Capillary Attraction Patents (Class 184/64)
  • Patent number: 10895319
    Abstract: A mechanism including at least one wheel which is mounted rotatably movable about a rotation axis, in a casing containing a lubricant, such as grease, the wheel being defined radially by a peripheral rim and axially by at least one first wheel flank, whereas the casing forms a covering crown which overlaps the first wheel flank, the wheel including at least one vane which projects axially on the first wheel flank, towards the covering crown, whereas the casing includes at least one deflector which projects axially on the covering crown, towards the first wheel flank, the vane and the deflector being arranged so that when a first leading edge of the vane approaches and then overflies a retaining edge of the deflector in the first direction of rotation, the imaginary intersection point thereof is shifted radially towards the rim so that the lubricant is sent back towards the rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: JTEKT EUROPE
    Inventor: Laurent Rey
  • Patent number: 9776823
    Abstract: The label issuing device, which reels out linerless paper having an adhesive face on one side and cuts the reeled-out linerless paper to issue individual labels, has a cutter part for cutting the reeled-out linerless paper and a detachable container that is detachable from an enclosure of the label issuing device. The detachable container has a reservoir part for reserving a lubricant, and an application part that extends from the reservoir part, receives the lubricant reserved in the reservoir part, and applies the lubricant to a blade body of the cutter part. The reservoir part is filled with an impregnation material that is impregnated with the lubricant to hold (reserve) the lubricant, wherein the impregnation material is coupled to an impregnation material of the application part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: TERAOKA SEIKO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tsutomu Yamada
  • Publication number: 20110240406
    Abstract: A powered lubricant fluid-delivery applicator structure comprises a casing having a closed end, and an open end opposite the closed end. A fluid-conducting applicator is located within the open end. The fluid-conducting applicator has an internal applicator section located within the casing, and an external applicator section extending outside the open end. A fluid is within the casing, and the fluid comprises a liquid and a powdered lubricant suspended in the liquid. The external applicator section comprises a tip having a V-shaped recess corresponding to a blade to which the powdered lubricant is applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Michael F. Zona
  • Patent number: 7857101
    Abstract: An improved wick-holder for mounting a felt lubricating wick of a lubricating system for lubricating the axle journal surface supported in a support bearing of a traction motor used in a locomotive is provided with a plurality of oil-reservoir louver pockets or splash-cups molded or pressed into the wick holder which store oil from the time that the oil reservoir was full or near its maximum height and which store splashed oil during normal operational use, and delay the run off of the oil to increase the oil saturation of the wick housed within the wick holder. The oil reservoir pockets are located above the minimum serviceable oil level, and are designed to improve and increase oil saturation of the wick. As a result of the increased oil saturation, the wick are, therefore, capable of delivering increased amounts of oil to the axle journal area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Magnus Div. of L. V. Ventures, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Macklin, Robert B. Foster, Paul Bien
  • Patent number: 7802656
    Abstract: An improved wick-holder for mounting a felt lubricating wick is provided with a passive inertia-activated pump mounted for submersion in the axle-cap lubricant-reservoir at a level that ensures that for all levels of the reservoir, the pump inlet is submerged in the lubricant of the reservoir. In a first embodiment, the passive inertia-activated pump takes the form of a piston-type pump, while in a second embodiment, the passive inertia-activated pump takes the form of a diaphragm pump. In either embodiment, the inlet of the passive inertia-activated pump is submersed in the lubricant-reservoir, and the output of the passive inertia-activated pump is directed to the surface-interface between the felt wick and the axle journal surface-area to increase the lubrication thereof over and above that which normally ensues owing to the conventional capillary action of the felt wick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Magnus Division of LV Ventures, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Macklin, Robert B. Foster, Paul Bien
  • Patent number: 7073630
    Abstract: A fluid injection apparatus for a bearing includes a bearing support surface for supporting the bearing so that a seal space is defined between the support surface and the bearing, a fluid injection passage comprised of an oil tank, a first conduit connecting the oil tank to the seal space, and an injection valve provided in the conduit, a decompression passage comprised of an oil recovery tank, a second conduit connecting the oil recovery tank to the seal space, a vacuum pump connected to the seal space through the oil recovery tank, and a decompression valve provided in the second conduit, and a sequence control unit for evacuating the bearing by closing the injection valve, opening the decompression valve, and turning on the vacuum pump, and then filling the bearing with lubricating oil by turning off the vacuum pump, closing the decompression valve, and opening the injection valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Mitsuharu Iwamoto, Tetsuya Nagata
  • Patent number: 6722449
    Abstract: A machine tool, in particular to a hand-operated hammer drill, having a compartment containing lubricant and a device for compensation of the pressure in the compartment in the area of a bearing of a component able to be driven so as to allow rotation. It is proposed that the bearing form at least a part of a lubricant seal of the pressure-compensation device via which a pressure in the compartment as able to be compensated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Lebisch, Otto Baumann, Rolf Mueller, Dietmar Saur
  • Patent number: 6167318
    Abstract: An oil mist generating system and monitoring method is shown and described, including pressurized air and oil supplies connected to a mist generating head. Sensors are provided for monitoring current values of the system operating parameters and for generating data signals based on the monitored values. A data processor functionally connected to the sensors generates signals based on the data input, such as an alarm signal if one of the monitored values is beyond the extremes of a predetermined range of values indicative of a fault condition. A visual display device displays programmed messages based on the signals generated by the data processing means. If a fault condition exists, the displayed messages aid the user in diagnosing and correcting the reason for the alarm signal. The user may manually request further programmed messages using a keypad, which messages direct the user to take predetermined actions to troubleshoot the problem and maintain the system at an appropriate operating level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Alemite Corporation
    Inventors: Morgan A. Kizer, Michael W. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6139280
    Abstract: A control apparatus, for measuring pressure in relation to a rotary screw compressor with capacity control means and a prime mover, including a pressure sensor to monitor the prime mover manifold pressure, and a series of relays which when tripped by the pressure sensor will engage a pressure mechanism to engage the capacity control means on the compressor. The pressure mechanism may be a hydraulic or a pneumatic pressure mechanism and the apparatus may further include a second pressure sensor to monitor the inlet gas pressure to the compressor and a third pressure sensor to monitor discharge pressure of the gas compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Compressor Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Holt, William Dennis McMurtrie
  • Patent number: 6105725
    Abstract: A low displacement lubricator for use in the process of inserting fuel injectors into fuel injector manifold pods, the lubricator has a defined reservoir having an open cell foam disposed therein and an applicator in fluid communication with the reservoir. The applicator having an open cell foam that provides capillary dispensing of the lubricant. The amount of lubricant applied is in effect metered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Arthur R. Williams
  • Patent number: 6076496
    Abstract: The present invention relates to pre-ignition lubrication mechanisms for internal combustion engines, and more particularly to a pressurized pre-combustion oiling mechanism for use with internal combustion engines. The present invention provides an accumulator tank containing either air or an easily condensible gas. The pressurized oil causes the air or gas in the bag to become compressed, causing a decrease in occupied volume in proportion to the pressure induced by the oil to allow the oil to occupy a suitable portion of the tank. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the pressurized oil would cause the condensible gas to undergo a phase change and liquify. Conventional valving known in the state of the art is provided to allow the accumulated pressurized oil to be used prior to a subsequent engine startup, and conventional electronic control systems are provided to engage and disengage the aforementioned valves for a proper pre-ignition lubrication sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Technology Licensing Company
    Inventor: Michael W. Ferralli
  • Patent number: 6071354
    Abstract: An elongated fluid applicator is used to manually apply a fluid such as a lubricant or a cleaning fluid to the belt and/or belt supporting surface of an exercise treadmill. The applicator is optionally included in a kit containing one or more desired fluids, and at least one treadmill belt tension adjusting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventor: Charles Williams
  • Patent number: 6053285
    Abstract: A device for detecting undesired amounts of gas in a lubricant dispensing system includes a measuring chamber connected to a lubricant dispensing system and configured to receive lubricant therefrom, a moveable rod located at least partially inside the measuring chamber, an actuator operably connected to the measuring chamber and adapted to create at least a partial vacuum in the measuring chamber as the measuring chamber fills with lubricant, and a sensor for detecting a rate of compression or expansion indicative of undesired levels of gas in the lubricant by sensing movement of the moveable rod when the lubricant enters the measuring chamber. The device is constructed to dump charges of lubricant having unacceptable levels of entrapped air, and further includes an adjustment mechanism permitting adjustment without unnecessarily dumping lubricant in the measuring chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: G.P. Reeves, Inc.
    Inventor: Gordon P. Reeves
  • Patent number: 6029621
    Abstract: An inventive system lubricates an engine with oil prior to starting the engine. In one embodiment, the system includes an electric engine oil pump for lubricating the engine, a transmitter for transmitting a radio frequency signal, and a receiver for receiving the radio frequency signal and for actuating the electric engine oil pump. The oil pump is actuated when a driver uses the transmitter to remotely unlock the doors of the vehicle. In this manner, the driver passively actuates the oil pump prior to starting the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Lear Automotive Dearborn, Inc.
    Inventor: David Berels
  • Patent number: 6019196
    Abstract: Device for precise replacement of liquids in a mechanism includes at least one bag which can be filled with liquid to be delivered precisely to the mechanism or which can hold used liquid. The bag(s) has/have flexible boundaries and may be provided in a housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Theodore W. Selby
    Inventors: Theodore W. Selby, Christopher John Rudy
  • Patent number: 6012422
    Abstract: A single-use aerosol can having an outlet and no inlet and containing a lubricant under pressure that is used to prime an engine prior to start-up. The contents of the canister are pressurized with a substantially non-flammable propellant and are released from the single outlet atop the aerosol can through a valve that is interposed between the outlet and the interior of the canister. The valve may be manually depressed to cause the lubricant to be released. The lubricant is transported directly from the outlet of the canister to the interior of the engine through a hose having a first passageway, a first end, and a second end. The hose is sealingly connected to the canister on the first end and the oil passageway of the engine on the second end. A threaded fitting having a second passageway may be used to attach the second end of the hose to the oil passageway, thereby creating communication between the first and second passageways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Life Automotive Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry E. Coleman
  • Patent number: 6008724
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for checking the integrity of an autolubrication system for large trucks, busses and the like includes an autolubrication system which includes a pump in communication with a plurality of conduits for forcing lubricants through the conduits under pressure. Preferably the conduits are subdivided into main conduits which are formed of steel, manifolds which receive the lubricants from the main conduits, and a plurality of at least partially flexible runner lines extending from the manifolds to lubrication receiving points. In accordance with one aspect of the method and apparatus, the pump can be activated from a remote location so as to enable the user to feel the runner lines with his or her hands immediately following actuation of the pump to ensure that a discharge pulse can be felt, thereby indicating that lubricant is properly passing through the other line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Filtakleen (Manufacturing) Limited
    Inventor: Ken Thompson
  • Patent number: 5996739
    Abstract: A passive gravitational drip lubrication system which includes lubrication rate monitoring and control to provide a constant lubrication rate in which the lubricant flow from the reservoir is adjusted by an electromagnetic valve apparatus, a drop detection apparatus senses the amount of lubricant dispensed, and a servo control apparatus adjusts the preselected flow rate by adjusting the electromagnetic valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Hoffman & Hoffman, Ltd.
    Inventor: Amos Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 5964318
    Abstract: A system for measuring the quality and level of lubricant in an engine lubricant reservoir includes a valve for selectively directing a portion of lubricant from the engine through a first conduit for return to the engine or through a second conduit for removal from the engine. Within the first conduit are one or more sensors for sensing the condition of the lubricant passing through the first conduit. The sensors are monitored by a controller which is operative selectively to cause the valve to block the flow of lubricant through the first conduit and direct a portion of the lubricant through the second conduit based on the monitored conditions of the lubricant. Also, the controller directs a supply of fresh lubricant to the engine in response to the lubricant in the engine lubricant reservoir dropping below a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: The Lubrizol Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick P. Boyle, Klaus-Werner Damm, Gary A. Garvin, Gary L. Orloff
  • Patent number: 5948968
    Abstract: An oil mist density gauge for determining the density of oil mist flowing through an oil mist lubrication system. The oil mist density gauge comprises: a gauge body having an oil mist inlet for connecting the density gauge to the oil mist lubrication system and an air outlet for venting air therefrom; a filter device carried by the gauge body and by which oil mist flowing therethrough is separated into oil and oil-free air; and a collection reservoir attached to the gauge body for collecting and measuring oil separated from the oil mist. An eductor device may be provided in the gauge body for drawing oil mist from the oil mist inlet and for introducing air and entrained oil mist into the filter device under a positive pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Lubrication Systems Company of Texas, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles W. Ehlert
  • Patent number: 5921350
    Abstract: A multi-function lubricating oil feeding machine control apparatus is provided that responds to different conditions, and includes an oil feeding machine having a controller mounted thereon. The controller comprises a power supply circuit, a microprocessing unit, a multiplex scanning circuit, a motor drive circuit, a status display circuit, an external status input interface circuit, a status output interface circuit, and a function setting circuit. The oil feeding machine may be set for intermittent feeding of oil according to a set time value, or a number of rotations of the work machine, or to feed oil after the starting of the work machine. Additionally, the previous time value or number of rotations may be memorized and accumulated in the next count, so that feeding may start after a specific value or number of rotations has been reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventor: Wei-Che Tsai
  • Patent number: 5918647
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic fluid changing device with which the fluid changing and cleaning work for the fluid line of the engine can be readily performed. An exchanging circuit is disposed between the fluid line of the engine and that is provided with a metal dual power cylinder. The power cylinder is connected with a flow meter and regulating valve such that the cleaning and/or fluid changing job can be readily conducted. The automatic fluid changing device features a compact and durable configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Bo-Lin Liaw
  • Patent number: 5911289
    Abstract: An apparatus (38) is disclosed for controlling the level of oil in one or more compressors (10) of a refrigeration system. The compressors (10) are supplied with oil from a reservoir (28) which is in fluid communication via a common conduit (32) and second conduit (98) with the oil sump (not shown) of each compressor (10). The apparatus (38) includes a housing composed of a main body portion and a spacer block. The body portion is provided with a chamber which houses a float. The chamber is in fluid communication with the oil sump of its respective compressor (10). As the oil level within the compressor (10) varies, the angle of pivot of float also varies. This variation is sensed by a sensor which produces a signal indicative of the level of the oil. When the signal is indicative that the level of oil within the compressor is below a first predetermined minimum level, solenoid valve (78) is opened and solenoid valve (82) closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Inventor: Clive Gregory Waller
  • Patent number: 5901811
    Abstract: A lubricant reserve system (10) includes a reservoir tank (18) coupled to an accumulator T fitting (22). Additionally, coupled to the accumulator T fitting (22) is an accumulator pressure monitoring system (24) and an electronically-actuated valve (28). The reservoir tank (18) is adapted to hold a quantity of lubricant and a volume of gas having a gas pressure. The valve (28) opens in response to a control signal generated prior to ignition of an internal combustion engine (12) to prime the engine and closes when the engine (12) is disabled. The accumulator pressure monitoring system (24) is adapted to provide an indication of sufficient priming of the engine (12) prior to ignition of the engine (12). System (10) discharges lubricant (38) from the reservoir tank (18) while the engine (12) is running when the gas pressure is greater than a lubricant pressure of the engine lubrication system (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Inventors: Andrew L. Samples, Clark Thomas Sawyer
  • Patent number: 5896947
    Abstract: In railroad applications, a new method of simultaneously lubricating the rail gage side (RAGS) and wheel flanges ahead of a locomotive's tractive wheels and lubricating the top of the rail (TOR) behind the tractive wheels to reduce the resistance of the trailing cars and reduce the locomotive wheel flange wear. The method involves controlling both lubricating units with the same computer controller when a single locomotive is used and two controllers located in two different locomotives in the case of a locomotive consist. The rail gage side lubricant spray is applied on curves of 2 degrees or more only on the high rail. For the top of rail lubrication at the trailing end of the locomotive or locomotive consist this invention requires that the angle of the lubricant jet on the rail from the vertical be between 0 and 80 degrees from the vertical, with the angle increasing in the rear or trailing direction. It further requires that the lubricant jet be a solid jet without breaking into a spray cone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Tranergy Corporation
    Inventor: Sudhir Kumar
  • Patent number: 5894825
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a supplementary lubrication system for an internal combustion engine operable to lubricate the engine and an accessory prior to engine start-up and to lubricate the accessory after engine shut-down. The supplementary lubrication system includes an oil source in fluid communication with a supplemental oil supply conduit, which branches to define two parallel conduits, a prelube branch and a postlube branch. Disposed within the prelube branch is a prelube one-way check valve and disposed within the postlube branch is a postlube one-way check valve. The prelube branch is in fluid communication with a first end of a two-directional pump and the postlube branch is in fluid communication with a second end of the two-directional pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Werner Chester Duerr
  • Patent number: 5878842
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Trico Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Brad Rake
  • Patent number: 5871068
    Abstract: A device for the precise replacement of liquids before, during, or after operation of a mechanism such as, for example, an automobile motor or automatic transmission, includes a housing and a piston or diaphragm for separation of the housing into inlet and exit portions. A plurality of bags can be employed in the housing for inlet and exit portions and as a diaphragm. Pressure from the volume of liquid in a closed vessel that is to be replaced is used to measure the amount of liquid replacing the liquid that is in the closed vessel. The device can be employed during normal operation of the mechanism, and a method for the precise replacement of liquids employs the device during normal operation of the mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Inventor: Theodore W. Selby
  • Patent number: 5853068
    Abstract: An automotive fluid service machine for changing fluids such as automatic transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and engine coolant, includes a cabinet with a unitary integral fluid reservoir defined by a lower portion of the machine cabinet. This lower cabinet portion which integrally defines the fluid reservoir also provides a machinery deck to which the components of the machines are mounted. A cap portion of the cabinet provides a cavity for protecting the components mounted to the machinery deck and also provides a control panel for the machine in addition to providing fluid fill and drainage basins improving the convenience and safety of use for the machine. The safety of a service area is improved by the machine because a very low center of gravity for the machine reduces the risk of tipping of a machine and of spilling fluids. Thus, environmental concerns from such spills as well as the risk of personnel slips and falls on spilled fluids are reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Wynn Oil Company
    Inventors: Patrick Lewis Dixon, Todd Michael Rounds, Michael Joseph Camacho, Rene' Dean Wiebe
  • Patent number: 5842543
    Abstract: A lubricant supply apparatus includes a pump for discharging lubricant. The lubricant is supplied onto two rows of floor plates arranged on a row of ties. Two tongue rails are mounted on the two rows of floor plates in such a manner as to slide on the floor plates. Times at which the pump is to start operating are preset in a schedule timer. The schedule timer informs a lubricant supply timer when the pump should start operating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Nabco Limited
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Naito, Masao Omori
  • Patent number: 5839213
    Abstract: A mining shovel (10) is provided with an automatic lubricant system controlled by movement of a portion for the mining shovel (10). The automatic lubrication system includes an actuator (51, 151, 251, 351) and a lubrication supply subsystem (53, 153, 253, 353). The lubrication supply subsystem (53, 153, 253, 353) delivers lubricant to a selected site in response to movement of the actuator (51, 151, 251, 351).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: GPX Corp.
    Inventors: Ronald E. Abbott, Theodore M. Willgrubs
  • Patent number: 5836421
    Abstract: A lubricating system for an internal combustion engine maintains lubrication even in extreme emergency positions of the engine such as slants within the range of about 90.degree. to about 270.degree., relative to the horizontal and even for upside down engine positions. For this purpose, a hydraulic accumulator (16) is connected to the lubricant circulating circuit through a parallel connection of a non-return valve (17) and a controllable valve. Under normal operating conditions, the hydraulic accumulator is charged with lubricant under the pressure prevailing in the lubricant circulating system. Under emergency conditions, the normal lubrication is stopped and emergency lubrication continues through the controllable valve that is opened in response to a pressure drop in the normal lubricant circulating system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: MTU Motoren- und Turbinen Union Friedrichshafen GmbH
    Inventor: Werner Leicht
  • Patent number: 5823295
    Abstract: A control system for lubricating a work machine is provided. The control system includes a lubricant distribution system, a charging system adapted to drive the lubricant distribution system, a sensor for determining the operating state of the charging system, and a device for calculating a time interval being dependent upon a previous lubricating event. The control also includes a device for producing a lubrication signal in response to the time interval reaching a predetermined interval constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bobby D. Griffith, Mark R. Hawkins, Dean J. Schlickbernd, Steven J. Zmuda
  • Patent number: 5813496
    Abstract: A system for control and monitoring of the circulation lubrication of the bearings of the revolving cylinders and rolls in a paper machine or equivalent in which lubrication oil is fed from an oil-lubrication center or centers through a system of pipes into lubrication points. From these lubrication points, the lubrication oil is passed back through a system of return pipes into the oil-lubrication center or centers. The system includes actuator panels placed and grouped in the vicinity of the lubrication points primarily above the floor level of the paper machine hall or equivalent. From the actuator panels, lubricant feed pipes are passed to several lubrication points placed in the vicinity. The actuator panels have a feed-back connected regulation loop for lubricant flow quantity provided for each lubrication point, which regulation loop includes an oil-flow regulation valve, an actuator motor for same, as well as an oil-flow measurement device and a regulation circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventors: Hannu Hyvonen, Pauli Pakarinen, Jukka Koiranen, Harri Vahatalo
  • Patent number: 5810571
    Abstract: An oil pump for high performance internal combustion engines suitable for use with race cars and the like wherein extended wear and tolerance maintenance is achieved by supporting the pump gears on shafts extending through the gears. Balanced dual support of the pump gears is achieved by forming bearing openings in the pump lower housing receiving the lower gear shaft portions and lubrication of the lower housing supported gear shafts is achieved by oil passages communicating with the bearings and the lower housing oil outlet cavity. Screw in plugs and retainers are employed to insure effective assembly even under high vibration, and a bolt-on screened oil inlet achieves superior rigidity and ease of replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Melling Tool Company
    Inventors: Gary A. Cross, Matthew J. Melling
  • Patent number: 5788012
    Abstract: A method and apparatus automatically feeds lubricating oil to machine parts using a microcomputer. According to the method and apparatus, the lubricating oil discharge time for each discharge mode is set and the operation of an electrochemical reactor is controlled in accordance with the set discharge mode under the control of the microcomputer. At the completion of the set discharge time, a discharge mode for a preset minimum period of discharge time, such as one month, is set to allow complete discharge of the remaining lubricating oil. The set discharge mode and the determined discharge time are displayed on a liquid crystal display for convenient viewing by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Korea Lube-Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yun Jong Yang
  • Patent number: 5769182
    Abstract: A lubricant supply safety system for a machine comprises a reservoir for lubricating oil, a hydraulic motor driving one or more feeder pumps supplying lubricating oil from the reservoir to various points in the machine, a first pump for supply of lubricating oil from the reservoir to drive the hydraulic motor under normal operating conditions, and a second pump driven by the machine for supply of lubricating oil from the reservoir to drive the hydraulic motor in the event of failure of the first pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Kvaerner Hymac Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Parenteau
  • Patent number: 5765521
    Abstract: A supply pump for lubricant or heat transfer liquid of a conventional design is driven by a drive unit independently of the consumer of the lubricant or of the heat transfer liquid. In the event of the failure of the drive unit a forced connection occurs between the pump and the rotating parts of the consumer in order to ensure its supply with the lubricant or the heat transfer liquid at least for a sufficient emergency period. By the independent drive of the supply pump the supply to the consumer can be controlled according to the consumption of lubricant or heat transfer liquid independently of its individual operating characteristic or operating state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Schwaebische Huettenwerke GmbH
    Inventors: Gunther Stutzle, Bernd Schrelber, Wolfgang Bruttel, Franz Maucher, Kurt Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 5743231
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically preventing wear in an internal combustion engine includes an electric pump, a disconnect coupling, a high arrestance filter, a programmable logic control element, an electric fan assisted radiator, an external controller. The programmable logic 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 electric pump is connected to the normally provided engine oil sump for removing lubricating fluid. The lubricating fluid is pumped through the high arrestance filter, yielding a substantially contaminant free lubricating fluid which after flowing through the radiator is discharged 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Inventor: Adan Reinosa
  • Patent number: 5743359
    Abstract: A lubricating tool includes a longitudinally extending casing, a resilient absorbent medium disposed within the casing, and longitudinally extending slits radially extending from a longitudinally extending centerline essentially in a center of the absorbent medium. A longitudinally extending pilot hole extends along the centerline and the slits radially extend away from the pilot hole. A lubricant supply passage extends from a lubricant supply aperture in the casing through the absorbent medium to the pilot hole and, preferably, the aperture is internally threaded to accept a tube leading to a pressurized supply of lubricant such as grease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Timothy L. Parnell
  • Patent number: 5687814
    Abstract: An assembly for applying one or more materials to the rails of a railroad track includes a mounting bracket for mounting the assembly to a vehicle adapted to travel on the rails. A connecting arm is coupled to the mounting bracket, and at least one nozzle is connected to an end of the connecting arm. The nozzle arm has a hollow channel through which material flows to be applied to a rail surface. A nozzle port is in fluid communication with the nozzle channel when the nozzle arm is in an operative position. The nozzle arm is biased toward the operative position and is adapted to move away from the operative position in response to contact with an obstruction and is returned to the operative position following the contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Portec Inc., RMP Division
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Craig, William T. Urmson, Jr., Dennis Bell
  • Patent number: 5671826
    Abstract: The device comprises a container, closed by a lid, for holding the lubricating fluid; a strip of felt or the like is immersed in the container and becomes impregnated with the fluid by capillary action. One end of the strip protrudes from the lid of the container and wraps around a cylindrical support so that a respective portion of the strip, shaped like a cylindrical sector and impregnated with lubricating fluid, protrudes with respect to the surface of the lid and is exposed. The weft thread to be lubricated is made to slide on the exposed portion of the strip, and means are provided for guiding the thread and for producing a cyclic transverse movement thereof from one end to the other of the exposed portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: L.G.L. Electronics S.p.A.
    Inventor: Pietro Zenoni
  • Patent number: 5671825
    Abstract: Precise quantities of lubricant from separate reservoirs under automatic trol are injected into chambers of housings of shielded rolling element bearings. Separate feed line conduits directly deliver the lubricant to the shielded critical surfaces of such bearings and insure maintenance-free operation of machinery with which the bearings are associated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Wong, Thomas L. Daugherty, Gordon D. Huntzberry
  • Patent number: 5611411
    Abstract: A lubrication system for a turbine generator includes a sump having a first chamber that receives oil from the turbine generator and a second chamber from which filtered lubrication oil is supplied to the turbine generator. The chambers are interconnected by a partition wall having a flapper valve in the wall allowing unfiltered oil to bypass the filtration loop should a malfunction occur in a pump that pumps oil through the filtration loop. The flapper valve allows unfiltered oil to travel directly from the first chamber to the second chamber and thence to be pumped through the turbine generator by one or more pumps contained within the second chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Florida Power Corporation
    Inventor: William P. Reilly, III
  • Patent number: 5597051
    Abstract: A lubricating system for a machine such as a two-cycle internal combustion engine including a reciprocating pump that pumps a finite amount of lubricant during a single pumping stroke and a stepper motor for operating the pump through incremental phases of movement each less than a stroke. The lubricant requirements of the machine are determined and the driving increments are adjusted so as to provide a pumping stroke when the lubricant consumption of the machine reaches the output of the pump. Various arrangements of stepper motors and control arrangements are disclosed for controlling the amount and timing of the lubricate delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takao Moriya, Masaya Suenari
  • Patent number: 5588503
    Abstract: A flow controller for preventing damage to a rotating machine by automatically redirecting the flow of lubricating oil in and out of a shaft driven pump in the event the machine goes into reverse rotation. The controller contains sealing elements that are moved under the influence of oil moving through the flow controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Aktiebolag
    Inventor: John M. Rinaldo
  • Patent number: 5584650
    Abstract: A lubrication system comprising a first pump (2) to deliver lubricating oil from a reservoir (1) to equipment to be lubricated (9), a second pump (11) to return lubricating oil from the equipment (9) to the reservoir (1), and characterised in that both pumps (2, 11) are mounted on a common drive shaft (19) and each comprises a regenerative type pump with the second pump (11) having an air bleed (40) connected to the reservoir (1) from an inner region of the pump impeller (21) in which air accumulates. The first and second pumps (2, 11) may comprise separate impellers (20, 21) or a common impeller (60 or 74). The second pump (11) may comprise two or more guide channels (34, 34') on the same or opposite sides of the impeller, each associated with a series of cells (32) and respective pump inlet and outlet ports (36, 36'; 38, 38') and an air bleed (40, 40') so as to function as a separate scavenge pump to return lubricating oil to the reservoir (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Inventors: Frederick D. Redmond, Alan D. Whitby
  • Patent number: 5568842
    Abstract: A control unit for circulating lubricating oil to vehicle engine parts comprising an oil tank for collecting lubricating oil; a hydraulic circuit which directs the lubricating oil to the appropriate parts and returns the lubricating oil to the oil tank; an oil pump provided in the hydraulic circuit for circulating the lubricating oil therein; at least one sub-oil tank which can contain an appropriate amount of lubricating oil; at least one hydraulic pipe which connects the sub-oil tank with the hydraulic circuit; and an oil pump which transfers, via the hydraulic pipe, lubricating oil from the sub-oil tank to the hydraulic circuit and from the hydraulic circuit to the sub-oil tank. The unit may also have a cooling bypass for diverting the lubricating oil from the hydraulic circuit to oil cooling means and means for regulating the amount of oil circulated in the hydraulic circuit and in the cooling bypass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Inventor: Akesama Otani
  • Patent number: RE35842
    Abstract: An improved lubricating system for continuous closed lubrication of bearings including: an oil mist generator; a distribution assembly for distributing oil mist from the oil mist generator to the bearings; a collection device for collecting excess oil and oil mist from the bearings and a return assembly through which excess oil and.Iadd./or .Iaddend.oil mist .?.are.!. .Iadd.may be .Iaddend.returned from the collection device to an oil mist collection/supply vessel for reuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Lubrication Systems Company of Texas, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles W. Ehlert
  • Patent number: RE36650
    Abstract: A system for providing total fluid exchange for an automatic transmission which interconnects with the transmission's opened cooling circuit to deliver new, fresh fluid to the transmission while simultaneously extracting the spent, used fluid. The system provides a means of quick and random interconnection to an opened cooling circuit and means of identifying and aligning direction of flow in such cooling circuit. The system can accurately calibrate and regulate the rate that fresh fluid will flow into the transmission to be the same as that at which the used fluid is extracted, both of which are regulated to flow at the same rate that fluid normally circulates at in the cooling circuit when it is closed under similar operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Inventor: James P. Viken