Improvements in Oil Filter Axleboxes.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 10th Oc'., 1895
Complete Specification Left, 9th July, 1896-Accepted, 10th Oct., 1896
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Oil Filter Axleboxes.
JAMES OSWALD LADDS and EDWARD SELBY, Mechanical Engineers Hutton
Works Washwood Heath Road Saltley Birmingham, in the County of Warwick
do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:—
This invention has for its objects improvements in the construction of oil axle-
boxes & for the prevention of entrance of sand or dust & for the filter & lubricating
appliances contained therein.
The casing of axlebox may be made solid or in two parts when made in two
parts, the bottom casing, which contains the filter plate & lubricator is fastene.l
or held to top casing or cover by means of bolts, studs or set pins.
The cover has wings or lugs cast on its underside the said lugs, pass into
bottom casing, forming a pocket or recess, for receiving the packing plate &
bearing, the upper side of cover, having recesses for taking the bearing spring of
vehicle.
The bottom portion of axlebox easing is made open back & front, the back end
having a suitable groove or recess for receiving the shield.
The front end is closed or covered by means of a lid, the said lid, having &
recess, or pocket, carrying a spring plunger, effectually closing or scaling the oil
feed hole, contained in the aforesaid lid.
The opening in front of bottom casing, after removal of lid, provides for the
easy removal of packing plate, bearing, filter & lubricator appliance, without
removal of axlebox from vehicle.
The lubrication of the axle, is performed, by means of woollen pads & wicks,
attached or sewn, to dished plates, of various shapes, fitted with felt or preferably
wire gauze cup. for filtering purposes, as hereinafter described, encircled & carried
on a spiral spring.
In another form the lubricator is constructed with filter cup & guide pins, these
pins passing through holes in baffle & filter tray, the said holes being punched &
flanged back, for receiving the ends of spiral springs.
The lubricator in another form, is connected or rivetted to filter tray or plate,
the tray & lubricator being supported on any number of spiral or laminated springs,
resting on inside bottom of axlebox.
In another form the lubricator is constructed, with a dished U plate, this U plate
being rivetted to a top flat plate, & having a corresponding flat bottom plate, the
top & bottom plate, being intersected by spiral springs; to connect or fix these
springs to the top & bottom plate mentioned, we punch holes in the two plates,
slightly smaller, than the inside diar. of spring, then press or stamp, edge of inetal
round holes, to angle of 90 degrees with face of plate, afterwards spreading or
flanging edges to an angle of about 60 degrees, by these means, the holes have, a
rim round their edge, which act as clips or spring holders.
The baffle & filter plate or tray is carried on channels or guide ways, on side of
axlebox casing, the said baffle plate, entirely covering the oil reservoir, which
prevents any loss, or escape of oil, at back opening of box, through oscillation.
The buffle & filter plate is constructed in one piece, from a sheet of metal, dished
or turned up, on its outer edges, it has on each side slot holes, to allow the wicks
from lubricator above, to pass through and into main oil reservoir. The baffle

page_text: plate catches all solid matter, & oil that drips, from lubricator & axle above & has
in the centre, a filter bag, or cup, made of felt, or preferably fine woven wire, or
gauze, stamped into, any desired shape, into which all particles are carried, the oil
filtering through, into main oil reservoir leaving the solid matter in the aforesaid
bag or cup.
To connect this filter bag or cup, to plate, we punch a hole in centre of plate,
stamp or press edges of metal downwards, then spread or flange back to an angle
of 60 degrees, this forming a groove or clip, for binling, wiring or soldering on
bag or cup.
To form the holes for guide pins of lubricator, & for carrying or holding the
springs of lubricators, we punch two small circular holes in baffle plate, on each
side of filter cup, stamp & press edges of metal upwards, then spread or flange
edges of metal back, to an angle of 60 degrees, thus forming a rim or collar to
guide pin holes, & recess or groove for receiving end of springs.
The shields we employ, to keep the dust from entering axlebox are of four kinds,
une is constructed of two plates of metal panched & flanged, for axle to pass
through, having any number of smaller holes, pressed & Hanged back, to hold or
Carry springs, these springs then force one plate, against inner wall & the other
plate against outer wall of shield groove, the flanged part round axle has a ring
of compressible material either telt or rubber encircling it to close joints or edges.
of plates.
In another form, we have a plate of metal, punchel & flangel, the said plate,
carrying two semicircular plates, of any suitable material tongued & grooved
these plates, having a rivet passing though them the said rivet being fixed to
metal plate, upon which the semicircular pieces hinge or swing, each semicircalar
piece has a slot working upon a pin or stud rivetted to metal plate. The semi-
circular pieces have a cicular recess or groove, containing one or more spiral
springs, which are expanded, or drawn out when shiell is placed on axle, thus
causing the semicircular plates to always clutch, or clip axle, we rivet flat springs,
on each side of metal plate to carry weight of shield of axle.
In another form, we have a metal plate, punched & flanged, carrying two square
plates, of any suitable material, having holes punched in centre, for axle to pass
through, the top plate is rivetted or fixed to metal plate, the centre plate having
sliding movement upwards, this centre plate has four slot holes, through which
the before mentioned rivers pass & also form pockets for spiral springs which
press against, the upper side of each rivet, & by which the moving action of centre
plate is obtained,
In another form of dust shield we have the metal plate, carrying two other
plates, having holes punched in the centre for axle to pass through. The metal
plate has studs & washers rivetted to it, upon which the two upper plates slide,
both these plates, having slot holes, which also form pockets or recesses for spiral
springs, the two upper springs pressing the centre plate upwards off the two top
studs.
The top plate is pressed downwards, by means of the two lower springs, which
press against underside of bottom studs or rivets.
By these means the two upper plates, are sliding in an opposite direction to each
other, thus forming a clip or clutch on axle, & giving automatic movement to the
two plates, for taking up any wear upon the centre hole, from frictional contact
with axle. We use the side Bat springs for carrying weight of shield, off axle, in
combination with any or all of the aforesaid movements.
Dated this 9th day of October 1895.
JAMES OSWALD LADDS.
EDWD. SELBY.

page_text: Improvements in Oil Filter Axleboxes.
JAMES OSWALD LADDS and EDWARD SELBY, Engineers Hutton Works
Washwood Heath Road Saltley Birmingham in the County of Warwick do hereby
declare the nature of this invention and in what mauner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement :-
This invention relates to improvements in axleboxes for general railway rolling
stock, our object being to construct a simple filter axlebox arranged for permitting,
of the ready removal of bearing and lubricating appliances, when required, and to
provide means, for the complete lubrication of axle, with entire exclusion of sand
and dust.
The casing of axlebox may be made solid or in two parts; when made in two
parts the bottom casing, which contains the filter plate & lubricator is fastened or
held to top casing or cover, by means of bolts, studs or set pins.
The cover has wings or lugs, cast on its underside, the said lugs, pass into bottom
casing, forming a pocket or recess for receiving the packing plate and bearing, the
upper side of cover, having a recess, for taking the bearing spring of vehicle.
The bottom casing of axlebox, is made open, back and front, the back end having
a suitable groove for receiving shield.
The front end of axlebox is closed or covered by means of a lid, the said lid
having a recess or pocket cast in it, fitted with an oil feed hole, the said hole being
covered with a plunger actuated by means of a compressed spring, the upper end of
spring coming in contact with lid & lower end of spring resting on an adjustable
nut, carried on the extended arm of plunger.
The opening in and of bottom casing of axlebox after removal of lid, allows
the packing plate, bearing, filter plate & iuinitater, to be removed from axlebox,
without removal of axlebox from vehicle.
The lubrication of the axle, is performed, by means of woollen or cotton, pads &
wicks, attached or sewn, to dished plates of various shapes, fitted with felt or wire
gauze cup for filtering purposes as hereinafter described; encircled & carried on a
spiral spring or springs.
The lubricator frame is made from sheet metal, of any suitable material, pressed
or stamped to the desired shape, the underside having a hole punched in it, the
edge of metal to the extent of three sixteenths of an inch around hole, being drawn,
or pressed through to a right angle, afterwards being flanged back, so as to be at
an acute angle with the bottom of plate, this theu forms a rim, to which we attach
a filter cup of felt or wire gauze, by means of rivetting or clinching rim, binding
wire round rim, or seldering round rim.
In another forin the lubricator is constructed with filter cup, & guide pins rivetted
to underside of frame these pins passing through holes in a baffle plate underneath
the said holes having their edges pressed or drawn through to a right angle
afterwards being flanged back, so as to be at an acute angle with surface of plate;
by these means a rim is formed around holes, which makes a collar or clip for the
spiral springs, that carry the lubricitor above.
The filter or baffle plate is made from sheet metal, stamped or pressed to the
shape of inside bottom casing of axlebox, it has punched in it along each side, holes
of oblong shape, for the purpose of allowing the wicks from lubricator above to
descend into the oil chamber; in the centre is a circular hole, the edges of this
hole being pressed or drawn through to a right angle, afterwards being flanged
back to an acute angle with the surface of plate, this then forms a rim, to which
we attach a filter cup of felt, or wire gauze, by means of rivetting or clinching riin,
binding wire round rim, or soldering round rim.

page_text: The lubricator in another form is rivetted to tray or filter plate, the said filter
plate having in its centre a filter bag or cup, attached as before mentioned encircled
on a spiral spring.
In another form the lubricator is constructed with a dished U-plate, having its
underside rivetted to a flat plate. This flat plate is carried on spiral springs, and
the bottoms of these springs are attached to a flat plate, corresponding to the dat
plate to which the dished U-plate is rivetted. To connect these springs to the top
& bottom that plates mentioned, we punch holes in the two plates slightly smaller
than the inside diameter of the springs, then press or draw-through, in suitable
tools, the edges of metal round the holes to a right angle with the surface of the
plates, these flanged edges afterwards being, spun in a lathe, or pressed, back to
an acute angle with the surface of the plate. By these means a rim or collar is
formed around the holes over which rim, we spring the ends of the spiral spring.
The dust-shields in one form is constructed of two plates of metal, having a large
centre hole to fit the axle, and round the hole a flange, turned back so as to form
a collar or ring round the axle. The plates have any number of smaller holes
punched in them, the said holes having their edges pressed or drawn through to a
right angle with the surface of the plates,-the flangel dges being afterwards,
sun or pressed back to an acute angle with the surf tee of the plates, thus forming
rims or co Hlars, over which we spring the ends of spiral springs
These springs are placed between the plates, and when shield is in position, force
the plates in apposite directions, one against the inner wall and the other against
the outer wall of the shield groove in the axlebox. The flanged part round the
axle has a ring of compressible material (such as felt or rubber encircling it to
close the joints or edges of the plates. The shiebl in another form is constructed
of a metal plate, pinched & Banged to fit the axle, this metal plate carrying two
semi-realai plates of any suitable material, fixed to the metal plate by means of
rivets or studs, on one of which studs the semicircular plates lunge or swing-being
fitted over each other at this end; each semicircular piece has a slot punched in it,
for receiving spiral springs, which slats also form guide ways, for the semicircular
pieces, upon the studs or rivets. We rivet springs on each side of metal plate for
the purpose of carrying weight of the shiell of the axle. The shiell in another
form is constructed of a metal plate, carrying two square plates, having holes
punched in the centres for the axle to pass through, the top plate being fixel to
back plate, by means of studs or rivets; in the centre sliding plate, we punch slot
holes of obl ng shape, through which the rivets betare-mentioned pass, these slot
Toles we then utilise as pockets for receiving spiral springs, which press against
upper side of each rivet or stud, and by which the moving action of the centre
plate is obtained.
The shield in another form is constructed of a metal plate, carrying two other
plates of any shape, having holes punched in centres for axle to pass through, we
punch slot holes in the two plates, through which rivets pass and which we utilise
pockets or recesses for receiving spiral springs. The two top springs give the
centre plate a dow, ward movement off the underside of top rivets or studs. The
top plate being actuated by means of spiral springs, pressing against upperside of
bottom rivets, the said rivets having caps or washers, or covering slot holes &
keeping springs in position; by these means the two upper plates are sliding in
opposite directions to each other; thus torming a clip or clutch on axle, and the
springs give automatic movement to the two plates, for taking up any wear, upon
the centre hole from frictional contact with the exle.
We rivet springs to sides of metal plate for carrying the weight of the shield off
axle in combination with any or all of the aforesaid movements.
In order that our invention, and the method of carrying it into effect, may be
more fully understood, we have in the drawing hereunto annexed shewn axlebox
as hereinafter referred to:-
Fig. 1. is a longitudinal section of the axlebox.
Five 2 in a part section at

page_text: ig. 3. is a part end view of axlebox.
Fig. 4. is a plan view of same.
Figs. 5, 6, & 7 show various ways in which we construct the lubricators.
Figs. 8, 9, 10 & 11 show various ways in which we construct the dust shields or
sandguards.
In Figs. 1 & 2 are shewn the general arrangement of the axlebox. A is the
bottom casing of axlebox which contains the oil; lubricator F, & filter plate E
the inside bottom casing has projectious or guide ways cast on it A for the purpose
of carrying & guiding filter plate E into position, when being placed in or removed
from the axlebox.
The top is closed by a cover A' which is fastened to bottom casing by means of
bolts, studs or set pins A³.
The cover A has on its underside lugs A' which form guide ways, for the
removable packing plate B & pockets or recesses for receiving the lugs of
bearing C; these lugs serve the purpose of keeping bearing C in position, & allow
of the easy removal of bearing C, by lifting lugs of bearing free of pockeis, after
removal of packing plate 13 from above it.
The front end of bottom casing is closed by means of a lid D, which may be
fixed or held by means of bolts or set pius, passing through lugs on sides, or top &
bottom of said lid.
The lid D has a bevelled oil feed hole through it, covered by a plunger D';
the said plunger D' carries a spiral spring on inside of lid; upon lifting planger Di
free of bevel edge of hole, the axlebox can be filled or recharged with oil; the
plunger upon being released immediately springs back into place, securely closing
oil feed hole from the entrance of dust, or any other substances.
The bottom casing & the cover at back end; have a groove or recess A³ for
receiving the shields or sandguards Fig. 8, 9, 10 or 11. for the purpose of preventing
the entrance of sand or dust to interior of the axlebox.
The removable drip or ter plate E, minde of any suitable material, entirely
covers the oil contained in the bottom casing A. The filter plate E, is carried by a
rib or support at the front and back ends of the oil-chamber A. O the top of the
filter plate E we attach springs E', whose other ends press on the underside of the
lubricator Fabove, and which continually press the pads of the lubricator against.
the underside of the journal. We attach a cup E to the filter plate, made from
felt, or preferably fine woven wire gauze, or the purpose of filtering all oil that
drops from lubricator above. The filter bag or cup E' is attached to the plate E,
by means of a col ar E4 formed round the hole, which is punched in the filter plate E,
to allow the oil from the lubricator above, to run through to the oil chamber.
This collar E4, in filter plate E, is made by pressing, or drawing through, to
a right angle with under side of filter plate, the edges of the punched hole, then
spinning or pressing back these flanged edges, to an acute angle with the underside
of the filter plate E. These edges then form a collar E 4 round the hole to which
the cup or bag E' may be permanently attached, either by means of Folder run
round the rim, wire bound round the rim, or the edge of the cup clinched or rivetted
between the two faces of metal formed by the rim and the under surface of the filter-
plate.
We punch oblong holes E 3 along each side of the filter plate for the purpose of
passing through then, the wicks of the lubricator F above, into the oil reservoir.
On both sides of the centre hole E4, in filter plate E, we punch two smaller
holes E2 for the purpose of receiving the pins 2 of the lubricator F above;
these pins allow the lubricator F, to travel upwards by the action of the springs E5,
as the ad wears, but prevent the lubricator F from moving in any other direction.
Round these holes E2, we form rims or collars, by means of drawing through the
edges of the holes, to a right angle with the upper surface of the filter plate E,
then spinning, or spreading back these flanged edges to an acute angle with the
surface of the filter plate; this is for the purpose of forming a deep round edge
or collar, ou the inside of which the guide pins F 2 work, or slide against, and over

page_text: and the
the outside of these collars are sprung the bottom ends of the spiral springs E5.
The guide pius F2 from the lubricator Fabove, also pass through the springs E5,
ends of these spring press continually against the underside of
Jubricator supporting this lubricator and as the pads wear away, causing the
lubricator to keep close to the underside of the journal.
The lubricator F Fig. 1 & 2 is made of a frame of sheet metal, having cotton or
woollen pads attached thereto.
We rivet on the underside of the frame pins 2, which act as travelling guides
to the lubricator, these pins F2 passing through the flanged holes of the filter
plate E.
In the centre of the lubricator frame F, and to the underside thereof, we attach
a hiter bag or cup F 1 made of felt or fine woven wire gauze, for the purpose of
catching any particles of dirt, or sediment, that may fall from the axle above, with
the oil.
ין
The filtered oil passing through the before-mentioned älter cup F1, falls into the
filter bag or cup E 1, in the filter plate E. This cup again filters or takes up any
sediment which may have passed down from the lubricator above, and the oil having
been filtered twice, then passes into the main oil chamber. The filter-bag or cup
is attached to the lubricator frame F, Fig. 1 & 2, by means a rim or flange, mado
in the rame, by punching a hole in the mirtal, of a diameter slightly smaller than
the diameter of the cup, then drawing through the edges of this hoie in suitable
tools, to a right angle with surface of frame, afterwards spanning in a lathe, or
spreading back these drawn-through edges to an acute angle with the face of
the trame, this forming a rim, or collar, round the he be :—the cup is then fastened
to this rim or collar, by mede un either solder in routed the run; wire band
round the edge of the cup and the rins; or the edge of the cup or bag clinched or
rivetted between the two faces of metal, formed by the rim and surface of the
frame.
Fig. 5. shows lubricator F in another form, with a felt or time woven wire filter-
bag 1, attached to lubricator frame F, in a similar mamer to the attachment
described for attaching the filter bag to lubricator hame in Fig. 1,, by punching
le in bottom of frame, drawing through edges of this hole to a right angle with
button, surface of trame, & then thanging or spining back these edges to an acute
angle with the surface of the frame, afterwards attaching the filter bgg, to the rim
real de thus formed, by means of solder, wire band round rim, or adges of emp
clinched on rivetted between surfaces of metal formed by rim and bottom side of
frame. This lubricator is carried on a spiral spring FG, one end of which encircles
the top of the filter cup F1, the other end resting directly on the inside bottom
casing of the axlebox A Fig. 1. In this case the lubricator is used without the filter
plate E, Fig. 1.
Fig. 6 shows lubricator F rivetted or fastened by means of pins or rivets to filter-
plate E, this plate being free to move with the fabricator in the axlebox. The
filter plate E in this case carries the filter bag or cup E' and the filter bag in the
lubricator frame F is dispensed with, a hole being cut in the bottom of the lubricator
frame, to allow oil from the pads to drop through into the cup in the filter plate.
The bag or cup E 1 made of felt, or fine woven wire gauze, is attached to the
filter plate, by soldering to, or binding wire round, a rim, of a hole in the filter
plate, which rim is formed as before described in E 4 Fig. 1, by flanging the edges
of the hole to a right angle with under surface of filter plate, & then spreading or
spinning back these flauged edges, to an acute angle with the under surface of the
filter plate. This lubricator and plate is carried on a spiral spring which rests
on the inside bottom casing of the axlebox A Fig. 1.—the other end of the spring
encircling the filter cup E, in filter plate E.
Fig. 7. shows lubricator frame F formed of a dished U plate to carry the pads.
This U plate being rivetted to a flat plate F, which is carried by any convenient
number of spiral springs, F;-the bottom end of these springs being attached to
another flat plate F corresponding to the top flat plate the springs being

page_text: interposed between the two flat plates. We attach these springs F8 to the two
plates F3, F4, by rims or collars formed on the plates thus-holes are punched in
the metal of the plates slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the springs,
the edges of these holes are then flanged, or pressed through, in suitable tools, to
a right angle with the surfaces of the plates the flanged edges being then spun in a
lathe, or spread back to an acute angle, with the surfaces of the plates,-the ends
of the wire of the springs being then sprung over these rims or collars in the
plates & these collars hold the springs in position.
It is to be clearly understood that we do not claim any special shape or design in
these lubricating or oil-filtering appliances-the method, of formning the rims round
the holes for attaching the springs and filter cups, being the new and improved
means of attachment which we claim, which methi is much simpler & stronger
than attaching springs by solder, or clips as heretofore used.
Fig. 8. shows dust-shield or sand guard male from two plates of metal II, having
a large centre hole for axle to pass through,-the metal round this hole being
pressed, or drawn through to a right angle with surface of plates, forming a tebe
or barrel G, round the axle.
These plates H have any number of smaller holes G 2 punched in them, the
edges of these bules being pressed or drawn through to a right angle with the
surfaces of the plates, these flanged edges afterwards being spin or pressed back
to an acute angle with the surface of the plates. These flanged-back edge- round
holes then form rims or collars, over which we spring the ends of spiral springs H¹
-the collars hold the springs in position and the springs hold the plates together
at a distance regulated by the length of the springs, this distance is slightly more
than the width of the shield groove in the axlebox A 3 Fig. 1, so that when the
shield is placed in the groove of the axlebox, the springs are slightly compressed,
and thereby force the plates H against the walls of the axlebox shield groove A
Fig 1, to prevent the entrance of any dust or dirt between the shield, and the
walls of the axlebox shield groove. The tube or barrel G round the axle has a
ring of any compressible material Gending it to cover joints of plates.
Fig. 9 shows another form of dust-shield made up of ink H2 carrying
two semicircular plates H³ which hinge or close together on hinge pin H' actuated
by means of spiral string H held in place by slots or pockets in plates H³ &
pressing against studs H. We attack side flat springs II' to support or carry
weight of shield off axle.
Fig. 10 shows dust shield made up of a back plate 11' carrying two square or
may be round plates H & H. The top plate H being fixed or held to back-
plate H by means of studs H°. The centre plate Ho having slot holes II"
containing spiral springs which press against the studs 12; by these means the
centre plate H, travels or slides under top plate H, to the extent of the length
of slot holes, punched in the centre plate H
Fig. 11. shows dust shield made up of a back plate, H2 carrying two square
plates, the centre plate having a downward sliding movement actuated by means of
spiral springs H" held in slots punched in centre plate, and which press against the
two top studs H¹³.
The top plate has an upward movement, actuated by means of spiral springs H
held in slot holes, punched in top plate, which press against the two bottom
studs H13
The two spiral springs II 12 are covered or kept in position by the washers H16.
By these means we obtain a sliding automatic movement of the plates, as they
wear away round the centre hole, through which the axle passes, thus insuring a
perfect dust proof joint round axle.
Having now particularly described & ascertained the nature of our said inven-
tion; and in what manner the same is to be performed, we would have it understood
that we claim as our improvements in axleboxes.
1. In an axlebox the combination consisting of lower casing, & cover, with

page_text: removable packing plato bearing, front lid & spring oil feed plunger, substantially
as described.
2. In an axlebox the punched & flanged remorable dished plate & filter bag
attachment in combination with lubricator & spring clip holders substantially as
described.
3. In an axlebox the lubricator constructed of a metal frame, punched & flanged
to carry, felt or wire gauze filter cup & spring substantially as described.
4. In an axlebox the lubricator constructed of a motal frame connected with top
& bottom plates punched & flanged for holding spiral springs substantially as
described.
5. In an axlebox the dust shield consisting of two plates, punched & flanged
for holding springs, which press plates against walls of shield groove substantially
as described.
6. In an axlebox the dust shield consisting of back plate with semicircular
pieces hinged, & pressed against axle by means of spiral springs, the wholo
supported in shield groove of axlebox by side springs substantially as described.
7. In an axlebox the dust shield consisting of back, plate carrying two other
plates, the top plate fixed & centre plate actuated upwards by spiral springs held
in pockets substantially as described.
8. In an axlebox the dust shield consisting of back plate carrying two sliding
plates actuated in opposite directions by spiral springs held in pockets substantially
as described.
Dated this 22nd day of Santambar 18908
J. O. LADDS.
EDWD. SELBY.