Grease gun with sensing capability

摘要

Systems, methods, and apparatus for dispensing a lubricant are provided, in which, for example, the apparatus includes a chamber having an inlet through which the lubricant is received and an outlet through which the lubricant is ejected. The apparatus also includes a piston movably positioned in the chamber to take lubricant into the chamber and eject it therefrom. The apparatus further includes a sensor configured to take a measurement of a condition related to a force applied to the piston to move the piston in the chamber. The apparatus additionally includes a controller coupled with the sensor so as to receive data related to the measurement from the sensor. The controller is configured to determine, using the measurement, an amount of lubricant ejected by the piston.

主权项

1. An apparatus for dispensing a lubricant, comprising:
a chamber having an inlet through which the lubricant is received and an outlet through which the lubricant is ejected; a piston movably positioned in the chamber to take lubricant into the chamber and eject it therefrom; an electric motor coupled with the piston and configured to drive the piston; a sensor configured to take a measurement of an electrical current drawn by the motor to move the piston in the chamber; and a controller coupled with the sensor so as to receive data related to the measurement from the sensor, wherein the controller is configured to determine, using the measurement, an amount of lubricant ejected by the piston, and wherein the controller is configured to distinguish between when the apparatus is experiencing a loss of prime and when the apparatus is cavitating based on the electrical current by comparing the electrical current during two or more cycles of the piston.