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:
Feb. 25, 2003
Filed:
Nov. 19, 1999
Robert R. Brackett, Cookeville, TN (US);
Fleetguard, Inc., Nashville, TN (US);
Abstract
An abrasive particle detention system includes a fluid circulation system, a probe assembly, a monitoring circuit, and an operator indicator. The probe assembly includes an orifice from which a stream of fluid emerges, and a probe having a face upon which the stream at least partially impinges. The probe face includes an insulative substrate and a conductive film formed on the substrate. Abrasive particles in the fluid stream abrade the conductive film, changing its electrical resistance. A monitoring circuit is utilized to observe these changes, and when they correspondence to a concentration above a pre-selected level, an operation indicator is triggered. The system may include an electronic controller coupled to the monitoring circuit, which can account for variables such as temperature, viscosity, and/or pressure in the fluid circulation system.