Improvements in Bearings and Axle-boxes and in Means for Lubricating the same.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 18th Jan., 1890
Complete Specification Left, 17th Nov., 1890-Accepted, 17th Jan., 1891
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICAIJUN.
Improvements in Bearings and Axle-boxes and in Means for
Lubricating the same.
I, HARRY KENNETH AUSTIN of Lyndhurst, Washwood Heath, near Birmingham in
the County of Warwick Civil Engineer do hereby declare the nature of this invention
to be as follows:-
My invention relates to means for the lubrication with oil, grease or other suitable
material of bearing surfaces of axles and for the complete protection of such from the
serious damage caused by the entrance of dust to the oil chamber provided for the
lubricant and for the improved combination of parts and newly invented method by
means of which the various parts of the lubricating and bearing surfaces may be
readily examined and the lubrication of dust shield or protector is effectually
performed.
The invention or parts thereof may be applied to fixed bearings of machinery or to
rolling stock and parts thereof, the chief object being to lubricate automatically all
parts in motion and ensure the satisfactory exclusion of dust and gritty particles.
In the first place a bearing of metal softer than the axle or shaft is usually
provided which is placed on to or around same and conveys all weight and strains on
to the axle.
:
Secondly The soft metal bearing after having been at work some years will
require to be replaced, for the ready means of doing this I provide a metal key plate
having at the end of it a handle or hole by means of which it may be moved, the
plate may be of ordinary rectangular section or a special channelled section of wrought
or cast metal suitable for the purpose and may have cross or longitudinal strips for
fitting same or three fitting points placed in the form of a tripod which will ensure
level bearing. The bearing surfaces of the key plates or bearings may be curved so
as to allow some amount of rocking movement and may also have side clipping pieces
to keep the bearing in place.
The bearing itself may be provided with the before mentioned side clipping pieces
in which case a suitable recess is formed in the top of the main casing or housing
hereinafter mentioned.
The sides of the bearing are formed of flat or curved surfaces (either concave or
convex) projecting or recessed along the entire length of same, thus providing the
necessary means of taking the longitudinal thrust, the sides of the bearing have fitting
strips similar to those previously described in connection with the key plate. The
housing has also flat or curved surfaces (concave or convex) projecting or recessed as
previously described in connection with the bearing by means of which any longi-
tudinal thrust is conveyed. The bearing has oil channels along its back and sides or
these same oil channels or holes may be provided in the main casing or in the key
plate previously referred to. The bearing also has in one form a central thrust piece
with angular sides cast on the bearing and casing so as to allow for the easy removal
of same; to provide for the easy removal of the bearing a handle is cast into the sides
or holes are provided so that by the application of a suitable T pointed tool the
bearing may be gripped and afterwards removed. When grease is used or is likely to
be used in conjunction with oil the housing of axle is made in such a way that the
front is movable, either hinged with adjustable hinges or with slides and pins or
handles with bolts and nuts holding same in place. The bottom of main casing is
cast in one piece so that the sides are well supported, or the ordinary sponge box or
keep may be provided. I prefer to have the casing made so that it may be readily
cleaned out, hence the front (movable) extends over the whole open face and forms on
its top side a portion of the grease or oil chamber itself the bottom of the grease

page_text: chamber being formed by the key plate and the sides of the grease or oil chamber is
formed by the main casing itself.
The end of the key plate. is turned up at the end so that when removed it brings
the grease or other parts along with it. For the quicker application of the grease I
provide copper plates (in connection with the key plate) which being a better
conductor will melt the grease quicker and allow it to run through the special holes
and side recesses which are provided in the bearing and main casing, the key plate
being recessed for this purpose and where great strain has to be provided for, the key
plate is strengthened by a cross piece in the centre of same, the holes in key plate and
other parts referred to herein (where the grease has to pass through when used) is
provided with copper or other good metallic conductor tube or plate. The whole key
plate itself is made of copper or other good conductor for the purpose of carrying out
the object of readily melting the grease herein referred to.
Special end holes are also provided over the thrust ends of journals so that these
parts are continually lubricated. The front plate at the top is made with a sharp
edge so that the instrument used for putting in grease or other lubricant can he
cleared and the top is provided with a projection or hand hole by means of which
(when the handles, bolts or pins holding same are slacked) it is removed. The top of
the main casing is formed with the usual connections for the reception of bearing
springs and axle guards and a special form of oil lid is provided hinged at the side
and provided with a spring to keep it down in its place. The lid also has a snug
handle or projection at each side by means of which it may be opened or closed by
pressure or the lid may be a sliding one (with undercut guides or frame held by
screws at the sides) sliding in a straight line or. revolving around a rivet or centre
pin; on the upper side of this form of lid a handle is provided and an oil or grease
hole is made through the body of lid, the underside having a projection or snug which
is pressed by a flat or spiral spring (the spring at one end pressing against the casing)
and thus closing the lid. The lid and casing have also a small toothed projection or
recess arranged in such a manner with a spring on its underside, to keep it open or
closed when desired. All springs are by this means kept from being exposed to the
corroding influences of water, rain, etc.
The oil chamber is connected with the dust shield by means of a channel or tube
carried inside or outside the main casing. The upper portion of the main casing is
swelled out or made as large as possible and has suitable bearing pieces which convey
the strains to the axle through the packing or key plate and bearing.
The main casing is either made solid with a front opening, or is made in the form
of a top cover and detachable bottom oil chamber, or with a sponge box or keep which
is held in place by the usual method of a single pin or hinged on a pivot. The axle
guard grooves are made either of the usual channel form having square or rounded
roots, or one side of the channel only is provided, or in the case of double axle-guards
(cast or wrought) the guides are formed by a projection on each side of the main
casing. In the event that the casing has to be fixed to a frame or guide bars,
suitable projections are made on the top of main casing and side bolt holes or guides
are provided. The main casing is made of any material cast or wrought when inade
in wrought material the body is formed as a circular or rectangular box all the other
portions being fixed or welded thereto.
The front door is hinged or pivotted at the sides or bottom but to prevent any
chance of the door coming open I hinge it at the top with a plain knuckle or an
adjustable hinged formed with eye bolts and hinge pin. The eye bolts are provided
with springs to take up any slack. The pins holding the front door are provided with
a circular, T, or bow handle; the circular handle is cast with a milled edge on its
outer rim, or cast with hexagonal or square body or neck for the reception of a
spanner, and the handle which is fixed to the door is either cast to it or forged and
bolted on to same, the front lid in this form having recesses to receive the handle.
The front door joint is canted back so as to keep the door in its place by the natural
weight of itself. The handles for the fastening of the front door are either made
solid, or cast separately but with a square centre hole for the reception of a bolt and

page_text: the handles are provided with a bearing part which holds the front door in place, the
front door being also provided with projections or recesses to prevent the handles or
pins from loosening back too far or affecting the door thereby.
Where the front door is hinged at the side I prefer to hold it in its place on one
side by an adjustable hinge and on the other secure it by any of the before mentioned
methods or by a hook which has a spring attachment to keep it in its place, the spring
is fixed to the main casing or to the hook and bears against either in such a manner
as to put a pressure upon the hook, the front door being recessed or formed with an
inclined plane and curved surface for the jaw of hook to work upon.
The hook is also made adjustable either by means of a screwed pin and nut, or with.
a spring the jaw being suitably chamfered to engage into the path formed for same on
the front door. The jaws on the front door are either U shaped, or made in the
form of an elongated hole with chamferred edges and suitable stops. The front plate
is also provided with a thickened wedge piece which when taken off is slipped between
the bottom of main casing and top of axle-guard bridle thus providing a support to
the whole axlebox when under examination.
The bottom of the main casing is provided with a cross bolt or a block of wood or
iron to take the blow in case of derailment and adjustable by means of the loose back
angle pieces or snugs cast in the main casing.
The main casing is made so as to take the bottom pressure (when lifting) on side
lugs so as to increase the steadiness of the lift.
The top chamber is recessed so as to permit the wear of the bearing to be seen
through the top door. The key plate is shaped so as to be clear of the axle, and at
the same time allow the lubricant to be supplied directly on to the journal, below or
on to the side pieces or wire brushes which are provided at the sides of the main
casing.
The top of main casing is made in the form of a drawer and front containing the
lubricant and lubricator, or with an overflow chamber fitted with a lid or screw having a
tapered neck and washer dust tight joint, the back end of chamber coming up as high as
possible at the part forming the overflow chamber, or a plain ☐ piece is cast on for
the same purpose. The end of the top packing place is cut, stopped off or rounded off
where the end of the axle is likely to come in contact with same.
To keep the handles of front door in place I either drive them on to position or cut
a slot or grooves in to the pin and rivet over the projecting part cast on to the handle
so as to fill up the grooves. The back face of the main casing is occupied by the
dust shields hereinafter described and has a projection or a recess to contain same or
to support same or the support is given by means of rollers or bolts passing under and
through the dust shield and so made with stops and recesses that the dust shield
cannot turn round with the motion of the axle and wheel, in some cases the back of
the casing is taken within a short distance (say or inch) from the face of the wheel
but in others a special face plate clipping the wheel by jaws put around the axle
and takes the bearing in one form of dust shield.
The bearing is made of any usual section or may be of a circular backed section
so as to wear out entirely leaving no scrap, in the latter case side pieces or end
pieces take the weight as well as along the centre and prevent the bearing turning
round. The bearing has 3 fitting strips on each side with oil holes, slots and
passages at the ends and sides, and ribs to prevent distortion or to receive vertical
packing pieces where these are arranged instead of the packing plate previously
described. The bottom portion of the front plate is arranged either with a plain
joint or is partially made so that an oil tight joint (lead, putty, or other suitable
material) may be made, or this joint is extended over the entire front lid joint so as
to prevent any oil oozing out.
When oil is used as a lubricant it is applied to axle either by means of capillary
pads and wicks, cotton waste, wire brushes combined with frames, or other suitable
material, or these are combined with a roller lubricator.
The top of the frame holding the pads or wire brushes is provided with springs
which are rivetted thereto and at the ends rest upon the shelves cast on the side of

page_text: main casing, or on bottom of same. The lubricator is either of this simple form,
or is combined with a roller formed of a solid parabolic casting or formed in halves.
The cradle holding the lubricator or the bearings holding the same are held up to
work by spiral springs, or by weighted levers placed in the longitudinal direction of
the casing, or the casing is specially bulged or formed so as to allow the placing of
the lubricator in a cross direction of the main casing. The roller is supported on a
round, square or hollow spindle, or revolves around same and is made up solid with
flat or corrugated surfaces or in cast plates or stampings having distance pieces so as
to allow some distance apart from each other and held together by a screw and
nut or cotter. The body of the lubricator is either shaped to the end of the axle
and thus lubricates this part in addition to the main body of the journal, the
lubricator is formed of a tube with a spiral groove running around same, or is formed of
a solid corrugated casting. The roller is used alone, or combined with side pads
and springs attached to bearing and a base plate or frame fixed by screws or held
by the pieces cast in the sides or corners of main casing, the roller in this method
distributes oil on to the pads, also distributes same up on to the bearing through
passages of tubes formed around the journal and the roller.
<>
The casing may be welled at the bottom so as to allow for the working of roller
therein or the roller lubricator may be provided along the whole length of the main
casing so as to form a complete ring or series of rings of oil on the journal. The
lubricator is applied by the spiral springs before referred to or by weights working on
inclines planes jointed to the main casing so as to produce an upward motion.
The compound dust shield is formed of a combination of felt or other suitable
material along with a centre or outer metal plate or netting secured to it, or the
dust shield is made in the form of a rectangular plate or in the form of a bush having
on its inner or outer edge a stop or key to prevent it turning round; the main
casing having a projection surrounding the dust shield or within the inner diameter of
same. The seating on main casing is cylindrical or oval or with flattened sides,
and rounded top and bottom, and the dust shield is made to suit same, or these
surfaces are formed so as to coincide in 3 places the remaining portions (to relieve
friction) are recessed and when in work are filled with oil &c., and forms a practically
dust tight joint by means of the film of oil. The bush is also provided with support-
ing pieces arranged at the sides or top and bottom which take the entire weight of
the shield on flat surfaces with square rounded or angular roots and has flat or spiral
springs placed in recesses at the back so as to propel the shield forward, the whole
being prevented from moving round by the means described, or by means of pins
screwed or cast into bush and having a suitable chamferred stud or head to fix the
springs thereto. The ring is also moved by its own or other loose weights acting on
inclined planes or weighted levers so as to produce the necessary forward motion.
In any case the bush may be held inside or outside a projection or seating on the
back of the main casing. The bush is also held on a bolt or roller at the top
or bottom of same the bolt passing through same, in any arrangement I have the
truly concentric bush arranged so as to be supported on the lugs or fitting pieces
provided for this purpose. The shield is made of 1 section, or of rectangular pieces
of wood with stiffeners fixed on to same. In ordinary axle boxes (where there is no
room for these arrangements) I provide pieces of circular or square felt and oil grooves
and springs placed in a circular or spiral direction around the face of and in the dust
shield or bush previously referred to pieces of absorbent felt and recesses for same
are provided.
The top of ring is also formed into the shape of an oil cup in connection with oil
grooves in the bush at sides & bottom the oil cup can be corked up or closed by a
spring or other simple hinged lid.
The bearing surface of ring is received so as to contain felt, or a mixture of
parafin and plumbago and where the face of wheel is not machined a plate is provided
for the ring to work against. In the best positions I so arrange the bush as to have
an even bearing surface so as to provide for even wear the top of the bush being cut
away so as to allow for the wearing of the bearing. Where desirable the bush is

page_text: formed with slightly curved projections in them so as to prevent the turning of the
bush; this is done in the main casing at the top and bottom, or sides or in 3 places
forming a triangle thereby.
The spring or springs for the bushes are either flat or spiral.
The top of main casing may also be provided to hold a top packing of asbestos or
other suitable material the lower half being formed in the shape of a gland with a
variable pressure surface in the form of an inclosing ring pressing against a suitable
packing of circular or other section the whole held by adjustable pins spring or bolts.
The inner portion of the main casing is formed to receive the pressure brought to
hear on it, & the back is thus made dust tight by this pressure. Ordinary bushes I
form for locomotive purpose by splitting the same in 2 parts & forming oil chambers
in the bottom one, the oil chambers are filled with felt or other absorbent material
with a central division for taking the bottom pressure and springs or roller lubricators
combined in the various forms herein described.
The various applications may be made on shafting or on revolving wheels pulleys
or shafts for any purpose the casing being either fixed or revolving.
1 apply the methods herein described for a single casing or axle box in such
manner that one roller inbricator may be used to supply any larger number of
bearings with the lubricant which is made to pass through tubes connecting the
oil chambers with each other. The lubricating chamber or the revolving shaft
(in another form of roller lubricator) carries a split or solid ring of L, V. Z or
channel section with plain grooved or turned up edges or the section is formed
so that it follows the outline of the shaft or swelled end or collar of same. In this
form of lubricator I make the ring of one piece of metal and cast, spin or stamp
it into shape the ring either fitting the lubricating chamber or shaft or loosely
resting on the latter. The ring when split is held by pins or rivets or is made
with a single joint which allow the ring to be sprung into place.
In any case
I make the ring so that it bears (on one or both sides of it) on the shaft, the
sides being flat or shaped in any form to the shaft. The shaft has when necessary
a groove made around it so as to carry the ring.
same
The central or outer portion of ring is corrugated or chambered in any suitable
form to provide an internal or external oil reservoir and is made with a plain
surface or is provided with projections passing partially or entirely across
and has an oil hole or holes, slots or tubular openings to allow for the escape of oil
from the chambered ring (or any side of same) on to the bearing to be lubricated,
suitable guides may be used to hold the ring in position if necessary.
When necessary the bearing to which this form of lubricator is applied is made with
a receiving lip and oil channel along its surface or edge and also has a recess to allow
for the working of the chambered ring, the bearing being either solid or in 2 or 3
parts as usual.
The
1 also provide that the bearing shall have a greater thrust surface by means of a
separate end piece which takes the thrust of the whole collar or part of same the
remaining portion being bolted to or made up to it in any suitable manner.
bearing is made of one material throughout or the thrust piece is made of a
harder or softer metal to suit the special circumstances of the work to which it
is applied.
The bearing surfaces are quite plain or ribbed and then filled in with anti friction
alloy or compound.
The edge of bearing is either quite level or is made with an angular edge in such
manner as to prevent the superfluous lubricant creeping too far along the shaft.
Lubricating or distributing brushes and wicks may be applied with springs supporting
same in combination with this form of lubricator, either inside or outside the body of
ring. The interior of main casings is provided with an oil feeding attachment cast
or wrought on to any side of it or on to the front lid and the walls of same are
marked with a measurement scale by means of which the correct oil level may be
seen and also the amount of oil remaining in same, the correct level being pointed

page_text: with an arrow and the words "oil level" are cast on the side over the before
mentioned measurement scale.
Dated this 18th day of January 1900
CARPMAEL & Co.,
Agents for the Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Bearings and Axle-boxes and in Means for
Lubricating the same.
I, HARRY KENNETH AUSTIN, of Lyndhurst, Washwood Heath Road, Birmingham, in
the County of Warwick, 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:-
The Provisional Specification of which the following is a recital generally describes
the invention.
My invention relates to means for the lubrication with oil, grease or other suitable
material of bearing surfaces of axles and for the complete protection of such from
the serious damage caused by the entrance of dust to the oil chamber provided for
the lubricant and for the improved combination of parts and newly invented method
by means of which the various parts of the lubricating and bearing surfaces may be
readily examined and the lubrication of dust shield or protector is effectually
performed.
The invention or parts thereof may be applied to fixed bearings of machinery or
rolling stock and parts thereof, the chief object being to lubricate automatically
all parts in motion and ensure the satisfactory exclusion of dust and gritty
particles.
In the first place a bearing of metal softer than the axle or shaft is usually
provided which is placed on to or around same and conveys all weight and strains on
to the axle.
Secondly: The soft metal bearing after having been at work some years will
require to be replaced, for the ready means of doing this I provide a metal key plate
having at the end of it a handle or hole by means of which it may be moved, the
plate may be of ordinary rectangular section or a special channelled section of wrought
or cast metal suitable for the purpose and may have cross or longitudinal strips for
fitting same or three fitting points placed in the form of a tripod which will ensure
level bearing. The bearing surfaces of the key plates or bearings may be
curved so as to allow some amount of rocking movenient and may also have side
clipping pieces to keep the bearing in place.
The bearing itself may be provided with the before mentioned side clipping pieces
in which case a suitable recess is formed in the top of the main casing or housing
hereinafter mentioned.
The sides of the bearing are formed of Hat or curved surfaces (either concave or
convex) projecting or recessed along the entire length of same, thus providing the
necessary means of taking the longitudinal thrust, the sides of the bearing have
fitting strips similar to those previously described in connection with the key plate.
The housing has also flat or curved surfaces (concave or convex) projecting or
recessed as previously described in connection with the bearing by means of which.
any longitudinal thrust is conveyed. The bearing has oil channels along its back and
sides or these same oil channels or holes may be provided in the main casing or in
the key plate previously referred to. The bearing also has in one form a central
thrust piece with angular sides cast on the bearing and casing so as to allow for the
easy removal of same; to provide for the easy removal of the bearing a handle is
cast into the sides or holes are provided so that by the application of a suitable
T pointed tool the bearing may be gripped and afterwards removed. When grease
is used or is likely to be used in conjunction with oil the housing of axle i made in

page_text: such a way that the front is movable, either hinged with adjustable hinges or with
slides and pins or handles with bolts and nuts holding same in place. The bottom
of main casing is cast in one piece so that the sides are well supported, or the
ordinary sponge box or keep inay be provided. I prefer to have the casing
made so that it may readily be cleaned out, hence the front (movable) extends over
the whole open face and forms on its top side a portion of the grease or oil chamber
itself the bottom of the grease chamber being formed by the key plate and the sides of
the grease or oil chamber is formed by the main casing itself.
The end of the key plate is turned up at the end so that when removed it
brings the grease or other parts along with it. For the quicker application of
the grease I provide copper plates (in connection with the key plate) which being a
better conductor will melt the grease quicker and allow it to run through the special
holes and side recesses which are provided in the bearing and main casing, the key
plate being recessed for this purpose and where great strain has to be provided for, the
key plate is strengthened by a cross piece in the centre of same, the holes in key
plate and other parts referred to herein (where the grease has to pass through when
used) is provided with copper or other good metallic conductor tube or plate.
The whole key plate itself is made of copper or other good conductor for the purpose
of carrying out the object of readily melting the grease herein referred to.
Special end holes are also provided over the thrust end of journals so that
these parts are continually lubricated. The front plate at the top is made with a
sharp edge so that the instrument used for putting in grease or other lubricant can
be cleared and the top is provided with a projection or hand hole by means of which
(when the handles, bolts or pins holding same are slacked) it is removed. The top of
the main casing is formed with the usual connections for the reception of bearing
springs and axle guards and a special form of oil lid is provided hinged at the
side and provided with a spring to keep it down in its place. The lid also has a snug
handle or projection at each side by means of which it may be opened or closed by
pressure or the lid may be a sliding one (with undercut guides or frame held by
screws at the sides) sliding in a straight line or revolving around a rivet or centre
pin; on the upper side of this form of lid a handle is provided and an oil or grease
hole is made through the body of lid, the underside having a projection or snug which
is pressed by a flat or spiral spring (the spring at one end pressing against the
casing) and thus closing the lid. The lid and casing have also a small toothed pro-
jection or recess arranged in such a manner with a spring on its underside to keep
it open or closed when desired. All springs are by this means kept from being
exposed to the corroding influences of water, rain, etc.
The oil chamber is connected with the dust shield by means of a channel or tube
carried inside or outside the main casing. The upper portion of the main casing is
swelled out or made as large as possible and has suitable bearing pieces which
convey the strains to the axle through the packing or key plate and bearing.
The main casing is either made solid with a front opening, or is made in the form of
a top cover and detachable bottom oil chamber, or with a sponge box or keep which is
held in place by the usual method of a single pin or hinged on a pivot. The axle
guard grooves are made either of the usual channel form having square or rounded
roots, or one side of the channel only is provided, or in the case of double axle-guards
(cast or wrought) the guides are formed by a projection on each side of the main
casing. In the event that the casing has to be fixed to a frame or guide bars, suitable
projections are made on the top of main casing and side bolt holes or guides are
provided. The main casing is made of any material cast or wrought when made in
wrought material the body is formed as a circular or rectangular box all the other
portions being fixed or welded thereto.
The front door is hinged or pivotted at the sides or bottom but to prevent any chance
of the door coming open I hinge it at the top with a plain knuckle or an adjustable
kinge formed with eye bolts and hinge pin. The eye bolts are provided with springs
to take up any slack. The pins holding the front door are provided with a circular, T,

page_text: or bow handle; the circular handle is cast with a milled edge on its outer rim, or cast
with hexagonal or square body or neck for the reception of a spanner, and the handle
which is fixed to the door is either cast to it or forged and bolted on to same, the front
lid in this form having recesses to receive the handle. The front door joint is cauted
back so as to keep the door in its place by the natural weight of itself. The handles
for the fastening of the front door are either made solid, or cast separately but with a
square centre hole for the reception of a bolt and the handles are provided with a
bearing part which holds the front door in place, the front door being also provided
with projections or recesses to prevent the handles or pins from loosening back
too far or affecting the door thereby. Where the front door is hinged at the side I
prefer to hold it in its place on one side by an adjustable hinge and on the other
secure it by any of the before mentioned methods or by a hook which has a spring
attachment to keep it in its place, the spring is fixed to the main casing or to the hook
and bears against either in such a manner as to put a pressure upon the hook, the
front door being recessed or formed with an inclined plane and curved surface for the
jaw of hook to work upon. The hook is also made adjustable either by means of
a screwed pin and nut, or with a spring the jaw being suitably chamfered to engage
into the path formed for same on the front door. The jaws on the front door are
either Ushaped, or made in the form of an elongated hole with chamfered edges and
suitable stops. The front plate is also provided with a thickened wedge piece which
when taken off is slipped between the bottom of main casing and top of axle guard
bridle thus providing a support to the whole axlebox when under exainination.
The bottom of the main casing is provided with a cross bolt or a block of wood or
iron to take the blow in case of derailment and adjustable by means of the loose back
angle pieces or snugs cast in the main casing.
The main casing is made so as to take the bottom pressure (when lifting) on side.
lugs so as to increase the steadiness of the lift.
The top chamber is recessed so as to permit the wear of the bearing to be seen
through the top door. The key plate is shaped so as to be clear of the axle, and
at the same time allow the lubricant to be supplied directly on to the journal,
below or on to the side pieces or wire brushes which are provided at the sides of the
main casing.
The top of main casing is made in the form of a drawer and front containing
the lubricant and lubricator, or with an overflow chamber fitted with a lid or
screw having a tapered neck and washer dust tight joint, the back end of chamber
coming up as high as possible at the part forming the overflow chamber, or a
plain piece is cast on for the same purpose. The end of the top packing place
is cut, stopped off or rounded off where the end of the axle is likely to come in
contact with same.
To keep the handles of front door in place I either drive them on to position
or cut a slot or grooves in to the pin and rivet over the projecting part cast on
to the handle so as to fill up the grooves. The back face of the main casing is
occupied by the dust shields hereinafter described and has a projection or a recess to
contain same or to support same or the support is given by means of rollers or bolts
passing under and through the dust shield and so made with stops and recesses that
the dust shield cannot turn round with the motion of the axle and wheel, in some
cases the back of the casing is taken within a short distance (say or inch) from
the face of the wheel but in others a special face plate clipping the wheel by jaws is
put around the axle and takes the bearing in one form of dust shield.
The bearing is made of any usual section or may be of a circular backed section so
as to wear out entirely leaving no scrap. in the latter case side pieces or end pieces
take the weight as well as along the centre and prevent the bearing turning round.
The bearing has 3 fitting strips on each side with oil holes, slots and passages at
the end and sides, and ribs to prevent distortion or to receive vertical packing pieces
where these are arranged instead of the packing plate previously described. The
.bottom portion of the front plate is arranged either with a plain joint or is partially

page_text: made so that an oil tight joint (lead, putty, or other suitable material) may be made,
or this joint is extended over the entire front lid joint so as to prevent any oil oozing
out.
When oil is used as a lubricant it is applied to axle either by means of capillary
pads and wicks, cotton waste, wire brushes combined with frames, or other suitable
material. or these are combined with a roller lubricator.
The top of the frame holding the pads or wire brushes is provided with springs
which are rivetted thereto and at the ends rest upon the shelves cast on the side of
main casing, or on bottom of same. The lubricator is either of this simple form, or
is combined with a roller formed of a solid parabolic casting or formed in halves.
The cradle holding the lubricator or the bearings holding the same are held up to
work by special springs, or by weighted levers placed in the longitudinal direction of
the casing, or the casing is specially bulged or formed so as to allow the placing of the
lubricator in a cross direction of the main casing. The roller is supported on a round,
square, or hollow spindle, or revolves around same and is made up solid with flat or
corrugated surfaces or in cast plates or stampings having distance pieces so as to
allow some distance apart from each other and held together by a screw and nut or
cotter. The body of the lubricator is either shaped to the end of the axle and thus
lubricates this part in addition to the main body of the journal, the lubricator is
formed of a tube with a spiral groove running around same, or is formed of a solid
corrugated casting. The roller is used alone, or combined with side pads and springs
attached to bearing and a base plate or frame fixed by screws or held by the L pieces
cast in the sides or corners of main casing, the roller in this method distributes oil on
to the pads, also distributes same up on to the bearing through passages of tubes
formed around the journal and the roller. The casing may be welled at the bottom
so as to allow for the working of roller therein or the roller lubricator may be provided
along the whole length of the main casing so as to form a complete ring or series of
rings of oil on the journal. The lubricator is applied by the spiral springs before
referred to or by weights working on inclines, planes jointed to the main casing so as
to produce an upward motion.
The compound dust shield is formed of a combination of felt or other suitable
material along with a centre or outer metal plate or netting secured to it, or the dust
shield is made in the form of a rectangular plate or in the form of a bush having on
its inner or outer edge a stop or key to prevent it turning round: the main casing
having a projection surrounding the dust shield or within the inner diameter of same.
The seating or main casing is cylindrical or oval or with flattened sides, and rounded
top and bottom, and the dust shield is made to suit same, or these surfaces are formed
so as to coincide in 3 places the remaining portions (to relieve friction) are recessed
and when in work are filled with oil &c., and forms a practically dust tight joint by
means of the film of oil. The bush is also provided with supporting pieces arranged at
the sides or top and bottom which take the entire weight of the shield on flat surfaces
with square rounded or angular roots and has flat or spiral springs placed in recesses
at the back so as to propel the shield forward, the whole being prevented from moving
round by the means described, or by means of pins screwed or cast into bush and
having a suitable chamfered stud or head to fix the springs thereto. The ring is also
moved by its own or other loose weight, acting on inclined planes or weighted levers
so as to produce the necessary forward motion. In any case the bush may be held
inside or outside a projection or seating on the back of the main casing. The bush is
also held on a bolt or roller at the top or bottom of same the bolt passing through
same, in any arrangement, I have the truly concentric bush arranged so as to be
supported on the lugs or fitting pieces provided for this purpose. The shield is made
of section, or of rectangular pieces of wood with stiffeners fixed on to same.
ordinary axle boxes (where there is no room for these arrangements) I provide
pieces of circular or square felt and oil grooves and springs placed in a circular or
spiral direction around the face of and in the dust shield or bush previously referred
to pieces of absorbent felt and recesses for same are provided.
In
The top of ring is also formed into the shape of an oil cup in connection with oil
D

page_text: grooves in the bush at sides and bottom the oil cup can be corked up or closed by a
spring or other simple hinged lid.
The bearing surface of ring is received so as to contain felt, or a mixture of paraffin
and plumbago and where the face of wheel is not machined a plate is provided for
the ring to work against. In the best positions I so arrange the bush as to have an
even bearing surface so as to provide for even wear the top of the bush being cut away
so as to allow for the wearing of the bearing. Where desirable the bush is formed
with slightly curved projections in them so as to prevent the turning of the bush :
this is done in the main casing at the top and bottom or sides or in 3 places forming a
triangle thereby.
The spring or springs for the bushes are either flat or spiral.
The top of main casing may also be provided to hold a top packing of asbestos or
other suitable material the lower half being formed in the shape of a gland with a
variable pressure surface in the form of an enclosing ring pressing against a suitable
packing of circular or other section the whole held by adjustable pins, spring or bolts.
The inner portion of the main casing is formed to receive the pressure brought to
bear on it, and the back is thus made dust tight by this pressure. Ordinary bushes
I form for locomotive purposes by splitting the same in 2 parts and forming
oil chambers in the bottom one, the oil chambers are filled with felt or other
absorbent material with a central division for taking the bottom pressure and
springs or roller lubricators combined in the various forms herein described.
The various applications may be made on shafting or on revolving wheels, pulleys
or shafts for any purpose the casing being either fixed or revolving.
I apply the methods herein described for a single casing or axle box in such manner
that one roller lubricator may be used to supply any larger number of bearings with
the lubricant which is made to pass through tubes connecting the oil chambers with
each other. The lubricating chamber or the revolving shaft (in another form of roller
lubricator) carries a split or solid ring of L, V, Z, or channel section with plain
grooved or turned up edges or the section is formed so that it follows the outline of
the shaft or swelled end or collar of same. In this form of lubricator I make the
ring of one piece of metal and cast, spin or stamp it into shape the ring either fitting
the lubricating chamber or shaft or loosely resting on the latter. The ring when
split is held by pins or rivets or is made with a single joint which allow the ring to be
sprung into place. In any case I make the ring so that it bears (on one or both
sides of it) on the shaft, the sides being flat or shaped in any form to the shaft. The
shaft has when necessary a groove made around it so as to carry the ring.
The central or outer portion of ring is corrugated or chambered in any suitable
form to provide an internal or external oil reservoir and is made with a plain surface
or is provided with projections passing partially or entirely across same and has an oil
bole or holes, slots or tubular openings to allow for the escape of oil from the
chambered ring (or any side of same) on to the bearing to be lubricated, suitable
guides may be used to hold the ring in position if necessary.
When necessary the bearing to which this form of lubricator is applied is made
with a receiving lip and oil channel along its surface or edge and also has a recess to
allow for the working of the chambered ring, the bearing being either solid or in 2
or 3 parts as usual.
The
I also provide that the bearing shall have a greater thrust surface by means of a
separate end piece which takes the thrust of the whole collar on part of same the
remaining portion being bolted to or made up to it in any suitable manner.
bearing is made of one material throughout or the thrust piece is made of a
harder or softer metal to suit the special circumstances of the work to which it
is applied. The bearing surfaces are quite plain or ribbed and then filled in with anti-
friction alloy or compound.
The edge of bearing is either quite level or is made with an angular edge in such
manner as to prevent the superfluous lubricant creeping too far along the shaft.
Lubricating or distributing brushes and wicks may be applied with springs supporting
same in combination with this form of lubricator, either inside or outside the body of

page_text: ring. The interior of main casings is provided with an oil feeding attachment cast or
wrought on to any side of it or on to the front lid and the walls of same are marked
with a measurement scale by means of which the correct oil level may be seen and
also the amount of oil remaining in same, the correct level being pointed with an
arrow and the words "oil level are cast on the side over the before mentioned
measurement scale.
"
I now proceed to describe the accompanying drawings which shew the details as to
the method of carrying it out.
Figure 1 is a longitudinal section of one form of my invention. Figure II a cross
section of same. Figure III back view of same and Figure IV a plan of same.
In Figure I A is the journal, B is the bearing and C the casing surrounding the
axle.
The bearing is either placed on the journal as shewn in Figure 1 or around the
journal as shewn in Figures 7, 8 and 9.
In Figure ID is the key plate which is either of an ordinary rectangular section
or is made as shewn in Figure 6. The key plate may be curved on its bearing
surface.
The bearing B has side clipping or thrust pieces formed with angled edges B¹ which
is seen in dotted lines in Figure I and fits into the casing which is made to contain
the bearing at the top and sides. The sides of the bearing may be curved, either
concave or convex as shewn in plan Figure 15 and the housing or casing is made
to conform to same. Suitable oil channels on the back of the bearing may be
supplied to distribute the oil or this may be done in the same manner by suitable
recesses in the key plate or casing. The bearing may also be provided with thrust
pieces and handles at the end as shewn in plan at Figure 13 and side view
Figure 14 which shews a hearing with a curved back. E¹ are the handles referred
The bearing may also be removed from the casing by screwing the T tool,
Figure 10 into the screwed hole B Figures 7, 9.
to.
Figure I shews a form of casing arranged only for the use of a thin lubricant but
grease may be used in which case the casing is made as shewn in Figure 30 which is
a longitudinal section and Figure 31 is a cross section. Figure 32 is a front view
and Figure 33 a plan.
The front F in Figure 30 is moveable and is hinged, or pins or bolts and nuts hold
it in place as shewn F12 Figure 32.
The bottom of main casing is closed by a sponge box or keep as shewn in
Figure 31 or the bottom of main casing is made in one piece so that the sides are
well supported as shewn in Figure 37.
In Figure 30 the front part of casing forms part of the grease or oil chamber,
the bottom of the chamber being formed by the key plate G the sides of the chamber
being formed by the main casing itself as shewn at G₁ 2 Figure 31.
In Figure 30 the end of the key plate is turned up at G3 so that when it is removed
all the internal parts come with it. The special side holes G₁ are provided so as
not to break up the central bearing surface of the bearing and the end holes G6 7
Figure 30 are provided to lubricate the ends of the journal. The key plate may be
perforated and copper (or other good conductor of heat) tubes placed in the holes or
the key plate may be made of copper. The front plate is made with a sharp edge
at top G8 Figure 30 and handle or hole G³.
A special form of oil lid is shewn in Figure 32 H which is kept down by spring H¹
and has side handles H23.
Another form of oil lid is shewn in Figure 25 which is a plan. The lid turns
round the pivot I and has a handle 1'. The spring J keeps the lid closed over the
oil hole J. The rib J2 extends around the edge of lid as shewn in plan at
Figure 25.
Figure 27 is a plan of a similar lid as the last described but working in a straight
line instead of around a pivot.
The straight lid may also have a toothed path as shewn in Figure 29 on the
underside with suitable spring to keep it in place.

page_text: L
The general method of making casings of axle boxes has been to cast them but I
make them of cast or wrought iron the bodies being made of a circular section as
shewn in Figure 34 or square section Figure 35 all the remaining parts being fixed
or welded thereto.
The front door is closed by the method before described or by the method shewn in
Figure 1-where the adjustable hinge is placed at the top and is kept down by a
screw with milled edge or bow handle as shewn by itself at the side of Figure 1.
The front door can be hinged at any side using either a plain "knuckle" jointed hinge
or an adjustable hinge and is provined with a handhole G as shewn in Figure 30 or
has a wrought handle N as shewn in Figure 23 where N¹ is the body of door, the
handle is secured to same by rivets or other suitable method.
Figure 18 is a small scale drawing of the method of fastening the door by means
of the handle O which fits around the pin O' and into it. In Figure 21 03 is the
front lid and 03 the main casing.
The front door may also be held closed as shewn in Figure 22 where O* is the
door O is a spring hook fixed to the casing.
The front door can also be secured by the eyebolt O' Figure 16 and as shewn in
plan at Figure 17.
Another form of main casing is shewn in longitudinal section Figure 36 where K
is formed as a top cover and K¹ is a detachable oil chamber which is held together
by the pin K. The top portion is cut away at L so as to shew a side view of the
closing spring lid where the spring L¹ is closed in and protected from damage. The
projection L2 is for the purpose of opening the lid. The axle guard grooves M
Figure 4 are made of any section as shewn underneath Figure 4.
The front plate shewn in Figure 32 has on each side of it wedge pieces P¹² to fit
in between the bottom of main casing and the axle guard bridle when it is removed
from the front of the main casing and thus supports it while removing the bearing.
The back of the casing as shewn in Figure 1 at S is formed as a recess to hold the
dust shield S¹ which is made up of a spring plate of ✓ section which fits on to a
wearing ring S2. The wearing ring S2 fits against the boss S³. Various sections of
spring plates are shewn at Figure 5 (A) (B) (C). The spring plate is sometimes
provided with a felt liner as shewn in section Q Figure 54 and is sometimes formed
with the springs running as shewn in section (at B) Figure 5 either in a circular
direction around the face of plate or in a spiral direction.
The dust shield is sometimes made as shewn in Figure 36 where R is a ring of
asbestos or other suitable material and R¹ a gland actuated by bolts or screws R²
placed on each side or the adjustment can be made automatically by placing springs
under the heads of the bolts. I prefer however to take up the wear by hand as I
find from experience that the actual wear is very little at this part provided that the
journal and bearing are well lubricated.
In Figure 11 is shewn a bearing with a semi-circular back T and square end and
thrust pieces T1 2. The section Figure 11 is taken through A B Figure 12.
B2 8
For the lubrication of the bearing I adopt the method shewn at Figure 2 where
are capillary pads which feed the oil and are supported on a frame, and by the
springs on each side. This form of lubricator rests bodily on the shelves C₁
2 or it
can rest on the bottom of the casing when necessary. Another form of lubricator is
shewn in Figure 36 which is supported by spiral springs and guides. The roller
lubricator
may be as shewn in Figures 38, 39. Figures 40 to 43 shew the various
forms of grooved surfaces I adopt. Figure 44 shews the roller lubricator applied
and formed to the end of the journal so as to especially lubricate the end collar. The
rollers may be made solid hollow or fixed to spindles or in any of the most suitable
methods or the roller may be made of a grooved tube as shewn in Figure 45.
In Figure 38 the roller lubricator is combined with side pads V₁ 2 and in
Figure 46 the side pads V³ 4 are held by springs V which are fixed to the
bearing above. The grooved roller supported on springs and guides delivers its
supply of lubricant through the tubes V78 and on to the pads V. V is a front
view of the tubes V7 8 with the end formed to receive the lubricant.

page_text: The casing may be welled as shewn in Figure 37 underneath the roller lubricator.
A simple form of dust shield is shewn in place in Figure 30 where the centre W
is felt or other suitable material and W₁ covering pieces to same formed with wire
netting or other metal coverings.
2
The dust shield made of the spring section previously referred to bears against
the back of casing and is also applicable to any other form of casing having a flat
or other regular surface at the back.
I prefer to use felt in combination with the spring metal, spring wire, or plate
coverings as the felt absorbs any lubricant and thus lubricates the moving parts.
In any of the forms of roller lubricator I can feed any number of casings from
one source by suitably connecting the various casings for the purpose.
Figure 47 shews the application of another form of ring or roller lubricator
where X is a ring resting on the shaft X and provided with lubricator X2 for
distributing lubricant. Various sections of ring are shewn at X3 4 5 6 7 5 9 10 11 and
a plan of a ring is shewn at X12 having recesses X 13 14 on the edges. X 15 16
Figure 47 are felt or other suitable guides for the ring.
Figures 49 to 53 shew thrust plates which keep the axle in place and are held by
the bolts Y1 2 3 4
In Figure 54 the bearing is shewn with angular edges Z which prevent the
lubricant creeping along the axle and the inclined plane Z¹ returns it back to the
casing.
Figure 55 is a section taken across A B in Figure 54.
The scale shewn at Figure 56 is cast or formed on the side of main casing so as to
shew the quantity of lubricant in it.
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
ciaim is:
1. The combination of parts of casing, bearing, adjustable lids, lubricator &c.
forming an axle box substantially as described.
2. In an axle box, the bearings with side and end holes, handles and thrust pieces
substantially as described.
3. In an axle box, the moveable front with wedge pieces and forming portion of
top lubricating chamber and turned up key plate, sponge box or keep &c. sub-
stantially as described.
4. In an axle box the form of oil lid with handles and springs protected from damage
substantially as described.
5. In an axle box a dust shield formed with side and spring plates or netting
substantially as described.
6. In an axle box a dust protector formed of asbestos and packing gland sub-
stantially as described.
7. In an axle box capillary or roller lubricators acting by springs or gravity sub-
stantially as described.
8. In an axle box, a bearing with angular edges and suitable connection in the
casing for prevention of oil creeping substantially as described.
9. The construction of axle boxes substantially as described with reference to
Figures 1 to 4.
10. The construction of axle boxes substantially as described with reference to
Figures 30 to 33.
Dated this 15th day of November 1890.
ADD V TINNITU A TOTAL
HADDY KENNENT ATTEN