Method and apparatus for lubricating bearings

An apparatus for periodically lubricating a bearing or the like and comprising,

• means defining a passageway having a discharge end located adjacent the bearing,
• means for directing a relatively low pressure airstream having oil mist droplets entrained therein through the passageway,
• means positioned within the passageway adjacent the discharge end thereof for accumulating a quantity of the entrained oil from the moving airstream, and
• means for selectively terminating said means for directing a low pressure airstream through the passageway and for directing an airstream under a relatively high pressure through the passageway and through said oil accumulating means positioned therein to thereby propel the accumulated oil outwardly from the discharge end of the passageway at a relatively high speed.

In combination with a textile yarn processing machine having a series of rotary bearings positioned along the length thereof, a lubricating apparatus for supplying oil to each of the rotary bearings, and comprising

• a duct, and a plurality of branch lines extending respectively from said duct to each bearing, and with each branch line having a discharge end located adjacent its respective bearing,
• means for directing an airstream having oil mist droplets entrained therein through said duct and through each of said branch lines under a relatively low pressure,
• means positioned adjacent the discharge end of each branch line for accumulating a quantity of the entrained oil from the moving airstream, and
• means for selectively terminating said means for directing a low pressure airstream through said duct and for directing an oil-free airstream under a relatively high pressure through said duct and through each branch line to thereby propel the accumulated oil from each of the oil accumulating means outwardly at a relatively high speed from the discharge end of the associated branch line.