predetermined extent, to assure visible notice of that fact, similar provisions being suitable for use in like manner to indicate wear of a separate surface subject to wear.

Abstract: A clutch system providing a simplified clutch adjustment which also gives an indication of how much clutch facing remains so that it is known when a clutch face needs replacement. The system mounts the motor armature and flywheel in a bearing structure which is axially shiftable toward the clutch face by utilization of a rotatable element threadedly engaged with the main frame of the motor and which presents against one end of the bearing structure so that it may shift the bearing structure and the entire armature and flywheel by rotation of the threaded element. This threaded element is coupled to the fan cowl of the motor which is in turn held in fixed position by a latching member. With the latching member released, the fan cowl is rotatable to adjust the flywheel, with the fan cowl then being again latched into position to prevent further movement of the flywheel in an axial direction.

Abstract: A first wear feeler arranged in a brake lining slides within a borehole under the pressure of a spring in the direction towards a crown or disk. The feeler is immobilized at the level corresponding to the maximum wear of the lining. A second borehole which extends from the maximum wear level to the friction surface of the lining contains a second, licking feeler connected electrically to the first feeler. A line to an alarm is provided with a switch which is open upon braking maneuvers and closed otherwise. The closing of the alarm circuit other than during braking maneuvers is produced either in the case of licking of the lining on the disk or on the crown by the second feeler or in the case of maximum wear by the first feeler.

Abstract: Described is a novel marker for wire ropes, in the form of a polymer, e.g., polyester film carrying a highly abrasion-resistant impression. This polyester film is wound around a support element in spirally overlapping manner and is worked into a gap between the bundles of strands, at the same twisting angle as the latter.

Abstract: A wear-limit warning device for a vehicle disc brake, warning the vehicle driver that a maximum permissible wear limit is reached on the friction pad or pads. The warning device comprises a projection protruding sideways from the end face of a backing plate of each friction pad, and a warning member made from a spring sheet material. The warning member consists of a mounting leg portion, a contact portion and a spring portion connecting the leg and contact portions. The leg portion having a pair of legs which grip therebetween an end portion of the backing plate and the protruding projection thereby attaching the warning member to the backing plate and preventing the same from being shifted out of position during service. The contact portion extends along the end face of the projection until its end reaches a permissible wear limit level of the friction member of the friction pad, and is pressed against the end face of the projection with a resilient force of the spring portion.

Abstract: A disk brake comprises a caliper housing adapted to fit over the edge of a brake disk rotatable about an axis, a pair of brakeshoes in the housing axially flanking the disk and each having a brake pad turned toward the respective face of the disk and a backing plate turned away therefrom, and an actuator in the housing and engaging the backing plates for urging the brakeshoes together against the disk. The backing plates are formed with respective axially throughgoing brakeshoe passages and the housing is formed with respective housing passages in line with the brakeshoe passages. The brake further has a spring compressed axially between the brakeshoes and having respective legs extending toward the shoes, respective pusher portions extending from the legs and lying flatly against the backing plates, and respective guide portions extending from the pusher portions and extending axially through the respective brakeshoe passage and housing passage.

Abstract: A transformer motor pump unit for circulating a fluid in a transformer characterized by a rotating pump shaft mounted in non-electrically conductive bearings, means for detecting shaft displacement due to bearing wear, and a static arrester grounding the pump shaft and all rotating parts for preventing static electricity buildup on the shaft and subsequent discharge from the shaft to the bearing area. Power circuit means for operating the pump includes the static arrester as a control circuit for tripping the pump out of operation should mechanical failure occur.

Abstract: An easily insertable and removable brake pad abrasion detector is provided by forming a recess in the rear surface of the pad, a hole in the pad backing plate communicating with the recess, a sleeve in the hole having inwardly projecting one-way pawls and a probe having a circumferential shoulder engaged by the pawls when inserted. The small diameter part of the probe may have an elliptical cross-section so that the pawls may be disengaged by merely turning the probe.

Abstract: A method which can readily and accurately detect the depth of cracks in the rolls for transferring hot steel ingot blooms is disclosed. In operation, a fluid of a desired pressure is fed into a plurality of elongated holes formed in the rolls, such elongated holes being disposed in a direction parallel to and along the axis of the rolls and also equidistantly below the round surface of the roll. When cracks occur and reach the elongated holes, the fluid leaks through cracks from the elongated holes and such leakage causes a change in the amount of flow of the fluid. Thereby the cracks can be readily detected by measuring such change of fluid flow by a suitable known detector.

Abstract: A friction lining wear indicator for shoe-drum brakes comprising a sensor mounted on a brake shoe, which actuates an indicator when the thickness of a friction lining carried by a platform of the shoe for engagement with a drum is less than a predetermined value. In order to locate the sensor at the most effective position without machining the lining or fastening the sensor permanently to the shoe, the sensor is located by a mounting device located in a depression in an edge of the platform, and co-operates with the shoe to retain the sensor adjacent the lining. The mounting device comprises a plastics plug, or a resilient clip, and the retaining device is releasable. The sensor comprises a wire loop or a pressed insulation-coated metal strip, and may be integral with the mounting device. The sensor and the drum are connected in a circuit with the indicator which is actuated when the sensor touches the drum.

Abstract: Corrosion of a component surface, e.g. the surface of a pipe, is monitored by monitoring the thickness, e.g. by resistance measurement, of a test element formed from the material of the component and mounted so that its exposed surface is flush with and extends over substantially all of one dimension of the component surface, e.g. substantially all round the circumference of a pipe.

Abstract: A round-counter for heavy artillery guns comprises a small block secured ween stationary and recoiling gun parts. A surface of a recoiling part makes frictional surface contact with the stationary block so that erosion of the block through frictional wear is equitable to number of rounds fired. The device can also be used to count revolutions of a journaled shaft or the like.

Abstract: Fluid-cooled electrical apparatus having a new and improved pump for circulating the fluid within the apparatus. The pump has a motor portion in fluid communication with a pump portion, non-electrically conductive bearings supporting a common shaft between the two portions, and means for detecting shaft displacement due to bearing wear. Electrically conductive contact rings disposed within recesses in the bearings' sleeve and thrust surfaces complete an electric connection with the shaft in the event of bearing wear. Circuit means connected to the electrically conductive contact rings deenergizes the motor when the contact rings detect predetermined bearing wear.

Abstract: There is disclosed a brake wear indicator which is suited for the retrofit installation on vehicle pneumatic brakes. The wear indicator comprises a sleeve that loosely fits over the push rod of the pneumatic actuator. The sleeve has an outside diameter permitting it to be received in the aperture of the actuator housing which slidably receives the push rod and is frictionally engaged within this aperture. When the vehicle brakes are applied during normal operation, the sleeve is extended from the actuator by the diaphragm member assembly which subdivides the actuator housing into the air pressure chamber and the ambient chamber which receives the push rod. Indicia are calibrated on the exterior surface of the sleeve whereby one can directly observe the degree of sleeve travel which corresponds to the push rod travel in the brake system. A continuous reading is thus obtainable on the degree of wear of the brake system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for obtaining a quantitative indication of paper web abrasiveness as the web subject of the test is in transit through the production machine. Test specimens of thin, sheet metal shim stock are held in light bearing pressure contact against the dry, finished or nearly finished web for a measured increment of web length. The measured quantity of specimen material lost to the measured quantity of passing web will yield a quotient indicative of the relative abrasiveness of the subject web.

Abstract: A brake lining wear sensor produces an audible signal when it engages a rotating brake drum upon a predetermined amount of lining wear. The sensor is disposed within a groove between a friction lining and a brake shoe rim. Portions of the sensor project away from a body portion and engage the rotating brake drum to produce the warning signal. The projecting portions also cooperate with surfaces of the brake shoe rim or the friction lining to retain the sensor within the groove.

Abstract: A spring member is biased toward the outer peripheral edge of a vented disk and is held out of engagement therewith by a locking device. As the brake pads wear, the pad backing plates come closer together, thus compressing the locking device and releasing the spring so that it may engage the ribs in the outer periphery of the disk. The spring member is shaped to prevent excessive protrusion into the apertures in the disk and to permit reverse rotation of the disk.

Abstract: The specification discloses a flange valve having a metal valve body with a longitudinal central passage therethrough and annular flanges extending outwardly from the ends thereof. A truncated ellipsoid valve member is located in the central portion of the passage, the ellipsoid member having major and minor axes and being truncated at the opposite ends of the major axes. An aperture is formed through the ellipsoid member along the major axis. Annular resilient seats are disposed on opposing sides of the valve member to provide sealing between the interior of the valve body and the exterior of the valve member. A pair of removable annular liners are dimensioned to closely fit within opposite ends of the central passage of the valve body and include end portions abutting the resilient seats. The liners are constructed from non-corrosive material to prevent corrosion of the valve body.

Abstract: A brake apparatus having a friction pad riveted to a brake shoe and an air conduit recessed within the pad and positioned within its working thickness. As the pad is gradually worn away, the conduit is interrupted by the formation of an opening therein before the rotor can be scored by the rivets. A remote indicator, which may be mounted on the instrument panel of a vehicle, is then responsive to a change in air pressure within the conduit to signal the need for pad replacement.

Abstract: The disc brake disclosed is of the type used for heavy equipment, including off-the-road vehicles. It is oil cooled, with the disc pack being enclosed in a housing. In brakes of this type which are currently on the market, the wear of the disc pack can be checked only by disassembly of the brake assembly. The disclosure shows an arrangement wherein pack wear can be checked without requiring such disassembly. The bosses in which piston retracting mechanisms are provided are convenient for such purposes. One or more of these bosses is provided with a tapped access hole after having the boss end surface machined to a smooth finish. When the brake disc pack is new, the service brake piston and the parking brake release piston cavities are pressurized, causing the parking brake piston to back off completely. The service brake piston squeezes the disc pack against the parking brake piston and pulls the service brake piston return spring guide pins with it.

Abstract: A brake apparatus having a friction pad riveted to a brake shoe and a light conductor extending through the pad within its working thickness. As the pad is worn away, the light conductor is severed by the abrasive action of a rotatable member causing a remote indicator, responsive to the interruption of light transmission through the conduit, to signal the need to replace the pad. The configuration of the light conduit insures that the signal will be given at the appropriate time despite misalignment between the pad and the rotatable member.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the wear of a shaft bearing includes a source of fluid, a valve, and a linear transducer. The transducer has a probe which may be urged aganst the shaft by admitting fluid from the source to a chamber in the transducer. As the probe is urged against the shaft, voltages provided by the transducer change in a relationship to the movement of the probe. The voltage change is monitored to measure the shaft bearing wear. Upon completion, the fluid is vented, which allows the probe to return to a rest position.

Abstract: A disc brake is provided with a warning device or sensor made of a springy material. The sensor is mounted within an space between a friction disc and pad assembly and a yoke, and has a tongue portion formed with a section adapted to rub on a rotating disc at an area disposed outside of the contact surface. When a friction pad is worn out to a predetermined thickness, the section rubs on the disc, emitting an audible warning sound to alert the driver that something is wrong and he should take appropriate action.

Abstract: A mechanism mounted adjacent one end of a roller bearing carries a probe biased against ends of the rollers, the probe having a shoe wide enough to span at least two rollers. A spring biased hammer is latched in a cocked condition by a latch device which is controlled by the probe. A bell or sounder rotates in a path near the hammer. When the cage of the bearing fails prior to bearing failure, the rollers bunch up forming a gap which allows the probe to drop into the gap to unlatch the hammer which swings against the bell to cause an audible indication of imminent bearing failure.

Abstract: An annular portion is provided in a friction surface of a disc brake adjacent to the circumference of the friction surface of the disc brake at least on one side thereof. This annular portion of the friction surface of the disc brake is slowly inclined along its circumference. A friction pad adapted to be forced against the friction surface of the brake disc includes a pressure bearing portion which is adapted to be forced against the aforesaid inclined surface of the annular portion, when the friction pad is worn down beyond a wear limit. When this pressure bearing portion is pressed against the annular portion, the inclined surface of a brake disc slides on the pressure bearing portion, so that the pressure bearing portion may cyclically receive reactions from the inclined surface of the annular portion at no sacrifice of a damage thereon, because of the smooth inclined surface of the annular portion of a disc brake.

Abstract: The specification discloses a flange valve having a metal valve body with a longitudinal central passage therethrough and annular flanges extending outwardly from the ends thereof. A truncated ellipsoid valve member is located in the central portion of the passage, the ellipsoid member having major and minor axes and being truncated at the opposite ends of the major axes. An aperture is formed through the ellipsoid member along the major axis. Annular resilient seats are disposed on opposing sides of the valve member to provide sealing between the interior of the valve body and the exterior of the valve member. A pair of removable annular liners are dimensioned to closely fit within opposite ends of the central passage of the valve body and include end portions abutting the resilient seats. The liners are constructed from non-corrosive material to prevent corrosion of the valve body.

Abstract: A wear indicator for use with a brake having an actuation means. The wear indicator measures the gap between a friction member and the actuation means which is a function of the wear experienced by the friction member.