Abstract: A lubricating device and method in which a lubricant shot is generated by a supply of lubricant and air, the later being activated before, during and following the dispersing of the lubricant shot. The air supply travels two paths; on leads to a piston chamber and causes a piston assembly to move which, in turn, effects lubricant dispersing; the remaining air path permits air to exit the nozzle device to mix with a direct lubricant to a desired area of lubrication.

Abstract: A wheel flange and rail lubricating apparatus with adjustable features to accurately lubricate the frictional contact area between a locomotive wheel flange and rail during normal locomotive operations. A system controller, a lubricant distribution system and one or more nozzle assemblies are provided. The controller allows the user to define a lubrication cycle which can be optimized on an individual basis with flexibility to control the lubrication cycle in accordance with the distance traveled by the locomotive, speed variations, time, curves, etc. The lubrication interval is set to deliver a precise amount of lubricant and can be adjusted to take into account the viscosity of the lubricant as well as the ambient temperature. A curve sensor repetitively initiates a lubrication cycle each time the locomotive enters a curve. A wheel position sensor delays and prevents discharge of the lubricant until the nozzle and the point to be lubricated are properly aligned.

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.

Abstract: Lubricating apparatus for lubricating a non-linearly traveling fitting on a conveyor. A lubricating coupler is mounted on a pivotally movable platform so that the coupler can move angularly with respect to the pivot axis. Slidable rod means on the platform enable the coupler to move substantially radially with respect to the pivot axis, so that the coupler can move over an area encompassing the expected range of travel of the non-linearly moving fitting. Locating means enable the coupler to align with the fitting. The coupler is maintained engaged with the fitting for a dwell time sufficient to adequately supply lubricant thereto. Cooperating longitudinal surfaces in the coupler body and a movable tip form simultaneous bearing and sealing surfaces for the coupler.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the surface tension of a liquid contained in a flow-through pressure vessel (60) includes a pair of tubes (50,51) having small and large orifices positioned below the surface of the liquid. A source (10) provides gas through a pressure regulator (15) and a flow regulator (30) to the tubes. The bubble rate from the orifices is controlled by needle valves (40,41) and is made independent of the pressure in the vessel by the flow regulator (30). Differential pressure transducer (70) measures the pressure in the tubes as an indication of surface tension. Check valves (72,73) protect the transducer, and a thermometer (65) measures liquid temperature.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing fluid such as lubricating oil onto selected points of a moveable mechanical system, such as a chain conveyor, independent of the speed of movement of the mechanical system, the apparatus including an actuable fluid dispenser mounted for delivering fluid to the mechanical system in response to an actuating signal, a detector positioned adjacent the moveable mechanical system with means for generating an actuating signal and being responsive to the movement of a designated portion of the mechanical system past the detector, means for measuring the respective time interval between movement of two successive portions of the mechanical system past the detector, and means responsive to the measured respective time interval for proportionally delaying application of the actuating signals to the fluid dispenser so as to compensate for any variations in the speed of the mechanical system.

Abstract: A compact, self-contained electrical lubricating device for lubricating a movable conveyor or other system while the conveyor or system is in operation. A tank for containing a reservoir of lubricating fluid includes a coverplate to which is mounted an electric pump having inlet ports immersed in the reservoir. Electrical circuitry including a triggered constant pulse width pulse generator is housed in a control module enclosure also mounted to the coverplate. A proximity switch mounted adjacent the conveyor or other system is actuated by the travel of the conveyor past the switch to trigger the pulse generator which enables the pump causing the pump to deliver a metered shot of lubricating fluid to the conveyor through feedlines extending from the pump through the coverplate. In another embodiment, the control module enclosure is mounted on a supporting base within a compartment separate from the lubricating fluid reservoir tank. A pump is mounted on a support platform within the reservoir tank.

Abstract: A compact, self-contained lubricating device for lubricating a movable conveyor or other system while the conveyor or system is in operation. In a first embodiment, a tank enclosure for containing a reservoir of lubricating fluid includes a coverplate to which is mounted a pneumatically operable pump having an inlet immersed in the reservoir, a manifold with several air and lubricating fluid passageways, an air pressure regulator and a quick air exhaust valve. An air valve trip device is mounted for actuation by the conveyor system and pneumatically coupled to the pump through the manifold to deliver clean shots of lubricating fluid to the conveyor or system. In a second embodiment, a lubricating fluid reservoir is mounted above a control module enclosure. The control module enclosure contains a pump, fluid manifold and fluid interconnecting lines to seal these components from any possible destructive environment.

Abstract: A cleaning device for a rail over which a conveyor or trolley system runs. The device comprises a pair of biased arm members, each arm member having a plurality of brush assemblies adapted to contact various portions of the conveyor rail.

Abstract: A fluid applying system in which a substantial portion of the componentry surface area of a conveyor system is sprayed with a fluid in a spray chamber and any excess or overspray is passed to an evacuating chamber and filtering station where any fluid particles are removed, thereby protecting the surrounding environment from being contaminated with fluid.

Abstract: A lubricating device for delivering multiple clean shots of lubricant to a moving conveyor or the like, comprises an electric motor, a positive displacement lubricant pump having a plurality of individual cylinders and associated pistons driven by a common shaft, a single revolution clutch coupling the output of the motor to the shaft of the lubricant dispenser, and a sensing and control system actuated by the moving conveyor which at an appropriate time causes the clutch to engage the motor to the shaft of the lubricant pump for a single revolution, causing the ejection of a plurality of individual clean shots of lubricant which are directed to selected portions of the conveyor system by individual conduits.

Abstract: A chain lubricating device in which lubricating fluid passes through an inlet line into a shaft to a piston chamber in a pump body where the lubricating fluid is then evacuated to discharge device located on a sprocket to which the pump body is attached, both the pump body and sprocket being adapted to rotate about the fixed shaft. The pump body has a piston and cylinder for receiving and for evacuating lubricating fluid. When the lubricating fluid is evacuated it passes through a passage from the pump body to the sprocket positioned on the shaft. As the sprocket and the pump body rotate about the shaft, the lubricating inlet manifold in the shaft will intermittently align itself with the inlet to the pump body to receive a lubricating fluid, while at the same time the lubricating outlet manifold of the shaft intermittently aligns itself with a passage leading to the sprocket. The lubricating fluid then enters the sprocket and is then discharged from an outlet onto the conveyor system.