Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 2nd Jan., 1894
Complete Specification Left, 2nd Oct. 1894-Accepted. 2nd Jan., 1895
A communication by JOSEF KORBULY, of Ost Bahnhof, Buda-Pesth, in the
Empire of Austria, Engineer.
I, WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON F.C.S., M.I.M.E., of The Agency for
Foreign Patent Solicitors, 6 Lord Street, Liverpool and 6, Bank Street,
Manchester both in the County of Lancaster and 323 High Holborn in the
County of Middlesex Civil Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to axle bearings and has for its object-
1st. to protect the journals of the axles as much as possible;
2nd. to make the brasses easily movable ;
3rd. to allow of the journal of the axle to run constantly in oil, so that lubricating
devices may be dispensed with ;
4th. to make its construction sufficiently resistant to render it free of dust and
dirt;
5th. to allow of the arrangement being employed for any of the railway vehicles
at present in use without any alteration and without causing any considerable
expense.
The axle box consists of two parts, an upper part and an under part, which are
carefully put together with screws. The connecting surfaces rest flat one on the
other and are rendered thoroughly tight by means of strips of paper soaked in
varnish; should, however, in practice, the joints of the contact surfaces be found
to be insufficiently tight, these surfaces may be provided with a groove and washer
of wire.
The patterns of the upper and under parts of the axle box are simple, and may
be made of cast iron or preferably of cast steel. The upper part contains, firstly,
a guide groove for a clamp casing, and, secondly, a device for closing airtight the
axle box towards the vehicle wheel. Above the first named part, there is the
suitably shaped part for attaching the carriage spring.
In the upper part of the bush or axle box there is a lubricating hole which is
closed by means of a screw which may be opened and again closed by means of a
screw key in order to allow of periodical lubricating.
Instead of this screw, a suitable cap may however be employed.
In the lower part of the bush or axle box there is a groove for receiving an air
tight washer for closing the bearing, and an opening closed by a screw is provided
for letting off the surplus oil, which opening by its valve like form prevents a
rapid loss of oil even if the nut be insufficiently tightened. The brass, in
contradistinction to those hitherto employed, is constructed in such a way that it
entirely encircles the axle journal, by which means the latter is protected and the
pressure is reduced on the unit of surface. For this reason however the brass must.
be made in two parts which are formed in such a way that there is a projection on
the one part and a corresponding recess on the other. These parts which are fitted
together are supposed to exactly correspond to the neck of the journal, but are
really 3 to 6 millimetres larger in internal diameter in order to allow of the
brasses easily revolving on the journal. The angle of inclination of the outer
surfaces also increases by about 1 millimetre towards the end of the journal, so

page_text: that the brasses holder may be more easily fitted on and yet more tightly keyed up,
and any longitudinal movement towards the end of the journal is prevented.
Further, the clamp case is very simply and solidly formed so that it is capable of
supporting the pressure bearing on the bush or axle box and with the help of the
brasses transferring the same to the axle. In order to prevent the clamp brasses
from shifting, two screws are provided which as the brasses casing is fixed afford
sufficient protection and support against side shocks which may arise. Should
however in practice, the opposite be found to be the case, then in such an event the
clamp casing is made shorter and a thread is cut on the end of the brass on which
a nut of suitable size is screwed and secured against becoming loose. The clamp
casing has further for its object to prevent any heating of the journal of the axle
from any cause, and thus to avoid heavy costs of repairs and breakage of axles,
as when the friction has increased between the journal of the shaft and the brasses
in consequence of heating. In such a case the clamp halves will rotate with the
journal, and the upper part of the bush or axle box will become so heated that the
evil will be quickly detected, and it will be possible to rectify matters in time to
prevent damage.
The power of revolving possessed by the clamp casing also allows the brasses to
be in contact with the journal of the axle not merely along a line but also with
their entire inner surface, so that they wear away evenly. In fact, when the
vehicle receives a strong shock when in a state of inertia without the wheel turning,
the clamp casing will move a little on the journal of the axle, and thus prevent at
least at the first moment the shock on the journal. It is also the function in the
first case of the clamp casing to receive the shocks.
The upper and under parts of the bush or axle box are suitably strengthened at
the bearing of the axle fork, and in case of shocks the casing will encounter this
strengthened part which is about 1 to 2 millimetres distant from the clamp casing,
thus avoiding any damage of the flanges.
The clamp casing protects the journal of the axle from any deleterious influence.
But at the same time as the bush or axle box only bears on the clamp casing at one
point, the latter can move in any direction, the friction produced by small faults in
the mounting or one-sided pressure and the consequent heating are thereby avoided.
The clamp casing and brasses are provided with 8 holes, through which the
lubricating material comes directly and quickly in contact with the journal of the
axle, owing to the suction which is caused by the rotation of the journal.
The holes must be increased for thick lubricating oil. The washer device has
for its object to allow of the bush or axle box being entirely filled with oil.
The
washer arrangement is also intended to prevent dust and dirt from penetrating into
the bush or axle box, and finally, in consequence of the same being able to be
completely filled with lubricant, special lubricating devices, such as lubricating
cushions, wicks or wool, which are affected by the acids contained in the oil and
consequently injuriously affect the bearings, may be dispensed with.
Regarding the construction of the washer device, it need only be remarked that
it consists of a steel spring, which, before the mounting, is straight and is movably
connected at one end with the upper part of the bush or axle box by means of a
pin. When the axle box is fastened on, a flax or leather ring is first drawn round
the axle, then the spring is placed over the washer ring in the upper part so far
until it encounters the screw. In this position, the screw is turned until the hook
is moved from its place and has penetrated into the sufficiently large hole in the
spring. On the screw being further turned, the hook draws the spring with it, and
the washer material is pressed like a noose on the journal of the axle, and on the
sides of the axle box.
The screw is long enough to allow of the washer being pressed round it for
about 12 to 15 millimetres, when the thread wears away.
When the washer is to be released, the screw must be revolved in the opposite
direction until the hook has assumed its former position, because, in this position,
the spring is released and the hook may be withdrawn.

page_text: The advantage of this mode of construction consists in the arrangement that, by
means of merely a single screw, a very effective packing is obtained, and, further,
that this packing, which is seated on the axle, can move a little all round in an
axial direction, because the noose formed by the spring allows this to be done.
The most suitable material for making this packing will be found by practice.
It appears as if a flax pad or cushion, which, in its internal diameter, is a few
millimetres smaller than the axle on to which it is carefully drawn, answers the
purpose best.
The
Of course the packing may be made of any suitable material, and the screw may
be extended when the upper part of the axle box is formed accordingly.
tightness of the washer arrangement depends, of course, on the exactness with
which the upper and under parts of the axle box are fitted together, and whether the
groove in which the packing is placed has a sufficiently smooth surface, so that
the packing may easily fit therein. For this object, the surfaces of the groove of
the upper and under parts, which are screwed together, are turned at the places
where the packing is placed.
The bearings at present employed have no such arrangement as has been herein-
before described for preventing the oil from running out to the same extent, and
yet the bearings are only lubricated every one or two months, and frequently,
owing to oversight, at even greater intervals of time.
In practice, when this improved packing is employed, the lubricating material
lasts longer, as not a drop is lost, and thus a saving of oil is effected.
The fact that the bearings are of a very simple pattern and yet are sufficiently
strong, enables them to be made at small cost, in fact, owing to the simplicity of
the upper and under parts of the axle hox, they may be cast or pressed out of cast
steel and their strength is thereby considerably increased, so that the frequent
breakage of such is avoided and a considerable saving is effected in carriage repairs.
Further, with the pattern of bearings at present employed, the real cause of
heating can rarely be ascertained. This is more easily possible with this improved
form of construction, because the heating of the journal will never proceed so far
that it becomes worn away, and the lubricant will last until the clamp-casing has
become well heated.
It is evident, from what is hereinbefore stated, that endeavours have been made
by the present form of construction to remove all the drawbacks which have
hitherto arisen in the case of railway axle bearings, and, even if this is only
partially attained, yet great advantages will accrue in the working of railways.
Dated this 1st day of January 1894.
WM. P. THOMPSON & Co.,
Agents for the Applicant.
A communication by JOSEF KORBULY, of Ost Bahnhof, Buda-Pesth, in the
Empire of Austria, Engineer.
I, WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON, F.C.S., M.I.M.E., of The Agency for
Foreign Patent Solicitors 6 Lord Street, Liverpool, and 6, Bank Street,
Manchester, both in the County of Lancaster, and 323, High Holborn, in the County
of Middlesex, 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:----
This invention relates to railway axle box bearings and has for its object
(1) to protect the axles against the deleterious effect of shocks ;

page_text: (4) to avoid the axles being damaged by running hot;
(6) to keep the bearings free from dust and dirt.
The axle box and bearing which form the object of this invention are shown on
the accompanying drawing, in which
Figure 1 is a longitudinal section of the axle box with an elevation of the
journal.
Figure 2 is a front view of the axle box.
Figure 3 is a partially horizontal longitudinal section of the axle box with a
partial plan view.
Figure 4 is a vertical cross section of the rear part of the axle box, and of the
washering device.
Figure 5 is a longitudinal section of the sleeve cover the brasses.
Figure 6 is a side view of one half brass d with the projection.
Figure 7 is a longitudinal section of the second half brass d with the recess.
Figure 8 is a cross section through the fastening screw n of the brasses and
casing.
Figure 9 is a section on a larger scale of the tightening arrangement for the
washer.
Figure 10 is a cross-section of Figure 9.
The invention consists of a casing or axle box a b, sleeve c, special brasses d d
and a tightening mechanism efgoph.
The axle box which is adaptable to all existing railway wagons differs from the
usual form of construction and consists of a front piece a and back piece 6 which
are fitted vertically upon the axles by means of flanges screwed or bolted together.
A piece is fitted in the casing in which an annular projection of the sleeve c
fits, this piece being held firmly by the two flanges when the latter are screwed
up, & further the recess at this point is of a special shape to receive it so that it
.7"
cannot rotate.
7"
In the grooves i i are two equal tightening rings h h, Fig. 4 which by means of
the tightening arrangement e f g op prevent the escape of oil and the ingress
<f dust.
Wagon axles with short journals require only one broad tightening ring.
The holek which is closed by a screw or by a cap serves to allow of periodical
lubricating by means of oil or grease.
On the lower edge of the back part is a hole m for letting out dirty oil. This
hole is closed by a screw.
The tightening appliance aforementioned by means of which an airtight fit is
obtained, consists of the casing e, in which a screw is fitted. Upon this screw
there fits a nut 9 which has two hooks to receive the two perforated ends of a
spring band o. The casing e rests upon the small curved spring plate p Fig. 9.
By screwing up the screw f, the band-loop o will be contracted by means of the
nut g.
The band loop will thereby be pressed towards the small plate p and a similar
pressure upon the washer ring h will be obtained, & the latter being india rubber
or the like will owing to its flexibility be pressed against the sides as well as upon
the axle journal.
The washer ring is allowed to move a little in a plane vertical to the axis, but
the revolving motion is prevented by the tightening arrangement.
In fitting up, the tightening rings with their connections are first placed in the
grooves ii, the back part b is then placed upon the axle, and the brasses d, the
sleeve c and the front part a are then arranged, the tightening screws ff are then
adjusted sufficiently to permit the complete box to revolve easily upon the axle.
Sometimes it will become necessary while working to screw up the tightening
rings tighter and for this purpose the two headscrews t t must be removed and the
screws ff tightened by means of a screw key.

page_text: The brasses d consist of two parts which completely surround the axle journal
and so protect it against damages in case of knocks.
These two parts cannot get displaced in a longitudinal direction on account of
the projection y of the one part, which fits exactly into the groove of the other.
Besides this the sleeve c will be fixed upon the brasses by the screws nn.
By the piece (inserted in the axie box or casing) resting like a socket on the
projection of the sleeve c, great mobility is secured for the bearing, on account of
which the friction between the brasses and axle journal will be reduced to a
minimum.
As the brasses d with sleeve c are not fixed to the axle box, the brasses will
move a little round the axle journal in case of jerks or shocks and will only be
slightly and evenly worn away.
In case of the bearings running hot, the axle journal will, on account of the
increased friction, carry round with it the brasses d and sleeve c.
The screeching caused by the friction between the projection on sleeve c and
inserted piece in case of running hot will be audible at a great distance and will
thus give warning to apply remedies before any damage is caused.
The cases of breakages will also be diminished by means of this arrangement,
because the jerks which tell through the axle fork upon the axle box or casing, act
immediately upon the sleeve by means of the embossing and are transferred to the
axle thus preventing the weak parts of the casing coming in contact with the axle.
The oil required is supplied through the holek until the casing is filled, so that
the axle journal will be quite surrounded by oil, which reaches it through suitable
holes in casing and sleeve.
Failure of the oiling is quite impossible.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, as communicated to me by
my foreign correspondent, I declare that what I claim is :-
1. A railway wagon axle box, the axle journal bearing of which consists of a
lining and brasses in two parts d d completely surrounding the journal, upon which
lining is placed a sleeve c keeping it together, and arranged in the axle box in such
way, that both lining and sleeve are movable with the axle journal in case of too
great friction being caused by a heating of the bearings or a jerking of the wagon,
substantially as described and illustrated.
2. In an arrangement of railway wagon axle box, such as described in Claim 1,
a sleeve c surrounding the lining or brasses d d and having an annular projection
which engages in a stud or inserted piece in such a manner as to secure its
mobility in all directions, substantially as described and illustrated.
3. A form of construction of railway wagon axle box, such as described in
Claim 1, in which the parts a and b are put together by means of vertical flanges,
substantially as described and illustrated.
4. In an arrangement of railway wagon axle box of the kind described in
Claim 1, a washer tightening device, e f op g in which the washer ring or rings h
are pressed in grooves i i of the back part b, pressed together by means of a screw f
and a band o, so that the washer ring will fit tight against the sides of the
groove ii and on the axle journal, whereby the escape of oil and ingress of dust
or dirt will be prevented, substantially as described and illustrated.
a nut
Dated this 1st day of October 1894.
WM. P. THOMPSON & Co.,
Agents for the Applicant.