The engineer's sketch-book of mechanical movements, devices, appliances, contrivances and details employed in the design and construction of machinery for every purpose

by Thomas Walter Barber

Section 51.—LUBRICATORS.

I do not propose to attempt to illustrate the vast tribe of “greasers” of all kinds. They would easily fill a moderate volume, but scarcely repay the reader for perusal. I shall content myself here as elsewhere by indicating the types of most interest and importance to the machine draughtsman.

Besides the simple cup or enlarged oil hole, oil box, and grease cup, the following are the most commonly employed:—

[971]. Oil pan for gearing, worms, wheels, &c.

[972]. Revolving wire lubricator; carries a drop of oil on to the shaft at each revolution.

[973]. Roller and pan lubricator. Can be employed also for gum, paste, paint, &c.

[974]. Screw ram lubricator, to force lubricant into a cylinder or pipe against pressure, with non-return valve.

[975]. Telescopic tube lubricating device, for reciprocating or revolving joints, such as crank pins.

[976]. Another tubular device for crank pins; a hollow cup on end of a tube stands opposite the centre of the shaft, and can be fed with oil while revolving, the oil running down the tube during the lower half revolution.

[977]. Stauffer’s lubricator for thick oil, which is forced in by screwing down the cap.

[978]. Shaft bearing lubricator by the capillary action of pieces of cane, the lower ends of which dip into the oil cistern.

[979]. Endless string lubricator.

[980]. Single cock lubricator, with screwed cap for filling.

[981]. Double cock lubricator.

[982]. Hollow plug cock.

The last three are used to feed oil against steam pressure.

[983]. Lieuvain’s needle lubricator. A loose wire (one end of which touches the revolving shaft and the other is in the oil); keeps the oil flowing as long as the shaft is running.

[984]. The pressure of steam enters the cup above the oil, which is fed through an adjustable small valve at bottom.

[985]. Plunger or ram and cylinder lubricator, with ratchet feed worked from some reciprocating part of engine.

Lubricating or inking rollers to evenly cover a flat surface are placed at an angle of about 10° to the direction of motion of the surface to be lubricated or inked.

Large engines are fitted with an oil reservoir, and pipes are led to all joints, bearings, &c., with small cocks for regulation.

[Larger plate.]