Improvements in Plummer Blocks and Pedestal Bearings for Shafting and Journals.
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 13th Mar., 1897-Accepted, 17th Apr., 1897
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Plummer Blocks and Pedestal Bearings for
Shafting and Journals.
I, GUSTAF SCHACK-SOMMER, of 21 Mincing Lane, in the City of London,
Consulting Chemical Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention
(which has been communicated to me from abroad by A. Freitag, of 57 Spaarn-
dammerstraat, Amsterdam, Holland, Sugar Refiner) and in what manner the same
is to be performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement :—
This invention relates to an improved construction of plummer blocks and
pedestal bearings wherein a reservoir for oil is formed in the lower part of the
plummer block or pedestal, the oil being automatically raised to the bearing
surfaces, while springs are provided for removing the excess of oil and acting as oil
catchers.
I will now describe the construction with reference to the accompanying drawing
in which Figure 1 shews a vertical section of a plummer block constructed
according to this invention, and Figure 2 shews a plan with the cover removed.
The plummer block consists mainly of the following parts; the plummer block
or pedestal proper K, which serves at the same time as the oil reservoir, the
cover (d), the bush or brass (p), a strip of metal S pleated accordion fashion
having narrow capillary spaces between the folds, and the wiping off springs (a).
The lower brass p is made cylindrical on the part of its outer surface that rests
on the block K so that it can be turned round therein. Thus when repairs are
necessary, the cover (d) is removed, the shaft is slightly lifted and the lower
brass (p), with the help of a hook-key inserted into slots L, is turned round and
drawn out sideways. After the brass has been repaired, it may be replaced by
putting it on the shaft and turning it round; the shaft is then lowered and the
cover screwed on again.
are very
In comparison with this construction the repairs of ordinary pedestals
difficult to execute, owing to the impossibility of removing the lower brass which
necessitates removal of the belts, disconnection of couplings, and sometimes the
taking to pieces of entire machines, and the consequent disadvantages of having to
lift all the heavy parts of machinery. All these drawbacks are avoided by this
new pedestal, bearing, or plummer block, which works as follows:-The accordion
pleated strip of metal S causes oil to ascend to the shaft by capillary attraction
while it revolves, thus keeping the shaft constantly supplied with oil, which
minimises the wear and tear of the shaft and the brass. The strip S is supported
in the lower brass and kept in contact with the shaft by the bow spring S₁, and it
projects up through a slot in the brass, so as to be depressed slightly by the shaft
and thus be kept in close contact therewith. The lubricating grooves (n) are so
arranged, that the oil is conducted to both sides of the bearing and having reached
the ends of the brass it drops into the oil reservoir, ready to circulate again.
XX' are extensions of the oil reservoir X communicating therewith through
openings in the block K. In these extensions are fixed spring wipers a, that
wipe the oil off the shaft at those points, thus preventing any loss by escape, the
oil removed falling back into the reservoir. The collars of the shaft are situated
in the extensions X on the inner side of the wipers.

page_text: Every six to twelve months, as may be convenient or necessary, the oil is
removed, filtered, and put back again. In a dusty place, it is advisable to enclose
the extensions X' of the oil reservoir by a leather cover, to prevent the dust
entering.
This improved construction of plummer blocks or pedestal bearings has the
following advantages:
1. The repairs are easily executed as the parts can be taken to pieces both
conveniently and expeditiously.
2. The lubricating process is very perfect, being entirely automatic.
3. The bearing acts efficiently without any supervision.
4. A great saving of expense is effected as repairs are only required at long
intervals and the consumption of oil is very small.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
A self lubricating plummer block or pedestal bearing consisting of the
combination of the pedestal proper, K, arranged to serve as an oil reservoir, the
accordion pleated lubricating strip S, the spring wipers (a) for wiping off the oil,
and the cylindrical lower brass (p) with the slot L, and the horizontal lubricating
groove (n), substantially as described.
Dated this lot day of Marcu
ABEL & IMRAY,
Agents for the Applicant.
ABEL & IMRAY,
Agents for the Applicant.