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:
Dec. 03, 2002
Filed:
Aug. 30, 2000
Kurt R. Graeff, Windsor, CT (US);
Westinghouse Electric Company LLC, Pittsburgh, PA (US);
Abstract
An overload indicator apparatus ( ) is provided for use in connection with a force generator ( ). The force generator is used to apply a force to a load ( ), and the overload indicator will indicate if the applied force is greater than a predetermined amount. The overload indicator includes a first support member ( ), a second support member ( ), and a tensile member ( ). The first support member can be connected to the force generator, and the second support member can be connected to the load. The tensile member is positioned between, and in load bearing communication with, the first support member and the second support member, and is adapted to support at least part of the force when the force is less than substantially the predetermined amount. An overload retainer ( ) comprises at least one beam ( ), the beam having a first end ( ) connected to the first support member and a second end ( ) connected to the second support member. The beam is adapted to support at least part of the force when the force is greater than substantially the predetermined amount. An indicator means ( ) indicates that the force applied to the load is greater than substantially the predetermined amount.