IMPROVE- MENTS IN APPARATUS FOR CLEANING. AND LUBRICATING THE JOURNALS
Year: 1883

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William George Mitchell, of the City and State of
New York, in the United States of America, for an Invention of IMPROVE-
MENTS IN APPARATUS FOR CLEANING. AND LUBRICATING THE JOURNALS OF
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said William George Mitchell at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 30th March 1883.
WILLIAM GEORGE MITCHELL, of the City and State of New York, in the
United States of America, IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR CLEANING AND
LUBRICATING THE JOURNALS OF CAR-AXLES
My invention is intended for the purpose of wiping and oiling the journals of
car axles; and it consists in a small apparatus to be put under the axle journal in
the oil box for this purpose. This is made substantially as set forth hereinafter,
and as shown in the drawings, in which: Fig 1 is an elevation, partly in section.
Fig 2 is a top or plan view.
The car axle journal A rests on the apparatus, as shown in Fig 1, and this is
held up to the journal by the spiral spring C resting on the bottom of the oil box.
The part B is a light four sided casting or frame, having sides B' B" parallel
with the journal; and these sides are connected by cross parts, as in the figures,
bent down under the axle.
The side parts B₁ B have lugs bb, in which small holes are drilled, and the
two ends of the the wire of spring C are inserted one in each, and riveted solid, so
the spring will form a good support. The lugs b' extend down from the cross
parts of casting B, on the two sides of each end of this wire to hold it securely
in place.
The spring C is made of one spring wire bent into a double concentric spiral
with an S shaped cross part at the bottom, and with both its ends projecting
upward to the top to unite with frame B, as shown.
The casting B has notches cut in it from below to receive the journal of spool D;
and the wire of spring C passes below these notches to complete the journal

page_text: bearing. The part B is made either as a single casting or as a frame of connected
parts; and in some cases holes are drilled in it for these journals. When the
notches are used the spool can be taken out to renew the bristles when they are
worn too short, and replaced by merely pressing down the wire and slipping the
journal in.
The spool D is formed of wood and has bearings around its enlarged ends to
rest against the axle A so that it will turn with that in either direction. The
spool is smaller in the centre, and is flattened there on one side. Stiff bristles
are laid across this space and fastened by a small staple d driven over them, so
their ends will project both ways as brushes, and so that as they turn with the
spool they will brush against the journal to wipe it off, and to bring up oil for it
from the oil box. When the bristles are worn too short the spool is removed and
new bristles are put on by taking out and replacing the staple, with very little
loss or delay.
The endless aprons E E are made of thick coarse woolen or felt stuff, and put
over parts B¹ B₁ as shown, so as to bear softly on to the axle A, to wipe it, and
to supply oil to it. They hang down into the oil and draw it up to supply
the axle.
When the bristles on the spool are changed, or oftener, these apron wicks are
moved to bring new parts on to the axle.
Various changes and modifications of the parts can be used, if desired.
I claim :-
1st In an axle lubricator, a spool bearing bristles, combined with a frame to carry
it, provided with journal bearings therein for the spool formed so that they can be
opened to remove and replace the spool.
2nd In an axle lubricator, a spool bearing bristles attached thereto by a staple
or other equivalent manner, so that they can be readily removed and renewed.
3rd In an axle lubricator, a spool bearing bristles held thereto by a staple or in
a removable manner, and borne in bearings formed so that they can be opened to
remove and replace the spool, for renewing the bristles.
4th In an axle lubricator the combination of a spool bearing bristles with one or
more endless apron wicks, substantially as set forth.
a double
5th In an axle lubricator a spool bearing bristles supported on
concentric spring so as to bear and turn against the axle to wipe and oil it,
substantially as set forth.
In witness whereof I the said William. G. Mitchell have hereunto set my
hand and seal this 12th day of March A.D. 1883.
ARORGE MITCHELL
WIDDLABL
GEORGE MITCHELL
444
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