A lubrication system for equipment (e.g. centrifugal pump) employing a
rotating shaft and corresponding support bearings is disclosed. The
lubrication system includes a lubricant dispenser having a plurality of
blades or dispensing members pivotally attached thereto, the dispenser
affixed to the shaft for rotation therewith. Centrifugal force created by
rotation of the shaft to which the dispensing blades are attached causes
the blades to extend radially outward from the shaft center during
operation so as to dispense the lubricant throughout a lubricating or
misting chamber in order to lubricate the adjacent bearings. The system
is also advantageous in that the blades are permitted to pivot or flap
downward toward the shaft in either direction so that the dispenser may
be more easily inserted into the misting chamber during manufacturing of
the device or replacement of the lubricating system. In such a manner, a
lubricant dispenser is provided that has an operating outer diameter that
slices cleanly through the lubricating fluid to avoid excessive splashing
and spraying of the fluid. This also allows the lubricant fluid level in
the misting chamber to be lowered if desired so as to reduce heat
generation during operation without overly splashing or spraying
lubricant.