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:
Jan. 23, 2018
Filed:
Aug. 13, 2012
Laurens G. J. Wolters, Lichtenvoorde, NL;
Michael Hendrik Degroot, Rockford, MI (US);
Laurens G. J. Wolters, Lichtenvoorde, NL;
Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Rockford, MI (US);
Mol Belting Systems, Inc., Grand Rapids, MI (US);
Abstract
Apparatus and method for detecting seal failure of a sealed region within a conveyor component. A fluid line extends out of the sealed region and a sensor is connected to the fluid line. A valve is connected subsequent to the sensor, and a fluid pump that is connected subsequent to the valve. A controller is connected to the sensor, the valve, and the fluid pump. The sensor is external to the sealed region and the valve is a solenoid valve. The sealed region is within an idler pulley that has a drum shell with an end lid affixed at an axial end thereof, and a shaft. The sealed region can be contained within a motorized drum or a hollow conveyor frame structure. A method detects seal failure by forming a sealed region bounded by a surface and a seal, and altering a fluid pressure, th time rate of change of which is monitored.