Abstract: A lubricant delivery system includes a valve manifold, an electronic controller, and a pressure sensor for determining whether there is adequate lubricant flow in the system. The valve manifold receives lubricant from a pressurized source. The valve manifold includes a plurality of valves configured to control the flow of lubricant to respective applicators. The electronic controller controls the opening and closing of the valves. The pressure sensor measures lubricant pressure in the valve manifold, and outputs a signal to the electronic controller. The signal correlates to a lubricant pressure value in the valve manifold. The electronic controller uses the lubricant pressure values to derive an indication of lubricant flow (via the valves) to the applicators.

Abstract: A minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) system includes a controller, a lubricant module coupled to a tool spindle of a machining apparatus, and a pneumatic module coupled to the spindle. The lubricant module is configured to supply lubricant at pressure to the tool, as controlled by the controller. Likewise, the pneumatic module is configured to supply pressurized air to the tool, as controlled by the controller. The controller is configured to direct the lubricant module to supply lubricant prior to the controller receiving a START signal from a machine tool controller. Optionally, the lubricant pressure level is predetermined based on known characteristics of the tool that is coupled to the spindle. Optionally, the START signal is anticipated by referring to a signature/profile of the operational steps of a machining process where a timeline or time table of lubrication request intervals are identified.

Abstract: A minimum quantity lubrication system for accurately measuring and controlling a volume and pressure of a lubricating fluid provided to a machining tool during minimum quantity lubrication machining operations. The minimum quantity lubrication system can further include measuring and controlling a volume and pressure of air provided during machining such that atomization of the lubricating fluid with the air can be controlled. Use of a continuous volumetric flow pump provides a continuous flow of lubricating fluid to the tool during machining operations.

Abstract: A MQL system for accurately measuring and controlling a volume and pressure of a lubricating fluid provided to a machining tool during minimum quantity lubrication machining operations. The MQL system can further include measuring and controlling a volume and pressure of air provided during machining such that atomization of the lubricating fluid with the air can be controlled. Use of a continuous volumetric flow pump provides a continuous flow of lubricating fluid to the tool during machining operations.

Abstract: A MQL system having first and second air streams, with the first air stream comprising a mixture of atomized lubricant droplets entrained with an air stream having a first airflow and the second air stream comprising an air stream at a second airflow greater than the first airflow and sufficient to blow off cuttings from the tool/metal interface.

Abstract: A method for controlling the flow of a minimum quantity lubricant (MQL) system to a computer numerical controlled (CNC) machining system.

Abstract: A pulsed metered coolant system having a variable volume coolant reservoir.

Abstract: A system provides for the delivery of lubricant or coolant to multiple machines simultaneously. The system comprises a single source of fluid where the single source is fluidly connected to a controller. The controller has a plurality of fluid connections to workstations. At least one fluid conduit extends between the controller and each workstation. Each workstation has means for applying the lubricant or coolant to a predetermined location. The locations are tools, workpieces, or drive components such as motors, bearings, gears, and the like. The lubricant or coolant is applied by an applicator, stream nozzle, or spray nozzle. The scrap material from the processing application is in condition for resale, instead of disposal.

Abstract: A lubrication system for a rotary coupler comprises a rotary coupling configured to deliver fluid from an external fluid source through a rotating member mounted in a bearing and lubricating the bearing.