Keith W Cravillion

US Patent:

7140468, Nov 28, 2006

Filed:

Aug 27, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/649063

Inventors:

Brad Rake - Hubertus WI, US
Keith Cravillion - Brookfield WI, US
Mark Moertl - Grafton WI, US

Assignee:

Trico Mfg. Corp. - Pewaukee WI

International Classification:

F01M 11/08

US Classification:

184 623, 184 624, 184 64

Abstract:

A plurality of sensors are utilized to record operating conditions of the machine, element, environment, and lubricant. The apparatus is controlled either manually or with the aid of a controller unit such as a microprocessor. A stand-alone humidity sensor mechanism is disclosed, in which signal process circuitry is electrically coupled to a humidity sensor, designed to be attached to the mechanism to be monitored so that it is juxtaposed in the atmosphere above the lubricant material that is being monitored.

US Patent:

7017712, Mar 28, 2006

Filed:

Dec 8, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/457026

Inventors:

Brad Rake - Hubertus WI, US
Keith Cravillion - Brookfield WI, US
Mark Moertl - Grafton WI, US

Assignee:

Trico Mfg. Corp. - Pewaukee WI

International Classification:

F01M 9/00
F01M 1/18
G01N 19/02

US Classification:

184 64, 184 61, 184108, 73 10

Abstract:

A volumetric lubricant dispensing apparatus for delivering a precise volume of lubricant, such as oil, to a rotating machine element. The delivery mechanism includes a piston and cylinder assembly. A plurality of sensors are utilized to record operating conditions of the machine, element, environment, and lubricant. The apparatus is controlled either manually or with the aid of a controller unit such as a microprocessor. The output from each sensor is inputted into the microprocessor wherein an algorithm computes an responsive output. The responsive output is sent to the piston and cylinder assembly, which maintains an optimum lubricant condition within the reservoir wherein a rotating machine element located. Alternatively, for the purpose of qualitative control, the present invention may be described as a system intended for controlling lubricants, both mineral (natural) and synthetic based by measuring the condition characteristics of the lubricant. Some condition characteristics may include water or moisture content (the content could be any liquid, e. g.