Apparatus and method for controlled release of lubricant additives in bearing and gear assemblies
US8727627B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 13, 2010 |
| Grant date | May 20, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 1, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/19991
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A structure (200) for containing a volume of lubricant additive gel (10) which is disposed within a mechanical system, in close proximity to a wear critical surface, and which is configured to provide a release of the contained additives into a flow of lubricant over time or as a function of temperature in a site-specific manner to minimize wear or reduce oil oxidation due to harsh operating conditions. The structure defines a cage or capsule with screen or mesh sides (202) having multiple perforations or openings through which the flow of lubricant may circulate. Within the contained volume of the structure (200), additives are disposed in a gel matrix (10), and are release over time or as a function of temperature, through the perorations or openings, in close operative proximity to wear critical surfaces of the mechanical system such as a bearing assembly or gear arrangement.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.