Abstract: The invention relates to a lubrication system for a mechanism (27), on-board a spacecraft. It comprises a non pressurized tank (20) communicating with the mechanism (27) via a tube (220). A piston (23) closes the tube (220) while the mechanism is at rest. The piston (23) is controlled by a first spring (5) and by a second, shape memory, spring (24) opposing the latter, which lengthen by thermal effect. A controller (25, 26) supplies this spring with a current (I) to actuate it. An annular element(7), pushed by a cylindrical spring (6), defines a capillarity filled pumping chamber (22). When the temperature of the shape memory alloy (24) falls back below a threshold, the spring (24) recovers its original shape, the first spring (5) pushes back the piston (23) and expels a dose of lubrication fluid (4).

Abstract: The present invention is a graphite lubrication apparatus for lubricating the support rollers of a drying kiln, dryer or the like by dispensing graphite powder across the surface of the rollers. It has a graphite storage means for storing the graphite powder to be used for lubrication; a dispensing pipe adjacent the graphite storage means and having a top and bottom and a plurality of receiving holes in the top thereof the receiving holes permitting communication of the graphite from the storage means into the dispensing pipe. The dispensing pipe also having a plurality of discharge holes positioned adjacent the roller. The discharge holes permit the discharge of graphite onto the roller. A discharge means discharges graphite from the dispensing pipe onto the roller.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for regulating the amonut of oil, lubricant, or other type of lubricant applied to a surface of a work piece in order to reduce friction during a machining process. It comprises a primary reservoir, a needle valve, float assembly, a liquid drop control orifice, a sight for allowing visual confirmation of the flow rate, an atmospheric vent, an inlet for pressurized air, and a nozzle. The needle valve is slidably engaged into an orifice in the primary reservoir and is actuated by the float assembly. The float assembly floats in the low volume constant depth reservoir and controls the degree to which the needle valve need be open in order to maintain a constant volume of lubricant in the low volume constant depth reservoir. As the volume increases to the required level, the needle valve will close. As the volume decreases, the needle valve will open in order to maintain a constant level of lubricant in the reservoir.

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.