US586564A

US586564A - Car axle lubeicatok

Info

Publication number: US586564A
Authority: US
Publication date: 1897-07-20
Anticipated expiration: 1914-07-20

Description

(No Model.) I 3 Sheets-Sheet 1. J. S. PATTEN.

CAR AXLE LUBRIGATOR.

Patented July 20, 1897.

WITNESSES 204. Q.

ATTORNEYS.

(No Model.) 3 Sheets-Sheet 2.

J. S. PATTEN.

GAR AXLE LUBRIGATOR.

No. 586,564. Patented July 20, 1897.

ATTORNEYS.

m: uomm warms m, mom-Lnua, wnsums'rou, D. c

(No Model.) 3 Sheets-Shet 3.

J. S. PATTBN.

GAR AXLE LUBRIGATOR.

No. 586,564. Patented July 20, 1897.

ATTORNEYS.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JAMES PATTEN, OF BALTIMORE, MARYLAND.

CAR-AXLE LUBRICATOR.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 586;564, dated July 20, 1897.

Application filed September 26,. 1896. Serial No. 607,020. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern;

Be it known that I, JAMES S. PATTEN, of Baltimore city, in the State of Maryland, have invented a new and Improved Car-Axle Lubricator, of which the following is a specification.

In my former inventions of this class which have been put in practical use the oil or lu bricant was contained in an open box, or tray, arranged in the ordinary axle-box and supported by a subjacent spring, the oil being transferred to the axle-journal by means of rollers running in contact with it. In the present invention I have dispensed With such rollers and employ such a construction, arrangement, and combination of parts or devices as effect the transfer of oil to the journal in a more direct manner.

When the oil-box is filled to the maximum depth with oil, the latter is in contact with the axle-journal and is hence rapidly taken up as the journal rot-ates. To insure such direct contact when the oil-surface is below thejournal, I employ an inclined trough, or conductor, which is arranged lengthwise in the oil box or tray in such manner that the oil is caused to run up the chute and bathe a portion of the under side of the journal when the car lurches or makes a sidewise movement. Adjunctive to such chute and as a means of support for the same I employ an elastic or spring plate, which has upwardly and inwardly curved side wings, or extensions, that are lined with soft flexible material, such as leather, and embrace the sides of the axle-journal, so as to coact with the conductor foreffecting perfect lubrication of the journal.

The conductor proper is formed of flexible material, and its upper end performs the function of a wiper for preventing oil running along the journal beyond the bearing. In conjunction with this device I provide a baffle or means for preventing escape of oil between the adjacent sides of the conductor and oilbox. Such baiiie is formed of flexible material that folds beneath the free upper end of the chute proper.

At a lower point in the oil-box I arrange a spring battle-plate and at a still lower point a rigid battle-plate, that forms a pocket for receiving oil and preventing overflow at the inner end of the box.

The oil-box has a spring-support of peculiar construction, and it is provided with a hinged journal cap or hood, which is in turn provided with a hinged lid or front cover, whereby insertion of the oil-box into and its removal from the axle-box are rendered practicable, and easy access to the interior of the oil-box for inspection or resupply of oil is provided for.

My invention also embodies other minor features and details, which will be hereinafter described.

In the accompanying drawings, three sheets, Figure l is a perspective view of the lubricant-holder or oil-box and its attachments. Fig. 2 is another perspective view of the same. Fig. 3, Sheet 2, is a plan view of my lubricator. Fig. 4, Sheet 3, is a central longitudinal section of an ordinary car-axle box in which my improved lubricator is shown applied to the axle-journal. Fig. 5, Sheet 2, is a transverse vertical section on line 5 5 of Fig. 3. Fig. 6, Sheet 3, is a central longitudinal section of a portion of the oil-box on line 6 6 of Fig. Fig. 7, Sheet 1, is a perspective viewof the spring bafiie-plate. Fig. 8, Sheet 2, is a perspective view of the device combining a support for the lubricant-conductor proper and spring-wipers for the axlejournal. Fig. 9, Sheet 3, is a perspective view of the spring-support for the lubricator.

I will first briefly indicate the most important parts or features of my invention and then describe details. As shown in Fig. 4, Sheet 3, the car-axle box a, journal I), brass or bearing-block c, and wedge (Z are const-ructed and arranged in the usual way.

The lubricator proper is composed, first, of an open oil box or tray A, having a hinged journal cap or hood B, which is provided with a lid or cover 0; also, a fixed inclined partition D, Figs. (3 and 5, that forms an oil pocket and ba'fiie; second, of a conductor or inclined trough E, which is iixed in the oil-box A on a support F, having elastic sides or

wings

6 and 7, that extend upward and are curved inward so as to embrace the sides of the axle-journal, and, thirdly, of flexible and elastic oil-battles G and II. The lubricator composed of the above parts is placed in the car-axle box a and supported yieldingly by a spring I, Fig. 8, Sheet 3, of peculiar construction. The open oil-box A is essentially rectangular and oblong and preferably constructed of galvanized sheet-iron. The journal cap or hood B is hinged by means of ears 1 to ears 2, formed 011 the front end of the oilbox A, and its lower edges fit within the side edges of the box, Fig. 2. The hood B is provided with rectangular notches 3 in its inner end to receive and abut the lateral lugs, Fig. 4,0f the brass c. For the purpose of strengthening it at such end its edges are bent inward, downward, and upward, forming rightangular flanges, as shown.

The cover or lid 0, that constitutes the outer closed end of the cap B, is hinged at the same point as the body of the hood by means of ears 4 and a rod K, Fig. 2, Sheet 1, that passes through the parallel perforated ears 1 2 4, Fig. 2,;and is arranged transversely and parallel to the upper edge of the oil-box. The hood B is held in closed position by a wire spring J, which is coiled around such pivot-rod K and whose free end bears against the cover 0, Fig. 2. The latter is provided with a hinged handle 5, by which it may be easily pulled open for introducing oil into the box A or for inspecting the latter to ascertain whether a new supply of oil is required.

The object of hinging the hood B is to enable it to be opened or pulled and held back, as shown by dotted lines, Fig. 2, and by full lines, Fig. 4, when the oil-box is to be inserted in or removed from the axle-box a. It

will be understood that in this operation the hood proper, B, and cover 0 act as one, since both are pivoted at the same point. Thus the hoodB and cover Q operate conjointly or independently, as the case may be.

The special lubricating devices are arranged and rigidly secured in the rear portion of the oil-box A.

The conductor proper, E, is constructed of a piece of soft flexible material-preferably thick rawhideand is arranged in a position inclining downward from the upper rear end of the box A, Fig. 6. It is supported upon a thin sheet steel plate F, Fig. 8, which is curved transversely and has two sets of upwardly-extended and inwardly-curved sides or

wings

6 and 7. The wings 7 are padded with rawhide on the inner side and provided with numerous holes that permit passage of surplus oil taken up by the journal I). The sides or wings 6 of the conductor proper are also perforated for the same purpose and to enable them to serve more efficiently as wipers for the journal I). The device F holds the sides of the conductorE in elastic or yielding contact with the sides of the journal 17, and the same is true of the front imperforate portions of the wings '7. The upper edges of the latter press upward in contact with the lower edges of the brass c, and the oil wiped off the journal I) by the front portions of the wings 7 runs over them and thus passes back into the oil-box A. The perforations in the wings serve as so many cut-offs and escapes for the oil, so that it is prevented from flowing along the wings in any considerable quantity, and thus reaching the shoulder of the journal b.

The upper end of the conductor E has an extension or tongue 8, Fig. 6, which is turned back under the body of the same for the double purpose of resisting wear of the journal and forming a more elastic cushion or wiper for the same at a point adjacent to its shoulder.

The upper side edges of the conductor proper, E, are riveted to the wings 6 of support F and its lower end, Fig. 6, to the lower end of said support. The latter is in turn riveted to the rigid partition D, together with the elastic or spring baffle-plate H. The said rigid partition D extends across the oil-box transversely and is suspended clear of the bottom of the same, and being also attached oil-tight to the end and sides of the box an oil pocket or chamber is provided beneath it which is of great importance in preventing oil overflowing the rear end of the box A.

The baffie H, Fig. 7, Sheet 1, is formed of a thin steel plate having its ends bent upward and turned over in such manner as to form funnel-like pockets 9, Fig. 5, opening toward the center of the box A. The upper corners of such baffle-plate H are riveted to the sides of the partition D, Fig. 5, the other portions being left free, so that they yield and are pressed down by the journal I) when the lubricator is being inserted in an axle-box a.

The funnel-like pockets 9 are arranged, Fig. 5, between the sides of the box A and wings 6 of the conductor-support F and serve to check to a certain degree the flow and escape of oil at those points. Such function is supplemented and perfected by the flexible bafiie G, Figs. 1, 3, and 5, formed of a thin piece of rawhide which is arranged transversely and riveted to the sides and end of the box so it stands practically vertical on the sides of the conductor E, while its middle portion 10, Fig. 6, is folded and lies contiguous to the baflie H, beneath the folded end of the conductor E.

The spring-support I for the oil-box A is constructed of a wire or wire sections 11, which are curved or bowed lengthwise and recurved and crossed near their ends, the latter being extended to form rests and points of attachment of

metal plates

12 and 13. The plate 12 is rigidly secured to the spring and made obtuse angled to adapt it to fit against the angular front end of the oil-box, Fig. 4, Sheet 3, and thereby push in both an endwise and upward direction against the latter for the purpose of holdingit in due position relative to the axle-journal b. The other or rear plate 13 is pivoted to the looped end of the wire 11, so that it may assume various angles when the box A is being inserted and always lie flat against the bottom of the same when in Sim, as in Fig. 4.

The plate 13 is provided with lateral ears 14, Figs. 1t and 9, that rest on the wires 11 and prevent it swinging back and down between the latter.

From the foregoing description the following modes of manipulation and operation will be apparent: The lubricator properco1nposed of the box A, the hinged journal-cap B, its cover 0, and the various conductor and battle attachments-dieing inserted in the ordinary axle-box a, the notches 3 of the cap B thus engaging the lugs c of brass c, Fig. a, composed of

parts

12 and 13 and the springsupport I, is then pushed into place beneath it. In such case the spring proper is eompressed and flattened, its ends and sides hearing against the ends and sides of the axlebox, Figs. 4c and 5, while the

plates

12 and 13 push upward and en dwise against the box, so that the rear end of the conductor E is held in easy frictional contact with the journal 1). \Vhen the box A is being placed in the axlebox a, the enlarged end or collar of the journal Z) distends the wings 6 7 of conductorsupport F. To facilitate entrance of such ,journal-collar between the sides of said support, the latter is provided with pendent divergent or flared wings 15, Fig. 8, Sheet 2. If the axle-box a be filled to the point shown in Fig. at, Sheet 3, the lower side of the journal is immersed therein and it is obvious the bearing of the latter is copiously lubricated. \Vhen the quantity of oil is reduced so that it is below the journal, lubrication is effected by the oil flowing up the conductor E, which is caused intermittently by the endwise movement of the axle-box, due to lateral swaying or lurching of the car-truck. In this case the oil bathes the lower portion of the journal at and adjacent to the point of contact of the latter with the upper end of the conductor. Thus copious lubrication is insured whenever a car is in motion, even though there be but a small quantity of oilin the box A. It may be appropriately stated in this connection that when the lubricator is first put in use the inner or rear end of the oil-box A is lower than the front end, as shown in Fig. 4, and the depth of oil is therefore greater at the rear end; but as the hearing wears the journal goes up correspond ingly and the conductor E also wears at the point of contact with the journal I) and the rear end of the box necessarily rises, so that its bottom becomes approximately level and the oil of practically uniform depth. lVhen the box is inclined, the main body of oil beingin the rear half of the box, the danger of its rushing or swashing over the rear end of said box is less than if the latter were level. Furthermore, the rigid baffle or partition D is mainly instrumental in preventing this result, since it obstructs or breaks up an oil wave flowing toward the rear of the box, and its action is supplemented and perfected by the elastic baffle II and the flexible bathe G.

The invention is therefore distinguished by effective and reliable lubrication, thus insuring easier draft and avoidance of the annoyance, delay, and danger of hot-boxes, coupled with a great economy in consumption of oil and in thelabor, care, and attention required for maintenance of a due supply of the same in the box A.

What I claim is 1. In an axle-lubricator, the oil-box provided with a journal cap, or hood, which is hinged at the outer end of said box, and thus adapted to be thrown back, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

2. In an axle-lubricator, the combination, with the oil-box and a journal cap or hood attached thereto, of a hinged front, forming a lid or cover for said cap, and means for holding the cover normally closed, substantially as shown and described.

3. In an axle-lubricator, the combination, with an oil-box, of a journal cap or hood, and a cover or front for the latter, said cap and cover being hinged at the same point, substantially as shown and described.

4. In an axle-lubrieator, the combination, with the oil-box and journal cap or hood therefor and a cover for the hood, of a rod pivoting them together, and a spring coiled about said rod and bearing on the hood-cover, substantially as shown and described.

5. In an axlc-lubricator, the combination with the oil-box, having perforated cars at its front end, the journal cap or hood, and the lid or cover for the latter, of a pivot-rod passing through such ears, and a spring attached to such rod and bearing on the cover, as shown and described.

6. In an axle-lubricator, the oil-box, having a trough-like oil-- conductor which extends downward from the rear end of the oil-box and is open at each end, as shown and described, to adapt it to operate as specified.

7. In an axle-lubricator, the oil-box, pro vided with the trough-like oil -condi1ct0r which inclines downward from the rear end of the box, its open lower end being adjacent to the bottom of the latter, and its open upper portion held in elastic contact with the under portion and lateral sides of the axlejournal, as shown and described, to operate as specified.

8. In an axle-lubricator, the combination, with the oil-box, of a trough-like oil-conductor open at each end and inclined from the inner end of the box downward, the same being formed of soft, flexible material, and an elastic support for the curved upwardly-extended sides of said conductor, substantially as shown and described.

9. In an axle-lubricator, the oil-box, having the trough-like inclined oil-conductor and a support therefor, whose upwardly-extended sides are provided with perforations, to adapt.

them to operate as specified.

10. In an axle-lubricator,the oil-box having a trough-like oil-conductor inclined downward from its rear end, and composed of rawhide or other flexible material an d having side perforations, and an elastic support for such sides, as shown and described.

11. In an axle-lubricator,the oil-box having the trough like, inclined oil conductor, formed of soft flexible material, an elastic support therefor which is extended and curved upward, and divided horizontally, thus forming two sets of wings, 6, and 7, as shown and described.

12. In an axle-lubricator, the elastic oilconductor support formed of a sheet spring material, and curved or semicircular in crosssection, its sides being divided horizontally to form wings adapted to embrace a journal, as specified.

13. In an axle-lubricator, the elastic oilconductor support, formed of a sheet spring material, and curved or semicircular in crosssection, its sides being divided horizontally to form wings adapted to embrace a journal, and provided also with pendent divergent wings at its front end, as shown and described.

14. In an axle-lubricator,tl1e oil-box having a fixed rigid partition or baffle, a second baffle arranged over the first and having side pockets, and a third or flexible baffle arranged at the end of the box, substantially as shown and described.

15. In an oil-lubricator, the oil-box provided with the partition D, which is attached to the rear end and suspended from the sides of said oil-box, thus forming an oil-tight pocket, as shown and described.

16. In an axle-lubricator, the oil-box provided with an elastic or spring baffle-plate supported in the rear portion of the same and having its sides bent upward and occupying the space between the sides of the journal and oil-box, substantially as shown and described.

17. In an axle-lubricator, the combination, with the oil-box, of an elastic bafflearranged in and attached to the rear portion of the latter, and composed of a spring-plate which inclines downward toward the middle of the box, and extends across the box transversely, and whose ends are flared or extended vertically adjacent to the sides of the oil-box, and a support for said baffle, substantially as shown and described.

18. In an axle-lubricator, the combination, with the oil-box, of an elastic baffle arranged transversely in the rear portion of the latter, and composed of a spring-plate whose ends are bent upward and flared as shown, to form pockets in the space on each side of the journal, the said baffle being riveted at its rear edge to the sides of the box and left free at the front edge, to adapt it to be depressed when the oil-box is being inserted or removed from the axle-box, as shown and described.

19. In an axle-lubricator, the combination, with the oil-box, of the flexible baffle G, composed of soft, foldable material, which is attached to and forms a liquid-tight joint with the vertical opposite sides of the oil-box, and is held suspended and stretched vertically in the spaces between the journal and such sides of the box, as shown and described.

20. In an axle-lubricator, the combination, with the oil-box, of the flexible baflie G, the same being secured to the rear end and sides of the former, and its loose middle portion or tongue folded inward beneath the journal, as shown and described.

21. In an axle-lubricator, the combination, with the-oitbox and the flexible chute E, of the flexible baffle which is riveted to the rear end and upwardly-extendin g sides of the oilbox, and provided with a loose central portion or tongue 10, that is folded and held beneath said chute, as shown and described.

22. The spring-support for the lubricator proper which is formed of a wire whose longitudinal members diverge from each other at the middle and cross each other contiguous to the ends, the latter being recurved and extended inward toward each other, as shown and described.

23. The spring-support for the lubricator proper, which consists of the spring proper, whose longitudinal members are widely separated at the middle but converged and recurved at their ends, which are extended inward toward each other, and a metal plate attached to the upper side of each end, and arranged transversely as shown, one of the plates being pivoted, as shown and described.

24:. In an axle-lubricator, the spring-support for an oil-box, of the spring whose members are twisted together at the ends and also bent inward or recurved as shown, and a transverse metal plate which has an obtuse angle and is on the front end of said spring, and another metal plate pivoted transversely on the rear end of the same, and provided with lateral ears adapted to bear upon the spring, as shown as described.

JAMES S. PATTEN.

\Vitnesses:

AMOS W. HART, M. D. BLONDEL.