Lubrication management system
US5327997A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 22, 1993 |
| Grant date | Jul 12, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 22, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25B2700/03
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A lubrication management system controls the lubricant quantity in multiple refrigeration compressor lubricant sumps. A buoyant member is placed in the lubricant, where a float portion and a magnetically conductive portion rise or fall together. The sensor further includes a displacement transducer producing a variable electrical signal through a resonant frequency shift. The displacement transducer, in proximity with the magnetically conductive portion of the buoyant member, transforms motion of the magnetically conductive portion to changes in resonant frequency shift in proportion to the position of the magnetically conductive element relative the displacement transducer. The system also includes circuitry for receiving the signal and comparing the signal to an adjustable set point, from which the circuitry determines whether an output for signalling a need for additional lubricant is necessary. A solenoid valve may be opened in response to the circuitry output to feed lubricant to the sump from a remote reservoir.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.