Abstract: A bearing lubrication system includes a lubricant distributor configured to perform a lubrication operation by moving lubricant toward an interior of a housing of a bearing, at least one sensor configured to measure at least one condition of the bearing and to produce a signal indicative of the at least one measured condition and a controller configured to produce a transient detection signal, a signal indicative of a second derivative of the measurement signal, for example, and to determine whether an absolute value of the transient detection signal exceeds a threshold value during a given time period after the lubrication operation and to output a failure signal indicative of a lubrication failure in response to a determination that the absolute value of the transient detection signal does not exceed the threshold value during the given time period. Also a method of operating a bearing lubrication system.

Abstract: A bearing lubrication system includes a lubricant distributor configured to perform a lubrication operation by moving lubricant toward an interior of a housing of a bearing, at least one sensor configured to measure at least one condition of the bearing and to produce a signal indicative of the at least one measured condition and a controller configured to produce a transient detection signal, a signal indicative of a second derivative of the measurement signal, for example, and to determine whether an absolute value of the transient detection signal exceeds a threshold value during a given time period after the lubrication operation and to output a failure signal indicative of a lubrication failure in response to a determination that the absolute value of the transient detection signal does not exceed the threshold value during the given time period. Also a method of operating a bearing lubrication system.

Abstract: A bearing arrangement having a bearing mounted in a housing, wherein a grease lubricant is present within the housing for lubricating the bearing, a support frame at least partly made of an electrically insulating material, arranged in a space within the housing that lies axially between the bearing and a housing seal. The support frame includes at least one electrode pair having first and second electrodes arranged to enable grease lubricant to contact therewith. A capacitance meter provided for measuring a capacitance between the first and second electrodes. The support frame provides a radially oriented surface and a plurality of ribs that extend in a radially inward direction, the ribs having sufficient circumferential spacing to enable grease to flow between adjacent ribs. One of the first and second electrodes is provided on the radially oriented surface of the support frame or on a rib surface that faces an adjacent rib.

Abstract: A bearing arrangement is provided having a bearing mounted in a housing, wherein a grease lubricant is present within the housing for lubricating the bearing. The arrangement further provides a support frame made of an electrically insulating material, arranged in a space within the housing between the bearing and a housing seal. The support frame is provided with at least one electrode pair having first and second electrodes arranged such that a portion of the grease lubricant is located between the first and second electrodes. A capacitance meter is provided for measuring a capacitance between the first and second electrodes. The first and second electrodes of the at least one electrode pair are provided on a radially oriented surface of the support frame, which surface is arranged such that the grease is able to move in an axial direction over the surface.

Abstract: A bearing arrangement is provided having a bearing mounted in a housing, wherein a grease lubricant is present within the housing for lubricating the bearing. The arrangement further provides a support frame made of an electrically insulating material, arranged in a space within the housing between the bearing and a housing seal. The support frame is provided with at least one electrode pair having first and second electrodes arranged such that a portion of the grease lubricant is located between the first and second electrodes. A capacitance meter is provided for measuring a capacitance between the first and second electrodes. The first and second electrodes of the at least one electrode pair are provided on a radially oriented surface of the support frame, which surface is arranged such that the grease is able to move in an axial direction over the surface.

Abstract: A bearing arrangement having a bearing mounted in a housing, wherein a grease lubricant is present within the housing for lubricating the bearing, a support frame at least partly made of an electrically insulating material, arranged in a space within the housing that lies axially between the bearing and a housing seal. The support frame includes at least one electrode pair having first and second electrodes arranged to enable grease lubricant to contact therewith. A capacitance meter provided for measuring a capacitance between the first and second electrodes. The support frame provides a radially oriented surface and a plurality of ribs that extend in a radially inward direction, the ribs having sufficient circumferential spacing to enable grease to flow between adjacent ribs. One of the first and second electrodes is provided on the radially oriented surface of the support frame or on a rib surface that faces an adjacent rib.

Abstract: A lubricant system is disclosed that is formed by contacting a fibrous network with oil and/or lubricating fluid having an affinity for the fibrous network. The fibrous network comprises oleophilic fibers having a diameter between 50 nm and 10 microns and a length that is at least times the diameter. In addition, the oleophilic fibers have an affinity for the oil and/or lubricating fluid.

Abstract: A hydrophilic composition for use with a lubricating system comprises hydrophilic fibers having a diameter between 50 nm and 10 microns and a length that is at least 5 times the diameter. The hydrophilic fibers having a strong affinity for at least one of water and other hydrophilic fluids and may remove or eliminate free or dissolved water in a lubricating system comprising at least one of an oil and a lubricating fluid.

Abstract: A lubricant comprises oleophilic thickening fibers dispersed in at least one of an oil and/or and a lubricating fluid. The oleophilic thickening fibers have a diameter between 50 nm and 10 microns and a length that is at least 5 times the diameter.

Abstract: A dry lubricant comprises at least 50 wt % of fibers having a diameter between 50 nm and 10 microns and a length that is at least 5 times the diameter.

Abstract: A lubricant system is disclosed that is formed by contacting a fibrous network with oil and/or lubricating fluid having an affinity for the fibrous network. The fibrous network comprises oleophilic fibers having a diameter between 50 nm and 10 microns and a length that is at least times the diameter. In addition, the oleophilic fibers have an affinity for the oil and/or lubricating fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for use in a system containing at least one of an oil and a lubricating fluid. The apparatus comprises a surface in need of lubrication during operation of the apparatus, and oleophilic fibers disposed on the surface. The oleophilic fibers have a diameter between 50 nm and 10 microns and a length that is at least 5 times the diameter. In addition, the oleophilic fibers have an affinity for at least one of the oil and the lubricating fluid.