Abstract: A lubrication system for automatically applying a viscous fluid lubricant to the wheel flanges of locomotives and/or rail cars. The lubricant reduces friction and wear at the interface between the wheel flanges and the sides of rails. The viscosity of the lubricant is sufficient to ensure that the lubricant does not migrate to undesirable locations, such as onto the crown of the rails. The system delivers lubricant to both sides of the train from a containers holding sufficient lubricant to last throughout the standard maintenance cycle of a long haul locomotive. The lubrication is delivered at a flow rate controlled as a function of a rotational speed of the wheels of the locomotive. The system can also be adapted to control the rate of flow of lubricant delivered to the wheel flanges in response to other criteria. Since the lubricant is derived from soybeans, it is non-toxic and biodegradable.

Abstract: A composition of acetal resin infused with one or more polyglycols to impart an improved tribological property. The composition is produced by mixing a powdered or granulated polyoxymethylene homopolymer (or copolymer) in the range from about 75% to about 95% by weight, with from about 25 to about 5% by weight of one or more polyglycols. Examples disclosed include compositions in which the single polyglycol comprises a polyethylene glycol, an ethylene oxide-propylene glycol monobutyl ether, a diethylene glycol n-butyl ether, an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide polyglycol, and a propylene glycol monobutyl ether. Preferably, if an oil soluble polyglycol is added, either a polyethylene glycol or a propylene glycol monobutyl ether is included to serve as a compatibilizer for the oil soluble polyglycol.

Abstract: Solid lubricant-dispensing plastics containing: polyethylene with a molecular weight of about 200-700,000; an oil; an optional compatibilizing agent for the oil; and, a bleed control agent that controls the rate of release of the oil. Methods are also disclosed for preparing the lubricant-dispensing plastics that have controlled oil release rates that are dependent upon the amount of the bleed control agent, and are adjustable by changing oil viscosity and the initial amount of the oil in the formulation.

Abstract: A solid lubricating composition useful for lubricating the flanges of railcar wheels and rails and for other similar applications. The lubricant composition comprises from about 16% to about 25% by weight of a polymeric carrier, from about 49% to about 63% of a lubricating oil, from about 10% to about 16% of a solid lubricating powder, and from about 6% to about 16% of a surface active agent, all percentages by weight of the total composition. The solid lubricant composition is mixed and introduced into a screw type extruder wherein it is heated and extruded through a die into a waterbath, forming an elastic rod or strand. The lubricant composition is applied to a surface to be lubricated by rubbing it onto the surface in a thin film. The surface active agent enhances the attachment and embedment of the dry lubricating powder into the surface being lubricated, the lubricant composition serving to reduce both wear and friction between contacting surfaces lubricated thereby.

Abstract: An applicator for mounting a block of solid lubricant to deposit a thin film of lubricant on the flange of a transit rail car wheel. The applicator (10) includes a bracket (12) adapted to mount the applicator to an unsprung portion of a transit rail car. A pivot arm (26) is pivotally connected at one end of bracket (12) and a block of solid lubricant (42) attached to a mounting plate (34) is bolted to the other end of the pivot arm. The block of solid lubricant is biased against the flange (40) of a transit car wheel by a torsion spring (28). A stop (32) prevents the pivot arm from contacting the wheel as the lubricant block wears by deposition of a thin film of lubricant on the rail car wheel flange as the wheel rolls.

Abstract: A solid lubricating composition and method for forming such a composition are disclosed. The composition is formed by intercalating a transition metal that has been chemically reacted with chalcogen to form a layered structure. The transition metal is selected from niobium, tantalum, tungsten and/or an alloy including one or more, and the transition metal is chemically combined with chalcogen selected from sulfur, selenium and/or a combination which can also include tellurium to form a layered transition metal dischalcogenide prior to intercalation with a metal, preferably a coinage metal. The effect of intercalation is to expand the crystal lattice to create a composition having excellent lubricating characteristics the performance of which is not adversely effected by operation in a high temperature environment.

Abstract: Thermoset microporous polymer lubricating compositions and methods for forming the same are disclosed. Each thermoset composition disclosed includes a thermosetting polymer that is formed into a microporous matrix capable of receiving a lubricating oil in the interconnected microscopic pores of the matrix during formation thereof, with the lubricating oil being thereafter retained in the pores until released through capillary draw, externally applied forces or elevated temperatures.

Abstract: A microporous lubricating composition is disclosed that includes an ionomer polymer and a liquid lubricant. The ionomer polymer can be combined with other polymers and the composition can include various additives to modify the performance and properties of the formed composition. The formed composition is useful for lubrication of mechanical components including wire rope and bearings such as journal bearings.

Abstract: A wire rope formed of a plurality of strands of wire rope elements wound around a core, and incorporating a lubricant which comprises a microporous polymeric lubricating medium.

Abstract: A self-lubricating journal bearing includes an arcuate bearing plate having a concave bearing surface. A plurality of lubricant plugs are positioned in apertures in the surface of said plate and are adapted to engage a rotating journal supported on said bearing surface for providing lubrication between said journal and said bearing plate. The lubricant plugs comprise an oil and polymer lubricating composition. The apertures and plugs are arranged to provide continuous lubrication over substantially the entire bearing surface as the journal rotates thereon, and coolant grooves are cut into the bearing surface of said bearing plate in a generally X-shaped pattern for channeling liquid coolant between the journal and the bearing plate.