Patent ID: 6360846
Filing Date: 2002-03-26
Classification: F16N

Abstract:
Apparatus for leak testing and adding lubricating oil to an enclosed reservoir within an undercarriage component of crawler-type equipment, an end of said reservoir being closed by a plug having a passageway therethrough, said apparatus comprising:a) an elongated wand having a nozzle and a handle at distal and proximal ends, respectively, said wand being dimensioned for axial movement through said passageway to position said nozzle inside and said handle outside said reservoir; b) a source of inert gas; c) a vacuum generator; d) a source of lubricating oil; e) a plurality of lines connecting said source of inert gas, said vacuum generator and said source of lubricating oil with said handle; f) a plurality of blocking valves each movable between open and closed positions to establish and prevent, respectively, communication between said vacuum generator, said source of inert gas, and said source of lubricating oil, respectively, and said nozzle through said lines; and g) a programmable logic controller (PLC) actuable to cause said blocking valves to open and close in predetermined sequence to place said source of inert gas, vacuum generator and source of lubricating oil in communication, one at a time, with said handle (36) and thence said nozzle.