Abstract: A differential pressure sensor indicating a housing forming a high pressure chamber, a nozzle mounted on the housing at one end of the chamber, a diaphragm mounted in the chamber to form a low pressure chamber in the nozzle, a spring retainer in the high pressure chamber, a spindle connected to the diaphragm, a tension spring connecting the spindle to the spring retainer, a circular magnet mounted on the spindle and a transducer mounted on the housing to sense the position of the magnet.

Abstract: The compressor controller includes a timing circuit for timing-out a detected fault in a compressor. Upon the fault existing for longer than a predetermined time limit, the controller removes power from the compressor. If the fault is corrected within the predetermined time limit, even momentarily, the timing process is discontinued and the controller continues to monitor the status of the compressor. The controller also includes a delay timer for delaying the re-energizing of the compressor after an interruption or loss of power occurs. The delay prevents short cycling of the compressor. The controller further includes a status display for indicating compressor functions, connections to an alarm which is initiated in the event of compressor failure, a switch for initiating a self test of the controller, and circuitry for a field applied current sensing relay.

Abstract: The invention relates to a monitoring process on machine assemblies with central lubrication in rotary printing presses, with such machine assemblies possibly being, for example, printing units, which have a multiplicity of bearing points, engaging teeth, crank drives and similar. Via a central lubrication system, the lubrication points are supplied with lubrication oil, which is then collected and is checked in a central oil-collection tank for the possible occurrence of water, before being supplied to the central lubrication system.

Abstract: Fires caused by the leakage of lubricating oil spraying under pressure from lubricating oil conduits feeding bearings are controlled by stopping the flow of the lubricating oil in response to greater than normal flow of the oil through the conduit and simultaneously shutting down the machine having the bearing to which the oil is fed. A valve mounted in each conduit includes a valve element movable in response to the greater than normal flow through the conduit from a first position, to which it is biased and in which it is spaced from a valve seat, to a second position in which it engages the valve seat. A magnet mounted on the valve element actuates a magnetically operated switch connected in a circuit for shutting down the machine when the valve element moves at least part way from the first position to the second position. An alarm is activated as the machine is being shut down.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for filtering particulate matter from dielectric fluids, and for maintaining and monitoring of the purity of said fluids. The invention operates by imparting an electrostatic charge, via a pair of convoluted perforated oppositely charged electrodes, to the particulate contaminates contained in the fluid. The positive electrodes and negative electrodes are each unitary and in combination with a filter media form a unitary cartridge which is removable and replaceable within the apparatus. A microcontroller may be provided to monitor, analyze and report certain parameters of the fluid to be filtered.

Abstract: A monitoring system for detecting contamination of a liquid entrained in a circulating fluid, including a housing having an inlet for receiving the fluid, a reservoir for containing extracted liquid, and an outlet portion disposed in predetermined relationship with the reservoir for venting the fluid from the housing. There is also a separator, which may be formed as part of the housing, for extracting liquid from the fluid and directing the extracted liquid to the reservoir. A probe, disposed in the reservoir, measures an electrical parameter representative of the electrical resistance of the liquid to detect a change in resistivity indicative of contamination of the liquid.

Abstract: A lubricant level monitor for gear covers of locomotives uses a vacuum probe tube to determine if the lubricant is below a predetermined level. The vacuum is only activated if the locomotive has been at rest for a predetermined period of time, so that the lubricant has time to settle. The monitor employs a minimal amount of electrical devices and uses pneumatic logic wherever possible insure trouble-free operation. The monitor eliminates the requirement of inspection personnel going beneath the locomotive, and it eliminates the need for the locomotive to be arbitrarily pit-inspected every two weeks for a lubricant level check.

Abstract: Apparatus for exchanging waste oil with fresh oil in a device such as torque converter, based on a new finding that extracting waste oil from the pan thereof, supplying fresh oil thereinto and after the lapse of some pause time such extract and supply are repeated during said torque converter is kept to operate to circulate oil between the converter proper and the oil pan. The repetition of extract, supply and pause is automatically done according to the operation design stored in the computer with determining the total amount of extracted waste oil and fresh oil to be supplied.

Abstract: In railroad operations, a method and apparatus for optimizing on-board rail lubrication for both curved and tangent track. The apparatus is mounted on the car body of the last locomotive of a locomotive consist behind the last axle. A lubricating device applies two different lubricants, one on the crown of the rail and the other on the gage side. The amount and type of the crown lubricant are chosen such that the crown lubricant is totally consumed by the passage of the train wheels. The amount of application of the two lubricants is controlled by a microprocessor. A new sensor has been devised which measures degree of rail curve and estimates the angle of attack of the wheel on the rail by converting lateral displacement into either of the two quantities. This value is provided to the microprocessor. Other sensors measuring speed, temperature, humidity, etc. provide input signals to the microprocessor.

Abstract: A marine outboard drive unit (10) includes a powerhead (12) having a two-cycle internal combustion engine (14), a lower depending driveshaft housing (16) extending downwardly from the powerhead and having a lower submerged propeller (18), and an oil tank (30) mounted adjacent the driveshaft housing (16) below the powerhead (12). The oil tank (30) has a U-shape and extends partially around and conforms to the driveshaft housing (16) and is mounted in the space between the driveshaft housing (16) and a trim cover (34) which extends downwardly from the engine cowl (24). Particular mounting structure, rattle-reducing structure, and visual oil level monitoring structure is provided.

Abstract: A device for lubricating hydrodynamic bearings comprising an oil tank (2) and a pump (1) connected to the bearings (8) through a delivery line (5). The delivery line (5) has a value (9) placed below the oil level in the tank (2) . The valve has a casing with an inlet port (10) and an outlet port (11) end an auxiliary port (14). A movable member (12) with an axial passage (13) is mounted in the casing to take two positions so that in the first position it shuts-off the auxiliary port (14), the port (10) communicating with the port (11) via the passage (13). end in the second positions, it opens the port (14), the outlet port (11) communicating with the tank (2) through the port (14).

Abstract: In a scroll compressor, an open end of an oil extraction pipe which is placed in oil stored in a bottom portion of a hermetic casing is positioned at a location higher than an open end of an oil suction pipe that opens in the same stored oil, and a thermostat is provided for sensing a temperature rise of a compressed gas to cause the compressor to be stopped. Accordingly, even when an amount of oil injected into the compressed gas decreases, an amount of oil necessary for lubrication of a bearing portion is assured. The provision of the thermostat enables the compressor to be stopped before an amount of supply of the lubrication oil to the bearing portion has decreased. It is, accordingly, possible to positively prevent burning of the bearing portion of a crankshaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatic lubrication of bearings which apparatus incorporates a feeding device (2, 3) for grease and a valve member (7) intended to be connected to a bearing housing. In the valve member (4) is provided at a heat activated member (5) for sensing the bearing housing temperature and which, when a predetermined activation temperature is exceeded, is arranged to expand and to cause a restriction of the lubricant feed.

Abstract: A monitoring system for detecting contamination of a liquid entrained in a circulating fluid, including a housing having an inlet for receiving the fluid, a reservoir for containing extracted liquid, and an outlet portion disposed in predetermined relationship with the reservoir for venting the fluid from the housing. There is also a separator, which may be formed as part of the housing, for extracting liquid from the fluid and directing the extracted liquid to the reservoir. A probe, disposed in the reservoir, measures an electrical parameter representative of the electrical resistance of the liquid to detect a change in resistivity indicative of contamination of the liquid.

Abstract: A lubrication monitoring apparatus for a machine, in which an oil pressure gauge detects the pressure of lubricating oil of the filter, a first oil thermometer detects the temperature of lubricating oil before lubricating the mechanical section, a second oil thermometer detects the temperature of lubricating oil in the vicinity of the outlet of the lubricated mechanical section, and a warning device gives warning when any of the oil pressure, oil temperature, and oil temperature difference is out of a predetermined range.

Abstract: A transparent drain plug for the submersible transmission case of an outboard marine engine. The transparency of the plug permits the lubricating oil in the transmission to be viewed to determine by its color whether and to what extent water has seeped into the transmission. The plug has a special configuration which provides it with a lens effect to enhance the visibility of the transmission case interior.

Abstract: A single constant displacement pump provides lubricant under pressure from an on-board grease reservoir through a two-position valve to a selected group of distribution manifolds mounted on a cotton harvester. Each manifold of the group is connected to a plurality of conduits which lead to harvester row unit lubrication points, such as on the picker bar cam tracks, picker drum drive gears and the lubricant cavity for each of the picker drums. A line from the picker drum cavity opens into and lubricates the drum thrust washer area. The quantity of lubricant to each point is determined primarily by relative conduit resistance, which in turn is controlled by conduit length and cross section so that individual metering valves or pumps for each lubrication point are obviated. Conduits of substantially equal length and cross section are provided for each group of points which are to receive equal amounts of lubricant.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of outboard motors incorporating lubricating systems having a filter for filtering gravity flow of lubricant to the engine and for sensing a clogged filter condition. In each embodiment, a warning is given when the filter clogging condition is noted and furthermore there is provided an arrangement for reducing the speed of the engine and accordingly the lubricant consumption in response to such a clogging condition. In addition, the sensing device also provides an indication of the level of lubricant within the reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for lubrication of a mechanical system and the like used under the severe conditions, and includes a lubricating oil feeding device to the mechanical system, a lubricating oil extracting device, a device for analyzing properties of the lubricating oil thus extracted and a device for controlling in accordance with the result of the analysis. As commensurate to the degree of the extracted lubricating oil, new lubricating oil is fed into lubricated portions from the feeding device in response to a command from the controlling device, while, the lubricating oil is extracted from the lubricated portions to renew the lubricating oil.

Abstract: A low oil sensor especially for application with an internal combustion engine is provided with an over-center spring and diaphragm structure to maintain the sensor in the inactivated mode whenever there is an adequate oil level in an engine sump. Crankcase pulse pressures provide an adequate pressure differential across the diaphragm to move the switch to activate an indicator circuit and to stop the engine. Inadvertent switch operation is prevented by utilization of a check valve and bleed port arrangement. The switch can be reset by an externally operable reset plunger.

Abstract: An oil level sensor includes a sensor body adapted to be mounted to the block or casing of an oil-containing reservoir. A probe including a pair of electrodes forming a capacitor extends from the sensor body so that the capacitor will be at least partially immersed in the oil to detect the level thereof. At least one of the electrodes is insulated so that the apparent capacitance of the capacitor is relatively insensitive to any change in the conductivity of the oil at high temperatures. Circuitry is provided in response to the capacitance of the capacitor for signalling the level of the oil, which capacitance is a function of the oil level. The sensor body is mounted to the block by external threads on the probe. The electrodes of the probe extend proximally past the threads to provide an increased capacitance for the sensor. The electrodes of the probe are concentric and the inner electrode is supported at both ends to reduce fatigue.

Abstract: A controlled replenishing lubrication system provides a desired supply of oil to a rolling element bearing by monitoring the changes in the rolling element ball retainer to shaft speed ratio. This ratio is a function of elastohydrodynamic oil film thickness between elements of the bearing. Changes in the speed ratio are monitored by a sensor and fed to a control system which commands a pump to inject oil into the bearing when the speed ratio varies from a predetermined limit. The rolling elements are moveably mounted for rotation within a retainer or cage in a bearing housing. The retainer includes a light reflective indicia. A shaft is rotatably connected to rotate the retainer and the rolling elements. The shaft also includes a light reflective indicia. The sensor is mounted on or adjacent the bearing for simultaneously emitting light toward the retainer and shaft indicia for sensing variations in reflection of the light therefrom and for generating pulses to the control system responsive to the variations.

Abstract: A lubricating oil feeder for supplying an air-oil mixture containing compressed air and lubricating oil to oil receiving units including a pump for generating compressed air, an air supply pipe coupled to the pump, air induction pipes for introducing the compressed air from the pump in the oil receiving units, and oil supply source for intermittently discharging lubricating oil from the intermittent oil supply source to the oil receiving units, and oil injection devices for intermittently supplying a small fixed quantity of lubricating oil from the intermittent oil supply source to the lubricating oil supply pipes. The oil injection devices are installed between the intermittent oil supply source and the lubricating oil supply pipes, and the oil lines are coupled to the air induction pipes through the lubricating oil supply pipes and check valves.

Abstract: A lubricating oil supply system has a pump for automatically supplying lubricating oil from an oil tank to a crankcase of an engine through a passage. A bimetallic strip is cantilevered on a wall of the passage. The bimetallic strip is provided so as to reduce the cross-sectional area of the passage at the bimetallic strip when the temperature of the strip rises and to increase the cross-sectional area when the temperature lowers.

Abstract: The external sleeve of a slip brake in a torque wrench with a pair of clutches in series is provided with a spiral groove which houses lubricant. "O" rings at opposite ends of the external sleeve cooperate with an internal sleeve to seal in the lubricant. The slip brake of the present invention incorporates an internal split ring or drum which is adjustable to set the desired bias load of the slip brake. However, the split ring or drum is encased in a very thin steel sleeve which is attached, as by soldering, to the split ring. The outer surface of the thin steel sleeve abutts the inner surface of the outer ring and serves as the brake drum. Although the split ring is encased in a thin steel sleeve, the sleeve is thin enough (from about 0.025" to 0.030" thick) so that this sleeve will stretch when the split ring is expanded to increase the bias load on the slip brake.

Abstract: An integrated emergency lubrication system is provided to lubricate the bearings of a gas turbine engine in the event that the normal lubrication system for the engine fails for any reason. The emergency system includes an accumulator for storing oil, derived from the normal lubrication system, that is released in a controlled manner to lubricate the engine's bearings for several minutes after the normal lubrication system fails. During that time, the operator of the engine has an opportunity to cope with the situation. Energy for operating the emergency lubrication system is derived from compressed air bled form the compressor section of the engine, the compressed air also being combined with oil from the accumulator to form an air/oil mist that is sprayed over the bearings to be lubricated.

Abstract: A lubricant dispenser for a viscous lubricant such as grease, for a chuck body of a power chuck, comprises a container for containing a supply of the viscous lubricant. A delivery plunger, which is in the container and acts on the lubricant, is continually subjected to the pressure of a pressure medium. This forces lubricant from the container into a flexible line which is connected to a pressure intensifier mounted on the chuck body. The pressure intensifier contains a pressure piston which is movable under the influence of an intermittently operating pressure medium, and which carries a displacement piston which can be engaged against a receiving insert of the chuck body to open a valve and close the discharge of lubricant from the pressure intensifier into the chuck body.

Abstract: In order to obviate the need to manually input data relating to the grade of oil used to lubricate an engine, a monitoring system includes a sensor which senses the grade of oil along with sensors which enable the oil change procedure per se to be detected. After each oil change the output of the oil grade sensor is read and the appropriate values which determine the limits to which the oil may be permitted to degradate are automatically determined.

Abstract: A device for detecting low engine oil levels includes a mechanism for detecting the presence of oil in an oil containment vessel for an engine. A housing is disposed in the containment vessel for enclosing the detection mechanism. A chamber is disposed in the housing and is adapted to permit the free flow of oil therethrough for contact with the detection mechanism according to the level of oil in the containment vessel. The chamber further prevents surging of oil therethrough resulting from movement of the vehicle carrying the engine as well as intermittent splashing of the oil on the detection mechanism resulting from operation of the engine.

Abstract: A lubrication monitoring device for heavy duty diesel engines includes a plurality of measuring receivers connected at one level to driving spaces of the engine. Each receiver is assembled of a socket part secured to the wall of the engine and enclosing a lower and upper padding of resilient material pressed together by a pressure plate fastened to the top of the socket. Opposite lateral walls of the socket are formed with cutouts for receiving a ribbon cable which is integral with lateral elongated channels connected respectively to an underpressure and overpressure pump. The upper padding is provided with a connector block carrying a plurality of fork shaped contacts and with two hollow connection pieces which upon compression of the upper padding penetrate the elastic material around the elongated channels while the fork shaped contacts penetrate the insulation of the cable wires.

Abstract: In a method and a device for controlling a lubrication film between a bearing surface and a shaft surface of the bearing assembly an electric circuit is provided, interconnected between the shaft and the housing of the bearing, in which a thermoelectric voltage is produced by friction heat which is generated at a contact between the shaft and the bearing when a break in the lubrication film occurs, and which termoelectric voltage is used as a voltage source of the electric circuit.

Abstract: A recirculating lubricating system includes a monitor filter unit (16) between a pump (13) and a main filter element (17). The monitor filter unit (16) includes diverting means (23, 31) to ensure that a proportion of the oil flowing between the pump and the main filter element is diverted through a removable monitor filter element (28).

Abstract: A pneumatic switch (25) responsive to the vacuum in a closed crankcase (20) of a reciprocating piston engine (15) for indicating when there is less than a predetermined quantity of oil (21) in the crankcase. The switch includes a housing (30) defining a cylinder (35), a closed end (48) and an open end (74). A piston (36) reciprocates and rotates in the cylinder through a path determined by a cam (51) and a follower (52). Crankcase vacuum is applied to a chamber (47) between the piston and the closed housing end to move the piston against a calibrated spring (50). An electric switch (70, 71 and 76) indicates when the piston is in the portion of its path of motion when the engine is operating and there is less than the predetermined quantity of oil in the crankcase.

Abstract: A method for sensing when the quantity of oil in the crankcase of a reciprocating piston engine is inadequate for proper lubrication while the engine is operating. During engine operation, the crankcase gas pressure cycles between positive and negative values as the piston reciprocates. Positive crankcase gas pressures are vented through a check valve. The resulting cyclic vacuum in the crankcase has a peak and average magnitude which is a function of the quantity of oil in the crankcase. For a constant speed and substantially constant load engine, the crankcase vacuum can be used to indicate the approximate quantity of oil in the crankcase. For constant or variable speed and load engines, a drop in the crankcase vacuum below a predetermined level can be used to automatically stop the engine prior to damage by inadequate lubrication.