Modular Lubrication Unit

Abstract

A modular lubrication unit for a rail lubrication distribution system includes a tank, a pump assembly, and a controller. The pump assembly is in fluid communication with the tank and the controller is in communication with the pump assembly for controlling the pump assembly. The controller is enclosed within a panel and the tank is self-contained and movable relative to the panel.

1 . A modular lubrication unit for a rail lubrication distribution system comprising:
 a tank;   a pump assembly in fluid communication with the tank; and   a controller in communication with the pump assembly for controlling the pump assembly, the controller being enclosed within a panel, wherein the tank is self-contained and movable relative to the panel.   
     
     
         2 . The modular lubrication unit of  claim 1 , wherein the pump assembly is attached to the tank via a connector. 
     
     
         3 . The modular lubrication unit of  claim 2 , wherein the pump assembly comprises a pump and a motor, the pump assembly being positioned within an enclosure. 
     
     
         4 . The modular lubrication unit of  claim 1 , wherein the pump assembly is attached to a side of the tank. 
     
     
         5 . The modular lubrication unit of  claim 1 , wherein the panel is spaced from the tank. 
     
     
         6 . The modular lubrication unit of  claim 5 , wherein the panel is positioned on a pair of spaced apart legs. 
     
     
         7 . The modular lubrication unit of  claim 1 , wherein a bottom of the tank defines a recess. 
     
     
         8 . The modular lubrication unit of  claim 1 , wherein the tank is positioned on a support, the support and the bottom of the tank defining a recess. 
     
     
         9 . The modular lubrication unit of  claim 8 , wherein the pump assembly is positioned within an enclosure, the enclosure being attached to the bottom of the tank within the recess. 
     
     
         10 . The modular lubrication unit of  claim 3 , wherein the enclosure is supported via a bracket. 
     
     
         11 . A modular lubrication unit for a rail lubrication distribution system comprising:
 first and second tanks, the first tank being spaced from the second tank;   first and second pump assemblies, the first pump assembly being in fluid communication with the first tank and the second pump assembly being in fluid communication with the second tank;   a controller in communication with the first and second pump assemblies for controlling the first and second pump assemblies, the controller being enclosed within a panel, wherein the first and second tanks are self-contained and movable relative to the panel.   
     
     
         12 . The modular lubrication unit of  claim 11 , wherein the first pump assembly is attached to the first tank via a connector and the second pump assembly is connected to the second tank via a connector. 
     
     
         13 . The modular lubrication unit of  claim 12 , wherein each pump assembly comprises a pump and a motor, each pump assembly being positioned within an enclosure. 
     
     
         14 . The modular lubrication unit of  claim 11 , wherein the first pump assembly is attached to a side of the first tank, and the second pump assembly is attached to a side of the second tank. 
     
     
         15 . The modular lubrication unit of  claim 14 , wherein the panel is positioned between the first and second pump assemblies. 
     
     
         16 . The modular lubrication unit of  claim 15 , wherein the first and second pump assemblies are supported by first and second brackets. 
     
     
         17 . The modular lubrication unit of  claim 16 , wherein the panel is positioned on a pair of spaced apart legs. 
     
     
         18 . A method comprising:
 providing a tank, a pump assembly, and a controller;   positioning a pump and a motor within an enclosure to define the pump assembly;   connecting the pump assembly to the tank such that the pump assembly is in fluid communication with the tank;   positioning the controller within a panel;   positioning the panel at a location that is adjacent to and spaced from the tank;   actuating the pump assembly via the controller to supply lubricant from the tank to a rail lubrication distribution system.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising:
 removing the pump assembly and replacing the pump assembly with a different pump assembly.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , further comprising:
 removing the tank by moving the tank relative to the panel and replacing the tank with a different tank.