IM- PROVEMENTS IN LUBRICATING APPARATUS FOR STEAM-ENGINES
Year: 1879

page_text: ༣༨.
LETTERS PATENT to William Robert Lake, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co.,
Patent Agents, Southampton Buildings, London, for the Invention of "IM-
PROVEMENTS IN LUBRICATING APPARATUS FOR STEAM-ENGINES."
A com-
munication from abroad by William P. Phillips, of Boston, Massachusetts,
United States of America,
ealed the 1st July 1879, and dated the 8th May 1879.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said William Robert Lake at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 8th May 1879.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN LUBRICATING APPARATUS
FOR STEAM ENGINES.' A communication from abroad by William P. Phillips, of
Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America.
The object of this Invention is to provide improved apparatus or devices for
supplying a constant, sufficient, regulated, and observable quantity of oil to the
parts of steam-engines required to be lubricated, the said apparatus or devices
being so constructed as to ensure simplicity, economy, readiness of attachment,
convenience of location, safety from injury or disarrangement, precision of operation,
and capability of indicating clearly and constantly to the eye of the operator the
amount or rate of the supply of oil.
One part of this Invention is illustrated in Figure 1 of the Drawings which is a
perspective view, shewing a simple form of my improved lubricating mechanism
arranged in connection with a steam-boiler and engine.
A is a boiler, and C is an oil-tank connected therewith by a pipe g, having a
regulating cock h; a pipe k leads from the oil-reservoir C in which pipe is the
regulating valve p. The pipe la conducts the oil to and through the base part f of
the indicator and into the induction pipe n. The pipes and n may be one.
continuous pipe, or may be formed in sections, together constituting an oil-con-
ductor or induction pipe to the tube or reservoir D which is formed of glass closed
at the upper end, and held at the lower end to the base f by the clamp or nut e,
making a tight bottom, and is divided as shewn by the dotted line a, b, into two
chambers, the position of this line a, b, being variable, but preferably as shown in
the Drawings; below the line a, b, is a chamber for alcohol water or any trans-
parent fluid of greater specific gravity than the oil used; I prefer alcohol, as this
may be used in a colder room or remoter from the steam-pipes than is suitable for
[Price 6d]

page_text: water, and I consider this arrangement and use of alcohol as new.
Above the line
u, b, is an oil-chamber over and upon the chamber; from the chamber leads
the eduction tube or pipe s which may lead as shown back through the base f, it
conducts the oil from the chamber x to the steam-chest w, or the steam-pipe near
the chest if preferred by the pipe l; this pipe 7 may be one continuous piece with
the pipe 8, or in sections, but it will be understood that the pipe s, l, forms an
eduction pipe, and has in the part 7 outside the indicator and toward the engine
a check-valve o to prevent the steam from pressing or working back through the
tube 1, being so arranged as to allow the oil to flow by it into the steam chest w
of the engine B.
When in operation the chamber z is filled with alcohol or water and the
reservoir C with oil, and the pressure from the boiler is introduced by turning the
cock sufficiently; this cock h may be left entirely open, however, as the valve or
cock p is turned so as to regulate the delivery of oil as it is forced by the pressure
referred to through the tube k, n, into the chamber z; here the oil rises drop by
drop as shown at r through the fluid in the chamber z into the chamber and fills
it, and through it fills the pipe 8, l, to the check-valve o; the pressure of the boiler
continuing forces the oil by the check-valve o into the chest w, and so to the piston
and valves (with the steam) in the engine B; now the rate of delivery of the oil
is plainly, seen by the number of drops passing up at into the oil-reservoir in a
given time, and can be regulated to a drop by turning the valve p.
The different parts are shewn in the Drawings as very near together and in
definite positions relatively, but it is evident that they may be in any convenient
relative positions, and at other distances apart as may be necessary in different
the pressure of the boiler being sufficiently greater than that of the chest to
cause the oil to flow in the tubes through any convenient distance, this difference
in pressure varying from three pounds upward.
cases,
A modification of this Invention specially adapted for use on locomotive engines
is illustrated in Figures 2, 3, 4, and 5 of the Drawings in which,―
Figure 2 is an elevation partly in section, and
Figure 3 is a plan of a portion of the same.
Figure 4 represents a cylinder and its steam chest on a boiler drawn to a reduced
scale.
•
Figure 5 shows a modified form of parts shewn in Figure 2 as hereinafter
described.
In these Figures A is the rear or cab end of the boiler; B is the throttle-lever;
c is the hinged fulcrum of the lever; d is the stem of the throttle-valve hinged to
the lever; and W, Figure 4, represents the cylinder and its steam-chest on one
side of the locomotive; S is a steam-pipe connecting with the boiler inside and
containing the pet-cock u, and leading by the conical entrance t into the oil-
reservoir R to which it is held by the packed coupling T. This reservoir R has
a screw-plug in the top, and is usually constructed with a cock or other let-off
device at the bottom and is surmounted by the indicator O, which consists of a
glass tube closed at the top, and held to the top of the reservoir R by the coupling p
and elastic packing q
This indicator contains a water-chamber and an oil
chamber above the same, a short induction tube having in its upper end a
check-valve s, and also contains a long eduction tube m continued outward and
downward along the end of the boiler where it has a regulating set-valve l, a branch
3, and a valve g, and is divided into two equal branches h and i which lead to the
cylinders as in Figure 4. The valve is constructed with a set-screw or other
device so as to be held in any fixed position against the jar of the engine; the
branch j contains a plug-cock k, and leads forward through the boiler to the steam
pipe or chest, and may be omitted or used as desired as a variation, but is not
essential to the operation of the other parts of the device. The valve g has its
stem bent at right angles like a crank, the end of which is hinged at v to a short
connecting rod e, which is hinged to the throttle-lever, B as shewn in Figure 3.

page_text: Another form of this pipe m and its connections is shewn in Figure 5 where the
pipe m is evenly divided just before reaching the valve g, and either branch takes
the form of a small semi-circle below which it meets the other, and the two run a
very short distance as one again, and then divide into the branches h, i, as before.
Into one of the semi-circular branches the valve g is inserted with its connections
to the lever B as before, and the other semi-circular branch j corresponds to the
pipe j in Figure 2 and also has the valve kc.
The operation of this contrivance is as follows, that is to say:-
2
The chamber is filled with water, the reservoir R is filled with oil, and the
valves and u being opened, and the valve being set open to a proper degree to
allow a sufficient escape of oil, the steam enters the pipe S and passing through the
conical opening t, which latter by its form gives greater pressure at the orifice in
the reservoir, enters the reservoir R and forces the oil upwards through the induc-
tion pipe n past the check-valve s, which prevents any backward flow of oil when
the steam is shut off, and passes drop by drop at a rate to be regulated by the
valve through the water into the oil chamber x, whence it is taken at the samo
rate through the eduction pipe m, and flows onward through the branch j to the
cylinders, the valve g being shut when the throttle-valve is shut. Now when the
throttle-valve is opened and the steam admitted to the cylinders, the operator closes
the valve k, and when he operates the throttle-lever B by pulling it forward to let
on the steam, he also opens the valve g by means of its automatic connections to
the throttle-lever B as above described, and the oil passes through the valve g into
the branches i, h, to the cylinders. When the lever is moved back again to shut
off the steam the flow of oil is also shut off by the closing of the valve g. But it
frequently happens as in running down inclines that lubrication of the cylinders is
desired when the engine is not working, as the pistons are moving, and then tlie
operator can turn the valve k and allow the oil to proceed through the branch j,
the suction in the cylinders being sufficient to draw it through the pipes even when
the steam is not on.
The advantages of this contrivance are many and obvious, since it makes one oil-
reservoir supply both cylinders; the lubricator is brought into the cab, it works
automatically, and by exact regulation under the eye of the operator, and ensures a
constant and adequate supply of oil while it also prevents the greater amount of
waste incident to other forms of lubricators.
Another modification of the said Invention specially adapted for use on small
and stationary engines where there is a vertical steam-pipe in which to insert it,
and which is also a very inexpensive form, is shewn in vertical section in Figure 6
of the Drawings, in which A. is an oil-reservoir which I make preferably of glass,
so that the amount of oil remaining in it may be observed, and which may be
closed at the bottom as shewn in the Drawings or of any other convenient con-
struction, but I usually employ in the devices in actual use a pet-cock inserted at
or near the bottom for drawing off the contents of this reservoir without dis-
turbing the coupling above. The upper end of this reservoir is held tightly by the
packings i, j, between the parts K and J of a coupling which may be screwed
tightly the one upon the other; through this coupling near the upper part I
usually insert a tap or a tube with a removable cap extending to the inside above
or into the reservoir A, through which the reservoir may be filled with oil without
disturbing the coupling. The upper part of the coupling in the part marked J is
threaded on the inside to receive another part of a coupling N, which is threaded
on the outside and has its lower end screwed into the part J, and is threaded
internally at the smaller part to receive the tube or nozzle C, the latter being
secured in the former by means of a thread on the outside of its lower end, and
extends upward through the coupling as I prefer to make it and has a hole through
its centre, or an orifice c, smaller at its upper end, connecting with the reservoir A
to the outside of the part N, is secured an internally threaded part M, which holds
firmly and tightly by means of the packing m, the lower end of a glass tube O

page_text: around and over the nozzle C; this tube O contains a water chamber B, and is
confined at its upper end by means of the packing n and the coupling P, Q.
There is placed upon the smaller part Qa disc or transverse part I extending
laterally beyond the coupling, and containing holes for the slender bolts or
rods H, H. These rods H, H, being headed at the upper end are passed through the
holes in the part I until the heads rest thereon, and extend downward to the part J
before described, which latter has projections or lugs with internally threaded holes
to receive the threaded ends of the bolts H, H. These bolts being tightened hold
all the parts described tightly and securely together. L is a valve or threaded rod,
with a thumb piece on the outer end and extending through the parts N and C to
the aperture through the latter, and the inner end being as wide as the aperture,
and fitted to a valve seat therein operates to close partially or wholly the aper-
ture c.
The part Q is hollow, and is connected by the externally threaded piece R
to the elbow piece G, which is connected by the externally threaded part D with
the tube E. These hollow parts D, G, R, and Q may be made in one or more pieces
as found desirable, their offices being to connect and support the parts below with
the steam-pipe leading to the steain-chest, and to furnish through their centre a
continuous tube ", ", r, r, from the water-chamber B to the orifice F and the
tube E. The steam-pipe near the chest is tapped, and the hole threaded to fit and
receive the externally threaded part D, which is then screwed into it so as to sup-
port the whole contrivance in the position shown in the Drawings. The orifice F
and the hollow bent tube E opening through the part D in slightly different or
opposite directions complete the connection between the chamber B and the interior
of the steam-pipe. The operation of this device is as follows:-The reservoir A is filled
with oil, the chamber B is filled with water, and the valve L opened. The aper-
ture c, although very small, allows the water and oil to change places through it
slowly, even when not under pressure. The course of the steam in the steam-pipe
being downward and the tube E being bent upward to meet it, the steam enters the
tube E with its full pressure, passes into and condenses in the hollow tubing or
chamber 7, 7, 7, r, and thus adds to and presses upon the water in the chamber B,
forces the water drop by drop intermittently downwards through the orifice c, and
the chamber A being full every drop of water so entering it will displace a drop of
oil; the oil therefore passes upward through the orifice c, and rises drop by drop,
as at o, o, o, through the water in the chamber B, and out at the orifice F, and is
drawn downward with the steam to lubricate the cylinders and parts connected
therewith.
Another modification of the said Invention is represented in Figures 7 and 8,
which are vertical sectional views in planes at right angles to each other. In these
Figures A. is an oil reservoir, having a cap J or screw plug of any convenient form,
which may be removed for the purpose of filling the reservoir with oil. The said
reservoir A is attached to a base-part E, and contains an opening at L for the
entrance of water, and a tube K extending upwards in the reservoir, as I prefer to
construct it, but which in all cases has its upper opening at or near the top of the
reservoir, and affords an escape or egress for the oil. The base-part or fundament E
is somewhat complex in its structure and functions, since it serves not only as a
support for the reservoir A, but also as a connection with the steam pipe or chest,
as a conduit for the steam, the water, and the oil through four different channels.
This base part or fundament E I prefer to construct as shown in the Drawings,
substantially in one solid piece, having the nipple C externally threaded, and
adapted to be inserted into a tap or hole internally threaded in the steam chest or
steam pipe. Through this nipple by an opening the steam is admitted and the
oil delivered, and when preferred I sometimes divide this channel so as to admit
the steam and deliver the oil through separate channels. m is a connection of the
steam-channel at Q leading into the steam-pipe D, which is a small pipe of even
bore throughout, and bent or coiled, either over the reservoir as shown in the
Drawings, or in some cases coiled around the reservoir horizontally to allow the

page_text: steam an opportunity to cool and condense into water. The said tube has an air-
valve at I, and a shut off and regulating valve at H, and its small bore or channel for
the steam and water continues through p and the opening L into the reservoir A.
G is a plug-cock, which may be turned to allow the water to be drawn off from the
reservoir A and the pipe D as desired; B is an indicator, consisting of a glass tube,
and containing a water chamber below and an oil chamber above the short ingress
tube, to which it is connected by a small pipe, having its chamber at o connected
with the tube K, and its long egress pipe connected by another tube extending
somewhat farther downwards, containing the shut-off or regulating valve F, and
having its bore or channel connected with the channel n connected with the steam
.chest or steam pipe through the lower part of the fundament at Q.
This form of my contrivance is specially adapted for use on the top of the steam-
chest or of a horizontal steam pipe connected with it when necessary to attach it to
a vertical or otherwise inclined steam-pipe. The form of the fundament may be
slightly changed as obviously required to put it in operation. The process may be
as follows: A hole or tap may be made in the steam-chest or steam-pipe, and
internally threaded to fit the nipple C, which is then screwed tightly into the tap,
with the valves H and F open, and the air-vent I being opened if necessary to let
the air escape and then closed. The steam enters at Q and passes through m, and
the steam pipe D opening L, tube K opening o, and indicator B condensing until
the glass tube of the indicator is filled with water nearly to the top. The valves H
and F are then closed, the water from the reservoir drawn off by the cock G, which
is then closed. The reservoir A is then filled with oil, and the cap J screwed
tightly on. The valves H and F being sufficiently opened the steam passes through
the steam-pipe D, entering the reservoir at I, in the form of water slowly, drop by
drop, through the tube K and the indicator B into the pipe below, and as it passes
through the opening n and the end of the fundament at Q into the steam pipe or
chest mixes with the steam and lubricates the valves and pistons.
As usually constructed the opening n in the oil delivery pipe is smaller than the
passage m into the steam pipe, and although the pressure in these two pipes is about
the same yet the arrangement of the pipes K, o, and n, with respect to the other
parts is such that whether the pipe D be horizontal or vertical, or in any other
position, a continuous flow of oil regulated at will is secured.
Amongst other advantages of this contrivance are the certainty of its operation,
the compactness and inexpensiveness of its construction, its small liability to
accident or disturbance, and the quickness and ease with which it may be applied
by any one immediately to the steam chest or pipe of an engine; and in addition to
this I may mention the readiness and simplicity of attachment which admits of its
being put on with great economy and by any mechanic however unskilled he may
be; it also admits of use in positions where other lubricators now in use could not
be attached except with great expense and inconvenience.
Where two or three engines are used near together I adapt the said Invention so
that they will all be lubricated from the same oil-reservoir if desired; this is effected
by the arrangement represented in elevation in Figure 9 of the Drawings, where
three inductors similar to those above described are attached by separate inductors
and delivery pipes. I am also able to attach my indicator to the oil cup
known as the " 'impermeator," or to what is known as "Wilson's index " or
the like, by attaching a small oil pipe to the upper part of the oil reservoir, as
shown in elevation in Figure 10 of the Drawings leading to my indicator, of which
the eduction or oil delivery pipe is carried downward and may either enter the
'impermeator" near its connection with the steam pipe as shown in the Drawings
or may enter the steam pipe by any other independent connection, and I usually
place a check-valve in this oil delivery pipe which allows the oil to pass towards
the steam-pipe, but prevents the steam from passing toward the indicator. This adap-
tation is very readily and inexpensively made to such "impermeators" already in use.
Having thus fully described the said Invention as communicated to me by my

page_text: foreign correspondent, and the manner of performing the same, I wish it understood
that I claim,―
With reference to Figure 1 of the Drawings,-
An indicating gauge-lubricator consisting of the reservoir, the steam-pipe, the
glass tube closed at its upper end and containing the oil-chamber and the water
below the oil, the base, the induction tubes, and the automatic check-valves combined
and operating substantially as described.
Also, in a lubricator having an oil-reservoir with water and oil chambers and
connecting steam and oil pipes, an indicator consisting of a glass tube closed at its
upper end and held in a coupling or base at its lower end, a short induction tube
and a long eduction tube adapted to be connected with pipes, all constructed and
combined to operate essentially as described.
And with reference to Figures 2, 3, 4, and 5, of the Drawings,-
An indicating lubricator for locomotive engines consisting of a steam-pipe, an oil-
reservoir, a glass tube closed at its upper end and held upon the reservoir at its
lower end by an elastic scat and containing an oil-chamber and a water chamber
below it with induction and eduction pipes, a branch pipe leading from the eduction
pipe to each steam-chest, and a valve to regulate the flow of oil, all constructed and
combined to operate as and for the purposes above described.
Also, combined in an indicating lubricator, substantially as above set forth, the
pipe S, reservoir R, tube O, packing q, chambers and x, tube n, check-valve s, pipe
m, and set valve 1, all arranged and constructed to operate essentially as above
described and as shewn in the Drawings.
Also, in a lubricator the truncated hollow cone entrance combined with a steam-
pipe, an oil-reservoir, and the induction pipe of an indicator, substantially as
described.
Also, the combination of the reservoir R, the tube 0 closed at the top and having
a lip or flange at the bottom, and held by a coupling to and upon the reservoir, with
the packing and the tubes n and m, substantially as described."
Also, combined with a throttle-lever and valve stem the cock, the oil-pipe of a
lubricator, and a connecting stein and rod substantially as described.
Also, in combination with an oil reservoir and other parts of a lubricator, the pipe
m having a cock and branches and an alternate pipe with its valve, substantially as
described.
Also, the combination of an oil conducting pipe, valve g, branches i and h, con-
nection f, c, and throttle-lever B, substantially as described.
And with reference to Figure 6 of the Drawings,―
The combination of a water chamber above an oil reservoir below and an orifice
between them, and a single tube connecting the same with a steam-pipe, substantially
as herein set forth.
Also, the combination of the valve L, nozzle C, orifice c, glass tube O, couplings
M, N, J, K, reservoir A, packings m, i, j, rods H, H, disc or collar I, and tube Q,
constructed and arranged as above set forth.
Also, a suspended "cul de suc" indicator consisting of an oil-reservoir and
transparent water chamber so constructed and connected with the steam-pipe that
the steam enters and the oil is discharged through the same pipe, as above set
forth.
And with reference to Figures 7 and 8 of the Drawings,―
The base or fundament constructed to connect the oil-reservoir and the indicator
of an indicating lubricator with the steam pipe or chest of a steam-engine to operate
as and for the purposes above described.
Also, the combination of the steam-pipe, the air-escape, the nipple and openings,
the valve H. and openings, and the oil-reservoir A substantially as set forth.
Also, the combination of the indicator, the pipes with openings, the valve F,
and the hollow nipple arranged and constructed as shown to operate as above
described.

page_text: Also, combined in a lubricator, an oil-reservoir, an indicator, a circuitous steam-
pipe, and a base or fundament having one opening for ingress of steam and egress of
bil, substantially as described and as shown in the Drawings.
Also, a compact standing gauge-lubricator consisting of the parts and constructed
to operate essentially as herein set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Robert Lake, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Seventh day of May, in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and seventy nine.
W. ROBT. LAKE. (L.S.)