Method and apparatus for detecting an initial lubrication of a moving component

An apparatus for detecting an initial lubrication of a moving component, comprising:

• an ultrasonic sensor that detects an ultrasonic output signal from the moving component;
• a lubrication dispenser for providing lubrication to the moving component upon initiation of a lubrication operation;
• and
• a processor communicatively coupled to the ultrasonic sensor and comprising a storage, the storage having stored therein instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to:
• receive, from the ultrasonic sensor, the ultrasonic output signal detected from the moving component;
• identify the initiation of the lubrication operation;
• after identifying the initiation of the lubrication operation, monitor the ultrasonic output signal received from the ultrasonic sensor to detect a momentary increase in an amplitude of the ultrasonic output signal above a level that indicates a need for lubrication, and which is indicative of an initial interaction between lubricant and the moving component;
• and
• upon detecting the momentary increase in amplitude, track progress of the lubrication operation by detecting a sustained decrease in the amplitude for the ultrasonic output signal received from the ultrasonic sensor and causing said lubrication dispenser to continue the lubrication operation for a period thereafter,
• wherein the momentary increase in the amplitude is at least a 3 dB (decibel) increase in the ultrasonic output signal within 2 seconds.