Abstract: An internal combustion engine in a working device comprises an oil reservoir near a crankcase to hold oil. An oil measurement device is used to recognize the existence of oil in the oil reservoir and to produce a corresponding signal that is evaluated in an evaluation device to produce an oil level reading. The oil level reading is preferred to be produced only during the starting of the internal combustion engine or within a specific time period after starting the internal combustion engine. When the internal combustion engine has reached its operating RPM, no further oil level monitoring is performed.

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 pump chamber is arranged on the side of a balancer shaft on a vehicle backward side of the two balancer shafts. An oil strainer for sucking oil into an inlet passage is arranged on a vehicle forward side of the axis of the balancer shaft on the vehicle forward side of said two balancer shafts. The inlet passage and the delivery passage are overlaid in the vertical direction and oriented to one side in the circumferential direction of the pump chamber, and the inlet passage and the delivery passage are arranged in a state where they are rectilinearly extended from the pump chamber in the vehicle forward direction.

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 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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a standby lubrication method for an engine 1 in the event of the failure of a main lubrication system 2 of this engine 1, in which said failure is detected and, in response to the detection of this failure, at least one portion of a fuel fluid of the engine 1 is tapped off to lubricate at least one element of the engine 1. The invention also relates to a standby lubrication device 6 for an engine 1 comprising a main lubrication system 2, said standby lubrication device 6 comprising means for detecting a failure of the main lubrication system 2, means 12 for tapping off at least a portion of a fuel fluid of the engine 1 in order to direct it to at least one element of the engine 1 intended to be lubricated, and control means 15 capable of being connected to said tapping and detection means 12, in order to carry out the standby lubrication method.

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.

Abstract: An oil path structure includes: a motor case having a joint surface and having a cooling oil path opened to the joint surface formed therein; a generator case having a cooling oil path formed therein and joined to the joint surface such that the cooling oil paths communicate with each other; an O-ring sealing between the cooling oil paths; and a plain washer limiting the flow rate of oil passing through the oil path. In the generator case, a recessed portion is formed at a position adjacent to the joint surface and on route of the cooling oil path. In the recessed portion, the O-ring in contact with the joint surface and the plain washer positioned on the side of O-ring opposite to the joint surface are arranged. The plain washer is sandwiched between the O-ring and a bottom surface. Thus, an oil path structure can be provided that ensures reliable sealing and allows flow rate adjustment with a simple structure.

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: 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.

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: An oil level indicating system for an internal combustion engine includes an indicator passageway extending through a cylinder block, cylinder head and up through a ported boss extending through an upper engine cover. The ported boss is sealingly engaged with the cylinder head of the engine so as to prevent fugitive oil from entering indicator passageway, thereby preventing erroneous oil level readings.

Abstract: An EMD locomotive engine low oil governor reset system, the governor having a low oil reset plunger which moves from an operating position to a tripped position out of a side of the governor when a low oil condition has been sensed and has initiated shut down of the engine, the governor also providing an electrical signal indicating the plunger has been tripped, the system comprising a solenoid mounted adjacent the governor and having a plunger in alignment with the low oil reset plunger for engaging the plunger in the tripped position and moving it to the operating position when the solenoid is activated, the solenoid being connected to the governor so as to receive the electrical signal therefrom; and a timer associated with the solenoid for delaying activation of the solenoid for a predetermined period of time after receipt of the electrical signal from the governor.

Abstract: A plurality of sensors are utilized to record operating conditions of the machine, element, environment, and lubricant. The apparatus is controlled either manually or with the aid of a controller unit such as a microprocessor. A stand-alone humidity sensor mechanism is disclosed, in which signal process circuitry is electrically coupled to a humidity sensor, designed to be attached to the mechanism to be monitored so that it is juxtaposed in the atmosphere above the lubricant material that is being monitored.

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 and method for providing pressurised oil during non-feathered in-flight shutdown conditions in a variable-pitch aircraft propeller engine. A secondary pump provides pressurised oil substantially independent of an engine main oil circuit.

Abstract: A volumetric lubricant dispensing apparatus for delivering a precise volume of lubricant, such as oil, to a rotating machine element. The delivery mechanism includes a piston and cylinder assembly. A plurality of sensors are utilized to record operating conditions of the machine, element, environment, and lubricant. The apparatus is controlled either manually or with the aid of a controller unit such as a microprocessor. The output from each sensor is inputted into the microprocessor wherein an algorithm computes an responsive output. The responsive output is sent to the piston and cylinder assembly, which maintains an optimum lubricant condition within the reservoir wherein a rotating machine element located. Alternatively, for the purpose of qualitative control, the present invention may be described as a system intended for controlling lubricants, both mineral (natural) and synthetic based by measuring the condition characteristics of the lubricant.

Abstract: In a system for pre-lubrication of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle having an oil reservoir and at least one oil passageway or galley in communication with an exterior of the engine, there is provided a fluid circuit, external to the engine, including a first conduit having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet in fluid communication with an output of the oil reservoir. The fluid circuit also includes an auxiliary oil hydraulic pump, including a pump motor having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet in fluid communication with the outlet of the first conduit. The fluid circuit also includes a second conduit having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet in fluid communication with the outlet of the pump, the outlet in fluid communication with the engine oil passageway and galleys. The fluid circuit also includes switches and timers for selectably actuating the motor of the oil pump for selectable periods of time prior to, and/or after, ignition.

Abstract: A method of detecting a non-fixed object created during hole drilling operations on a system (12) includes applying a light emitting lubricant (25) to a drill bit (37) of a hole-drilling device (31). The light emitting lubricant adheres to foreign object debris 10 that is created during the hole drilling operations. The foreign object debris 10 can include shavings (29), portions of the drill bit (37), or the entire drill bit (37). The objects are illuminated with an object illuminator (16). At least one of the objects (10) is determined to be a nonmember within a known pattern of objects and is identified to be a non-fixed object in response to illumination of the objects.

Abstract: A final drive unit for a motor vehicle includes a carrier housing integrally formed with a final drive housing and provided to store a lubricating oil therein, a pinion drive shaft rotatably supported within the final drive housing by a pair of bearings, an oil supply passage formed integrally with the final drive housing for lubricating the bearings and having a supply opening in communication with a cavity in the carrier housing, and a baffle member mounted within the carrier housing adjacent to the supply opening of the oil supply passage. The baffle member includes a baffle wall provided to cover a lower portion of the oil supply passage for maintaining a portion of the lubrication oil within the oil supply passage so as to permit the lubricating oil to adequately lubricate the bearings even when the motor vehicle is tilted to a maximum angle of inclination.

Abstract: A grease supply confirming device confirming the supply of a grease into a bearing, according to the present invention includes a detecting member an elastic supporting member and a movable body. The movable body such as a metal spherical body is movably provided in a piping through which a grease to be supplied flows. The elastic supporting member is provided in the piping for supporting the movable body. The detecting member such as an eddy current type displacement sensor detects to see whether or not the grease is supplied in accordance with the displacement of the movable body. The grease supply confirming device further includes an abnormality judging circuit connected to the detecting member for judging the abnormality in grease supply, and an outputting portion for outputting an alarm according to the instruction from the abnormality judging circuit.

Abstract: A circulating lubrication system for a centrifugal pump, or other rotating equipment utilizing an oil sump, is disclosed. The lubrication system includes an external reservoir located distant from the main lubrication chamber, so that lubricating fluid from the main misting chamber is forced out of the main chamber, cooled and cleaned (i.e. filtered) in the external reservoir, and thereafter fed back into the main lubricating chamber. In such a manner, the lubrication system maintains substantially clean, cool, and moisture free lubricating fluid in the main misting chamber and reduces the required downtime of the device. Thus, the life span of the device is lengthened while at the same time production is increased.

Abstract: In a lubricant application system, a prescribed volume of lubricant is transferred from a lubricant discharge port 8 of a prescribed liquid volume discharge device to a rolling element 703 of a rolling bearing 700 in a state in which the lubricant discharge port 8 is positioned directly above and sufficiently close to the rolling element 703, whereby the lubricant is applied to the interior of the rolling bearing 700. Further, the application system inspects whether or not a prescribed volume of lubricant is injected from the discharge device for injecting a lubricant into the interior of a rolling bearing 700.

Abstract: According to the invention, this system comprises a main device (2) and an auxiliary backup device (3), which comprises: at least one reservoir (10) of lubricating and cooling liquid independent of the main device (2); at least one source (11) of pressurized gas; and at least one spray nozzle (17, 18) which is fed, on the one hand, with lubricating and cooling liquid at a pressure at most equal to 2 bar (2.10−5 pascal) from said reservoir (10) and, on the other hand, with pressurized gas from said source (11), said nozzle being able to spray a mist of lubricating and cooling liquid onto said mechanical assembly (1) so as temporarily to supplement the defective main device (2).

Abstract: An improved system for changing the fluid of vehicular automatic transmissions and the like, which has the capability to provide a complete fluid exchange faster and with less usage of fresh fluid in a manner that is easier to operate. This is accomplished by the system's unique capability to extract used fluid and replace it with fresh fluid at a faster, balanced rate than before possible in prior art. This is accomplished by decreasing or removing restriction from the exhausting of the used fluid and introducing fresh fluid at more than one locus. The unique, novel capability of the invention to use a dual use pan access tube to combine a static change with a dynamic change, and to introduce fresh fluid into the transmission from two different loci instead of one as in all prior art, allows the fluid exchange to be completed in a shorter time with less use of fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for monitoring characteristics of a fluid lubricant contained within a lubricant chamber formed in a wheel hub mounted for rotation about a stationary wheel axle. The apparatus includes an annular bearing spacer configured for mounting on the wheel axle between axially opposed inboard and outboard bearings, the annular bearing spacer forming an interior lubricant reservoir between an inner surface of the spacer and the wheel axle, a guide vane for directing lubricant from the lubricant chamber to the interior lubricant reservoir during rotation of the wheel hub assembly about the wheel axle, and a sensor operatively associated with the interior lubricant reservoir for determining a condition of the lubricant.

Abstract: In a lubricant application system, a prescribed volume of lubricant is transferred from a lubricant discharge port (8) of a prescribed liquid volume discharge device to a rolling element (703) of a rolling bearing (700) in a state in which the lubricant discharge port (8) is positioned directly above and sufficiently close to the rolling element (703), whereby the lubricant is applied to the interior of the rolling bearing (700). Further, the application system inspects whether or not a prescribed volume of lubricant is injected from the discharge device for injecting a lubricant into the interior of a rolling bearing (700).

Abstract: The invention relates to an oil system, in particular a hydraulic oil system or a lubricating oil system, comprising a sensor for monitoring the impurity content of the oil in the oil system, the sensor detecting a value which is correlated with the impurity content. A particularly cost-effective construction is achieved, if the sensor is configured as a turbidity sensor which measures the turbidity of the oil, which has been caused by the impurity content.

Abstract: The oil-cooled type compressor 1A houses therein an inspecting flow passage 19 branched from a discharge flow passage 12 on the secondary side of an oil separation recovering portion 14 and joined with a suction flow passage 11 which is a lower pressure portion than the branched point, and an oil separating element 22 capable of capturing finer oil particles as compared with an oil separating element 15 within the oil separating recovering portion 14, and houses therein an oil droplet detection means 23 for outputting a signal electrically showing a state change upon receipt of oil droplets dropped from the oil separating element 22, being provided with an oil separation detector 21 interposed in the inspecting flow passage 19, and a calculating portion 24 for receiving an electric signal from the oil droplet detection means 23 to calculate the percentage content of oil of the compressed gas from the interval of the electric signal to output it.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for monitoring characteristics of a fluid lubricant contained within a lubricant chamber formed in a wheel hub mounted for rotation about a stationary wheel axle. The apparatus includes an annular bearing spacer configured for mounting on the wheel axle between axially opposed inboard and outboard bearings, the annular bearing spacer forming an interior lubricant reservoir between an inner surface of the spacer and the wheel axle, a guide vane for directing lubricant from the lubricant chamber to the interior lubricant reservoir during rotation of the wheel hub assembly about the wheel axle, and a sensor operatively associated with the interior lubricant reservoir for determining a condition of the lubricant.

Abstract: An oil passage extending from an oil pump to a discharge port in an internal combustion engine is, at its halfway point, branched into at least two oil passages, for example, a first oil passage and a second oil passage. One of the at least two branched oil passages, for example, the second oil passage is provided with a restricting portion configured as a first orifice for restricting a flow amount of oil by reducing a diameter of the first orifice. A bypass valve is provided which acts, when a hydraulic pressure in the second oil passage exceeds a specific value, to bypass the first orifice so as to increase the flow rate of oil. It is possible to increase the hydraulic pressure at the time of low speed rotation up to a necessary pressure only by providing the restricting portion, without enhancing the performance of the oil pump.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for pumping lubricant in an internal combustion engine, includes a lubrication pump (11) for the lubricant, and electric motor means (12) for driving the pump (11), the lubricant being contained in reservoir(s) in which at least the lubrication pump (11) is immersed, and the motor means (12) including a stator (14) and rotatable motive member (15) the stator (14) and rotatable motive member (15) being in contact with the lubricant from the reservoir(s).

Abstract: A method of automatically feeding lubricating oil to bearing parts of various machine elements using a microcomputer whereby various settings, progress of the settings, and display of the operating state of a lubricating oil feeding apparatus can be easily identified in a user-oriented manner. According to the method, the remaining operating time is displayed on liquid crystal displays (LCDs) after the lubricating oil feeding apparatus is installed to facilitate the identification of the elapse of the operating time, the operation of a motor for discharging a set amount of lubricating oil is controlled, and various displays such as the overload of the motor, shortage of a battery capacity, elapse of the lubricating oil replacement time, etc., are displayed by icons on the LCDs.

Abstract: In a lubricant application system, a prescribed volume of lubricant is transferred from a lubricant discharge port 8 of a prescribed liquid volume discharge device to a rolling element 703 of a rolling bearing 700 in a state in which the lubricant discharge port 8 is positioned directly above and sufficiently close to the rolling element 703, whereby the lubricant is applied to the interior of the rolling bearing 700. Further, the application system inspects whether or not a prescribed volume of lubricant is injected from the discharge device for injecting a lubricant into the interior of a rolling bearing 700.

Abstract: A sump evacuation system for a gas turbine facilitates reducing oil leakage from bearing assembly sumps in a cost-effective and reliable manner. The engine includes at least one bearing assembly housed within a sump pressurization cavity. The sump evacuation system includes a sump pressurization cavity, a sump oil cavity, an air/oil separator, and an air pump. The bearing assembly and the sump oil cavity are coupled in flow communication with the sump pressurization cavity, and the air/oil separator is coupled in flow communication with the sump oil cavity. Furthermore, the air pump is coupled in flow communication with the air/oil separator.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the condition of a lubricant in a driveline component monitors the temperature of the lubricant and compares it to an ambient temperature. A temperature differential is stored as a function of time, and if that differential temperature increases beyond a predetermined amount, then an indication is made that lubricant maintenance may be in order. To further refine this system, the compared temperature differentials may be selected under similar load conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high-speed gear with oil lubrication, with oil-recycling ducts (8) leading out of the labyrinth chambers of contactless shaft seals (6) to the crankcase (5) of the gear casing (3). According to the invention, the oil-recycling ducts (8) terminate in regions (10) in which a vacuum is automatically established during running operation, independently of the direction of rotation of the gear.

Abstract: A compact lubricant reservoir for a bearing housing is provided whereby visual inspection of the reservoir indicates the level of lubricant reserve.

Abstract: A transmission for the drive of generators by turbines. The transmission casing is under a partial vacuum, and the operation of the transmission is monitored and protected by special safety devices.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing wear in an internal combustion engine includes a pump, a control element, an external controller. The apparatus of the preferred embodiment is intended to be located inside an internal combustion engine, thereby eliminating most hardware. The control element is connected to a normally provided battery and automatically switches control power from the battery to the electric pump according to a programmed control operating cycle program, and is operatively independent of ignition switch activation or operator action. The inlet of the pump is immersed in oil inside the normally provided engine oil sump. The lubricating fluid is pumped through the high arrestance filter, yielding a substantially contaminant free lubricating fluid which flows into the normally provided engine lubricating gallery. The external controller, such as a wireless remote control, is provided to activate the pump remotely upon demand.

Abstract: A transmission for the drive of generators by turbines. The transmission casing is under a partial vacuum, and the operation of the transmission is monitored and protected by special safety devices.

Abstract: An improved system for changing the fluid of vehicular automatic transmissions and the like, which has the capability to provide a complete fluid exchange faster and with less usage of fresh fluid in a manner that is easier to operate. This is accomplished by the system's unique capability to extract used fluid and replace it with fresh fluid at a faster, balanced rate than before possible in prior art. This is accomplished by decreasing or removing restriction from the exhausting of the used fluid and introducing fresh fluid at more than one locus. The unique, novel capability of the invention to use a dual use pan access tube to combine a static change with a dynamic change, and to introduce fresh fluid into the transmission from two different loci instead of one as in all prior art, allows the fluid exchange to be completed in a shorter time with less use of fluid.

Abstract: An axle bearing lubricating device includes a grease storage tank for providing lubricating grease to at least one grease propeller, the grease storage tank having a grease outlet, at least one grease propeller for propelling grease from the grease storage tank to a respective axle bearing, the at least one grease propeller each having a piston reciprocated to expel lubricating grease to a respective axle bearing, a manifold connected between the grease outlet of the grease storage tank and air holes on each grease propeller, and a high pressure system controlled to output high pressure air to the at least one grease propeller to reciprocate the piston in each grease propeller for enabling lubricating grease to be applied to each axle bearing.

Abstract: A lubrication pressure controller comprises a lubrication pressure regulating valve 41, which is provided in a lubrication oil passage 36 directing hydraulic oil to lubricated parts, and a cooler pressure regulating valve 42, which is provided in a discharge oil passage 51b of the lubrication pressure regulating valve 41. The lubrication pressure regulating valve 41 adjusts the pressure in the lubrication oil passage 36, and the cooler pressure regulating valve 42 adjusts the pressure supplied to an oil cooler 55. The hydraulic oil discharged from the cooler pressure regulating valve 42 is returned through a recirculation line 52 to a suction oil passage 31 of a pump. In this construction, an adequate supply of lubrication oil is maintained even if one of the valves experiences locking of a valve spool on an open side.