Abstract: A hand operated pump for generating negative and positive air pressure. The pump includes a pump body having a pump cylinder and a piston mounted for reciprocation in the cylinder. A selector valve communicates with the cylinder and is moveable between a positive-pressure position and a negative-pressure position. The arrangement is such that operation of an actuator to move the piston through a power stroke when the selector valve is in its negative-pressure position causes the pump to generate negative pressure at an outlet of the pump, and operation of the actuator to move the piston through a power stroke when the selector valve is in its positive-pressure position causes the pump to generate positive pressure at the outlet of the pump. A method of operating such a pump is also disclosed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for estimating an apparent viscosity of a non-Newtonian fluid. The results may be used for selecting equipment for pumping systems.

Abstract: An improved follower packing unit for a grease gun is disclosed. The unit includes a hollow annular body of elastomeric material having a front wall, an annular side wall and a rear wall defining a cavity in the body. Rigid front and back structural supports rigidly support the front and rear walls of the elastomeric seal. The elastomeric seal and the front and back structural supports are fastened together to prevent separation and to form a unitary follower structure movable as a unit on a follower rod. The annular side wall of the elastomeric seal is resiliently deformable under pressure in a radial direction for sealing tightly against an interior surface of the barrel of the grease gun or against the interior surface of a tubular cartridge loaded in the barrel of the gun.

Abstract: A hand operated pump for generating negative and positive air pressure. The pump includes a pump body having a pump cylinder and a piston mounted for reciprocation in the cylinder. A selector valve communicates with the cylinder and is moveable between a positive-pressure position and a negative-pressure position. The arrangement is such that operation of an actuator to move the piston through a power stroke when the selector valve is in its negative-pressure position causes the pump to generate negative pressure at an outlet of the pump, and operation of the actuator to move the piston through a power stroke when the selector valve is in its positive-pressure position causes the pump to generate positive pressure at the outlet of the pump. A method of operating such a pump is also disclosed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for estimating an apparent viscosity of a non-Newtonian fluid. The results may be used for selecting equipment for pumping systems.

Abstract: This invention describes apparatus for and methods of testing cooling systems. The apparatus and method can be used for, among other things, pressurizing the cooling system either to a positive pressure or to a negative pressure, and for conducting temperature tests.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for testing fuel flow in a return or returnless fuel system. The apparatus comprises a primary flow passage having an inlet for connection to the fuel system for receiving fuel pumped by the fuel pump, and an outlet adapted for connection to the fuel system for flow of fuel to one or more fuel injectors. The apparatus includes a first device for measuring a rate of fuel flow through the primary flow passage, and a second device for measuring a fuel pressure in the primary flow passage. A bypass valve in the primary flow passage is movable between a first position in which the bypass passage is closed and a second position in which the bypass passage is open. The bypass valve is movable to its first position for testing fuel flow in a return flow system and to its second position for testing fuel flow in a returnless fuel flow system. Different embodiments of the apparatus and methods of using the apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for testing fuel flow in a return or returnless fuel system. The apparatus comprises a primary flow passage having an inlet for connection to the fuel system for receiving fuel pumped by the fuel pump, and an outlet adapted for connection to the fuel system for flow of fuel to one or more fuel injectors. The apparatus includes a first device for measuring a rate of fuel flow through the primary flow passage, and a second device for measuring a fuel pressure in the primary flow passage. A bypass valve in the primary flow passage is movable between a first position in which the bypass passage is closed and a second position in which the bypass passage is open. The bypass valve is movable to its first position for testing fuel flow in a return flow system and to its second position for testing fuel flow in a returnless fuel flow system. Different embodiments of the apparatus and methods of using the apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: A container system of this invention includes a container for holding a fluid, a follower in the container which moves in the container in response to a change in a level of fluid in the container, and a sensor assembly for sensing the level of fluid in the container. The sensor assembly is especially (albeit not exclusively) suited for viscous fluids.

Abstract: An applicator assembly for delivery of a pumpable material to a top surface of a rail head of rail includes an applicator body having an orifice for delivery of the pumpable material to the top surface of the rail. The body is resiliently yieldable to permit the applicator body to move from a raised position, in which the orifice is positioned for delivering the pumpable material to the top surface of the rail head, to a depressed position in the event the applicator is contacted by a train wheel. The applicator body thereafter is adapted to return to the raised position.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing control system comprising a plurality of hybrid fluid dispensing units and hybrid keypads are capable of both wired and wireless communication with a billing computer.

Abstract: An air-operated pump for pumping material such as oil or grease. The pump is powered by an air motor which operates to reciprocate a piston and plunger to effect a pumping action. The air motor is modular in that the air valve system is contained in a single housing fastened to the pump head. The housing is removable as a unit from the pump head to facilitate servicing of the air valve system.

Abstract: A container system of this invention includes a container for holding a fluid, a follower in the container which moves in the container in response to a change in a level of fluid in the container, and a sensor assembly for sensing the level of fluid in the container. The sensor assembly is especially (albeit not exclusively) suited for viscous fluids.

Abstract: A dealer management system (DMS) and a fluid dispensing system are linked by a computer. An interface, which may be integral with a dispenser control, is executed by the computer for providing to the DMS dynamic information for a particular repair order. The information is provided to the DMS in response to fluids dispensed by the fluid dispenser and in response to repair information input via an input device.

Abstract: This invention describes apparatus for and methods of testing cooling systems. The apparatus and method can be used for, among other things, pressurizing the cooling system either to a positive pressure or to a negative pressure, and for conducting temperature tests.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing fuel flow in a return or returnless fuel system. The apparatus comprises a housing, a primary flow passage in the housing having an inlet for connection to the fuel system for receiving fuel pumped by the fuel pump, and an outlet adapted for connection to the fuel system for flow of fuel to one or more fuel injectors. The apparatus includes a first device for measuring a rate of fuel flow through the primary flow passage, and a second device for measuring a fuel pressure in the primary flow passage. A bypass valve in the primary flow passage is movable between a first position in which the bypass passage is closed and the primary flow passage is open to permit the flow of fuel to the outlet of the primary flow passage and a second position in which the bypass passage is open and the primary flow passage is closed whereby fuel is directed through a bypass passage for transfer to a fuel receptacle.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a viscous fluid, such as grease gun for dispensing lubricant. The grease gun delivers lubricant with a selectable variation in pressure and/or output. It includes a reservoir, a pump having a reciprocating plunger, an electric motor driving the pump, and a variable speed transmission for transmitting power from the motor to the pump. The transmission has at least two different output speed settings adapted to be selected for reciprocating the plunger at different cyclical frequencies. A cycle indicator provides an indication corresponding to a quantity of lubricant dispensed. Embodiments of the grease gun include a pressure relief valve which inhibits damage due to an over-pressure condition, and a circuit breaker which inhibits damage due to electrical overload.

Abstract: A lubricant injector having a body containing a reciprocal piston for dispensing lubricant from the body, a pin extending from the piston through an opening in the body, and a sealing assembly in the opening surrounding the pin for sealing against leakage of lubricant from the body along the pin. The sealing assembly includes a low-pressure sealing member for sealing at low pressures, and a high-pressure sealing member for sealing at higher pressures. The injector includes a measuring chamber, venting of the injector involving transmission of lubricant from its inlet to the measuring chamber.

Abstract: A pump having a compressed-air-operated reciprocating motor for reciprocating a pump plunger through forward and return strokes. The motor comprises a motor cylinder and a motor piston operable in the cylinder and itself acting as a valve for effecting its return through each return stroke. A fluid dispenser is driven by the plunger between a charge position for charging a dispensing chamber with fluid and a discharge position for discharging fluid.