Abstract: A hydraulic control device for an internal combustion engine having a pressure level switch mechanism that switches the pressure level of the oil supplied to components of the engine between a high pressure level and a low pressure level is provided. The hydraulic control device has a detecting section and a determining section. The determining section outputs a command signal instructing to switch the pressure level of the oil to the high pressure level to the pressure level switch mechanism and determines that the pressure level switch mechanism has a malfunction on condition that, after the command signal has been output, the pressure of the oil detected by the detecting section is smaller than a high-pressure-level switching malfunction determination value.

Abstract: A method for applying a liquid composition to a rail surface is provided. This method involves supplying a liquid composition in one or more reservoirs on a rail car (revenue generating car), and applying the liquid composition from the one or more reservoirs to the rail surface. A liquid composition application system is also provided. The liquid composition application system includes a reservoir(s) for holding a liquid composition mounted on a rail car. A pipe is connected to the reservoir(s), and a pump, for moving the liquid composition from the reservoir(s) to a dispensing nozzle(s), is provided. A controller processes topological information, data from the liquid composition application system, or both. The application of the liquid composition may be monitored and controlled from a remote site separate from the rail car.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to lubrication systems for a jet aircraft engine. The system includes an oil tank with a high level sensor and a unit for monitoring the level of oil in a lubricating system. The monitoring unit includes a first input for a high oil level oil level signal, and a second input for a signal that the engine is running, and an output capable of generating an alarm signal. The monitoring unit is configured to generate an overfilling alarm signal, provided that the engine is running and the oil level is equal to or greater than the high level over a given period. This double condition avoids false positives, especially for engines subject to the phenomenon of “gulping”. For these engines the oil level in normal operation is significantly lower than when stopped. These measures can thus provide a reliable means of detecting overfilling.

Abstract: A lubrication system is provided that includes a pump operatively connected to one or more supply lines for delivery of a lubricant, the system including a first pressure sensor associated with the supply line at a first position, and a second pressure sensor associated with the supply line at a second position downstream of the first position and pump, a controller configured to receive pressure signals and control operation of the pump based upon the pressure differential between the pressures at the first position and second position. The pressure differential may be employed to determine when a pressure at a third position downstream of the second position has been achieved. At least one of the pressure sensors may be positioned adjacent to the pump, the controller further being operable to deactivate the pump in the event that a maximum pump pressure has been met.

Abstract: An oil cooler oil pump assembly for an internal combustion engine has an oil cooler and an oil pump configured to draw in oil from the oil pan and convey it to the oil cooler. The oil cooler is arranged on the exterior side of the oil pan. The oil pump is integrated into the oil pan, wherein oil pump and oil cooler are immediately or closely coupled to one another by a connecting pipe.

Abstract: A lubricating system for supplying at least one lubricating point with lubricant is described. The lubricating system is equipped with at least one feed device and at least one line extending between this feed device and a lubricating point. In order to very easily and effectively monitor and indicate the severance of a lubricant line, an electrical connection is respectively provided on the feed device and the lubricating point. An electric conductor extending between the two connections is assigned to the line. A monitoring device is assigned to the line in such a way that it generates a signal when the electric conductor is interrupted. The invention furthermore pertains to a vehicle, particularly a construction machine, which is equipped with such a lubricating system.

Abstract: A grease accumulator apparatus for use in subsea applications has a bottle with an internal chamber, a plunger positioned within the internal chamber and slidable therealong, and an end cap assembly affixed to one end of the bottle. The end cap assembly has an indicator member slidably connected thereto. The indicator member is cooperative with the plunger such that an end of the indicator member moves outwardly of the end cap assembly as the plunger moves in the bottle toward the end cap assembly. The end cap assembly has a body with a housing affixed to one end thereof. The housing has a hydraulic fluid inlet and a hydraulic fluid outlet. The indicator member is movable between a position in which the inlet and outlet are fluidically connected in a second position in which fluid flow is blocked between the inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: A lubricant supply system for a gearbox includes a lubricant flow circuit having, in fluid flow sequence: a variable-flow rate first pump; an lubricant cooler; and a gearbox. The system also includes: a first temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of lubricant circulating within the lubricant flow circuit; a pressure sensor for sensing a pressure of lubricant circulating within the lubricant flow circuit; and a controller operably connected to the pressure and temperature sensors and to the first pump. The controller is operable to control flow of the pump in response to the sensed temperature and to the sensed pressure.

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.

Abstract: A lubrication system includes an auxiliary lubricant tank 48, a supply conduit 58 extending from a source of lubricant 26 to the auxiliary lubricant tank. A reduced-G bypass line 108 branches from the conduit and enters the auxiliary tank at a first elevation E1. The system also includes an auxiliary tank discharge conduit 116, a portion of which resides within the tank. The resident portion has an opening 122 at least partially at a second elevation E2 higher than the first elevation.

Abstract: A greasing system featuring a fifth wheel of a truck having a grease vein with four ports disposed therein, each port being fluidly connected to a fitting; a grease pump operatively connected to an air switch which turns on and off the grease pump; a main tube fluidly connected to the grease pump, the main tube bifurcates into a first delivery tube fluidly connected to the first fitting and a second delivery tube fluidly connected to the second fitting; and a third delivery tube fluidly connected to the first fitting and to the third fitting, and a fourth delivery tube fluidly connected to the second fitting and to the fourth fitting; wherein when the grease pump is activated the grease pump pumps grease to the ports in the grease vein of the fifth wheel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control device for lubrication systems, having a control processor which is arranged in a housing, having connections, which are formed on the housing, for sensor inputs and control outputs, which are connected to the control processor, and having an operator interface which is secured to the outside of the housing and is intended to input control parameters. Provision is made for the control processor to be set up with different control programs for different lubrication systems and for program switches for selecting the different control programs to be arranged inside the housing.

Abstract: A method of providing a standby lubrication for an engine in the event of the failure of a main lubrication system of this engine, in which the failure is detected and, in response to the detection of this failure, at least one portion of a fuel fluid of the engine is tapped off to lubricate at least one element of the engine. A standby lubrication device includes a device for detecting a failure of a main lubrication system, a device for tapping off at least a portion of a fuel fluid of the engine in order to direct it to at least one element of the engine intended to be lubricated, and a controller connected to the tapping and detection devices, in order to carry out the standby lubrication method.

Abstract: A lubrication system and wind turbine are provided having one or more input ports in a component and one or more output ports in the component. An expandable lubrication receptacle is connected to the one or more output ports, and the expandable lubrication receptacle is configured for receiving a lubrication medium from the component.

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.

Abstract: An engine includes a volume configured to hold oil for lubricating components of the engine, a pump, a conduit coupled to the pump and extending into the volume, and a visual interface coupled to the conduit. The conduit includes an opening located on the conduit at a position associated with a desired level for oil in the volume. When oil in the volume is at least up to the desired level, operation of the pump draws oil from the volume through the opening and into the conduit. The visual interface communicates whether or not oil in the volume is at least up to the desired level.

Abstract: A standard cam phasing OCV may be employed as a virtual check valve to choke the backflow of oil during negative cam torque conditions, including execution of a duty cycle command in an event-based manner. Normally, OCV duty cycle commands are made on a time basis, but for VCV the duty cycle output change must be synchronized with engine events. A method is disclosed for calculating and delivering the VCV duty cycle so that both time-based and event-based controls are maintained and work together. Phase alignment of response time of the OCV solenoid is based upon cam target wheel edges and is event-based. An initial phase rate vs. phase angle is monitored by the Engine Control Module (ECM). Adjustment of the phase angle is provided to achieve maximum cam position phase rate.

Abstract: A method and system for magnetically detecting thermal degradation of a component. A multiple of ferrous metal segments are attached to a component not within a lubrication circuit of a lubrication system with a thermally-affected bonding agent. The thermally-affected bonding agent is operable to detach at a threshold temperature at least one of the multiple of ferrous metal segments such that the at least one of the multiple of detached ferrous metal segments enters the lubrication circuit of the lubrication system. The at least one of the multiple of ferrous metal segments which detached are then detected within the lubrication system.

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.

Abstract: A device that relieves lubricant pressure in a divider block lubrication system into a fluid reservoir, a container, or directly back into the compressor frame to which the tubing is connected. This eliminates housekeeping, environmental, safety, and compressor component failure concerns associated with current atmospheric rupture assemblies that relieve directly to the atmosphere. The environmental compressor protection assembly contains a spring set to a pre-determined pressure. Lubricant pressure in excess of this pre-determined set pressure results in spring compression and opening of a relief path. The assembly preferably remains in a full open position and must be must be manually reset to the closed position to prevent fluid flow in the system. The relief path can lead to a fluid reservoir, a container, or directly back into the compressor frame. Flow of lubricant through the relief path results in loss of flow to the lubrication system.

Abstract: A drive gear includes a plurality of internal radial channels extending between the axial bore and the periphery of the gear, and an axial bore includes a lubricant distribution structure therein to provide lubrication where the teeth of the drive gear mesh with the teeth of a gear driven by the drive gear.

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.

Abstract: A water-lubricated compressor has a discharge on-off valve in a discharge channel located between a discharge port of a compressor body and a water separating/recovering unit. A water circulation on-off valve is disposed in a water circulation channel located between a water cooler and a water supply portion in the compressor body. A gas release channel provides communication between a gas phase portion of the water separating/recovering unit and the exterior of the water separating/recovering unit. A gas release on-off valve is disposed in the gas release channel. When the compressor body is not in operation, the discharge on-off valve and the water circulation on-off valve are closed and the gas release on-off valve is opened, allowing water to be recovered to the water separating/recovering unit. When there is no demand for compressed gas, it is possible to remove water from the water cooler, which otherwise may be damaged.

Abstract: A method for controlling hydraulic line pressure for component lubrication in a transmission includes monitoring a speed of an engine and an electric machine, determining a minimum line pressure required to lubricate the engine based upon the speed of the engine, determining a minimum line pressure required to lubricate the electric machine based upon the speed of the electric machine, controlling a minimum line pressure of a hydraulic control system to at least satisfy a larger value of the minimum line pressures.

Abstract: A system and method of filtering lubricant in a lubricant supply system are provided. Lubricant from a lubricant source is directed into and through a coarse filter that is configured to remove, from the lubricant, particulate of at least a first dimension. A fraction of the lubricant discharged from the coarse filter is directed into and through a fine filter that is configured to remove, from the fraction of lubricant, particulate having at least a second dimension that is less than the first dimension. Lubricant discharged from the fine filter is directed back to the lubricant source.

Abstract: An oil temperature sensor is externally mounted on a side plate of an oil pan cover that constitutes an external cover for an oil pan apparatus. The oil temperature sensor can output a signal in accordance with the oil temperature prevailing near a thermostat valve apparatus in a second chamber. If the second chamber oil temperature rises immediately after startup of an engine, a CPU judges that an open valve failure has occurred, that is, the thermostat valve apparatus is stuck open. If the oil temperature of the second chamber is not raised when an adequate amount of time has elapsed after the end of a warm-up operation, the CPU judges that a closed valve failure has occurred, that is, the thermostat valve apparatus is stuck closed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for lubricating rollers, particularly for lubricating the nip in a roll stand for a rolled strip, wherein water is supplied via at least one first supply line (1), and oil is supplied via a second supply line (2) to at least one mixing element (3). The water and oil are mixed in the mixing element (3), and the mixture of water and oil is supplied to a spraying element (4), by means of which the mixture is sprayed onto at least one working roller (5, 6) or support roller (12, 13) of a roll stand (7). In order to ensure a reproducible supply of the rollers with the water/oil mixture in an efficient manner, the invention proposes that a cleaning medium, such as hot water or water vapor be supplied via at least one third supply line (8) of one of the two other supply lines (1, 2), and/or of the mixing element (3) at defined time intervals, or as a function of a process status of the rolling process.

Abstract: A limited slip differential transmission of the closed type in which a pressurized lubricant is fed to the rotating gears and a series of limited slip clutch plates. The clutch plates are engaged by pressurized control fluid. A valve assembly having a spool valve is responsive to engagement pressure to permit discharge of a portion of pressurized fluid from the clutch plates to a sump chamber and the transmission to purge debris that may have accumulated in the clutch plates. The spool valve is arranged so that fluid is passed only during an intermediate movement of the valve to minimize any pressure loss from the lubricating fluid for the transmission and limited slip clutches.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring gas turbine engines are provided. In this regard, a representative method includes: monitoring lubrication oil at multiple locations of the gas turbine engine to detect a presence of debris in the oil; determining a characteristic of the debris in the oil; and correlating the characteristic of the debris with the location of detection to determine, while the gas turbine engine is operating, whether the engine is operating within predetermined limits.

Abstract: A tool for use in a lubrication system having an oil-containing sump for supplying lubricating oil to a mechanical device and an oiler device connected to the sump for delivering a supply of oil to the sump, the oiler device comprising a base for supporting an oil reservoir and an adjustable element movably disposed within the base for predetermining a level of oil to be maintained within the sump. The tool has a first portion configured to extend into the base for engagement with the adjustable element and a second portion disposed exteriorly of the base to visually indicate the disposition of the adjustable element relative to the oil-containing sump, preferably in the form of a pointing device, optimally a laser beam generating instrument, for representing the disposition of the adjustable element.

Abstract: A lubrication structure of a transmission includes a gear chamber having an internal space storing lubricating oil, in which chamber a pressure is raised to a prescribed pressure, a gear chamber having an internal space communicating to the internal space through a communicating hole and attaining a pressure lower than the prescribed pressure, and an oil catch tank provided in the internal space at a position directly under the communicating hole and receiving the lubricating oil that flows into the internal space from the internal space through the communicating hole. With such a structure, a lubrication structure for a transmission capable of holding an oil level at a proper level with a simplified structure can be provided.

Abstract: A device that relieves lubricant pressure in a divider block lubrication system into a fluid reservoir, a container, or directly back into the compressor frame to which the tubing is connected. This eliminates housekeeping, environmental, safety, and compressor component failure concerns associated with current atmospheric rupture assemblies that relieve directly to the atmosphere. The environmental compressor protection assembly contains a spring set to a pre-determined pressure. Lubricant pressure in excess of this pre-determined set pressure results in spring compression and opening of a relief path. The assembly preferably remains in a full open position and must be must be manually reset to the closed position to prevent fluid flow in the system.

Abstract: A lubricating oil supply system for internal combustion engine includes an oil reservoir and oil pump connected with a lubrication distribution network including a pressure controller which selectively controls the pressure within the distribution network to at least one pressure value that is less than the maximum pressure produced by a pressure relief valve associated with the oil pump.

Abstract: In a method of monitoring the operation of a plain bearing, a lubricant passage (15) of a bearing segment, this lubricating passage (15) being provided for jacking oil for example, is used during hydrodynamic operation of the plain bearing for extracting samples for a temperature measurement. For producing the measuring operation, a switch-over device (19) clears a flow path from the lubricant passage (15) into an outflow passage (23) in such a way that lubricant from the lubricating film (13) flows through the lubricant passage, the temperarature of this lubricant being determined by a temperature sensor (16, 18).

Abstract: A system and methodology is provided for dynamically adjusting fluids that operate as a lubricant in a machine. The system includes a control module having a processor and one or more sensors providing data to the processor in situ with the machine, wherein the processor employs the data to monitor the fluid. One or more inputs are provided to receive a plurality of additives that are associated with the fluid, wherein actuators are employed by the processor to dispense the additives to the fluid. The processor dispenses the fluid based upon one or more parameters of the fluid.

Abstract: A system for lubricating at least one lubricatable element, the system having an injection head for a lubricant that is adapted to be brought into contact with the at least one lubricatable element and a mechanism for evaluating the state of the element.

Abstract: A gas laser apparatus including a laser oscillating section including a blower forcibly circulating a medium gas in a medium circuit, and a blower monitoring section monitoring a maintenance state of the blower. The blower includes a lubricant storage chamber storing a lubricant, and a lubricant monitoring chamber connected to the lubricant storage chamber to ensure fluidic communication therebetween at a position lower than an oil level of a lubricant having a predetermined appropriate volume and stored in the lubricant storage chamber.

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.

Abstract: A system for pressurizing a hub having a bearing chamber formed from an air-tight sealing arrangement located on each end of a hub to form a closed air system in the interior of the hub or in combination with a second hub. The closed air system fluidly coupled to a pressurized air tank for receiving pressurized air. A pressure gauge provides a visual indication of the air pressure in the closed air system whereby a breached seal condition within the hub can be detected.

Abstract: Transmission oil type may be determined based on the opening time of a transmission latch valve and on oil temperature. An opening time of a latch valve positioned between an oil reservoir and one or more torque transmitting devices of a transmission is determined in response to a command to open the latch valve. A temperature of oil supplied by the latch valve from the oil reservoir to the one or more torque transmitting devices in response to the command to open the latch valve is also determined. The latch valve opening time and oil temperature are monitored over a range of oil temperatures to collect opening times of the latch valve at each of a plurality of oil temperatures within the range of oil temperatures. The transmission oil type is then determined based on the opening times of the latch valve at each of the plurality of oil temperatures.

Abstract: A system for reducing oil usage from a sump in a gas turbine engine. Two sources of oil usage, which usage includes leakage and consumption, have been identified: (1) during idle, leakage of oil from an oil sump through seals and (2) during high-power operation, consumption of oil entrained in vent air exiting from the sump. At idle, the invention reduces pressure in the sump, to thereby increase airflow across the seals into the sump, to inhibit the oil leakage across the seals. At high power operation, the pressure reduction is terminated, but flow exiting the vent is artificially restricted.

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.

Abstract: Wheel and other bearing restraint jam nuts and early warning visual warning indicators for use with bearing hubs including driven and non-driven wheel bearing hubs wherein each jam nut is adapted to be received on either a threaded drive axle tube spindle or an axle spindle by use of a convention tool and such that the jam nut is of a size to obstruct wheel bearing hub separation in the event of a bearing failure and wherein a portion of the jam nut is engageable to force an indicator outwardly of the wheel bearing hub whenever the wheel bearing hub is not properly rotating about it's axis of rotation to thereby provide a visual indication of a potential problem with the bearings or other components within the wheel or other bearing hub.

Abstract: A scroll compressor is provided with an oil bleed valve that selectively communicates a discharge pressure chamber to a suction pressure chamber. The oil bleed valve controls flow of hot oil through a passage and onto a safety shutoff switch for an electric motor.

Abstract: A ball screw device includes a number of bearing members engaged between a ball nut and a screw shaft, and a warning signal generating device for generating a warning signal when the lubricating oil is not good enough to lubricate the ball nut and the screw shaft or when the lubrication for the balls or the bearing members or between the ball nut and the screw shaft has become fail or when the lubricating oil may not be suitably supplied to the balls or the bearing members or between the ball nut and the screw shaft, such that the users may be aware when the lubricating oil is not suitably filled or supplied into the raceway and may refill the lubricating oil into the raceway right away.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting fugitive fueling arising from a pressure-lubricated air inlet system component, such as a turbocharger, within an internal combustion engine includes monitoring lubricating oil pressure within at least one location within the lubrication circuit of the engine and comparing the monitored oil pressure with the failure range contained within a component failure template. If the monitored oil pressure lies within the failure range of the component failure template, remedial action will be taken to mitigate engine damage caused by oil entering engine cylinders from the failed component.

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.

Abstract: A lubrication system is provided for an aircraft turbine machine, the lubrication system being controlled by a closed-loop logic arrangement, wherein the oil pressure of a lubricant circulated therein is monitored and altered according to attitude data, acceleration data, operating mode data, or some combination thereof contained in a signal received from an airframe flight controller and according to a oil pressure signal and an oil temperature signal. The logic responsively provides a supply pump speed control signal, according to a predetermined target oil pressure value selected to correspond to the data contained in the signals. The target value may be continuously compared to the present oil pressure value and the present oil pressure adjusted by sending a motor control signal to the supply pump and a valve flow control signal to a flow control valve that conditionally allows oil from the outlet side of the supply pump to be fed back to its inlet side.

Abstract: There is described a helicopter having a first member movable with respect to a second member; lubricated supporting means for supporting the first member with respect to the second member; and a primary lubricating circuit for lubricating the supporting means and in turn having primary storage means for accumulating a lubricating fluid, and primary fluid feed means for feeding the lubricating fluid to the supporting means; the helicopter also has an auxiliary lubricating circuit supplied continually by the primary storage means with a first lubricating fluid flow value, and itself continually supplying the supporting means with a second lubricating fluid flow value lower than the first value, so as to produce an auxiliary storage volume of lubricating fluid for use in the event of breakdown of the primary lubricating circuit.

Abstract: A lubricating and cooling system for a mechanical assembly includes a first path having a reservoir of lubricating and cooling liquid and a second path having a source of pressurized gas. A feed mechanism receives the lubricating and cooling liquid from the first path and the pressurized gas from the second path and outputs the pressurized gas and liquid. First and second spray nozzles spray the pressurized gas and liquid onto the mechanical assembly. The first path has a pressure and flow limiter arranged between the reservoir and the first and second spray nozzles so that the first and second spray nozzles are fed with the lubricating and cooling liquid at a pressure no greater than 2 bar (2×105 Pascal).