IMPROVEMENTS IN SELF-LUBRICATING BOLSTERS FOR SPINNING MACHINES
Year: 1867

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to George Tomlinson Bousfield, of Loughborough Park,
Brixton, in the County of Surrey, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
SELF-LUBRICATING BOLSTERS FOR SPINNING MACHINES." -A communication
from abroad by Erastus Newton Steere, residing at Providence, Rhode
Island, United States of America.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said George Tomlinson Bousfield
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition and
Declaration, on the 19th July 1867, pursuant to the 9th Section of the
Patent Law Amendment Act, 1852.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, GEORGE
TOMLINSON BOUSFIELD, of Loughborough Park, Brixton, in the County of
Surrey, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS
IN SELF-LUBRICATING BOLSTERS FOR SPINNING MACHINES" (communicated to me
from abroad by Erastus Newton Steere, a person resident at Providence,
Rhode Island, United States of America), and in what manner the same is to
be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement thereof, that is to say :-
The spindle bolsters and steps which form the bearings of spindles of the
various kinds for spinning purposes most generally used previous to this
Invention have no provision for any but a temporary lubrication by frequent
applications of oil during the time in which they are in motion, and in con-

page_text: sequence of the careless manner of applying the oil a great deal is wasted by
supplying too much at a time, and on the other hand too little is supplied,
or the supply is neglected altogether, the result in the first instance being
that the oil is dripped and scattered upon the floor, which greatly increases
the combustibility of the premises or mill, and in the latter instance the
spindle and the bearings are injuriously worn and cause the yarn to break by
the irregularity of the spindle's movement. To avoid the difficulties mentioned
the bolster and step of the spindle have been provided with receptacles for
containing oil and with a fibrous packing for holding the oil and conducting
it against the spindle by being in contact with it, the flow of oil through the
packing being regulated by a screw cap or tube that compressed the packing
at its delivery next to the spindle; but this construction failed of accomplishing
the purpose for the reason that the flow of oil required to be nicely adjusted
at each spindle, any neglect or failure to do which produced either the one or
the other of the same difficulties above mentioned of the ordinary construction,
and in addition to these the bearing of the packing against the spindle
interfered with its moving freely and required in most cases more power to
operate the machine. With a view to overcome these difficulties the bolster
and step have been so made with the packing isolated or removed from contact
with the spindle, and by means of suitable openings or passages for the oil from
the packing in the oil receptacle to the spindle bearings, the flow of oil
therefore has been properly regulated by the action of the spindle itself, which
closed the openings and drew therefrom by its revolving movement the
required supply and no more. This latter mode of rendering spindle bearings
self-lubricating is susceptible of being embodied in a number of forms of con-
struction, which adapt the same to all classes of spinning machines with
economy both in cost of construction, the saving of oil, and the facility with
which one or all the spindles of the same machine may be supplied with the
requisite quantity of oil without waste; and the Invention therefore consists
in the construction of the bolster and step of spindles for spinning purposes in
accordance with the last-mentioned mode of self lubricating, as herein-after
described and shown in the accompanying Drawings.
The construction of bolster (which is also applicable as well to the step) for
ring and throstle spinuing frames is shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3 of the
Drawings, in which Figure 1 is a front elevation of a spindle arranged with
the improved bolster; Figure 2 is a plan of the bolster; and Figure 3 is a
vertical section of the same. Similar letters indicating like parts in all the
Figures.
A is a spindle, which is revolved in bearings consisting of the step C in the

page_text: a
lower rail B and the bolster D in the upper rail E. The bolster (D) is con-
structed with an inner shell of bronze or composition metal ƒ (Figures 2 and
3) and with a surrounding shell h generally of cast iron fitting the inner shell
snugly by being forced thereon, this method being most convenient and
cheaper than most others. The interior of the bronze shell f forms a plain
metal bearing precisely like that of the ordinary bolster; but instead of
applying the oil directly to the said bearing at frequent intervals, as is the
practice when such bearings are used, it is proposed to arrange herewith a
self-lubricating device which will, while holding supply of oil in reserve,
yield a sufficiency to keep the said bearing well lubricated, and no more than is
required. And in order to avoid impairing the usefulness of such a bearing in
any particular by such connection the following arrangement is observed,
viz. In the upper portion of the exterior shell his formed an annular
chamber surrounding the spindle bearing, but separate therefrom by the
inner shell f, through which are formed two or more passages e, e, for con-
ducting the lubricating liquid from the said chamber against the spindle; this
chamber is stuffed with cotton wool or other fibrous materials, the office of
which is simply to hold the oil in reserve within the chamber, in which
capacity it will be seen that the said fibrous material does not bear against the
spindle, but is removed from contact therewith by the intervening shell f, the
absorbent does not therefore in any way hinder the spindle from turning
freely by creating unnecessary friction, but by yielding
the passages e, e, (which are the conductors), contributes towards rendering its
freedom of action more perfect. It will be seen that if the spindle fits its
bearing in the shell f properly, owing to the proximity of the two surfaces the
oil passages e, e, will be closed to a certain extent, and the flow of oil therefrom
will in consequence be checked. Accordingly if one of the surfaces (the
spindle) be revolved the oil which has accumulated in the passages would be
drawn into the bearing and form a thin stratum between the two surfaces, the
presence of which would oppose the entrance of a further supply until it was
required; this is therefore the means for graduating the supply of oil to the
bearing. A flange i projects horizontally from the top of the inner shell f
which partially covers the oil chamber and tends to keep the stuffing or packing
down in its place. The upper surface of the flange is slightly inclined for the
5 purpose of conducting the oil when carelessly applied into the chamber. As
a stuffing for the chamber cotton roving is recommended as being at hand in
a cotton mill and most convenient to use, as it may be wound around the
inner shell within the chamber and readily unwound when it is to be removed.
It will be observed that there is nothing adjustable in the bolster and that
a
supply of oil through

page_text: the only attention required is the application of oil to the chamber, say, once
in seven days.
Other improved constructions of bolsters for ring and throstle spinning
machines upon the same general principle are shown in Figures 4, 5, 6, and
7 of the said Drawings, in which Figure 4 is a transverse section of a number
of spindle bolsters as placed in the rail of a spinning machine; Figure 5 is a
plan of the same; Figure 6 is a transverse section by the line A, A, of
Figure 5; and Figure 7 is a transverse section of a bolster and the rail as
employed in "mules." Similar letters indicating like parts in all the
Figures.
In the construction represented in said Drawings the relative arrangement
of the chamber containing the absorbent or packing, the passages or con-
ductors, and the spindle bearing in the bolster are the same as before
described. Instead however of the surrounding shell "h" the rail B is cupped
out, as shown in Figures 4, 6, and 7, to form the annular chamber for the
reception of the isolated absorbent or packing S, and the inner shell f, f, is
formed with a flange or cap i to cover the annular chamber, either wholly, as
shown in C, D, E, or partially, as in G, for the purpose of excluding dirt and
other foreign matter, and to keep the absorbent in its place, the former being
preferred as most effectual, and this inner shell (f) is provided with a nut m
screwing upon the lower end, as shown, to draw it down into the rail B, and
a washer t of soft metal as a packing to form a joint with the shoulder on the
inner shell at the bottom of the annular chamber; e, e, are the passages through
which the lubricating fluid is drawn from the annular chamber to the spindle
bearing the same being formed in E by cutting a slot e¹ through the centre of
the top of the shell, as shown.
In the bolster of mule spindles, Figure 7, the nut (m) and washer t may be
dispensed with, and the inner shell made to fit so snugly in the rail (B) as to
form a tight joint in the bottom of the annular chamber. The nut and
washer being only necessary in the bolsters of spinning frames to provide
for the setting of the spindles after the said frame is otherwise complete.
It will be seen that by simply "cupping out" the rail as shown and above
described the separate exterior shell heretofore employed is entirely dispensed
with, thereby saving both the material and labour required in its construction,
besides greatly simplifying the improved bolster; moreover by cupping out
the rail in this mauner an additional improvement may be employed, viz.,
the distributing channel or reservoir H, Figures 2 and 3, extending the
entire length of the rail in front of the bolster and connecting with the annular
chamber thereof by passages a, a; this channel may be covered, as it should

page_text: be, to exclude dirt by forming it somewhat wider at the top and with a dove-
tailed lip upon each side, as shown in Figure 3, for the reception of a strip of
sheet lead or other soft metal, which is secured therein by hammering, and is
afterwards trimmed or smoothed down evenly with the surface of the rail.
The lubricating liquid is supplied to this channel by means of two or more
cups or openings formed therein like g, Figure 2, generally in an ordinary
sized spinning frame; one such cup may be formed in each end of the rail B,
and one other midway between the ends; and when this channel is once filled
it will distribute a constant supply of oil equally to each spindle, it will keep
the oil clear and limpid, and will prevent the waste which occurs from frequent
and careless oiling at each spindle. It is obvious that this channel is equally
applicable to the step or lower bearing of a spindle as to the bolster or upper
bearing, and it is intended to be used the same in both connections.
An improved construction of the spindle bolster in connection with the dis-
tributing channel above described, and of the bolster separately, is shown in
Figures 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17 of the said Drawings, in which
Figure 8 is a plan and Figure 9 is a vertical section of the improved bolster
and distributing channel for mules; Figure 10 is an elevation and Figure 11 is a
vertical section of the bolster as constructed for spinning frames; Figure 12 is an
elevation, and Figure 13 is a vertical section of a modication of the construction
shown in Figures 10 and 11; Figure 14 is an elevation, and Figure 15 is a
vertical section of another modified construction of the same; Figure 16 is an
elevation, and Figure 17 is a vertical section of the improved bolster as con-
structed for speeder spindles. Similar letters referring to corresponding parts
in all the Figures. In Figure 8 A is a section of a mule spindle rail formed
generally of cast iron, and 6 is a bolster consisting of a tube of soft metal,
brass, bronze, or Babbitt metal inserted firmly in the rail, the interior of
which forms a suitable spindle bearing; H is the distributing channel above
referred to, consisting of a deep groove cut into the upper face of the rail
from end to end next to the spindle bolster, through the side of which an
opening or passage i is formed for the oil to pass to the spindle bearing. A
piece of lamp wicking or other absorbent is placed in the channel H for the
purpose of holding the oil in reserve in the channel and supplying it only to
the extent required for the proper lubrication of the spindles.
In the construction of the channel and the bolster in the manner before
alluded to the bolster had a special chamber for the absorbent, and the channel
was constructed to deliver or conduct a supply of oil to the chamber of each
spindle on the rail. By the latter construction however the special chamber
is dispensed with, and the channel itself serves the twofold purpose of such

page_text: chamber and a distributing channel or reservoir, and in such form is cheaper
and in many respects better.
The bolster represented in Figures 10 and 11 is of solid cast soft metal,
generally of bronze or brass, and externally does not differ in form or pro-
portion from those of ordinary construction; the head is however constructed
so as to contain and yield a supply of oil to the bearing fas and no faster than
the same is required; to this end an annular chamber a for receiving one or
more cloth washers, or the like, and with a surrounding lip t for keeping the
said washers in place, and an opening e from said chamber to the upper part
of the spindle bearing f; besides this there is a second annular chamber
beneath the other consisting of a groove cut in the inside of the spindle
bearing, the two chambers being connected by one or more passages or oil
conductors e¹, e¹. By means of this construction the thin stratum of metal g
between the revolving spindle and the isolated absorbent, viz., the cloth
washers becomes soonest heated by any lack of lubrication, and makes the oil
contained in the absorbent more limpid than usual, and to yield a supply in
consequence to the spindle bearing through the passages e¹, e¹, and the lower
chamber v.
The construction of a similar bolster, shown in Figures 12 and 13, operates
in a similar manner from the same cause. In this case however the chamber
or chambers, for there may be more than one, consists of one or more deep
cavities i, which are stuffed with absorbent material, each opening at the
bottom into the lower annular chamber v, and there is an annular channel H
on the head of the bolster for connecting and supplying oil to the several
cavities or chambers i. The construction shown in Figures 14 and 15 corre-
sponds very nearly with that set forth in Figures 1, 2, and 3, except that the
inner soft metal tube f is made without a fixed flange (""), and projects above
the surrounding chamber sufficiently to receive a circular cap or cover therefor.
The construction exhibited in Figures 16 and 17 is that of an ordinary speeder
bolster D, to which my improvement is applied by turning out a space in the
upper part to form the annular chambers for the absorbent or packing, and
by also turning out the tubular part of the bolster of a size to admit a close
fitting soft metal shell f having passages or conductors e, e, from the annular
chamber through the said soft shell to the spindle bearing within.
Now having described the improved construction of bolsters as applied to
different kinds of spindles, and of devices to be used in connection there-
with, I wish it to be understood that I claim the construction of the bolster, as
shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, with an inner shell forming a spindle bearing
having a flange i at the top and passages e, e, through the same for conducting

page_text: oil to the spindle, and with an outside shell forming a chamber or receptacle
for the absorbent or packing s, and connecting with the spindle bearing,
substantially as described for the purpose set forth.
I also claim forming the annular chamber for the oil by cupping out the rail
in combination with the bearing of a spindle bolster, substantially as described
and shown in Figures 4, 5, 6, and 7.
I also claim, in combination with an annular chamber surrounding the
bearing of a spindle bolster as described a suitable flange or cap i as a cover
for the same, substantially as described.
I also claim the channel or reservoir H in combination with one or more
spindle bearings, substantially as described for the purpose set forth.
I also claim the combination and arrangement of the distributing channel H
and the bolster or spindle bearing f, with suitable openings or passages
connecting the same, substantially as described and shown in Figure 9, for the
purpose set forth.
I also claim the combination and arrangement of the annular chamber a,
constructed with a lip t, as described, with a second chamber and suitable
openings e between and connecting the same, substantially as shown in
Figure 11, and for the purpose set forth.
I also claim the combination and arrangement of the annular channel H,
the cavities or chambers i, i, and the lower chamber 6, with suitable openings
connecting the same for the delivery of the lubricating liquid to the spindle
bearing, substantially as described and shown in Figure 13.
I also claim the construction of the bolster described and shown in
Figures 14 and 15, to provide for a moveable cover to the annular chamber
around the bolster.
I also claim the self-lubricating speeder bolster, constructed substantially as
herein described and shown in Figures 16 and 17.
In witness whereof, I, the said George Tomlinson Bousfield, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, this Eighteenth day of July, in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-seven.
GEO. T. DOUSTIELD. (L.S.)