Abstract: A container for collecting a lubricant including a housing having a longitudinal axial extension between a first end connectable to a source of lubricant and a longitudinally opposite second end, a cap attached to the second end, a piston slidably movable inside the housing between the first end and the second end of the housing. The cap is attached to the second end of the housing by a snap connection for blocking the axial translation between cap and the housing, the cap and the housing having respectively a first flat surface and a second flat surface contacting each other for preventing rotation of the cap around a longitudinal axis of the housing.

Abstract: A shaft lubrication apparatus is provided and includes a rotatable shaft, a lubrication sump and a lubrication ring. The lubrication ring is rotatable with the rotatable shaft with respect to the lubrication sump whereby lubrication is transported from the lubrication sump to the rotatable shaft.

Abstract: An air-cooled shaft seal comprises an annular body having an inner surface and an outer surface. One or more helical channels are formed on the inner surface. A plurality of external surfaces such as radial fins are disposed in axially spaced relationship on the outer surface, and extend radially in a direction away from a longitudinal axis of the annular body. The external surfaces present a substantially increased surface area through which heat energy is transferred from polymeric material contained in the seal to the atmosphere. The seal may be installed on one or shafts of a gear pump for transporting a viscous material under pressure.

Abstract: An oil mist generating system and monitoring method is shown and described, including pressurized air and oil supplies connected to a mist generating head. Sensors are provided for monitoring current values of the system operating parameters and for generating data signals based on the monitored values. A data processor functionally connected to the sensors generates signals based on the data input, such as an alarm signal if one of the monitored values is beyond the extremes of a predetermined range of values indicative of a fault condition. A visual display device displays programmed messages based on the signals generated by the data processing means. If a fault condition exists, the displayed messages aid the user in diagnosing and correcting the reason for the alarm signal. The user may manually request further programmed messages using a keypad, which messages direct the user to take predetermined actions to troubleshoot the problem and maintain the system at an appropriate operating level.

Abstract: A control apparatus, for measuring pressure in relation to a rotary screw compressor with capacity control means and a prime mover, including a pressure sensor to monitor the prime mover manifold pressure, and a series of relays which when tripped by the pressure sensor will engage a pressure mechanism to engage the capacity control means on the compressor. The pressure mechanism may be a hydraulic or a pneumatic pressure mechanism and the apparatus may further include a second pressure sensor to monitor the inlet gas pressure to the compressor and a third pressure sensor to monitor discharge pressure of the gas compressor.

Abstract: A plurality of lubricant dispensers with respective microprocessor controllers are connected to a central microcomputer and can count up the number of revolutions of the respective spindle so that local lubrication at different sites of a machine will satisfy the site requirement even if the machine operation and lubrication have been interrupted. The controller of the dispenser includes a data store responsive to the dispensing time which is reset when a new reservoir is hooked up.

Abstract: A lubrication system for supplying lubricant to a plurality of antifriction bearings composed of inner and outer bearing rings and a plurality of rolling elements mounted between the rings. The lubricant is intermittently supplied to the region of the rolling elements, with the amount of each intermittent supply being determined as a function of operating data which are continuouslu acquired from the bearing.

Abstract: An automatic and initial adjustment of pertinent engine parameters to provide an engine with a gentle break-in period. The engine's electronic control unit adjusts the engine parameters most conducive to proper break-in during operating speeds greater than a predetermined speed and for a predetermined period of break-in time.

Abstract: A machine tool has a plurality of lubrication points to which lubricant must be delivered at specific maintenance intervals. At least some of the lubrication points are connected, via a system of lubricant lines, to a central delivery station for lubricant.

Abstract: A reciprocating compressor includes a housing in which lubricating oil is stored, and an electric motor for driving a vertical crankshaft connected to a piston for reciprocating the piston. The crankshaft includes an outer peripheral contact surface rotatably mounted in the bearing. An oil passage is formed in the crankshaft, the oil passage having an oil inlet submerged in the oil, and an oil outlet communicating with the contact surface for conducting oil to the contact surface in response to rotation of the crankshaft. The contact surface includes spiral races formed therein in circumferentially spaced relationship to the oil outlet for reducing the size of the contact surface and hence reducing the amount of friction produced between the contact surface and the bearing.

Abstract: An automatic lubricator is microprocessor controlled and can be programmed to deliver lubricant to a bearing or the like at selected intervals. A pressure for lubricant delivery in the range of 80-90 psi can be attained in less than a minute, but the bulk of the lubricant is kept under a minimal pressure of about 7 psi to avoid bleeding. Operation of the lubricator rests upon the use of a minor pressure imposed by a spring to force lubricant into the threads of an auger, so that rotation of the auger by a servo motor controlled by the microprocessor then dispenses the lubricant while at the same time providing a mixing action to the lubricant. Provision is also made for automatic shutting off of the lubricator at a preselected temperature.

Abstract: A bearing lubrication system in which a shaft is journaled for rotation in an integral bearing in a gear box, the bearing being primarily loaded through less than its full circumference, leaving an unloaded reach of the bearing, the bearing being interrupted through a substantial arc in at least a portion of the unloaded reach to define a gap in the bearing through which lubricant travels, is provided with a fixed scoop for channeling lubricant into the gap. The bearing is a solid bearing, of a piece with a gear box housing, as is the scoop.

Abstract: A lubricating device lubricates various parts of a power transfer system for a vehicle. The lubricating device comprises a gear interconnected with an output shaft and splashes lubricating oil in an oil chamber. The splashed oil is received by a cover member and supplied to a passage for supplying the lubricating oil to a bushing for rotatably supporting an output shaft of the power transfer system. Therefore, even if the direction to which lubricating oil is splashed by the gear is changed according to an operating condition of the vehicle, the cover member securely receives the splashed oil and supplies it to the passage for the bushing.

Abstract: A fluid control system for a rotating shaft which provides a seal to limit fluid leakage from around the shaft and which vacuums away any fluid leaking past the provided seal. The fluid control system may be installed around a rotating shaft such as a flywheel in a press. The fluid control system includes a housing which forms a clearance space with the rotating shaft in which fluid, such as oil being used to create or service the flywheel bearing, can be collected. A seal is provided between the rotating shaft and the housing to prevent fluid leakage from the clearance space. A vacuum mechanism positioned along a leakage path beyond the seal is provided with an air duct through which passes a vacuum induced air flow which vacuums away fluid leaked from the seal.

Abstract: A lubricating system for a machine such as a two-cycle internal combustion engine including a reciprocating pump that pumps a finite amount of lubricant during a single pumping stroke and a stepper motor for operating the pump through incremental phases of movement each less than a stroke. The lubricant requirements of the machine are determined and the driving increments are adjusted so as to provide a pumping stroke when the lubricant consumption of the machine reaches the output of the pump. Various arrangements of stepper motors and control arrangements are disclosed for controlling the amount and timing of the lubricate delivery.

Abstract: A lubricating method and apparatus for a circular knitting machine which involves inputting operating conditions for the circular knitting machine from an operating conditions input device 30, after which a pump squirt quantity per squirt is computed by a squirt quantity computing device 33 and set in a squirt quantity setting device 21, a pump squirt velocity is computed by a squirt velocity computing device 34 and set in a squirt velocity setting device 22, and an intermittent pump operating period is computed by an intermittent period computing device 35 and set in an intermittent period setting device 24. Subsequently, a start signal is sent from a start signal sending device 25 after each set intermittent period, and a pump drive device 23 drives the pump 12. As a result, an appropriate quantity of lubricating oil is squirted from a nozzle 13 towards a cam groove 4 of a cam 5 for a duration of at least one revolution of a row of needles 1 of the circular knitting machine.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a shredding machine utilizing a lubrication process to increase the shredding capacity and service life of the machine. More specifically, the invention discloses a distribution manifold containing a plurality of uniformly dispersed pores which discharge fluid across the cutting elements of the shredding machine in a precise and even manner. The pore diameter and length can be chosen to provide for variable fluid discharge rates. Additionally, this invention relates to a lubrication discharge system which utilizes an actuating means that controls the discharge intervals over which the porous manifold releases the fluid. Provisions are included which allow for the lubrication discharge system to operate by use of a pump, or by the mere force of gravity in combination with a control valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for lubricating an operating component of a system in which the operating component is exposed to a range of conditions, such as a range of temperatures which require adjustment of at least one physical property of the lubricant, is described. In one embodiment, the apparatus is useful for lubricating more than one operating component, each operating under a different operating condition. The apparatus utilizes a first lubricant and a second lubricant which are at least partially miscible, under a condition of at least partial miscibility, usually an elevated temperature. Under the condition of at least partial miscibility, the lubricants combine to provide a third lubricant. The third lubricant is dispensed to the operating component in response to a change in at least one operating condition which requires the properties of the third lubricant for efficient lubrication.

Abstract: A lubricant nozzle positioning system and method for use with a machine tool having an automated tool changing assembly and a plurality of cutting tools secured therein, for selectively positioning a desired cutting tool to contact a workpiece to be tooled. The lubricating system includes a lubricating assembly having at least one movable nozzle for providing a desired lubricant, and a nozzle positioning subsystem for cooperation with a selected program of the automated tool changing assembly for positioning the nozzle of the lubricating assembly proximate an interface of each cutting tool and a respective portion of a workpiece to be tooled upon sequential movement of the cutting tools into position by the automated tool changing assembly according to the selected program so as to provide the lubricant as desired.

Abstract: An apparatus for regulating a compressor lubrication system includes an oil-flooded rotary gas compressor, a reservoir flow connected to the compressor, a heat exchanger for cooling a lubricant, and a controller. A thermal mixing valve regulates the temperature of the lubricant flowing to the compressor. A first temperature sensor measures a discharge temperature at a compressor outlet, and provides a signal corresponding to the discharge temperature to the controller. A second temperature sensor measures a lubricant temperature at a lubricant inlet to the compressor, and provides a signal corresponding to the lubricant temperature to the controller. A pressure sensor measures the pressure at the outlet of the compressor, and provides a corresponding pressure signal to the controller. A valve means continuously regulates the supply of lubricant to the compressor, the valve means being controlled by the controller in response to the temperature signal of the first temperature sensor and the pressure signal.

Abstract: A compressor includes an air cooled lubricant temperature regulator and an engine for providing motive force to the compressor. A first, electric-driven, self-priming pump provides a supply of lubricant to the compressor prior to starting the engine and for a predetermined period of time after the engine is operating. The first pump is flow connected in fluid receiving relation with a lubricant reservoir. A first electronic controller means directs compressor operations, including directing operation of the first pump. A second electronic controller, external to the first controller means, directs operation of the first pump after engine operation. A second, compressor-driven, self-priming pump provides a primary lubricant pumping function during engine operation at predetermined run speeds.

Abstract: An entrainment pump for viscous fluids comprising a moving member which dips into the fluid and of which a flat wall cooperates, without contact but with a very small clearance, with seals provides on the sides and at the rear end of a static element consisting of a box guide elongate in the direction of movement of said moving member, in this guide there being provided successive trap chambers which with said moving flat wall form clearances progressively decreasing in the direction of said movement and of the same order of magnitude as the particular thickness of the dragged fluid. Preferred embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: A method for automatically timely supplying a lubricant to a machine working section driven by a motor and an apparatus therefor. The quantity of increase of the driving current of a mold clamping servomotor (12) during the process in which a mold clamping mechanism (10) of an injection molding machine shifts from a proper lubrication state to an improper lubrication state is previously decided for each combination of the type of the injection molding machine, injection molding conditions, and the type of grease. While a normal injection molding cycle in the proper lubrication state is being executed, a reference value for the motor driving current is decided on the basis of the normal motor driving current in a specific moved position of a movable platen (14), at which the motor current is measured for the aforesaid decision, and the increase of the motor driving current, the reference value and the specific moved position of the movable platen being loaded into a memory of a numerical control device (50).

Abstract: A method for controlling a sweeper lubrication system which includes a lubricant container, a pump, and sootblower specific lubricator connected to a sootblower by pipelines for passing lubricant to each sootblower. For reliability, the operation of the pump is controlled by a timer and the sootblower specific lubricator of each sootblower is controlled on the basis of the operation or movement of the respective sootblower.

Abstract: A lubrication system for a cotton harvester having a plurality of harvesting units. The lubrication system comprises a lubricant source for providing pressurized lubricant to each of the harvesting units to facilitate their operation and a control mechanism for measuring cyclic operations of harvesting units operating components during a harvesting procedure. The control mechanism controls operation of the lubricant source such that the amounts of lubricant provided to the harvesting units during a lubrication cycle is correlated to the lubricant usage of the harvesting units during the harvesting procedure. A salient feature of the present invention relates to a display for visually indicating the cyclic operations remaining for the harvesting units before another lubrication cycle is due to be commenced. The display furthermore provides a visual indication relating to the operating performance of the lubrication system.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and a combination for automatically oiling a paper shredder with oil drops when it is running in the reverse direction, and after a predetermined running time in the forward direction.

Abstract: An adaptive oil lubrication system for a marine propulsion system having a variable speed oil pump controlled by a microprocessor. The speed of the pump and, thus, the oil flow rate is varied to track the demand for lubrication by the propulsion system. A microprocessor monitors the propulsion system and calculates the appropriate speed of the oil pump to generate the oil flow needed by the propulsion system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lubrication system for an agricultural implement such as a cotton harvester having a plurality of harvesting units mounted thereon. Each harvesting unit of the cotton harvester includes a harvesting mechanism whose operation is facilitated by supplying lubricant thereto. The lubrication system preferably includes an on-board grease reservoir with a constant displacement pump assembly having an input connected to the reservoir and an output for providing lubricant under pressure to the harvesting mechanisms of each harvesting unit. The pump assembly is operated under the influence of a controller which operates the pump for a preselected period of time thereby causing preselected amounts of pressurized lubricant to be provided to the harvesting mechanism of each harvesting unit.

Abstract: An improved lubricating system for lubrication of equipment bearings comprising: an air supply subsystem, an oil supply subsystem and an oil mist generation subsystem. The oil mist generation subsystem is connected to the air supply and oil supply subsystems for combining air and oil therefrom into an oil mist for distribution to the equipment bearings. A computerized controller is connected to the air supply, oil supply and oil mist genrating subsystem for controlling and monitoring the operating conditions of the system.

Abstract: A lubricant supply limiting device (1') for a lubrication system, wherein at least one fixed throttle (F) and a servo pressure controller (3) provided with a variable throttle (D) are disposed in the flow path, and wherein an adjustment member (6') for the variable throttle (D) is subjected to the resilient action of an actuator, is provided with a proportional solenoid (15) acting as the actuator for selectively adjusting the lubricant flow to the demand at specified lubrication points. A proportional solenoid (15) is moreover advantageous for general use in servo pressure controllers to act on the adjustment member thereof in a manner permitting the pressure differential maintained by the servo pressure controller and determined by a fixed throttle to be varied.

Abstract: A lubricant supply source is disposed in the vicinity of a sliding or rotary portion of a machine element, and an electrical power source is intermittently driven by a controller, so as to intermittently supply lubricant from the lubricant supply source to the machine element. When required, a sensor for monitoring the operating state of the machine element, and/or a remote controller is used, so that the supply of lubricant is controlled on the basis of the signal of the sensor and/or by means of the remote controller. Consequently, lubricant can be supplied or supplemented to the machine element in accordance with necessity. Therefore, the machine element will be able to stably operate for a long time, even in relative inaccessible places which people cannot inadvertently access.

Abstract: A refrigeration system is provided with a compressor whose speed is varied to provide load control. In order to prevent compressor damage is lubricating oil pressure sensing control is provided which generates a compressor speed increase signal whenever the oil pressure drops below a predetermined minumum.

Abstract: The specification describes a new process and apparatus for the controlled release of metered quantities of lubricating liquids or suspensions for applying a coating of lubricant to mechanically stressed zones of pressing tools in tablet-making machines, wherein the lubricating solution or suspension is fed into one or more liquid valves synchronously with the cadence of the tablet-making machine from a pressureless storage container by means of a pulsation-free pump, and any pressure variations occuring in the liquid supply line to the valves are compensated by changes in the times of opening of the valves.

Abstract: A lubricating device for a bearing across which a gas pressure gradient exists includes a piezoelectric tubule operating as a pump receiving a lubricant and introducing the lubricant into a propellant gas stream passing through the bearing due to a pressure gradient across the bearing. At least one sensor determines the operating state of the bearing and an electric current supply is connected between the at least one sensor and the piezoelectric tubule.

Abstract: An oil lubrication system for a bearing positioned between two rotatable shafts, especially a pilot bearing (1) for a main shaft (3) in a transmission. The lube oil is fed predominantly radially inwardly on one side (11) of the pilot bearing (1) and is radially drained outwardly on the other side (12) via an annular drainage passage (8) located between the two shafts. An elastic rubber seal (4) is situated in the drainage passage (8) which, during operation, is opened by the centrifugal force or by the pressure of the lube oil pumped through the system and closes the drain passage (8) during downtime of the transmission. The elastic rubber seal (4) can be fastened to the input shaft (2) via a body (44) especially when the sealing lip (41) is to be opened by the centrifugal force. In addition, fastening to the main shaft (3) is also possible when the sealing lip is to be predominantly opened by the oil lube pressure pumped to the pilot bearing (1).

Abstract: A tether switch is connected to both the operator presence system and the automatic lubrication distribution system on a harvester such as a cotton picker. A lubrication control switch on the instrument panel of the harvester is connected to the tether switch and to the lubrication control and is switchable to a first condition wherein depression of the tether switch activates driven components on the harvester and the lubrication system to cause lubrication to be pumped to the moving components. The tether switch may be moved between harvester cab and harvester unit locations so that, when the control switch is in the first condition, the operator can cause the units to be lubricated while he watches the driven components from a location remote from the cab.

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: The present invention is a lubrication system for an internal combustion engine. lubricating oil flows through a central bore of a camshaft, and the camshaft sprays oil into a journal bearing. The crankshaft and camshaft are configured so that they are in phase, whenever the camshaft is closest to the camshaft during a rotation, the camshaft sprays oil into the journal bearing. Since the crankshaft has twice the rotational velocity of the camshaft, two spray holes are provided in the camshaft so that a spray hole supplies oil on each cycle of the crankshaft rotation.

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: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for the automatic lubrication of the links of continuously moving material transport chains in a tensioning machine. The supply of lubricant is switched on and off for the duration of at least one complete circuit of the transport chain as a function both of the speed at which the chain goes round and the prevailing temperature in the tensioning machine, while an pulse count signal which is proportional to the speed at which the chain goes round and is used to control the supply of lubricant is multiplied by a multiplication factor formed from an actual value for the temperature, so that optimum lubrication of the chain links is provided.

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: In a method of and an apparatus for controlling a fluid bearing, a state in which the power source of a control system is switched off (an open state) or a state in which a predetermined pressure different from the OFF condition is provided (a stopped state) is established when an abnormal condition in which the pressure reaches a predetermined value exceeding a servo-controlled upper or lower limit occurs, whereby the pressure of the fluid bearing is held within a safe pressure range.

Abstract: A conveyor lubrication apparatus includes a counter for energizing lubrication devices once for each predetermined number of cycles of the conveyor past a lubrication station. Timers energized by the counter activate control valves for a predetermined period of time to supply lubricant to parts of the conveyor as each part reaches the lubrication station. A current sense circuit detects current flow to the control valves and energizes the central lubricant supply pump to pressurize the lubricant flow lines for a predetermined period of time, at the end of which the pump is de-energized until the next control valve is energized. A pressure sensor is disposed in the lubricant flow lines to detect a low pressure level and causes the pump to be de-energized and an alarm to be activated.

Abstract: A chain saw including an electromagnetic pump (4) for feeding lubricant to saw chain operative in response to an engine speed sensor (5) for sensing the rpm of an internal combustion engine and a microcomputer (6) for controlling the operation of the electromagnetic pump (4). The microcomputer (6) stores a plurality of lubricant feeding patterns covering the number of actuations of the electromagnetic pump (4), the actuation frequency and the period of time of each actuation so as to control automatically the feeding of lubricant to the saw chain from the electromagnetic pump (4) in response to the engine speed sensor (5) to effect lubricant feeding in conformity with the sawing condition.

Abstract: An adaptive control system for a machine tool or the like includes a temperature sensor for measuring spindle bearing temperature and two pairs of thrust sensors for measuring radial and axial spindle deflection. Data processing apparatus, typically comprised of a microcomputer, is coupled to the temperature and thrust sensors and regulates the percentage of oil in the oil-air mixture lubrication mist sprayed on bearing contact surfaces in accordance with bearing temperature. The microcomputer simultaneously regulates the spindle bearing preload and spindle axis feedrate in accordance with radial and axial spindle thrust, thereby assuring optimum machine tool performance.

Abstract: A lubricant applying system which may have a plurality of lubricant injectors along a lubricant supply/return passage which receives lubricant under predetermined pressure through one end from a source for discharging and sequentially recharging the injector in one phase and in a second phase after the recharging permitting return of surplus lubricant from the injector through the passage to the lubricant source. A pressure sensor connected to the opposite end of the passage monitors pressure conditions in the passage. The lubricant injector has a displacement plunger and a cooperatively related metering plunger. The displacement plunger is responsive to lubricant passage line pressure which drives the displacement plunger in a displacement stroke, during which a passageway is connected by the displacement plunger with a metering chamber from which the metering plunger is driven by the pressure and the metering chamber charged while the metering plunger closes the lubricant passage.

Abstract: An adaptive control system for a machine tool or the like includes two pairs of thrust sensors for measuring radial and axial spindle deflection and a temperature sensor for measuring spindle bearing temperature. Data processing apparatus, typically comprised of a microcomputer, is coupled to the thrust and temperature sensors and regulates the spindle bearing preload and spindle axis feed rate in accordance with the radial and axial spindle thrust. The microcomputer simultaneously regulates the percentage of oil in the oil/air mixture lubrication mist sprayed on bearing contact surfaces in accordance with bearing temperature, thereby assuring optimum machine tool performance.

Abstract: Microlubrication system to divide and distribute a flow of lubricant automatically to one or more machines needing lubrication. Fail-safe, accurate distribution is provided by diverting flow of lubricant from the distribution system most of the time, allowing lubricant to be distributed only at intervals. When the lubricant is being distributed, it flows at a high enough rate to allow accurate metering and division of flow, but the overall delivery rate is low enough to prevent wasting the lubricant. The system is preferably provided with fail-safe means to ensure lubrication or to shut off the machines to be lubricated in the event lubrication fails and cannot be quickly restored.

Abstract: A novel apparatus and method for micro-computer control of lubrication systems which utilizes a micro-computer that receives input signals from a lubrication station indicative of the level of lubricant, the pressure of the lubricant, the number of lube cycles and/or strokes of the machine or lubricating system which are furnished to the micro-computer that also receives inputs from program, monitor, system cycle and control switches and supplies output signals so as to actuate the lubricating system on a periodic predetermined base. In addition, the micro-computer produces fault signals so as to protect the machine or machines being lubricated in the event a fault occurs.

Abstract: Automatic lubrication control system in which current flow between two mating electrically conductive, lubricated members in sliding contact is integrated with respect to time and used to provide a control signal for a pump that applies lubricant to the contact surface. The voltage level resulting from the integrated current flow can be applied directly to control the pump circuit or it can be counted or sampled at preselected times to provide the pump actuating signal.