Method and apparatus for observing, indicating and maintaining fluid level

Apparatus connected to a bearing housing by means of an access pipe, for allowing observation of the lubricating oil in the bearing housing, ascertainment of the level of lubricating oil in the bearing housing, and maintenance of at least a desired oil level in the bearing housing, comprising:

• a tubular housing having a partition therein, defining an upper chamber and a lower chamber;
• an opening in said partition to allow fluid communication between said upper chamber and said lower chamber;
• a tube connected to said opening, and extending a distance into said lower chamber;
• an aperture through the housing in said lower chamber, to allow ambient pressure to be established when desired in said chamber;
• fluid communication means between said lower chamber and said access pipe;
• a plunger in said upper chamber, for forcing fluid from said chamber through said tube into said lower chamber, and thence through said fluid communication means into said access pipe, to flush said pipe, and then upon withdrawal for bringing fluid from said access pipe into said lower chamber and then into said upper chamber for observation, wherein at least a portion of each said upper chamber and said lower chamber includes view means so that an observer may view the fluid in said chambers.

A method for controlling and observing the lubricating oil in a bearing housing, comprising:

• attaching to said bearing housing through an access pipe, means comprising a housing having a partition therein defining an upper chamber and a lower chamber, said upper chamber having a plunger therein, and said lower chamber having a first opening to the atmosphere and a second opening to said access pipe therein, and said partition having an opening therein so that fluid communication may be established between said upper and lower chambers;
• observing the lubricating oil in said upper chamber to establish its initial condition;
• covering said first opening in said lower chamber;
• depressing said plunger to a point proximate said partition, to force lubricating oil from said first chamber into said second chamber and thence into said access pipe to flush said pipe;
• thence withdrawing said plunger to bring lubricating oil from said bearing housing into said upper chamber, and observing said oil therein to compare the condition of said oil with the initial condition;
• uncovering said first opening to establish atmospheric pressure in said second chamber;
• and
• observing the fluid level in said second chamber.