Drive shaft "U" joint lubricator
OwnerRoy B. Smithinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An annular lubrication reservoir is mounted on the periphery of a rotatable shaft, the reservoir defining a fluid tight annular enclosure having one or more apertures through its surface. Conduit means are connected to the apertures for conducting lubrication from the reservoir to a bearing surface. Valve means are mounted adjacent the aperture to limit the lubricant flow to one direction, out of the reservoir toward the bearing surface. A piston pump is mounted in association with the apertures whereby on rotation of the shaft the piston is driven radially outward to force lubricant out of the reservoir through the valve and into the conduit.
Claims10
In the combination of a shaft rotatable about an axis and automatic lubrication apparatus for lubricating parts rotating with the shaft,
- the lubrication apparatus including a reservoir adapted to store a lubricant,
- said reservoir being defined by means forming a fluid tight rigid annular enclosure of constant volume removably rigidly mounted coaxially with and on the periphery of said shaft,
- at least one aperture through the surface of the annular enclosure,
- conduit means connected between said aperture and a bearing surface for conducting lubricant from said reservoir to said bearing surface, said bearing surface and conduit being connected to rotate with said shaft,
- valve means mounted adjacent said aperture for allowing lubricant to flow only out of the reservoir into the conduit,
- means forming a chamber adjacent said aperture,
- said valve means being disposed near the radially outer end of said chamber means,
- a piston mounted to reciprocate within said chamber means and biased radially inwardly,
- opening means into the chamber means from the reservoir, said opening means being radially outward of said piston where said piston is biased to its radially innermost position,
- a mass mounted to move with the said piston to drive said piston radially outward upon rotation of said shaft.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.