Improvements in Axle Boxes and Apparatus for the Lubrication of Revolving or Fixed Shafts and Axles, with either Oil or Grease (Separately or Combined) and Protecting same from Contact with Dirt and Dust.
Year: 1886

page_text: Date of Application, 28th Oct.. 1886.
Complete Left, 27th Aug., 1887
Complete Accepted, 21st Oct., 1887
Improvements in Axle Boxes and Apparatus for the Lubrication
of Revolving or Fixed Shafts and Axles, with either Oil or
Grease (Separately or Combined) and Protecting same from
Contact with Dirt and Dust.
[ HARRY KENNETH AUSTIN of Carn Brea Villa Washwood Heath Birmingham Civil
Engineer do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
The invention has for its objects improvements in the lubrication of revolving or
fixed shafts, enclosing same in improved boxes and preventing the entrance of dust
and dirt to the interior lubricating appliances. The invention is carried out with
revolving axles with their ends free, by having a casing or box surrounding the
revolving axle made so as to contain the lubricant, bearing lubricator dust
shield &c. and closed up by suitably arranged doors or covers all hereafter
described.
The casing or main body may be made solid or in two parts viz. a casing for
holding the lubricant and cover to same which are held together by bolts. The
upper cover (when bolted to the lower casing) is arranged to hold the bearing, and
has a projection suitably stepped on edge and coming down over the joint, so as to
prevent any oil (which may be thrown off by the revolving axle) escaping through
to the outside. The back part of the lower casing has a groove for the reception of
the dust shield hereinafter described and the part forming the groove on the top
side of the axle is carried completely round it so as to form a face against which the
dust shield may bear.
The main body or casing when made solid is arranged to take the bearing and a
division plate. The back of the bearing has in the centre a projection which may be
round oval square or oblong with square or rounded ends and also a projection at the
ends and sides all of which take the thrust of the axle when fixed in place. The
bearing and main casing fit together exact in the centre over the axle (when no
division plate is used) and each are grooved or trough shaped at the sides and
have channels connecting the troughs; holes are drilled through the side walls so that
the oil poured on to the back of the bearing is distributed directly on to the sides of

page_text: the journal. The end of the bearing is carried up to such a distance above the end of
the collar of journal and brought forward or recessed so that the thickness of the
main body of bearing can at once be seen without having to remove the bearing from
its place, the end face being marked or indented with lines and figures showing the
dimension as the bearing is worn away. When necessary the bearing is made with
recesses at the sides to hold the ends of a handle which is used to remove the bearing
from its place. The handle itself is of iron and is bent round so as to be suitable for
the hand, the ends are also bent round and slip into the recesses in bearing before
described. The handle when not in use rests upon suitable side lugs cast upon the
body of the box. The main casing as well as the sides of bearing may be suitably
stepped to keep the bearing in its place. The centre projection on the back of the
bearing fits into a hole shaped to receive it in a loose division plate which is placed
between the bearing and the interior of the main casting. At the centre of the main
casting, and immediately over the hole in the loose division plate, is cast a pin suitably
shaped to fit into the hole in plate, so that when the division plate is in place and
taking the weight of the vehicle the pin on bearing and the pin on the main casing
meet each other half way through the plate. The main casing and bearing may have
pins at each end instead of at the centre only. To facilitate the removal of the loose
division plate a hole is made in the end or a handle is formed on to it. The bearing and
division plate may also be made with tapered side pieces fitting one into the other and
with suitable recessed projections cast on ends of bearing to facilitate its removal and the
division plate may be held in place partly by a screwed pin and the tapered projections
before mentioned. At the top of the main casting and immediately over the bearing
and division plate is a branched oil channel and hole which is closed up either by a
pin or lid which may be fitted with a spring to keep it over the hole or the lid may be
made very thick on one side and with a handle cast on to it so that the heavy side of
lid will fall down and close the hole by gravitation. The back end of the main casing
has a groove into which the dust shield is placed and the groove is covered up (when
a hole is left at top) by a lid secured by screw ;-at the ends of the lid are projecting
tips which extend down into the dust shield groove which keep the lid in correct
position. Along the lid a rib is cast to strengthen it and connected with it is a ring
raised up around the pin head which holds the lid in place by the jaws projecting
from the side, the ring around the pin head prevents the lid coming off should the
pin jar loose. The covering lid may also be formed of a stamped iron cover made of
curved section closed at ends and fixed down to the main casting by a cotter pin
which passes through holes in the projecting parts of the main casting and in the
cover. The cotter pin may be placed through longitudinally or transversely and
when in place the ends are opened out. When the dust shield groove is open
at the bottom of main casting the whole is closed up with felt or other
compressible material attached to the dust shield for the purpose of keeping out
the dust.
The front end of the main casing is made open and has a cover attached for
enclosing same. The cover is attached by by 2 bolts or pins which pass through it and
through lugs cast upon the side of the main casing, one of the bolts or pins holds one
side of the cover down and the cover revolves around it when the lid is being opened,
the other side of the cover has an open jaw instead of hole and on the top of the jaw
is a raised part of a ring which surrounds the head of the pin-the ring keeps the
cover in position when screwing up the pin to tighten down the lid. The lid has on
the surface or edges a projection cast in a cross, tee, or elongated hexagonal form, for
the purpose of providing a handle or part upon which to fix a spanner, the size across
the flats of the projected part being the same as the jaws of the spanner used to move
the lid and side bolts. The root of the projection where joining the main body of lid
is rounded so as to make the projection of sufficient strength to withstand the strain
brought on to it by the spanner. The projections may be made of circular or square
shape so placed that the leverage of the spanner handle may be used for opening the
lid and holes may be drilled in same or either of the side pins for the purpose of using
a piece of round iron instead of the spanner or other flat similarly shaped instrument.

page_text: The 2 bolts or pins holding the cover in place may be attached to the lugs on the body
of main casing at the centre or may be arranged one above and one below the centre
so as to allow the cover to clear the pin during its revolution. The parts on the cover
which are held by the pins may both be made jaw shaped and with a ring carried on
the upper face of each so as to prevent the cover rising up when screwing up the pins.
When the cover is made with jaws and applied to a variety of main casing in which
the lubricant is supplied to the axle by means of waste cotton worsted or sponge, a
baffle plate is required to keep the waste in place, this baffle plate is attached to the
front cover and projects from same. Onto the front and outside of the main casing
are jaws which hold the cover when it is removed from its place, the jaws are spaced
apart of such width that the baffle plate may slide in between them and thus hold the
cover. Instead of jaws a hook may hold the cover on the front or side of the main
casing, the baffle plate or cover having holes or projecting hook to hang them up by.
When I use waste for the distribution of the lubricant the interior of the main casing
receives a separate dish or box cast in one piece. The lubricant is contained along
with the waste in the separate dish which bears up against the lower side of the axle
being actuated upwards by springs and thickened at the back end where it bears
against the axle so as to provide a larger bearing surface. The separate dish and also
the main casing may be enclosed over the lubricant by a top part or loose tray having
a hole at centre and provided with ledges around it so as to allow for the passage of
the lubricating brushes or wicks and also to form a settling surface for the spent oil
and walls or ledges to prevent the heavy particles mixing with the more liquid oil
which overflows the ledges back into the main casing or loose dish. At the front end
of the main casing or separate dish there is also a projection at the side which comes
out from the casting and is at such a height as to indicate the level up to which the
lubricant may be filled without overflowing. In addition to the projection an arrow
head with the words "OIL LEVEL" are cast above so as to point out more
particularly the correct level of lubricant. In cases where desirable I provide an
overflow chamber at the back of the main casing by means of which any overflowed
oil is collected; there is a hole in the front of the chamber which is closed by a
screwed pin having a tapered neck and leather washer which prevents any of the
collected lubricant escaping.
Sometimes when it is desired to use a simple lubricator instead of cotton waste I
provide the main casing with guide walls extending from end to end of same having
slots in the walls for the free circulation of the lubricant and also fitted with
recessed oil catchers which are curved on their upper and lower edges and provide
recesses in which the dirty oil collects for settlement and also baffles back the
lubricant when the main casing is oscillated. The guide walls run up to the front of
main casing and the end of main casing is provided with a screwed hole which
is fitted with a tapered neck screwed plug and leather washer; the plug is provided
with a recessed square hole tapered so as to fit a spanner or may be made with an
ordinary hexagonal or square head. The guide walls are provided to hold a
compound woollen and cotton fabric which is threaded on to a frame taking a winding
form, the compounded material is for the purpose of providing a woollen material
which will draw up the lubricant quickly and a cotton material to wear well and hold
the lubricant; this material is sewn upon a steel frame having an elliptical spring
rivetted to same the ends of the spring being rounded and the front end having a long
piece of leather or other pliable material rivetted to same by means of which the whole
lubricator may be removed through the front hole. When in place the piece of leather
is tucked inside but is pulled outside when wanted to form a handle. I also make a
frame of thin sheet metal with curved sides and flat bottom the sides of the frame are
carried down to the bottom so as to be well below the normal level of oil in the
casing; the frame is covered with fibrous brushes with wicks attached and the lower
sides of the brushes extend down into the lubricant so that the axle is lubricated by
the lubricant being conveyed to it by the capillary action taking place in the brushes
and wicks which are brought directly into contact with the axle. A centre brush as
well as the side brush is sometimes to be used so that the lubricant has the shortest

page_text: distance to travel. When a centre brush (which is longer in the fibre than the side
brush) is used I adopt a lubricator frame which is not curved to the same outline as
the axle, but the top parts of the sides are arranged so as to be somewhat closer to the
axle than is the bottom part. This is done so that the pressure may be least at the
centre where the brushes are most fully charged with the lubricant and the side
brushes also tend to keep the centre cleaner and more free from becoming useless by
having the fibres clogged or stopped up. The lubricator frame is supported and is
pressed against the axle by a spiral or flat spring having hooked end to facilitate its
removal. Another form of lubricator frame is made of two curved side pieces of
sheet metal which form supports to the aforementioned brushes and wicks ;-the
curved plates are attached to spring pieces which at their lower ends are rivetted to
one centre or two side elliptical springs which are turned up at their ends into hooks
and provide a means to withdraw them thereby. When 2 springs are used I brace
them together with cross pieces or the two lubricators may be supported on springs
(which at their lower ends are supported on a simple pan. The pan is made in one
piece with a hooked handle and has ledges turned up all around to catch the spent oil,
the pan may have a centre hole with ledges around it through which the lubricator
and wicks may pass down into the main casing or separate dish or box. When
desirable I sometimes apply grease to lubricate the revolving axle in conjunction with
or separate from oil lubrication but in all cases I arrange that the face of the bearing,
(which is in contact with the axle and over its centre on the top or bottom side) shall
not be cut away with any straight grooves or grease holes as is usually done, but
provide an unbroken face of metal at that part most necessary viz. the part imme-
diately over or under the centre of axle. To carry out this arrangement with the
application of grease I therefore do not have any grease holes in the centre of bearing
surface but provide holes at the side of the bearing so that the grease may fall directly
on to the axle, the grease is carried in a chamber above the bearing, the chamber being
closed by a spring lid; there are holes in the bottom of the chamber through which
pass projecting side or end pieces from the bearing and also the grease as it melts by
the heat conveyed by the bearing side or endpieces, the grease falls through the side
holes as described on to the axle and any particles which fall therefrom collect on
angled pieces of sheet metal which come down from side of main casing and meet
each other beneath the axle. The whole of the interior is thus filled with grease and
keeps the revolving axle lubricated. When oil has to be used in conjunction with
grease the whole of the grease must be cleaned out before any lubricator is fixed in
place.
Another form of oil distributer which I use in connection with revolving axles does
not depend upon capillary action alone. It is made up of a circular plate of metal
having its edge turned round so as to form a dished edging around the plate, -the
plate may be solid or in sections with ribs and arms at centre by means of which the
sections are kept in a vertical position and are secured and adjusted to the revolving
axle. The whole is enclosed by a casing holding the bearing and lubricant. When
the circular dished plate is used on a revolving axle with free end it is attached to it
by means of a projecting square or screwed part to which the plate with round edge
is fixed, or a hole screwed to receive a pin may be made in the centre. The circular
dished plate could also be attached by having armis enclosing and gripping the end of
axle or the axle may be notched on its end to receive the arms and the circular dished
plate held up to its place by a spring and washer piece supported and held by the
front of main casing or a ring on the inner side of the front cover.
The dished surface of plate faces towards the bearing and as the axle is revolving
the plate is turned round; the main casing beneath the dished plate is formed into an
oil well and is kept separate from the centre part of main casing by a transverse rib ;-
the centre part of main casing beneath the axle is filled with any fibrous material
which becomes soaked with the oil drawn up by the revolving circular dished plate and
delivered on to its surface by the reflective action of the film or stream of oil which
drawn up by the dished edge of the circular plate is thrown or reflected back by the
semi-circular main casing surrounding the whole apparatus. The edge of the dished

page_text: plate may be of any form pertaining to a dished section and may be polygonal corru-
gated in spiral concentric, eccentric or curved depressions or projections in any
direction, and when a large body of lubricant is required a series of two or more
plates may be fixed together with distance washers the dished edges being turned in
alternate directions or in one direction only. Where this method of lubrication is
adopted I design the bearings which transmit the weight from above with side lips and
channels to distribute the lubricant on to the axle and also provide where necessary
intercepting arms for the distribution of the lubricant over the surface of the fibrous
packing below. When the main casing and bearing are constructed to support the
revolving shaft and accordingly take the weight below the axle-the dished plates
either whole or in sections are fixed by adjustable screws and split rings, being either
keyed or fixed to shaft by gripping screws the bearing in this case also has lips and
channels cast therein the channels being of a spiral form closed up with a piece of felt
or similar absorbent material kept to the face of axle by a light flat spring and
backing piece; or the spiral channel may be left entirely open to receive the lubricant
collected by the dished plate and arms or lips in connection with the bearing. The
method of keeping the dust out of the main casing and preventing its entrance to the
lubricating arrangements before described is by means of metallic and fibrous or
other compositions made into moulds or plates of the forms hereinafter described. I
prefer to employ a soft metal for a base plate and rib its edges or corrugate same so
as to improve its stability and keep its surface as near a true plane as possible-the
centre of the plate is removed so as to fit the axle and on the surface of the base plate
is rivetted a thicker non metallic substance or plate of fibre felt or woven material or
other suitable material the centre of this plate is also removed so that the axle passes
through and fits the holes. At the sides are rivetted springs of metal or strips of
compressible felt or similar material these press the plates against the inner or outer
edges of the groove in the main casing provided for the reception of the dust shield
and support the whole dust shield around the axle without pressing it at any point.
The same base plate is used in other forms of dust shields hereafter described which
however are designed to take up any wear which it is desirable should be done auto-
matically. To the same base plate with side springs I attach
supports which
guide a semi-circular bottom part in an upward movement the base plate has a
thickness piece attached at top and the loose semi-circular piece is actuated by a flat
spring (held by rivett either in the centre or end) which moves against its lower edge
the spring when held at the end is turned round the rivet and rests with its end against
the thickness piece below the moveable semi-circular part. When desired the semi-
circular part may be replaced at any time as it is easily removable or a plate enclosing
the entire axle may be used instead ; at the side of the moveable piece a rod may be
attached passing through the frame or edge of base plate so that the loose piece may
be readily adjusted upon the axle. The loose adjustable plate may also be contained
between the base plate and another plate rivetted to same with slot holes passing
through the adjustable plate so as to keep it in parallel movement. The pieces
may then be dispensed with as the slots act as guides-The adjusting rod or rods may
pass through either top bottom or sides of the dust shield frame or base plate-The
adjustable plate may be turned up on edge so as to project from same and provide a
handle to work it by. Another form of adjustable piece is arranged with a jointed
movement instead of parallel movement and is carried out by having one or more
adjustable plates actuated by springs tending to close them on to axle in a similar
manner as previously described-The jointed movement is made with a rivet passing
through the plates and fixed at any side of the axle so that the rivet or pivot upon
which the adjustable plates turn may be fixed at any desirable point around axle the
most desirable being such that the movement of plate around the pivot takes up the
wear the most applicable points being the sides or top and bottom. The adjustable
rods before described can be attached to any of the moveable plates used for adjustment.
A frame closed in at all sides or open on one is also made to take the several
descriptions of dust shields the whole of the interior being as before described viz.:
made up of solid or adjustable wearing plates actuated by springs on their edges the

page_text: exterior being formed of a frame of wire bent so as to form the outline of dust shield
and outer plates rivetted to wire of specially channelled or recessed section bent at
corners or soldered to same. The frame may also be made solely from plates turned
up on edge and jointed so as to hold each other together either by a closing joint or by
rivets passing through corners of plate frame holding the whole together. The interior
may be entirely loose or closed in on all sides and rivets may pass through providing
the necessary pivots or guides to the adjustable parts within and the adjusting rod or
handles actuating the plates or springs within may pass through the frame. The
edges of entirely closed in frame are provided with springs which rest against side of
groove in main casing to relieve the weight of dust shield from the axle. A simpler
form of compressable shield is made with 2 outer metallic plates and enclosing a felt
leather asbestos or other suitable material with the whole rivetted together or held by
an adhesive cement the edges may also be fitted with springs to relieve the weight of
shield. Any of the before mentioned shields may be made with felt facings on outside
or alternate layers of felt or other compressable and similar material may be used for
the purposes described.

page_text: improvements in Axle Boxes and Apparatus for the Lubrication of
Revolving or Fixed Shafts and Axles, with either Oil or Grease
(Separately or Combined) and Protecting same from Contact
with Dirt and Dust.
I, HARRY KENNETH AUSTIN of Carn Brea Villa, Washwood Heath, Birmingham
Civil Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner
the same is to be performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and by
the following statement :-
The invention has for its object improvements in the lubrication of revolving or
fixed shafts, enclosing same in improved boxes and preventing the entrance of dust
and dirt to the interior lubricating appliances. The invention is carried out with
revolving axles with their ends free, by having a casing or box surrounding the
revolving axle made so as to contain the lubricant, bearing lubricator dust shield &c.
and closed up by suitably arranged doors or covers all hereafter described.
The casing or main body may be made solid or in two parts viz., a casing for
holding the lubricant and cover to same which are held together by bolts. The upper
cover (when bolted to the lower casing) is arranged to hold the bearing, and has a
projection suitably stepped on edge and coming down over the joint, so as to prevent
any oil (which may be thrown off by the revolving axle) escaping through to the
outside. The back part of the lower casing has a groove for the reception of the dust
shield hereinafter described and the part forming the groove on the top side of the
axle is carried completely round it so as to form a face against which the dust shield
may bear.
The main body or casing when made solid is arranged to take the bearing and a
division plate. The back of the bearing has in the centre a projection which may be
round oval square or oblong with square or rounded ends and also a projection at the
ends and sides all of which take the thrust of the axle when fixed in place. The
bearing and main casing fit together exact in the centre over the axle (when no division
plate is used) and each are grooved or trough shaped at the sides and have channels
connecting the troughs; holes are drilled through the side walls so that the oil
poured on to the back of the bearing is distributed directly on to the sides of the
journal.
The main casing as well as the sides of bearing may be suitably stepped to keep the
bearing in its place.
At the centre of the main casting, and immediately over the hole in the loose
division plate, is cast a pin suitably shaped to fit into the hole in plate, so that when
the division plate is in place and taking the weight of the vehicle the pin on bearing
and the pin on the main casing meet each other half way through the plate. The
main casing and bearing may have pins at each end instead of at the centre only. To
facilitate the removal of the loose division plate a hole is made in the end or a handle

page_text: is formed on to it. At the top of the main casting and immediately over the bearing
is a branched oil channel and hole which is closed up either by a pin or lid which may
be fitted with a spring to keep it over the hole or the lid may be made very thick on
one side and with a handle cast on to it so that the heavy side of lid will fall down
and close the hole by gravitation. The back end of the main casing has a groove
into which the dust shield is placed and the groove is covered up (when a hole is left
at top) by a lid secured by screw ;-at the ends of the lid are projecting tips which
extend down into the dust shield groove which keep the lid in correct position. Along
the lid a rib is cast to strengthen it and connected with it is a ring raised up around
the pin head which holds the lid in place by the jaws projecting from the side; the
ring around the pin head prevents the lid coming off should the pin jar loose. The
covering lid may also be formed of a stamped iron cover made of curved section closed
at ends and fixed down to the main casting by a cotter pin which passes through holes
in the projecting parts of the main casting and in the cover. The cotter pin may be
placed through longitudinally or transversely and when in place the ends are opened
out. When the dust shield groove is open at the bottom of main casting the hole is
closed up with felt or other compressible material attached to the dust shield for the
purpose of keeping out the dust.
The front end of the main casing is made open and has a cover attached for
enclosing same-The cover is attached by 2 bolts or pins which pass through it
and through lugs cast upon the side of the main casing; one of the bolts or pins
holds one side of the cover down and the cover revolves around it when the lid is
being opened, the other side of the cover has an open jaw instead of hole and on the
top of the jaw is a raised part of a ring which surrounds the head of the pin-the
ring keeps the cover in position when screwing up the pin to tighten down the lid.
The lid has on the surface or edges a projection cast in a cross, tee, or elongated
hexagonal form, for the purpose of providing a handle or part upon which to fix a
spanner, the size across the flats of the projected part being the same as the jaws of
the spanner and to move the lid and side bolts. The root of the projection where
joining the main body of lid is rounded so as to make the projection of sufficient
strength to withstand the strain brought on to it by the spanner. The projections
may be made of circular or square shape so placed that the leverage of the spanner
handle may be used for opening the lid and holes may be drilled in same or either of
the side pins for the purpose of using a piece of round iron instead of the spanner
or other flat similarly shaped instrument. The 2 bolts or pins holding the cover in
place may be attached to the lugs on the body of main casing at the centre or may
be arranged one above and one below the centre so as to allow the cover to clear the
pin during its revolution. The parts on the cover which are held by the pins may
both be made jaw shaped and with a ring carried on the upper face of each so as to
prevent the cover rising up when screwing up the pins. When the cover is made
with jaws and applied to a variety of main casing in which the lubricant is supplied
to the axle by means of waste cotton worsted or sponge, a baffle plate is required to
keep the waste in place; this baffle plate is attached to the front cover and projects
from same.
On to the front and outside of the main casing are jaws which hold the
cover when it is removed from its place, the jaws are spaced apart of such width that
the baffle plate may slide in between them and thus hold the cover. Instead of jaws
a hook may hold the cover on the front or side of the main casing, the baffle plate or
cover having holes or projecting hook to hang them up by. When I use waste for the
distribution of the lubricant the interior of the main casing receives a separate dish
or box cast in one piece. The lubricant is contained along with the waste, in the
separate dish which bears up against the lower side of the axle being actuated
upwards by springs and thickened at the back end where it bears against the axle so
as to provide a larger bearing surface. The separate dish and also the main casing
may be enclosed over the lubricant by a top part or loose tray having a hole at centre
and provided with ledges around it so as to allow for the passage of the lubricating
brushes or wicks and also to form a settling surface for the spent oil and walls or
ledges to prevent the heavy particles mixing with the more liquid oil which overflows

page_text: the ledges back into the main casing or loose dish. At the front end of the main
casing or separate dish there is also a projection at the side which comes out from the
casting and is at such a height as to indicate the level up to which the lubricant may
be filled without overflowing. In addition to the projection an arrow head with the
words "OIL LEVEL" are cast above so as to point out more particularly the correct
level of lubricant.
In cases where desirable I provide an overflow chamber at the back of the main
casing by means of which any overflowed oil is collected; there is a hole in the front
of the chamber which is closed by a screwed pin having a tapered neck and leather
washer which prevents any of the collected lubricant escaping.
:
Sometimes when it is desired to use a simple lubricator instead of cotton waste I
provide the main casing with guide walls extending from end to end of same having
slots in the walls for the free circulation of the lubricant. The guide walls run up to
the front of main casing and the end of main casing is provided with a screwed hole
which is fitted with a tapered neck screwed plug and leather washer; the plug is
provided with a recessed square hole tapered so as to fit a spanner, or may be made
with an ordinary hexagonal or square head. The guide walls are provided to hold a
compound woollen and cotton fabric which is threaded on to a frame taking a winding
form, the compounded material is for the purpose of providing a woollen material
which will draw up the lubricant quickly and a cotton material to wear well and hold
the lubricant this material is sewn upon a steel frame having an elliptical spring
rivetted to same the ends of the spring being rounded and the front end having a long
piece of leather or other pliable material rivetted to same by means of which the
whole lubricator may be removed through the front hole. When in place the piece of
leather is tucked inside but is pulled outside when wanted to form a handle. I
also make a frame of thin sheet metal with curved sides and flat bottom the
sides of the frame are carried down to the bottom so as to be well below the
normal level of oil in the casing; the frame is covered with fibrous brushes
with wicks attached and the lower sides of the brushes extend down
into the lubricant so that the axle is lubricated by the lubricant being conveyed to it
by the capillary action taking place in the brushes and wicks which are brought
directly into contact with the axle. A centre brush as well as the side brush is
sometimes to be used so that the lubricant has the shortest distance to travel. When
a centre brush (which is longer in the fibre than the side brush) is used I adopt a
lubricator frame which is not curved to the same outline as the axle, but the top parts
of the sides are arranged so as to be somewhat closer to the axle than is the bottom
part. This is done so that the pressure may be least at the centre where the brushes
are most fully charged with the lubricant and the side brushes also tend to keep the
centre cleaner and more free from becoming useless by having the fibres clogged or
stopped up.
The lubricator frame is supported and is pressed against the axle by a
spiral or flat spring having hooked end to facilitate its removal. Two side lubricators
may be supported on springs which at their lower ends are supported on a simple pan.
The pan is made in one piece with a hooked handle and has ledges turned up all
around to catch the spent oil, the pan may have a centre hole with ledges around it
through which the lubricator and wicks may pass down into the main casing or
separate dish or box. When desirable I sometimes apply grease to lubricate the
revolving axle in conjunction with or separate from oil lubrication but in all cases I
arrange that the face of the bearing, (which is in contact with the axle and over its
centre on the top or bottom side) shall not be cut away with any straight grooves or
grease holes as is usually done, but provide an unbroken face of metal at that part
most necessary viz. the part immediately over or under the centre of axle. To carry
out this arrangement with the application of grease I therefore do not have any
grease holes in the centre of bearing surface but provide holes at the side of the
bearing so that the grease may fall directly on to the axle, the grease is carried in a
chamber above the bearing, the chamber being closed by a spring lid; there are holes
in the bottom of the chamber through which pass projecting side or end pieces from
the bearing and also the grease as it melts by the heat conveyed by the bearing side
B

page_text: or end pieces, the grease falls through the side holes as described on to the axle and
any particles which fall therefrom collect on angled pieces of sheet metal which come
down from side of main casing and meet each other beneath the axle. The whole of
the interior is thus filled with grease and keeps the revolving axle lubricated. When
oil has to be used in conjunction with grease the whole of the grease must be cleaned
out before any lubricator is fixed in place.
Another form of oil distributor which I use in connection with revolving axles
does not depend upon capillary action alone. It is made up of a circular plate of
metal having its edge turned round so as to form a dished edging around the plate,-
the plate may be solid or in sections with ribs and arms at centre by means of which
the sections are kept in a vertical position and are secured and adjusted to the
revolving axle. The whole is enclosed by a casing holding the bearing and lubricant.
When the circular dished plate is used on a revolving axle with free end it is attached
to it by means of a projecting square or screwed part to which the plate with round
edge is fixed, or a hole screwed to receive a pin may be made in the centre. The
circular dished plate could also be attached by having arms enclosing and gripping
the end of axle or the axle may be notched on its end to receive the arms and the
circular dished plate held up to its place by a spring and washer piece supported and
held by the front of main casing or a ring on the inner side of the front cover.
The dished surface of plate faces towards the bearing and as the axle is revolving
the plate is turned round; the main casing beneath the dished plate is formed into
an oil well and is kept separate from the centre part of main casing by a transverse
rib-the centre part of main casing beneath the axle is filled with any fibrous
material which becomes soaked with the oil drawn up by the revolving circular
dished plate and delivered on to its surface by the reflective action of the film or
stream of oil which drawn up by the dished edge of the circular plate is thrown or
reflected back by the semi-circular main casing surrounding the whole apparatus.
The edge of the dished plate may be of any form pertaining to a dished section and
may be polygonal corrugated in spiral concentric, eccentric or curved depressions or
projections in any direction, and when a large body of lubricant is required a series
of two or more plates may be fixed together with distance washers the dished edges
being turned in alternate directions or in one direction only. Where this method of
lubrication is adopted I design the bearings which transmit the weight from above
with side lips and channels to distribute the lubricant on to the axle and also provide
where necessary intercepting arms for the distribution of the lubricant over the
surface of the fibrous packing below. When the main casing and bearing are
constructed to support the revolving shaft and accordingly take the weight below the
axle the dished plates either whole or in sections are fixed by adjustable screws and
split rings, being either keyed or fixed to shaft by gripping screws the bearing in
this case also has lips and channels cast therein the channels being of a spiral form
closed up with a piece of felt or similar absorbent material kept to the face of axle by
a light flat spring and backing piece, or the spiral channel may be left entirely open
to receive the lubricant collected by the dished plate and arms or lips in connection
with the bearing.
The method of keeping the dust out of the main casing and preventing its entrance
to the lubricating arrangements before described is by means of metallic and fibrous
or other compositions made into moulds or plates of the forms hereafter described.
I prefer to employ a soft metal for a base plate and rib its edges or corrugate same so
as to improve its stability and keep its surface as near a true plane as possible; the
centre of the plate is removed so as to fit the axle and on the surface of the base plate
is rivetted a thicker non metallic substance or plate of fibre, felt or woven material or
other suitable material; the centre of this plate is also removed so that the axle
passes through and fits the holes. At the sides are rivetted springs of metal or strips
of compressible felt or similar material, these press the plates against the inner or
outer edges of the groove in the main casing provided for the reception of the dust
shield and support the whole dust shield around the axle without pressing it at any
point. The same base plate is used in other forms of dust shields hereafter described

page_text: which however are designed to take up any wear which it is desirable should be done
automatically. To the same base plate with side springs I attach L supports which
guide a bottom part in an upward movement, the base plate has a thickness piece
attached at top and the loose piece is actuated by a flat spring (held by rivets either
in the centre or end) which moves against its lower edge; the spring when held at
the end is turned round the rivet and rest with its end against the thickness piece
below the moveable part. When desired the part may be replaced at any time as it
is easily removeable at the side of the moveable piece a rod may be attached passing
through the frame or edge of base plate so that the loose piece may be readily
adjusted upon the axle. The loose adjustable plate may also be contained between
the base plate and another plate rivetted to same with slot holes passing through the
adjustable plate so as to keep it in parallel movement. The L pieces may then be
dispensed with as the slots act as guides. The adjusting rod or rods may pass
through either top, bottom or sides of the dust shield frame or base plate. The
adjustable plate may be turned up on edge so as to project from same and provide a
handle to work it by. Another form of adjustable piece is arranged with a jointed
movement instead of a parallel movement and is carried out by having one or more
adjustable plates actuated by springs tending to close them on to axle in a similar
manner as previously described. The jointed movement is made with a rivet passing
through the plates and fixed at any side of the axle so that the rivet or pivot upon
which the adjustable plates turn may be fixed at any desirable point around axle,
the most desirable being such that the movement of plate around the pivot takes up
the wear;
the most applicable points being the sides or top and bottom. The
adjustable rods before described can be attached to any of the moveable plates used
for adjustment. A frame closed in at all sides or open on one is also made to take
the several descriptions of dust shields the whole of the interior being as before
described viz. made up of solid or adjustable wearing plates actuated by springs
on their edges, the exterior being formed of a frame of wire bent so as to form the
outline of dust shield, and outer plates rivetted to wire of specially channelled or
recessed section bent at corners or soldered to same. The frame may also be made
solely from plates turned up on edge and jointed so as to hold each other together
either by a closing joint or by rivets passing through corners of plate frame holding
the whole together. The interior may be entirely loose or closed in on all sides and
rivets may pass through providing the necessary pivots or guides to the adjustable
parts within and the adjusting rod or handles actuating the plates or springs within
may pass through the frame. The edges of entirely closed in frame are provided
with springs which rest against side of groove in main casing to relieve the weight of
made with two
dust shield from the axle. A simpler form of compressible shield
outer metallic plates and enclosing a felt, leather, asbestos or other suitable material
with the whole rivetted together or held by an adhesive cement, the edges may also
be fitted with springs to relieve the weight of shield. Any of the before mentioned
shields may be made with felt facings on outside or alternate layers of felt or other
compressible and similar material may be used for the purposes described.
In order that my invention may be fully understood I have in the drawings here-
unto annexed shewn various examples of axle boxes constructed as herein before
described.
In Figure 1 the casing or main body A is shewn as being made solid with the
cover at end A¹ held together by bolts A2 3. (The upper cover Figure 44, when bolted
to the lower casing is suitably stepped coming down over the joint as shewn at Z to
prevent oil oozing out.) The lower part of the main casing as shewn in Figure 1
contains the lubricator L and the oil. To, indicate the height of oil within the
box 1 provide the projection at side A Figure 3 closed by a screw A³. I also further
indicate the level to which the oil should be filled into the box by means of a
projection at the front end A° Figure 1 with the words "OIL LEVEL" cast on
the side.
The back part of the casing has a groove C for the dust shield D the part C¹ being
carried completely round and terminating with a cover C² held by a screw C³ which

page_text: passes through a hole in the cover or through jaws C* Figure 8; the ends of the cover
project down so as to fit into the groove at Figure 3, or the cover may be made of
a semi-circular cover (or ribbed flat cover) held by a cotter pin C Figure 2, which
passes through top of box and cover closing up the groove thereby.
Figure 1 shews a longitudinal section of the general arrangement of the casing or
box which is fitted with the bearing B and division plate B¹. In Figure 1 the bearing
is shewn with centre projection B2 which passes through a hole in the division
plate B. The hole may be round or other suitable shape. The projection B2 takes
the thrust of axle and transmits same to the box A or main casing. The division
plate B may be dispensed with if desired in which case the centre piece B2 on
bearing would fit into a suitable recess in top of main casing. The top of the main
casing is fitted with a hole and screw B³ which communicate with hole in division
plate at B and opens on to the back of the bearing, this is provided as an oil hole
and directs the oil poured in at top on to the recess on bearing just under the oil hole
and thus communicates with the oil grooves B³ on each side or in centre of the back
of bearing. The side grooves receive the oil, and holes B. 6. Figure 7, in the side
allow the oil to escape onto the journal below.
The holes may be dispensed with when desired in which case the oil would be
allowed to run down vertical grooves in the bearing or box. The bearing and division
plate is shewn in detail in Figures 4, 5, 6, 7.
Figure 4 is a longitudinal section of the division plate and bearing. The hole B'
is for the purpose of removing the division plate when required; the hole B is the
oil hole communicating with the groove below in bearing. The division plate in this
case is made without any centre hole as it is used only as a key or packing plate
when the thrust of axle is taken by the centre pieces E 2. Figure 5, which fit into a
suitably recessed seating in the side of the box. Figures 6 and 7 are views of the
same bearing and division plate but provided with end thrust pieces E3. 4. (Figure 7)
which may be either bevelled as shewn in side view or of regular rectangular section
as shewn in plan E¹ E², Figure 5.
When the division plate as shewn in Figure 1 is used the centre part of the bearing
and box are in contact but when the division plate as shewn in Figures 4, 5, 6 and 7,
is used the centre part of the bearing is in contact with the under side of division
plate. The end of the division plate at front may be formed into a handle, shaped so
that it can be readily removed thereby instead of using the hole B7 Figure 4.
Figure 9 is a longitudinal section and
Figure 10 is a part cross section and part end view of a casing made in one part
also closed by the end door F¹, Figure 9, but with the division plate entirely omitted.
Figure 13 is a plan of same.
At the top of main casing F directly over the bearing is a branched oil channel F2
Figure 9 the hole F³ may be closed by a pin as shewn at B³ (Figure 1) or may
be closed by a lid F Figure 9 which is either provided with a spring to keep
it down; or with a thickened side or handle F5 (Figures 9, 13) which thus closes up
the hole.
The cover of main casing as shewn in Figures 1 and 9 may be made as shewn held
in place by bolts A2.3 Figure 8 or by screwed pins F6 F7 as shewn in Figure 13.
Figures 15 and 16 are enlarged views of the covers. Figure 15 is an elevation of
cover with the bolts centrally placed. Figure 16 is an elevation of cover with the
bolts placed at cross corners. In both cases the cover is well stayed by the rib G
which runs between the bolts.
On the upper surface of the lid or cover is cast a projection G¹ Figures 1, 8 and 15
which is provided as a handle or part upon which a spanner of ordinary construction
may be placed so as to turn the cover over to open the end of the main casing.
The projection may be of elongated form as shewn at Figures 15, 16, or may be T
as shewn Figure 17 or X as shewn at Figure 18. The root of the projection where
joining the surface of the lid is well rounded to increase its strength. Two round
projections may also be used for the same purpose placed so that the leverage of the
long spanner may be used to move the cover.

page_text: The object of placing the bolts at opposite corners as shewn in Figure 16 is that
the lid may clear the bolt in its turning.
The lid may also be made with 2 jaws as shewn in Figure 14 H2; which allow of
the lid being lifted off by means of the projection G¹ when the side pins F6.7.
Figure 13 are unscrewed. The side pins F6.7 Figure 13 with this variety of lid
need never be removed being merely unscrewed to release the lid. The joint
between lid and main casing is made with a flexible material to secure a good
joint.
In Figure 9 at I is shewn a baffle plate which is used to keep the lubricator or
spongy material composed of wool, hair and cotton, in place. The baffle plate I is
attached to the front cover or lid. At I' Figure 9 are cast jaws which come out on
each side (as shewn in detail Figure 12) these jaws are provided to receive the baffle
plate and front lid which when removed from place are slid into the jaws I and
hang on the box exposing the interior for purposes of examination. Instead of
jaws a hook Figure 11 may be fixed in the box and the cover and baffle plate hung
upon same by means of holes in them.
At the back of the main casing F8 Figure 9 I provide an overflow chamber closed
by a screwed pin F' having a tapered neck and leather washer or plain pin to prevent
the oil escaping. Sometimes when a loose spongy material is used in preference to
a lubricator, I use a loose dish or casing Figure 19 which contains the lubricant in
the chamber, the dish is thickened at the back J to provide a good wearing surface
and the whole encloses the axle as shown in Figures 20, 21, the springs J2 bearing
on the bottom of a solid main casing with an end door as shewn in Figure 31 or with
a door or lid as previously described. Figures 22, 23 show another form of loose
dish used in the bottom part of main casing having a tray K Figure 22 to support a
lubricator and collect the dripping oil from journal. The tray K, Figure 22, may be
loose or removable or it may be made solid as shewn in Figure 24.
The main casing as before described may be used to carry these loose dishes or the
dish may be cast in the bottom all in one part.
The ledge K¹ Figure 22 is for the purpose of catching the dirty particles of oil and
allowing only the clearer parts to have access to the lubricator. The hole K²
Figures 22, 23, allows for the passage of the lubricator or wicks down into the
chamber below.
B
To provide a simple lubricator and one readily removed from box I arrange the
lower part of the main casing with guide walls L2 Figure 25 which guide the
lubricator in position. The guide walls extend from end to end of lower casing or oil
reservoir as shewn on Figure 26 terminating at the end with the splayed or angled
parts at the front L34. There is a hole L' at the end of the casing which is closed by
a screwed plug L having a plain or tapered neck which when unscrewed from the
casing allows the lubricator L' Figure 25 to be removed through the hole. The
screwed plug is provided with a square recessed hole or a projecting square or hexagon
head by means of which it may be unscrewed. The guide walls L2 Figure 26 are
slotted L. 9, 10, so as to allow the oil to circulate freely all around the lubricator
when in place.
Figure 29 shews a general side view of the lubricator used with the latter kind of
oil reservoir. It is made up of a steel frame and springs L" Figure 29 covered with
a woollen and cotton brush or pad P and wicks W the lubricator is shewn in plan
Figure 30 with the covering pad P and wicks and leather handle P¹ by means of
which the lubricator can be reinoved from position. A detail of the covering pad is
shewn in Figure 28.
The lubricator may also be made as shewn in Figure 37 of a thin sheet or strips of
metal with curved sides S¹²: the sides S12 are carried well down on the under side
of the axle so that the lower part is well immersed in oil. The frame is covered with
fibrous brushes S34 with wicks coming through to the face of brush, the lower sides
of the brushes in all cases where possible extend down into the lubricant so that the
brushes act as capillaries as well as the wicks. I also have another pattern, Figures 31, 35
which is similar to the last described but with the addition of the centre brush' S³

page_text: which is sometimes to be preferred to convey the oil the shortest distance to the axle.
The lubricator frame may be semi-circular or dished as previously described or may
be designed as shewn in Figure 35 with the sides S₁2 closer to the axle than at the
bottom. All the forementioned lubricators are supported on a spiral spring as
shewn in Figure 35 or by flat side springs S7 Figure 37 or by a single flat spring
rivetted on the under side of the lubricator frame directly in the centre. When the
side springs are used they are rivetted to side wings W Figure 34 stamped out of the
body of the frame or rivetted on to same. The shape of the flat springs may be as
shewn on Figure 38 S or may be as shewn Figure 40. For the ready removal of
the lubricator from its place I occasionally use the frame Figures 41, 42 to which the
brushes, wicks and springs are attached the ends T12 being turned up as guide and
the tips T being formed into a handle for removal.
The side lubricators may all be supported on a simple flat pan Figure 36 with its
edges turned up, or the pan may have a hole in the centre T³, Figure 43. The
brushes S3 and wicks are as before described but are held up against the axle by the
springs T5 6
Figure 31 is a longitudinal section and
Figure 33 is a cross section of a form of main casing in which grease can be used
either separately or in conjunction with any of the oil lubricators previously described.
The face of the bearing B is not perforated with holes or slots as is usually done but
the grease (when used) is put into the chamber C and when heated falls down the
sides of bearing on to the axle and is then collected on the
plates L L which
extend the whole length of the casing. The projecting pieces A of the bearing go
right through the grease chamber Cand melt the grease as before described. "The
grease chamber may be provided with a spring door 1) to keep it closed.
The front hinged door D' Figure 31 may be opened when required and the > plates
may be removed and any of the oil receivers or trays before mentioned may be
inserted in the interior. The front door D¹ may be also the only door, covering
both the main casing and the grease or oil chamber thus dispensing with the
lid D.
Figure 44 is a longitudinal section.
Figure 45 is a part section and part front view.
Figure 46 is a plan of another method of applying the lubricant instead of relying
on the capillary action of the wicking and brushes alone. X Figure 44 is a circular
disc of metal with rounded edge X₁: it is mounted on a square seat on end of axle X2
Figure 49 and held in place by the screw E. Two plates or discs may be
used as shewn in Figure 47. The end of the axle may also be notched X³. 4.
Figures 49, 50, and suitable projections or arms made in the discs; these are for the
purpose of preventing the movement of the discs from their seating. The plate or
dise may also be mounted on a shaft as shewn in Figure 48 either in sections held
together by screws or made solid and secured to the shaft by the set screw F. The
bearing G has a suitable lip G¹ to catch the lubricant and convey it to the receiver G².
When fixed to a shaft a suitable cover is provided to exclude all dust.
In Figure 44 the main casing is formed into an oil well which is formed by the
transverse rib R running from side to side. The central part H is filled with a
lubricator as before described or by an elastic fibrous material which becomes soaked
with oil supplied on to its surface by the disc X the disc catches up the oil and throws
it on to the receiver R and is reflected by the sides of main casing on to the material
in the central part H, the top of the casing also reflects the oil taken up by the disc
into the recess or lip B₁ formed on end of bearing.
The disc may be of any form pertaining to a dished section and may also be
corrugated on its surface in any form.
When 2 discs are used Figure 47 they are kept apart by washer E¹ and secured as
before described.
The dust guards for inserting in the recess I Figure 31 at the back of the main
casing are made in a variety of forms.

page_text: 2
Figure 51 is a section of a dust guard made with a base plate J to which are attached
the springs J. the edges of the bise plate are ribbed to stiffen same, and to its centre
is attached a piece of material with hole in centre (the same size as hole in base
plate) fitting the collar of axle. Felt or other compressible material may be used
on the base plate so as to completely fill out the width of the groove in which
the dust guard is placed and by this means taking its weight off the axle.
Another form of dust guard is shewn in Figure 53 with the plates K₁. rivetted
together and the centre plate K³ sliding in between the centre plate is provided with
slotted holes and is actuated by the flat spring K'.
Pieces of form may also be used in lieu of the rivets attached so that the moveable
piece K³ is held at the sides by the pieces attached to the plate K². A spring as
shewn on Figure 54 may be used or another form as shewn in Figure 55 may be used
to provide the necessary pressure to the plate K³ Figure 53.
A rod as shewn at Figure 57 may also be attached at the side of moveable plate by
means of which the plate may be adjusted to its place.
Figure 58 shows another form of dust guard similar to the before mentioned but
with the rivet L holding the moveable plate to the base plate the spring L' bearing
against its under side moves it upwards and thus takes up the wear.
I also sometimes use a frame Figures 59, 60, in which to place the dust guard.
Figure 61 is a section of a dust guard made up of metal plates M¹ and felt or other
suitable centre M³. Figure 62 is a section of a dust guard similar to the last but with
the felt or other material placed on each side of the metal plate M₁ and Figure 63
shews the dust guard made up of the base plate N and other suitable material Ñ¹ such
as felt attached to it.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. In an axlebox the form of the division plate and bearing with oil grooves and
channels.
2. The end cover with jaws and projection by means of which the cover may be
opened.
3. The dust shield groove cover secured by screw or split cotter.
4. The combination of the "OIL LEVEL" indicator and the oil screw on top of box.
5. The bearing with the combination of the side or end thrust pieces and oil grooves
and channels.
6. The division or key plate made of thin wrought iron with oil hole and handle or
hole at end for removal.
7. The combination of oil channel in top of axlebox with the overflow chamber
at bottom closed by a screw and end door with side jaws and handle or projection
on top.
8. The hook or jaws cast on bottom of box to receive the baffle plate.
9. The loose dish with thickened back piece, all supported on springs, the top of dish
being opened or closed by a tray.
10. The axlebox casing with the tray cast in or made to work loose.
11. The axlebox casing with side guide walls slotted and splayed at end closed by a
screwed plug.
12. The lubricator with material of cotton and wool or wool alone covering and
leather handle attached to springs wicks passing through the covering.
13. The lubricator (with side or centre springs either flat or spiral), with sides
carried down into oil and frame covered with side and centre brushes with wicks
passing through to axle.
14. The lubricator supported on side of casing or pan by springs.

page_text: 16. The bearing having pieces extending into the grease chamber and holes in the side.
17. The dished disc either solid or in parts or more than one attached to the
revolving axle by set pins.
18. The casing with oil well formed by transverse rib, and oil catcher or arm with
main division for lubricator and cover with joint protected.
19. The bearing with end lip and channels for collecting oil.
20. The dust guard with base plate and side springs or felt with firmly attached
centre.
21. The dust guard with base plate and side springs with adjustable centre plate or
outside plate.
22. The dust guard made of frame into which the plates are fitted.
23. The dust guard of base plate and felt alone either on outside or between layers
of felt or other suitable material.
24. The construction of axle boxes substantially as herein before described with
reference to Figures 1 to 8.
25. The construction of axle boxes substantially as herein before described with
reference to Figures 9 to 14.
26. The construction of axle boxes substantially as herein before described with
reference to Figures 19 to 24.
27. The construction of axle boxes substantially as herein before described with
reference to Figures 25 to 30.
28. The construction of axle boxes substantially. as herein before described with
reference to Figures 31 to 33.
29. The construction of axle boxes substantially as herein before described with
reference to Figures 34 to 43.
30. The construction of axle boxes substantially as herein before described with
reference to Figures 44 to 50.
Dated thin 97th Ja..
SA1007
CARPMAEL & Co.,
Agents for the Applicant.