ACCORDING TO WHETHER VIBRATION SATISFIES ONE OF A PLURALITY OF DIFFERENT CRITERIA

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of, and priority to, United States provisional patent application no. 62/398,372 filed September 22, 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to control of at least one lubrication apparatus. BACKGROUND

Some lubrication apparatuses may automatically lubricate machinery, for example. However, at least some such machinery may require more or less lubrication at different times, and such lubrication apparatuses may not respond accordingly. Therefore, such lubrication apparatuses may dispense more or less lubricant than such machinery actually requires. SUMMARY

According to one embodiment, there is disclosed a method of controlling at least one lubrication apparatus, the method comprising: determining whether vibration associated with the at least one lubrication apparatus satisfies one of a plurality of different criteria; and controlling the at least one lubrication apparatus according to whether the vibration associated with the at least one lubrication apparatus satisfies the one of the plurality of different criteria.

In some embodiments, the vibration associated with the at least one lubrication apparatus is vibration of the at least one lubrication apparatus.

In some embodiments, the vibration associated with the at least one lubrication apparatus is vibration measured proximate the at least one lubrication apparatus.

In some embodiments, the plurality of different criteria comprises three different criteria.

In some embodiments, the plurality of different criteria consists of three different criteria. In some embodiments, controlling the at least one lubrication apparatus comprises, after determining that the vibration associated with the at least one lubrication apparatus satisfies the one of the plurality of different criteria, causing the at least one lubrication apparatus to dispense lubricant.

In some embodiments, controlling the at least one lubrication apparatus further comprises, after causing the at least one lubrication apparatus to dispense the lubricant, waiting for a lubrication cycle time period to expire.

In some embodiments, controlling the at least one lubrication apparatus further comprises, after the lubrication cycle time period expires, determining whether further vibration, associated with the at least one lubrication apparatus and measured after causing the at least one lubrication apparatus to dispense the lubricant, satisfies the one of the plurality of different criteria.

In some embodiments, controlling the at least one lubrication apparatus further comprises, in response to determining that the further vibration satisfies the one of the plurality of different criteria, causing the at least one lubrication apparatus to dispense further lubricant.

In some embodiments, controlling the at least one lubrication apparatus further comprises, after causing the at least one lubrication apparatus to dispense the further lubricant, repeating: waiting for the lubrication cycle time period to expire; after the lubrication cycle time period expires, determining whether further vibration, associated with the at least one lubrication apparatus and measured after causing the at least one lubrication apparatus to dispense the further lubricant, satisfies the one of the plurality of different criteria; and in response to determining that the further vibration satisfies the one of the plurality of different criteria, causing the at least one lubrication apparatus to dispense further lubricant.

In some embodiments, controlling the at least one lubrication apparatus further comprises, in response to determining that the further vibration does not satisfy the one of the plurality of different criteria, waiting for the further vibration to satisfy the one of the plurality of different criteria.

In some embodiments, controlling the at least one lubrication apparatus further comprises, in response to determining that the further vibration does not satisfy the one of the plurality of different criteria, waiting for the further vibration to satisfy the one of the plurality of different criteria.

In some embodiments, the plurality of different criteria are associated with respective different numbers of measured vibrations associated with the at least one lubrication apparatus.

In some embodiments, determining whether the vibration associated with the at least one lubrication apparatus satisfies the one of the plurality of different criteria comprises determining whether a number of measured vibrations associated with the at least one lubrication apparatus satisfies the one of the plurality of different criteria.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises measuring the number of measured vibrations associated with the at least one lubrication apparatus.

In some embodiments, measuring the number of measured vibrations associated with the at least one lubrication apparatus comprises measuring an electrical charge accumulated in response to the number of measured vibrations associated with the at least one lubrication apparatus.

In some embodiments, measuring the electrical charge accumulated in response to the number of measured vibrations associated with the at least one lubrication apparatus comprises measuring an electrical voltage across a capacitor associated with the one of the plurality of different criteria.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises configuring at least one electrical circuit to determine whether the vibration associated with the at least one lubrication apparatus satisfies the one of the plurality of different criteria. Such configuration may involve selecting or identifying the one of the plurality of different criteria.

In some embodiments, configuring the at least one electrical circuit to determine whether the vibration associated with the at least one lubrication apparatus satisfies the one of the plurality of different criteria comprises causing a switch to connect the capacitor to a source of the electrical charge.

In some embodiments, measuring the electrical charge accumulated in response to the number of measured vibrations associated with the at least one lubrication apparatus comprises measuring the electrical charge accumulated from a vibration sensor in response to the number of measured vibrations associated with the at least one lubrication apparatus.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises configuring at least one electrical circuit to determine whether the vibration associated with the at least one lubrication apparatus satisfies the one of the plurality of different criteria. Such configuration may involve selecting or identifying the one of the plurality of different criteria.

According to another embodiment, there is disclosed a circuit configured to implement the method.

According to another embodiment, there is disclosed a circuit configured to implement the method and comprising a source of the electrical charge.

In some embodiments, the source of the electrical charge comprises a vibration sensor. In some embodiments, the circuit further comprises a switch usable to select the one of the plurality of different criteria.

In some embodiments, the circuit further comprises a switch configured to direct the electrical charge from the source of the electrical charge to one of a plurality of capacitors associated with respective ones of the plurality of different criteria to select the one of the plurality of different criteria.

According to another embodiment, there is disclosed an apparatus for controlling at least one lubrication apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a means for determining whether vibration associated with the at least one lubrication apparatus satisfies one of a plurality of different criteria; and a means for controlling the at least one lubrication apparatus according to whether the vibration associated with the at least one lubrication apparatus satisfies the one of the plurality of different criteria.

Other aspects and features will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of illustrative embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a lubricator assembly according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates the lubricator assembly of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 schematically illustrates blocks of code in a program memory of the lubricator assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates a list of parts that may be included in a lubricator assembly according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates an assembly drawing of the lubricator assembly of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 illustrates a lubricator assembly according to another embodiment.

FIG. 7 also illustrates the lubricator assembly of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a lubricator assembly according to one embodiment is shown generally at 100 and includes a lubricator apparatus 102 and a lubricator control circuit 104. The lubricator apparatus 102 may include one or more lubricant dispensers such as an

ELECTRO-LUBER™ lubricant dispenser, an ULTIMATE LUBER™ lubricant dispenser, a TITAN CL LUBER™ lubricant dispenser, a TITAN OILER 2000™ lubricant dispenser, or a JACK LUBER™ lubricant dispenser, all available from A.T.S. Electro-Lube International Inc. of Delta, British Columbia, Canada, for example. The lubricator apparatus 102 in the embodiment shown is an example only, and alternative embodiments may include one or more different lubricator apparatuses.

Referring to FIG. 2, the lubricator assembly 100 is illustrated schematically, and the lubricator control circuit 104 includes a vibration sensor 106. The vibration sensor 106 is identified by part number SQ-SEN-200-ICT and available from SignalQuest, LLC of

Lebanon, New Hampshire, United States of America. Movement of the vibration sensor 106 controls an electrical switch between terminals 108 and 110 of the vibration sensor 106 such that the electrical switch closes in response to movement of the vibration sensor 106.

However, the vibration sensor 106 in the embodiment shown is an example only, and alternative embodiments may include one or more different vibration sensors. For example, other embodiments may include a piezoelectric sensor and a rectifier that may generate rectified current but otherwise function generally as described below. In the embodiment shown, the vibration sensor 106 is integrated into the lubricator assembly 100, but in alternative embodiments one or more vibration sensors may be integrated into or physically separate from a lubricator assembly. Vibration sensors that are physically separate from a lubricator assembly may measure vibration that is proximate or otherwise associated with the lubricator assembly.

When a power switch 166 is closed, one or more batteries 168 may supply current to the terminal 108, and the terminal 110 is in electrical communication with a switch 114 to communicate electrical current from the one or more batteries 168 to the switch 114 when the power switch 166 is closed and when the electrical switch of the vibration sensor 106 is closed in response to movement of the vibration sensor 106. The switch 114 includes a switch actuator 115 that may be positioned in any one of three different positions shown generally at 116, 118, and 120. When the switch actuator 115 is positioned in the position 116, the switch

114 communicates electrical current from the vibration sensor 106 to a capacitor 122. When the switch actuator 115 is positioned in the position 118, the switch 114 communicates electrical current from the vibration sensor 106 to a capacitor 124. When the switch actuator

115 is positioned in the position 120, the switch 114 communicates electrical current from the vibration sensor 106 to a capacitor 126. The capacitors 122, 124, and 126 have respective different capacitances, and are in electrical communication with the vibration sensor 106 to form a circuit as shown in FIG. 2. However, the circuit shown in FIG. 2 is an example only, and alternative embodiments may include different circuits that, for example, may include one or more resistors, one or more variable resistors, one or more diodes in a rectifier or otherwise, one or more variable capacitors, more or fewer capacitors, one or more alternatives to the switch 114, or a combination of two or more thereof.

The lubricator control circuit 104 also includes a processor circuit including a microprocessor 128, which is in communication with program memory 130 and may receive power from the one or more batteries 168 or from an alternate source, for example. The program memory 130 stores program codes that, when executed by the microprocessor 128, generally direct the microprocessor 128 to control at least one lubrication apparatus as described herein. The program memory may include one or more known computer-readable and computer-writable memories, such as random-access memory ("RAM") or read-only memory ("ROM"), for example. However, the microprocessor 128 and the program memory 130 are an example only, and alternative embodiments may include one or more alternatives such as an application specific integrated circuit ("ASIC") or other known processor circuits or other circuits, for example. As another example, in some embodiments, the program memory 130 may be integrated into the microprocessor 128 such that the microprocessor 128 may be programmed to function as described herein without any external or additional memory.

The microprocessor 128 is also in communication with a dual in-line package ("DIP") switch assembly 132 including various switches that may be used to configure a lubrication cycle time period. In some embodiments, the lubrication cycle time period may be configured, using switches of the DIP switch assembly 132 to select the lubrication cycle time period from a plurality of selectable lubrication cycle time periods, which may range, for example, from four hours to 90 days, and may include four hours, eight hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, seven days, 15 days, 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, or a combination of two or more thereof, for example. Again, the DIP switch assembly 132 is an example only, and alternative

embodiments may include one or more alternatives to the DIP switch assembly 132 that may be used to configure a lubrication cycle time period. Still other embodiments may omit the DIP switch assembly 132 so that a lubrication cycle time period may be fixed or variable in one or more other ways.

The microprocessor 128 is also in communication with a voltmeter 134, which measures a voltage across the one of the capacitors 122, 124, and 126 that is connected to the vibration sensor 106. Again, alternative embodiments may measure voltage of one or more capacitors in one or more other ways, or may include yet other alternatives to the voltmeter 134

The microprocessor 128 is also in communication with a switch 140, which the microprocessor 128 can cause to open or close, and which discharges the capacitor 122 when closed. The microprocessor 128 is also in communication with a switch 142, which the microprocessor 128 can cause to open or close, and which discharges the capacitor 124 when closed. The microprocessor 128 is also in communication with a switch 144, which the microprocessor 128 can cause to open or close, and which discharges the capacitor 126 when closed. Again, alternative embodiments may include one or more alternatives to the switches 140, 142, and 144 or may discharge one or more capacitors in one or more other ways. For example, one embodiment may include one or more Schmitt triggers that may generate a signal when voltage across the one of the capacitors 122, 124, and 126 that is connected to the vibration sensor 106 exceeds a threshold voltage, and such one or more Schmitt triggers may also be involved in discharging the one or more of the capacitors 122, 124, and 126 when the threshold voltage is exceeded.

The microprocessor 128 is also in communication with light-emitting diodes ("LEDs") 146, 148, and 150, which may have the same colors or different colors, and which the microprocessor 128 may independently turn on or off. In some embodiments, one or more of the LEDs 146, 148, and 150 may indicate a measurement of vibration from the vibration sensor 106. Again, alternative embodiments may include one or more alternatives to the LEDs 146, 148, and 150, or may omit the LEDs 146, 148, and 150.

The lubricator assembly 100 may include a power switch 166 to conserve power of the one or more batteries 168 if the lubricator assembly 100 is not in use.

As indicated above, in the embodiment shown, movement of the vibration sensor 106 causes a switch of the vibration sensor 106 to close, which may allow current to flow between the terminals 108 and 110 for a short period of time in response to movement of the vibration sensor 106. After each such short period of time, the switch of the vibration sensor 106 may open again. The vibration sensor 106 may thus function as a source of electrical charge in response to movement of the vibration sensor 106. Further, because the switch of the vibration sensor 106 may close for a short period of time and then open again in response to movement of the vibration sensor 106, a charge that passes between the terminals 108 and 110 during a period of time may be proportionate to a number of times that the vibration sensor 106 vibrates or otherwise moves during that period of time. The position of the switch actuator 115 connects the vibration sensor 106 to one of the capacitors 122, 124, and 126, and the one of the capacitors 122, 124, and 126 accumulates electrical charge each time the vibration sensor 106 moves. The one of the capacitors 122, 124, and 126 therefore accumulates electrical charge in an amount that generally represents a number of times that the vibration sensor 106 has moved, and accumulated charge at the one of the capacitors 122, 124, and 126 therefore represents a measurement of the number of times that the vibration sensor 106 has moved. In general, voltage across a capacitor is proportionate to charge at the capacitor. Also, in general, voltage across a capacitor is inversely proportionate to the capacitance of the capacitor. As indicated above, the capacitors 122, 124, and 126 have respective different capacitances. Therefore, a given voltage across the capacitors 122, 124, and 126 represents a different charge at the capacitors 122, 124, and 126 and therefore represents a different number of times that the vibration sensor 106 has moved. For example, in the embodiment shown, the capacitance of the capacitor 122 is greater than the capacitance of the capacitor 124, and the capacitance of the capacitor 124 is greater than the capacitance of the capacitor 126. Therefore, in the embodiment shown, a voltage across the capacitor 122 represents a smaller number of times that the vibration sensor 106 has moved than the same voltage across the capacitor 124, and a voltage across the capacitor 124 represents a smaller number of times that the vibration sensor 106 has moved than the same voltage across the capacitor 126.

In the embodiment shown, a given voltage across the capacitors 122, 124, and 126 represents different numbers of times that the vibration sensor 106 has moved, and more generally represents different criteria of vibration associated with the lubricator apparatus 102. In other words, in the embodiment shown, a voltage across the capacitor 122 represents a number of times that the vibration sensor 106 has moved and thus represents one criterion, the same voltage across the capacitor 124 represents a different number of times that the vibration sensor 106 has moved and thus represents a different criterion, and the same voltage across the capacitor 126 represents another different number of times that the vibration sensor 106 has moved and thus represents another different criterion. In alternative embodiments, other types of criteria may include number of vibrations, magnitude of vibrations, frequency of vibrations, or a combination of two or more thereof.

In summary, selecting a position of the switch actuator 115 connects the vibration sensor 106 to one of the capacitors 122, 124, and 126 associated with the selected position of the switch actuator 115, and connecting the vibration sensor 106 to the one of the capacitors 122, 124, and 126 will cause the one of the capacitors 122, 124, and 126 to reach a given voltage after a number of times that the vibration sensor 106 has moved, and that number depends on which one of the capacitors 122, 124, and 126 is selected by the position of the switch actuator 115. If the capacitor 122 is connected to the vibration sensor 106, then a given voltage detected by the voltmeter 134 (or, in some embodiments, the given voltage detected by one or more Schmitt triggers) indicates that the vibration sensor 106 has vibrated a number of times that is associated with the capacitance of the capacitor 122. If the capacitor 124 is connected to the vibration sensor 106, then a given voltage detected by the voltmeter 134 (or, in some embodiments, the given voltage detected by one or more Schmitt triggers) indicates that the vibration sensor 106 has vibrated a number of times that is associated with the capacitance of the capacitor 124, which is different from the number of times that is associated with the capacitance of the capacitor 122. If the capacitor 126 is connected to the vibration sensor 106, then a given voltage detected by the voltmeter 134 (or, in some embodiments, the given voltage detected by one or more Schmitt triggers) indicates that the vibration sensor 106 has vibrated a number of times that is associated with the capacitance of the capacitor 126, which is different from the number of times that is associated with the capacitance of the capacitor 122 and different from the number of times that is associated with the capacitance of the capacitor 124.

Accordingly, when the voltmeter 134 (or, in some embodiments, one or more Schmitt triggers) detects a given voltage at one of the capacitors 122, 124, and 126, the microprocessor 128 can determine that the vibration sensor 106 has vibrated a number of times that is associated with the capacitance of the one of the capacitors 122, 124, and 126 that is connected to the vibration sensor 106. More generally, when the voltmeter 134 (or, in some embodiments, one or more Schmitt triggers) detects a given voltage, the microprocessor 128 can determine that vibration of the vibration sensor 106 satisfies one criterion (namely the number of times that is associated with the capacitance of the one of the capacitors 122, 124, and 126 that is connected to the vibration sensor 106) of a plurality of criteria (namely the criteria associated with the capacitors 122, 124, and 126 as described above). As indicated above, alternative embodiments may include different types of criteria, and alternative embodiments may include more or fewer than three criteria. Further, selecting a position of the switch actuator 115 identifies or selects one of the plurality of criteria.

Referring to FIG. 3, program codes in the program memory 130 may include blocks of code that are illustrated schematically in FIG. 3. The program codes in the program memory 130 include a block 152, which includes codes that, when executed by the microprocessor 128, direct the microprocessor 128 to wait until a vibration threshold is reached. In the embodiment shown, the codes at block 152 direct the microprocessor 128 to wait until the voltmeter 134 reaches a given voltage (or, in some embodiments, one or more Schmitt triggers detects the given voltage) such as a threshold voltage for example.

After block 152, the program codes in the program memory 130 continue at block 154, which includes codes that, when executed by the microprocessor 128, direct the

microprocessor 128 to cause the lubricator apparatus 102 to dispense lubricant.

After block 154, the program codes in the program memory 130 continue at block 156, which includes codes that, when executed by the microprocessor 128, direct the

microprocessor 128 to close temporarily the switches 140, 142, and 144 to discharge the capacitors 122, 124, and 126, and then to reopen the switches 140, 142, and 144 to allow the capacitors 122, 124, and 126 to accumulate charge again. As indicated above, some embodiments may discharge the capacitors automatically, for example in response to one or more Schmitt triggers detecting a threshold voltage for example

After block 156, the program codes in the program memory 130 continue at block 158, which includes codes that, when executed by the microprocessor 128, direct the

microprocessor 128 to wait until a lubrication cycle period passes. As indicated above, in the embodiment shown, the switches of the DIP switch assembly 132 configure the lubrication cycle time period. However, in alternative embodiments, the lubrication cycle period may be identified in one or more other ways.

After block 158, the program codes in the program memory 130 continue at block 160, which includes codes that, when executed by the microprocessor 128, direct the

microprocessor 128 to determine whether the vibration threshold is reached. In the

embodiment shown, the codes at block 160 direct the microprocessor 128 to determine whether the voltmeter 134 (or, in some embodiments, one or more Schmitt triggers) measures the given voltage of block 152 (or has measured the given voltage of block 152 since a most recent iteration, if any, of block 160).

If at block 160 the vibration threshold is not reached, then the program codes in the program memory 130 continue at block 162, which includes codes that, when executed by the microprocessor 128, direct the microprocessor 128 to indicate a pause mode. In one embodiment, the codes at block 162 direct the microprocessor 128 to cause at least one of the LEDs 146, 148, and 150 to emit a light sequence of blue, then blue, then green. In alternative embodiments, the pause mode may be indicated in other ways, or other embodiments may omit any indication of the pause mode. After block 162, the program codes in the program memory 130 continue at block 152 as described above.

Alternatively, if at block 160 the vibration threshold is reached, then the program codes in the program memory 130 continue at block 164, which includes codes that, when executed by the microprocessor 128, direct the microprocessor 128 to indicate an active mode. In one embodiment, the codes at block 164 direct the microprocessor 128 to cause at least one of the LEDs 146, 148, and 150 to emit flashing green light. In alternative embodiments, the active mode may be indicated in other ways, or other embodiments may omit any indication of the active mode. After block 164, the program codes in the program memory 130 continue at block 154 as described above.

The program codes in the program memory 130 are an example only, and alternative embodiments may include different program codes or one or more alternatives to the program codes in the program memory 130. For example, in some embodiments, the order of some of the blocks of code in the program memory 130 may vary, or some blocks of code may be added or omitted. Further, in different embodiments, the program codes in the program memory 130 may begin at block 152 or at another block.

In general, the lubricator assembly 100 may function as a Vibration Sensor Control

("VSC") that may control at least one lubrication apparatus according to whether sensed vibration satisfies one of a plurality of different criteria. When in use, the switch 114 may be used to configure the lubricator assembly 100 to a desired level of sensitivity so that lubricator assembly 100 can control the lubricator apparatus 102 in a way that may lubricate machinery when the machinery is in use, but may avoid lubricate the machinery when the machinery is not in use.

For example, in an environment that is relatively motionless or has relatively low ambient vibration, even a small amount of vibration may indicate that machinery is in use. Accordingly, in such an environment, the switch 114 may be configured to connect the vibration sensor 106 to the capacitor 122, which as indicated above in the embodiment shown accumulates a given voltage in response to a smaller number of times that vibration sensor 106 moved than the capacitor 124 and a smaller number of times that vibration sensor 106 moved than the capacitor 126, and therefore measures a criterion that represents relatively high sensitivity. Therefore, when the switch 114 is configured to connect the vibration sensor 106 to the capacitor 122, a relatively small number of measured vibrations will be sufficient to indicate that machinery is operating, and in response to such a relatively small number of measured vibrations, the lubricator control circuit 104 will cause the lubricator apparatus 102 to lubricate the machinery.

However, some other environments may include more ambient vibration, for example if such environments include large machinery or many machines. In an environment of basic or intermediate vibration, the switch 114 may be configured to connect the vibration sensor 106 to the capacitor 124, which as indicated above in the embodiment shown accumulates a given voltage in response to a larger number of times that vibration sensor 106 moved than the capacitor 122 but a smaller number of times that vibration sensor 106 moved than the capacitor 126, and therefore measures a criterion that represents basic or intermediate sensitivity. Therefore, when the switch 114 is configured to connect the vibration sensor 106 to the capacitor 124, an intermediate number of measured vibrations will indicate that machinery is operating, and in response to such an intermediate number of measured vibrations, the lubricator control circuit 104 will cause the lubricator apparatus 102 to lubricate the machinery.

In an environment of relatively high or heavy ambient vibration, the switch 114 may be configured to connect the vibration sensor 106 to the capacitor 126, which as indicated above in the embodiment shown accumulates a given voltage in response to a larger number of times that vibration sensor 106 moved than the capacitor 122 and a larger number of times that vibration sensor 106 moved than the capacitor 124, and therefore measures a criterion that represents relatively low sensitivity. Therefore, when the switch 114 is configured to connect the vibration sensor 106 to the capacitor 126, a relatively high number of measured vibrations will be required to indicate that machinery is operating, and in response to such a relatively high number of measured vibrations, the lubricator control circuit 104 will cause the lubricator apparatus 102 to lubricate the machinery. Accordingly, embodiments such as those described herein may allow selecting a vibration criterion used in controlling at least one lubrication apparatus.

Although specific embodiments have been described and illustrated, such embodiments should be considered illustrative only and not as limiting the invention as construed according to the accompanying claims.