Capillary Attraction Patents (Class 184/64)
  • Patent number: 4745893
    Abstract: An oil level sensor includes a sensor body adapted to be mounted to the block or casing of an oil-containing reservoir. A probe including a pair of electrodes forming a capacitor extends from the sensor body so that the capacitor will be at least partially immersed in the oil to detect the level thereof. At least one of the electrodes is insulated so that the apparent capacitance of the capacitor is relatively insensitive to any change in the conductivity of the oil at high temperatures. Circuitry is provided in response to the capacitance of the capacitor for signalling the level of the oil, which capacitance is a function of the oil level. The sensor body is mounted to the block by external threads on the probe. The electrodes of the probe extend proximally past the threads to provide an increased capacitance for the sensor. The electrodes of the probe are concentric and the inner electrode is supported at both ends to reduce fatigue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1988
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kim Wesley Atherton, A. Brinkley Barr, Thomas M. Harmon, Michael M. Van Schoiack, Marvin E. Vandehey, Richard D. Weyerts, Charles R. Clow, Patrick H. Mawet
  • Patent number: 4745895
    Abstract: An electrically responsive oil level sensor is mounted within a vehicle oil sump. An enclosure encloses the ends of two spaced electrodes. The high voltage electrode has a pointed end and the other low voltage electrode has a blunt end opposed to the pointed end. The low voltage electrode is connected to ground in series with an indicator. The enclosure has three vertically spaced openings. An entrance opening is aligned with the electrode gap for in flow of oil. A second is located below the entrance opening and establishes a restricted oil outflow. The third opening is above the entrance opening for air and fume escapement. A baffle is interposed between the entrance opening and the electrode gap. The baffle prevents the motion of the oil in the sump from moving directly through the entrance opening and into the electrode gap. The enclosure has an integral tower for the high voltage electrode and the tower has annular radial projections to increase the surface creepage path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1988
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corp.
    Inventors: Richard W. Seilenbinder, Edward B. Hajec
  • Patent number: 4738336
    Abstract: A controlled replenishing lubrication system provides a desired supply of oil to a rolling element bearing by monitoring the changes in the rolling element ball retainer to shaft speed ratio. This ratio is a function of elastohydrodynamic oil film thickness between elements of the bearing. Changes in the speed ratio are monitored by a sensor and fed to a control system which commands a pump to inject oil into the bearing when the speed ratio varies from a predetermined limit. The rolling elements are moveably mounted for rotation within a retainer or cage in a bearing housing. The retainer includes a light reflective indicia. A shaft is rotatably connected to rotate the retainer and the rolling elements. The shaft also includes a light reflective indicia. The sensor is mounted on or adjacent the bearing for simultaneously emitting light toward the retainer and shaft indicia for sensing variations in reflection of the light therefrom and for generating pulses to the control system responsive to the variations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1988
    Assignee: Honeywell, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis W. Smith, Peter E. Jacobson
  • Patent number: 4735286
    Abstract: A lubricating oil feeder for supplying an air-oil mixture containing compressed air and lubricating oil to oil receiving units including a pump for generating compressed air, an air supply pipe coupled to the pump, air induction pipes for introducing the compressed air from the pump in the oil receiving units, and oil supply source for intermittently discharging lubricating oil from the intermittent oil supply source to the oil receiving units, and oil injection devices for intermittently supplying a small fixed quantity of lubricating oil from the intermittent oil supply source to the lubricating oil supply pipes. The oil injection devices are installed between the intermittent oil supply source and the lubricating oil supply pipes, and the oil lines are coupled to the air induction pipes through the lubricating oil supply pipes and check valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1988
    Assignee: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Miki, Yasuo Ichikawa, Satosi Ogawa
  • Patent number: 4730704
    Abstract: A lubricating oil supply system has a pump for automatically supplying lubricating oil from an oil tank to a crankcase of an engine through a passage. A bimetallic strip is cantilevered on a wall of the passage. The bimetallic strip is provided so as to reduce the cross-sectional area of the passage at the bimetallic strip when the temperature of the strip rises and to increase the cross-sectional area when the temperature lowers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1988
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Katsuhiko Ohno
  • Patent number: 4717000
    Abstract: An integrated emergency lubrication system is provided to lubricate the bearings of a gas turbine engine in the event that the normal lubrication system for the engine fails for any reason. The emergency system includes an accumulator for storing oil, derived from the normal lubrication system, that is released in a controlled manner to lubricate the engine's bearings for several minutes after the normal lubrication system fails. During that time, the operator of the engine has an opportunity to cope with the situation. Energy for operating the emergency lubrication system is derived from compressed air bled form the compressor section of the engine, the compressed air also being combined with oil from the accumulator to form an air/oil mist that is sprayed over the bearings to be lubricated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1988
    Assignee: Avco Corporation
    Inventors: Clive Waddington, Normand L. Lagasse, George T. Milo
  • Patent number: 4712648
    Abstract: Sensor circuitry is disclosed for a transducer (32) having a sensor or delta coil (66) for generating a magnetic flux through a path of movement of a magnetically permeable piston member (48), such that movement of the member (48) changes the return coupled flux linkage, which flux change indicates movement of the member (48), and having a reference coil (84) spaced sufficiently from the path of movement of the member (48) such that movement of the latter has less affect on return coupled flux linkage of the reference coil (84) than the delta coil (66). The coils (66 and 84) are connected (204) in respective parallel voltage dividers, and a half-wave rectified AC signal (diode CR11) is applied thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1987
    Assignee: SSI Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael F. Mattes, Mark A. Dorland
  • Patent number: 4709785
    Abstract: A retrofit emergency lubrication system utilizing friction-hydrostatic drive is disclosed. The retrofit system provides an emergency lubrication system backup to existing bearing lubrication systems such as for turbine-generator rotors. The retrofit system utilizes actuators to detect low bearing oil pressure and to activate resilient wheels to contact the rotor which drive high pressure pumps. The high pressure pumps in turn drive a hydraulic motor pump which in turn drives an oil supply tank pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1987
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventor: Michael Csanady, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4697414
    Abstract: A lubrication system for expendable turbine engines, or for emergency use with durable engines, comprises a housing receiving a collapsible bladder filled with lubricant, and means for penetrating the bladder and communicating the lubricant to a receiver upon the occurrence of a predetermined event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1987
    Assignee: The Garrett Corporation
    Inventor: Robert S. McCarty
  • Patent number: 4690249
    Abstract: Precisely recurrently controllable dropwise oilers or other liquid-feeds for apparatus having some optimal-requirement of oil or other liquid-feed to be supplied gravitationally dropwise from an outlet-line emanating from a lofty reservoir. A solenoid actuatable reciprocatable plunger-valve effects intermittent liquid-feed flow along the outlet-line toward a liquid drop-former element spaced a vertical-gap above an apparatus intake-line. For recurring like time-periods, infrared or other electromagnetic detector detects liquid-feed droplets falling from the drop-former so that the liquid-feeder operator might during recurring like time-periods have the solenoid reciprocation adjusted toward the achievement of a dropwise liquid-feed rate tending to converge upon the apparatus optimal-requirement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1987
    Inventor: Theodore D. Olson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4674030
    Abstract: A lubricating system including a fluid distribution system for distribution a lubricating fluid to one or more parts of an operating machine and a control system for controlling the operation of the fluid distribution system is disclosed. The control system generates a system fault signal, which disables the machine being lubricated, a predetermined time period after a fault condition in said fluid distribution system is detected. A fault condition is detected in part by monitoring the output of a low pressure sensor which generates a low pressure fault signal whenever the pressure in the fluid distribution system falls below a predetermined level. Circuitry is provided for ensuring that a system fault signal will not be generated in response to an erroneous low pressure fault signal which may be generated during the initial pressurization of the fluid system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1987
    Assignee: Bijur Lubricating Corp.
    Inventors: Paul K. Gabriel, David E. Potvin, James R. Potvin
  • Patent number: 4669999
    Abstract: A lubricant delivering coupling adapted to interconnect a power transfer unit and a load having a rotary input. The coupling is comprised of a pair of concentrically disposed inner and outer hollow members. The outer member is in a torque transmitting relationship between the power transfer unit and the load. The inner hollow member is secured at both ends to an inner surface of the outer member and is adapted to receive lubricant from a lubricant source within the transfer device for delivery to and through the hollow inner member.The inner and outer members each have intermediate the respective ends thereof a shear section. Upon overloading of the outer member and the shearing failure thereof, the inner member continues to twist until rupture at the inner member shear section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1987
    Assignee: Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: E. Kent Miller
  • Patent number: 4669960
    Abstract: An actual pressure of a fluid having an ambient pressure as part thereof is sensed by a sensor. When the actual pressure decreases below a predetermined pressure, a signal is produced. If desired, the sensor may cause production of the signal when the actual pressure of the fluid exceeds a predetermined pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1987
    Assignee: Lexair, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford W. Allen, Jr., Ronn J. Leaf
  • Patent number: 4666019
    Abstract: A lubrication monitoring device for heavy duty diesel engines includes a plurality of measuring receivers connected at one level to driving spaces of the engine. Each receiver is assembled of a socket part secured to the wall of the engine and enclosing a lower and upper padding of resilient material pressed together by a pressure plate fastened to the top of the socket. Opposite lateral walls of the socket are formed with cutouts for receiving a ribbon cable which is integral with lateral elongated channels connected respectively to an underpressure and overpressure pump. The upper padding is provided with a connector block carrying a plurality of fork shaped contacts and with two hollow connection pieces which upon compression of the upper padding penetrate the elastic material around the elongated channels while the fork shaped contacts penetrate the insulation of the cable wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1987
    Assignee: Schaller-Automation Industrielle Automationstechnik KG
    Inventor: Werner Schaller
  • Patent number: 4644332
    Abstract: A dry lube level sensor for use in a verbal annunciation system for monitoring a wire fabrication process comprises a sealed float tube having a magnetic float for actuating a reed switch within an adapter which connects the float tube to a mounting base for providing a low level signal to the alarm system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1987
    Assignee: Essex Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Randall C. Graham
  • Patent number: 4633976
    Abstract: The temperature of a seal ring is detected by a temperature sensor during mixing or kneading operation of an internal mixer or a kneader and the detected temperature is compared by a temperature controller set to a necessary temperature, and while the rotation of motor for a pump is being changed in accordance with the output signals from the temperature controller through a control box, a suitable quantity of a lubricating oil is sequentially supplied to a seal surface in accordance with the temperature of the seal ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1987
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yusaku Waki, Hideki Aoyama
  • Patent number: 4632080
    Abstract: A novel oil addition device which is operable on vehicles frequently maintained in operational condition on unlevel surfaces for extended periods of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1986
    Inventor: Erwin E. Hurner
  • Patent number: 4632223
    Abstract: In a method and a device for controlling a lubrication film between a bearing surface and a shaft surface of the bearing assembly an electric circuit is provided, interconnected between the shaft and the housing of the bearing, in which a thermoelectric voltage is produced by friction heat which is generated at a contact between the shaft and the bearing when a break in the lubrication film occurs, and which termoelectric voltage is used as a voltage source of the electric circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1986
    Assignee: Schaller-Automation Industrielle Automationstechnik KG
    Inventors: Otto Maurer, Werner Schaller
  • Patent number: 4629033
    Abstract: Discloses a backup lube oil pump system for a steam turbine lube oil system. The primary and secondary pump system of the prior art lube oil system normally includes a primary centrifugal pump affixed to the turbine shaft and ac and dc motor-driven pumps to supply lubrication during start-up and shutdown when the primary pump cannot maintain flow due to low rotational speed. If the turbine is coasting down due to an ac power failure, the ac motor-driven backup pump is inoperative. The dc (battery) driven backup pump becomes the only backup left and the failure of batteries if not charged regularly can render it as a poor backup system. In the invention a backup lube oil system having high reliability utilizes a positive displacement lube oil pump driven by a rotor-driven permanent magnet generator. The pump is in parallel with a primary check valve in the lube oil feed line, so that the positive displacement backup lube oil pump is supplying oil at all times to the shaft bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1986
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James H. Moore, Sidney J. Woodcock, Charles R. Dumas
  • Patent number: 4622935
    Abstract: A low level lubricating oil detector for an internal combustion engine. The detector includes a tube that is located in crankcase of the engine and the tube has an opening in its lower end located at the predetermined minimum oil level. The upper end of the tube communicates with a chamber and one side of the chamber is enclosed by a piezo electric element. When the oil level in the crankcase recedes beneath the minimum level, pressure pulsations in the crankcase are transmitted through the tube to the piezo electric element which generates a signal that operates through an electric circuit to stop operation of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1986
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corp.
    Inventor: Douglas G. Janisch
  • Patent number: 4615413
    Abstract: A recirculating lubricating system includes a monitor filter unit (16) between a pump (13) and a main filter element (17). The monitor filter unit (16) includes diverting means (23, 31) to ensure that a proportion of the oil flowing between the pump and the main filter element is diverted through a removable monitor filter element (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1986
    Assignee: Westland plc
    Inventor: Basil C. J. Stevenson
  • Patent number: 4563988
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining the filling quantity of lubricating oils in drive installations comprising a timing member which activates a filling level pickup only after a predetermined time of several minutes following the shutoff of the drive installation, this pickup yielding an output signal only if two superimposed sensing elements transmit different responses. This provides a precise information regarding the actual quantity of lubricating oil. The output signal may be dependent upon an operating temperature cyclic filling may be effected at appropriate timed periods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1986
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
    Inventor: Walter Weishaupt
  • Patent number: 4553512
    Abstract: A pump assembly which operates in connection with a starter motor is provided. The device, which is of small dimensions is contained with a compact pump housing. A gear pump is provided within the pump housing which is operatively associated with the drive shaft of a starter motor. A shaft extension device is also provided which may be adapted to a starter motor drive shaft thereby allowing the device of the present invention to be used with a variety of starter motors. The pump assembly is provided with a fluid delivery system which is operatively associated with the fluid inlet means in the pump housing. Further provided is a receiver means which receives fluid discharged from the outlet means of the pump housing. A pressure regulating device may also be provided within the end cap of the pump housing. The pressure regulating device is operatively associated with the pump assembly and controls fluid pressure in the pump fluid cavity during operation of the pump assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1985
    Inventor: Gerald Showman
  • Patent number: 4551984
    Abstract: Means for continuously shutting-down operation of an enclosed motor-compressor unit upon predetermined contamination of the refrigerant-oil mixture therein by conductive particles which comprises providing a normally open switch in the motor energizing circuit operated to a closed position by a sensitive D.C. relay when energized, in immersing a pair of spaced electrodes in the refrigerant-oil mixture, connecting the electrodes across an A.C. power source, connecting the D.C. relay in parallel with the electrodes across the A.C. power source through rectifying and voltage dropping means and in providing a fusible link in the A.C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1985
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Richard E. Vogel, Benjamin Bowsky
  • Patent number: 4537285
    Abstract: A conveyor lubrication apparatus includes a counter for energizing lubrication devices once for each predetermined number of cycles of the conveyor past a lubrication station. Timers energized by the counter activate control valves for a predetermined period of time to supply lubricant to parts of the conveyor as each part reaches the lubrication station. A current sense circuit detects current flow to the control valves and energizes the central lubricant supply pump to pressurize the lubricant flow lines for a predetermined period of time, at the end of which the pump is de-energized until the next control valve is energized. A pressure sensor is disposed in the lubricant flow lines to detect a low pressure level and causes the pump to be de-energized and an alarm to be activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1985
    Inventors: Patrick A. Brown, William C. Murphy
  • Patent number: 4529340
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for supplying a fluid coolant to a tool designed for drilling a hole in a workpiece, wherein a first coolant flow is supplied under pressure in a pulsating flow to the tip of the drill by a first pump with a second and booster coolant flow being supplied in a pulsating flow and under considerably greater pressure than the first flow. The second fluid flow is initiated in response to the build-up of back pressure to the first fluid flow to thereby flush away chips impacted on the drill causing such back pressure. The second fluid flow is terminated in response to the drop of back pressure to the first fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1985
    Assignee: Wheelabrator-Frye, Inc.
    Inventor: David L. O'Dell
  • Patent number: 4527661
    Abstract: An adaptive control system for a machine tool or the like includes a temperature sensor for measuring spindle bearing temperature and two pairs of thrust sensors for measuring radial and axial spindle deflection. Data processing apparatus, typically comprised of a microcomputer, is coupled to the temperature and thrust sensors and regulates the percentage of oil in the oil-air mixture lubrication mist sprayed on bearing contact surfaces in accordance with bearing temperature. The microcomputer simultaneously regulates the spindle bearing preload and spindle axis feedrate in accordance with radial and axial spindle thrust, thereby assuring optimum machine tool performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1985
    Assignee: Kearney & Trecker Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Johnstone, Edward E. Kirkham
  • Patent number: 4526523
    Abstract: The system comprises an arrangement for supplying sealing and lubrication oil to a gas compressor in an embodiment of the invention in which the oil pump is relieved of high pressure demand during normal compressor operating. A pneumatic control valve bypasses a quantity of the pump output in order that the pump can run with less energy demand. The valve is controlled by biasing and limiting pneumatic relays, and a pressure controller which regulate the bypass of pumped oil to a reservoir. One biasing relay adds a measure of pressure to a pilot signal, addressed to the control valve, to accommodate for line losses, and another relay establishes a lower, pilot signal limit, to insure that the oil pressure will not go below the pressure of coolant in an oil cooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1985
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventor: Charles A. Parker
  • Patent number: 4524734
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for prelubricating newly built, overhauled or rebuilt, and repaired engines including a relatively compact and lightweight pressurized vessel containing a predetermined volume of a light grade prelubricant which may, preferably, be of a specialized or proprietary formulation. The vessel is pressurized with carbon dioxide which serves as the propellant to force the lubricant through an adjustable metering valve on the vessel, an interconnecting hose and, in turn, into an engine oil port wherein the pressurized prelubricant is distributed through existing engine oil passageways, channels, and galleys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1985
    Assignee: Topline Automotive Engineering Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Miller
  • Patent number: 4520902
    Abstract: A lubricant applying system which may have a plurality of lubricant injectors along a lubricant supply/return passage which receives lubricant under predetermined pressure through one end from a source for discharging and sequentially recharging the injector in one phase and in a second phase after the recharging permitting return of surplus lubricant from the injector through the passage to the lubricant source. A pressure sensor connected to the opposite end of the passage monitors pressure conditions in the passage. The lubricant injector has a displacement plunger and a cooperatively related metering plunger. The displacement plunger is responsive to lubricant passage line pressure which drives the displacement plunger in a displacement stroke, during which a passageway is connected by the displacement plunger with a metering chamber from which the metering plunger is driven by the pressure and the metering chamber charged while the metering plunger closes the lubricant passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1985
    Assignee: Lubriquip-Houdaille, Inc.
    Inventor: John P. Snow
  • Patent number: 4509618
    Abstract: An oil lubrication system, especially for knitting machines includes a plurality of electromagnetically driven piston pumps, one of which is assigned to each individual lubrication site operated by and exciting current pulses of adjustable pulse-recurrence frequency. Each piston pump has a scanning device which produces a receipt pulse during the working stroke when the pump piston reaches its end position. The current pulse and receipt pulse are applied to a monitoring device which provides an output signal if the receipt pulse is not applied within a certain time after the current pulse. An indicator light flashes at each current pulse and switches to a permanent signal when an output signal is produced. An oil storage vessel feeding the pumps can be provided with a filling state monitor when produces an electrical oil deficiency signal when the oil level falls below a predetermined minimum. Both the oil deficiency signal and the output signal are applied to a disconnecting unit which stops the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1985
    Assignee: Erich Roser
    Inventor: Falk Kuhn
  • Patent number: 4503806
    Abstract: A detector and measuring device for determining the presence and number of lubricant particles in a flow of air directed onto the surface of a disc to coat the disc with a thin layer of the lubricant. The detector includes means for removing a portion of the air containing the lubricant particles from the coating chamber, means for diluting the air containing the lubricant particles with additional clean air and means for passing diluted air through a particle counter which detects and counts the particles of lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1985
    Assignee: RCA Corporation
    Inventors: John J. Prusak, Brian E. Lock, Joseph H. Thorn
  • Patent number: 4498525
    Abstract: A fuel/oil heat exchange system is proposed for an aircraft gas turbine engine for heating fuel leaving the aircraft fuel tanks before it enters the engine fuel system. The proposed system eliminates the separate fuel heater. The oil system is designed so that the fuel is not overheated at the hottest engine conditions, and the fuel/oil heat exchange system is made to increase the temperature of the oil if the fuel temperature drops below a pre-determined limit.Referring to FIG. 2 of the drawings, oil from the engine gearbox 16 is passed by scavenge pump 20 to a fuel heating coil 14 in the heat exchanger 12. Fuel from the aircraft passes through the heat exchanger prior to entering the fuel system 7 through fuel filter 6. A temperature sensing device 26 signals a reduction in fuel temperature below a desired level and closes a valve 24 preventing oil passing beneath baffle 25 to the scavenge pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1985
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Limited
    Inventor: Stanley Smith
  • Patent number: 4480610
    Abstract: A system for remotely sensing a low level of a fluid in a tank, such as the low level of oil in an internal combustion engine. A sensing tube projects through a housing defining an oil reservoir therein, which sensing tube is disposed with its open lower end positioned at an elevation which defines the low or add level for the oil. The sensing tube has its upper outer end connected through a suitable conduit to a remotely located actuator. The actuator, preferably manually actuated, transmits a determined mass of air through the conduit means into the sensing tube. A visual indicator senses changes in pressure within the sensing tube. When the lower end of the sensing tube is immersed in oil, the mass of air supplied to the system effects a pressure increase which is recorded on the indicator, thus indicating that the oil level in the reservoir is above the low or add level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1984
    Assignee: Joseph B. Stinson Co.
    Inventor: Joseph B. Stinson
  • Patent number: 4479468
    Abstract: A port proximate to an automotive oil filter, and a closure therefor, used to precharge a newly installed oil filter with oil. The port may be located either in an adaptor mounting plate, which is located between the filter and the engine block, or in the engine block itself. The port is in fluid communication with the filter, allowing a newly installed filter to be precharged with oil to minimize engine wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1984
    Inventor: Joseph E. Norwood, Sr.
  • Patent number: 4471727
    Abstract: A lubricating system for a two-cycle outboard motor in which lubricant is mixed with the fuel prior to delivery to the fuel bowl of the carburetor in a chamber located externally of the carburetor. The lubricant is supplied by a relatively large storage tank to a relatively smaller delivery tank that is positioned in proximity to the engine. A float operated control device is provided for maintaining an adequate lubricant level in the delivery tank and an arrangement is incorporated for insuring against operation of the pump in response to momentary changes in liquid level in the delivery tank due to inertial effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1984
    Assignees: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha, Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Rou Odashima
  • Patent number: 4467892
    Abstract: Microlubrication system to divide and distribute a flow of lubricant automatically to one or more machines needing lubrication. Fail-safe, accurate distribution is provided by diverting flow of lubricant from the distribution system most of the time, allowing lubricant to be distributed only at intervals. When the lubricant is being distributed, it flows at a high enough rate to allow accurate metering and division of flow, but the overall delivery rate is low enough to prevent wasting the lubricant. The system is preferably provided with fail-safe means to ensure lubrication or to shut off the machines to be lubricated in the event lubrication fails and cannot be quickly restored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1984
    Inventor: David L. Van de Bogert
  • Patent number: 4466402
    Abstract: A pressure activated switch for use in series in the fluid flow path of a motor is disclosed, with the switch having a housing with a top end, a bottom end, and axially extending chamber extending between the ends with a vertically extending wall defining the periphery of the chamber. The chamber has an inlet port and an outlet port communicating therewith, with the ports in vertically spaced relationship to each other so as to obtain a flow of fluid from the motor between the ports, such that the level of fluid in the chamber is directly related to the level of fluid associated with the motor. A first electrical terminal extends from the bottom end into the chamber, with a second electrical terminal extending into the chamber through the wall, the terminals are adapted to be connected in the current starting path of the motor. An element is provided which moves with the level of fluid within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1984
    Assignee: Leonard W. Suroff
    Inventor: Stanley Kolt
  • Patent number: 4448285
    Abstract: The pulse lubricator is constructed to deliver oil sprays to various lubrication points of a power loom and includes a plurality of atomizers. Each atomizer includes an atomizer head and a macro-separator for separating out large droplets of lubricant. A catch basin is disposed below the macro-separator of the atomizer and is in sealed relation to the lubrication reservoir. The catch basin has a check valve in the bottom which is closed during a pulse so that constant pressure is maintained in the spray. Between pulses, the check valve may open to maintain the level of lubricant in the catch basin at the same level as the lubricant in the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1984
    Assignee: Sulzer Brothers Limited
    Inventor: Herbert Burgbacher
  • Patent number: 4445168
    Abstract: A novel apparatus and method for micro-computer control of lubrication systems which utilizes a micro-computer that receives input signals from a lubrication station indicative of the level of lubricant, the pressure of the lubricant, the number of lube cycles and/or strokes of the machine or lubricating system which are furnished to the micro-computer that also receives inputs from program, monitor, system cycle and control switches and supplies output signals so as to actuate the lubricating system on a periodic predetermined base. In addition, the micro-computer produces fault signals so as to protect the machine or machines being lubricated in the event a fault occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1984
    Assignee: Houdaille Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William W. Petryszyn
  • Patent number: 4444292
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for lubricating a machine is provided. In an embodiment a method is provided for generating pressure in a lubricating liquid and providing said liquid to a lubricating station at predetermined intervals. In another embodiment an apparatus is provided for pressurizing lubricating liquid in a reservoir and directing said liquid to a lubricating station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1984
    Assignee: Standard Oil Company (Indiana)
    Inventors: Cloyce L. Brown, Darrell Tanner
  • Patent number: 4420064
    Abstract: Apparatus for lubricating the sealing rings of grinding roll bearings comprises an oil-containing vessel located at a level higher than that of the grinding roll bearings and connected via an oil conduit to an annular gap between the sealing rings. The oil conduit is disp osed within an air line which delivers air to the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1983
    Assignee: Krupp Polysius AG
    Inventors: Ludger Lohnherr, Walter Holz
  • Patent number: 4417561
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically changing and disposing of used engine oil for a diesel engine. An oil conduct means is provided which conducts a portion of the engine oil circulating through the lubrication system of a diesel engine to the fuel system to be mixed with the fuel. The oil/fuel mixture is burned in the combustion chamber. An oil tank is provided outside of the lubricant system. An oil supply means is provided which automatically supplies oil from the oil tank to the lubricant system when the amount of oil within the lubricant system decreases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1983
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seishi Yasuhara
  • Patent number: 4403679
    Abstract: A lubricator for an angle drive attachment for pneumatic rotary tools is disclosed. An output shaft of the angle drive attachment is surrounded by a stationary lubricating sleeve. The lubricator can include an upper portion and a lower portion formed of different absorbent materials. The upper portion can be formed of a highly absorbent material such as felt so as to act as a reservoir and reabsorb lubricant which has been thrown off of the gears while the tool is in operation. The lower portion of the lubricator can be formed of a less absorbent porous material such as open cell styrofoam to slowly meter the lubricant onto the gears through capillary action. Alternatively, the angle drive lubricator can be formed of a single piece of absorbent material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1983
    Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip A. Snider
  • Patent number: 4401188
    Abstract: A chain spraying apparatus includes a generally circular sprocket having a plurality of teeth secured thereto. A liquid supply tank is supported on the sprocket for rotation therewith. The tank and sprocket are supported adjacent a chain so that the teeth will engage the chain, causing the sprocket and tank to rotate. Spray nozzles are carried by the disc and positioned by the teeth. Each spray nozzle is connected to a mechanical pump which in turn is connected to the liquid supply tank. The mechanical pump includes a cam actuated plunger which reciprocates the plunger when the teeth engage the chain and rotate the sprocket. A flip-up flag indicator and an agitator are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1983
    Assignee: C. L. Frost & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Siegfried K. Weis, Charles C. Frost
  • Patent number: 4392551
    Abstract: The dosing device includes a plurality of sections successively connected in the direction of the flow of the lubricant namely a valveless head section with a central supply duct, distributing sections and a valveless end section. The housing of each distributing section has a chamber accommodating a reciprocating distributing slide valve. The chamber is closed with closures limiting the reciprocation of the slide valve and defining two metering-out end chambers. Each chamber communicates with the reduced-diameter area of the distributing valve of the preceding section. The housing of each distributing section has central duct perpendicular to the axis of the cylindrical chamber, and outlet ducts. The inlets of the outlet ducts communicate with the cylindrical chamber, while the outlets of these ducts to feed the lubricant to the friction couples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1983
    Inventors: Viktor P. Buryakov, Gennady M. Ivanov, Mikhail I. Kislik, Pavel M. Kurgansky, Mark B. Shmotkin, Eduard V. Eikhenvald
  • Patent number: 4390082
    Abstract: A system for supplying lubricant under pressure to a rotary mounting system having bearings when the main pressurized lubricant supply system fails. The system includes a bladder or other expansible chamber in association with a lubricant reservoir. The bladder has a source of pressurized gas which is either inherently or through regulation maintained at a pressure below that of the main system and above that of the lubricant discharge from the bearings. The source of pressure for the reserve system may be pressure from a gas seal or from the rotor chamber of a pump or turbine. If regulated, the regulation may be by the main lubricant pressure or the pressure of the lubricant discharge. The system also contemplates accommodation for leaks and over pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1983
    Assignee: Rotoflow Corporation
    Inventor: Judson S. Swearingen
  • Patent number: 4373421
    Abstract: An emergency aerosol lubrication device, particularly for airborne engines which includes a mechanism for placing a certain quantity of oil in reserve, an operator-controlled mechanism for atomizing oil in an aerosol container, which is connected to the points to be lubricated, a member for supplying the atomization mechanism with oil drawn from the reserve, and a mechanism for keeping the reserve oil at a suitable temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1983
    Assignee: Societe Nationale d'Etude et de Construction de Moteurs d'Aviation (S.N.E.C.M.A.)
    Inventors: Andre A. M. L. Camboulives, Pierre Debeneix, Claude V. L. Gendronneau, Roger P. Hugnet
  • Patent number: 4359140
    Abstract: An auxiliary lubrication means is disclosed which is suitable for use in conjunction with an internal combustion engine or similar mechanical device. The present apparatus includes a reservoir for storing a lubricant under pressure during normal operation of the engine. Upon failure of the engine's lubrication system, or during a subsequent start-up procedure, the means of the present invention is operative to provide lubricant to the moving parts of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1982
    Inventor: James S. Shreve
  • Patent number: 4351414
    Abstract: A lubricant fitting (10) adapted to be detachably connected to a valve body (11). The lubricant fitting (10) includes an elongate body (12) that has a central bore (24) therethrough which has an intermediate bore portion (26) that joins opposite inner and outer bore end portions (28 and 30) of an enlarged diameter. Inner and outer annular seats (32 and 34) are formed at the junctures of the intermediate bore portion (26) and the inner and outer bore end portions (28 and 30), respectively. An elongate valve member (50) is mounted within the central bore (24) and has inner and outer valve elements (52 and 54) which have inner and outer shoulders (64 and 86), respectively. The inner and outer annular shoulders (64 and 86) are in opposed facing relationships to the inner and outer annular seats (32 and 34), respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1982
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Incorporated
    Inventor: Jeff L. Merten