Kenneth C Thomsen

US Patent:

42753767, Jun 23, 1981

Filed:

Apr 28, 1980

Appl. No.:

6/144755

Inventors:

William C. Alexander - Barberton OH
Richard L. Kirk - North Canton OH
Kenneth A. Thomsen - Akron OH

Assignee:

Goodyear Aerospace Corporation - Akron OH

International Classification:

B60C 2300

US Classification:

340 52R

Abstract:

A signal communicator for transmitting an electrical signal from one member rotating relative to another member is in the configuration of a journal bearing and comprises at least one conically shaped annular graphite ring supported by inner and outer electrically conductive races. While one race is insulatively mounted on the rotating member and electrically connected to a condition sensor, the other race is insulatively mounted on the relatively stationary member and electrically connected to a signal detector, and the graphite ring is an electrical conductor interconnecting the sensor and detector via the two races. Alternatively, two opposing and contacting graphite rings are mounted in nonconducting carriers, one of the carriers keyed for rotation with the sensor while the other is mounted on the relatively stationary member. Electrical connections are made directly from the sensor to one of the graphite rings and from the detector to the other of the graphite rings and the rings therefore function as the electrical interconnection between the rotating sensor and the relatively stationary detector.