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AssigneeUnist, Inc.
InventorsCharles W. Boelkins, Michael T. Veurink, Timothy J. Bangma, Timothy L. Walker
Estimating the term…
A minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) system includes a controller, a lubricant module coupled to a tool spindle of a machining apparatus, and a pneumatic module coupled to the spindle. The lubricant module is configured to supply lubricant at pressure to the tool, as controlled by the controller. Likewise, the pneumatic module is configured to supply pressurized air to the tool, as controlled by the controller. The controller is configured to direct the lubricant module to supply lubricant prior to the controller receiving a START signal from a machine tool controller. Optionally, the lubricant pressure level is predetermined based on known characteristics of the tool that is coupled to the spindle. Optionally, the START signal is anticipated by referring to a signature/profile of the operational steps of a machining process where a timeline or time table of lubrication request intervals are identified.
A minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) system comprising:
A method for reducing a response time of a minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) system for use with a computer numerical control (CNC) machine comprising a tool coupled to and in fluid communication with a spindle, the MQL system including a lubricant module in fluid communication with the spindle, a pneumatic module in fluid communication with the spindle, and a controller for controlling the operation of the lubricant module and the pneumatic module, wherein the controller is microprocessor-based, and wherein the method comprises:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.