Lubrication system

• US 7,975,805 B2
• Filed: 04/01/2005
• Issued: 07/12/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 04/01/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Oil-Rite Corporation
• Original Assignee: Oil-Rite Corporation
• Inventors: Wech, Michael J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Siconolfi; Robert
• Assistant Examiner(s): Nguyen; Vu Q
• Application Number:
  US11/096,667
• Publication Number:
  US 20060231341A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,293 Days
• Field of Search: 184/6.22, 184/12, 184/15.1, 184/15.3, 184/104.1, 392/468
• US Class Current: 184/6.22
• CPC Class Codes: F16N 17/04 at low temperature lubrication of refrigerating machines F25B
• CPC Class Codes: F16N 7/32 Mist lubrication splash lubrication F16N7/26

Abstract

A system for lubricating a lubrication target located within a refrigerated atmosphere. The system includes a lubricant source, a pressurized air source, and at least one pneumatically-activated pump in connection with the lubricant and air sources. The pump output is connected to a conduit that terminates at a spray nozzle for delivering the lubricant to the target in a controlled fashion. Pressurized air may be used to better control the lubricant delivery. The temperature of the lubricant and air flowing through the conduits is regulated so that the fluids will flow predictably at very cold temperatures.

Claims

1. A system for lubricating a target located within a refrigerated atmosphere, said system comprising:

a lubricant source;

a pressurized air source;

a pressure regulator;

a pump in communication with said lubricant source;

a spray nozzle, said spray nozzle connected to said pump by a lubricant supply line, said spray nozzle connected to said pressure regulator by an air supply line;

a first solenoid for controlling said pump and a second solenoid for controlling an airburst released at said spray nozzle, said first solenoid being connected to said pump and said second solenoid being connected between said pressure regulator and said spray nozzle;

said pressure regulator being adjustable to provide said airburst at a predetermined intensity;

a programmable logic controller, said programmable logic controller being connected to said first and second solenoids;

a sensor for sensing the target to be lubricated;

whereby said sensor sends a signal to the programmable logic controller which signals the first and second solenoids to each open independently at a predetermined time for a predetermined duration;

temperature regulating means for regulating the temperature of said air supply line wherein said temperature regulating means comprises a heating element positioned proximate to and extending longitudinally adjacent to said air supply line;

whereby condensation caused by said refrigerated atmosphere is substantially prevented from forming in said air supply line; and

whereby said pump, said pressure regulator, said first and second solenoids, and said programmable logic controller are located outside said refrigerated atmosphere.

2. The system according to claim 1 wherein said pump is pneumatically-activated.

3. The system according to claim 1 wherein said sensor is a photoelectric sensor.

4. A system for lubricating a target located within a refrigerated atmosphere, said system comprising:

a lubricant source;

a pressurized air source;

a pump in communication with said lubricant source;

a valve in communication with said pressurized air source;

a spray nozzle, said spray nozzle connected to said pump by a lubricant supply line, said spray nozzle connected to said valve by an air supply line;

a programmable logic controller having a signal output, said signal output connected to said pump and said valve whereby said pump and valve are actuated at a predetermined time for a predetermined duration upon receipt of said signal output;

temperature regulating means for regulating the temperature of said air supply line wherein said temperature regulating means comprises a heating element positioned proximate to and extending longitudinally adjacent to said air supply line;

whereby condensation caused by said refrigerated atmosphere is substantially prevented from forming in said air supply line; and

whereby said pump, said valve, and said programmable logic controller are located outside said refrigerated atmosphere.

5. The system according to claim 4 further including a sensor for sensing the target to be lubricated, said sensor being connected to said programmable logic controller.

6. The system according to claim 5 wherein said sensor is a photoelectric sensor.

7. The system according to claim 4 wherein said pump is a pneumatically-activated pump.

8. A method for lubricating a target in a refrigerated environment, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a lubricant;

providing means for pumping said lubricant;

providing a source of pressurized air;

providing a means for regulating said air pressure;

providing a valve for dispensing said pressurized air in short bursts;

providing a sensor;

providing a first passageway for carrying said lubricant between said means for pumping said lubricant and said target;

providing a second passageway for carrying said pressurized air between said source of pressurized air and said target;

providing a programmable logic control means for receiving an input signal from said sensor, and sending a control signal to said means for pumping said lubricant and said valve for dispensing said pressurized air in short bursts;

providing means for regulating the temperature of said pressurized air within said second passageway, said means for regulating the temperature of said pressurized air comprising a heating element positioned proximate to and extending longitudinally adjacent to said second passageway whereby condensation caused by said refrigerated environment is substantially prevented from forming in said second passageway;

said means for regulating the temperature of said pressurized air also providing means for regulating the temperature of said lubricant within said first passageway whereby said lubricant is maintained at a predetermined viscosity for application; and

wherein said means for regulating air pressure, said valve for dispensing said pressurized air in short bursts, and said programmable logic control means are located outside said refrigerated atmosphere.