GB190126401A - A System of Devices for Giving Warning of Heating in Engine Bearings and the like - Google Patents

Abstract

26,401. Threlfall, R. Dec. 27. Crosshead guides; stop gear.-Relates to devices for giving warning of the heating of engine &c. bearings and guides. Fig. 1 shows the application to a crank-shaft bearing. A hole A is drilled through the cap and brass, and terminates near the bearing-surfaces at the point of maximum pressure. The signalling-mechanism consists of a steel tube E, Figs. 1 and 2, secured to a cylindrical head G, which screws into the cap C. A rod H extends through the tube E, and is connected to a guide I sliding in the head G and pressed outwards by a spring L. Fusible metal M is placed in the end of the tube E, which is closed by a plug. The metal is melted, and the rod H is forced down into it against the tension of the spring, and may be retained by a pin placed through a hole N. The metal is solidified by plunging the tube in cold water, and the rod H is gripped by the metal. The inner surface of the tube and the end of the rod are undercut or roughened to enable the metal to make secure contact. The tube &c. are inserted in the brass B. Should the temperature rise sufficiently high to melt the fusible metal, the rod H is released and the end J of the guide I is forced outwards and serves to close an electric current by pressing the spring-supported contact-piece S against the contact piece 0. The contact-pieces are mounted on a crosshead secured by rods to a clip R on the head. The closure of the circuit may be employed to sound a bell, light a lamp, or bring an electromagnet into action to close a valve and cut off the steam supply to the engine. A suitable fusible alloy consists of bismuth, lead, tin, and cadmium, to which mercury is added. According to the Provisional Specification, mechanism of the selfsetting type, as described in Specification No. 5079, A.D. 1899, [Abridgment Class Cooking &c.], may be employed.