Roller-applied Patents (Class 184/17)
  • Patent number: 11555578
    Abstract: A lubricating system has a pump to force a viscous lubricant from a supply of lubricant to a lubricator at which the lubricant is to be dispensed onto a cable, wire, or the like that is being pulled through a conduit. A sensor, associated with a spool from which the cable is being dispensed, is be used to automatically control the amount of lubricant that is to be dispensed onto the cable. A second described system comprises a custom bucket or bucket insert which allow a cable to pass through the bucket whereupon lubricant will be automatically applied to the cable and the container includes a profiled base to ensure proper passage of the cable through the lubricant and ensure the maximum usage of any lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: IDEAL Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Juday, Doug Sanford, Nathan Buckert, Alan Zantout
  • Patent number: 10183303
    Abstract: There is provided in a preferred embodiment of the present invention a maintenance device having a lubricant reservoir attached to the upper end of a fixed body, and a dynamic body that is slidably engaged and disposed within the fixed body at the lower end thereof. Attached to the base of dynamic body is a trio of cleaning arms. A spring that is internally positioned between the dynamic body and the fixed body biases the dynamic body downward and the cleaning arms to a relaxed position. As the dynamic body retracts upon the application of force by a user, lubricant is released and pumped from the lubricant reservoir and each of the cleaning arms pivot and engage the side wall of the male connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Inventor: Christopher Cunningham
  • Patent number: 10046920
    Abstract: A sanitation apparatus for cleaning a conveyer belt, having a housing; a float in a float chamber; a liquid reservoir; a liquid cleaning solution dispenser holding liquid cleaning solution and positioned above the housing; a tube dispensing the liquid cleaning solution into the float chamber, cleaning elements associated with the housing via a first set of compressible elements biasing the cleaning elements against the conveyer belt; a cylindrical roller connected to the housing via a second set of compressible elements biasing the cylindrical roller against the conveyer belt; the cylindrical roller being contained in the liquid reservoir such that a first portion is exposed to the liquid cleaning solution, and a second portion is in contact with the conveyer belt, engaging the cylindrical roller with the conveyer belt to cause transfer of a movement of the conveyer belt to the cylindrical roller and rotating the cylindrical roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Inventor: Charles Wesley Green
  • Patent number: 8923743
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus configured to apply a necessary amount of a lubricant to an image bearing member while preventing the lubricant from being excessively consumed. An intermediate transfer belt drive motor controlled by a PID controller drives an intermediate transfer belt. A brush rotation controller for controlling an application brush drive motor detects fluctuation in a frictional force between a cleaning blade and the intermediate transfer belt, and controls the application brush drive motor such that an amount of lubricant to be applied is an amount corresponding to the detected fluctuation in the frictional force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takeyuki Suda
  • Patent number: 8903298
    Abstract: Methods and devices provide an electrostatically chargeable surface within a printing apparatus and cause a movable lubricant applicator to contact the electrostatically chargeable surface. The movable lubricant applicator is movable to be in contact with the electrostatically chargeable surface, or out of contact with the electrostatically chargeable surface. Such methods control the movable lubricant applicator to be in intermittent contact with the electrostatically chargeable surface during printing operations of the printing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Klenkler, Sarah J. Vella, Yu Liu
  • Patent number: 8135326
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a developer housing that holds a developer; a lubricant supply brush that rotates when in contact with the developer housing, and that supplies a lubricant to a surface of the developer housing; a lubricant that is in contact with the lubricant supply brush; a first voltage supply unit that supplies an AC voltage on which a DC voltage is superimposed to the lubricant supply brush; a determination unit that determines whether or not a usage state of the developer housing is a state at an initial stage; and a controller that controls the first voltage supply unit to supply the AC voltage on which the DC voltage is superimposed to the lubricant supply brush, prior to start of execution of an image forming operation if the determination unit determines that the usage state of the developer housing is the state at the initial stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeo Ohno, Tomoya Ichikawa, Yoji Yamaguchi, Kuniaki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8107872
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus including a charging unit configured to charge a surface of an image bearing member utilizing discharge generated by applying a voltage containing an alternating current component to a charging member disposed in contact with or close to the image bearing member, so that a latent electrostatic image is formed on the image bearing member; a developing unit configured to develop the latent electrostatic image formed on the image bearing member using a toner; a cleaning unit configured to clean the surface of the image bearing member using a blade; a protecting agent applying unit configured to rub and scrape a protecting agent by a brush roller and apply the protecting agent to the surface of the image bearing member; and a protecting agent charging member configured to charge the protecting agent, the member being disposed between the protecting agent applying unit and the charging unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoyuki Ozaki, Hiroshi Nakai, Masahide Yamashita, Masato Iio, Shinya Tanaka, Kunio Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 8000643
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a lubricant applicator and a process cartridge using the same. The lubricant applicator includes a solid lubricant, a lubricant retainer, a lubricant holder, a lubricant application mechanism, a pressure mechanism, a friction resistance reduction mechanism. The lubricant retainer holds the solid lubricant. The lubricant holder stores the solid lubricant and the lubricant retainer. The lubricant application mechanism applies the solid lubricant to an object. The pressure mechanism is provided between the lubricant retainer and the lubricant holder, and presses the lubricant retainer to push the solid lubricant from the lubricant holder. The friction resistance reduction mechanism is disposed at a position where the lubricant retainer and the lubricant holder come into contact in a frictionally sliding manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroomi Harada
  • Patent number: 7881651
    Abstract: A lubricant applying device, includes: an image carrier; a lubricant; a lubricant applying member that contacts the image carrier and the lubricant, and maintains a portion of the lubricant on an outer periphery of the lubricant applying member due to rotating so as to apply the lubricant to the image carrier; and a solid material that is adjacently provided with the lubricant on an upstream side in a rotation direction of the lubricant applying member, wherein the solid material has a higher level of hardness than the lubricant and is worn out due to contact with the lubricant applying member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sho Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6990707
    Abstract: A cylindrical member maintenance device is comprised of a housing comprised of two hinged halves for being closed around a cylindrical member, such as a stranded steel cable. A rotary helical brush assembly and a rotary longitudinal brush assembly are positioned in the housing and rotatable about an axis of the housing. Each rotary brush assembly is comprised of coaxial split rings with rotary cylindrical wire brushes connected in between and which are independently rotatable about their own axes. Nozzles are positioned on the inside of the housing for applying a cleaning fluid or paint to the cylindrical member. Apertures in the housing are for connecting to a suction device for removing debris, cleaning fluid, and paint to avoid contaminating the environment. Loops on the housing are for attaching to cables for moving the housing along the cylindrical member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventors: Steven A. Heumann, Richard D. Howard
  • Patent number: 6942409
    Abstract: A bicycle chain cleaner fitted on a spray can of cleaning and lubricating solution, comprising: a lower half-shell and an upper half-shell, which are provided centrally with a flat and elongated tray, respectively for collection and for covering the region where a sprayed solution is dispensed, the half-shells being provided with an inlet and an outlet for the chain, which are aligned and co-planar; articulation elements, which are interposed between the half-shells; elements for coupling to the top of the spray can one of the half-shells; and a sort of trigger, which is associated with the other one of the half-shells in order to make the edges of the half-shells mate, respective brushes with tufts of radial bristles being fitted in the half-shells so that they can rotate, the tufts being adapted to penetrate, when the chain advances in the half-shells, between links of the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Barbieri S.N.C. di Barbieri Nadia & Kalman
    Inventor: Adriano Barbieri
  • Publication number: 20040140160
    Abstract: Described are a self-lubricating, overhead conveyor system and the component parts thereof. The self-lubricating overhead conveyor system obviates the need for added lubricants, and comprises three main components: a trolley assembly, a conveyor chain and a turn wheel assembly. In one embodiment, all three components are integrated to provide an improved overhead conveyor system; however, individual components may be used to retrofit conventional overhead conveyor systems. The trolley assemblies contain a self-lubricating precision ball bearing assembly, and are joined together by a surface hardened conveyor chain internally treated to resist corrosion and eliminate flaking. The turn wheel assemblies are configured to engage the conveyor chain and provide continuous lubrication and cleaning to the conveyor chain. All components of the conveyor system of the present disclosure meet criteria established by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for use in food processing applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventor: Tom Carder
  • Patent number: 6567710
    Abstract: A fluid supply system controller includes a processor, a memory subsystem and fluid application code. The memory subsystem is coupled to the processor and stores data and instructions. The fluid application code causes the processor to perform the steps of receiving a workpiece width, a workpiece feed length, a workpiece stroke rate, a workpiece fluid thickness and a calibrated flow rate. The fluid application code then causes fluid to be periodically provided to the workpiece for a fixed duration responsive to the received workpiece width, workpiece feed length, workpiece stroke rate, workpiece fluid thickness and calibrated flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventor: Charles W. Boelkins
  • Patent number: 6547039
    Abstract: Lubrication devices for lubricating wire rope on a crane. Spray nozzles may be permanently mounted to the multi-sheaved wire block assemblies. A controller and oil supply located near the base of the crane are used to control and deliver oil to the spray nozzles. A telescopic spray unit is used to lubricate the vertical stationary wire rope. A crawler that rides on the wire rope is used to lubricate the stationary wire rope between the anchor point and the first sheave of the block assembly. Improved clamshell units are used to lubricate the wire rope between the drums storing wire rope and the first sheave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: J. Ray McDermott, S.A.
    Inventors: Paul John Berbakov, Steven Paul Clark, Afif Michel Labaki, Edward Stephen Robitz
  • Publication number: 20030066712
    Abstract: A greasing system for conveyor belt rollers uses a depression formed in a shaft about which the roller rotates to permit grease to flow from a front side to a backside of a roller bearing. In this way grease can be applied to the bearing while the conveyor is operating. The grease then flows from the backside of the bearing, through the bearing and out an outlet on the front side of the bearing making it easy to determine when the bearing has been fully greased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventors: Tim Wolf, James R. Dugger
  • Patent number: 6247555
    Abstract: A rotating lubrication applicator is provided for metered lubrication of machine parts including parts of drive mechanisms. The preferred applicator includes an inner hub and an outer lubricating portion. The outer lubricating portion is made out of a solid lubricant containing microporous polymeric matrix material. Tensioning devices including the rotating lubrication applicators are also provided as are methods of using the same. The applicator will provide a metered amount of lubricant to surfaces which come into contact with outer lubricating portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: TCI, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond E. Millard
  • Patent number: 6202792
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for lubricating an edge dam in a twin-roll type strip casting machine are disclosed. A continuous uniform lubrication boundary layer is formed on the friction face between the casting rolls and the edge dam, so that the wear of the edge dam refractory material can be reduced, and that the friction faces of the casting roll can be protected, thereby improving the performance and the durability of the machine. The apparatus includes a lubricant spouting nozzle disposed adjacently to a friction face of the casting roll, and a lubricant supplying device for supplying a lubricant to the lubricant spouting nozzle so as to make the lubricant spouted and adhered on the friction face of the casting roll. Further a lubricant spreading roller is installed at a rear of the lubricant spouting nozzle, for pressing the lubricant onto the friction face of the casting roll with a certain pressure so as to make the lubricant clad on the friction face. The method includes the following steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignees: Pohang Iron & Steel Co., Ltd., Research Institute of Industrial Science & Technology
    Inventors: Han Nam Cheong, Dong Kyun Choo, Tae Wook Kang
  • Patent number: 6071354
    Abstract: An elongated fluid applicator is used to manually apply a fluid such as a lubricant or a cleaning fluid to the belt and/or belt supporting surface of an exercise treadmill. The applicator is optionally included in a kit containing one or more desired fluids, and at least one treadmill belt tension adjusting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventor: Charles Williams
  • Patent number: 6070697
    Abstract: A rotating lubrication applicator is provided for metered lubrication of machine parts including parts of drive mechanisms. The preferred applicator includes an inner hub and an outer lubricating portion. The outer lubricating portion is made out of a solid lubricant containing microporous polymeric matrix material. Tensioning devices including the rotating lubrication applicators are also provided as are methods of using the same. The applicator will provide a metered amount of lubricant to surfaces which come into contact with outer lubricating portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: TCI, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond E. Millard
  • Patent number: 5947260
    Abstract: A device for lubricating chains, having a sprocket (4) which is fixed to a rotating shaft (6) with an axis of rotation which lies transversely to the chain (1) to be lubricated and is suitable to mesh with the chain. A pair of sidewalls (17,18) are attached to the respective sides of the sprocket, and the device is provided with a box-shaped support (13) for the sprocket and for the sidewalls. Holes (27) are provided which lead out at the peripheral region of the sidewalls to release a lubricant onto the chain. Distribution holes (25,26) disposed in the sidewalls in communication with the peripheral holes (27) of the sidewalls receive lubricant delivered though an axial hole (28) arranged in the rotating shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Inventors: Giuseppe Sorbara, Umberto Comoglio
  • Patent number: 5868839
    Abstract: A liquid metering and coating assembly for use in a thermal toner fixation unit of a plain paper copier or printer. The assembly consists of a release oil-supply roll having a compliant and flexible porous permeation control layer and a cleaning blade. The cleaning blade is mounted so as to contact the surface of the permeation control material. The cleaning blade removes excess toner and other incidental debris from the surface of the permeation control layer thereby providing a freshly cleaned surface from which controlled amounts of release oil are uniformly coated onto the surface of an adjacent contacting roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Japan Gore-Tex, Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kato, Hiroyasu Kikukawa
  • Patent number: 5647456
    Abstract: A chain drive lubricator includes a pressure gas source; a lubricant reservoir, the reservoir having a gas inlet, a lubricant outlet, and means for receiving the lubricant, and a movable piston separating the gas from the lubricant. A gas valve connected between the source of pressurized gas and the reservoir inlet has first and second closed positions and an intermediate open position, and valve biasing means for moving from the second position to the first position, the gas valve being fixably supported relative to a control member movably supported by the vehicle frame, a flexible conduit extending between the gas valve and the reservoir inlet. An applicator for applying the lubricant onto the chain is connected by a feed conduit to the reservoir outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Inventor: Joseph Gelb
  • Patent number: 5476546
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying a liquid lubricant in a pattern to a face of a sheet workpiece has a support frame through which the workpiece is transported in a travel direction substantially parallel to its face, a plurality of axles in the frame extending along respective axes generally perpendicular to the direction and individually displaceable generally perpendicular to the direction and to the respective axes, and respective liquid-pervious rollers journaled on the axles about the respective axes. A liquid lubricant is fed to the rollers and respective actuators connected between the axles and the frame displace the respective rollers perpendicular to the direction and to the respective axes into and out of contact with the workpiece as same passes in the direction through the frame. A controller connected to the actuators individually controls and operates same to apply the liquid lubricant in the rollers to the workpiece in a predetermined pattern as the workpiece passes through the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Assignee: Firma Zibulla & Sohn GmbH Raziol-Schmierungstechnik
    Inventor: Georg G. Zibulla
  • Patent number: 5368128
    Abstract: An elevator cable lubricating apparatus including a pair of spray pipes extending on opposite sides of a path of travel of elevator cables and being connected to a feed pipe supplying lubricant under pressure. Each of the spray pipes includes a separate nozzle directed toward an associated one of the elevator cables. The apparatus is releasably mounted on two spaced apart supports by pipe clips. The supports also rotatably retain a pair of distributing rollers extending beneath respective ones of the spray pipes. The rollers are slidable toward and away from the rollers in slots formed in the supports and include soft surfaces which embrace the elevator cables and distribute the lubricant sprayed from the nozzles over the entire circumference of the elevator cables. By utilizing only one of the spray pipes and rollers, any linearly moving or rotating machine parts can be lubricated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventor: Hartmut Waldchen
  • Patent number: 5207293
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for lubricating stoppers prior to their insertion with syringe barrels is provided. A pair of lubricating wheels are provided which have opposing stopper contact surfaces. Each wheel is partially positioned within a reservoir so that, upon wheel rotation, lubricant within the reservoir is transferred to a wheel engaging the stopper contact surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Robert Eden, Roger Hoeck, Merlyn Urbom
  • Patent number: 5158154
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for lubricating stoppers prior to their insertion with syringe barrels is provided. A pair of lubricating wheels are provided which have opposing stopper contact surfaces. Each wheel is partially positioned within a reservoir so that, upon wheel rotation, lubricant within the reservoir is transferred to a wheel engaging the stopper contact surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Robert Eden, Roger Hoeck, Merlyn Urbom
  • Patent number: 4901820
    Abstract: Apparatus and a method are disclosed for automatically applying uniform amounts of oily lubricant to electrical contact tabs on one or more edges on one or both sides of a printed circuit card, simultaneously, by conveying the card past one or more lubrication stations in wiping contact with free rolling rollers adapted for contacting a wick continuously supplied with lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Boyd M. Fry, Pratap Singh, Joseph T. Spalik, Kerry D. Sweazea
  • Patent number: 4648486
    Abstract: An automatic lubricator for chain conveyors with a pivoting arm having a roller contacting the chain and moving between the chain side links to place lubricating nozzles along the chain center line. A magnetic proximity sensor on the pivoting arm activates the fluid pump when the nozzles are in position to deliver lubricating fluid to the chain pins. Improved metering pump apparatus diverts fluid from the metering pump to a fluid return line immediately at the end of a lubrication cycle. The metering pump chamber is then primed for the next cycle. Drippage from the lubrication nozzles is eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1987
    Assignee: Madison-Kipp Corporation
    Inventors: John P. Kayser, Philip J. Kast
  • Patent number: 4638761
    Abstract: A coating applicator for a suspended cable comprises a housing defining a coating reservoir and having a roller rotatably mounted in said housing that is at least partly immersed in the coating reservoir. The coating roller includes a peripheral groove defined by tapered walls adapted to receive the cable therein. In one form of the invention, a pair of brackets support suspension rollers from opposite sides of the housing so that each suspension roller is spaced from the other and aligned over the groove in the coating roller from opposite sides of the cable. The housing includes a fluid coupling for connection with a conduit in fluid communication between the coating reservoir and a reversible pump which is in fluid communication with a supply reservoir, so that a predetermined level of fluid can be maintained in the coating reservoir and so that the coating can be drained from the reservoir when the coating operation is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1987
    Inventor: Lee Carrick
  • Patent number: 4570505
    Abstract: A rack lubricator is bolted to a drive pinion housing. The lubricator supports a porous felt gear on a rotatable shaft. Lubricant is ported through the shaft to the inner surface of the gear, and the gear wicks the lubricant onto the rack teeth, thereby coating the surface of the rack with minimal lubricant as the felt gear rolls with the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1986
    Assignee: Cincinnati Milacron Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Peterson
  • Patent number: 4301725
    Abstract: A sleeve member of elastomeric material is mounted on one of the driving and driven pulleys between which the type-carrier is passed. The sleeve member is wetted with a lubricant liquid so that a friction occurring between the type-carrier and the platen is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1981
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki Company, Limited
    Inventors: Toshio Hiki, Koichi Saga
  • Patent number: 4280591
    Abstract: The chain lubricating system of this invention includes an oil reservoir and a partially submerged sprocket wheel. The sprocket wheel is loosely carried on a stationary axle mounted within the reservoir to permit both rotation and lateral slidable movement thereon. The teeth of the sprocket are characterized to urge oil into the links and rollers of the drive chain as it is moved over the rotating sprocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1981
    Inventor: Ross G. Newcomb