Capillary Attraction Patents (Class 184/64)
  • Patent number: 4346786
    Abstract: A lubrication system comprises a chamber adapted to contain a lubricant and a duct to convey lubricant from the chamber to the apparatus to be lubricated. A pipe is adapted to introduce air into the lubricant flowing through the duct so that for a given flow rate through the duct the rate at which lubricant is withdrawn from the chamber is reduced when compared with the rate when no air is introduced into the lubricant flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1982
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Limited
    Inventor: Ronald A. Midgley
  • Patent number: 4345699
    Abstract: A tank suitable for holding a lubricant is provided with a dipstick. A sleeve which is mounted on the tank and adapted to support the dipstick is interconnected with the output duct of the tank by means of a further duct. The arrangement is such that if the dipstick is incorrectly located in the sleeve, air is permitted to flow through the further duct into the output duct so that the pressure of the lubricant in the output duct is reduced. This pressure reduction consequently provides an indication of incorrect dipstick location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1982
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Limited
    Inventor: Clive N. Bunyan
  • Patent number: 4312424
    Abstract: An automatic grease lubrication system is described for metering and dispensing lubrication grease onto rolling-sliding, line contact, bearing surface such as heavily loaded walking cams. The system includes an airless spray nozzle directed at the cam for spraying grease onto a portion of the cam surface in a desired spray pattern. A pneumatic driven pump conveys the grease to the spray nozzle at a high pressure of between 2000 and 3000 psi. The nozzle is activated in response to the rotation of the cam surface to spray the grease onto a selected portion of the cam surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1982
    Assignee: Washington Irrigation & Development Company
    Inventors: Harry M. Taylor, Terry L. Braaten, Jack E. Stephens, Donald C. Geraci
  • Patent number: 4299307
    Abstract: A tube is inserted to a predetermined depth into the dip stick orifice of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle and connected to a small pump to initiate oil circulation in a line between the dip stick orifice and the oil filler tube. A pressure sensitive switch is inserted in this line and held in a normally open position while sufficient pressure is being sensed. When the oil level of the engine falls below the tube, the oil pressure sensed by the oil sensor switch drops and the contacts close lighting an indicator light disposed on the instrument panel of the vehicle. An oil reservoir is positioned above the engine and is connected to the oil filler tube. A valve is disposed between the reservoir and the oil filler tube of the engine and can be operated through a remote control from inside the vehicle. When the oil warning light is actuated, the vehicle operator can actuate the valve to allow a predetermined amount of oil to flow into the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1981
    Inventor: Nathaniel Scott
  • Patent number: 4285632
    Abstract: An oiling system in turbo and like machinery providing cooling, lubricating and fluidized damping functions. A rotor shaft operates in connection with a reservoir of lubricating oil, and with a lubricant supply mechanism, to supply oil to the shaft bearings in an amount properly to cool and to lubricate shaft bearings despite adverse effects of high speed, relatively high temperature operation. At the same time, and along paths of flow leading to and through the shaft bearings, oil films are established and maintained damping attempted vibratory and like dynamic behavior in the rotor shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1981
    Assignee: United Aircraft Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis W. DeSalve
  • Patent number: 4284174
    Abstract: An emergency oil/mist system is embodied in the main lubrication system for a bearing or gear box assembly of a gas turbine engine, and includes an auxiliary reservoir interconnected between the main source of pressurized lubricant and an air aspirating nozzle which is capable of either providing a stream of oil to the bearing, or a mist of lubricant to the bearing. A source of pressurized air is connected to the air aspirating nozzle through a control piston valve, and the latter also is provided in a vent line extending between the auxiliary reservoir and the atmosphere. During normal operation of the main lubrication system, the source of pressurized oil is connected through the auxiliary reservoir to the nozzle for providing a stream of lubricant to the bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1981
    Assignee: Avco Corporation
    Inventors: Frank Salvana, Arnold Junker
  • Patent number: 4271928
    Abstract: A lubricant supply device adapted to direct lubricant from a source of pressurized lubricant to apparatus to be lubricated. The device is provided with a rotatable chamber containing a limited quantity of lubricant so that in the event of a failure in the supply of lubricant to the device, lubricant contained within the chamber is centrifugally pumped to the apparatus to be lubricated in order to maintain a limited continuity of lubricant supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1981
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Limited
    Inventor: James Northern
  • Patent number: 4262775
    Abstract: The invention comprises a subsystem or assembly which lends itself to retro-fitting to a machine to controllingly supply oil to the machine. In the embodiment shown by way of example, the invention supplies injection oil and lubricating oil to an oil-injected and oil-lubricated gas compressor, and includes a pressure-responsive metering device for regulating the relative quantities of injection and lubricating oil supplied pursuant to the operating condition of the compressor. Particularly the invention comprises the use of a small, inexpensive oil pump, to supply substantially only lubrication for the compressor on start-up, and by-passes the pump, when substantially "on line" (i.e., with the compressor discharge pressure elevated), and then supplies less of the oil for lubrication purposes and more for injection (for compressor sealing and cooling).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1981
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventor: Paul D. Webb
  • Patent number: 4256069
    Abstract: Lubricant oil level detecting device adapted to be located in an oil sump provided in the engine crankchamber so that lubricant oil in the sump is splashed by a splashing bar formed in the connecting rod. A shield is provided between the detecting device and the splashing bar for dividing the sump into two sections which are connected together through openings in the shield. The shield is effective to absorb the movement of the oil surface under the influence of the splashing bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1981
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudori Kabushiri Kaisha
    Inventors: Yutaka Masuda, Seisaku Ota
  • Patent number: 4243079
    Abstract: Apparatus for and method of the in situ application of a controlled or known quantity of lubricating oil to the wick lubrication system of a fractional horsepower electric motor or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1981
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: Nicholas R. Daniels
  • Patent number: 4213441
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine is provided with stiffening side wall ribs which are lightened by the provision therein of internal passages that alternatively cooperate with cylinder head passages to provide oil drains from the valve chambers to the oil sump or provide mounting means for an oil level indicating gauge rod. The oil gauge mounting provision includes an angled uniplanar passage in the cylinder block wall aligned with a cylinder head boss and oil pan mounted guide member as well as additional features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1978
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1980
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Nshan Hamparian
  • Patent number: 4194796
    Abstract: This invention refers to a device for maintaining a required liquid pressure in a hydrostatic bearing during its slowdown time at pump failure for avoiding metallic contact between the cooperating bearing surfaces, which device incorporates an accumulator connected in the liquid supply system of the bearing and having means for maintaining a sufficient liquid pressure on the liquid contained in the accumulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1980
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKF
    Inventors: Bengt H. Svensson, Lars G. Lindberg, Karl G. A. Hallstedt
  • Patent number: 4183414
    Abstract: A pneumatic hammer, hammer drill or like percussion tool incorporating a cartridge-type oil tank detachably installed in the main body of the tool. The oil tank is made of transparent or semitransparent material and held from outside by a holding plate formed with at least one slit, permitting the user to check the tank from outside for an oil consumption. The oil tank is supported on a seat plate which is detachably mounted on the tool main body and which, when removed, enables the user to inspect or repair the interior with ease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1980
    Assignee: Shibaura Engineering Works Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Tamai, Takashi Kojima
  • Patent number: 4174699
    Abstract: An engine oil cooling and filtering arrangement with a valve controlled bypass for the cooler and another valve controlled bypass for the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1977
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1979
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Lloyd T. Gill
  • Patent number: 4168693
    Abstract: A pre-oiling kit for an installation having a battery, an ignition switch, an internal combustion engine, an engine block and oil sump underlying the block, a port within the block leading to an oil gallery and a drain opening within the bottom of the sump, includes as a principal element of the kit; a container for mounting exterior of the block and housing a pre-oiler pump with an electric motor operatively coupled thereto, an oil pressure operated switch and an electrical relay. Two oil lines lead to the exterior of the container and are respectively connected to the inlet side of the pump through a strainer and from the outlet side of the pump through a check valve pressure switch and strainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1979
    Assignee: Oilstart, Incorporated
    Inventor: Louis J. Harrison
  • Patent number: 4167172
    Abstract: The lubrication of an engine crank shaft is monitored using a wheatstone resistance measuring bridge one of the arms of which includes lubricating oil ducts between the crank shaft and crank case of the engine, balanced against a reference resistance provided by a resistance measuring cell through which the engine lubricating oil flows. The resistance measuring cell may have an external heater for heating the oil in the cell to a temperature compatible with that of the oil in the engine bearings when the engine is running.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1979
    Assignee: Fiat Societa per Azioni
    Inventors: Cesare Bassoli, Giorgio Cornetti
  • Patent number: 4153141
    Abstract: In a lubrication system where the main oil supply to rotating components is susceptible to interrupted flow, an auxiliary system is implemented to temporarily meet the emergency lubrication needs. Provision is made by an auxiliary line to supply the components with a flow of lubricant from the existing hydraulic tank which is kept full and under pressure. This emergency flow is initiated by the opening of a valve in the auxiliary line and, on the other side of the components to be lubricated, by the closing of a check valve to prevent the further flow of emergency oil to the remaining engine components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1977
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1979
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Jan E. Methlie
  • Patent number: 4144862
    Abstract: A system which normally prevents an attempt to start an engine while the engine lubricant pressure is high. However, in an emergency it is possible to crank the engine even though the lubricant pressure is high by operating the start switch and main switch in the reverse of the usual sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1979
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventor: Michael H. Estkowski
  • Patent number: 4142504
    Abstract: Variable displacement type lubricating oil pump for two cycle engines having a displacement control element which is rotated in response to the engine throttle valve position. The control element has a cam which is so shaped that the pump displacement is changed in accordance with the engine throttle valve position. When the control element is accidentally disconnected from the engine throttle valve control device, the control element can be rotated beyond the minimum displacement position which corresponds to the engine idling position, whereby the pump displacement is increased than in the idling position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1979
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ryoji Uda, Tomoya Kimura
  • Patent number: 4126207
    Abstract: A splash lubricating system for supplying oil to an interior reservoir for the bearings of grinding rolls, comprises an interior oil supply reservoir formed in the hub of the grinding rolls and at least one exterior oil supply line is connected from an exterior reservoir to the interior reservoir of the hub. Oil level indicating means are associated with the exterior oil supply reservoir for indicating changes of oil levels in the interior reservoir and for stopping the driving of the rolls if the oil level should fall below a predetermined amount. Two such exterior reservoirs may be provided, and one is advantageously connected to a separate oil supply tank for replenishing the oil in the interior reservoir of the grinding roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1977
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1978
    Assignee: Deutsche Babcock Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gunter Dibowski, Helmut Grammes
  • Patent number: 4106468
    Abstract: A pressure ratio valve is installed in an internal combustion engine having a pressurized air supply and an air actuatable throttle control means for limiting the engine RPM in response to a pneumatic control signal. The pressure ratio valve continuously senses both the engine oil pressure and the pressure of the engine compressed air system and generates the pneumatic control signal in response thereto. When the oil pressure-air pressure ratio decreases below a predetermined magnitude, an unsafe engine oil pressure condition is indicated and the pressure ratio valve generates a pneumatic control signal which causes the throttle control means to limit the engine RPM to a safe level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1978
    Assignee: Jetco, Inc.
    Inventor: Bill G. Davis
  • Patent number: 4105092
    Abstract: A drive mechanism lubricating system which includes a lubricating medium storage tank and an oil reservoir arranged at the drive mechanism for accommodating a predetermined quantity of lubricating medium. A first pump is arranged at the drive mechanism for constantly replenishing the oil reservoir with a supply of lubricating medium to maintain a predetermined quantity therein during an operation of the drive mechanism. A second pump, having a higher conveying power than the first pump, is arranged at the drive mechanism and operatively connects the oil reservoir with the storage tank for conveying excess lubricating medium from the reservoir to the storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1978
    Assignee: Motoren- und Turbinen-Union Friedrichshafen GmbH
    Inventors: Gunter Zeidler, Christian Gunther
  • Patent number: 4103759
    Abstract: A lubricating system for an antifriction bearing comprises a supporting member fixed to the outer race ring of the bearing and provided with a plurality of passageways, a filling of porous material soaked with a liquid lubricant mounted in said passageways and in spaces located laterally of the antifriction bearing and surrounding the shaft journalled by the antifriction bearing in the supporting element, a disc fixed to the shaft in one of such spaces for hurling lubricant seeping through the bearing onto the filling to be absorbed thereby and means for mounting a wick in the other one of said spaces in frictional contact with the shaft and in contact with the porous material, said wick transferring lubricant from the porous material to a peripheral surface of the shaft wherefrom the lubricant passes through the antifriction bearing and into contact with said disc. As a result, the lubricant is circulated through the antifriction bearing without escaping therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1978
    Assignee: Anschutz & Co. G.m.b.H.
    Inventors: Hans Erich, Alfred Jordt, Klaus Konig
  • Patent number: 4101001
    Abstract: A solid state dual timer with adjustable "long" and "short" time intervals preferably providing a long normally operating period between consecutive test periods which are utilized for test purposes, wherein a "delay" interval is provided at the initiation of each test period to allow the test conditions being imposed a sufficient time to settle. A highly advantageous application resides in the field of automated lubrication systems in which periodic pressure tests to monitor system integrity are performed, for example, every hour, the tests requiring a relatively brief time interval, the "delay" interval being of a length sufficient to allow the system pressure to build up before the test instruments are activated. The normally operating interval and the test and "delay" periods are all adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1976
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1978
    Assignee: Auto Research Corporation
    Inventor: Carl H. Smith
  • Patent number: 4100910
    Abstract: A pressure ratio valve is installed in an engine having an engine protection means for reducing the engine RPM to a safe level in response to an engine oil pressure below an acceptable level. The engine further includes a fuel pump for supplying fuel at a pressure linearly related to the engine RPM. The pressure ratio valve continuously senses both the oil pressure and the fuel pressure of the engine and reduces the engine oil pressure below the acceptable level of the engine protection means in response to a fuel pressure-oil pressure ratio in excess of a predetermined magnitude. This action by the pressure ratio valve causes the engine protection means to reduce the engine RPM to a safe level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1978
    Assignee: Jetco, Inc.
    Inventor: Bill G. Davis
  • Patent number: 4077492
    Abstract: A holder for the ring of ring spinning machine and ring twisting machine has an oil-retaining substance disposed therein and at least one oil supply tank detachably fitted in a recess therein. The oil supply tank has an opening at its bottom leading to the oil-retaining substance for automatic lubrication of the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1976
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1978
    Assignee: Hiroyuki Kanai
    Inventor: Yasuo Inoue
  • Patent number: 4059087
    Abstract: An oil pressure detecting apparatus for an internal combustion engine comprises an LC oscillator having an inductance variable in dependence upon variation in the oil pressure of the engine. The frequency or voltage of an output signal of the oscillator is compared with that of a reference signal having a predetermined relation to the number of revolutions of the engine, thereby to determine if the oil pressure is within an acceptable range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1976
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1977
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiko Tanigami, Akira Hasegawa, Shigeru Horikoshi
  • Patent number: 4051920
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for vacuum evacuation and pressure filling of a lubricant reservoir are provided which includes a sequence timing and shutoff mechanism for controlling evacuation, testing for air leaks, and filling with lubricant. Visual indication of mechanism performance is provided. A charging gun is adapted for sealingly mating with an opening in the reservoir. Alternatively, a pointed probe utilizable with stoppers of the conventional as well as vented type may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1973
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1977
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Company
    Inventor: Harold L. Reinsma
  • Patent number: 4037687
    Abstract: Lubricating means for the transmission gear of a ship having a lubricating oil sump and a driven shaft, at least one lubricating oil pump having an intake connected to said sump and a delivery pipe connected to said transmission gear, an electric motor driving said pump and a ship electric supply system connected to said motor. The improvement comprises an additional lubricating oil pump having a drive shaft, a suction pipe connected to said sump and a delivery pipe. A clutch is interposed between said additional pump drive shaft and the transmission driven shaft. A branch pipe is interposed between said supply pipe and said clutch and transmission gear with normal pressure maintaining said clutch disengaged. A fall in pressure in the main lubricating oil supply pipe permitting engagement of said clutch kinematically-connecting said driven shaft to said auxiliary pump drive shaft to drive said additional pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1976
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1977
    Assignee: Lohmann & Stolterfoht A.G.
    Inventors: Wolfgang Krutz, Hans Steinberg
  • Patent number: 4034831
    Abstract: There is disclosed an oiler assembly for lubricating at least one lubrication point capable of drawing and maintaining a vacuum. The assembly includes a source of supply of oil lubricant and feed units corresponding in number to the lubrication points and connected to the common supply. The feed units have a suction outlet and include a standpipe communicating with the supply of oil lubricant. The feed units further include a sump separated from the corresponding standpipes by a common wall. At least one wire or rod element extends over the common wall and delivers oil lubricant from the standpipe to the sump. The feed units also include passage means placing the suction outlet in communication with the sump with a portion of the passage means being disposed higher than the common wall. The oil lubricant feed rate is adjustable by the removal or addition of wire or rod elements between the standpipe and sump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1973
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1977
    Assignee: Oil-Rite Corporation
    Inventor: Donald G. Gruett
  • Patent number: 4027743
    Abstract: A pressurized lubricant charging and leak detection apparatus and method to fill the lubricant reservoir of a wheel hub with lubricant and detect lubricant leaks therefrom. The apparatus includes a tubular filling probe which may be inserted into the hub which is connected through valving to a pressurized lubricant supply to fill the reservoir with lubricant and there with a pressurized air supply to charge air into the reservoir until a constant air pressure is established in the reservoir; whereafter, a drop in air pressure within the reservoir indicates lubricant leak from the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1975
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1977
    Assignee: Pullman Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert J. Deller, Edwin L. Carmel
  • Patent number: 3985205
    Abstract: An automatic vehicle lubrication system in which a counter counts whenever the ignition of the vehicle is switched on and the hand-brake is released. When the counter indicates a predetermined period of time has elapsed compressed air is allowed to actuate a pressure amplifying pump to pump lubricant to lubrication points. The counter is then reset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1975
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1976
    Assignee: AB ASSA
    Inventors: Bo Pauls Sigvald Hedlund, Magnus Adolf Wilhelm Peter Jullig
  • Patent number: 3980357
    Abstract: An internal oil connection assembly for use with the bearing blocks of rotating machines is provided with a connector housing adapted to cooperate with replaceable modular inserts. Connections for oil inlet measuring means, oil outlet means and removable oil diaphragm means are provided and modular inserts including an insert for scavenging the oil assembly may be replaceably connected to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1975
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1976
    Assignee: BBC Brown Boveri & Company Limited
    Inventors: Hans Bellati, Oscar Beuttenmuller, Hans Huber
  • Patent number: 3958663
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an air line lubricator safety device for automatically actuating an air actuatable member located outside of the lubricator. The air actuatable member may be a normally open air valve in an air line leading to an air operated tool, said air valve being automatically closed when the oil level in the lubricator falls below a predetermined level and thereby prevents operation of the tool; or the air actuatable member may be a signal device such as a whistle or light or other signal automatically air actuated when the oil level in the lubricator falls below a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1975
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1976
    Inventor: Robert M. Moore
  • Patent number: 3947836
    Abstract: Fluid pressure sensing means for sensing lubricant pressure levels. Means are activated to turn on a pump at regular intervals to provide lubrication at such intervals. It is desired to indicate failure of subsequent operation of the pump after a time interval greater in duration than the aforesaid periodic intervals. Pump operation causes closure of pressure switch which causes capacitance means to charge during the switch closure interval. As soon as the capacitance is charged beyond a predetermined threshold level, bistable means are set which in turn sets up a discharge path for the capacitor. The long-time constant of the discharge path, which is adjustable and which typically may be of the order of hours, continues until the voltage across the capacitor drops below a second predetermined threshold level resetting the bistable flip-flop. The reset operation triggers a switch means for illuminating a lamp which indicates that a prolonged period of time has occurred since the last pump operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1974
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1976
    Assignee: Auto Research Corporation
    Inventors: Carl H. Smith, August X. Sidler
  • Patent number: RE29631
    Abstract: A variable speed drive mechanism in which power is transmitted from an input driving disc to an output driven disc through an intermediate member of spherical configuration. The driving and driven discs are supported with their axes of rotation at an angle and offset. The intermediate spherical member is held by gravity or other means in the trough defined between the two inclined discs. A cage member holds and linearly guides the intermediate member .[.and a wick provides lubrication for the intermediate member.].. The radial position of the spherical intermediate member along the faces of the discs determines the drive ratio between the input and output shafts of the mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1976
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1978
    Inventor: Lawrence A. Schott