With Safety Or Indicating Means Patents (Class 184/6.4)
  • Patent number: 11754169
    Abstract: A vehicle transaxle includes a housing, an electric machine, and rotating components. The housing defines an internal cavity, a first channel, and a second channel. The first and second channels branch from a common inlet. The electric machine and rotating components are disposed within the internal cavity. The first channel is configured to deliver fluid to the electric machine for cooling. The second channel is configured to deliver the fluid to the rotating components for lubrication. The cooling channel is sized relative to the lubrication channel such that the fluid is biased from the inlet and toward the second channel in response to a temperature of the fluid being less than a threshold and is biased from the inlet and toward the first channel in response to the temperature of the fluid being greater than the threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: William David Guarino, Bharath Madduri, Derek Kinch, Kyle Ogrodzinski
  • Patent number: 11306955
    Abstract: A method of monitoring an air cycle machine including driving a rotary shaft of an air cycle machine, disconnecting a driving source to allow the rotary shaft to slow the rotary shaft, and monitoring a shutdown cycle of the rotary shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernard Dion, Brian R. Shea, Peter Zywiak, Jeffrey J. Nieter
  • Patent number: 11174988
    Abstract: According to one aspect, a lubricant level sensing system for an actuator is provided. The lubricant level sensing system includes a pressure port in an outer housing of the actuator, a pressure sensor, and a pathway from the pressure port to the pressure sensor. The pathway establishes fluid communication between the pressure sensor and a free volume of an internal cavity of the outer housing relative to a lubricant level in the internal cavity such that the pressure sensor detects a pressure of the free volume used to derive the lubricant level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Claude G. Matalanis, Ulf J. Jonsson, John D. Cannata, Brian E. Wake
  • Patent number: 11085553
    Abstract: Valve electronics include a control unit with a diagnostic module. The diagnostic module has a sensing device configured to sense at least one actuation parameter. The diagnostic module also has a diagnosis-forming device that forms a diagnostic parameter from the sensed actuation parameter such that the diagnostic parameter corresponds to a measure for the intensity of use of the valve over a preceding time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Norbert Penz, Stephan Schultze, Theobald Herrmann, Thomas Inderwies
  • Patent number: 10989073
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes an engine core, a power gearbox, and a lubrication system. The engine core is configured to drive rotation of at least one shaft. The power gearbox is configured to transfer torque from the at least one shaft to other parts of the gas turbine engine. The lubrication system is configured to deliver lubrication to the power gearbox to reduce friction and cool rotating components within the power gearbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventors: John R. Gebhard, Adam L. Kempers
  • Patent number: 10851940
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for supplying lubricant to a plurality of lubrication sites. Embodiments include a pump with venting and non-venting piston return, a pump with stirrer and direct feed mechanism, a pump with CAN system and self-diagnostics, a pump with heated housing and reservoir and a pump with stepper motor and overdrive control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Lincoln Industrial Corporation
    Inventor: Paul G. Conley
  • Patent number: 10828934
    Abstract: A wheelend is provided. The wheelend includes a spacer having a plurality of perforations to place a hub sump in fluid communication with a cavity between the spacer and a spindle to facilitate lubricant flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Stemco Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel T. Jimenez, Mark N. Gold, David W. Bell
  • Patent number: 10816085
    Abstract: A system is provided in one example embodiment and may include a first reservoir for a lubricant; a second reservoir for the lubricant, wherein the first reservoir and the second reservoir are interconnected; a first pumping element to pump the lubricant from the first reservoir at a first flow rate; a second pumping element to pump the lubricant at a second flow rate, wherein the first flow rate and the second flow rate are different; and a gearbox coupled to the first pumping element and the second pumping element. The first reservoir may have a larger volume than the second reservoir and the first flow rate may be higher than the second flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Eric S. Olson, David R. Bockmiller
  • Patent number: 10647154
    Abstract: A wheel end temperature monitoring system, includes: a wheel end temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of a hub bearing of a wheel of a trailer; and a main unit configured to receive a signal of the wheel end temperature sensor and transmit the received signal to the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: ICSN, Inc.
    Inventor: James Sangyoung Oh
  • Patent number: 10579051
    Abstract: An oil mist management system includes a plurality of machine tools provided in a factory, and an oil mist concentration measuring apparatus for measuring concentration of oil mist in the factory. Further, a data processing apparatus determines whether the concentration of the oil mist is larger than a threshold value, and if the concentration of the oil mist is larger than the threshold value, the data processing apparatus issues a command to decrease machining speed or stop operation of a machine tool that has the lower priority rank among the machine tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Daisuke Nakanishi
  • Patent number: 10495098
    Abstract: A turbopump system includes a pump portion including a housing having a pressure release passageway disposed therein. The pump portion is disposed between a high pressure side and a low pressure side of a working fluid circuit. A drive turbine is coupled to the pump portion and configured to drive the pump portion to enable the pump portion to circulate a working fluid through the working fluid circuit. A pressure release valve is fluidly coupled to the pressure release passageway and configured to be positioned in an opened position to enable pressure to be released through the pressure release passageway and in a closed position to disable pressure from being released through the pressure release passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: ECHOGEN POWER SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventors: Jason Lee Preuss, Timothy J. Held
  • Patent number: 10480637
    Abstract: A drive device for a motor vehicle having a drive assembly that is operatively connected or can be operatively connected to an input shaft of a gearbox. A gear set of the gearbox can be supplied with lubricant by a primary lubricant pump. The primary lubricant pump is coupled to an output shaft of the gearbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventor: Ivo Greiter
  • Patent number: 10466120
    Abstract: A machine element includes a sensor device for detecting mechanical stresses affecting a hollow cylindrical shaft section. The sensor device is arranged in the hollow cylindrical shaft section positively connected with axial pretension between a first radially inwardly protruding formation and a second radially inwardly protruding formation. The machine element can be produced by first forming a first radially inwardly protruding formation in the hollow shaft section of the machine element. In a subsequent sensor arrangement step, a sensor device is fitted positively in the hollow shaft section on the first radially inwardly protruding formation. Then the second radially inwardly projecting formation is produced in the hollow shaft section in a subsequent joining step. Thereby, the sensor device is joined positively with an axial pretension between the first radially inwardly protruding formation and the second inwardly protruding formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: core sensing GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Groche, Martin Krech
  • Patent number: 10245691
    Abstract: The controller for a machine tool according to the present invention makes it possible to discharge both a coolant and an oil mist from a through hole provided in the tool equipped to a main axis of a machine tool, allows a processing program to instruct the discharge of either the coolant or the oil mist, and carries out such a control that a state where the above-described tool is detached from the main axis is maintained during a predetermined period of time at the time of replacing the tool, and at the same time, the oil mist is discharged from the above-described oil mist unit so as to remove the coolant from the above-described piping during the predetermined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takaaki Fujii
  • Patent number: 10119609
    Abstract: A final gear box accommodates a pinion gear and a bevel gear in a rotatable manner and contains an oil. A recess is provided at a downstream end of a drive shaft. The recess and the upstream end of the pinion gear shaft portion are splined coupled with each other so that the drive shaft and the pinion gear can be rotated together and relatively moved in an axial direction. A space permitting relative movement between the drive shaft and the pinion gear is provided between the pinion gear and the recess. The pinion gear is provided with a hollow portion which pierces the pinion gear in the axial direction and conducts oil to the space portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshiki Takahashi, Hiroyuki Makita
  • Patent number: 9657898
    Abstract: A lubricating oil reservoir has an open end closed by a cap removably coupled to the open end. The cap is formed with a sensor located in the lubricating oil reservoir. The sensor is for sensing the presence of lubricating oil that fills the lubricating oil reservoir to a recommended oil level for providing machine lubrication, and the non-presence of lubricating oil that does not fill the lubricating oil reservoir to the recommended oil level, and a signal apparatus is operatively coupled to the sensor for issuing a first stimulus in response to the sensor sensing the presence of lubricating oil for identifying a normal lubricating oil level condition, and for issuing a second different stimulus in response to the sensor sensing the non-presence of lubricating oil for identifying a low oil level condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Inventor: Ronald J. Kile
  • Patent number: 9644541
    Abstract: A turbine engine including at least one shaft and at least one bearing for rotatably guiding the shaft about an axis of the turbine engine, the bearing including a first radially inner ring and a second radially outer ring enclosing rolling members, wherein the first ring is floatingly mounted on the shaft via a fluid damping film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Serge Rene Morreale, Laurent Gille
  • Patent number: 9512962
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for dispensing a lubricant are provided, in which, for example, the apparatus includes a chamber having an inlet through which the lubricant is received and an outlet through which the lubricant is ejected. The apparatus also includes a piston movably positioned in the chamber to take lubricant into the chamber and eject it therefrom. The apparatus further includes a sensor configured to take a measurement of a condition related to a force applied to the piston to move the piston in the chamber. The apparatus additionally includes a controller coupled with the sensor so as to receive data related to the measurement from the sensor. The controller is configured to determine, using the measurement, an amount of lubricant ejected by the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: LINCOLN INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Viktor Alekseyev, Jose Americo Francisco dos Santos, Terry C. Peters, Jerry Shew, Kong Ling Guo
  • Patent number: 9452847
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting addition of engine lubricant, comprising: determining whether the difference value between the lubricant quantity at a first timing and that at a second timing is greater than a first threshold value; delaying a period and determining whether the difference value between the lubricant quantity at a third timing and that at a fourth timing is greater than a second threshold value in response to that the difference value between the lubricant quantity at the first timing and that at the second timing is greater than the first threshold value; and detecting the lubricant increment in response to that the difference value between the lubricant quantity at the third timing and that at the fourth timing is greater than the second threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Air China Limited
    Inventors: Zhuping Gu, Huifeng Ding, Jiaju Wu, Fengliang Zheng, Lei Huang, Bingzheng Wang, Hongtao Ma, Lei Chen, Rong Wang
  • Patent number: 9316318
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sealing system comprising a seal that retains a liquid in a space between two concentrically mounted and relatively rotatable components. According to the invention, the sealing system comprises at least one magneto-elastic resonance sensor for measuring at least one parameter of interest associated with the sealed liquid, based on a detected resonant frequency of the at least one sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventor: Sebastian Ziegler
  • Patent number: 9316252
    Abstract: A method and a system for establishing and executing correct automatic relubrication for a number of bearings incorporated in a grease lubrication system. The system determines initial values for the relubrication interval tf and/or lubricant volume utilizing data collected from the different bearing assemblies during operation. The data includes bearing load, bearing temperature and bearing rotational speed. A processor calculates a correct lubricant volume and a value for current lubrication interval tf by comparing an initial value with a current value. The calculated correct lubricant volume and current lubrication interval tf are supplying to an automatic lubricating apparatus, which functions in accordance with the determined values. The data collection and calculation procedures are repeated after each application of lubricant to the bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Roger Emlind, Hans Hansson, Björn Mathiasson
  • Patent number: 9238975
    Abstract: A lubrication device including a bypass valve with an inlet connected to a feed circuit, a first outlet to be connected to elements to be lubricated, and a second outlet connected to a bypass circuit. The valve includes a valve member slidable between first and second positions, and separating a cavity into first and second chambers. The first chamber is connected to the inlet. In the first position, a fluid flow passage from the first chamber to the second chamber is open, and from the first chamber to the first outlet is closed. In the second position, a fluid flow passage from the first chamber to the first outlet is open, and from the first chamber to the second outlet is closed. At least in the second position, the valve member separates the chambers in substantially leaktight manner, while the second chamber remains in fluid flow communication with the second outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: TURBOMECA
    Inventors: Sebastien Detry, Yannick Cazaux, Olivier Pierre Descubes
  • Patent number: 9222618
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for supplying lubricant to a plurality of lubrication points via divider valves. A pump driven by a stepper motor to supplies lubricant at a varying rate which provides lubricant substantially uninterrupted at the lubrication point(s), and/or provides lubricant at a continuous non-constant flow rate which provides lubricant without interruption at the lubrication point(s), and/or provides lubricant at a constant flow rate which provides lubricant without interruption at the lubrication point(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Lincoln Industrial Corporation
    Inventors: Nathan David Donovan, Paul G. Conley
  • Patent number: 9133725
    Abstract: A turbomachine has a housing having a passage extending along an axis and an annular axially directed housing face extending radially from the passage. A shaft extending axially in the passage has an outer shaft surface radially spaced from an inner surface of the passage and forming therewith an annular axially extending gap. A radial impeller fixed to the shaft outside the housing has an axially directed and radially extending impeller face axially spaced from and confronting the radial housing face and forming therewith a radially extending gap opening into the axially extending gap. An impeller housing forms a flow space with the impeller outside the housing. The radial gap opens into the flow space. A plurality of spaced seals engaged in the radial gap between the radial faces of the housing and impeller fluidically separates the axial gap from the flow space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: ATLAS COPCO ENERGAS GMBH
    Inventor: Frank Wiebe
  • Patent number: 9127809
    Abstract: A lubricant reservoir including a container defining an interior for holding lubricant. The reservoir includes a partition inside the container interior dividing the interior into multiple chambers. Each chamber segregates lubricant from lubricant in every other chamber. The reservoir has multiple outlets. An outlet is positioned in each chamber to permit lubricant to be removed from the corresponding chamber. The reservoir includes multiple motor-driven stirrers. A stirrer is positioned in each chamber to stir lubricant in the corresponding chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Lincoln Industrial Corporation
    Inventors: Paul G. Conley, Brad Allen Edler
  • Publication number: 20150129361
    Abstract: A contaminant detection system for use in a fluid distribution system includes a first detector assembly including an inlet housing and detector screen through which fluid in the fluid distribution system passes and a first sensor to detect a first type of contaminant caught in the detector screen; and a second detector assembly including a second sensor which activates when the inlet housing or detector screen is clogged to detect whether the fluid contains a second type of contaminant when the first sensor does not detect the first type of contaminant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eric James Hodgkinson, David M. Lutian
  • Patent number: 9022177
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for supplying lubricant to a plurality of lubrication sites. Embodiments include a pump with venting and non-venting piston return, a pump with stirrer and direct feed mechanism, a pump with CAN system and self-diagnostics, a pump with heated housing and reservoir and a pump with stepper motor and overdrive control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Lincoln Industrial Corporation
    Inventors: Paul G. Conley, David C. Beck, Nathan D. Donovan
  • Patent number: 8991558
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to lubrication system having a reservoir having a body. A follower is moveably disposed in the body. The system further comprises an alarm system having an electrical switch operably associated with the follower. The alarm generates a signal when the follower is at a predetermined location in the body. The alarm system may generate a signal when the follower is at a lower location in the body such as when the reservoir has an amount of lubricant representing a predetermined amount of usage time remaining. The alarm system may also generate a signal when the follower is at an upper location in the body such as when the reservoir is filled with lubricant wherein the signal acts to automatically interrupt the fill of lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Metco Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick J. Murphy, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8939260
    Abstract: A double clutch transmission of a vehicle having an internal combustion engine and a clutch chamber (3) which is designed as a first oil chamber, for accommodating a double clutch, and a transmission chamber (8) which is designed as a second oil chamber, for accommodating a double clutch transmission gear set. A partition wall (9) separates the oil chambers from one another. An oil pump (11) is positioned in the transmission chamber (8) and can be driven by a drive shaft (7) which extends through the partition wall (9) from the transmission chamber (8) into the clutch chamber (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Thomas Schneider
  • Publication number: 20140224586
    Abstract: An automatic oil injector is provided with a container; a cover detachably covering the container; a suction pipe passing through and fastening the cover, and one end of the suction pipe accommodated at the bottom of the container, and the other end of the suction pipe exposed outside the cover; an inlet hole passing through the cover, and one end of the inlet hole accommodated inside the container and the other end of the inlet hole disposed with a folding cover; a pump; the end of the suction pipe exposed outside the cover fluidly connected with an inlet port of the pump; an oil injecting pipe, one end of the oil injecting pipe fluidly connected with an outlet port of the pump; a control switch electrically connecting to the pump; an liquid level indicator disposed outside the container; and an accommodating groove connected to the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventor: Hsiang-Yi Yao
  • Patent number: 8746408
    Abstract: An engine oil change detection control system is provided. The system includes an armature position module that monitors a solenoid armature position based on a position signal. A solenoid control module selectively generates a solenoid control signal and estimates a delay time based on the solenoid control signal and the armature position. An engine oil change detection module detects an engine oil change event based on the delay time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventors: William C. Albertson, David R. Staley, Mike M McDonald, Bryan K. Pryor
  • Patent number: 8746068
    Abstract: A lubrication dispensing apparatus for lubricating a device with moving parts includes a lubricant reservoir, a lubricant dispenser for dispensing lubricant from the lubricant reservoir, an ultrasonic detection module which detects the amplitude of ultrasonic energy emitted by said device when its parts are moving and produces an signal related thereto, and a control module which analyzes the amplitude of the signal from the ultrasonic detection module and, in response to a lubricate signal, causes the lubricant dispenser to automatically dispense lubricant onto the moving parts of the device until the signal from the ultrasonic detector indicates that the ultrasonic energy produced by the device has decreased to a particular level. The control module includes a programmed processor and a storage memory. The memory stores as a base value the value of the detected amplitude of ultrasonic energy when the device is operating properly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: U.E. Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Goodman, William Bishop, Gary Mohr
  • Patent number: 8746404
    Abstract: Gas turbine engines systems and methods involving oil flow management are provided. In this regard, a oil pressure analysis system for a gas turbine engine is operative to: receive information corresponding to measured oil pressure and rotational speed during a start up of the engine; correlate the information into data sets, each of the data sets containing a measured oil pressure and a corresponding rotational speed; and determine whether the oil flow valve is functioning properly based on the information contained in the data sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Mahdy A. Allam
  • Patent number: 8710973
    Abstract: A method is provided for determining remaining oil life prior to an oil change in an internal combustion engine that uses a body of oil. The method includes transferring the body of oil to the engine and determining a volume of the transferred body of oil. The method also includes determining quality of the transferred body of oil and determining the remaining oil life based on the determined quality and volume of the body of oil. The method additionally includes activating an oil change indicator when the remaining oil life reaches a predetermined level. A system for determining a number of engine revolutions permitted on a volume of oil is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Eric W. Schneider, Matthew J. Snider, Robert M. Olree, Eric R. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20140097043
    Abstract: A vehicle drive apparatus includes a motor, a case, a cover member, a sensor, and a separate member. The case includes a reservoir to store liquid fluid. The sensor is provided in a first communication hole of the cover member and is fixed to the cover member. A second communication hole constitutes a part of a fluid flow path extending from an inside of the case to an outside of the case. The fluid flow path has an intake port through which the liquid fluid is to be drawn. The fluid flow path includes an inside fluid flow path provided from the second communication hole to the intake port. The separate member is fixed to the cover member to define the inside fluid flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takeshi HOSHINOYA, Keiichi OOISO, Yoshihito KURIZUKA
  • Patent number: 8689940
    Abstract: A lubrication system for a work tool, such as a demolition hammer, that is powered by a drive fluid. The lubrication system including a valve member movable from a first position to a second position in response to receiving an input indicative of a low level of a lubricant, wherein in the second position, the valve member is configured to divert the drive fluid to shutdown or derate the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Rakesh D. Jagdale, Lauritz D. Pillers, II
  • Publication number: 20140090929
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a centralized combination grease and/or oil lubricating system for lubricating bearings where a dual line parallel system is connected to a series progressive system with an inlet designed not to halt the flow of lubrication to the entire system if a single lubrication point becomes blocked but where a single terminal sensor will still alert the user of the blockage to the single lubrication point and a method of using the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: FD Johnson Company
    Inventor: John Powell
  • Patent number: 8668050
    Abstract: A lubrication-condition detector detects a lubricant shortage of a target portion that repeats a predetermined operation at a predetermined cycle. The lubrication-condition detector includes: a physical-quantity measuring unit for continuously measuring a physical quantity related to the target portion; and a computer for determining a presence of a lubricant shortage based on the physical quantity. The computer includes: a cycle extractor for extracting a cycle datum per an operational cycle from continuous data including the physical quantity and its measuring time; a representative-value calculator for calculating a representative value for each of plural cycle data; and determining unit for determining a presence of a lubricant shortage based on the plural representative values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Toshiba Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Harumichi Tokuyama, Masahiko Mori, Makoto Takami, Haruhiko Kikuchi, Akira Yoshinaga, Noriyuki Sasaki, Shinya Itani
  • Patent number: 8596417
    Abstract: A lubrication system is provided for delivering a lubricant to a plurality of nozzles. The lubrication system includes a reservoir for the lubricant; a pump fluidly coupled to the reservoir and configured to remove a flow of the lubricant from the reservoir; a lubrication sensor positioned between the pump and the plurality of nozzles and configured to detect a blockage in the plurality of nozzles and to generate a blockage signal when the blockage is detected; and an indicator coupled to the lubrication sensor and configured to generate a warning based on the blockage signal from the lubrication sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Rich Barrett, Larry Ball, Douglas Spencer, Victor Reyes, Don Rossi, Alan Tiltman, Daniel Troller, James Ebken, Mike O'Brien
  • Patent number: 8567564
    Abstract: An oil supply system for a gearbox in a gas turbine engine includes a holding container which holds a quantity of oil to be delivered to a pump. The holding container includes a flexible barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: James W. Norris
  • Publication number: 20130277148
    Abstract: A lubrication system for lubricating bearings that includes at least one lubrication pump for pumping lubricant to the bearings and at least one metering valve for distributing the pumped lubricant throughout the lubrication system to the bearings. The system further includes a lubrication controller in communication with the at least one lubrication pump and at least one metering valve for controlling the lubrication system. The controller has firmware configured to provide a sequence of instructions to perform specified tasks and hardware that carries out the sequence of instructions to perform the specified tasks. In an unconfigured and unconnected state, the lubrication controller can be configured by reprogramming the firmware, to selectively control at least one of a series progressive lubrication system, a dual line lubrication system and a single line parallel lubrication system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: David BECK, Nathan DONOVAN, Eric KRASSINGER
  • Patent number: 8544609
    Abstract: An at least partially automatic valve stem lubrication system including a source of grease lubricant, a pump and an at least partially automated control system, the control system structured and arranged such that lubricant is pumped onto a valve stem surface area as a function of the receipt of certain inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Emerson Process Management Valve Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Lynn H. Elliott
  • Patent number: 8528516
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device which provides a safety measure to vehicles by utilizing the dead man (tether) switch, or other electrical connection, in combination with a valve and actuator, to keep oil from leaking out of the lubrication system of the vehicle in a rollover situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventor: William Lyle Jacobson
  • Patent number: 8511435
    Abstract: A lubrication system, includes an auxiliary lubricant tank 48 and a supply conduit 58 extending from a source of lubricant 26 and through the auxiliary lubricant tank. A portion of the conduit resides within the tank and has an opening 136 for allowing lubricant transfer between the tank and the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: William G. Sheridan, Lawrence E. Portlock, Michael E. McCune
  • Patent number: 8482420
    Abstract: A method of monitoring oil in a vehicle having an internal combustion engine is provided. The method includes measuring a sump temperature of the engine and measuring a power output of the engine. Oil consumption is calculated as a function of the measured sump temperature and the measured power output. Remaining oil life is calculated as a function of the calculated consumption. The method may include alerting a receiver of the calculated remaining oil life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Daniel H. Blossfeld, Matthew J. Snider
  • Patent number: 8479886
    Abstract: A lubrication-condition detector detects a lubricant shortage of a target portion that repeats a predetermined operation at a predetermined cycle. The lubrication-condition detector includes: a physical-quantity measuring unit for continuously measuring a physical quantity related to the target portion; and a computer for determining a presence of a lubricant shortage based on the physical quantity. The computer includes: a cycle extractor for extracting a cycle datum per an operational cycle from continuous data including the physical quantity and its measuring time; a representative-value calculator for calculating a representative value for each of plural cycle data; and determining unit for determining a presence of a lubricant shortage based on the plural representative values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Toshiba Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Harumichi Tokuyama, Masahiko Mori, Makoto Takami, Haruhiko Kikuchi, Akira Yoshinaga, Noriyuki Sasaki, Shinya Itani
  • Patent number: 8464837
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for lubrication of a work vehicle, which device includes: a tank (1) for storage of lubricant; a number of delivery points (8a-g) at which lubricant is supplied to the tools of the work vehicle or other parts that need to be lubricated; a distribution block (5) including a number of branching points (6a-g) that all are connected to a delivery point (8a-g); a pump (2) for delivering lubricant from the tank (1) to the distribution block (5) and further on to the delivery points (8a-g); a control system (3), for regulating the supply of lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Rock Drills AB
    Inventors: Ulrik Algulin, Christer Andersson
  • Patent number: 8459413
    Abstract: A lubrication system includes an external pump system which pumps air out of the housing and develop negative pressure therein in response to a loss of lubrication condition. The negative pressure operates as an air lock to minimize or prevent lubricating oil loss from the housing while an internal lubrication system continues to distribute lubricating oil—which although now increasing in temperature—still operates to lubricate the gearbox components. For further ballistic tolerance, the housing is a compound housing that reduces or closes the penetration and further minimizes lubricating oil and negative pressure loss. The housing may be still further hardened by an armor layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Sirkorsky Aircraft Corporation
    Inventors: Yuriy Gmirya, Mikhail Gelfand
  • Patent number: 8448750
    Abstract: A machine lubrication system that includes an assembly for sensing the level of lubricant in the reservoir, the reservoir including a follower that travels axially within the reservoir and substantially conforms to an inner cross-sectional dimension thereof, a magnet being attached to the follower for actuation of a plurality of magnetically actuated switches. The system may include a first and second level sensor, which may be independently connected to one or more power sources, where the first level sensor may be associated with an operator station, and the second level sensor may be associated with a remote indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Susan J. Gaugush, Ted J. Loeffelholz, James Frances Blubaugh, Douglas D. Long
  • Patent number: 8434596
    Abstract: A lubrication monitoring device monitors a lubricating condition of a lubricator feeding an oil droplet at a predetermined time interval by means of a discharge nozzle having a nozzle orifice. The lubrication monitoring device comprises: a pair of electrodes disposed in the proximity of the nozzle orifice; a capacitance detecting portion for detecting the variation of capacitance between the pair of electrodes, the capacitance varying in conjunction with the varying amount of oil fed from the nozzle orifice to space between the pair of electrodes; and a determination portion for determining whether the oil droplet is fed at the predetermined time interval or not, the determination made based on the detection result supplied from the capacitance detecting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventor: Masashi Hattori