VEHICLE TEMPERATURE WARNING SYSTEM
First Claim
1. A temperature warning system for a vehicle, said vehicle including a wheel end assembly rotatably mounted on an axle spindle end of the vehicle, said vehicle temperature warning system comprising:
- a) an air supply;
b) a thermal plug having a non-activated state and an activated state, said thermal plug being disposed on said wheel end assembly in said non-activated state, said thermal plug being in fluid communication with said air supply and blocking fluid flow through the thermal plug from said air supply when said thermal plug is in the non-activated state; and
c) a flow sensor operatively connected to a warning device, said flow sensor being in fluid communication with said thermal plug and with said air supply, whereby when said axle spindle end or said wheel end assembly become excessively heated during operation of said vehicle, said thermal plug is activated and allows fluid to flow from said air supply through the thermal plug, said fluid flow being sensed by said flow sensor which in turn activates said warning device.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A temperature warning system for a vehicle includes a thermal plug disposed on the wheel end assembly of the vehicle. The thermal plug is in fluid communication with an air supply and with a flow sensor. The flow sensor is operatively connected to a warning light or indicator. Excessive heat in the axle spindle end and/or the wheel end assembly causes a fusible material in the thermal plug to melt allowing air to flow from the air supply through the thermal plug thus activating the flow sensor. The flow sensor in turn activates the warning light or indicator alerting the driver of the vehicle of a problem condition at the wheel end assembly and/or axle spindle.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. A temperature warning system for a vehicle, said vehicle including a wheel end assembly rotatably mounted on an axle spindle end of the vehicle, said vehicle temperature warning system comprising:
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a) an air supply; b) a thermal plug having a non-activated state and an activated state, said thermal plug being disposed on said wheel end assembly in said non-activated state, said thermal plug being in fluid communication with said air supply and blocking fluid flow through the thermal plug from said air supply when said thermal plug is in the non-activated state; and c) a flow sensor operatively connected to a warning device, said flow sensor being in fluid communication with said thermal plug and with said air supply, whereby when said axle spindle end or said wheel end assembly become excessively heated during operation of said vehicle, said thermal plug is activated and allows fluid to flow from said air supply through the thermal plug, said fluid flow being sensed by said flow sensor which in turn activates said warning device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A temperature warning system for a vehicle, said vehicle including a wheel end assembly rotatably mounted on an axle spindle end of the vehicle, said vehicle temperature warning system comprising:
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a) an air supply; and b) a thermal plug having a non-activated state and an activated state, said thermal plug being disposed on said wheel end assembly in said non-activated state, said thermal plug being in fluid communication with said air supply and blocking fluid flow through the thermal plug from said air supply when said thermal plug is in the non-activated state, whereby when said axle spindle end or said wheel end assembly become excessively heated during operation of said vehicle, said thermal plug is activated and allows fluid to flow from said air supply through an opening formed in said wheel end assembly, said opening being shaped to produce an audible whistle as fluid passes through said opening. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification