Lubrication condition monitoring pod for pressurized applications

A machine fluid testing probe is disclosed having a handle, a shaft connected to the handle, and a plurality of indicators supported by the shaft. The shaft has a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first portion extending from the first end toward the second end, a second portion extending from the first portion toward the second end, and a shoulder defined by the second portion. The second portion has a continuous arcuate external surface having a second cross-sectional axis greater than a first cross-sectional axis of the first portion. The shaft is configured to contact a machine fluid. The plurality of indicators are supported by the first portion of the shaft between the first end and the second end. Each of the plurality of indicators is configured to test for one or more contaminants in the machine fluid.

BACKGROUND

Most machines used in manufacturing and other industries require machine fluids for lubrication and function of machine components. Exemplary machine fluids include lubricants and oils which may be based upon hydrocarbons, synthetic, and/or petroleum based products. Other types of machine fluids include hydraulic fluids. The machine fluids typically must be maintained within a preferred range of composition for cleanliness for efficient performance of the machine. For example, when oil is used as a machine fluid, the unwanted addition of water or debris may cause the machine to loose efficiency or sustain damage.

In the past, machine fluids were monitored through the collection and analysis of samples of the machine fluid. However, some current sampling and monitoring processes are inefficient, time consuming, and costly. For example, sampling may be taken from the bottom of the sump of machines (e.g., from drain ports), which can mix the lubricant with sediment making effective oil monitoring difficult. Sample may also require that the machine be stopped or even drained of lubricant, causing a loss of production of the machine. The best sample location and device enables the lubricant to be sampled from moving (representative) fluid without temporary loss of production. Therefore, an apparatus is needed to more efficiently monitor (through onsite inspection techniques) and sample machine fluids from a single location.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a machine fluid testing assembly is disclosed. The machine fluid testing assembly has a sight glass, a probe extending through the sight glass, and at least one seal surrounding the probe. The sight glass is at least partially constructed of one or more material that is transparent to light in a visible region. The sight glass is configured to be attachable to a machine such that machine fluid is viewable through the sight glass. The sight glass has an inside surface surrounding a cavity, an outside surface, and a bore extending from the inside surface to the outside surface. The probe extends through the bore of the sight glass such that at least a portion of the probe is positionable for contact with the machine fluid. The probe has a handle, a shaft extending outwardly from the handle, a stop member connected to the shaft, and a plurality of indicators positioned on the shaft. The shaft has a first end proximate to the handle, a second end opposite the first end, and a length extending between the first end and the second end. The shaft is configured to be removably extended into the cavity to contact a machine fluid within the cavity. The stop member is connected to the shaft, proximate to the second end and extends outwardly from the shaft to prevent removal from the cavity. The plurality of indicators are positioned on the shaft to contact the machine fluid and are configured to test for one or more contaminants within the machine fluid. The least one seal surrounds the bore and extends into the bore to engage the shaft to prevent the machine fluid from exiting the bore.

In another version, a machine fluid testing probe is disclosed. The machine fluid testing probe has a handle, a shaft connected to the handle, and a plurality of indicators supported by the shaft. The shaft is connected to the handle and extends outwardly from handle. The shaft has a first end proximate to the handle, a second end opposite the first end, and a length extending between the first end and the second end, a first portion extending from the first end toward the second end, a second portion extending from the first portion toward the second end, and a shoulder defined by the second portion of the shaft at an intersection of the first portion and the second portion. The first portion has a first cross-sectional axis. The second portion has a continuous arcuate external surface having a second cross-sectional axis greater than the first cross-sectional axis and extending across the continuous arcuate external surface. The shaft is configured to be removably positioned to contact a machine fluid of a machine. The plurality of indicators are supported by the first portion of the shaft between the first end and the second end so as to contact the machine fluid. Each of the plurality of indicators is configured to test for one or more contaminants in the machine fluid. A first indicator of the plurality of indicators has at least a first indicator cross-sectional axis which is smaller than the second cross-sectional axis of the second portion of the shaft whereby the first indicator at least partially defines a recess.

In another embodiment, a machine fluid testing assembly is disclosed. The machine fluid testing assembly has a handle, a shaft connected to the handle, a plurality of indicators supported by the shaft, and a coupling body in which the shaft is positionable. The shaft is connected to the handle and extends outwardly from the handle. The shaft has a first end proximate to the handle, a second end opposite the first end, and a length extending between the first end and the second end, a first portion extending from the first end toward the second end, a second portion extending from the first portion toward the second end, and a shoulder defined by the second portion of the shaft at an intersection of the first portion and the second portion. The first portion has a first cross-sectional axis. The second portion has a continuous arcuate external surface having a second cross-sectional axis greater than the first cross-sectional axis and extending across the continuous arcuate external surface. The shaft is configured to be removably positioned to contact a machine fluid of a machine. The plurality of indicators is supported by the first portion of the shaft between the first end and the second end so as to contact the machine fluid. Each of the plurality of indicators is configured to test for one or more contaminants in the machine fluid. A first indicator of the plurality of indicators has at least a first indicator cross-sectional axis which is smaller than the second cross-sectional axis of the second portion of the shaft whereby the first indicator at least partially defines a recess. The coupling body has an open first end and an open second end, an inside surface and an outside surface extending from the open first end to the open second end forming a coupling body cavity such that the shaft is positionable within the coupling body cavity. The coupling body further has a port extending from the coupling body cavity through the inside surface and the outside surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In addition, use of the “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements and components of the embodiments herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the inventive concept. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless otherwise stated.

The terminology and phraseology used herein is for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. Language such as “including,” “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” or “involving,” and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited or inherently present therein.

As used herein any references to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or “some embodiments” means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification may not refer to the same embodiment.

Referring now toFIGS. 1 and 2, therein shown is a machine fluid testing assembly10mounted to a machine14in accordance with the present disclosure such that a machine fluid16(shown in phantom) within the machine14enters into a sight glass18of the machine fluid testing assembly10. The machine fluid testing assembly10may be mounted onto the machine14at a location below the machine fluid16level within the machine14. Thus, the sight glass18will be filled with the machine fluid16. Also, the machine fluid16may need to be under pressure in a range from 30-100 PSI above atmospheric pressure. For this reason, the machine fluid testing assembly10is designed to seal against and maintain pressure within the machine14.

The machine fluid testing assembly10may include the sight glass18, a machine fluid testing probe20extending through the sight glass18, and at least one seal22(seeFIG. 4). The sight glass18may be at least partially constructed of one or more material that is transparent to light in a visible region, such that the machine fluid16is visible to a person monitoring the condition of the machine fluid16. The sight glass18may be configured to be attachable to a machine14such that machine fluid16is viewable through the sight glass18. In some embodiments, the sight glass18may be constructed, at least in part, from glass; borosilicate glass; plastics, such as polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT); or other suitable materials which are transparent to light in the visible region of the light spectrum. The sight glass18may be formed by moulding, injection moulding, blowing, machining, 3D printing, a combination thereof, or any other suitable method.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIG. 4, the sight glass18may have an open first end24, an open second end26opposite the open first end24and spaced a distance therefrom, and a sidewall28extending between the open first end24and the open second end26. The sight glass18may have an inside surface30surrounding a cavity32, an outside surface34, and a bore36extending from the inside surface30to the outside surface34. In some embodiments, the inside surface30and the outside surface34may be an inside surface and an outside surface of the sidewall28. Further, in some embodiments, the open second end26may define the bore36although the bore36can be positioned in another location.

In some embodiments, the open first end24of the sight glass18may be configured to be releasably attachable to the machine14directly or indirectly such that the machine fluid16is transferrable from the machine14to the sight glass18. For example, the open first end24of the sight glass18may be configured to be releasably attachable to the machine14directly via a threaded connection, one or more clamp, one or more nut and bolt assembly, or any other suitable releasable attachment mechanism. By way of another example, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the open first end24of the sight glass18may be configured to be releasably attached to the machine14indirectly via a coupling body38, described in more detail below. In either event, the sight glass18may be releasably connected to the machine without destruction of the machine14or the sight glass18.

Referring now toFIGS. 3-5, therein shown is the machine fluid testing assembly10and the machine fluid testing probe20, also hereinafter referred to as “the probe20”. The probe20may extend through the bore36of the sight glass18such that at least a portion of the probe20is positionable for contact with the machine fluid16. In some embodiments, the probe20may include a handle40, a shaft42extending outwardly from the handle40, and a plurality of indicators44positioned on the shaft42.

The handle40may have a first end46and a second end48opposite the first end46. The second end48of the handle40may be shaped to form a recess50extending inwardly toward the first end46. In some embodiments, the shaft42may be releasably connected to the handle40without destruction of the shaft42or the handle40, as will be explained in more detail below. The handle40may be configured to be releasably connected to the sight glass18. For example, in some embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, the handle40, adjacent to the recess50may be threaded to engage a cooperating threading proximate to the open second end of26of the sight glass18. In some other embodiments, the handle40may be releasably connected to the sight glass18via a snap fit connection, a pinned connection, a clamp member, a set screw, a nut and bolt assembly, or any other suitable connection method. The handle40may be formed from metals, such as aluminium, steel, or stainless steel; plastics, such as polytetrafluoroethylene, PET, PVC, PE, PBT; or any other suitable material. The handle40may be formed by casting, forging, machining, moulding, injection moulding, 3D printing, sintering, 3D sintering, or any other suitable method.

The shaft42may be configured to be removably extended into the cavity32to contact the machine fluid16within the cavity32. The shaft42may be connected to the handle40and extend outwardly from the handle40. For example, as shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, the shaft42may be positioned within and extend outwardly from the recess50of the handle40. The shaft42may include a first end52proximate to the handle40, a second end54opposite the first end52, and a length56extending between the first end52and the second end54. The length56may be sufficient to enable the plurality of indicators44to contact the machine fluid16when the shaft42is positioned within the cavity32of the sight glass18and be removed from the cavity32to be exposed to the atmosphere. In some embodiments, the shaft42may further include a first portion58extending from the first end52toward the second end54, a second portion60extending from the first portion58toward the second end54, and a shoulder62defined by the second portion60of the shaft42at an intersection of the first portion58and the second portion60. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the shaft42may be formed with a circular cross section, an elliptic cross section, or any other cross section suitable to enable the seal22surrounding the bore36to engage at least a portion of the shaft42to prevent the pressurized machine fluid16from exiting the bore36when the probe20is at least partially removed from within the cavity32of the sight glass18. In some embodiments, the second portion60has a cylindrical configuration.

The shaft42may be constructed from metals, such as aluminium or stainless steel; plastics, such as polytetrafluoroethylene, PET, PVC, PE, PBT; or any other suitable material. In some embodiments, the shaft42may be constructed from materials which are inert or substantially inert to the machine fluid16, contaminants within the machine fluid16, or a combination of the machine fluid16and possible contaminants contained within the machine fluid16. The shaft42may be formed by casting, forging, machining, moulding, injection moulding, 3D printing, sintering, 3D sintering, or any other suitable method.

The first portion58may have a first cross-sectional axis64extending across first portion58. For example, in embodiments where the first portion58of the shaft42has a circular cross section, the first cross-sectional axis64may extend along the diameter of the circular cross-section. By way of another example, in some embodiments where the first portion58of the shaft42has an elliptic (or other) cross-section, the first cross-sectional axis64may extend along either a major axis (transverse diameter) or a minor axis (conjugate diameter) of the elliptic cross-section. In some embodiments, the first portion58may have a polygonal cross section, such as a square, a rectangular, triangular, a hexagonal, or other cross section, for example.

In some embodiments, the first portion58of the shaft42may include a connection mechanism proximate to the first end52to releasably connect the shaft42to the handle40. For example, in some embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 3-5, the first portion58of the shaft42may define a hole67-1proximate to the first end52of the shaft42. The hole67-1may be configured to receive a cotter pin69to secure the handle40to the shaft42. It should be understood to one skilled in the art that, although shown with the hole67-1and the cotter pin69, the connection mechanism of the first end58of the shaft42may be any suitable connection mechanism, such as cooperating threaded sections on the first portion58and the handle40, a friction fit connection, a clip connection, a clamp connection, a set screw, a pin and detent, or any other suitable connection mechanism.

In some embodiments, the second portion60may have a continuous arcuate external surface66having a second cross-sectional axis68greater than the first cross-sectional axis64and extending across the continuous arcuate external surface66. In some embodiment, the continuous arcuate external surface66of the second portion60of the shaft42may be circular, elliptic, or any other continuous arcuate shape. Similar to the first portion58, when the continuous arcuate external surface66of the second portion60is circular, the second cross-sectional axis68may extend along the diameter of the circular cross-section. Where the continuous arcuate external surface66is elliptic, the second cross-sectional axis68may extend along a major axis or a minor axis of the second portion60.

In some embodiments, the second portion60may include a securing mechanism for securing the probe20in an extended position for visual inspection of the plurality of indicators44. For example, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 3-5, the second portion60may define a hole67-2configured to enable insertion of a cross brace (not shown) securing the probe20during inspection of the plurality of indicators44. The hole67-2may be positioned on the second portion60so as to enable a cross brace to be inserted at least partially into the hole67-2and enable the cross brace to contact the open second end26of the sight glass18to prevent the probe20from being re-inserted into the cavity32during inspection. Although shown as the hole67-2and cross brace cooperating to form the securing mechanism, it should be known to one skilled in the art that the securing mechanism may be any suitable securing mechanism, such as a clamp, a clip, a friction fit, an collapsible brace extendable from within the shaft42, a nut and bolt assembly, a set screw, or any other suitable securing mechanism.

The shoulder62, formed by the second portion60of the shaft42at the intersection of the first portion58and the second portion60of the shaft, may extend a distance outwardly from a surface of the first portion58to the continuous arcuate external surface66of the second portion60. In some embodiments, the shoulder62may be configured to contact one of the plurality of indicators44so as to aid in positioning the plurality of indicators44along the shaft42. The shoulder62may also act as a surface against which one of the plurality of indicators44may be secured to prevent the plurality of indicators44from moving when positioned on the shaft42.

In some embodiments, a stop member70may be connected to the shaft42, proximate to the second end54of the shaft42. The stop member70may extend outwardly from the shaft42to prevent removal of the shaft42from the cavity32of the sight glass18. For example, the stop member70may have a cross-sectional axis greater than the second cross-sectional axis68of the second portion60of the shaft42. In some embodiments, the stop member70may be connected to the shaft42by a set screw, a nut and bolt assembly, a threaded section of the stop member70cooperating with a threaded section of the shaft42, brazing, welding, or any other suitable connection mechanism. In some embodiments, the stop member70may be integral to the shaft42and formed contemporaneously with the shaft42. In these embodiments, where the stop member70is integral to the shaft42, the stop member70may form a third portion71between the second end54and the second portion60of the shaft42, where the third portion71extends outwardly relative to the continuous arcuate external surface66of the second portion60. In either event, the cross-sectional axis of the stop member70may be larger than the size of the bore36, such that when the probe20is at least partially removed from the sight glass18, the outward movement of the probe20may be limited when the stop member70contacts the inside surface30of the sight glass18proximate to the open second end26.

In some embodiments, the probe20may include a spacer72supported by the first portion58of the shaft42and positioned between the plurality of indicators44and the handle40. The spacer72may have a uniform cross-sectional axis equal to the second cross-sectional axis68of the second portion60of the shaft42, such that outer surfaces of the spacer72and the second portion60are co-extensive to maintain contact with the seal22during removal and insertion of the probe20into the cavity32. In some embodiments, the spacer72may be configured as a tube with an exterior surface74, an interior surface76defining a receiving passage78, a first end80, a second end82, and a length84extending between the first end80and the second end82. The receiving passage78may be configured to matingly receive the first portion58of the shaft42. The first end80may be configured to contact the handle and the second end82may be configured to contact one of the plurality of indicators44. In this embodiment, the length84may be sufficient to cause the spacer72to secure the plurality of indicators44between the shoulder62and the second end82of the spacer72when the handle40is connected to the shaft42and contacting the first end80of the spacer72.

The plurality of indicators44may be supported by the first portion58of the shaft42between the first end52and the second end54so as to contact the machine fluid16when the shaft42is positioned within the cavity32of the sight glass18. Each of the plurality of indicators44may be configured to test for one or more contaminants in the machine fluid16. In some embodiments, the plurality of indicators44may include a first indicator44-1, a second indicator44-2, and a third indicator44-3. Although shown inFIGS. 2-5as having three indicators, it should be understood by one skilled in the art that the probe20may have any number of indicators44. As shown inFIGS. 3-5, the first indicator44-1of the plurality of indicators44may have at least a first indicator cross-sectional axis86which is smaller than the second cross-sectional axis68of the second portion60of the shaft42, whereby the first indicator44-1may at least partially define a recess88.

In some embodiments, the first indicator44-1may comprise a magnet positioned on the first portion58of the shaft42. The magnet of the first indicator44-1may attract certain contaminants, such as ferrous particles, within the machine fluid16. The first indicator44-1may thereby provide an indication of machine wear or other causes for the introduction of ferrous particles into the machine fluid16. As the first indicator44-1contacts the machine fluid16, ferrous particles may contact and adhere to the magnet of the first indicator44-1and collect in the recess88. When the probe20is removed from contact with the machine fluid16, at least a portion of the ferrous particles may remain in the recess88after removal of the probe20from the cavity32of the sight glass18. Although shown inFIGS. 3-5as a continuous magnet surrounding the first portion58of the shaft42, it should be understood by one skilled in the art that the first indicator44-1may include a single magnet or a plurality of magnets in addition to other components. For example, in some embodiments, the first indicator44-1may be formed from a plastic member having one or a plurality of magnets connected thereto or otherwise positioned therein such that the one or plurality of magnets of the first indicator44-1may contact the machine fluid16. Although the first indicator44-1is described as having a magnet that may attract certain contaminants, such as ferrous particles, within the machine fluid16, it should be understood that the first indicator44-1does not have to solely include a magnet or provide an indication with respect to ferrous particles. Rather, the first indicator44-1may be any type of indicator in which what is being indicated (ferrous particles on magnet or corrosion on copper/steel) would not be wiped away by the at least one seal22when the probe20was removed from the machine fluid16.

In some embodiments, the second indicator44-2may be formed from or at least in part comprise copper. As shown inFIGS. 1-5, the second indicator44-2may be formed as a copper band or washer capable of being positioned on the first portion58of the shaft42. The copper of the second indicator44-2may react with certain contaminants, such as hydrogen sulphide, iron disulphide, sulphur dioxide, carbonyl sulphide, carbon disulphide, elemental sulphur, elemental sulphur and carbon monoxide, formic acid and acetic acid, water, or other contaminants, within the machine fluid16. The second indicator44-2in the presence of certain types of contaminants may begin to show signs of patina or corrosion indicating the existence of one or more contaminants. When the probe20is removed from contact with the machine fluid16, the removal of the probe20may strip away a negligible amount of corrosion on the surface of the second indicator44-2while maintaining enough corrosion to provide evidence of one or more contaminant within the machine fluid16.

In some embodiments, the second indicator44-2may also include an indicator element89, formed of copper, another substance, or a combination of substances, and an insulator90. The insulator90may extend at least partially around the indicator element89such that the insulator90is positioned between the indicator element89and the first portion58of the shaft42. In some embodiments, the insulator90may be a galvanic insulator. In some further embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 3-5, the galvanic insulator90may extend at least partially around the indicator element89such that the galvanic insulator90isolates the indicator element89from the first indicator44-1and the third indicator44-3to prevent galvanic corrosion or other types of corrosion from forming when the indicator element89, the first indicator44-1and/or the third indicator44-3are made of dissimilar metals. The insulator90may be formed from rubber, plastic, or any other suitable insulating material. For example, the insulator90, in some embodiments, may be formed from an insulating material positioned on one or more sidewalls91of the indicator element89and capable of preventing a galvanic reaction between the second indicator44-2and the first indicator44-1, the third indicator44-3, or the shaft42.

In some embodiments, the third indicator44-3may be formed from steel. As shown inFIGS. 1-5, the third indicator44-3may be formed as a steel band or washer capable of being positioned on the first portion58of the shaft42. The steel of the third indicator44-3may react with certain contaminants, such as water, within the machine fluid16. The third indicator44-3, in the presence of certain types of contaminants, may begin to show signs of patina or corrosion indicating the existence of one or more contaminants within the machine fluid16. When the probe20is removed from contact with the machine fluid16, the removal of the probe20may strip away a negligible amount of corrosion from the surface of the third indicator44-3while maintaining enough corrosion to provide evidence of the one or more contaminant.

The third indicator44-3may include an insulator92and an indicator element93. The insulator92may be implemented similarly to the insulator90. For example, the insulator92may be a galvanic insulator which is positioned between the indicator element93and the first portion58of the shaft42. In some embodiments, the galvanic insulator92may extend at least partially around one or more sidewalls95of the indicator element93to isolate the indicator element93from the second indicator44-2and the shoulder62of the shaft42. The insulator92may be formed from an insulating material, similar to the insulator90, such as, rubber or plastic.

The at least one seal22may surround the bore36and extend into the bore36to engage the shaft42to substantially prevent the pressurized machine fluid16from exiting the bore36. The at least one seal22may be formed from rubber, plastic, silicon, or any other suitable material capable of forming a seal between the sight glass18and the shaft42. In some embodiments, the at least one seal22may include a first seal22-1and a second seal22-2. The first seal22-1and the second seal22-2may be spaced a distance apart along the bore36with the first seal22-1surrounding the bore36and positioned proximate to the cavity32. The second seal22-2may surround the bore36and be positioned proximate to the open second end26and the outside surface34.

As shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, in embodiments having the first seal22-1and the second seal22-2, the distance between the first seal22-1and the second seal22-2may be sufficient to maintain a seal on the shaft42regardless of the position of the recess88while removing the probe20from the cavity32of the sight glass18. For example, as shown inFIG. 5, the probe20may initially be extended into the cavity32of the sight glass18. The connection between the handle40and the sight glass18may be released, for example by unthreading the handle40from the sight glass18. The shaft42may then be removed from the cavity32. As the shaft42moves from a collapsed position, shown inFIG. 5, to an extended position, shown inFIG. 4, the first seal22-1and the second seal22-2are initially in contact with the spacer72. When the first seal22-1encounters the recess88, the first seal22-1may lose a sealing relationship with the shaft42, while the second seal22-2maintains a sealing relationship with the shaft42. Once the shaft42extends to a point where the recess88has passed the first seal22-1, the first seal22-1may regain the sealing relationship with the shaft42, contacting the second indicator44-2, for example. As the shaft42continues to be removed from the cavity32, the second seal22-2may lose the sealing relationship with the shaft42as the recess88passes through the second seal22-2. At this point, when the second seal22-2loses the sealing relationship with the shaft42, the first seal22-1maintains the sealing relationship. Once the recess88passes beyond the second seal22-2, both the first seal22-1and the second seal22-2are in the sealing relationship with the shaft42. In this manner, the first seal22-1and the second seal22-2enable at least partial removal of the shaft42from the cavity32while preventing the machine fluid16from exiting the bore36.

In some embodiments, the coupling body38may have an open first end94and an open second end96, an inside surface98and an outside surface100extending from the open first end94to the open second end96forming a coupling body cavity102. In some embodiments, the coupling body38may be connected to the first end24of the sight glass18. In these embodiments, the coupling body38may be removable from the sight glass18without destruction of the coupling body38or the sight glass18. The coupling body38may be configured to be attached to the machine14. In some embodiments, the coupling body38may be threaded proximate to the open first end94so as to be threaded into an opening in the machine14. In some embodiments, the coupling body38may include a coupling body seal104, such as an o-ring, proximate to the open first end94so as to enable a sealing relationship between the coupling body38and the machine14.

In some embodiments, the coupling body38may connect to the sight glass18by receiving at least a portion of the open first end24of the sight glass18into the coupling body cavity102. In these embodiments, the open first end24of the sight glass18may be inserted into the coupling body cavity102and contact an interior shoulder106. After contacting the interior shoulder106, the coupling body38and the sight glass18may form a sealing relationship, for example with a sight glass seal108, such as an o-ring, encompassing at least a portion of the sight glass18proximate to the open first end24of the sight glass18. The sight glass seal108may extend outwardly from the outside surface34of the sight glass18to contact the coupling body cavity102. The sight glass seal108may be formed from rubber, silicon, plastic, or any other suitable material. In some embodiments, a locking ring110may be installed onto the coupling body38to secure the sight glass18to the coupling body38.

The locking ring110may have an open first end112, an open second end114opposite the open first end112, a recess116extending from the open second end114toward the open first end112, the recess116may define a locking ring shoulder118configured to contact at least a portion of the outside surface34of the sight glass18proximate to the open first end24. A portion of the recess116may be internally threaded to cooperate with an externally threaded portion of the coupling body38proximate to the open second end96.

In use, locking ring110may be placed over the sight glass18once the sight glass18is positioned within the coupling body cavity102and against the interior shoulder106. Once the locking ring110has been placed over the sight glass18, the locking ring110may be threaded onto the coupling body38so as to secure the sight glass18to the coupling body38using the locking ring shoulder118and the internally threaded portion of the locking ring110.

Referring now toFIG. 6, therein shown is a machine fluid testing assembly120, implemented similarly to the machine fluid testing assembly10. However, the machine fluid testing assembly120may include a first indicator122-1, a second indicator122-2, and a third indicator122-3positioned on a shaft124, where the second indicator122-2and the third indicator122-3are not provided with insulators between the second and third indicators122-2and122-3and the shaft124or between the first, second, and third indicators122-1,122-2, and122-3.

Referring now toFIGS. 7 and 8, therein shown is a machine fluid testing assembly130, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, in which a sight glass is absent. The machine fluid testing assembly130may include a coupling body132, a handle134, and a shaft136connected to the handle134and configured to be removably positioned within the coupling body132. The coupling body132may be implemented similarly to the coupling body38, with an open first end138and an open second end140, an inside surface142and an outside surface144extending from the open first end138to the open second end140forming a coupling body cavity (similar to the bore36) such that the shaft136is positionable within the coupling body cavity. The coupling body132may further have a sampling port assembly146extending from the coupling body cavity through the inside surface142and the outside surface144. The coupling body132may further include at least one seal148, and preferably two or more seals148, surrounding the coupling body cavity and extending into the coupling body cavity to engage the shaft136to prevent the machine fluid16from exiting the coupling body cavity. The at least one seal136may be implemented similarly to the at least one seal22, where the at least one seal includes a first seal and a second seal spaced a distance apart along the coupling body cavity to maintain a sealing relationship with the shaft136as the shaft136is removed from the coupling body cavity.

The sampling port assembly146may have a first end150and a second end152, an inside surface (not shown) and an outside surface154from the first end150to the second end152forming a sealable access pathway whereby one or more samples of the machine fluid16are accessible. The sampling port assembly146may be positioned directly into the coupling body132such that the first end150of the sampling port assembly146extends through the open first end138of the coupling body132so as to contact the machine fluid16. In some embodiments, the sampling port assembly146may include a valve to aid a user in drawing the machine fluid16out of the machine14through a pilot tube156and the sampling port assembly146.

The handle134and shaft136may be connected together to form a probe155implemented similarly to the probe20. The handle134may be implemented similarly to the handle40. The shaft136may be implemented similarly to the shaft42or the shaft124.

In some embodiments, the machine fluid testing assembly10may be used in a method. In some embodiments, the machine fluid testing assembly10may be connected to an opening of the machine14such that the shaft42of the machine fluid testing probe20may contact the machine fluid16when the machine14contains the machine fluid16. After a period of operation, a user may at least partially remove the shaft42from contact with the machine fluid16, while preventing the machine fluid16from escaping the machine14. The plurality of indicators44may provide a visual indication of one or more contaminants within the machine fluid16. The user may perform a visual inspection of the plurality of indicators44to determine whether one or more contaminants are present within the machine fluid16. Where the plurality of indicators44indicate contaminants, the user may replace one or more of the plurality of indicators and re-establish contact between the machine fluid16and the shaft42of the machine fluid testing probe20.

In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of indicators44may be replaced on the shaft42of the machine fluid testing probe20. To replace one or more of the plurality of indicators44, the user may at least partially remove the shaft42from contact with the machine fluid16while preventing escape of the machine fluid16. The user may remove the handle40from the releasable connection between the handle40and the shaft42. The user may remove the spacer72and one or more of the plurality of indicators44from the shaft42. The user may then position one or more plurality of indicators44, which are new or cleaned, onto the shaft42and replace the spacer72. The user may then reconnect the handle40to the shaft42and re-establish contact between the machine fluid16and the shaft42of the machine fluid testing probe20.

Although the preceding description has been described herein with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein; rather, it extends to functionally equivalent structures, methods, and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims.