Lubrication of machines using heat activated polymers

US10883659B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army · US

Inventors

• Kelsen E. LaBerge · Berea, US
• Stephen Berkebile · Havre de Grace, US
• Gary D. Roberts · Riverton, US
• Robert Handschuh · Burgkirchen an der Alz, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 19, 2017
• Grant date: Jan 5, 2021
• Expiry date: Feb 18, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16N2270/50
• WIPO field: Basic materials chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A lubricating system includes a machine configured to operate in a first operating state and a second operating state; and a heat activated polymer material applied to at least a part of the machine and to remain solid during the first operating state and to soften upon being heated in the second operating state to lubricate the machine. The heat activated polymer material may soften due to increased friction incurred by the machine in the second operating state. A heating element may be operatively connected to any of the machine and the heat activated polymer material. The heat activated polymer material may soften due to being heated by the heating element in the second operating state. An injector may apply the heat activated polymer material to the machine. A channel may direct a flow of the heat activated polymer material as it softens in the second operating state.