Abstract: The instant invention is a lubricating system used in a braiding machine having a pair of relatively rotating parts sliding on each other at a location. The system has a stationary tube shaft extending vertically as a single piece along an axis and formed with a passage having an axially extending section and, extending therefrom, a radially outwardly open section. A pump supplies a lubricant fluid under pressure to the axially extending passage section and a distributor star fixed to one of the parts has a flow passage with a radially outer end at the location and a radially inner end. A bearing supports the star on the shaft for rotation about the axis with the inner passage end of the star opening into the outwardly open passage section of the shaft so that fluid from the pump flows along the shaft passage and then along the star passage to the location. Seals between the star and the shaft axially flank the inner passage end of the star.

Abstract: A tubing cutter (20) includes a rotary shaft member (22) having three hubs (28, 30, 32) extending therefrom to define three angularly spaced radial guideways (34, 36, 38) between the hubs. A radially slidable cutting wheel carrier (80) and two contact wheel carriers (110, 112) are slidable within the radial guideways. A cutter actuator (200) cooperates with the rotary shaft member to control the radial movement of the wheel carriers. The actuator includes a sleeve portion with three actuating arms (208, 210, 212) for registering in the outer portion of the guideways for engaging the wheel carriers. The surfaces of the actuating arms cooperating with the wheel carriers are designed to force the wheel carriers radially inwardly when the actuator arm is moved relative to the shaft member. A cutting wheel is mounted on the cutting wheel carrier for cutting a pipe positioned in the cutoff device as it is moved inwardly.