Patent ID: 7059450
Filing Date: 2006-06-13
Classification: F16N

Abstract:
1. An automatic lubrication system for a vehicle, comprising: a pump assembly having a plurality of outlet ports and a lubricant inlet port; a motor operable to drive said pump assembly; a cartridge assembly that is attachable to said pump assembly at said lubricant inlet port to provide a source of lubricant to said pump, said cartridge assembly being removable from said pump assembly, said cartridge assembly having a base, a cover that is attachable to the base to define a cavity, and a lubricant cartridge within said cavity, said base having a passage therethrough and said lubricant cartridge having an interior space that is collapsible as lubricant is dispensed therefrom, said interior space being in fluid communication with said passage in said base, said base being attachable to said lubricant inlet port; a valve within said passage, said valve being movable to control the flow of lubricant through said passage, said valve being movable when said base is attached to said inlet port; a controller operable to periodically initiate said motor to cause said pump to dispense lubricant to said outlet ports; and a housing having a first housing section attachable to said vehicle and a removable cover attachable to said first housing section, wherein said pump assembly, said motor assembly and said cartridge assembly are contained within said first housing section and said removable cover.