> The lubrication system you are referring to was once common in
> large factory machinery and on steam locomotives. A bit of
> trivia: it was invented by Elijah McCoy.
As I recall, he didn't invent the idea of lubricators, just that of using
steam pressure to force oil into pressurized areas (along with dozens and
dozens of other lubrication patents).
> Soon after it began
> appearing in wide use, many unscrupulous folks infringed on Mr.
> McCoy's patent and developed similar systems, but none of them
> ever worked as well as McCoy's lubrication system, which saved
> countless lives by allowing machines to be lubricated without
> crawling inside of them. When buyers of such equipment would
> inquire as to its lubrication system, they all wanted "the real
> McCoy," and a cliche was born!
Back then, no one worried much about the lives saved ... the more important
thing was that expensive machinery lasted longer and had less downtime with
"real McCoy" oilers.
Randall
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