Apparatus for positioning a detection device for monitoring a rotatable machine element

• US 6,133,730 A
• Filed: 04/22/1998
• Issued: 10/17/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 04/22/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: William E. Winn
• Original Assignee: William E. Winn
• Inventors: Winn, William E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Oda, Christine K.
• Assistant Examiner(s): JOLLY, ANTHONY S
• Application Number:
  US09/064,865
• Time in Patent Office: 909 Days
• Field of Search: 324/207.22, 324/207.11, 324/207.13, 324/207.14, 324/207.15, 324/207.21, 324/207.25, 324/207.26, 324/173
• US Class Current: 324/207.22
• CPC Class Codes: G01P 1/00 Details of instruments
• CPC Class Codes: G01P 3/481 of pulse signals

Abstract

An apparatus for positioning a detection device for monitoring a rotatable machine element. The apparatus for positioning a detection device for monitoring a rotatable machine element includes a rod having one end removably mountable on the rotatable machine element. A plate is securable to the rod. A bearing assembly is engagable with the rod. A carriage is attachable to the bearing assembly for holding the detection device adjacent the plate for monitoring rotation of the rotatable base piece.

Claims

1. An apparatus for positioning a detection device for monitoring a rotatable machine element, comprising:

a rod having one end removably mountable on the rotatable machine element;

a plate securable to the rod;

a bearing assembly engageable with the rod; and

a carriage slidably attachable to the bearing assembly for holding the detection device adjacent the plate for monitoring rotation of the rotatable machine element.

2. An apparatus for positioning a detection device for monitoring a rotatable machine element as defined in claim 1, wherein the rod is removably mountable to a protruding end of the rotatable machine element.

3. An apparatus for positioning a detection device for monitoring a rotatable machine element as defined in claim 2, wherein the rod is formed with a proximal end and a distal end, and a peripheral surface therebetween, the proximal end being removably mountable in the bore of the rotatable machine element.

4. An apparatus for positioning a detection device for monitoring a rotatable machine element as defined in claim 3, wherein the bore formed in the protruding end of the rotatable machine element further comprises bore threads.

5. An apparatus for positioning a detection device for monitoring a rotatable machine element as defined in claim 4, wherein the proximal end of the rod is formed with a second set of threads matable with the bore threads on the inner wall of the bore.

6. An apparatus for positioning a detection device for monitoring a rotatable machine element as defined in claim 5, wherein the detection device is a sensor.

7. An apparatus for positioning a detection device for monitoring a rotatable machine element as defined in claim 6, wherein the detection device is connectable to a computer for monitoring the rotatable machine element remotely.

8. An apparatus for positioning a detection device for monitoring a rotatable machine element, comprising:

a rod having a proximal end and a distal end, and a peripheral surface therebetween, the proximal end formed to be removably mountable on the rotatable machine element;

a plate formed with a hole for inserting the rod through the plate and securing the plate to the rod;

a bearing assembly engageable with the peripheral surface of the rod; and

a carriage slidably attachable to the bearing assembly for holding the detection device adjacent the plate for monitoring rotation of the rotatable machine element.

9. An apparatus for positioning a detection device for monitoring a rotatable machine element as defined in claim 8, wherein the proximal end of the rod is removably engagable with a bore formed in a protruding end of the rotatable machine element.

10. An apparatus for positioning a detection device for monitoring a rotatable machine element as defined in claim 8, wherein the plate is secured to the rod.

11. An apparatus for positioning a detection device for monitoring a rotatable machine element as defined in claim 8, wherein the bearing assembly further comprises a bearing and a hub.

12. An apparatus for positioning a detection device for monitoring a rotatable machine element, comprising:

means for forming a bore in a protruding end of the rotatable machine element;

a rod having a proximal end and a distal end, and a peripheral surface therebetween, the proximal end removably mountable in the bore of the rotatable machine element;

a plate formed with an anterior face and a posterior face, and an edge formed therebetween, the plate having a hole between the anterior face and the posterior face for inserting the rod through the plate;

means for securing the plate to the rod;

a bearing assembly engageable with the peripheral surface of the rod and disposed between the posterior face of the plate and the distal end of the rod for rotating the rod; and

a carriage slidably attachable to the bearing assembly for holding the detection device adjacent the rotating edge of the plate for monitoring rotation of the rotatable machine element.

13. An apparatus for positioning a detection device for monitoring a rotatable machine element as defined in claim 12, wherein the bore forming means is a drill.

14. An apparatus for positioning a detection device for monitoring a rotatable machine element as defined in claim 13, wherein the plate is a bar.

15. An apparatus for positioning a detection device for monitoring a rotatable machine element as defined in claim 13, wherein the edge of the plate is formed with one or more notches.

16. An apparatus for positioning a detection device for monitoring a rotatable machine element as defined in claim 12, wherein the carriage further comprises a case and a cover.

17. An apparatus for positioning a detection device for monitoring a rotatable machine element as defined in claim 12, wherein the carriage is a housing for enclosing the rod, the plate, the means for securing the plate to the rod, the bearing assembly, and the detection device.

18. An apparatus for positioning a detection device for monitoring a rotatable machine element as defined in claim 12, wherein the detection device is a sensor.

19. An apparatus for positioning a detection device for monitoring a rotatable machine element as defined in claim 18, wherein the detection device is a proximity sensor.

20. An apparatus for positioning a detection device for monitoring a rotatable machine element as defined in claim 12, wherein the detection device is connectable to a computer.