We were a sales office at the time, placing orders with the factory that were shipped directly to the customer. A complete lubrication system was shipped as a "kit" of loose components – tank, pump, divider block and accessories, some panel-mounted, others not. The customer, under our direction, was responsible for completing the installation and commissioning the system.

Over time, we decided that installation should be simpler for our customers. Why not pre-build all the individual components in one package? In January 1975, the first Watchman Lubrication System prototype was drawn up (see photo) by John Sloan for Alcoa in Massena, NY. Interestingly, this first system was not for a compressor, but for a shaker table. Notice the overhead tank, the electric motor-driven pump, and forward mounted panel for divider block, gauge, filter and in-line flow switch.

Refinements were made as client needs evolved. The tank was lowered for easier filling, the pump dropped lower, and the panel was raised to bring the panel-mounted components closer to eye level.

Components were continuously improved as well. The original L series manifolded divider block evolved into the current modular design SB series with individually replaceable piston sections. The mechanical flow meter was replaced first with a Flo Sensor with odometer counter and timing circuit, then the current Wizard Monitor, which displays the actual delivered flow rate.

Our Watchman Lubrication Systems use the highest quality pumps, filters, switches and check valves available. Where commercially available options proved unsuitable, we have developed our own.

Today's Watchman Lubrication System – the original packaged lubrication system – is a Sloan Brothers exclusive.