Gas-expanded lubricants for increased energy efficiency and related method and system
US9873852B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 15, 2010 |
| Grant date | Jan 23, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 15, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16C17/03
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Method and System of lubricating at least one moving part with a medium. The medium includes a dissolved mixture of lubricant and compressed gas. The amount of lubricant and compressed gas may be controlled in forming the dissolved mixture in response to input conditions. A user and/or external factors may be used to determine the input conditions. In response to the input conditions the amount of lubricant and compressed gas is delivered to the moving part that is housed in a pressurized chamber. The properties of the dissolved mixture can be adjusted, whereby the properties may include, but are not limited to, the following: viscosity, temperature, and thermal conductivity. This adjustment to the gas may be accomplished, for example, by releasing gas from the pressurized chamber in an amount to adjust the properties. In a further approach, lubricant may be scavenged from the pressurized chamber by returning surplus lubricant to its original source or other designated location.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.