Abstract: A plain bearing arrangement for a shaft loaded with a circumferential radial force, having a bearing ring arranged in a rotationally fixed manner in a housing component and having a first running surface formed on the inner circumference, and a second running surface formed on the outer circumference of the shaft or on the outer circumference of a sleeve arranged on the shaft, the second running surface being mounted in a sliding manner on the first running surface, wherein a device for axially feeding a lubricant to an end side of the shaft is provided, and at least one axially extending, radially open groove that is axially open in a direction of the end side of the shaft is formed in the second running surface.

Abstract: An improved wick-holder for mounting a felt lubricating wick of a lubricating system for lubricating the axle journal surface supported in a support bearing of a traction motor used in a locomotive is provided with a plurality of oil-reservoir louver pockets or splash-cups molded or pressed into the wick holder which store oil from the time that the oil reservoir was full or near its maximum height and which store splashed oil during normal operational use, and delay the run off of the oil to increase the oil saturation of the wick housed within the wick holder. The oil reservoir pockets are located above the minimum serviceable oil level, and are designed to improve and increase oil saturation of the wick. As a result of the increased oil saturation, the wick are, therefore, capable of delivering increased amounts of oil to the axle journal area.

Abstract: An improved wick-holder for mounting a felt lubricating wick is provided with a passive inertia-activated pump mounted for submersion in the axle-cap lubricant-reservoir at a level that ensures that for all levels of the reservoir, the pump inlet is submerged in the lubricant of the reservoir. In a first embodiment, the passive inertia-activated pump takes the form of a piston-type pump, while in a second embodiment, the passive inertia-activated pump takes the form of a diaphragm pump. In either embodiment, the inlet of the passive inertia-activated pump is submersed in the lubricant-reservoir, and the output of the passive inertia-activated pump is directed to the surface-interface between the felt wick and the axle journal surface-area to increase the lubrication thereof over and above that which normally ensues owing to the conventional capillary action of the felt wick.

Abstract: A wick feed oil lubrication system for a bearing has a special wick element that is self-supporting and wear compensating. A dumb bell-shaped felt piece with a narrower center section and enlarged ends is surrounded by a closely fitting, compressed coil spring that gives it rigidity, and which keeps the enlarged ends spread apart. When installed, the wick element and supporting spring are compressed between the bearing spindle and bottom wall of the oil reservoir, running through a loosely fitting passage in the surrounding hub. Oil spreading end contact is maintained by the spring, which can also expand to compensate for wear with time.

Abstract: A device for applying lubricant to a rotatable journal having a lubricating body is biased for movement toward the journal along a defined path. Movement of the lubricating body toward the journal is controlled by a low wear, fast-disconnect retaining mechanism.