IMPROVEMENTS IN BEARING BLOCKS WITH VEGETABLE-PARCHMENT OR PARCHMENT-PAPER BEARINGS
Year: 1883

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Moritz Frenkel of the firm of S. Frenkel of Berlin in
the Kingdom of Prussia and Empire of Germany, Banker, for an Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN BEARING BLOCKS WITH
VEGETABLE-PARCHMENT
OR
PARCHMENT-PAPER BEARINGS." a communication to him from Friedrich
Wilhelm Ulffers, a person resident at Berlin. Prussia Germany.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said Moritz Frenkel at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 17th October 1883.
MORITZ FRENKEL, of the firm of S Frenkel of Berlin, in the kingdom of
Prussia, and Empire of Germany, Banker, "IMPROVEMENTS IN BEARING BLOCKS
WITH VEGETABLE PARCHMENT OR PARCHMENT-PAPER BEARINGS." a Communication
from Friedrich Wilhelm Ulffers, a person resident at Berlin, Prussia, Germany
The construction of bearing blocks hereinafter described is based on the valuable
property of parchment-paper, which in packets damped and strongly pressed
together forms a substance possessing a high power of resistance, stiffness,
homogeneousness and slipperiness, the cross cut surfaces of which show an
extraordinary low measure of wear by the sliding friction of smooth metallic
surfaces. The properties possessed by this substance render it suitable both for
application as stuffing box packing and for simple bearings, and the fact that even
when long exposed to boiling heat under the ordinary pressure of the atmosphere
no injurious changes are produced, causes its applicability to be still further
increased. The water which is supplied to the material for the purpose of
causing it to swell at the same time acts as an excellent lubricating agent; the
use of a greasy lubricant is of itself superfluous and I only use very small
quantities of oil therefor when metal also works simultaneously on metal with oil
as a lubricant, or where, as in the case of iron shafts, it is required to prevent the
formation of rust on the bearing surfaces, without it being necessary to provide a
brass skin or other surrounding protective covering.

page_text: The accompanying Drawing represents the system on which my bearing blocks
is based by three different methods of construction, the carrying out of the details
of which may of course vary according to circumstances. Figures 1 to 7 inclusive
show, as an example of construction, an upright bearing block for heavy shafts of
about 200 millimetres diameter; Figures 9 to 11 inclusive shew a light wall bearing
block and Figures 12 to 17 an axle box bearing for railway vehicles, etc
In the upright bearing block a cast iron body K (Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6,) the
longitudinal upright sides of which are furnished with round holes, carries two
semi-cylindrical bearing pieces G and X, by means of the flanges a, b, c, d, which
come close together (Figs 2, 3 and 4). The interior of these bearing pieces is
bored out to the diameter d' and forms a hollow Cylinder quite open on one side
but on the other side closed down to the diameter of the shaft. Two screws e
and connect these bearing pieces together, whilst four bolts g, h, i, and k effect
connection with the body K. The bearing proper consists of peculiar packing
pieces of half-ring shaped layers of parchment-paper (Figs: 1 and 5), pressed
together, the leaves of which stand vertically, and of metallic grooved half rings j,
Figures 1 and 7 (the latter enlarged) the largest diameter of which equals d¹,
whilst the diameter of their inner surface is only a little larger than the shaft
journal; the shaft being particularly well turned and finished or polished at the
journal part only. Two semi-circular covering pieces (L for the upper bearing
piece and M. for the lower one) having a diameter equal to that of the half rings j
(Figs. 1. 3 and 5) allow of each of the packings z, j, to be strongly compressed by
means of three screwed studs p against the end q of the bearing pieces. The flat
planed surfaces of the flanges, a, b, and c, d, are provided with shallow rectangular
recesses designed for the reception of rigid drilled plates r, and 8, respectively
attached to the surfaces G and X. These plates r, and 8, on the one hand afford
the half-bearing packings the means required for the locking in position and for
smooth guidance when pressed, on the other hand the holes in them form a
Communication with the grooves of the lower half rings j and finally they prevent
the carrying round of the packings by the shaft when working. The bearing
piece ✗ carries a water vessel N the cover of which is put on loose or is screwed
on and jointed, according as N (with or without the employment of a regulator)
may be filled at intervals, or kept perfectly full from a reservoir at a slight
pressure. Radial holes u and two grooves (Figs: 1 and 4) running parallel
lengthwise of the shaft place the contents of N in communication with the
collective grooves of the half rings j, and through these with the packings z, and
the surface of the shaft; holes in r and 8 also allowing free inlet to the lower
packing. A thin joint t outside the holes prevents the escape of the feed water
between the flanges a, b, and c, d,. In the case where means are not already
employed for the prevention of longitudinal displacement of the shaft (as for
example the recessed or simple thrust bearings used for screw-shafts, by guide
plates or ridges) as the usual guides for the proper working of the shaft journal
are not employed, provision is made of the stop-ring O, with sunk screws held by
each of the two carrying pieces x and y (Figs: 1 and 5) which come together
with vertical joints. The half rings x, and y are each firmly attached by four
screws w to the end surface q of the bearing pieces. A small lubricator a¹,
keeps this part of the bearing lubricated with oil through the vertical channel b¹,
Fig: 1. The small quantity of oil which spreads from here over the whole
surface of the bearing protects the shaft from rust.
The method referred to of alternately placing a more or less thick layer of
vegetable parchment or parchment-paper leaves having their planes always
normal to the convex surface of the shaft, with intermediate metallic ring 'shaped
parts, may be said to be typical for the construction of my bearings, as I would
only employ bearing packings of parchment paper without metallic intermediate
discs exceptionally where a very light surface pressure would allow of the usual
lubricating channels or grooves being cut direct in the parchment paper substance.
The application of such a sure and copious water supply by means of metallic

page_text: intermediate discs permits of the complete utilization of the valuable properties of
the parchment-paper as material for bearings, as on the one hand the single ring
pieces made of it are completely enclosed and possess elasticity up to a certain very
useful degree, but being placed between relatively inelastic and rigid bodies the
highest measure of resisting power against surface pressure is imparted; on the
other hand, by reason of the relatively slight thickness of the individual com-
pressible layers (which thickness may of course vary according to Circumstances)
unnecessary radial pressure against the surface of the journal is prevented; and
finally these metallic intermediate parts afford the best means against torsion
within the packing itself, or of a circular travel of the whole packing by the action
of the shaft, even in the case where bearings not in two parts are employed.
Further, the metallic intermediate parts also perform an important part as good
conductors of heat, where, on account of a particularly heavy bearing surface
pressure, or a high revolving speed, heating takes place through friction not with-
standing the cooling-water lubricant, which heat then becomes distributed over the
whole bearing block.
In the simple wall bearing Figs 9 to 11, the bearing packing consists of entire
rings alid in from the front. The packing is placed in a doubled walled
cylindrical bearing block E¹ cast in one piece the hollow space c¹ of which filled
with water communicates with the packing, through horizontal holes which are
again connected to each other by vertical grooves.
The four radial holes in the metallic intermediate parts formed in accordance
with Fig: 8 conduct the necessary water to the surface of the journal. A com-
pressing cover C attached by three screws to the bearing block is provided with a
small oil groove e¹ and has at f' (Fig: 11) a vertical hole for fitting on a lubricating
vessel g', filled with water.
The axle bearing represented in vertical longitudinal section Fig: 12; half cross
section through line A³, B³, Fig: 13; half front view Fig: 14; side elevation
Fig 15; detail section Fig: 16; and perspective detail view Fig: 17, is quite on
the same principle of construction as those first described. The journal P has at its
root only a slight incline outwards which however does not operate against
longitudinal displacement. The substantially cylindrical axle box is doubled
walled for, the greater portion of its circumference; its annular bollow space is
entirely interrupted only at the uppermost zone and near the end part q² (Fig: 12)
where the side grooves Q, necessitate a strengthening of the walls Radial holes a²
and b and corresponding longitudinal grooves again effect communication between
the bearing part and the annular hollow-space, which latter is supplied with the
requisite water through a small tube c. The bearing completely surrounds the
journal. The packing consists of enclosed packets of rings z³, and metallic rings,ª
(Figs 8 and 12); it is put on a ring fork r (Figs 12 and 17) having rigid legs 8'
the thicker ends of which are introduced into corresponding holes in the end of the
bearing frame q' and it is then passed into the body of the bearing block. The
end surface of the bearing block carries a strong hinged flap R which may be
unfastened for lowering down, by a pivotted strap S, (the form and position of the
fastening may of course vary according to the kind of springs used and the method
of fastening them, etc) or fastened by two screws c Figs: 14 and 15.
A simple
joint ring set in the end surface of the bearing block causes the closure to be tight.
By means of a compressing ring e³ (Fig: 12) suitably turned to the diameter d',
(Fig: 13) and of the four set screws f³ (Figs: 12, 14 and 15) the packing is kept
under pressure. Two holes corresponding to the position of the fork leg a
(Fig: 17) allow the front ends of these legs to pass through e²; the legs 8 in
combination with the friction caused by the great pressure at the end surfaces of
the packing, prevent the turning round of the packing. A central projecting
part 3 (Figs: 12 and 16) on the flap R, in conjunction with the corresponding
projecting part in the opposite axle box prevents excessive displacement lengthwise
of the axle. The controlling surface i³ receives a little oil lubricant, which also in
this case sufficiently greases the whole of the journal to keep it free from rust.

page_text: A shallow cylindrical lubricating box m³ (figs 12 and 16) with a small lubricating
tube, bent downwards at right angles passes into a corresponding hole in the
flap R. The outwardly projecting strong flange like end of this lubricating box
carries a small horizontal slit hollow cylinder n², inside of which is fixed a small
spiral spring. By means of this spiral spring and of a light hinged lever g 5
somewhat springing at p³ (Fig: 16) with latch arrangement, this lubricating box
is held fast. A little mucilage placed over k prevents the exit of the lubricant
in an undesired direction. Immediately behind the journal the axle carries a
capsule ring T, the outer border circumscribing, with space for play, the outer
surface of the axle box which is turned at that part. This simple arrangement I
protects the inside of the bearing from dirt.
The foregoing description referring to three different types of bearings explains
the essential features of my system in its application with regard to the greater
number of the kinds of bearing in use; the system and the peculiar construction is
based on practical trials made for determining the various great advantages of this 1
parchment paper substance; the mode of preparing which is well known and
consists in submitting unsized paper for a short time to the action of slightly
diluted Sulphuric Acid or a Solution of chloride of zinc and then to a thorough
washing for the purpose of completing the removal of the preparation used.
Having now described and ascertained the Nature of the Invention Communicated?▸
to me as aforesaid
What I Claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is :-
Firstly The use of vegetable parchment or parchment paper in pressed packets
as a material for bearings, in such manner that the leaves of which these packets
consist, are always normal to the convex surface of the shaft, journal pressure and 25
journal friction therefore always acting against the edge surface of the packets.
Secondly-The special construction of bearings having ring shaped or half-ring
shaped parchment paper packets 2, 1, 2, and alternately therewith stratified ring
shaped or half ring shaped metallic intermediate parts j, j¹, j²..
Thirdly: In double bearing blocks the characteristic method, substantially as 3
herein before described and illustrated in Figures 1 to 7 of the drawing: that is
to say-
a the construction of the bearing block K, of the bearing pieces G and X, with
perforated guide plates r, and 8, and flanged pressure rings L, M, in two parts
b/ the combination of the guiding arrangement lubricated with oil, consisting of 3
a stop-ring O and carrying piece in two parts x and y with the end of the bearing
pieces G and X
Fourthly
In single bearing supporting blocks the method illustrated in Figs 9
to 11 of the drawing and herein before described: namely-
The construction of the doubled walled bearing block E¹ with closed ring 4
packing ', and 1, the pressure cover of which carries a lubricating vessel g¹;
Fifthly In axle box bearings in accordance with Figure 8 and Figures 12 to
17-
a/ the construction of the bearing block U, with closing flap R in which is fixed
a lubricating box m³, for the guide surface is as shewn
b/ the use of layers of packing s³, and j³, on a ring fork »¹³, 8¹
c/ the arrangement of the protective capsule ring T.
The whole substantially as and for the purposes hereinbefore described.
4
In witness whereof I the said Moritz Frenkel have hereunto set my hand and
seal this Eighth day of October in the year of Our Lord One thousand Eight 5
hundred and Eighty three