Lubricator with quick release modular mounting

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for mounting a fluid applicator to or proximate a press, stamping machine or assembly line. The fluid applicators are releasable and replaceable without cleaning or contacting the fluid application surfaces.

That which is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A roller applicator being configured for modular mounting and including quick change features, the roller applicator comprising:
 a base affixable to stamping equipment; and   a roller assembly configured for connection with the base in fluid communication with a fluid supply, the roller assembly including a handle for connecting the roller assembly to the base and opposing rings configured for passage of stock material therebetween for treatment with a fluid from the fluid supply;   wherein, upon treatment of the stock material with the fluid, the handle is activated to release the roller assembly from the base.   
     
     
         2 . The roller applicator as in  claim 1 , wherein the base is affixed proximate a stamping line for treating the stock material. 
     
     
         3 . The roller applicator as in  claim 1 , wherein the opposing rings form a nip therebetween through which the stock material travels. 
     
     
         4 . The roller applicator as in  claim 1 , wherein the opposing rings are made from felt and at least one of rings has a plurality of elastomer rings disposed thereon. 
     
     
         5 . A fluid applicator system, comprising:
 a fluid applicator;   a quick release base for carrying the fluid applicator, the quick release base being configured to hold and release the fluid applicator;   a height adjustment assembly configured for positioning the fluid applicator; and   means for mounting the fluid applicator proximate a processing line.   
     
     
         6 . The fluid applicator system as in  claim 5 , wherein the fluid applicator is a roller being configured to apply a lubricant to a stock material. 
     
     
         7 . The fluid applicator system as in  claim 5 , wherein the roller is a plurality of rollers forming a nip therebetween through which a stock material travels. 
     
     
         8 . The fluid applicator system as in  claim 5 , wherein the quick release base includes a catch having a spring constant, the catch in a first state holding the fluid applicator proximate the processing line, the catch in a second state releasing the fluid applicator. 
     
     
         9 . The fluid applicator system as in  claim 5 , wherein the height adjustment assembly includes a slot therein and further comprising a mounting assembly connecting the quick release base to stamping equipment in the processing line, the mounting assembly being adjustable along the slot. 
     
     
         10 . The fluid applicator system as in  claim 5 , wherein the means for mounting the fluid applicator proximate the processing line is a bracket for connection to the processing line. 
     
     
         11 . The fluid applicator system as in  claim 5 , wherein the means for mounting the fluid applicator proximate the processing line is a magnet for connection to the processing line. 
     
     
         12 . A fluid applicator system, comprising:
 a fluid applicator;   a quick release base for carrying the fluid applicator, the quick release base being configured to hold and release the fluid applicator;   a height adjustment assembly configured for positioning the fluid applicator; and   means for mounting the fluid applicator proximate a processing line.   
     
     
         13 . The fluid applicator system as in  claim 12 , wherein the fluid applicator is a roller configured to apply a lubricant to a stock material. 
     
     
         14 . The fluid applicator system as in  claim 13 , wherein the roller is at least two rollers forming a nip therebetween through which the stock material travels. 
     
     
         15 . The fluid applicator system as in  claim 13 , wherein the roller has a plurality of elastomer rings disposed along the roller to guide the stock material. 
     
     
         16 . The fluid applicator system as in  claim 13 , wherein the quick release base includes a catch defining a spring constant, the catch in a first state being configured to hold the fluid applicator proximate the processing line, the catch in a second state being configured to release the fluid applicator from the processing line. 
     
     
         17 . The fluid applicator system as in  claim 13 , wherein the height adjustment assembly includes a slot defined therein and further includes a mounting assembly connecting the quick release base to the quick release base, the mounting assembly being adjustable along the slot. 
     
     
         18 . The fluid applicator system as in  claim 13 , wherein the fluid applicator is mounted using one of a bracket or a magnet for connection proximate the processing line.