Apparatus for measuring magnetic particles suspended in a fluid based on fluctuations in an induced voltage
First Claim
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1. A method for predicting the failure of a lubricated machine by detecting magnetic particles suspended in a liquid used to lubricate the machine, said method comprising the steps of:
- energizing a first coil with an electrical signal to induce a voltage in a second coil coupled to said first coil;
passing said liquid through the region coupling said coils;
processing said voltage induced in said second coil to detect fluctuations in said voltage; and
indicating the presence of magnetic particles in said liquid in response to said detected fluctuations to thereby predict whether said machine will fail.
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Abstract
An apparatus for detecting magnetic particles suspended in a liquid, such as particles suspended in lubricating oil flowing through an engine. The oil is caused to pass through the area coupling two or more coils while the mutual inductance of the coils is monitored. When a magnetic particle enters the area coupling the coils, the mutual inductance of the coils will increase, thereby indicating the presence of the particle.
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23 Claims
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1. A method for predicting the failure of a lubricated machine by detecting magnetic particles suspended in a liquid used to lubricate the machine, said method comprising the steps of:
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energizing a first coil with an electrical signal to induce a voltage in a second coil coupled to said first coil; passing said liquid through the region coupling said coils; processing said voltage induced in said second coil to detect fluctuations in said voltage; and indicating the presence of magnetic particles in said liquid in response to said detected fluctuations to thereby predict whether said machine will fail. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification