Patent ID: 9146006
Filing Date: 2015-09-29
Classification: F16N

Abstract:
1. A metering device for dispensing a predetermined amount of lubricant comprising: a lubricant reservoir configured to retain a lubricant and to dispense the lubricant under pressure via a connector of the lubricant reservoir; a metering apparatus comprising at least one microvalve; a flow sensor; a bypass conduit arranged in parallel to the flow sensor; and a bypass valve coupled to the bypass conduit, wherein the at least one microvalve is fluidly coupled with the connector of the lubricant reservoir and is configured to dispense the predetermined amount of lubricant in a defined manner, wherein the metering apparatus is spatially separable from the lubricant reservoir, wherein the flow sensor is disposed and configured such that a flow rate of the lubricant is determined when the lubricant exits the lubricant reservoir and/or flows through the microvalve, wherein flow of the lubricant through the flow sensor is partially or completely switchable to the bypass conduit by the bypass valve, and wherein the at least one microvalve is fluidly coupled with an outlet of the flow sensor and the bypass conduit.