Improvement in Axles for Vehicles

Join Our Community of Science Lovers!

On supporting science journalism

If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.

The engraving shows a simple device designed to lessen friction and save wear upon the axles of vehicles; it consists of three or more collars placed upon the bearing part of the axle, and fixed in place by set screws, the rings or collars being reinforced where the screws pass through them to give them uniform strength throughout. These washers receive the weight of tlie vehicle, and when worn may be easily replaced. Vashers have been heretofore used as beai-ings for carriage wheels, but securing them in the m"jiner indicated and reinforcing them as described, must increase their utility. The washers or collars are made of hardened steel or iron, and thus are likely to prove durable. Patented June 8, 18C9, by Thomas Spurrier, of Sharon, Pa., who will cither sell the entire right, or rights for States or counties, and who may be addressed as above.

It’s Time to Stand Up for Science

If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.

SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does that for you, too.

If you subscribe to Scientific American, you help ensure that our coverage is centered on meaningful research and discovery; that we have the resources to report on the decisions that threaten labs across the U.S.; and that we support both budding and working scientists at a time when the value of science itself too often goes unrecognized.

In return, you get essential news, captivating podcasts, brilliant infographics, can't-miss newsletters, must-watch videos, challenging games, and the science world's best writing and reporting. You can even gift someone a subscription.

There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. I hope you’ll support us in that mission.

Thank you,

Jeanna Bryner, Editor in Chief, Scientific American