GB305329A - Improvements in the methods and means employed in the manufacture of tennis balls orthe like - Google Patents

Abstract

305,329. Macintosh & Co., Ltd., C., Young, H. C., and Campbell, J. D. Dec. 13, 1927. Moulding indiarubber balls and hollow-ware.-In a machine for use in the manufacture of tennis balls, wherein hingedly-mounted cutting members in the form of " petals " close on one another to form and cut sheet rubber to create the " shell," the hinged " petals " when open lie flat and are operated by mechanical means energized by fluid pressure. In forming a shell, a sheet of rubber, which may be automaticallv transferred from a pile by means of a suction arm, is dropped on to four open petal-shaped cutting members 1 arranged in two diametrical pairs independently coupled by links 6 and slidable blocks 9 to a piston 11 or 11<a> so that the pairs of petals are automatically closed in succession upon the rubber to form a closed shell in readiness for subsequent moulding and vulcanization. The open petals lie substantially flat and the closing movement of the first pair of petals throws the rubber down into the cup formed by the second pair of petals thus avoiding the use of the operator's fingers and consequently ensuring a constant quantity of rubber being used and resulting in a uniform product. A pellet or drip of an inflating agent is dropped on the rubber sheet before closing. Near the end of the closing movement the links 6 abut against adjustable members 16 so as to intensify the closing pressure and ensure a good cut of the rubber by the petals. When the petals open the formed shell may be ejected by a mechanically-operated plunger embodied in the centre 2 to which the petals are hinged. Specification 13235/97, [Class 132, Toys &c.], is referred to.