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.

Abstract: A conveyor lubricator for lubricating moving parts in a conveyor mechanism comprises an air operated oil injector that dispenses a measured quantity of oil on each part to be lubricated when such part reaches a predetermined position on the track; an air assist mechanism that generates an air flow across the oil outlet so as to urge the oil toward said predetermined position; and a cam operated actuator valve that provides air pressure to actuate the oil injector and air assist whenever a moving part reaches said predetermined position. A timed pulse valve connected to the actuator valve automatically deactivates the air flow after a predetermined period of time, even if the actuator valve still remains actuated by continued engagement with the conveyor. More than one cam operated actuator valve can be employed in the system in order to provide lubrication for an increased number of moving parts of the conveyor mechanism with a single set of oil injectors.