The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 09, 2002
Filed:
Feb. 29, 2000
Christos T. Kyrtsos, Southfield, MI (US);
Alan E. Tousignant, Clinton Township, MI (US);
Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems, LLC, Troy, MI (US);
Abstract
A device for detecting undesirable vibrations in a vehicle drive line utilizes a sensor that communicates with a controller to indicate undesirable vibrations in a drive line component. In one example, a temperature sensor is placed in a central portion of a universal joint. The temperature sensor preferably is supported within a single housing along with a transmitter that is responsive to the temperature sensor to transmit a signal to a remotely located receiver without using a hardwire connection between the transmitter and receiver. Packaging the temperature sensor, transmitter and a power source within a single housing provides the ability to seal off or close a series of lubrication channels that extend through the universal joint. In another example, a contact-based sensor provides a signal whenever a vibration of a drive line component occurs. The contact-based sensor signal preferably is processed to monitor the number of vibrations over time and a vehicle operator is provided with an indication of the level of vibrations as desired.