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 method of facilitating the maintenance of a pump and for facilitating changes in the operation of a pump is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a pump including wear parts, a processor and a memory; sensing at least one operating condition of the pump indicative of the operation of the pump; generating pump operational data reflective of the sensed operating condition; storing the generated operational data in the memory of the processor; storing parts identification data identifying wear parts of the pump in the memory; storing at least one predetermined level of operational information; and operating the processor to compare the stored predetermined level to the stored operational data and in dependent response thereto outputting information as to the desirability of replacing or repairing at least one selected wear part or modifying the operation of the pump.

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.