Lubrication injection device and method of use

Abstract

A lubricant injection system and method of using the same is disclosed. The system provides a quantity of lubricant through a hydraulic root cutter to thereby lubricate and purge water from the same. The system includes a lubricant source connected to a hose, and the hose is connected to a probe. The probe includes features which allow it to be quickly connected to the hydraulic root cutters. To use the system, a user depresses a plunger on the source, which moves the lubricant into the hose, through the probe and into the hydraulic root cutter.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A lubrication injection system capable of moving a lubricant fluid through an internal passage of a hydraulic root cutter, the injection system comprising: 
 a source comprising an outlet and a flow inducer capable of moving a pressurized fluid out of the source via the outlet; and    a probe having a first and second end and an internal passage extending between the first and second end, the first end attached to the outlet of the source such that the pressurized fluid can move through the internal passage and the second end attachable to the internal passage of the hydraulic root cutter.    
     
     
         2 . The injection system of  claim 1 , wherein the flow inducer comprises a pump.  
     
     
         3 . The injection system of  claim 2 , wherein the pump is operated by hand.  
     
     
         4 . The injection system of  claim 1 , wherein the outlet of the source comprises a hose.  
     
     
         5 . The injection system of  claim 1 , wherein the second end of the probe threadably connects to the inlet of the hydraulic root cutter.  
     
     
         6 . The injection system of  claim 5 , wherein the probe comprises a shaft having a first threaded portion at its second end as well as a second threaded portion located at an intermediate location on the shaft, and wherein the inlet of the hydraulic root cutter includes a third and fourth threaded portion such that the first threaded portion threadably connects to the third threaded portion and the second threaded portion threadably connects to the fourth threaded portion.  
     
     
         7 . The injection system of  claim 6 , wherein the second threaded portion is located on a collar that is slidably attached to the probe on the intermediate location.  
     
     
         8 . The injection system of  claim 1 , further comprising a seal adjacent the second end of the probe.  
     
     
         9 . A connector used to attach a hydraulic root cutter with a fluid source to thereby allow movement of pressurized fluid from the source and into the hydraulic root cutter, the connector comprising: 
 a shaft comprising a first and second end, an intermediate portion, and an internal passage extending between the first and second end;    an engagement member located at the first end, the engagement member capable of attaching to the fluid source;    a first threaded portion located adjacent the second end on an outside surface of the shaft, the first threaded portion capable of threaded attachment to a complimentary threaded portion formed on the hydraulic root cutter; and    a second threaded portion located on the intermediate portion on the outside surface, the second threaded portion capable of threaded attachment to a complimentary threaded portion formed on the hydraulic root cutter.    
     
     
         10 . The connector of  claim 9 , further comprising a seal positioned adjacent the first threaded portion.  
     
     
         11 . The connector of  claim 9 , wherein the second threaded portion is located on a collar that is slidably attached to the connector on the intermediate portion.  
     
     
         12 . A method of lubricating an interior of a hydraulic root cutter comprising: 
 a) attaching a lubricant source to the hydraulic root cutter, the source capable of moving a pressurized lubricant out of the source; and    b) injecting pressurized lubricant out of the source and into the interior of the hydraulic root cutter, thereby lubricating the interior as well as purging the interior of water;    
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein said attaching step comprises mounting a probe to the hydraulic root cutter; and 
 connecting the probe to the lubricant source.  
 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13  wherein said probe mounting step comprises threading said probe unto the hydraulic root cutter.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14  wherein said probe connecting step comprises coupling the probe to the lubricant source via a quick connect/disconnect hose coupling.