WO2016033655A1

WO2016033655A1 - An idler and a method for making an idler

Info

Publication number: WO2016033655A1
Application number: PCT/AU2015/050521
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kevin Shane MALONEY
Original assignee: Maloney Kevin Shane
Priority date: 2014-09-03
Filing date: 2015-09-03
Publication date: 2016-03-10
Also published as: AU2015101872A4; AU2015311621A1

Abstract

Disclosed herein is an idler (10). The idler (10) comprises a roller (12) centered on a central shaft (14). The idler (10) comprises a thermochromic material (16) that changes at a predetermined temperature. Also disclosed herein is a method of making an idler (10).

Description

AN IDLER AND A METHOD FOR MAKING AN IDLER

Technical field The disclosure herein generally relates to an idler and a method for making an idler. Background

Conveyors may be used to transport large quantities of materials continuously and rapidly. For example, belt conveyors are used in industries that transport bulk materials. Example of bulk materials include, for example iron ore, coal, salt, overburden, and agricultural products including grain. Belt conveyors may be used in the mining industry to transport excavated material within underground coalmines, from the excavation site to stockpiles, and from stockpiles to bulk material loaders configured to load the excavated material onto a transport, for example a train or ship.

A belt conveyor system may have two or more pulleys (sometimes referred to as drums) with an endless loop of the belt that rotates about them. Generally but not necessarily at least one of the pulleys are powered to move the belt and the material on the belt.

The belt is supported between the pulleys by a plurality of spaced apart idler sets. The plurality of spaced apart idler sets may be spaced apart by a separation such that belt sag between adjacent idler sets stays within acceptable limits. Each of the idler sets may comprise at least one idler mounted to an idler set frame, and when so mounted the idler is free to rotate around its longitudinal axis. Examples of idlers include but are not limited to carrying idlers and impact idlers. Many conveyors have in excess of 5000 idler bearings per kilometer with a "normal" life of 5 years. In the dusty and wet conditions often found in a coal mine, for example, the life may be reduced, which increases the idler failure rate. Some conveyor belts may be hundreds of metres, kilometres or even tens of kilometres long. Some conveyor belts have thousands or even tens of thousands of idlers.

It is not uncommon for one of the idlers in a long belt conveyor to fail. A failed idler may cease to rotate and consequently excessive levels of static friction may be present between the failed idler and the belt. The belt may be subsequently damaged. An idler bearing may collapse, jam or otherwise fail which may result in frictional heating of the idler. A faulty idler may catch alight or cause adjacent materials, for example coal or zinc dust, to ignite. In 2014, approximately 50% of all coal fires in Europe were caused by the failure of idlers and bearings. Coalmine fires may cause serious injury and death to coal mine personnel and damage infrastructure. In the specific case of an underground coalmines, fires have been fatal because of the toxic nature of the gases which may be generated and the difficulties associated with escape. The early detection of a heat source within a coalmine may be an intervention for the prevention of fires in a coal mine environment.

Conveyor idler failure was identified as the major cause of fires in United Kingdom coal mines between 1993 to 200. Failed idlers may ignite explosive atmospheres, for example air mixed with methane which is found in underground coal mines.

Consequently, detection of idlers that may fail may be regularly scheduled.

Generally before failure the idler will exhibit an elevated temperature. Regular inspection of the idlers on a belt conveyor may be performed by a worker inspecting each of the idlers with an infrared viewer. The infrared heat from a faulty idler will generally be detectable using the infrared viewer. If an idler is found to have an elevated temperature it may be selected for maintenance or replacement during the next conveyor belt maintenance period. For very long conveyor belts, however, inspection using an infrared viewer may be time consuming and labour intensive. It also requires active inspection with the infrared viewer, as an elevated temperature may be otherwise undetectable by casual inspection.

At the present time, the conveyor idlers are changed out after an inspection if they are tagged (at a later date), or straight away during production if it is deemed necessary (heating, noisy etc,). Failure of a conveyor belt because of a faulty idler is highly undesirable. The cost of shutting down the conveyor belt and associated operations for an unscheduled repair may be in the tens of thousands or millions of dollars, for example.

Summary

Disclosed herein is an idler. The idler comprises a roller centered on a central shaft. The idler comprises a thermochromic material that changes at a predetermined temperature.

In an embodiment, the roller is centrally mounted on the central shaft. The change may be observed by a worker, for example. The predetermined temperature may be, for example, a maximum acceptable temperature for continued use, above which it is possible and/or likely that the idler is failing or has failed. The idler may be replaced, by the worker for example, after the thermochromic material has changed.

In an embodiment, the change in the thermochromic material at the predetermined temperature changes the visual appearance of the idler.

In an embodiment, the thermochromic material changes when the temperature thereof is raised to the predetermined temperature.

In an embodiment, the thermochromic material changes from being opaque to being transmissive at the predetermined temperature. The thermochromic material may change from opaque to transmissive at a predetermined temperature to reveal another material behind it.

In an embodiment, the other material comprises a reflective material. The reflective material may comprise a reflective paint. A hand held torch illuminating the reflective material may stand out in dark areas like underground coal mines.

In an embodiment, the other material is able to glow. The other material may comprise a glow in the dark paint. The glow in the dark paint may be activated by light. The glow may stand out in dark areas like underground mines.

An embodiment comprises a base coating behind the other material.

In an embodiment, the thermochromic material irreversibly changes at the predetermined temperature.

In an embodiment, the thermochromic material may comprise a thermochromic coating. The thermochromic coating may have been applied as a paint.

In an embodiment, the thermochromic material comprises at least one of an ultraviolet light protector and a hardener.

An embodiment comprises a first end and a second end spaced apart on a longitudinal axis. The thermochromic material may be adjacent at least one of the first end and the second end. The thermochromic material may be at at least one of the first end and the second end.

An embodiment comprises a closure at the first end. The closure may comprise the

thermochromic material. In an embodiment, the thermochromic material may be applied to an end of the centered shaft.

In an embodiment, the centered shaft is coupled to a roller via at least one rotary bearing. The thermochromic material may be in thermal communication with the rotary bearing.

In an embodiment, the thermochromic material comprises powder. The thermochromic material may comprise a clear basecoat paint. The thermochromic material may comprise a clear universal reducer. The thermochromic material may have a spray finish.

In an embodiment, the predetermined temperature is greater than an expected in situ temperature of a conveyor idler. The in situ temperature of an idler may vary because environmental, geographic and idler use conditions may vary from site to site and mine to mine. The predetermined temperature may be between 25 degrees and 100 degrees Celsius above the expected in situ temperature.

In an embodiment, the predetermined temperature may be no more then 15 degrees above the expected in situ temperature.

In an embodiment, the predetermined temperature may be in the range of 50 degrees Celsius and 90 degrees Celsius.

In an embodiment, the predetermined temperature may be less than 50 degrees Celsius.

In an embodiment, the predetermined temperature may be no more than 90 degrees Celsius. In an embodiment, the idler comprises a label comprising the thermochromic material. The label may comprise a self-adhesive label. The label may be mechanically fastened. The label may be fastened with adhesive. The label may be magnetically attached.

Disclosed herein is a method of making an idler. The method comprises the step of applying a thermochromic material that changes at a predetermined temperature to at least one of a plurality of idler components.

An embodiment comprises the step of assembling the idler from the plurality of idler components.

In an embodiment, the step of applying the thermochromic material may comprise applying thermochromic paint. The step of applying the thermochromic material may comprise the step of applying three coats of the thermochromic paint. The step of applying the thermochromic material may comprise the step of spraying the thermochromic paint. The step of spraying the thermochromic paint may comprise the step of spraying the thermochromic paint using a spray gun. The step of spraying the thermochromic paint may comprise the step of spraying the thermochromic paint using an automotive spray gun.

In an embodiment, the thermochromic paint may comprise a thermochromic powder. A liter of the thermochromic paint comprises a range of 37 mg to 3700 mg of thermochromic powder. A liter of the thermochromic paint may comprise a range of 150 mg to 600 mg of thermochromic powder. The thermochromic paint may comprise clear basecoat paint. The liter of the thermochromic paint may comprise 0.5 L± 25% of clear basecoat paint. The thermochromic paint may comprise a clear universal reducer. The liter of the thermochromic paint may comprise 0.5 L± 25% of clear universal reducer.

In an embodiment, the thermochromic material changes from being opaque to being transmissive at the predetermined temperature. The thermochromic material may change from being opaque to being transmissive to reveal at least one of a reflective material and a glowing material.

An embodiment comprises the step of applying a reflective coating to the at least one of the plurality of idler components and then applying the thermochromic material on the reflective coating. A base coating may be applied to the at least one of the plurality of idler components and then the reflective coating may be applied on the base coating. The thermochromic material may change from being opaque to being transmissive at the predetermined temperature to reveal the reflective coating.

An embodiment comprises the step of applying a coating that can glow to the at least one of the plurality of idler components and then applying the thermochromic material on the coating that can glow. A base coating may be applied to the at least one of the plurality of idler components and then a coating that can glow applied on the base coating. The thermochromic material may change from being opaque to being transmissive at the predetermined temperature to reveal the coating that can glow.

In an embodiment, the at least one of the plurality of idler components is disposed at an end of the idler. The at least one of the plurality of idler components may comprise an end closure. In an embodiment, the one of the plurality of idler components may comprise a central idler shaft. In an embodiment, the thermochromic material irreversibly changes at the predetermined temperature.

In an embodiment, the step of applying a thermochromic material comprises the step of applying a label comprising the thermochromic material. The label may comprise a self-adhesive label. The step of applying the label may comprise the step of fastening the label. The label may be fastened with label adhesive. The label may be fastened with at least one mechanical fastener. The step of applying the label may comprise the step of magnetically attaching the label.

In an embodiment, the predetermined temperature is greater than an expected in situ temperature of a conveyor idler. The in situ temperature of an idler may is vary because environmental, geographic and idler use conditions may vary from site to site and mine to mine. The predetermined temperature may be between 25 degrees and 100 degrees Celsius above the expected in situ temperature.

In an embodiment, the predetermined temperature may be no more then 15 degrees above the expected in situ temperature. In an embodiment, the predetermined temperature may be in the range of 50 degrees Celsius and 90 degrees Celsius.

In an embodiment, the predetermined temperature may be no more than 90 degrees Celsius.

Disclosed herein is a method for making an idler. The method comprises the step of assembling the idler from a plurality of idler components, at least one of the plurality of idler components comprising a thermochromic material that changes at a predetermined temperature.

Generally, but not necessarily, the thermochromic material is externally presented.

An embodiment comprises the step of making the at least one of the plurality of idler components comprising the thermochromic material. In an embodiment, the thermochromic material changes when the temperature thereof is raised to the predetermined temperature.

In an embodiment, the thermochromic material changes from being opaque to being transmissive at the predetermined temperature. The thermochromic material may change from being opaque to being transmissive to reveal at least one of a reflective material and a glowing material. In an embodiment, the predetermined temperature is greater than an expected in situ temperature of a conveyor idler. The predetermined temperature may be between 25 degrees and 100 degrees Celsius above the expected in situ temperature.

In an embodiment, the predetermined temperature may be no more than 90 degrees Celsius. Any of the various features of each of the above disclosures, and of the various features of the embodiments described below, can be combined as suitable and desired.

Brief description of the figures

Embodiments will now be described by way of example only with reference to the

accompanying figures in which: Figure 1 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of an idler.

Figure 2 shows an example of an application of the idler of figure 1.

Figure 3 shows an end elevational view of another embodiment of an idler.

Figure 4 shows an end elevational view of yet another embodiment of an idler.

Figure 5 shows an end elevational view of still yet another embodiment of an idler. Description of embodiments

Figure 1 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of an idler generally indicated by the numeral 10. The idler 10 has a roller 12 in the form of a shell centred on a central shaft 14. The idler 10 has a therm ochromic material 16 that changes at a predetermined temperature.

Figure 2 shows an example of an application of the idler 10. Idler 10 is installed in a frame 48 together with idlers 40 and 42 to form an idler set 50. The idler set 50 supports a belt 44 which rolls over the idlers 10, 40, 42 to transport bulk material 46 along the conveyor. The idler 10 has a first end 18 and a second end 20. The second end 20 is spaced apart from the first end 18. At each of the first end 18 and the second end 20 is an end closure 22 in the form of a cover or cap. The thermochromic material 16 is in this embodiment in the form of a thermochromic coating applied to the outward facing surface of the end closure 22. The thermochromic coating 16 may be any suitable thermochromic coating 16, however in this embodiment it is a dried thermochromic paint 16. Similarly, an end closure at the second end 20 of the idler 10 may have a thermochromic material in the form of, for example, an application of a thermochromic paint. Thermochromic paint 16 is also (or alternatively) applied to the end 24 of the shaft 14. The thermochromic coating 16 may generally be applied to any part of the idler 10.

The shaft 14 is coupled to the roller 12 by at least one rotary bearing 26. In the case that the rotary bearing 26 fails by, for example, a bearing collapse or bearing partial seizure, the temperature of the bearing will rise. The closure 16 being in thermal communication with the bearing 26 will rise as the temperature of the failed or partially failed bearing rises. The shaft 14 is also in thermal communication with the bearing 26. The thermochromic material 16 on the end closure 22 changes when its temperature rises to the predetermined temperature. The change in this but not in all embodiments results in a change in the visual appearance of the idler 10. The change in the visual appearance may be detected by a visual inspection by a worker and the idler may be subsequently replaced. The rotary bearing 26 is in this embodiment one of two bearings, the other rotary bearing being at the second end 20 of the idler 10. The rotary bearing 26 is housed in a bearing housing 28 and is held in place by an inner snap ring 30 and an outer snap ring 32. The idler also has a female labyrinth seal 34, a male labyrinth seal 36 and an outer labyrinth seal 38.

In this embodiment of an idler 10, the thermochromic material 16 undergoes an irreversible change as the temperature is raised to the predetermined temperature. The thermochromic material 16 changes from being opaque to being transmissive at the predetermined temperature.

In the present embodiment of an idler 10, the transmissive thermochromic material 16 reveals another material behind it. The other material may be a reflective material in the form of a reflective paint. Alternatively, the other material may be a material that can glow in the form of a glow-in-the-dark paint. Generally but not necessarily, there is a base coating behind the other material which is applied to the end closure 22. The base coating may be, for example, a white primer paint. The thermochromic paint may have an ultraviolet light protector and/or a hardener to improve longevity and robustness

In an alternative embodiment, the thermochromic material changes colour at the predetermined temperature. The predetermined temperature may be determined in view of the expected insitu temperature. For example at the Appin Colliery in New South Wales, the in situ running temperature of idlers is expected to be between 40 degrees Celsius and 50 degrees Celsius, while at the Narrabri North coal mine in New South Wales, the in situ running temperature of idlers is expected to be between 35 degrees Celsius and 45 degrees Celsius. While the predetermined temperature may be selected in accordance with the idler's environment when used, in this embodiment the predetermined temperature is no less than 50 degrees Celsius and no greater than 90 degrees Celsius. Generally, surfaces having a temperature greater than 90 degrees Celsius may present a fire hazard in a coal mine in which the idler 10 may be used. In other embodiments, however, the predetermined temperature may be less than 50 degrees Celsius, for example 40 degrees Celsius, or greater than 150 degrees Celsius, for example 200 degrees Celsius.

Different predetermined temperatures may be used for different applications. In one example application, the NSW Mineral Resources / Trade and Investment have stated in document MDG 1032 'Guideline for the prevention, early detection and suppression of fires in coal mines', that a surface should be kept below 150 degrees Celsius. Setting the predetermined temperature of the thermochromic paint below 150 degrees Celsius may help to prevent fires in coalmines.

The roller 12 may be formed of, for example, steel or high density polyethylene. Generally any suitable material may be used. The shaft may be formed of, for example, steel, a metal alloy, a composite material or generally any suitable material. The bearing may be a rotary ball bearing or a rotary rod bearing, for example. Generally any suitable bearing may be used. For example, the rotary bearing 26 may be a rotary roller bearing of any general type.

Steps of an embodiment of a method of making an idler 10 will now be described. In a step, a thermochromic material may be applied to at least one of a plurality of idler components. The thermochromic material may be applied to any of the idler components described herein or other idler components not described herein. In a step, the plurality of idler components are assembled. The thermochromic material may be applied before or after the step of assembly. In this but not all embodiments, the step of applying the thermochromic material comprises applying thermochromic paint. Three coats of the thermochromic paint may be applied,howeer more or less layers may be applied. The step of applying the thermochromic material comprises spraying the thermochromic paint. The step of spraying the thermochromic paint comprises the step of spraying the thermochromic paint using a spray gun in the form of an automotive spray gun.

An example composition of the paint, used in the present but not all embodiments, is now described. The thermochromic paint comprises a thermochromic powder. A liter of the thermochromic paint comprises a range of 37 mg to 3700 mg (in this embodiment around 370 mg) of thermochromic powder. The thermochromic paint comprises clear basecoat paint. The liter of the thermochromic paint comprises 0.5 L± 25% of clear basecoat paint. The

thermochromic paint comprises a clear universal reducer. The liter of the thermochromic paint comprise 0.5 L± 25% of clear universal reducer.

Optional steps may also comprise applying a reflective coating and/or and a coating that can glow to the at least one of the plurality of idler components. The thermochromic coating may be applied over the reflective coating and/or the coating that can glow. In an optional step, a base coating may be applied to the one of the plurality of idler components before the reflective coating or coating that can glow is applied.

When the thermochromic material changes from being opaque to transparent, the reflective and or glow in the dark paint is then revealed and can be observed (reflecting and or glowing), to indicate that the particular conveyor idler requires to be replaced, due to it having reached or exceeded the predetermined temperature. The white base coat may make the reflective and or glow in the dark paint stand out. Personnel in a coalmine have a cap lamp which in the coalmine environment will facilitate seeing the reflective and/or glow in the dark paint. Steps of another embodiment of a method for making an idler will now be described. In a step, the idler is assembled from a plurality of idler components, at least one of the plurality of idler components comprising a thermochromic material that changes at a predetermined temperature.

The at least one of the plurality of idler components may be formed using generally any suitable fabrication method, for example casting, machining, and additive manufacturing. In one embodiment, the end closure 22 is formed by injection molding of a thermochromic material in the form of a thermochromic polymer. Each of the above described embodiments has a variant wherein the thermochromic material reversibly changes at the predetermined temperature.

Figure 3 shows an end elevational view of another embodiment of an idler 110, where components similar or identical in form and/or function to those in figure 1 are similarly numbered and prefixed with the digit Ί ' . The idler 1 10 comprises a label 128 comprising the thermochromic material. The label 128 is fastened on the end closure 122. The label 128 is in this embodiment comprises a self-adhesive label in the form of a sticker. The label 128 comprises a sheet (in this embodiment a metallic sheet in the form of an aluminum sheet, however any suitable metal for example tin or generally any suitable material including some polymers may be used). One face of the sheet is coated as described above with the

thermochromic material. Another face of the sheet is coated with a label adhesive, for example a pressure sensitive adhesive or generally any suitable adhesive. The label adhesive may be applied to the other face or another part to which the label is to be fixed immediately prior to application of the label, however it may be applied well in advance. The label 128 is configured as an annulus. The label 128 has an aperture 125 for the shaft 1 14, however it may generally take any suitable form, for example a disk, a square, etcetera either with or without an aperture.

Figure 4 shows an end elevational view of yet another embodiment of an idler 210, where components similar in form and/or function to those in figure 1 are similarly numbered and prefixed with the digit '2' . The idler 210 is generally similar to that of figure 3, however the label 228 of idler 210 is magnetically attached. In this embodiment the label 228 is magnetically attached to an end closure 222, however it may be generally attached anywhere suitable. The end closure 222 in this embodiment comprises a ferromagnetic material that is magnetically attracted to the label. The label is magnetic; it comprises a magnetized material in the form of a magnetic rubber, but may generally comprise any suitable material including, for example, a steel or iron magnet, a rare earth magnetic material, or generally any suitable magnetic material. The label in this embodiment is in the form of a sheet, however it may take the form of a rigid object that may have a substantial thickness, of a similar shape to a washer or thicker. At least one face, the outer face, of the sheet is coated as described above with the thermochromic material. In this but not all embodiments a heat conductive material in the form of a smear of heat conducting paste is disposed between the end closure 222 and the label 228 to improve the thermal contact which may improve the sensing of excess heat. Alternatively, the cap may be magnetic and the label may not be. Figure 5 shows an end elevational view of yet another embodiment of an idler 310, where components similar in form and/or function to those in figure 1 are similarly numbered and prefixed with the digit '3 ' . The idler 310 is generally similar to that of figure 3, however the label 328 of idler 210 is attached with mechanical fasteners in the form of rivets 329, although generally any suitable form of mechanical faster, for example screws, may be used. The label 328 in this embodiment is in the form of a sheet, however it may take the form of a rigid object that may have a substantial thickness, of a similar shape to a washer or thicker. At least one face, the outer face, of the sheet is coated as described above with the thermochromic material. In this but not all embodiments a heat conductive material in the form of a smear of heat conducting paste is disposed between the end closure 322 and the label 328 to improve the thermal contact, which may improve the sensing of excess heat.

In an alternative embodiment the end closure 22 or another part of the idler is formed of the thermochromic material. For example, the end closure 22 may be formed of a thermochromic polymer. Now that embodiments have been described, it will be appreciated that some embodiment may have some of the following advantages:

• The visual change due to the predetermined temperature being reached or exceeded may be a simpler way to decide to change out a conveyor idler than using an infrared viewer.

^• If the predetermined temperature is reached or exceeded the change of the

thermochromic material is there for all personnel to see.

^• Idler failure rates may be reduced when the embodiments are combined with regular inspection, and in some idler systems essentially illuminated.

^• Early detection of idler failure may generally be achieved.

• Excess heat generation may be prevented, and dangerous fires may be avoided.

· There may be less conveyor and production downtime because idler failure rates may be reduced or eliminated.

A maintenance regime may be achieved, which may translate to cost savings. Variations and/or modifications may be made to the embodiments described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the invention. For example: · The predetermined temperatures may be selected for the application on hand.

• The colours of the thermochromic materials may be chosen as desired and/or suitable. Colours could be specific to conveyor idler size and shape. • The colours of reflective paint may be chosen as desired and/or suitable.

• The colour of the glow in the dark paint may be chosen as desired and/or suitable.

• The way the reflective and or glow in the dark paints are set up on the end of the idler may vary, example: straight reflective or straight glow in the dark or a combination of the two.

• The thermochromic material may be thermochromic ink or dye, or generally any suitable thermochromic material.

The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Prior art, if any, described herein is not to be taken as an admission that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word

"comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, that is to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Claims

1. An idler comprising:

a roller centered on a central shaft; and

a thermochromic material that changes at a predetermined temperature.

2. An idler defined by claim 2 wherein the roller is centrally mounted on the central shaft.

3. An idler defined by either one of claim 1 and claim 2 wherein the change in the

thermochromic material at the predetermined temperature changes the visual appearance of the idler.

4. An idler defined by any one of the preceding claims wherein the thermochromic material changes when the temperature thereof is raised to the predetermined temperature.

5. An idler defined by any one of the preceding claims wherein the thermochromic material changes from being opaque to being transmissive at the predetermined temperature.

6. An idler defined by claim 5 wherein the thermochromic material changes from opaque to transmissive at a predetermined temperature to reveal another material behind it.

7. An idler defined by claim 6 wherein the other material comprises a reflective material.

8. An idler defined by claim 7 wherein the reflective material comprises a reflective paint.

9. An idler defined by claim 6 wherein the other material is able to glow.

10. An idler defined by claim 9 wherein the other material comprises a glow in the dark paint.

11. An idler defined by any one of the claims 6 to 10 comprising a base coating behind the other material.

12. An idler defined by any one of the preceding claims wherein the thermochromic material irreversibly changes at the predetermined temperature.

13. An idler defined by any one of the preceding claims wherein the thermochromic material comprises a thermochromic coating.

14. An idler defined by claim 13 wherein the thermochromic coating was applied as a paint.

15. An idler defined by any one of the preceding claims wherein the thermochromic material comprises at least one of an ultraviolet light protector and a hardener.

16. An idler defined by any one of the preceding claims comprising a first end and a second end spaced apart on a longitudinal axis, and the thermochromic material is adjacent at least one of the first end and the second end.

17. An idler defined by any one of the preceding claims comprising a closure at one of the first and the second end and that comprises the thermochromic material.

18. An idler defined by any one of the preceding claims wherein the thermochromic material is applied to an end of the centered shaft.

19. An idler defined by any one of the preceding claims wherein the centered shaft is coupled to a roller via at least one rotary bearing, and the thermochromic material is in thermal communication with the rotary bearing.

20. An idler defined by any one of the preceding claims wherein the thermochromic material comprises powder.

21. An idler defined by any one of the preceding claims wherein the thermochromic material comprises a clear basecoat paint.

22. An idler defined by any one of the preceding claims wherein the thermochromic material comprises a clear universal reducer.

23. An idler defined by any one of the preceding claims wherein the thermochromic material has a spray finish.

24. An idler defined by any one of the preceding claims wherein the predetermined

temperature is greater than an expected in situ temperature.

25. An idler defined by claim 24 wherein the predetermined temperature is between 25

degrees and 100 degrees Celsius above the expected in situ temperature.

26. An idler defined by claim 24 wherein the predetermined temperature is no more then 15 degrees above the expected in situ temperature.

27. An idler defined by any one of the preceding claims wherein the predetermined

temperature is in the range of 50 degrees Celsius and 90 degrees Celsius.

28. An idler defined by any one of the preceding claims wherein the predetermined temperature is less than 50 degrees Celsius.

29. An idler defined by any one of the preceding claims wherein the predetermined

temperature is no more than 90 degrees Celsius.

30. An idler defined by any one of the preceding claims wherein the idler comprises a label comprising the thermochromic material.

31. An idler defined by claim 30 wherein the label comprises a self-adhesive label.

32. An idler defined by claim 30 wherein the label is at least one of mechanically fastened, fastened with adhesive, and magnetically attached.

33. A method of making an idler comprising the step of applying a thermochromic material that changes at a predetermined temperature to at least one of a plurality of idler components.

34. A method defined by claim 33 comprising the step of assembling the idler from the plurality of idler components.

35. A method defined by either one of claim 33 and claim 34 wherein the thermochromic material changes when the temperature thereof is raised to the predetermined temperature.

36. A method defined by any one of the claims 33 to 35 wherein the step of applying the thermochromic material comprises applying thermochromic paint.

37. A method defined by claim 36 wherein the step of applying the thermochromic material comprises the step of spraying the thermochromic paint.

38. A method defined by any one of the claims 33 to 37 wherein the thermochromic paint comprises a thermochromic powder.

39. A method defined by claim 38 wherein a liter of the thermochromic paint comprises a range of 37 mg to 3700 mg of thermochromic powder.

40. A method defined by any one of the claims 33 to 39 wherein a liter of the thermochromic paint comprises a range of 150 mg to 600 mg of thermochromic powder.

41. A method defined by any one of the claims 33 to 39 wherein the thermochromic paint may comprise clear basecoat paint.

42. A method defined by claim 41 wherein the liter of the thermochromic paint comprises 0.5 L± 25% of clear basecoat paint.

43. A method defined by any one of the claims 33 to 42 wherein the thermochromic paint comprises a clear universal reducer.

44. A method defined by claim 43 wherein the liter of the thermochromic paint comprises 0.5 L± 25% of clear universal reducer.

45. A method defined by any one of the claims 33 to 44 wherein the thermochromic material changes from being opaque to being transmissive at the predetermined temperature.

46. A method defined by claim 45 wherein the thermochromic material changes from being opaque to being transmissive to reveal at least one of a reflective material and a glowing material.

47. A method defined by any one of the claims 33 to 46 wherein the thermochromic material irreversibly changes at the predetermined temperature.

48. A method defined by any one of the claims 33 to 47 wherein the step of applying a

thermochromic material comprises the step of applying a label comprising the thermochromic material.

49. A method defined by claim 48 wherein the label comprises a self-adhesive label.

50. A method defined by claim 48 wherein the step of applying the label comprises the step of fastening the label with at least one of a label adhesive, at least one mechanical fastener, and magnetically attaching the label.

51. A method defined by any one of the claims 33 to 50 wherein, the predetermined

temperature is greater than an expected in situ temperature of a conveyor idler.

52. A method defined by any one of the claims 33 to 51 wherein the predetermined

temperature may be between 25 degrees and 100 degrees Celsius above the expected in situ temperature.

53. A method defined by any one of the claims 33 to 52 wherein the predetermined temperature may be no more then 15 degrees above the expected in situ temperature.

54. A method defined by any one of the claims 33 to 53 wherein the predetermined

temperature may be in the range of 50 degrees Celsius and 90 degrees Celsius.

55. A method for making an idler comprising the step of assembling the idler from a plurality of idler components, at least one of the plurality of idler components comprising a thermochromic material that changes at a predetermined temperature.

56. A method defined by claim 55 comprising the step of making the at least one of the plurality of idler components comprising the thermochromic material.

57. A method defined by either one of claim 55 and claim 56 wherein the thermochromic material changes when the temperature thereof is raised to the predetermined

temperature.

58. A method defined by any one of the claims 55 to 57 wherein the thermochromic material changes from being opaque to being transmissive at the predetermined temperature.

59. A method defined by claim 58 wherein the thermochromic material changes from being opaque to being transmissive to reveal at least one of a reflective material and a glowing material.

60. A method defined by any one of the claims 55 to 60 wherein the predetermined

temperature is greater than an expected in situ temperature.

61. A method defined by claim 60 wherein the predetermined temperature is between 25 degrees and 100 degrees Celsius above the expected in situ temperature.

62. A method defined by claim 60 wherein predetermined temperature is no more then 15 degrees above the expected in situ temperature.

63. A method defined by any one of the claims 55 to 62 wherein the predetermined

temperature may be in the range of 50 degrees Celsius and 90 degrees Celsius.

64. A method defined by any one of the claims 55 to 63 wherein the predetermined

temperature is less than 50 degrees Celsius.

65. A method defined by any one of the claims 55 to 64 wherein the predetermined temperature is no more than 90 degrees Celsius.