Intermittent Gravity Oiler

This is a gravity oiler similar to the Hay oiler in which the lubricating oil is contained in a glass reservoir from which it flows by its own weight through a valve in the bottom of the reservoir. The valve through which the oil flows is a small conical valve held closed by the weight of the oil above it. A stem projects downward from the lubricator, which when pushed upward lifts the valve from its seat and allows the oil to flow. It is probable that this lubricator was designed to release a drop of oil upon the surfaces of some slow-moving machine, such as the guides of a planer when a cam or lug on the moving part engaged the valve stem and raised it.