Abstract: An overfill prevention valve is provided in the fill line of a tank. The valve is arranged such that the valve is held at a closed position unless an overflow for the tank is open.

Abstract: A hand held transmission fluid changer includes a compact housing internally plumbed with a pair of open ended drain and supply tubes for connection at respective first ends with the first ends of a pair of hoses connected at their opposite ends with remote waste and unused fluid tanks. The respective tubes include respective second ends for connection with a second pair of tubes leading to respective upstream and downstream transmission components for, respectively, withdrawing used fluid from and introducing unused fluid to a transmission. A demand pump is connected in fluid circuit with the supply hose to flow unused fluid from the unused fluid tank to the supply tube. A pair of flow control valves are disposed in the respective tubes to allow the operator to adjust and match the respective flow rates through such tubes.

Abstract: A system and method for extracting used transmission fluid from an automatic transmission in a motor vehicle utilizing the vehicle engine. A reservoir is provided having a free floating piston therein, dividing the reservoir into two chambers. A first flexible line connects from a first chamber to a transmission fluid outlet of the transmission, and a second flexible line connects from a second chamber to a fluid input of a transmission fluid cooler. The second chamber is initially filled with fresh fluid forcing the piston toward the first chamber. Operation of the vehicle engine causes the transmission pump to pump used fluid into the first chamber, forcing the piston to expell fresh fluid from the second chamber, and into the cooler and transmission. A sight gauge in the first flexible line permits visual monitoring of the flow of dark, used fluid to determine when all of the fluid in the transmission has been ejected, collected in the first chamber for disposal, and completely replaced with fresh fluid.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for lubricating the bearings of a turbocharger, the coarsely filtered oil flow (2) for the turbocharger (7) is first of all passed through one of two fine filters (12, 15) connected alternately and in the process is filtered to the consistency required by the turbocharger (7). A portion of the finely filtered oil flow (20) is fed as lubricating oil (21) into the bearings (22) of the turbocharger (7), and the other portion is fed as flushing oil (23) into the clean side (14) of the second fine filter (15). Both the lubricating oil (21) and the flushing oil (23) are then drained off into the oil sump (1). If the first fine filter (12) is contaminated, the second fine filter (15) flushed beforehand by means of the finely filtered oil flow (20) is switched to the oil line (10) of the turbocharger (7) and thus takes over the cleaning function of the first fine filter (12). The clogged first fine filter (12) is then cleaned with the flushing oil (23).

Abstract: An automatic lubrication system comprising a series of divider valves operable periodically through a cycle in which charges of lubricant are delivered one after another in sequence to a plurality of points of lubrication, the valves being supplied with lubricant from a reservoir holding a supply of lubricant under pressure via an on-off control valve, the latter being controlled by a timer operable on receiving a timing start signal to time out an OFF period during which the control valve is closed, and having a sensor device responsive to completion of a cycle of operation to send a timing start signal to the timer, the supply of lubricant under pressure in the reservoir serving as both a power source for the operation of the valves and as a source of lubricant for delivery to the points of lubrication.

Abstract: A method of draining transmission fluid from an automotive vehicle, which vehicle has a transmission-filter element connected to a mounting bracket having an inlet orifice and an outlet orifice. The method includes removing the transmission-filter element from the mounting bracket mounting it to the transmission, and then connecting a transmission-fluid drainage element to the mounting bracket in place of the transmission-filter element.

Abstract: In greasing operation for pin-connected parts of a work machine, a swivel bearing, and the like of a construction machine, particularly a hydraulic excavating machine which has a number of parts which require greasing at a short greasing interval, automatic greasing is carried out when a total of added values of operation time of greased parts, such as the pin-connected parts of the work machine and the swivel bearing, or operation time and short non-operation time regarded as operation time reaches a specified greasing interval, and is stopped upon completion of greasing operation, so as to save operator's efforts in greasing work which requires a lot of man-hours and simultaneously prevent contamination of the periphery of the excavating machine with excessive grease overflowing from respective greased parts.

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.

Abstract: A pneumatic oil lubricator for lubricating replenishment mainly has a pneumatic oil pump for pumping oil from a oil reservoir to an oil outlet unit, such as an oil gun. An automatic controlling apparatus is provided which has a hollow unit sleeve, a piston disposed in the hollow unit sleeve, and a spring mounted on the piston. The piston has interior air passage formed at one end thereof. The entrance and the exit of the interior air passage are faced to the second connecting inlet and the connecting outlet respectively. In which, the hollow sleeve has a first and a second connecting inlets at its two end and an connection outlet. The first connecting inlet is linked to an air compressor, the first connecting outlet is linked to the air outlet unit, and the connecting outlet is linked to an air inlet of the pneumatic oil pump.

Abstract: A lubricating recirculation system for use with highly viscous lubricants and semi-fluid lubricants such as high viscosity base oil gels and greases. The system includes a bulk lubricant container for storing fresh lubricant that is applied to the use points of the mechanisms as controlled by a controller such as programmable logic controller. After application to the mechanism components, the lubricant falls therefrom and accumulates on guards or channels which help to funnel the lubricant into a spent lubricant holding tank. Sensors in both the bulk lubricant container and the spent lubricant holding tank, in connection with the controller, monitor the level of lubricant in both tanks and activate a transfer pump when the level of lubricant in either tank reaches a certain level.

Abstract: A new and improved trailer fifth wheel lubrication apparatus is carried by a truck and includes a fifth wheel assembly which has lubrication channels and fittings for conveying lubricant to an upper surface of the fifth wheel assembly. Lubricant conveyances are connected to the fittings for conveying lubricant to the fifth wheel assembly. A main lubricant supply line is connected to the lubricant conveyances. A lubricant supply assembly is connected to the main lubricant supply line. A power assembly is connected to the lubricant supply assembly and forces discharge of lubricant from the lubricant supply assembly into the main lubricant supply line. A control assembly controls flow of power from the power assembly to the lubricant supply assembly. The control assembly includes an actuator assembly located in a cab of the truck. A lubricant distribution assembly is connected to the lubricant conveyances and conveys lubricant to the lubricant conveyances.

Abstract: Large work machines typically include an automatic lubrication system for lubricating critical areas during operation. In such systems it is advantageous to provide an efficient and flexible controller having substantial diagnostic capabilities. The subject inventions provides a sensor for determining the level of an operational parameter, a device for calculating a time interval being dependent on a previous lubrication event and the operational parameter, a device for producing a lubrication signal in response to the time interval reaching a predetermined interval constant, and a lubrication control for activating a lubrication system.

Abstract: An insert to be threaded into a spark plug hole of an internal combustion engine. The insert includes a reservoir for holding lubricant and a dessicant to protect the engine during periods of storage. The non threaded end of the insert includes a tip on which the spark plug wires may be attached in order to keep the wires in order.

Abstract: A railway vehicle wheel flange lubrication system includes a body mounted integrated supply/drive unit, a gapless delivery hose of low friction, e.g. thermoplastic, material and a truck mounted holder bracket. The supply/drive unit has a box enclosing a lubrication strand dispensing reel, a gearmotor drive unit, a control panel with operating circuitry and a lube out signal. The gearmotor drive uses a preferably nylon housing with an enclosed, preferably arcuate, passage in which a toothed sprocket driven by a stalled gearmotor penetrates and drives a lubricant strand. The bracket is configured for sturdy mounting on an axle bearing adapter to maintain the hose end against the associated wheel flange.

Abstract: A recirculatory lubrication system for applying a film of lubricant to an open gear set having a pinion gear and a bull gear in meshing engagement with the pinion gear, the open gear set at least substantially enclosed by a gear set cover having a lower portion for collecting lubricant therein.

Abstract: A Fugitive Emissions Recovery System (FERS) for a Process Gas Compressor Train recovers all process gas leakage from each PGC case by creating a slight vacuum in the PGC lube oil reservoir, the bearing housings on each compressor case, the PGC lube oil reclaimer, and the PGC sour oil holding tank. This vacuum is accomplished without compromising the over-pressure protection of the aforementioned compressor components and without allowing air leakage into the FERS. All recovered PGC seal leakage is routed to a furnace for combustion. A closed-loop lubrication system is used.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a lubrication pump to supply lubrication oil to a plurality of working machines includes a tank stored with lubrication oil therein, a cover being covered on the tank having a control panel allowing a user to preset intermittent cycle for oil supplying to external working machines via a pipe, a motor transmittedly engaged to a pump which is installed in the inner space of the tank having a plurality of oil passages allowed to transport the oil from the tank to external working machines. A pressure-adjusted valve is located in the cover exactly at one of the oil passage for adjusting the oil flow rate therethrough. A control circuit installed inside the control panel allows the user to preset the intermittent supplying cycle and indicates insufficient oil situation if the tank is short of oil.

Abstract: A lubrication management system controls the lubricant quantity in multiple refrigeration compressor lubricant sumps. A buoyant member is placed in the lubricant, where a float portion and a magnetically conductive portion rise or fall together. The sensor further includes a displacement transducer producing a variable electrical signal through a resonant frequency shift. The displacement transducer, in proximity with the magnetically conductive portion of the buoyant member, transforms motion of the magnetically conductive portion to changes in resonant frequency shift in proportion to the position of the magnetically conductive element relative the displacement transducer. The system also includes circuitry for receiving the signal and comparing the signal to an adjustable set point, from which the circuitry determines whether an output for signalling a need for additional lubricant is necessary.

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 oil mist are returned from the collection device to an oil mist collection/supply vessel for reuse.

Abstract: A progressive distributor for lubricants, and in particular for central lubricating equipment, includes a row of metering elements and a base plate made up of individual feed components or segments provided with apertures and conduits for lubricant supply to the metering elements. To meet, in practice, requirements for exchanging the metering elements at minimal equipment and assembly costs, an intermediate plate is provided between the metering elements and the base plate. The metering elements are detachably connected, preferably screwed, to the intermediate plate, and the intermediate plate is detachable connected, preferably screwed, to the base plate.

Abstract: A compressor includes an air cooled lubricant temperature regulator and an engine for providing motive force to the compressor. A first, electric-driven, self-priming pump provides a supply of lubricant to the compressor prior to starting the engine and for a predetermined period of time after the engine is operating. The first pump is flow connected in fluid receiving relation with a lubricant reservoir. A first electronic controller means directs compressor operations, including directing operation of the first pump. A second electronic controller, external to the first controller means, directs operation of the first pump after engine operation. A second, compressor-driven, self-priming pump provides a primary lubricant pumping function during engine operation at predetermined run speeds.

Abstract: In a meter counter assembly of a gas meter, a rotatable shaft of a gear train is journaled in a bore that extends through a support plate mounted in the housing of the counter. The plate is of a porus material, forming capillary passages for the transmission of lubricant therethroughout. A portion of the support plate extends into a lubricant reservoir in the housing. In use, lubricant migrates through the capillary passages to the bore from the reservoir for lubrication of the shaft.

Abstract: A combination fluid level indicator and fluid discharge device is provided for preventing inaccurate fluid level indications and facilitating fluid discharge from a compressor or other container. The device includes a body or conduit having an inlet end installed in an aperture through to a compressor housing to fluidly communicate with the compressor and receive the lubricating oil therefrom. A visual indicator provides an indication of the level of the oil within the compressor housing. A discharge port with cap, plug, valve or other flow control member permits selective discharge of the fluid from the compressor through the body. The device is installed in an aperture extending through a side of a compressor housing proximate the bottom thereof and indicates the level of lubricating oil within the housing and permits discharge of oil from the housing.

Abstract: A sliding structure for high load and having high strength as well as sufficient lubricating performance, wherein a solid lubricating material is buried in a sliding surface, an oil reservoir of a predetermined capacity is formed on the reverse of the surface; oil supplying pores extend from the oil reservoir to the sliding surface; and a continuous pore material inserted into the oil supplying pore which provides a limited supply of oil to the sliding surface concerned.

Abstract: Oil venting and monitoring apparatus for marine outdrives. The apparatus includes an oil monitoring reservoir suitable for locating inside the boat. The reservoir is in fluid communication with the fully oil flooded head of the marine outdrive. The reservoir can be observed for an indication of oil level and oil condition. A clear plastic oil reservoir may be used to enhance visual observation. Unlike conventional outdrives, the oil reservoir is convenient for the addition of oil as necessary during and after operation. The apparatus is preferably designed with at least a one inch (1") diameter oil fill hole and typically is of one (1) quart or more oil capacity, so that an entire quart of oil can be quickly added to the system at one time. Also, audible and visual warning systems are included to warn the operator of a low oil condition, or of excess metal in the oil.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting degradation of the lubrication conditions of smooth bearings connecting a crank shaft to a connecting rod or connecting the crank shaft to the body of a machine that reciprocates in operation, lubrication being provided by oil circulation, the apparatus including means for detecting the phenomenon of seizure, wherein the apparatus comprises an additional bearing serving as a test bearing, said test bearing being lubricated by circulation of the same oil as is used for the other bearings and supporting a radially-loaded rotating shaft, said detection means being fitted to the test bearing which also includes means enabling it to be more sensitive than the other bearings to degraded lubrication conditions.

Abstract: A system for precisely measuring the amount of oil consumed during operation of an internal combustion engine includes a float chamber which communicates with an oil sump in the engine. A float is disposed within the chamber which moves upwardly and downwardly therein, depending upon the level of oil. A precision level detector is mounted in the upper end of the chamber for generating an electrical signal which is representative of the position of the float within the chamber. A microprocessor receives this signal, along with signals from various other sensors representing engine speed, engine torque, and oil temperature. In response thereto, the microprocessor controls the operation of a pump connected between an external supply of oil and the engine sump. When predetermined conditions are met, the microprocessor activates the pump to add oil from the system. The microprocessor also records the oil level over a period of time to determine the rate of oil consumption.

Abstract: An adjustable lubricating system for an internal combustion engine such as the Harley-Davidson 74 and 80 cubic inch twin-v engines. An oil pump having a pressure relief valve connected to a plurality of passages adjacent the pump outlet through which pressurized oil flows to lubricate various parts depending upon the positioning of the valve. A pressure relief cap is provided with a bore extending therethrough in which an adjusting screw is positioned. The cap, bore and screw have mating threads allowing the screw to be movably positioned within the bore. The cap has external threads thereon mating with the internal threads of the pressure relief valve bore of the fuel pump of the lubricating system of the engine. An oil seal is provided within the cap bore which engages the screw. The screw engages the pressure relief spring of the pressure relief valve.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the output pressure of an automatic oil pump and for controlling the intermittent timing sequence of the oil pump in accordance with the output pressure. A pressure sensing switch monitors the oil injection pressure and an integral watchdog timer insures that the oil pump injection pressure reaches a saturation level before a predetermined timeout occurs.

Abstract: An engine oil makeup and extended operation oil exchange system and method are provided for automatically maintaining the amount of engine oil and continuously exchanging engine oil in extended operation between an engine and an oil tank.

Abstract: A pressure sensor, such as the type of sensor used in screw-type refrigeration compressors, permits sensing of positive as well as negative pressures and provides an indication of the direction in which the compressor is rotating. Negative pressure leads to system shut-down, while positive pressure verification will allow compressor operation to continue. The pressure sensor includes a pair of adjustable tension springs, on opposite sides of the diaphragm, to vary the position of the diaphragm within its mechanical stroke. By establishing a pressure range of interest, and by employing an electrical sensor, such as a Hall effect sensor, the direction of movement of the diaphragm and sensor can be monitored immediately upon compressor start-up.

Abstract: An integral gas compressor and internal combustion engine. The compressor is built by converting a portion of an internal combustion engine to a compressor by removing the original engine head and valve train and replacing these with a compressor head assembly. The compressor head assembly includes compressor valves and valve chairs for holding the compressor valves in place. An inlet manifold encloses all of the valve chairs and places all of the inlet flow paths through the valve chairs in communication with a gas source. The head defines a discharge passageway therethrough which is in communication with a discharge opening. A venting system is provided to vent any gas that might build up in the compressor due to leakage past the piston rings and to transfer this vented gas to a fuel inlet of the engine, as desired. An oil viscosity sensing system is provided for sensing the oil viscosity in the crankcase and shutting down the engine when the viscosity drops below a predetermined level.

Abstract: A wick feed oil lubrication system for a bearing has a special wick element that is self-supporting and wear compensating. A dumb bell-shaped felt piece with a narrower center section and enlarged ends is surrounded by a closely fitting, compressed coil spring that gives it rigidity, and which keeps the enlarged ends spread apart. When installed, the wick element and supporting spring are compressed between the bearing spindle and bottom wall of the oil reservoir, running through a loosely fitting passage in the surrounding hub. Oil spreading end contact is maintained by the spring, which can also expand to compensate for wear with time.

Abstract: Apparatus for preventing damage to a machine in the event the machine inadvertently goes into reverse rotation. An automatically actuated flow controller is adapted to reroute the flow of lubricant to the primary pump when the machine rotates in a reverse direction thereby assuring that lubricant is supplied to the machine bearings, and the like, to prevent the machine from being damaged. The mechanism also has the ability to deliver a metered amount of lubricant to the main pump from an auxiliary pump to prime the main pump when the main pump is shut down thus allowing the main pump to be quickly brought on-line.

Abstract: A lubrication system for a cotton harvester having a plurality of harvesting units. The lubrication system comprises a lubricant source for providing pressurized lubricant to each of the harvesting units to facilitate their operation and a control mechanism for measuring cyclic operations of harvesting units operating components during a harvesting procedure. The control mechanism controls operation of the lubricant source such that the amounts of lubricant provided to the harvesting units during a lubrication cycle is correlated to the lubricant usage of the harvesting units during the harvesting procedure. A salient feature of the present invention relates to a display for visually indicating the cyclic operations remaining for the harvesting units before another lubrication cycle is due to be commenced. The display furthermore provides a visual indication relating to the operating performance of the lubrication system.

Abstract: Branch pipes are provided at a plurality of locations along a supply conduit of a lubrication oil circulation system comprising a storage tank, an oil supply pump and the supply conduit. The branch pipes are connected to oil supply tanks via shut-off control valves, thus constituting the oil supply systems. Oil supply devices for apparatuses to be lubricated are connected to the respective oil supply systems.

Abstract: A lubricating device for supplying a plurality of lubricating points or positions, in particular of a knitting machine, with lubricant, preferably oil, has a lubricant distributor (16) which is connected on the inlet side to the pressure side of a piston-type lubricant pump (9-13) and which has lubricant outlets (26, 29) which are associated with the individual lubricating points and can be individually activated by the lubricant distributor. For this purpose, the lubricant distributor contains a distributor element (21, 21') which is rotated by a controlled motor (40) and is provided with a distributor channel via which a flow connection is established between the pressure side of the piston pump and the respectively selected lubricating point or position, in a program-controlled manner. The time duration of lubricant flow to the lubricating points or positions can be controlled, so that each lubricating point or position receives the required lubricant.

Abstract: A system for providing seal oils to a gland seal that surrounds the shaft of a generator with the temperature differences between the oils minimized. The temperature of one of the seal oils is utilized as a reference for controlling the oil temperature of the other seal oil. In particular, the temperature of the air-side seal oil is determined and utilized as a reference. The temperature of the hydrogen-side seal oil is determined, and a differentiator produces a signal based upon the difference between the air-side and hydrogen-side seal oils to control either the water flow rate to the hydrogen-side cooler, or to control mixing of cooled and uncooled oil in the hydrogen-side of the system. The system advantageously prevents thermal differential expansion from occurring in the generator shaft, and allows for the elimination of a controlled cooler in the air-side oil system. Further, the air-side oil can be suplied from the main lube oil system.

Abstract: A deep well water pump system has a temperature probe (17) in the air space above the top bearing (12), preferably in the oil inlet chamber (26), and provides means for signalling abnormal temperatures to warning and system shutdown means. A method of detecting bearing overheating indirectly by sensing the shaft temperature and/or the temperature in the enclosed air space above the bearing is disclosed.

Abstract: A closed lubrication system for use in bearing housings subject to a range of temperatures which isolates the air and lubricant within the bearing housing from potential contamination arising from exposure to ambient air. The invention includes a liquid-displacement expansion chamber assembly which is responsive to temperature changes in the bearing housing to accommodate volumetric expansion and contraction of supply air. A constant level lubricator is provided to maintain the quantity of lubricant at a constant sump level. A lubricant circulation assembly, including a lubricant filter, a lubricant cooler, a lubricant pump, and a sight gauge is also provided. The lubricant circulation assembly and the constant level oiler may form part of the self-contained, integral unit adapted to be selectively connected to the bearing housing. The lubricant pump may be a gear pump.

Abstract: An improved lubricating system for lubrication of equipment bearings comprising: an air supply subsystem, an oil supply subsystem and an oil mist generation subsystem. The oil mist generation subsystem is connected to the air supply and oil supply subsystems for combining air and oil therefrom into an oil mist for distribution to the equipment bearings. A computerized controller is connected to the air supply, oil supply and oil mist genrating subsystem for controlling and monitoring the operating conditions of the system.

Abstract: A method and system (10) for rerouting the pressurized oil flow of an engine (not shown) from a primary filter (14) to a secondary filter (18) in the event of a first sensed pressure differential across the primary filter (14) which exceeds an allowable pressure differential, the excessive differential indicative of a primary filter (14) obstruction. In the event of a subsequent second sensed pressure differential which exceeds a second and higher pressure differential across the secondary filter (18), the oil flow is then diverted through a pump relief valve (19) toward the oil reservoir (26), away from an engine bearing compartment (50). The system (10) also provides sequenced first and second level warnings (40, 42) to the controller/flight crew, said warnings responsive to the operating status of the system (10).

Abstract: An emergency lubricating device is disclosed for a reduction unit, particularly for the main gearbox of a rotary-wing aircraft, including a branch duct (10), coming from the normal lubricating circuit (3) of a rotary-wing aircraft gearbox (1), which feeds oil to at least one emergency reservoir placed at the upper part of the gearbox. The reservoir delivers the oil continuously through calibrated emergency supply ducts to the critical elements of the reduction unit (8, 9).

Abstract: A transmission transfer case has a sump or reservoir that is lower than the main transmission sump or reservoir. A scavenge pump is provided to prevent excess fluid storage in the transfer case during normal vehicle operation by transferring the fluid stored therein to the main transmission sump. During normal operation and vehicle towing, an output driven pump is provided to supply lubricating fluid to the transfer case components. A control valve, actuated by a signal from the main transmission control, directs fluid to the output driven pump from the main transmission sump during normal operation and from the transfer case sump during towing operation. The control valve also connects the scavenge pump with the transfer case during normal operation. A single supply passage is connected between the transfer case sump and the control valve.

Abstract: A scavenging system for a hydraulic circuit includes a sump passage connecting the sump to a reservoir, a solenoid-operated switching valve, a logic control circuit controlling operation of the switching valve and a passage connecting the reservoir to the inlet of a hydraulic pump that supplies the hydraulic circuit. A vacuum source, such as the intake manifold of an internal combustion engine or a vacuum pump, is connected through a ball check valve and vacuum regulator to a space in the reservoir above the fluid. Fluid level sensing switches sense the level of fliud within the reservoir and produce electronic signals used by the logic circuit to control the solenoid-operated switching valve. An oil filter cap allows the reservoir to be filled while maintaining vacuum within the reservoir. A heat exchanger located within the reservoir draws excess heat from the fluid by passing engine coolant through the exchanger.

Abstract: An embergency lubrication mist system is operable in response to a drop in oil pressure in a primary lubrication system for components inside a casing. An emergency oil reservoir provides a head of oil for discharge through an air activated misting nozzle sized to dispense an oil in a mist for fogging the inside of the casing and coating the components inside. The misting nozzle has an air passageway normally closed to a source of air and opening to operate the emergency system in response to a drop of pressure in the primary lubricating system.

Abstract: A system for replacing spent lubricant in an internal combustion engine including a subsystem for calculating engine wear based on actual engine activity, preferably shaft revolutions. An adaptation of the system includes a subsystem for selecting lubricant filters.

Abstract: A device for applying lubricant to a rotatable journal having a lubricating body is biased for movement toward the journal along a defined path. Movement of the lubricating body toward the journal is controlled by a low wear, fast-disconnect retaining mechanism.

Abstract: A lubricant supply source is disposed in the vicinity of a sliding or rotary portion of a machine element, and an electrical power source is intermittently driven by a controller, so as to intermittently supply lubricant from the lubricant supply source to the machine element. When required, a sensor for monitoring the operating state of the machine element, and/or a remote controller is used, so that the supply of lubricant is controlled on the basis of the signal of the sensor and/or by means of the remote controller. Consequently, lubricant can be supplied or supplemented to the machine element in accordance with necessity. Therefore, the machine element will be able to stably operate for a long time, even in relative inaccessible places which people cannot inadvertently access.

Abstract: A lubricant condition sensing unit for the lower unit of a marine propulsion drive. Light is transmitted through the lubricant and the condition and level of the lubricant is sensed by comparing the light signal transmitted with a predetermined value.