Assessment Device senses lubrication conditions.

UE Systems, Inc. Oct 17, 2002

Press Release Summary:

Portable Ultraprobe 201 Grease Caddy informs users of lubrication conditions in bearings by sensing high-frequency emissions produced by bearings. It translates them into audible range where they are heard through headphones and seen on meter. Amplitude levels can be set to determine when to lubricate. Unit attaches to most common grease guns, swivels for left and right handed users, and adjusts for odd angle approaches.

Original Press Release:

Ultrasonic Lubrication Condition Assessment Device Tells Users When to Stop Lubricating and When to Lubricate Bearings

UE Systems Ultraprobe 201 Grease Caddy senses lubrication conditions in bearings. Users can tell when to lubricate, when not to lubricate and when to stop lubricating. Easily attached to most common grease guns, the portable Grease Caddy senses high frequency emissions produced by bearings and translates them down into the audible range where they are heard through headphones and seen as intensity increments on a meter. When applying lubrication, users will be able to determine when a sufficient amount of lubricant has been applied, preventing over lubrication, one of the most common causes of bearing failure. An advantage of ultrasound detection is that ultrasound is a short wave "localized" signal. This feature allows users to identify bearing lubrication condition with little to no interference from surrounding noises.

As lubrications levels fall, the Ultraprobe 201 Grease Caddy senses a rise in ultrasonic amplitude. Amplitude levels can be set to determine whether to lubricate or not. "All too often we have heard of cases where manufacturers of motors have set lubrication criteria for bearings that have proved incorrect in the field." Says Mark Goodman, VP Engineering. "In some instances, where 4-6 pumps from a grease gun every six months
might be sufficient, they might have recommended as high as 40 pumps every two weeks, which might way too much and can ultimately lead to bearing failure."

The universal mount of the Ultraprobe 201 Grease Caddy swivels enabling users to adapt for left handed and right handed users as well as to adjust for odd angle lubrication approaches. Base line readings and warning levels can be set using the sensitivity
controls and an LED readout. A mini-spot light helps users see their lube connections in low light situations.

UE Systems produces a line of ultrasound inspection instruments for leak detection, electrical inspection and mechanical inspection.