Abstract: A fluid regulator includes a poppet valve within a flow path that selectively allows a flow of fluid to move from an inlet to an outlet. A threaded regulating interface adjusts a spring tension exerted toward the poppet valve and defines a regulated flow of the fluid through the flow path. A fluid purge mechanism is positioned within the threaded regulating interface. The fluid purge mechanism operates along a rotational axis of the threaded regulating interface and adjusts a boundary of the flow path and manipulates the poppet valve to a maximum operating position to define a purging flow of the fluid. A programmable logic controller cooperates with the powered actuator and a pressure sensor to define a closed-loop interface that adjusts the regulated flow of the fluid through the flow path.

Abstract: A fluid regulator includes a housing that includes a flow path extending from an inlet to an outlet. A poppet valve is disposed within the flow path and that selectively allows a flow of fluid from the inlet to the outlet. A regulating interface adjusts a spring tension that is exerted toward the poppet valve. The regulating interface defines a boundary of the flow path and the spring tension defines a regulated flow of fluid through the flow path from the inlet to the outlet. A fluid purge mechanism is positioned within the regulating interface. The fluid purge mechanism adjusts the boundary of the flow path and manipulates the poppet valve to a maximum operating position to define a purging flow of the fluid from the inlet to the outlet.

Abstract: A material delivery assembly includes a delivery fitting attached to a drive shaft and including an outer wall that extends perpendicularly from a receiving surface. Apportioning slots are defined within the outer wall. A dispersion chamber is defined within the outer wall and the receiving surface. A material delivery conduit extends to a delivery port located within the dispersion chamber and is proximate the receiving surface of the delivery fitting. The material delivery port selectively delivers a viscous material to the receiving surface. The drive shaft and the delivery fitting are rotationally operated to define an apportioning state of the delivery fitting that is configured to manipulate the viscous material toward an inner surface of the outer wall. The apportioning slots in the apportioning state are configured to regulate passage of the viscous material from the dispersion chamber, through the outer wall and into a disk-shaped spread pattern.

Abstract: A cartridge valve comprises an operator section for operating a valve, and a cartridge section with the valve. The operator section includes a first body and two pistons on a common shaft. The cartridge section includes a second body with valve seat, a cartridge insert having a protruding portion with annular ring, and a valve poppet operably engaging the valve seat. Two retainer screws engage the annular ring to hold the first and second bodies longitudinally together but permit rotation. The piston shaft defines a gap to the valve poppet when in a home position so that the shaft and piston initially gain momentum before abutting the valve poppet. The cartridge insert can be removed from the second body to allow replacement of a poppet seal therebetween.

Abstract: A device for detecting undesired amounts of gas in a lubricant dispensing system includes a measuring chamber connected to a lubricant dispensing system and configured to receive lubricant therefrom, a moveable rod located at least partially inside the measuring chamber, an actuator operably connected to the measuring chamber and adapted to create at least a partial vacuum in the measuring chamber as the measuring chamber fills with lubricant, and a sensor for detecting a rate of compression or expansion indicative of undesired levels of gas in the lubricant by sensing movement of the moveable rod when the lubricant enters the measuring chamber. The device is constructed to dump charges of lubricant having unacceptable levels of entrapped air, and further includes an adjustment mechanism permitting adjustment without unnecessarily dumping lubricant in the measuring chamber.

Abstract: A fluid flow sensor is provided for use in a remote location from a fluid delivery system, such as a lubricant or grease delivery system for lubricating parts. The fluid flow sensor includes a body defining a lubricant conveying passageway having a seat, and a poppet configured to engage the seat. The poppet is biased against the seat by a spring, but is moveable off the seat when fluid is moved through the passageway. The poppet includes a rod that extends upstream from the poppet through an aperture in the passageway, and a piston is positioned abuttingly against the end of the rod and biased against the rod by a spring so that the piston will move with the poppet as the poppet is moved off the seat in a first direction. A proximity switch is positioned perpendicularly to the first direction adjacent the piston.

Abstract: A lubricating delivery system includes a positive displacement lubricant pump and fluid flow measuring means for monitoring the output of the pump. The pump is a miniature injection pump and the measuring means includes switch means responsive to movement of the check valve provided at the output of such a pump. Because such a system provides flow measurement by a single digital input to a programmable controller, numerous pumps may be utilized to individually supply lubricant to separate portions of a machine and all may be monitored for output flow without tying up an inordinate portion of the PC input circuitry, which is typically required to additionally control the machine being lubricated.