Patent ID: 6851546
Filing Date: 2005-02-08
Classification: B65G,G01B

Abstract:
1. A method for automatically monitoring the wear of a chain when in operation in a chain drive assembly, comprising the steps of applying first and second markers to the chain at a predetermined distance apart along the length of the chain, positioning a first sensor adjacent to the chain to coincide with the position of the first marker, positioning a second sensor adjacent to the chain to coincide with the position of the second marker, the sensors being capable of generating signals in response to the detection of the proximity of the markers, operating the chain drive assembly so that the first and second sensors are initially triggered substantially simultaneously by said first and second markers respectively, detecting elongation of the chain by determining when a predetermined time delay occurs between the triggering of the first and second sensors by the respective markers, moving at least one of the sensors to a position where substantially simultaneous triggering of the sensors by the markers is resumed, and measuring the distance the sensor is moved to determine the elongation length of the chain.