Lubrication – Systems
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-25
2001-09-11
Bucci, David A. (Department: 3682)
Lubrication
Systems
C222S262000, C251S355000, C184S007400
Reexamination Certificate
active
06286627
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates in general to fluid dispensing apparatus, and more particularly to lubricant dispensing apparatus for delivering a charge of lubricant to a point of lubrication, e.g. by spraying the lubricant on an item to be lubricated.
The invention has been developed primarily though not exclusively as a means for efficiently and reliably carrying out in the field the lubrication of threaded connections of drill tubes used in drilling long blast holes in oil and gas exploration operations, lubrication of the connections facilitating the end-to-end assembly of the drill tubes. Heretofore, lubrication of such connections has generally been carried out either manually or (frequently inadequately) with air-operated pumps. Manual lubrication requires the drilling operator to lose productive time by having to get out of his cab to apply the lubricant to the threaded connection by hand. Application by use of air-operated pumps to spray the lubricant on the threaded connections is generally ineffective to provide a good quality spray at temperatures ranging from +160° F. (+71° C. ) to −20° F. (−29° C. ); at low temperatures air-operated pumps may even become inoperable. The invention has also taken into account the problem that certain zinc or copper-based greases specially formulated for lubricating drill tube connections are very difficult to pump and spray.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, among the several objects of the invention may be noted the provision of lubricant dispensing apparatus particularly for reliably and efficiently spraying lubricant on the threaded connections of drill tubes or open gears, even at low temperatures in the field, and enabling use of the aforesaid specially formulated lubricants; the provision of such apparatus which is readily adjustable to dispense or spray charges of lubricant of different selected volumes (ranging, for example, from 0.5 cubic inch to 2.00 cubic inches); and the provision of such apparatus which obtains power for a spraying operation solely from pressure of lubricant supplied thereto.
While the invention as it has been developed has been embodied in apparatus for spraying a charge of lubricant on a blast drill tube threaded connection, it is to be understood that the principles of the invention are also applicable to dispensing apparatus for fluids other than lubricants, for example sealants and adhesives, and to dispensing apparatus useful in packaging operations for dispensing measured or metered charges of fluid to packages. The term “fluid” as used herein is intended to cover principally any non-gaseous fluid, including viscous fluids such as greases.
In general, fluid dispensing apparatus of this invention fundamentally comprises a dispenser for ejecting a predetermined volume of fluid. The dispenser is adapted for connection in a system for supplying fluid under pressure to the dispenser for charging it with fluid to be dispensed. A system for delivery of said predetermined volume of fluid ejected by the dispenser includes a discharge valve which is adapted to be closed for the charging of the dispenser and opened for ejecting said volume. An energy accumulator for accumulating energy for actuating the dispenser to eject said volume of fluid is accumulative of said dispenser-actuable energy in response to the supplying of fluid under pressure to said dispenser for charging it. In one embodiment, the dispensing apparatus is a lubricant dispensing apparatus, the dispenser is an expansible chamber device, specifically a cylinder and piston device, and the accumulator is a pressurized gas device.
Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.
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Grach Ayzik
Holland Christopher D.
Bucci David A.
Kim Chong H.
Lincoln Industrial Corporation
Senniger Powers Leavitt & Roedel
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