Patent ID: 7008114
Filing Date: 2006-03-07
Classification: A01B,A01D,A01F,F16C,G01M

Abstract:
1. In combination with a shaft located along an axis of rotation, a first member disposed in concentric relationship to said shaft and a pair of bearings mounted on the shaft, and each bearing including an inner race engaging and being secured to the shaft and an outer race engaging and being secured to said first member, a bearing failure indicator, comprising: a contact surface disposed at a fixed radius relative to said axis of rotation; a second member mounted on said shaft and having at least one projection disposed at a predetermined clearance distance from said contact surface when said bearing is unworn, whereby, when said bearing undergoes a predetermined amount of wear one of said shaft and first member will rotate non-concentrically relative to said axis such that said projection will come into contact with said contact surface and thereby generate an audible sound which alerts an operator of an impending bearing failure, and wherein said shaft is mounted for rotation about said axis; a drive being coupled to said shaft and including a power source, and a slip coupling located between a power source and said shaft; said slip coupling normally establishing a drive connection between said power source and said shaft but being responsive to an increase in torque caused by said at least one projection engaging said contact surface so as to slip and disconnect the transfer of torque to said shaft, thereby requiring an operator to replace the bearings so as to avoid a bearing failure.