An automatic lubricator is a device fitted to a steam engine to supply lubricating oil to the cylinders and, sometimes, the bearings and axle box mountings as well. There are various types of automatic lubricator, which include various designs of displacement, hydrostatic and mechanical lubricators.
Modern locomotive lubricators. The center item is a mechanical lubricator for the cylinders, operated by the connecting lever seen below it (or by the hand wheel, for priming). The smaller one to the right is a § syphonic lubricator.
Hydrostatic lubricator showing sight glasses with oil drops rising through the water
Patent drawing of the original Midland Railway version of the Silverton mechanical lubricator as reproduced in the December 1911 issue of 'The Engineer' magazine.
Nathan mechanical lubricator fitted to South Maitland Railway ten class loco No.18 in preservation.
John Ramsbottom (engineer)
John Ramsbottom was an English mechanical engineer. Born in Todmorden, then on the county border of Yorkshire and Lancashire. He was the Chief Mechanical Engineer for the London and North Western Railway for 14 years. He created many inventions for railways but his main legacy is the split metal piston ring, virtually all reciprocating engines continue to use these today.
1879 by William Percy (1820–1893), with a model of his water scoop
Water scoop
Sectioned view of a Ramsbottom safety valve
Machinery; a double-action steam hammer. Engraving by J. W. Wellcome V0024560
