Abstract: An automatic lubrication system for a vehicle, comprising a pump assembly having a plurality of outlet ports, a motor operable to drive the pump assembly, and a cartridge that is attachable to the pump assembly to provide a source of lubricant to the pump. The cartridge is removable from the pump assembly and has an interior space that is collapsible as lubricant is dispensed therefrom. A controller is provided to periodically initiate the motor to cause the pump to dispense lubricant to the outlet ports.

Abstract: An automatic lubrication system for a vehicle, comprising a pump assembly having a plurality of outlet ports, a motor operable to drive the pump assembly, and a cartridge that is attachable to the pump assembly to provide a source of lubricant to the pump The cartridge is removable from the pump assembly and has an interior space that is collapsible as lubricant is dispensed therefrom. A controller is provided to periodically initiate the motor to cause the pump to dispense lubricant to the outlet ports.

Abstract: A lubrication system mounted on a railroad locomotive for applying a lubricant to a rail. The system is comprised of a manifold that defines a generally endless, closed lubricant path. A pump is provided to continuously convey a lubricant along the lubricant path. A reservoir for holding the lubricant defines a portion of the lubricant path. A dispensing nozzle is mounted to the locomotive above each rail for directing the lubricant onto each rail. A metering device is associated with each dispensing nozzle. Each metering device is connected to the manifold and an associated nozzle for diverting a metered amount of the lubricant from the lubricant path to the associated nozzle.

Abstract: In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a lubrication system mounted on a railroad locomotive for applying a lubricant to a rail. The system is comprised of a manifold that defines a generally endless, closed lubricant path. A pump is provided to continuously convey a lubricant along the lubricant path. A reservoir for holding the lubricant defines a portion of the lubricant path. A dispensing nozzle is mounted to the locomotive above each rail for directing the lubricant onto each rail. A metering device is associated with each dispensing nozzle. Each metering device is connected to the manifold and an associated nozzle for diverting a metered amount of the lubricant from the lubricant path to the associated nozzle.

Abstract: A system for the delivery and control of an air/oil mixture used to lubricate large bearings in heavy duty applications such as steel mills is provided. The system includes a mixing module for mixing air and oil and delivering the air/oil mixture through a plurality of connecting lines to a plurality of bearing housings. Each of the connecting lines or the outlet leading to the connecting line is, in turn, connected to its own individual solenoid. Each solenoid is connected to a common pressure transducer which is connected to a controller. The controller sequentially opens the solenoids one at a time thereby establishing communication between one of the connecting lines and the common transducer at a time. The transducer receives pressure signals fr6m each connecting line converts the pressure signals to analog signals before transmitting the analog signals to the controller.

Abstract: A magnet sensor or "proximity switch" for sensing reciprocation of for example a spool within a lubrication distributor block. The sensor provides a threaded nozzle for screwing into the block with a bore therethrough. A magnet holder extends out of the nozzle and mounts a magnet thereto recessed inside the housing. The magnet holder is moveable reciprocally by the reciprocating spool. A sensor body is connected to the housing and holds a magnetic sensing element such as a Hall effect sensor adjacent to the housing for sensing the proximity of the magnetic field of the reciprocating magnet.

Abstract: In a series progressive divider valve having a number of identical valve units disposed adjacent to each other, each formed by a base member and a spool member having a movable spool therein, a manifold in the form of a plate which can be inserted between the base member and the spool member of a valve unit which modifies the flow of lubricant in the event one of the output ports becomes blocked or restricted. In the event such a blockage or restriction occurs, a relief valve disposed in the manifold plate is opened which establishes communication between two normally non-communicating bores which results in the re-routing of the lubricant to the succeeding valve unit. The manifold permits the overall output/lubricant delivery configuration of the divider valve to be continued in the event of such a blockage or restriction.

Abstract: A progressive distributor valve including a plurality of spool blocks each of which is mounted on a spool base block, the spool blocks having reciprocating spools therein for distributing lube oil into respective spool base blocks, and a shut off valve base block mounted to an adjacent spool base block and having a comparable size thereto, the valve base having an inlet for receiving lubricant and an outlet connected to an adjacent spool base block. The inlet of the valve base is connected to a source of lube oil. A valve block is mounted onto the valve base block and having a valve inlet flow connected to the inlet of said valve base block and an outlet flow connected to the outlet of the valve base block, and a flow channel and valve seat between the valve block inlet and outlet.

Abstract: A filter for use in a distributor valve arrangement, the filter having a filter base block having an identical dimension with feeder base blocks and bolted thereto in a stacked arrangement. The filter can be located at an inlet end of the distributor valve or placed in sequence at any position within the stacked arrangement for special filtering applications. The filter has a filter block mounted to the filter base block, which has a bore therein for receiving a cylindrical screen element which is held in by an external screwed plug. On an opposite side of the filter block is provided a screwed bore for applying an indicator to sense differential pressure across the filter element to detect a clogged filter.

Abstract: A magnet sensor or "proximity switch" for sensing reciprocation of for example a spool within a lubrication distributor block. The sensor provides a threaded nozzle for screwing into the block with a bore therethrough. A magnet holder extends out of the nozzle and mounts a magnet thereto recessed inside the housing. The magnet holder is moveable reciprocally by the reciprocating spool. A sensor body is connected to the housing and holds a magnetic sensing element such as a Hall effect sensor adjacent to the housing for sensing the proximity of the magnetic field of the reciprocating magnet.

Abstract: In a series progressive divider valve having a number of identical valve units disposed adjacent to each other, each formed by a base member and a spool member having a movable spool therein, a manifold in the form of a plate which can be inserted between the base member and the spool member of a valve unit selectively permits the porting between that valve unit and an adjacent valve unit to be modified so as to direct the output of lubricant to a different location from the output location which would occur in the absence of the manifold. The output can be directed to an output port of the valve unit in which the manifold is inserted (singling) or can be directed to an adjacent valve unit (crossporting). A number of such plates can be stacked to provide further selectivity in directing the lubricant output.

Abstract: A box lubricator formed from an extruded U-shape having bolt receiving U-shaped channels for mounting a top cover, and bolt or anchor receiving T-shaped channels along a bottom side for alternatively mounting the box to a horizontal or vertical structure, and having support rails extending on an inside surface of the bottom for holding along their length selectively positioned cam supports within the lubricator box. The lubricator box also provides along its length and arranged on an inside surface, screw receiving C-shaped channels for mounting end covers to the U-shaped housing. By providing the T-shaped rails and the C-shaped rails, the U-shaped housing can be cut to any length and retains its ability for mounting top covers, end covers, and mounting the box to external structure.

Abstract: A piston-type point of lubrication magnetic flow indicator providing a barrel interfit with a bushing having a cylinder portion penetrating the barrel coaxially and a magnetic piston which reciprocates closely interfit inside the cylinder portion of the bushing. Lube oil enters an inlet port of the bushing, flows through a check valve into the cylinder portion, and impinges on one end of the magnetic piston. The impinging causes the magnetic piston to move in the cylinder portion uncovering at least one port formed through the cylinder portion which opens the cylinder portion to the barrel, directing flow thereto. The lubricating oil flows through the barrel and out of an aperture formed at a forward end of the barrel to a lubrication point. Movement of the magnetic piston through the cylinder portion triggers a magnetic reed switch mounted on an outside circumference of the barrel and generally overlying the relative axial position of the piston in the cylinder portion.

Abstract: A dripless spray nozzle for an intermittent or cyclical spraying operation providing a spray manifold having an inlet port for receiving a pumped material to be sprayed, such as pressurized lube oil, and an inlet port for receiving pressurized air, a mixing chamber for mixing the material and the air, an outlet for conveying the mixture to an attached spray nozzle for spraying an air/material mixture onto an object such as an air/lube oil mixture onto a wheel of a railroad transit car. The spray manifold further comprises a first check valve downstream of the mixing chamber, and a second check valve mounted in the material inlet port. The material to be sprayed is intermittently or cyclically pumped past the second check valve into the mixing chamber. Pressurized air mixes therein with the material and the mixture is sprayed past the first check valve. A reduction in pressure of the pumped material closes the second check valve.