US20100224449A1 - Modular Lubrication Unit - Google Patents
Modular Lubrication Unit Download PDFInfo
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- US20100224449A1 US20100224449A1 US12/720,209 US72020910A US2010224449A1 US 20100224449 A1 US20100224449 A1 US 20100224449A1 US 72020910 A US72020910 A US 72020910A US 2010224449 A1 US2010224449 A1 US 2010224449A1
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- Prior art keywords
- tank
- pump assembly
- pump
- lubrication unit
- panel
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B61—RAILWAYS
- B61K—AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR RAILWAYS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B61K3/00—Wetting or lubricating rails or wheel flanges
Definitions
- the present invention relates to lubrication of railroad tracks and, more particularly, to a modular lubrication unit for supplying lubricant, such as grease, to railroad rails.
- lubricant or friction modifier materials onto railroad rails, such as to the top of the rails or sides of the rails at curves, turnouts, switches, and in some cases, the section of a track immediately before a switch, and periodically spaced along the length of the track.
- Such lubricants and friction modifier materials can either reduce or increase the friction where necessary to improve train performance and reduce wear on both the rails and the train wheels.
- Lubricant is typically pumped from a nearby central pump station to a rail applicator device for applying lubricant to the railroad rails.
- rail applicator devices are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,394,958, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
- the pump station which is typically housed in a small enclosure, generally includes a tank and at least one pump that draws lubricant from the tank.
- the pump is typically mounted to a wall of the enclosure, wherein access to the pump for maintenance purposes is easily attainable.
- lubricant may be needed at different locations along the railroad track that was not contemplated during the design stage of the railroad. Because the prior art pump stations are integrated as one complete unit, a new pump station along with an enclosure would have to be provided. If more lubricant is required at another location of a railroad track or even at the same location, a second complete lubrication unit may have to be installed. Either another small enclosure would have to be installed, or an additional lubrication pump would have to be positioned within the limited space of the one enclosure.
- a modular lubrication unit for a rail lubrication distribution system includes a tank, a pump assembly, and a controller.
- the pump assembly is in fluid communication with the tank and the controller is in communication with the pump assembly for controlling the pump assembly.
- the controller is enclosed within a panel and the tank is self-contained and movable relative to the panel.
- the pump assembly may be attached to the tank via a connector.
- the pump assembly may include a pump and a motor with the pump assembly being positioned within an enclosure.
- the pump assembly may be attached to a side of the tank and the panel may be spaced from the tank.
- the panel may also be positioned on a pair of spaced apart legs with a bottom of the tank defining a recess.
- the tank may be positioned on a support and the support and the bottom of the tank defining a recess.
- the pump assembly may be positioned within an enclosure with the enclosure being attached to the bottom of the tank within the recess.
- the enclosure may be supported via bracket.
- a modular lubrication unit for a rail lubrication distribution system includes first and second tanks, first and second pump assemblies, and a controller.
- the first tank is spaced from the second tank and the first pump assembly is in fluid communication with the first tank and the second pump assembly is in fluid communication with the second tank.
- the controller is in communication with the first and second pump assemblies for controlling the first and second pump assemblies.
- the controller is enclosed within a panel, where the first and second tanks are self-contained and movable relative to the panel.
- the first pump assembly may be attached to the first tank via a connection and the second pump assembly may be connected to the second tank via a connector.
- Each pump assembly may include a pump and a motor with each pump assembly being positioned within an enclosure.
- the first pump assembly may be attached to a side of the first tank and the second pump assembly may be attached to a side of the second tank.
- the panel may be positioned between the first and second pump assemblies, where the first and second pump assemblies are supported by first and second brackets.
- the panel may be positioned on a pair of spaced apart legs.
- a method in another embodiment, includes: providing a tank, a pump assembly, and a controller; positioning a pump and a motor within an enclosure to define the pump assembly; connecting the pump assembly to the tank such that the pump assembly is in fluid communication with the tank; positioning the controller within a panel; positioning the panel at a location that is adjacent to and spaced from the tank; and actuating the pump assembly via the controller to supply lubricant from the tank to a rail lubrication distribution system.
- the method may further include removing the pump assembly and replacing the pump assembly with a different pump assembly and removing the tank by moving the tank relative to the panel and replacing the tank with a different tank.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a modular lubrication unit according to one embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a top view of the modular lubrication unit shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a side view of the modular lubrication unit shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 is a front view of the modular lubrication unit shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the modular lubrication unit shown in FIG. 1 , showing a door in the closed position;
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a pump assembly of the modular lubrication unit shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 7 is a side view of the pump assembly shown in FIG. 6 ;
- FIG. 8 is a front view of the pump assembly shown in FIG. 6 ;
- FIG. 9 is top view of the pump assembly shown in FIG. 6 ;
- FIG. 10 is a side view of the pump assembly shown in FIG. 6 , showing the interior of an enclosure;
- FIG. 11 is a front view of the pump assembly shown in FIG. 6 , showing the interior of an enclosure;
- FIG. 12 is top view of the pump assembly shown in FIG. 6 , showing the interior of an enclosure;
- FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a modular lubrication unit according to a further embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 14 is a side view of the modular lubrication unit shown in FIG. 13 ;
- FIG. 15 is a front view of the modular lubrication unit shown in FIG. 13 ;
- FIG. 16 is a top view of the modular lubrication unit shown in FIG. 13 ;
- FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a pump assembly of the modular lubrication unit shown in FIG. 13 ;
- FIG. 18 is a side view of the pump assembly shown in FIG. 17 ;
- FIG. 19 is a front view of the pump assembly shown in FIG. 17 ;
- FIG. 20 is a top view of the pump assembly shown in FIG. 17 ;
- FIG. 21 is a is a side view of the pump assembly shown in FIG. 17 , showing the interior of an enclosure;
- FIG. 22 is a front view of the pump assembly shown in FIG. 17 , showing the interior of an enclosure;
- FIG. 23 is a top view of the pump assembly shown in FIG. 17 , showing the interior of an enclosure;
- FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a modular lubrication unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 25 is a top view of the modular lubrication unit shown in FIG. 24 ;
- FIG. 26 is a front view of the modular lubrication unit shown in FIG. 24 ;
- FIG. 27 is a side view of the modular lubrication unit shown in FIG. 24 ;
- FIG. 28 is a side view of modular lubrication unit according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, showing the interior of an enclosure;
- FIG. 29 is a front view of the modular lubrication unit shown in FIG. 28 ;
- FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a modular lubrication unit according to a further embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 31 is a side view of the modular lubrication unit shown in FIG. 30 .
- a modular lubrication unit 10 for supplying pressurized lubricant, such as grease or friction modifying material.
- the modular lubrication unit 10 supplies lubricant to an applicator device (not shown) for application of the lubricant onto the railroad rails.
- the lubrication unit 10 includes a lubricant tank 12 , a pump assembly 14 attached to and in fluid communication with the tank 12 and a controller 16 in communication with the pump assembly 14 for supplying the lubricant to the railroad rails.
- the controller 16 is electronically connected to the pump assembly 14 via a cable 17 for controlling the pump assembly 14 .
- the tank 12 has spaced-apart legs 18 beneath a bottom 19 of the tank 12 defining a recess 20 therebetween, although the tank 12 may also have a flat bottom or other suitable bottom configurations.
- the recess 20 enables the tank 12 to be easily moved, such as via the forks of a forklift truck received within the recess 20 .
- the tank 12 may also be positioned on a support 22 , such as channel bars, having channels 24 (shown in FIGS. 13-16 ) for receiving the forks of a forklift truck within the channels 24 .
- the bottom 19 of the tank 12 and the support 22 also define a recess 26 .
- the tank 12 may also be a tote. Such tanks or totes may have various sizes and shapes.
- the tank 12 may also include a funnel-shaped insert (not shown) received therein for funneling lubricant toward a bottom outlet of the tank. Further, a tank enclosure (not shown) may also be used to house the tank.
- the tank 12 is self-contained and movable relative to the panel 42 , such that the tank 12 can be readily replaced with a different tank for containing a different type of lubricant, if required.
- the different tank may be a different shape or size than the tank 12 to hold a different volume of lubricant than the tank 12 .
- the tank 12 may be readily separated from the panel 42 and pump assembly 14 by, for example, removing a mechanical fastener arrangement that secures the tank 12 relative to the panel 42 and the pump assembly 14 .
- the pump assembly 14 may include a pump 30 and a motor 32 attached thereto.
- the pump assembly 14 is shown housed in an enclosure 34 having openings O therein for receiving inlet and outlet tubing or piping (not shown).
- the enclosure 34 may be attached to a holding bracket 38 with the holding bracket 38 supporting the enclosure 34 .
- the bracket 38 may also be attached directly to the tank 12 using any suitable fastening arrangement, such as mechanical fastening, for easy removal from the tank 12 .
- the pump assembly 14 is in fluid communication with the tank 12 via a connector 36 that attaches the pump assembly 14 to the tank.
- the present invention permits different pump assemblies 14 to be utilized with the tank 12 .
- the connector 36 is attached to a side 40 of the tank 12 , although the connector may be attached to other portions of tank or may be attached to the tank 12 through piping.
- the pump assembly 14 is protected from the environment via the enclosure 34 , which may provide protection against corrosion, moisture and other hazards that can damage or reduce the normal life cycle of the pump assembly 14 .
- the enclosure 34 can be made of a polymeric material or corrosion-resistant metal.
- the controller 16 is typically housed in an electrical box or panel 42 having an access door 44 therein for easy access to the controls by an operator.
- the access door 44 has an open position (shown in FIG. 1 ) and a closed position (shown in FIG. 5 ).
- the lubrication unit 10 may include timers, flow meters, level sensors, manifolds, flow dividers and microprocessors, and the like, for controlling the amount and frequency of lubricant supplied to the railroad rails via the controller 16 .
- the panel 42 is positioned adjacent to and spaced from the tank 12 , although the panel 42 may also be directly attached to the tank 12 .
- the panel 42 includes channels or legs L whereby the forks of a forklift truck can be inserted therein thus lifting and/or transporting the panel 42 .
- the present invention permits different controllers to be used with pump assemblies 14 and tanks 12 creating a modular design, where the present invention creates a true modular arrangement.
- lubricant from the tank 12 is pumped out of the tank 12 from a bottom side thereof via the pump assembly 14 thus supplying pressurized lubricant to a rail applicator device and onto railroad rails.
- An operator (not shown) can program the controller 16 via the access door 44 and control the flow rates and/or frequency of application.
- the controller 16 may be attached to the tank 12 or adjacent to and spaced from the tank 12 .
- the panel 42 and controller 16 are self-contained and may be readily separated from the tank 12 . When transporting the unit 10 , the un-attached panel 42 and controller 16 can be transported separately from the tank 12 .
- FIGS. 13-23 show a further embodiment of a modular lubrication unit 10 A that is similar the lubrication unit 10 .
- the lubrication unit 10 A also includes a lubrication tank 12 , a pump assembly 14 and controller 16 which is similar to lubrication unit 10 .
- the pump assembly 14 of lubrication unit 10 A is attached to the bottom 19 of the tank 12 .
- the pump assembly 14 is positioned within the enclosure 34 with the enclosure 34 being secured to the bottom 19 of the tank 12 .
- this type of arrangement will be used with highly viscous liquids such as grease.
- a holding bracket may be used to support the pump assembly 14 or to attach the pump assembly 14 to the bottom of the tank 12 .
- the support 22 such as channel bars, positioned beneath the bottom 19 of the tank 12 raises the tank 12 off of the ground level and defines the recess 26 such that the pump assembly 14 is also spaced away from the ground level and positioned within the recess 26 .
- Access to the pump assembly 14 for maintenance purposes may be accomplished by lifting the unit 10 A with the forks of a forklift truck.
- the tank 12 can also have a cone-shaped insert (not shown) for funneling lubricant to the bottom of the tank 12 into an inlet of the pump assembly 14 .
- FIGS. 24-27 show another embodiment of a modular lubrication unit 10 B that is similar to lubrication unit 10 A.
- Lubrication unit 10 B includes first and second tanks 12 with the tanks 12 being spaced from each other.
- First and second pump assemblies 14 are attached to the sides 40 of the respective tanks 12 with the first and second pump assemblies being in fluid communication with the respective tanks 12 .
- a controller 16 is in communication with the first and second pump assemblies 14 for controlling the first and second pump assemblies 14 .
- the controller 16 is enclosed within a panel 42 .
- the first and second tanks 12 are self-contained and movable relative to the panel 42 such that the tanks 12 can be readily replaced with different tanks for containing different types of lubricant if required.
- the first and second pump assemblies 14 may be supported by brackets 38 .
- the panel 42 and controller 16 are positioned between the first and second pump assemblies 14 and are positioned on spaced-apart legs L.
- the controller 16 controls the first and second pump assemblies 14 , although the controller may control one or more pump assemblies for distribution of lubricant from one or more tanks.
- one of the tanks 12 may contain a first lubricant and the other tank 12 may include a second lubricant.
- the first lubricant may be a summer-formulated lubricant and the second lubricant may be a winter-formulated lubricant.
- the controller 16 may be in communication with various temperature sensors (not shown) to determine the temperature conditions. During colder weather, the controller 16 may actuate the pump assembly 14 connected to the tank 12 that contains the winter-formulated lubricant for distribution to the rail lubrication equipment. During warmer weather, the controller 16 may actuate the pump assembly 14 connected to the tank that contains the summer-formulated lubricant for distribution to the rail lubrication equipment.
- the pump assemblies 14 may be similar, but can be operated differently based on the lubricant the pump assemblies 14 are pumping. For instance, the pump assemblies 14 may have different pumping intervals and cycles depending on the type of lubricant being pumped. Accordingly, the controller 16 can selectively distribute a suitable lubricant from the plurality of tanks 12 based on the particular temperature conditions.
- FIGS. 28 and 29 show yet another embodiment of a modular lubrication unit 10 C that is similar to the lubrication units 10 , 10 A, and 10 B. Like reference numerals are used for like parts.
- Lubrication unit 10 C includes a tank 12 , which is shown as a tote, a pump assembly 14 , and a controller 16 .
- the controller 16 and the pump assembly 14 are positioned within a panel 42 rather than providing a separate enclosure for the pump assembly 14 .
- the pump assembly 14 is connected to and in fluid communication with the tank via piping 48 .
- the controller 16 is connected to the pump assembly 14 to allow the controller 16 to control the operation of the pump assembly 14 .
- FIGS. 30 and 31 show a further embodiment of a modular lubrication unit 10 D that is similar to the lubrication units 10 , 10 A, 10 B, and 10 C.
- Lubrication unit 10 C includes a tank 12 , a pair of pump assemblies 14 , and a controller 16 .
- the controller 16 is positioned within a panel 42 as discussed above in connection with lubrication units 10 , 10 A, 10 B, and 10 C.
- the panel 42 is secured to the upper portion of the tank 12 to define a space 50 beneath the panel 42 .
- the controller 16 is connected to the pump assemblies 14 to allow the controller 16 to control the operation of the pump assemblies 14 .
- Each of the pump assemblies 14 are positioned within separate enclosures 34 with the pump assemblies 14 being connected to and in fluid communication with the tank 12 via a connector 36 .
- the connector 36 of the lubrication unit 10 D is a T-shaped piping assembly that is secured to a single outlet O of the tank 12 with each pump assembly 14 being separately connected to the connector 36 .
- the single tank 12 of the lubrication unit 10 D may feed multiple tracks of lubrication equipment with one of the pump assemblies 14 supplying lubricant to a first set of lubrication equipment and the other pump assembly 14 supplying lubricant to a second set of lubrication equipment.
- the modular lubrication units 10 , 10 A, 10 B, 10 C may be powered via a DC solar power arrangement, through connection via cabling to an AC or DC power source, or through any other suitable power source options.
- a method in a further embodiment, includes providing a tank, a pump assembly, and a controller; positioning a pump 30 and a motor 32 within an enclosure 34 to define the pump assembly 14 ; connecting the pump assembly 14 to the tank 12 such that the pump assembly 14 is in fluid communication with the tank 12 ; and positioning the controller 16 within a panel 42 .
- the method also may include positioning the panel 42 at location adjacent to and spaced from the tank 12 and actuating the pump assembly 14 via the controller 16 to supply lubricant from the tank 12 to a rail lubrication distribution system.
- the method may also include removing the pump assembly 14 and replacing the pump assembly with a different pump assembly 14 and removing the tank 12 by moving the tank 12 relative to the panel 42 and replacing the tank with a different tank 12 .
- the pump assembly 14 and tank 12 may be readily removed and replaced with different pump assemblies or tank to accommodate various types of lubricants.
- the advantage of having self-contained tanks with pump assemblies mounted thereto is that the tank and/or pump assembly can be switched out for another self-contained tank and pump assembly having different grade lubricants therein.
- a modular design is provided that allows a lubrication system to be customized based upon the customer's needs.
- the present invention provides a modular arrangement with a tank 12 , pump assembly 14 , and controller 16 creating a modular lubrication unit, where the controller 16 , pump assembly 14 , and tank 12 can be formed from different size tanks, size pumps, and controllers depending on the requirements at the point of application.
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Abstract
A modular lubrication unit for a rail lubrication distribution system includes a tank, a pump assembly, and a controller. The pump assembly is in fluid communication with the tank and the controller is in communication with the pump assembly for controlling the pump assembly. The controller is enclosed within a panel and the tank is self-contained and movable relative to the panel.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/158,418, filed Mar. 9, 2009, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to lubrication of railroad tracks and, more particularly, to a modular lubrication unit for supplying lubricant, such as grease, to railroad rails.
- 2. Description of Related Art
- In the operation of railroads, it has long been the practice to apply lubricant or friction modifier materials onto railroad rails, such as to the top of the rails or sides of the rails at curves, turnouts, switches, and in some cases, the section of a track immediately before a switch, and periodically spaced along the length of the track. Such lubricants and friction modifier materials, such as grease, can either reduce or increase the friction where necessary to improve train performance and reduce wear on both the rails and the train wheels. Lubricant is typically pumped from a nearby central pump station to a rail applicator device for applying lubricant to the railroad rails. Such rail applicator devices are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,394,958, which is hereby incorporated by reference. The pump station, which is typically housed in a small enclosure, generally includes a tank and at least one pump that draws lubricant from the tank. The pump is typically mounted to a wall of the enclosure, wherein access to the pump for maintenance purposes is easily attainable.
- In the railroad industry, railroads typically have different priorities and solutions to their specific problems. Oftentimes lubricant may be needed at different locations along the railroad track that was not contemplated during the design stage of the railroad. Because the prior art pump stations are integrated as one complete unit, a new pump station along with an enclosure would have to be provided. If more lubricant is required at another location of a railroad track or even at the same location, a second complete lubrication unit may have to be installed. Either another small enclosure would have to be installed, or an additional lubrication pump would have to be positioned within the limited space of the one enclosure.
- In one embodiment, a modular lubrication unit for a rail lubrication distribution system includes a tank, a pump assembly, and a controller. The pump assembly is in fluid communication with the tank and the controller is in communication with the pump assembly for controlling the pump assembly. The controller is enclosed within a panel and the tank is self-contained and movable relative to the panel.
- The pump assembly may be attached to the tank via a connector. The pump assembly may include a pump and a motor with the pump assembly being positioned within an enclosure. The pump assembly may be attached to a side of the tank and the panel may be spaced from the tank. The panel may also be positioned on a pair of spaced apart legs with a bottom of the tank defining a recess. The tank may be positioned on a support and the support and the bottom of the tank defining a recess. The pump assembly may be positioned within an enclosure with the enclosure being attached to the bottom of the tank within the recess. The enclosure may be supported via bracket.
- In a further embodiment, a modular lubrication unit for a rail lubrication distribution system includes first and second tanks, first and second pump assemblies, and a controller. The first tank is spaced from the second tank and the first pump assembly is in fluid communication with the first tank and the second pump assembly is in fluid communication with the second tank. The controller is in communication with the first and second pump assemblies for controlling the first and second pump assemblies. The controller is enclosed within a panel, where the first and second tanks are self-contained and movable relative to the panel.
- The first pump assembly may be attached to the first tank via a connection and the second pump assembly may be connected to the second tank via a connector. Each pump assembly may include a pump and a motor with each pump assembly being positioned within an enclosure. The first pump assembly may be attached to a side of the first tank and the second pump assembly may be attached to a side of the second tank. The panel may be positioned between the first and second pump assemblies, where the first and second pump assemblies are supported by first and second brackets. The panel may be positioned on a pair of spaced apart legs.
- In another embodiment, a method includes: providing a tank, a pump assembly, and a controller; positioning a pump and a motor within an enclosure to define the pump assembly; connecting the pump assembly to the tank such that the pump assembly is in fluid communication with the tank; positioning the controller within a panel; positioning the panel at a location that is adjacent to and spaced from the tank; and actuating the pump assembly via the controller to supply lubricant from the tank to a rail lubrication distribution system. The method may further include removing the pump assembly and replacing the pump assembly with a different pump assembly and removing the tank by moving the tank relative to the panel and replacing the tank with a different tank.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a modular lubrication unit according to one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a top view of the modular lubrication unit shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a side view of the modular lubrication unit shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is a front view of the modular lubrication unit shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the modular lubrication unit shown inFIG. 1 , showing a door in the closed position; -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a pump assembly of the modular lubrication unit shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 7 is a side view of the pump assembly shown inFIG. 6 ; -
FIG. 8 is a front view of the pump assembly shown inFIG. 6 ; -
FIG. 9 is top view of the pump assembly shown inFIG. 6 ; -
FIG. 10 is a side view of the pump assembly shown inFIG. 6 , showing the interior of an enclosure; -
FIG. 11 is a front view of the pump assembly shown inFIG. 6 , showing the interior of an enclosure; -
FIG. 12 is top view of the pump assembly shown inFIG. 6 , showing the interior of an enclosure; -
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a modular lubrication unit according to a further embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 14 is a side view of the modular lubrication unit shown inFIG. 13 ; -
FIG. 15 is a front view of the modular lubrication unit shown inFIG. 13 ; -
FIG. 16 is a top view of the modular lubrication unit shown inFIG. 13 ; -
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a pump assembly of the modular lubrication unit shown inFIG. 13 ; -
FIG. 18 is a side view of the pump assembly shown inFIG. 17 ; -
FIG. 19 is a front view of the pump assembly shown inFIG. 17 ; -
FIG. 20 is a top view of the pump assembly shown inFIG. 17 ; -
FIG. 21 is a is a side view of the pump assembly shown inFIG. 17 , showing the interior of an enclosure; -
FIG. 22 is a front view of the pump assembly shown inFIG. 17 , showing the interior of an enclosure; -
FIG. 23 is a top view of the pump assembly shown inFIG. 17 , showing the interior of an enclosure; -
FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a modular lubrication unit according to another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 25 is a top view of the modular lubrication unit shown inFIG. 24 ; -
FIG. 26 is a front view of the modular lubrication unit shown inFIG. 24 ; -
FIG. 27 is a side view of the modular lubrication unit shown inFIG. 24 ; -
FIG. 28 is a side view of modular lubrication unit according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, showing the interior of an enclosure; -
FIG. 29 is a front view of the modular lubrication unit shown inFIG. 28 ; -
FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a modular lubrication unit according to a further embodiment of the present invention; and -
FIG. 31 is a side view of the modular lubrication unit shown inFIG. 30 . - For purposes of the description hereinafter, spatial orientation terms, if used, shall relate to the referenced embodiment as it is oriented in the accompanying drawing figures or otherwise described in the following detailed description. However, it is to be understood that the embodiments described hereinafter may assume many alternative variations and embodiments. It is also to be understood that the specific devices illustrated in the accompanying drawing figures and described herein are simply exemplary and should not be considered as limiting.
- Referring to
FIGS. 1-12 , one embodiment of amodular lubrication unit 10 for supplying pressurized lubricant, such as grease or friction modifying material, is provided. Themodular lubrication unit 10 supplies lubricant to an applicator device (not shown) for application of the lubricant onto the railroad rails. Thelubrication unit 10 includes alubricant tank 12, apump assembly 14 attached to and in fluid communication with thetank 12 and acontroller 16 in communication with thepump assembly 14 for supplying the lubricant to the railroad rails. Thecontroller 16 is electronically connected to thepump assembly 14 via acable 17 for controlling thepump assembly 14. Thetank 12 has spaced-apart legs 18 beneath a bottom 19 of thetank 12 defining arecess 20 therebetween, although thetank 12 may also have a flat bottom or other suitable bottom configurations. Therecess 20 enables thetank 12 to be easily moved, such as via the forks of a forklift truck received within therecess 20. Thetank 12 may also be positioned on asupport 22, such as channel bars, having channels 24 (shown inFIGS. 13-16 ) for receiving the forks of a forklift truck within thechannels 24. The bottom 19 of thetank 12 and thesupport 22 also define arecess 26. Thetank 12 may also be a tote. Such tanks or totes may have various sizes and shapes. Thetank 12 may also include a funnel-shaped insert (not shown) received therein for funneling lubricant toward a bottom outlet of the tank. Further, a tank enclosure (not shown) may also be used to house the tank. Thetank 12 is self-contained and movable relative to thepanel 42, such that thetank 12 can be readily replaced with a different tank for containing a different type of lubricant, if required. The different tank may be a different shape or size than thetank 12 to hold a different volume of lubricant than thetank 12. Thetank 12 may be readily separated from thepanel 42 and pumpassembly 14 by, for example, removing a mechanical fastener arrangement that secures thetank 12 relative to thepanel 42 and thepump assembly 14. - Referring to
FIGS. 6-12 , thepump assembly 14 may include apump 30 and amotor 32 attached thereto. Thepump assembly 14 is shown housed in anenclosure 34 having openings O therein for receiving inlet and outlet tubing or piping (not shown). Theenclosure 34 may be attached to a holdingbracket 38 with the holdingbracket 38 supporting theenclosure 34. Thebracket 38 may also be attached directly to thetank 12 using any suitable fastening arrangement, such as mechanical fastening, for easy removal from thetank 12. Thepump assembly 14 is in fluid communication with thetank 12 via aconnector 36 that attaches thepump assembly 14 to the tank. The present invention permitsdifferent pump assemblies 14 to be utilized with thetank 12. Theconnector 36 is attached to aside 40 of thetank 12, although the connector may be attached to other portions of tank or may be attached to thetank 12 through piping. Thepump assembly 14 is protected from the environment via theenclosure 34, which may provide protection against corrosion, moisture and other hazards that can damage or reduce the normal life cycle of thepump assembly 14. For example, theenclosure 34 can be made of a polymeric material or corrosion-resistant metal. - Referring to
FIGS. 1-5 , thecontroller 16 is typically housed in an electrical box orpanel 42 having anaccess door 44 therein for easy access to the controls by an operator. Theaccess door 44 has an open position (shown inFIG. 1 ) and a closed position (shown inFIG. 5 ). Thelubrication unit 10 may include timers, flow meters, level sensors, manifolds, flow dividers and microprocessors, and the like, for controlling the amount and frequency of lubricant supplied to the railroad rails via thecontroller 16. Thepanel 42 is positioned adjacent to and spaced from thetank 12, although thepanel 42 may also be directly attached to thetank 12. Thepanel 42 includes channels or legs L whereby the forks of a forklift truck can be inserted therein thus lifting and/or transporting thepanel 42. The present invention permits different controllers to be used withpump assemblies 14 andtanks 12 creating a modular design, where the present invention creates a true modular arrangement. - In operation, lubricant from the
tank 12 is pumped out of thetank 12 from a bottom side thereof via thepump assembly 14 thus supplying pressurized lubricant to a rail applicator device and onto railroad rails. An operator (not shown) can program thecontroller 16 via theaccess door 44 and control the flow rates and/or frequency of application. Thecontroller 16 may be attached to thetank 12 or adjacent to and spaced from thetank 12. Thepanel 42 andcontroller 16 are self-contained and may be readily separated from thetank 12. When transporting theunit 10, theun-attached panel 42 andcontroller 16 can be transported separately from thetank 12. -
FIGS. 13-23 show a further embodiment of amodular lubrication unit 10A that is similar thelubrication unit 10. Like reference numerals are used for like parts. Thelubrication unit 10A also includes alubrication tank 12, apump assembly 14 andcontroller 16 which is similar tolubrication unit 10. However, thepump assembly 14 oflubrication unit 10A is attached to the bottom 19 of thetank 12. In particular, thepump assembly 14 is positioned within theenclosure 34 with theenclosure 34 being secured to the bottom 19 of thetank 12. Typically, this type of arrangement will be used with highly viscous liquids such as grease. Although not shown, a holding bracket may be used to support thepump assembly 14 or to attach thepump assembly 14 to the bottom of thetank 12. Thesupport 22, such as channel bars, positioned beneath the bottom 19 of thetank 12 raises thetank 12 off of the ground level and defines therecess 26 such that thepump assembly 14 is also spaced away from the ground level and positioned within therecess 26. Access to thepump assembly 14 for maintenance purposes may be accomplished by lifting theunit 10A with the forks of a forklift truck. In this embodiment, thetank 12 can also have a cone-shaped insert (not shown) for funneling lubricant to the bottom of thetank 12 into an inlet of thepump assembly 14. -
FIGS. 24-27 show another embodiment of amodular lubrication unit 10B that is similar tolubrication unit 10A. Like reference numerals are used for like parts.Lubrication unit 10B includes first andsecond tanks 12 with thetanks 12 being spaced from each other. First andsecond pump assemblies 14 are attached to thesides 40 of therespective tanks 12 with the first and second pump assemblies being in fluid communication with therespective tanks 12. Acontroller 16 is in communication with the first andsecond pump assemblies 14 for controlling the first andsecond pump assemblies 14. Thecontroller 16 is enclosed within apanel 42. The first andsecond tanks 12 are self-contained and movable relative to thepanel 42 such that thetanks 12 can be readily replaced with different tanks for containing different types of lubricant if required. The first andsecond pump assemblies 14 may be supported bybrackets 38. Thepanel 42 andcontroller 16 are positioned between the first andsecond pump assemblies 14 and are positioned on spaced-apart legs L. Thecontroller 16 controls the first andsecond pump assemblies 14, although the controller may control one or more pump assemblies for distribution of lubricant from one or more tanks. - In particular, one of the
tanks 12 may contain a first lubricant and theother tank 12 may include a second lubricant. For example, the first lubricant may be a summer-formulated lubricant and the second lubricant may be a winter-formulated lubricant. Thecontroller 16 may be in communication with various temperature sensors (not shown) to determine the temperature conditions. During colder weather, thecontroller 16 may actuate thepump assembly 14 connected to thetank 12 that contains the winter-formulated lubricant for distribution to the rail lubrication equipment. During warmer weather, thecontroller 16 may actuate thepump assembly 14 connected to the tank that contains the summer-formulated lubricant for distribution to the rail lubrication equipment. Thepump assemblies 14 may be similar, but can be operated differently based on the lubricant thepump assemblies 14 are pumping. For instance, thepump assemblies 14 may have different pumping intervals and cycles depending on the type of lubricant being pumped. Accordingly, thecontroller 16 can selectively distribute a suitable lubricant from the plurality oftanks 12 based on the particular temperature conditions. -
FIGS. 28 and 29 show yet another embodiment of a modular lubrication unit 10C that is similar to thelubrication units tank 12, which is shown as a tote, apump assembly 14, and acontroller 16. Thecontroller 16 and thepump assembly 14 are positioned within apanel 42 rather than providing a separate enclosure for thepump assembly 14. Thepump assembly 14 is connected to and in fluid communication with the tank via piping 48. Thecontroller 16 is connected to thepump assembly 14 to allow thecontroller 16 to control the operation of thepump assembly 14. -
FIGS. 30 and 31 show a further embodiment of a modular lubrication unit 10D that is similar to thelubrication units tank 12, a pair ofpump assemblies 14, and acontroller 16. Thecontroller 16 is positioned within apanel 42 as discussed above in connection withlubrication units panel 42 is secured to the upper portion of thetank 12 to define a space 50 beneath thepanel 42. Although not shown, thecontroller 16 is connected to thepump assemblies 14 to allow thecontroller 16 to control the operation of thepump assemblies 14. Each of thepump assemblies 14 are positioned withinseparate enclosures 34 with thepump assemblies 14 being connected to and in fluid communication with thetank 12 via aconnector 36. In particular, theconnector 36 of the lubrication unit 10D is a T-shaped piping assembly that is secured to a single outlet O of thetank 12 with eachpump assembly 14 being separately connected to theconnector 36. Thesingle tank 12 of the lubrication unit 10D may feed multiple tracks of lubrication equipment with one of thepump assemblies 14 supplying lubricant to a first set of lubrication equipment and theother pump assembly 14 supplying lubricant to a second set of lubrication equipment. - Although not shown, the
modular lubrication units - In a further embodiment, a method includes providing a tank, a pump assembly, and a controller; positioning a
pump 30 and amotor 32 within anenclosure 34 to define thepump assembly 14; connecting thepump assembly 14 to thetank 12 such that thepump assembly 14 is in fluid communication with thetank 12; and positioning thecontroller 16 within apanel 42. The method also may include positioning thepanel 42 at location adjacent to and spaced from thetank 12 and actuating thepump assembly 14 via thecontroller 16 to supply lubricant from thetank 12 to a rail lubrication distribution system. The method may also include removing thepump assembly 14 and replacing the pump assembly with adifferent pump assembly 14 and removing thetank 12 by moving thetank 12 relative to thepanel 42 and replacing the tank with adifferent tank 12. In particular, thepump assembly 14 andtank 12 may be readily removed and replaced with different pump assemblies or tank to accommodate various types of lubricants. - The advantage of having self-contained tanks with pump assemblies mounted thereto is that the tank and/or pump assembly can be switched out for another self-contained tank and pump assembly having different grade lubricants therein. Hence, a modular design is provided that allows a lubrication system to be customized based upon the customer's needs. The present invention provides a modular arrangement with a
tank 12,pump assembly 14, andcontroller 16 creating a modular lubrication unit, where thecontroller 16,pump assembly 14, andtank 12 can be formed from different size tanks, size pumps, and controllers depending on the requirements at the point of application. By ensuring that the customer can optimize the lubrication unit to suit their specific needs, the modular unit will increase the effectiveness of the system. That is, specific tanks, pumps and controllers can be connected together to result in a specific lubrication system. As a result, inventory can be minimized via the present modular system. Further, the self-contained lubrication units can be easily transported or shipped anywhere on a railroad line and then easily installed at the site where the lubrication system is to be installed. - This invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. Obvious modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the invention be construed as including all such modifications and alterations.
Claims (20)
1. A modular lubrication unit for a rail lubrication distribution system comprising:
a tank;
a pump assembly in fluid communication with the tank; and
a controller in communication with the pump assembly for controlling the pump assembly, the controller being enclosed within a panel, wherein the tank is self-contained and movable relative to the panel.
2. The modular lubrication unit of claim 1 , wherein the pump assembly is attached to the tank via a connector.
3. The modular lubrication unit of claim 2 , wherein the pump assembly comprises a pump and a motor, the pump assembly being positioned within an enclosure.
4. The modular lubrication unit of claim 1 , wherein the pump assembly is attached to a side of the tank.
5. The modular lubrication unit of claim 1 , wherein the panel is spaced from the tank.
6. The modular lubrication unit of claim 5 , wherein the panel is positioned on a pair of spaced apart legs.
7. The modular lubrication unit of claim 1 , wherein a bottom of the tank defines a recess.
8. The modular lubrication unit of claim 1 , wherein the tank is positioned on a support, the support and the bottom of the tank defining a recess.
9. The modular lubrication unit of claim 8 , wherein the pump assembly is positioned within an enclosure, the enclosure being attached to the bottom of the tank within the recess.
10. The modular lubrication unit of claim 3 , wherein the enclosure is supported via a bracket.
11. A modular lubrication unit for a rail lubrication distribution system comprising:
first and second tanks, the first tank being spaced from the second tank;
first and second pump assemblies, the first pump assembly being in fluid communication with the first tank and the second pump assembly being in fluid communication with the second tank;
a controller in communication with the first and second pump assemblies for controlling the first and second pump assemblies, the controller being enclosed within a panel, wherein the first and second tanks are self-contained and movable relative to the panel.
12. The modular lubrication unit of claim 11 , wherein the first pump assembly is attached to the first tank via a connector and the second pump assembly is connected to the second tank via a connector.
13. The modular lubrication unit of claim 12 , wherein each pump assembly comprises a pump and a motor, each pump assembly being positioned within an enclosure.
14. The modular lubrication unit of claim 11 , wherein the first pump assembly is attached to a side of the first tank, and the second pump assembly is attached to a side of the second tank.
15. The modular lubrication unit of claim 14 , wherein the panel is positioned between the first and second pump assemblies.
16. The modular lubrication unit of claim 15 , wherein the first and second pump assemblies are supported by first and second brackets.
17. The modular lubrication unit of claim 16 , wherein the panel is positioned on a pair of spaced apart legs.
18. A method comprising:
providing a tank, a pump assembly, and a controller;
positioning a pump and a motor within an enclosure to define the pump assembly;
connecting the pump assembly to the tank such that the pump assembly is in fluid communication with the tank;
positioning the controller within a panel;
positioning the panel at a location that is adjacent to and spaced from the tank;
actuating the pump assembly via the controller to supply lubricant from the tank to a rail lubrication distribution system.
19. The method of claim 18 , further comprising:
removing the pump assembly and replacing the pump assembly with a different pump assembly.
20. The method of claim 19 , further comprising:
removing the tank by moving the tank relative to the panel and replacing the tank with a different tank.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/720,209 US20100224449A1 (en) | 2009-03-09 | 2010-03-09 | Modular Lubrication Unit |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15841809P | 2009-03-09 | 2009-03-09 | |
US12/720,209 US20100224449A1 (en) | 2009-03-09 | 2010-03-09 | Modular Lubrication Unit |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20100224449A1 true US20100224449A1 (en) | 2010-09-09 |
Family
ID=42677245
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/720,209 Abandoned US20100224449A1 (en) | 2009-03-09 | 2010-03-09 | Modular Lubrication Unit |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20100224449A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2696605A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9352761B2 (en) | 2010-05-19 | 2016-05-31 | L.B. Foster Rail Technologies, Inc. | Wayside friction management system |
WO2019018344A1 (en) * | 2017-07-17 | 2019-01-24 | Loram Maintenance Of Way, Inc. | Device and related methods for rail lubricant storage |
US11325621B2 (en) * | 2018-05-14 | 2022-05-10 | Whitmore Manufacturing, Llc | Apparatus and method for dispensing a lubricant to the rail and determining the amount of lubricant dispensed and remaining |
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US6592051B1 (en) * | 1998-08-14 | 2003-07-15 | Kuroda Seiko Co., Ltd. | Mist feeder |
US6622824B2 (en) * | 2001-03-07 | 2003-09-23 | Daniel H. Roehrborn | Lubrication supply system for a machine |
US6719095B2 (en) * | 2000-09-22 | 2004-04-13 | Lincoln Industrial Corporation | Railroad track lubrication and monitoring thereof |
USD495974S1 (en) * | 2001-09-07 | 2004-09-14 | Portec, Rail Products Ltd. | Railroad track lubrication tank |
US7096997B2 (en) * | 2002-06-13 | 2006-08-29 | Portec, Rail Products Ltd. | Trackside friction management digital control system |
US7121383B2 (en) * | 2001-12-17 | 2006-10-17 | General Electric Company | Wayside rail lubrication apparatus and method |
US7377002B2 (en) * | 2003-10-28 | 2008-05-27 | Applied Materials, Inc. | Scrubber box |
US7381907B1 (en) * | 2007-02-28 | 2008-06-03 | Frusco Louis J | Electrical panel box |
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2010
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- 2010-03-09 US US12/720,209 patent/US20100224449A1/en not_active Abandoned
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US4856617A (en) * | 1987-12-21 | 1989-08-15 | Moore & Steele Corporation | Railway lubricating system and method |
US5718269A (en) * | 1990-01-08 | 1998-02-17 | Hoover Containment, Inc. | Safety tank apparatus for liquid storage |
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Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US9352761B2 (en) | 2010-05-19 | 2016-05-31 | L.B. Foster Rail Technologies, Inc. | Wayside friction management system |
US10220860B2 (en) | 2010-05-19 | 2019-03-05 | L.B. Foster Rail Technologies, Inc. | Wayside friction management system |
WO2019018344A1 (en) * | 2017-07-17 | 2019-01-24 | Loram Maintenance Of Way, Inc. | Device and related methods for rail lubricant storage |
GB2579495A (en) * | 2017-07-17 | 2020-06-24 | Loram Maintenance Of Way | Device and related methods for rail lubricant storage |
GB2579495B (en) * | 2017-07-17 | 2022-11-30 | Loram Maintenance Of Way | Device and related methods for rail lubricant storage |
US11325621B2 (en) * | 2018-05-14 | 2022-05-10 | Whitmore Manufacturing, Llc | Apparatus and method for dispensing a lubricant to the rail and determining the amount of lubricant dispensed and remaining |
Also Published As
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CA2696605A1 (en) | 2010-09-09 |
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Owner name: PORTEC RAIL PRODUCTS, INC., PENNSYLVANIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:SINGLETON, STEVEN D.;URMSON, THOMAS, JR., W.;APPLEBY, GLEN;AND OTHERS;SIGNING DATES FROM 20100419 TO 20100506;REEL/FRAME:024384/0899 |
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