Improvements in and relating to Thrust-blocks, specially applicable to Marine Screw-propeller Shafts and other purposes.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 6th Feb., 1890
Complete Specification Left, 24th Oct., 1890-Accepted, 29th Nov., 1890
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Thrust-blocks, specially applicable
to Marine Screw-propeller Shafts and other purposes.
1, HENRY LAMB, of 22 Battle Road Erith Kent Engineer do hereby declare the
nature of this invention to be as follows:-
The object of my invention is to entirely do away with friction at the end of screw
shafts. For this purpose I form a frame of any suitable metal, and of a circular form
of any required circumference, in the centre there is a hole sufficiently large to admit
the shaft. The frame itself is formed in divisions with an outer & inner rim joined
together by the boundaries of the divisions. In these divisions of which there are
any required number I hang in each division a roller on a loose spindle fixed in any
suitable manner. These rollers I form preferably of a concial form with the apex
end cut off, but may be otherwise if desired. The frame when fitted goes against a
block on the shaft, or against the block of the screw itself, on the other side of the
frame 1 fit a solid plate which goes against the hearing. As the base ends of the
rollers (if of a concial form) project out, I cut grooves in the plates on each side of the
frame for to admit them a little way but not so much as to make the frame touch
anything, but also to leave room for wear. When the screw revolves it carries round
the frame the rollers revolving on their spindles at a greater rate of speed, but the
other plate does not move. The side of the bearing if preferred may be used instead
of this plate. This frame is also applied to the other side of the shaft for use when
the vessel moves in the opposite direction. This invention is also applicable to
cranes etc. where great weights are required to turn, & great friction generated.
Dated this 6th day of February 1890.
GRAHAM & GRAHAM,
Agents for Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Thrust-blocks, specially applicable
to Marine Screw-propeller Shafts and other purposes.
I, HENRY LAMB of 22 Battle Road Lower End Erith Kent 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 :—
My invention has for its object the prevention of excessive friction on the shafts
of marine screw propellers or other analogous purposes.
With this object I construct a frame of suitable metal, and of a circular form, of
any required dimensions. In the centre of this frame there is a circular hole of
suitable dimensions to admit the propeller shaft. This frame is constructed in divi-
sions with an outer and inner rim joined together by the boundaries of the divisions.
In these divisions of which there may be any required number are hung, one in
each division a series of rollers, each on its own spindle on which.it rotates freely,
fixed by any suitable method or means in the centre of each division. These
rollers of steel or other hard and suitable material, are formed preferably of a
conical figure with the larger end outwards when fixed in position. This frame
when fully fitted with the conical rollers in the manner described is placed against a
block on the shaft or against the block of the screw itself.
On the opposite side of this frame a solid plate of suitable metal size and shape is
affixed to sustain the thrust pressure of the shaft on the bearing. In this solid plate
and also the bearing block on the shaft, are formed grooves, corresponding with the
shape of the rollers, such grooves being deep enough to admit the rollers just such a

page_text: distance on either side, that they can work freely without any portion of the frame
touching either the block or plate.
The action of my invention is as follows:-
When the propeller shaft revolves, the rollers also revolve on their respective
spindles and in so doing carry round the whole frame in which they are affixed, such
frame being quite free to turn without touching the bearing parts the heaviest
machinery will thus revolve with very slight friction, the amount of friction caused
by the rollers on their spindles being very slight, as they are merely kept apart in
the revolving frame by this means, to prevent them touching, and no pressure whatever
exerted upon the spindles by the revolving frame. The whole bearing can be
adapted to any form of shaft, and to all kinks of heavy machinery where thrust blocks
are used or great friction is produced.
In the accompanying drawings Fig. 1 Sheet 1. exhibits a plan of the frame,
formed in two parts A and A', in which the rollers B, B, are affixed by the
spindles C. C. on which they revolve freely. The two parts of the frame are bolted
together, by the bolts and nuts shown at D, the shaft passes through the hole in the
centre E. Fig. 2. Sheet 1 is a sectional view of the frame and rollers in which the
method of lubricating the rollers is shewn at F. Fig. 3 Sheet 2. is a plan. Fig. 4 a
section and Fig. 5. a side elevation of the thrust plate H on which the rollers work,
the form of the grooves being shown at G (Fig. 4). Fig. 6 (Sheet 3) is an elevation
of one of a pair of roller bearings shewing the positions of the various parts when in use,
in which K is the propeller shaft working in a plummer block L of the ordinary
description, H is the solid bearing block or race plate, receiving the direct pressure
of the shaft. M is the cast steel thrust block, made in two halves and bolted firmly
together on the shaft by bolts and nuts at N, N. The corresponding half of the
complete bearing is exactly similar to that shown in the drawing the several parts
being simply reversed in their respective positions, the whole being kept in position
and adjusted for wear by means of tension rods and bolts, one of which is shown at O,
passing through the lug P cast on the plummer block L for that purpose. The letters
refer to corresponding parts in all the drawings.
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
1. The application of rollers in connection with thrust blocks or bearings for the
shafts of marine and other machinery.
2. The construction and use of a suitable frame to contain these rollers, as herein
set forth, described and illustrated.
Dated this 24th day of October 1890.
GRAHAM & GRAHAM,
Agents for Applicant.