Richard J Gibes

US Patent:

56974728, Dec 16, 1997

Filed:

Feb 9, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/599013

Inventors:

Gordon L. Walker - Yorkville IL
Ronald E. Wintermute - Aurora IL
Richard J. Gibes - Plainfield IL
Robert D. Carlson - Plainfield IL
Neal L Woessner - Oswego IL
Charles T. Haymond - Aurora IL

Assignee:

Caterpillar Inc. - Peoria IL

International Classification:

F16D 6600

US Classification:

188 111W

Abstract:

This invention relates to an indicating apparatus to determine the amount of wear that has occurred in the friction material of a brake assembly or other friction coupling. The apparatus utilizes a pin member that is positioned in a sealed bore in the housing of the friction coupling. A first end portion of the pin member is positioned for contact and movement of an actuating piston when the piston is in an engaged position. The distance between the a second end portion of the pin member, housed within the bore, and an outer surface of the housing may be determined by a depth gage. Measurements may be taken to determine movement of the pin member within the bore and thereby establish the amount of wear of the friction material in the friction.