Gravity Oiler Improvement
Patent Number: US 11988331 Grant Date: 2024-05-21 Filing Date: 2023-02-15
Overview
This patented assembly protects and passively manages lubricating fluid between a reversible input bottle and an equipment reservoir using a simple, robust mechanical interface. Filed February 15, 2023 and granted May 21, 2024, the claim set covers a fitting, an inverted input fluid reservoir that nests into a nozzle, and a nozzle/fitting geometry that meters oil into an equipment fluid cavity as levels fall. Inventors based in Houston, TX designed the device to rely on gravity and minimal moving parts—incorporating features such as a fluid notch to break surface tension, a threaded or O-ring seal to secure the bottle-to-nozzle interface, and an optional vent port to equalize pressure or support closed-loop recycling. The fitting may be transparent and includes a side aperture and inner cavity that interface with standard equipment fluid intakes. A dust shield and fastener protect the interface in industrial environments.
The result is a low-cost, maintenance-friendly lubricator that passively restores lubricant without pumps or electronics, reducing downtime and leak risk. Our firm’s drafting emphasized clear mechanical definitions and practical sealing/venting details to secure broad coverage for industrial lubrication applications.
Key Features
- Passive, gravity-driven fluid delivery with surface-tension break notch
- Integrated fitting with inner cavity and threaded side aperture
- Vent port for pressure equalization and closed-loop use
- Dust shield and sealing options (threading, O-ring)
This invention streamlines routine lubrication for heavy equipment and allied systems, offering a practical improvement with broad applicability across manufacturing and field service operations.
Invention Details
Abstract: A gravity oiler assembly for for passively managing a fluid within an input fluid reservoir for use in an equipment fluid reservoir. The gravity oiler assembly comprises a fitting, the input fluid reservoir, and a nozzle. The fitting comprises an outer surface, an inner cavity, a top aperture, and a side aperture. The input fluid reservoir comprises a bottle being arranged with a fluid passage attached to the nozzle. The nozzle is arranged below the input fluid reservoir and inserted into the top aperture of the fitting. The gravity oiler assembly is configured to allow the fluid in the input fluid reservoir to enter a portion of the nozzle, the inner cavity and the side aperture. The gravity oiler assembly is configured to store the fluid in the input fluid reservoir and passively dispense the fluid into an equipment fluid cavity of the equipment fluid reservoir.
Summary of the Invention: A gravity oiler assembly for passively managing a fluid within an input fluid reservoir for use in an equipment fluid reservoir. The gravity oiler assembly comprises a fitting, the input fluid reservoir, and a nozzle. The fitting comprises an outer surface, an inner cavity, a top aperture, and a side aperture. The input fluid reservoir comprises a bottle being arranged with a fluid passage attached to the nozzle. The nozzle is arranged below the input fluid reservoir and inserted into the top aperture of the fitting. The gravity oiler assembly is configured to allow the fluid in the input fluid reservoir to enter a portion of the nozzle, the inner cavity and the side aperture. The gravity oiler assembly is configured to store the fluid in the input fluid reservoir and passively dispense the fluid into an equipment fluid cavity of the equipment fluid reservoir.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
No relevant prior art is known to the Applicant.
Patent Document
Related: Mechanical Engineering | Cleaning And Maintenance | Fluid Systems | Houston, Texas | Shannon Warren, Patent Attorney