US6359690B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus, system and method for determining wear of an article
Assignee: Allen Bradley Co LLC
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Filing: 2000-02-16
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Granted: 2002-03-19
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Expires: 2020-02-16
Abstract
Abstract A system for determining wear of an article including an optical fiber for transmitting light from a light source. The optical fiber is embedded in the article, and operatively coupled to an interferometric system. The interferometric system is operatively coupled to a processor. The interferometric system provides the processor with information relating to wear of the optical fiber, and the processor determines wear of the article rate of wear and remaining useful life of the article based on the information relating to wear of the optical fiber.
Inventors
- 👤 Frederick M. Discenzo
- 👤 James S. Harris
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 23:25
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16D; F16D66/00; F16D66/02; B; B60; B60C; B60C11/00; B60C11/24; G; G01; G01B; G01B11/00; G01B11/02; G01B11/06; G01D; G01D5/00; G01D5/26; G01D5/268; G01D5/32; G01D5/34; G01D5/353; G01D5/35306; G01D5/35309; G01D5/35312; G01M; G01M11/00; G01M11/08; G01M11/083; G01M11/086; H; H01; H01R; H01R39/00; H01R39/02; H01R39/58; H02; H02K; H02K11/00; H02K11/20; H02K11/25; H02K11/30; H02K11/35; H02K5/00; H02K5/04; H02K5/14; F16D2066/001
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
64 words
A system for determining wear of an article, comprising: an optical wave guide, at least a portion of the optical wave guide being integrated with the article, an end of the optical wave guide extending to a wearing portion of the article and wearing in conjunction therewith; wherein the system determines wear of the article based upon determining wear of the optical wave guide.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
64 words
A system for determining wear of an article, comprising: an optical wave guide, at least a portion of the optical wave guide being integrated with the article, an end of the optical wave guide extending to a wearing portion of the article and wearing in conjunction therewith; wherein the system determines wear of the article based upon determining wear of the optical wave guide.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein a length direction of the optical wave guide is substantially parallel to a direction of wear of the article.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 1 , further including an interferometric system for determining wear of the optical wave guide.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the article is a carbon brush.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the article is a tire.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the article is a brake pad.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
70 words
A system for determining wear of an article, comprising: means for transmitting a light beam, said means for transmitting the light beam being at least partially integrated with the article, an end of the means for transmitting extending to a wearing portion of the article and wearing in conjunction therewith; wherein the system determines wear of the article based upon determining wear of the means for transmitting a light beam.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
70 words
A system for determining wear of an article, comprising: means for transmitting a light beam, said means for transmitting the light beam being at least partially integrated with the article, an end of the means for transmitting extending to a wearing portion of the article and wearing in conjunction therewith; wherein the system determines wear of the article based upon determining wear of the means for transmitting a light beam.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 7 , wherein the article is a carbon brush.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 7 , wherein the article is a tire.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 7 , wherein the article is a brake pad.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
65 words
A method for determining wear, comprising the steps of: using an article having an optical wave guide at least partially integrated therewith such that an end of the optical wave guide extends to a wearing portion of the article and wears in conjunction therewith; collecting information relating to wear of the optical wave guide; and determining wear of the article based on the collected information.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
65 words
A method for determining wear, comprising the steps of: using an article having an optical wave guide at least partially integrated therewith such that an end of the optical wave guide extends to a wearing portion of the article and wears in conjunction therewith; collecting information relating to wear of the optical wave guide; and determining wear of the article based on the collected information.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 11 further including the step of determining the rate of wear of the article based on the information.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
90 words
A system for determining a condition of an object, comprising: an optical fiber for transmitting a measuring light beam toward the object and for transmitting at least a portion of the measuring light beam reflected back from the object; a signal monitor operatively coupled to the optical fiber and a processor, the signal monitor adapted to receive the reflected measuring light beam; wherein the signal monitor provides the processor with information based on the reflected measuring, light beam, and the processor determines a condition of the object from the information.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
90 words
A system for determining a condition of an object, comprising: an optical fiber for transmitting a measuring light beam toward the object and for transmitting at least a portion of the measuring light beam reflected back from the object; a signal monitor operatively coupled to the optical fiber and a processor, the signal monitor adapted to receive the reflected measuring light beam; wherein the signal monitor provides the processor with information based on the reflected measuring, light beam, and the processor determines a condition of the object from the information.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2005-03-18 | 2005-09-17 | 2006-03-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2009-03-18 | 2009-09-17 | 2010-03-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2013-03-18 | 2013-09-17 | 2014-03-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |