Caterpillar Inc.

Marvin Grendel McKimpson

Richard A Carpenter

Sean Olen Cornell

Dong Fei

Yong Tian

George B Kokos

Tianjun Liu

James O Barlow

A monitoring system for a gearbox containing a lubricant is disclosed. The monitoring system may include a first sensor configured to measure a concentration of debris particles in the lubricant, a second sensor configured to generate data indicative of a deterioration of the gearbox, and a controller in communication with the first and second sensors. The controller may be configured to estimate a concentration of debris particles in the lubricant based on the data from the second sensor using a mathematical function, and estimate a remaining useful life of the gearbox based on a difference between concentration of debris particles measured by the first sensor and concentration of debris particles estimated to be in the lubricant.

Monitoring system for predicting gearbox lifespan

A monitoring system for a gearbox having at least one rotational component having a design lifetime and at least one design parameter is disclosed. The monitoring system may include a first sensor configured to generate a first signal indicative of a speed associated with the at least one rotational component, a second sensor configured to generate a second signal indicative of a torque associated with the rotational component, and a controller electronically connected to the first and second sensors. The controller may be configured to determine a remaining lifetime of the at least one rotational component based on the design lifetime, the at least one design parameter, and the first and second signals over a period of operating time, and generate a maintenance signal based on the remaining lifetime.

Gearbox component and lubricant condition monitoring system

A method is provided for extending the service life of a used metallic compressor wheel having a damaged surface. The method generally comprises the steps of inspecting the used compressor wheel for material discontinuities such as fatigue cracks and, if fatigue cracks exceeding a predetermined length are not present, renewing the used compressor wheel such as by peening. The inspection process comprises conducting a non-destructive examination of the used compressor wheel to detect cracks larger than those which would fall generally within the compressive stress zone that is generated by peening.

Method of extending the service life of used turbocharger compressor wheels

A machine component may include a body made of an iron alloy. The body may include a surface, and a coating fused to the surface. The coating may be an alloy including phosphorous, carbon, and iron. The coating may have solidus temperature of less than or equal to about 1000&#xb0; C., and a hardness greater than or equal to about 50 HRC.

Machine component with a cavitation resistant coating

A method to produce cast iron articles with various graphite morphologies is disclosed that provides cast iron with tailored properties at different locations of the article. Flake graphite morphology is preferably created at locations requiring excellent thermal conductivity or lubricity. Spheroidal graphite morphology is preferably created at locations requiring excellent strength or mechanical fatigue life. These methods may be particularly valuable for the production of heavy duty diesel engine components.

Growing community of inventors

Metamora, IL, United States of America

Marvin Grendel McKimpson