Importance

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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. The increased amount of oil saturation and reduced wicking height provide increased protection against traction motor support bearing failure if a locomotive is used with axle journal oil levels near the recommended minimum oil levels. Each reservoir pocket or splash cup is preferably louver-shaped, whereby during normal locomotive operating service, the splashing of oil in the bearing housing oil reservoir is collected and delivered to the lubricating wick. In a second embodiment, the reservoir pockets or splash cups are provided on a separate splash sleeve telescopingly mounted over, and to, the lower, free end of the central lubricating wick.

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First Claim