IMPROVED MEANS AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING HEAT IN BEARINGS AND FOR AUTOMATICALLY LUBRICATING THE SAME, THE SAID APPARATUS BEING ALSO APPLICABLE AS AN ALARM IN CASE OF FIRE, AND AS A FIRE EXTINGUISHER
Year: 1878

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Matthew Stobbs and Henry Poole, both of Grosvenor
Road, Pimlico, London, in the County of Middlesex, for the Invention of
"IMPROVED MEANS AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING HEAT IN BEARINGS AND
FOR AUTOMATICALLY LUBRICATING THE SAME, THE SAID APPARATUS BEING
ALSO APPLICABLE AS AN ALARM IN CASE OF FIRE, AND AS A FIRE
EXTINGUISHER,'
"
Scaled the 4th February 1879, in pursuance of an Order of the Lord Chancellor,
added the eth T... 1070
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Matthew Stobbs and Henry
Poole at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 5th July 1878.
MATHEW STOBBS and HENRY POOLE, both of Grosvenor Road, Pimlico, London,
in the County of Middlesex. "IMPROVED MEANS AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING
HEAT IN BEARINGS AND FOR AUTOMATICALLY LUBRICATING THE SAME, THE SAID
APPARATUS BEING ALSO APPLICABLE AS AN ALARM IN CASE OF FIRE, AND AS A
FIRE EXTINGUISHER.
"
The first part of our Invention relates to means and apparatus whereby an alarm
is sounded directly a bearing becomes heated, and the bearing is automatically
supplied with oil or other lubricating matter before any damage can be done, thereby
avoiding any loss of time and cost of repair consequent upon the possible negligence
of the engineer or other cause resulting in the heating of bearings.
In applying our Invention to bearings we propose to place upon the shaft, upon
or in the plummer block on the cap, or as contiguous to the bearing as it may be
conveniently fitted, a reservoir or box, of any suitable form, provided with a piston,
cylinder, and rod with spring, of any suitable kind; and assuming the reservoir to
be on the shaft we propose to place at a distance which the head of the piston rod
or a bar carried by it will reach when driven fully out of the cylinder and of the
aforesaid reservoir, a cranked lever or other suitable mechanism, in communication
by a rod, or wire, or otherwise with an alarm bell, and also with a lever or other
[Price 1021

page_text: mechanism in connection with a valve within an oil or grease box, placed so that it
may feed oil or grease to the bearing.
If the reservoir or crystal receiver is on the plummer block or other part con-
tiguous to the bearing, but not revolving with the shaft, we propose to connect the
crank or other mechanism in cominunication with the alarm and oil box directly
with the piston rod, and to operate it by means of a stud or suitable projection on
the shaft, striking against it at each revolution.
We propose to melt or dissolve a crystal of any suitable kind, soda, for example,
and to fill the reservoir with this liquid, or any liquid which will crystallize at an
ordinary temperature and melt at a slight heat, filling in this liquid through an
orifice closed hermetically by screw and washer, or otherwise. The reservoir
suitable
being filled the piston rod is pushed into its cylinder and there held by any
means until the liquid crystallizes again.
Now assuming the reservoir containing the crystal to be carried by the shaft,
directly the bearing becomes heated the reservoir also becomes heated, and the
crystal within it melting, the liquid thus formed passes through perforations in the
piston, and the spring released by the melting of the crystal drives out the piston
rod so that its head, or a bar which it carries forward with it; comes into contact
at each revolution of the shaft with the crank which sounds the alarm and
supplies oil.
•
When the engineer advised by the alarm attends to the engine he may at once
push back the piston rod, but the bar or striker which it has advanced will not
return with it but continue to sound the alarm and open the valve of the oil box,
and if pushed back it will by means of a suitable locking arrangement or catch
again connect with the piston rod, which will then again be driven out by the
pressure of the spring, so that the alarm will not cease to be sounded until the
liquid has again crystallized and holds the piston rod back by its spring, the
bearing being therefore cool and no further alarm needed.
We use any suitable arrangement for keeping the piston rod in its cylinder while
the liquid is crystallizing..
The second part of our Invention relates to the application of these means to give
alarm in case of fire, and for extinguishing the fire. For this purpose we propose
to place a box or reservoir containing a crystal in any spot where danger is
apprehended, and so that upon the melting of the crystal, and the piston rod being
driven out as aforesaid, a valve will be opened in the water tank, or on the main,
and the water directed into a pipe provided with a water wheel, which in rotating
will by the aid of toothed gearing, or other gearing, sound an alarm bell, and at the
same time, if desired, open a valve or valves in connection with perforated pipes at
at any desired point, so that the water showering therefrom may extinguish the
fire.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Matthew Stobbs and Henry Poole in the Great Seal Patent Office on
the 5th February 1879.
MATTHEW STOBBS and HENRY POOLE, both of Grosvenor Road, Pimlico, London,
in the County of Middlesex. "IMPROVED MEANS AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING
HEAT IN BEARINGS AND FOR AUTOMATICALLY LUBRICATING THE SAME, THE SAID
APPARATUS BEING ALSO APPLICABLE AS AN ALARM IN CASE OF FIRE, AND AS A
FIRE EXTINGUISHER."
Our Invention is designed more especially to indicate to an engineer or a person
in charge of an engine or a piece of machinery, when the bearings or parts of such
engine or machinery where friction is likely to be generated are insufficiently
lubricated, or have from some other cause become heated by sounding a bell or
gong or other audible signal, and at the same time causing a supply of lubricant to
How to the bearing or part from which the signal has been given; but one of the
principal features of our Invention may be applied to various other useful purposes
for indicating a rise in temperature, either in the substanco or inaterial to which it
may be fixed, or in the material or atmosphere by which it is surrounded, as will
be more fully described and illustrated hereafter.
Our said Invention consists essentially of a chamber or reservoir having at one
end, and in some cases at each end thereof, a stuffing box and gland. Inside the
chamber or reservoir a piston perforated with any convenient number of holes fits
loosely. A rod is attached to the piston, and passes through the stuffing box or
boxes. Botween the piston and the end of the chamber or reservoir a coiled,
helical, or other spring is placed, so that when the spring is extended the piston
will, by the stored momentum of the spring, be forced to the end of the chamber or
reservoir.
When the parts are fitted together the chamber or reservoir is filled up with one
or more of the chemicals herein-after mentioned, and the chamber or reservoir is
then soldered, screwed, or otherwise fixed together, so as to be as nearly as possible
air-tight.
This contrivance when so put together is to be "set" in the following manner :-
The chemicals used for the purpose of our Invention and herein-after mentioned are
at certain temperatures in the form of crystals or solid, and upon the temperatures
being increased such crystals or solid will liquify; therefore to "set" the apparatus.
it is only necessary to place it in such a condition that the chemicals in the reservoir
will be in a state of liquifaction, then force down the piston rod, so that the spring
may be compressed, and retain it in that position until the reservoir and the
chemicals contained therein have become cooled down to or below the point at
which the chemicals crystalise or become solid. The spring, the piston, and the
piston rod will thus be imprisoned in a solid mass of crystal incapable of moving
until the crystal is again liquified.
From the foregoing description it will be easily understood that if after the
apparatus has been so "set" heat is in any manner communicated to the reservoir,
so that the chemicals therein contained may become heated up to or above the
point at which such chemicals liquify, the spring will be liberated, and will force
the piston to the end of the reservoir, and the piston rod will be forced out through
one of the stuffing boxes.
We need scarcely remark that the piston by reason of its being perforated forins.
no obstruction to the liquffied chemical, the chemical passing through it as through
a colander.
The temperature at which the spring is liberated may, to a certain extent, be
regulated by the proportions in which the different crystals herein-after mentioned
are mixed with which to charge the reservoir.
We can charge the apparatus so that the spring may be liberated at about 65°.

page_text: Fahrenheit, and at intermediate temperatures up to about 190° Fahrenheit, according
to the different chemicals used, all as herein-after described.
The configuration of the reservoir or chamber in which we place the piston, the
spring and the chemicals will vary according to circumstances, and to the purpose
to which we apply our Invention.
We will now, by the aid of the accompanying Drawings, proceed to show and
describe in what manner our Invention is to be carried into practical effect.
Fig. 1 is a longitudinal section of our Invention when applied to a rotating shaft,
and represents the apparatus set ready for giving a signal, should the shaft become
heated.
a, a, a¹, a', is a metal reservoir or chamber, and as in this case our Invention is
described as applied to a rotating shaft we prefer to make it in the form shewn (in
cross section) by the dotted lines in Fig. 3, and we make our reservoir or chamber
of a metal which is a good conductor of heat, by preference of brass, or of the alloy
known as gun metal. "b, b, is a piston attached to the piston rod c; d, d, are per-
forations through the piston; e, e, e, e, is a coiled spring; and ff ff, is the space
in the reservoir occupied by the chemicals. There is a stuffing box or its equivalent
at each end of the reservoir, through which the piston rod passes. Alongside of the
reservoir and parallel with the piston rod is a bolt or striker g working in a tubo
fixed on the reservoir; or in place of a tube two sleeves or bushes may be used, one
at each end of the cylinder.
The tube, or the sleeve or bushes, as the case may be, can be cast in one piece
with the reservoir.
The bolt or striker has an inclined plane h, and at the terinination of the inclined
plane the bolt or striker is reduced in size i until it terminates in an enlarged
head ', as shewn in Fig. 1. This reduced portion of the bolt or striker must be
equal in length to the travel of the piston. At the extremity of the piston rod a
link is rigidly screwed on to the end of it, connecting the piston rod with the bolt
or striker, but so fitted that although it is fixed to and travels with the piston rod
yet it is capable of sliding easily to and fro along the reduced portion of the bolt
or striker.
Fig. 3 is an end view of apparatus.
A pin g' is fixed to the bolt or striker to prevent it being carried too far into the
tube or sleeves.
k, k¹, is a two-armed lever, and at the end of the arm k is a catch ", the
purpose of which will be presently explained, held to the end a, a, of the reservoir
a, a, a, a, by and rocking upon the screw L. m is a spring also fixed to the end
of the reservoir, such spring being for the purpose of raising the lever k, k¹, so as
to bring the catch 11 between the end of the reservoir and the link A when the
apparatus is operated.
We also fix to the plummer block or other bearing in which the shaft revolves a
plate n, n, shewn in elevation in Fig. 4 and in plan in Fig. 5, to which is attached
a slotted plate o, which last-mentioned plate has at its extremity a cam p. The
plate n, n, has a slot, shewn by dotted lines, Figs. 4 and 5, into which works a
stud fixed on the plate o. The plate o can be moved to and fro on the plate n, n,
to the position shewn by dotted lines. The plate n, n, at its lower extremity
also carries a bell-crank lever 7, 7, which has the screw studs for its centre of
motion. The arm t of the bell-crank lever 7, 7, is to be in connection by means of
a cord, wire, or chain, or its equivalent, with our lubricating apparatus herein-after
described, and also with a bell or gong in any convenient manner for giving an
audible signal; such a bell or gong as is shewn in Fig. 6 may be used for the
purpose.
The action of the apparatus for giving an audible signal to indicate to the
engineer or person in charge of the machinery that the shaft to which the apparatus
is fixed has become heated is as follows:-The apparatus having been "set" as herein-
before stated, and the bolt or striker being in the position shewn in Fig. 1, we
will suppose that the shaft has become heated. The heat is communicated to the

page_text: reservoir a, a, a, a', the crystal ff.f.f, in the reservoir will be thereupon liquifiod,
and the spring e, e, is released, and forces the piston b, b, to the end a¹, a', of the
reservoir a, a, a, a, carrying with it the piston rod c, and by means of the link A
the bolt or striker g is also carried forward to the position shewn in Fig. 2. As
the shaft rotates the bolt or striker comes in contact with the arm t' of the bell-
crank lever r, r, pressing it down or up, according to the direction in which the
shaft is rotating, the other arm t¹ of the lover at the same time pulling the cord or
wire attached to the bell or gong, and also connected with the lubricator. So soon
as the bolt or striker by the revolution of the shaft has cleared the arm t¹ of the
bell-crank lever the said lever flies back to its first position and the bell or gong is
sounded, and the lubricator is operated to cause a flow of lubricant to the bearing,
and such striking action and lubrication will be repeated at each revolution of the
shaft.
When the pistou rod c has been forced out, and has carried with it the bolt or
striker g, then at the next revolution of the shaft the piston rod c comes in contact
with and passes over the cam p, Figs. 4 and 5, herein-before referred to, and the
piston rod is thereby forced back to its first or "set" position. The connecting
link A is also carried back, but as it slides upon the reduced portion i of the bolt
or striker g it leaves the bolt or striker still in a position to sound the bell or gong
and to operate the lubricator, and the bolt or striker will continue to act thus until
it is put back to its first position (see Fig. 2).
As the piston rod c passes over the cam pand is thus put back to its first position,
the spring m acting on the lim k of the lever h, k, causes it to rise, the reduced
portion of the bolt or striker g being then opposite to the end of the said lever
gives the lever room to do so, and the arm ke' of the lever rising at the same time
brings the catch between the end of the reservoir and that portion of the link A
"
set
which is fixed to the piston rod, locks the piston rod in its first or position
(see Fig. 2), and so retains it until the bearing has cooled down and the chemicals
in the reservoir have assumed a solid form. The bolt or striker g is put back to its
original position by sliding the plate o, Fig. 4, to the position shewn by the dotted
lines; this moves the cam p, so that the bolt or striker y will come in contact with
and pass over the cam 2, which will compel the bolt or striker to resume its first
position, and the apparatus is again ready to indicate heat in the shaft.
In pushing back the bolt or striker g the inclined plane h causes the lever k, k¹,
to move, so that the arm k¹ may be clear of the link A, and no longer form an
obstruction to the action of the spring e, e, and piston b, b.
It will be observed that if upon putting back the rod or striker the piston rod
should fly out, and carrying out the bolt or striker, so that it may cause the bell or
gong to sound and the lubricator to be operated, it will shew that there is still heat
in the shaft, or that the chemicals have not had sufficient time to assume a solid
form. In that case the can p must be again placed under the end of the piston
rod c, until the chemicals have solidified.
The lubricator which we have invented and propose to use with our indicating
apparatus herein-before described and illustrated is shewn in Fig. 7.
B, B, B, B, is a cylindrical box or chamber made of either glass, metal, or other
suitable material having a tube or sleeve o, which is screwed or otherwise fitted to
the top of the plummer block or bearing. The box or chamber has a cover Q with
a central sleeve or bush C. On one side of the bush is a circular or other opening R.
In the cover, as nearly as possible opposite the opening in the sleeve or bush R,
is a circular opening to receive a cap or plug P having a small hole in the centre of
its top. We attach the cover Q to the chamber by means of two or more pins or
studs fixed to the exterior of the chamber, and taking into a corresponding number
of shaped slots in the cover. The slots are dropped down over the pins, and by
giving the cover a slight turn (similar to a bayonet fastening), the cover will be
securely held in its place, and capable of withstanding the force of the spring as
herein-after mentioned.
A rod D, D, hollow for the greater portion of its length is made to slide easily up

page_text: and down through the sleeves C and O, and having a lateral opening T corre-
sponding with the opening R in the sleeve or bush Č, when the apparatus is in its
normal position. A perforated plate or diaphragın E is fixed to or formed upon the
rod D, D, dividing the box or chamber into two compartments one above the other.
A coiled spring F surrounds the portion of the said rod between the sleeve or
bush C and the diaphragm E; this spring is for the purpose of retaining the
conical valve forined on the rod D, D, upon its seat, as shewn at G, and for closing
the valve after it has been raised. Below the valve G there is a lateral opening V
in the hollow rod to facilitate the flow of lubricant. A. syphon wick M is placed in
the upper chamber, one end of which is resting upon the perforated diaphragm E,
and the other end is passed through the openings R, T, and hangs to a convenient
distance down the inside of the tube D, D; a wire N is attached to one end of the
wick, and passes through the cap p for taking out and replacing the wick. On the
cover is a lover H of the first order fulcrumed on the pivot J, and working
through a slot in the top of the rod D, D, or the end of the lever may be forked to
take into a recess turned in the top of the rod.
The opposite end L of the lever H is attached to the line wire or chain herein-
before mentioned, as connecting the arm t of the lever r, r, Fig. 4, with the bell or
gong, and also with the lubricator.
The level of the lubricant should be maintained at a level above the diaphragm;
but to illustrate the action of our apparatus, we will suppose the chamber or box to
have been filled with lubricant, and the lubricant to have been consumed until the
level has reached the diaphragm.
It will be understood by referring to Fig. 7, that the lubricant down to this
point can only pass to the bearing by way of the wick M.
The level of the lubricant being now below the influence of the wick, it is
obvious that the bearing will run dry and become heated.
Upon heat being generated in the bearing, the temperature of the shaft will be
raised, the apparatus shewn in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, will operate the arm t¹ of the
lever, r,, will be raised or depressed, the arm t will pull the line, wire, or chain
communicating with the bell or gong and lubricator, and in doing so will pull down
the end L of the lever H (Fig. 7).
The lever H. turning on the fulcrum J will raise the hollow rod D, D, with the
diaphragm E, compressing the spring F, and at the same time raising the valve at
G from its seat; thus allowing the lubricant contained in the lower chamber X
to find its way to the bearing through the valve C, and the opening V in the
rod D, D.
Another form of lubricator is illustrated in Fig. 8.
b¹, b, is a cylindrical chamber or box open at the top, and c, c', is a cylindrical
partition within it, dividing the said chamber into two compartments; d¹ is a cover
fitted on to the outer chamber or box, and there is a space between the partition
and the cover. A tube e¹ extends from the top of and touching the partition to the
bottom, where the chamber is contracted to fit into the cap (or top) of the plummer
block, as shewn in Fig. 8. This tube holds a syphon wick f', and the bottom of
the tube in conjunction with the bottom of the central chamber forins a seat for a
conical valve. A conical valve g¹ fits into this sent, and the stem k passes up through
the cover, and is operated by a lever of the first order in a similar manner to the
hollow rod D. D, Fig. 7.
:
The inner and outer compartments H, H", are both charged with lubricant, but
the bearing is lubricated from the outer compartment only by means of the syphon
wick, and it is the duty of the person in charge of the machinery to see that the
outer compartiment is properly charged. Should this be neglected and the outer
compartment become dry, and the bearing become heated, the apparatus (Figs. 1, 2,
3, 4, and 5), will operate, and the lubricator Fig. 8 will be put in action in a manner
similar to that herein-before described, and illustrated in Fig. 7.
Supposing the apparatus Fig. 8 being supplied with a lever H, similar to H in
Fig. 7, and the lever H being acted upon will raise the stem K¹ of the valve, and

page_text: the lubricant contained in the inner compartment H will be allowed to now
through the valve g¹ to the bearing.
Fig. 9 shews two arrangements by which we attach our Invention to the end of
a rotating or a rocking shaft.
A is in all respects an apparatus similar to that herein-before described, and
illustrated in Figs. 1, 2, and 3; p is an inclined cam to repress and "set" the piston
rod, and H is a lever of the first order fulcrumed on the pivot c. The cord or wire
or other communication for sounding the bell or gong, and for operating the
lubricator being attached to the end of the lever.
The bracket Z, carrying the cam p and the lever H may be fixed to the plummer
block, as shewn in the Drawing, Fig. 9.
We can also apply our Invention to the end of a rotating or a rocking shaft in.
the following manner :-
A circular hole may be drilled in the end of a shaft eccentric thereto, and a
cylinder or reservoir containing a spring, a perforated piston and piston rod, with
the intervening spaces filled with crystal, similar to that shown and illustrated in
Fig. 1 may be inserted therein.
A lever V works on a fulcrum on the top of the stud W in such a position that
the piston rod when forced out will come in contact with the lever, and raise or
depress it, as the case may be, the stud W is screwed into the plummer block.
In the case of a rotating shaft both the bell or gong and the lubricator will be
above the bearing; but in the case of a rocking shaft, the down stroke will operato
the lubricator, and the up stroke will operate the bell.
We prefer this arrangement as there is then a tension on each side of the lever to
restore it to a horizontal position.
It is obvious that in reversible engines double or return wires or other con-
nections will have to be provided in a way that will be well understood. The
spring having been "set" in the manner herein-before mentioned, upon the shaft
becoming heated the piston rod will protrude, and at each revolution of the shaft
will come in contact with and raise or depress the lever V, and will cause the bell
or gong to sound and the lubricator to be actuated. To reset the spring in this
case the piston rod is forced into the cylinder and there retained by means of a
lever bar or catch until the crystal has become solid; the lever bar or catch is then
removed, and the apparatus is again ready to operate.
An apparatus combining an indicator, lubricator, and boll or gong, is shewn in
Fig. 10. This apparatus is intended to be inserted into the cap of the plummer
block, and also into or to rest upon the brass of the bearing.
B, B, B, B, is a cylindrical chamber, open at the top, and having a circular orifice
at the bottom. A cover Q is fitted to the chamber in a manner similar to that
herein-before described with reference to Fig. 7. A circular hole is formed in the
cover, into which a cap or plug P enters, and through a hole in the top of which
a wire n passes in the same manner and purpose berein-before described and
shewn in Fig. 7; to the circular orifice at the bottom of the chamber B, B, B, B, a
cylinder 2, 2, is attached, fitted with a stuffing box or its equivalent at each end of
it, 4 and 5. On the interior of the cylindrical chamber, and about two-fifths from
the bottom thereof, we place a perforated diaphragm E; we prefer to retain this
diaphragm in position by means of three or more bars or rods passing tightly
through it; in the centre of the diaphragm there is a sleeve or bush E", E.
A hollow rod or tube passes through the bush C below the cover Q through the
bush E, E, in the diaphragm, and through the cylinder 2, 2. A collar G is
formed upon this tube, and between the collar and the bush Ca spring F is placed,
such spring having a tendency to expand and force the tube down. A lateral
opening T is made in the tube, and in the normal or "set" position of the apparatus
it is coincident with the opening R in the bush C. Another lateral opening 3 is
made in the tube, and in the set position is just within or covered by the bush
E, E, in the diaphragm E, E. Åttached to the tube W and inside the cylinder
2, 2, is a perforated piston, and in the "set" position this piston is at or near to

page_text: the top of the cylinder 2, 2, the remaining space in the cylinder being filled with
one or more of the chemicals herein-after mentioned.
A bell or gong 6 is attached to the top of the tube W; any convenient bell or
gong arrngement may be used for this purpose, which can be actuated by a side
stroke.
A stud 7 is inserted in the shaft, so that when the apparatus, Fig. 10, is in position
upon or in the plummer block, and "set" ready to operate, the stud may just pass
under the bent lever 8, communicating with the bell or gong. The operation of this
lubricator is similar to that shewn in Fig. 7, and after reading the description of
that Figure the action of the Figure now being described will be easily understood.
The apparatus is shewn in its "set" position, and it will be seen that if the
lubricant in the vessel B, B, B, B, is allowed to sink down to or below the level of
the diaphragm E, E, the supply through the wick M will cease, and the bearing
in which the apparatus is fixed may become heated; such being the case the
crystalized chemical S in the cylinder 2 will become fused or liquified, thereupon
the spring F, which was kept compressed by reason of the solidity of the chemical,
will be liberated and expand, forcing down the collar G as far as the diaphragm
E, E; the collar being attached to the tube W the said tube is carried down, at
the same time bringing the bell or gong fixed to its top with it. This will cause
the lever 8 to be brought into contact with the stud 7 as the shaft rotates, the lever
will turn upon the pin 9, and the bell or gong will be sounded. When the tube W
is depressed, as herein-before mentioned, the lateral opening 3 therein will come
below the bush E", and as the chamber X will be full of lubricant a supply of such
lubricant will find its way to the bearing through the orifice 3 and prevent the
bearing being heated to a dangerous degree.
To reset this apparatus we make a hole 10 through the tube W, and the tube
having been pulled up or raised by means of a can or other appliance, a pin is
passed through the hole until the chemical has solidified again, when the apparatus
will be again ready to operate. To prevent the bell turning when the lever 8 is
struck by the stud 7 we attach a pin 11 to the under side of the lever mechanism;
such stud passes through a hole in the cover Q, and limits the tube, and the parts
attached thereto, to an up-and-down motion. Instead of placing a bell or gong on
the top of the tube we may cause the tube when depressed as aforesaid to bring two
electrodes in contact, and thus cause a bell or gong to be sounded by means of an
electric current.
a, a, a, a,
Fig. 11 represents another form of lubricator combined with an alarm.
is a chamber or reservoir; b, b, is a tube or cylinder rigidly fixed to the bottom of
the chamber; upon this tube another tube c is capable of sliding like a telescope;
the tube c carries a perforated diaphragm d, the tube c has a cover c¹ securely
attached; and from this cover two or more rods or bars h extend, and are securely
fixed by screws or otherwise to a perforated piston e sliding in a chamber, the
remaining space in the chamber f being filled with crystals. A tube g entends from
the bottom of the tube b through the cover c¹ up to the bell mechanism above the
chamber a, a, a, a; this tube is fixed rigidly to the bottom of the tube b, and also
to the top i of the chamber f, but the piston e and the cover of the tube c' slide
upon it. A tube forins a passage between the chainbera and the interior of the
tube g to allow the lubricant to flow from a into the tube; but when the apparatus
is in a "set" position the passage is covered by the tube c, as shewn in the
Figure. To prevent the tube c turning upon the tube b a slot is formed in the
tube b at 7, and a stud m passing through a hole in the tube c enters the slot, and
so the tube c is limited to an up-and-down motion upon b; a coiled spring n is held
contracted between the diaphragm d and the bottom of the chamber a, a, a, a, until
the apparatus operates. A syphon wick passes through a hole o in the tube g to
supply lubricant from the chamber Z to the bearing down the tube g. A plate or
bar a is firmly fixed on the top of the tube g, having a boss b¹ on its upper side.
A ratchet wheel c" is placed over and turns upon this boss, the ratchet wheel having
a boss, the upper part of which at c¹ll is squared, so that a key may be used to wind

page_text: up the spring herein-after mentioned. A clock or other spring d' is held upon the boss
of the wheel by means of a stud or other fastening, the outer end of the spring being
attached to or passing over the stud e¹; a pawl f acting upon the ratchet wheel cl
turns upon the stud e', and is retained by the spring g'. A two-armed lever h¹¹
turns upon the stud h', one arm of such lever enters the teeth of the ratchet wheel c¹¹,
and a knob or hammer is attached to the other arm to sound the bell; the arm
which enters the teeth of the wheel c¹¹ is acted upon by the spring i. A bent
lever p is fixed upon the top c¹ of the tube e to pass between the pawl f and the
ratchet wheel, and release the wheel when the apparatus operates. A bell having a
circular stem drops into the boss b'. The bell can be removed to wind up the
spring and to supply lubricant to the chamber a, a, a, a.
The action of this apparatus is as follows:-Upon sufficient heat being communi-
cated to them the crystals f will fuse, the spring n will be allowed to expand,
bearing against the diaphragm d, raises d together with the tube c, uncovering the
passage, allowing the lubricant in x to flow down the tube g, at the same time
the lever p rises between the pawl f' and the ratchet wheel, forcing the pawl out
of contact with the wheel; the spring d' being no longer retained uncoils, causing
the wheel c¹ to rotate rapidly, and the teeth of the wheel vibrating the lever hu
cause the hammer to sound the bell.
This apparatus may be reset by removing the boll; pressing down the outer
tube c, and interposing a wedge or block between the top c¹ and the plate a'; or
holes may be formed in the tubes b and c, coincident when the tube c is pressed
down, and a pin passed through such holes until the chemical has solidified.
Fig 12 is a modification of our apparatus, and is shown partly in section.
a, b, c, d, is a chamber or reservoir having ears, lugs, or projections for attachment
to the plummer block. The chamber in cross section is of the form of a quadrant
of a circle, but the side a, b, c, d, and the side represented by the line c, e, Fig. 13,
is rectangular.
A spindle n passes through a stuffing box (or its equivalent) at m, and has a
bearing at the opposite end 6 of the reservoir. A sleeve g, to which is rigidly
attached a perforated plate h, is placed upon the rod n, and upon the portion o of
the rod and sleeve which protrudes through the end of the reservoir we securely fix
a lever fin a position parallel with the plate h, so that if the lever f is moved the
plate h will move at the same time.
Instead of a sleeve working on a spindle, as herein-before mentioned, we may
have a solid rod g to carry the plate and reduce the size of the rod at n to take
into the bearing .
2, Fig. 13, is a spring having a tendency to throw the lover f to a perpendicular
position. To the end K of the lever f we attach a cord passing under a pulley p
to a bell, or to any convenient arrangement for bringing an electric apparatus into
action.
The reservoir is to be filled with one or more of the chemicals herein-after
mentioned. We cast these chambers or reservoirs in portious, and attach the
different parts together by screws as we find it most convenient. This apparatus is
5 intended to be attached to the bearing. The lever Fig. 13, is shewn in the "set
position." If the bearing now becomes warm and the crystalized chemical becomes
liquid the spring i will cause the lever f to assume a perpendicular position; this
will exert a strain upon the cord attached to the end of the lever f, and may be
made, as herein-before mentioned, to operate a bell or an electrical apparatus.
To reset this apparatus the lever must be depressed to the position shewn, and
held there until the fused crystal has solidified by securing the cord by any
convenient means, as circumstances may suggest.
We need scarcely remark that any number of this arrangement of our Invention
may be caused to operate one bell and a set of indicators by connecting them with
5 electrical apparatus similar to that fitted up in hotels, et cetera, where any number
of rooms communicate with one attendant.
Fig. 14 shews an adaptation of our Invention to a steam boiler to indicate when

page_text: the water in the boiler has sunk to a certain level. a is the end or other part of a
steam boiler; d is a sphere or a cylinder having flats ends similar to a drum, on the
upper part of which is placed a cock g and steam whistle h; and to the lower part
of the said sphere or drum is attached a tube b¹ terminating at c inside the boiler.
We place in the sphere or drum an apparatus according to our Invention, substan-
tially as shewn in the Figure. So long as the level of the water in the boiler is
maintained above the level of c the sphere or drum d will contain comparatively
cool water, but should the water be allowed to sink below c such water will be
replaced by steam.
From what has been already stated it will be understood that the heat of the
steam will liquify the crystal in the cylinder e, the spring will be liberated, and the
piston rod will protrude and raise the lover f of the cock g, opening the steam
passage to the whistle, and steam issuing through the whistlo will indicate the
lowness of the water in the boiler. We may here say that it will be necessary to
crank the lever f in order that it may come well over the piston rod l. To reset
the spring the lever f of the cock g must be depressed and retained by a stud or
pin being placed through a hole in the arc . When the crystal has become
solidified the pin may be removed and the apparatus is again ready to act. The
apparatus can be applied to the top of a boiler as well as to the side or end.
A similar arrangement is shewn at Fig. 15. This apparatus is intended as an
alarm in case of fire, and at the same time as the alarm is sounded water will be
turned on. is a cock in a water pipe; is a radial wheel or fan made by the
velocity of the water in the pipe to rotate in a box; a is a pinion on the outside of
the box gearing into the toothed wheel y; V is a stud on the wheel, which, as the
wheel y rotates, actuates the two-armed lever W, sounding the bell or other alarm
by means of the cord or other connection I. The cock is actuated in a similar
manner to the cock represented in Fig. 14, like letters representing like parts.
When an apparatus of this description is of large size and the spring is of great
strength the apparatus will have to be reset by mechanical means. It will be
understood that the fan or radial wheel and bell-crank arrangement need not be
placed so near to the other apparatus as shewn, but can be affixed to any portion of
the system of water pipes wherein water is caused to flow by the opening of the
cock g. The piston rod may also be caused to make an electric connexion, as
herein-before mentioned.
Although our Invention has been designed to indicate heat in, and to supply
lubricant to, the bearings of machinery, it is obvious we can apply a portion of it to
other useful purposes. For example, Fig. 16 represents a long apparatus according
to our Invention, with the spring in a "set" position, which can be built into a
hay rick, or corn or other stack, and in the ovent of heat being generated in tho
body of the rick or stack the solid chemical will become liquid and liberate the
spring, the piston will rise, and the signal on the top of the piston rod, which has
been close down to the thatch of the rick or stack will become elevated high in
the air.
Instead of a signal on the top of the piston rod, or as an addition thereto, an
electrical contact piece may be arranged so that when the piston rod rises two elec-
trodes may be brought into contact, and an electrical apparatus put into action at
any required distance.
In Fig. 17 we shew the apparatus according to our Invention, arranged to open
roof lights of a green house or conservatory should the temperature of the building
exceed a certain limit. The operation will be clearly understood from the Draw-
ing, and from the provious descriptions. We have shewn the arrangement applied
to the top lights only, but it is obvious that we can apply it quite as well to side or
other lights or ventilators. Two illustrations are shewn; in the one caso the light
is opened by the piston rod direct, and in the other case the light is opened by
means of a cord passing over a pulley, and attached to the end of the piston rod.
The springs may be "set" by means of levers or any convenient means, according
to the nature of the building and the position in which the apparatus is placed
•

page_text: We can also regulate the opening of the light by having reservoirs of differents
lengths, the shortest arranged to act at a low temperature, and the longest to act
at a higher temperature, and intermediate lengths arranged to act at intermediate
temperatures. We may also attach to the ends of the piston rods which come in
contact with lights, levers of cocks, or other surfaces to actuate them, any convenient
means or appliances to reduce friction.
lengths, the shortest arranged to act at a low temperature, and the longest to act
at a higher temperature, and intermediate lengths arranged to act at intermediate
temperatures. We may also attach to the ends of the piston rods which come in
contact with lights, levers of cocks, or other surfaces to actuate them, any convenient
means or appliances to reduce friction.
THE CHEMICALS HEREIN-BEFORE REFERRED TO.
The chemicals or chemical substances which we uso for the purpose of Invention
are,-
Common washing soda.
Phosphate of soda.
Hyposulphite of soda.
Acetate of soda.
And Rochelle salts.
All these salts of soda crystalize or assume a solid form at certain temperatures,
and upon being placed in a heated temperature or in contact with a heated sub-
stance or material, if such temperature, substance, or material be heated to a
sufficient degree, such salts of soda will fuse or become liquid. The commercial
samples of these sodas vary considerably in their quality, hence it is difficult and
almost impossible to state the exact point at which they will liquify, but from the
experiments we have made we give their approximate fusing temperatures, viz.:
Common washing soda will fuse at from 890° to 96.8° Fahrenheit.
Phosphate of soda
Hyposulphite of soda
Acetate of soda
Rochelle salts
33
22
95.0 to 100.4
114.8 to 120.0
"
"
"
"
138.2
"3
"
"
129.2 to 192.2
"
"
"
-
To obtain a salt which will liquify at a temperature between any two or more of
those above stated, we combine them in equal parts by weight, we add the figures
indicating their approximate fusing points together, and divide the sum by the
number of chemicals combined; we thereby obtain the approximate fusing point of
The combined salts will fuse at from 111.2° to 116'3'/,,
and in like manner we calculate for any two or more of them. We can combine
tallow or other fatty matter with common soda for charging the reservoirs of our
apparatus, when they will operate at a temperature lower than either of those above
stated, but we make no claim to the use of such compound.
.
Having now described our Inventions and the means by which it is to be
performed, we declare that what we consider novel and desire to claim is as
follows, vis.
First. We claim an apparatus combining a chamber or reservoir containing a piston
rod and a perforated piston actuated by a spring, the intervening spaces in the
chamber being filled with crystals fusible upon a rise in temperature, such apparatus
actuating a bolt or striker, substantially as shewn and illustrated in Figs. 1, 2,
& 3, and herein-before described and used as and for the purposes herein-before
set forth.
Second. The combination with the apparatus above mentioned of a resetting
cam attached to a sliding plate o mounted on a plate n, such plate n carrying a
lever (Fig. 4), substantially and for the purpose herein-before set forth.

page_text: Third. The apparatus containing crystals and a perforated plate, herein-before
specified, and illustrated in Figs. 13 and 14, as and for the purposes herein-before
mentioned.
Fourth. The combination of a reservoir or chamber filled with crystals, fusible
upon attaining a certain temperature, into which is introduced a piston rod and
perforated piston, and also a spring, the said piston actuated by the spring upon
the crystals becoming fused, substantially as herein-before specified.
Fifth. The setting of a spring and perforated diaphragm, or perforated diaphragm
without a spring, by the cooling and solidification of a crystal, and the releasing of
the spring and diaphragm, or diaphragm alone, upon the fusing of the crystal by
means of an increase in temperature, as and for the purposes herein-before set
forth.
Sixth. The double lubricator herein-before specified and shewn, and illustrated in
Fig. 7.
Seventh. The apparatus for giving an alarm and supplying lubricant, sub-
stantially and for the purpose herein-before specified, and shown in Fig. 10.
Eighth. Also the apparatus for a like purpose herein-before specified, and shewn
in Fig. 9.
Ninth. The combination for giving an alarm and causing a flow of water in case
of fire, substantially as shewn in Fig. 15.
Tenth. The application of our Invention to actuate a steam whistle or other
alarm to indicate lowness of water in steam boilers.
Eleventh. The application of our Invention to open lights of greenhouses or
conservatories, skylights, and ventilators, and to whatever other purpose we can
usefully apply the same.
In witness whereof, I, the said Matthew Stobbs, have hereunto set my
hand and scal, this Fourth day of February, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and seventy-nine.
15
SADna