Abstract: A self-contained automatic lubricator for automatically dispensing fluent lubricant over a period of time is provided. The lubricator comprises a cylinder having a front wall with a discharge outlet, a rear wall and cylindrical side walls. A piston is movable within the cylinder from a rear position to a forward position. The piston and the side and front walls of the cylinder define a variable volume chamber for containing the lubricant to be dispensed, and a spring for moving the piston from its rear position towards it front position to reduce the volume of the variable volume chamber over a period of time for expelling lubricant through the discharge outlet. The lubricator further comprises a controller including gearing and an escapement mechanism, for controlling the transfer of energy from the spring to the piston and an electrical element controlling operation of the escapement mechanism (12).

Abstract: A self-contained automatic lubricator (1) for automatically dispensing fluent lubricant over a period of time, comprising cylinder means (2) having front wall means (15) with a discharge outlet (4), rear wall means (3) and cylindrical side walls, piston means (18) movable within the cylinder means (2) from a rear position to a forward position, the piston means (18) and the side and front wall means of the cylinder means defining a variable volume chamber (5a) for containing the lubricant to be dispensed, and spring means (6, 22) for moving the piston means (18) from its rear position towards its front position to reduce the volume of the variable volume chamber (5a) over a period of time for expelling lubricant through the discharge outlet (4).

Abstract: A composition for use in the manufacture of thermally insulating, refractory articles, containing particulate refractory material and from 1 to 20 percent by weight of fibrous organic material, for example paper fibers and/or cardboard fibers, is made with a plastic consistency. For example, the composition is made with a consistency or apparent viscosity of at least 200,000 centipoises at 25.degree. C. Methods of making the composition and for making articles from the composition are also described.