Rexnord Gmbh

Donald R MacLeod

Jerome F Sheldon

A series of conveyor idler roll shafts in end-to-end relation supported by bearings provides a pressurized chamber for the flow of grease or oil to the bearings from a reservoir, which is capable of pumping the lubricant into the axial bore of each shaft. Small, radially directed holes connect the shaft bores to the bearings by providing a restricted passage having across it a suitable pressure drop capable of allowing lubricant to flow in sufficient quantities to each bearing regardless of its distance from the reservoir pressure source. Adjacent shaft ends are connected with a resilient cylindrical tubular coupler to provide the requisite flow passage continuity. A labyrinth seal provides a continuous path for lubricant to flow through the bearings, the seal and ultimately to the exterior of the system, where its appearance is visible and indicative of adequate lubricant flow to each bearing along the shaft assembly.

Lubricating system and method

The specification describes two embodiments of a one-piece rear grease seal for an idler roller mounted on a shaft. Both embodiments comprise an annular lip in the shape of a truncated cone, an annular ring integrally connected to the larger end of the annular lip, and an annular web integrally connected to the outer end of the annular ring. In one embodiment, an annular groove is found on the annular ring to receive an axial end of an inner tube mounted concentrically about the shaft; the other embodiment does not have this feature.

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Dousman, WI, United States of America

Donald R MacLeod