US1272278A - Pattern-ramming machine for pipe-molding. - Google Patents

Description

I. B. LADD.

PATTERN RAM'MING MACHINE FOR PIPE MOLDING.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 6. I91].

; Patented July 9,1918. 4- SHEETS-SHEET 1.

v "I I- I APPLICATION FILED MAR ii 19H Patented July 9, 1918.

4 SHEETS SHEEY 2.

I. B. LADD. PATTERN RAMNHNG MACHINE FOR PIPE MOLDING.

APPLICAHON FILED MAR 6. Hill" SHEET 3.

Patented July 9, 1918.

u 4 SHEETS 6 H w F I. B. LABS.

PATTERN RAMMING MACHINE FOR PIPE MOLDING.

APPLICATION FILED MAR 6 I917.

4 SHEETS- SHEEI 4.

I II

A. I II I III UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JAMES B. LADD, F ZPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR To UNITED STATES CAST IRON PIPE AND FOUNDRY COMPANY, OF BURLINGTON, NEW JERSEY, A GOR- I'OBATION OF NEW JERSEY.

PATTERN-RAMMING MACHINE FOR PIPEMOLDING.

Application filed March 6, 1917.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JAMES B. LADD, a citi-- zen of the United States of America, and a resident of the city and county of Philadelphia, in the State of Pennsylvania, have invented certain new and useful Improve ments in Pattern-Ramming Machines for Pipe-Molding, of which the following is a true and exact description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof.

My present invention relates to molding apparatus and comprises improvements especially devised and adapted for use in pipe molding apparatus of the well known type in which the body of a vertical pipe mold is formed by drawing up out of the mold a main ramming pattern comprising a stem portion about which the loose mold forming sand is charged, and a lower body or ramming portion of greater cross sectional area than the stem which forces the sand outwardly and compresses it between the wall of the flask and the rammin portion of the pattern asthe latter is rawn up through the mold flask.

The primary object of the invention is to provide simple and effective mechanism whereby the main ramming pattern or patterns, and preferably also the auxiliary riser pattern or patterns for completing the upper ends of the molds may be readily, ac-

curately and expedit manipulated in the mold forming operation proper and in operations incidental thereto.

A distinguishing characteristic of my intproved means is the use of a block and tackle or analogous gear, advantageously actuated by an electric motor or the like, for simuL 40 taneously applying the necessary upward pull to the main ramming patterns and an opposing downward reactive thrust to the flask. l

The various features of novelty which characterize my invention are pointed out with mrtieularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this specification. For a better understanding of the invention; however, and of the specific objects attained by it, reference should be h'iid to the :u-rompauying drawings and descriptive matter in which I have illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of my in vention.

Specification of Iietters Patent.

Patented July 9, 1916 Serial No. 152,578

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an end elevation of the upper part, and Fig. 4 an end elevation of the lower part of the portion of the mechanism shown in Figs. 1 and 2 with some parts shown in section; A

Fig. 5 is a somewhat diagrammatic plan of the plant shown in part in Figs. 1 and 2;

Fig. 6 is an inverted sectional plan taken on the line 66 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 7 is a partial section taken on the line 7-7 of Fig. 4; and

Fig. 8 is a partial sectional elevation taken on the line 8 8 of Fig. 5.

In the drawings 1 have illustrated the application of my invention to pipe molding apparatus of the type in which a series of vertical pipe mold flasks A, shown as double mold flasks are mounted at the periphery of a turn-table B intermittently rotated to move the flasks successively into and out of a molding station at which the molds are formed by the ramming or compressing ac- .tion of the various patterns employed.

Each flask, as shown, is of the twomold type, and the various patterns are in conneoted pairs. A main pattern hoist is employed to lower the two main ramming pat terns K down into the flask, and after the flask has been charged with sand, to draw these patterns up out of the mold and simultaneously with the latter operation to force a mold engaging element downward against the mold to apply a downward thrust to the flask substantially balancing the upward pull exerted on the flask by the rammin atterns K. The mold engaging element carries riser patterns h which are forced into, and form the upper portion of the mold on the downward movement of said. element. Also located at the molding station is socket pattern forming mechanism P vertically adjustable into and out of operative engagement with a flask at the molding station and comprising means. for centering the lower ends of the ramming patterns K preparatory to the mold charging operation, and for forcing the socket patterns p into the mold after the latter is ends of the struts' charged to thereby form the lower end, or

socket portion of the mold.

The molding apparatus disclosed, in its general features to which reference has just been made forms no part of my invention,

but does contain many novel features disclosed and claimed in the application, Serial No. 152,659, of Louis R. Lemoine, filed March 6, 1917. My present invention does consist, however, in various specific features of the mechanism by which the main ramming patterns K and the riser patterns it are supported and mani ulated. The socket pattern mechanism partially illustrated here in also contains specific features of novelty fully disclosed and claimed in my copending applic ration, Serial No. 152,577, filed March The mechanism for manipulating the patterns K and h is mounted on a superstructure which in the preferred construction illustrated, is in the form of a built up crane arm C rotativel mounted at one end on the central column TE of-the turn-table. At its outer end the crane C is supported on a track D concentric with the column B and lying at an a preciable distancebe and the path of the asks A. The crane is lprovided with wheel C runin on the true D, afid in the construction s own one of the wheels is geared to a motor E mounted on the crane and employed to give the latter such "ad'ustments about the axis of the column as may be desired.

Mounted on the crane C are track rails C on which runthe supporting wheels F of -a carriage or-truek F. The truck F is ad-- justed radially of the turn-table along the rails C by means of a hydraulic cylinder G mounted on the crane 'C and having its piston connected by the stem G to the carriage Mounted on, and forming part of the carriage F, is a vertical cage or tower structure a portion of which extends upward above the track rails C, while another por- 'tion extends downward between the track rails. In the drawings F represents verticalelements and F horizontal elements of l fibower structure. I ij Mounted in the tower structure is a vertically movable mold engaging element H mprising a pair of vertical strut members shown as tubular, and u per and lower .tcl osshcad members H and 3 respectively, 5,5 rigidly connected, to the upper and lower The riser patterns it are detachably secured to the under side of the v crosshead H? by means ofrota'table cl am pin I devices H. The mold engaging element is guided in its vertical movements by means of guide clips F" secured to the tower structure and engagingribs H on the strut members H as is shown best in Fig. 6. The .:,crosshea l H is also formed with guide ribs H. which work between guides F forming a part of the tower structure (see Figs. 2 and 3). The element H is connected to the 11 per end 01 the tower structure by means 0? hydraulic cylinders H secured to the element H, and the pistons I working in these cylinders. As'shown, the cylinders H are for convenience, mounted within the u per ends of the tubular struts H, and the ho low stems I of the pistons I are pivotally connected by trunnions on the crossheads I at their upper ends to the beams F carried at the top of the tower. The admission pressure fluid to, and its exhaust from hr upper ends of the cylinder H, is controlled by a two-way valve H mounted on the carria e F and connected to a supply pipe H an an exhaust pipe H and also connected by piping H to the cylinders H through the hollow piston stems I. In one of its two cooperative positions the valve H connects the cylinders H to the supply pipe H", and in the other it connects them to the exhaust pipe H. The operating stem H of the valve H (see Fig. 3) is connected to the arm of a rock-shaft H which may be normally rotated through either of two de pending levers H, one at each side ofthe crane C, and may also be operated automatically by means hereinafter described. Mounted on the upper crosshead H is a piilley block H comprising pulley wheels turning about a horizontal axis, there being two of these wheels in the construction illustrated.

Working in guided relation with the mold engaging element H is a main pattern element comprising a crosshead J and the main ramming patterns K which are detachably secured at their upper ends to said crosshead. As shown, the crosshead J is formed with vertical guide ways J which receive the vertical guide ribs H formed on the adjacent sides of the two struts H. In the construction shown, the crosshead J is formed with sockets to receive the tapered upper ends K of the patterns K which are secured in place by nuts K on the reduced threaded upper ends of the patterns. The patterns- K may well be, and are shown as gang of the type disclosed and claimed in the patent granted September 2, 1913, to Roswell G. Jaines, No. 1,072,235. The riser patterns fit snugly about the longitudinal ribs K formed on thccsmull diameter portion of the pattern 1C so that the main patterns K are guided by the riser patterns in the )attern ramming operation.

ounted on the crosshead J is a pulley block J comprising as shown, two pulley wheels J. The pulley blocks and J mounted on the flaskengaging frame H and on the crosshead J respectively, form part of a block and tackle connection of which a ire cable L, or other suitable flexible power transmitting element is the fall. In the conmount Thevarious controllers which need to be G to be located at either molding station,

it necessary for the controller, (not to support. the main rammer and riser pat terns not in use. As shown in Fig. 8, these stools or supports comprise open frames through which the bodies of the ramming patterns are lowered, the patterns being supported by the engagement with the frames of the ask engaging flanges or follower plate It connected to the riser patterns It. The enlarged heads K at the upper ends of. the main ramming patterns K engage the riser patterns it and prevent the ramming patterns K from passing completely down through the riser patterns.

In the normal operation of the apparatus disclosed, the crane C and the carriage l thereon, with the proper riser and main ramming patterns h and K in place, are adjusted to bring the patterns into the proper position, at one or the other molding station. in which these patterns are in substantial aline ment with the corresponding socket patterns p. The turn-table B is then adjusted to bring a flask A into register with the patterns, after which the winding drum M is manipulated to lower the ramming patterns K into place in the flask, and the corresponding socket pattern mechanism is brought into operative relation with the lower end of the flask. The lower ends of the ramming patterns K then pass down into, and are centered by the socket patterns 7). The next at one station while the molding operation step in the operation is to charge the flasks is going on at the other station. At each with sand which loosely fills the space in station there is located a controller n for the the flasks surrounding the ramming patterns. Winding drum motor N and a controller Z Suitable sand conveyer mechanism not illusfor the motor B by which the turn-table B trated will ordinarily be employed to faciliis intermittently rotated. At each molding tate the charging of the flasks.

station are also located controller levers 79' During the initial operations already doand controlling the adjustment and opscribed, the mold engaging clement H is eration of the corresponding socket pattern maintained in the elevated position shown mechanism P. With the carriage F in poin Figs. 1 and 2 by the pressure fluid adsition for operation'at either station one or mitted to the cylinders H, and acting bethe other of operating levers H for the tween the upper end walls thereof and the valve H will be within convenient reach of upper sides of the pistons I. I prefer. also the operator manipulating the other controlto maintain pressure in the cylinders H lers ust referred to located at that station. during the movementof the mold engaging element into engagement with the mold and the initial portion of the main pattern ramming operation. This movementand operation is brought about by starting the 'motor N into operation to wind up on the drum M, the running end of the fall L which forms a part of the block and tackle connection between the main ramming patterns K and the mold engaging elcuu-ut ll. This tends to draw the mold engaging element downward and the main rammin i patterns upward. The parts are prefer: lily so proportioned that with the normal pressure at whichthe pressure fluid is supplied to the cylinders H, the normal resistancc'to the upward movemert tof the patterns K through the nd is largely in cxcessof the resistance to the full downward movement of the mold engaging element. The riser struction shown, the standing end of the fall L is connected to the upper end of the tower structure of the carriage F at L, and the fall runs from the point- L down around one of the pulleys J a then up over one of the pulleys H, then down around the second pulley J, then up to and over the second pulley'H and thence the runnin endlof the fall passes to a horizontal winding drum M. The latter is 'ournaled on the carriage F, and is driven t rough suitable speed reducing 'earing' by the electric motor N also on the carriii e. At M I have conventionally illustrat a brake mechanism which may be employed asis usual with winding drums of this character, to directly control the movements of the winding drum.

In the preferred plant arrangement shown in Fig. 5, there are twomolding stations proper at each of which thereiis located a socket pattern ramming mechanism collecindicated herein by the reference symand which may well be, and in so far as it is herein shown, is of the type fully disclosed in my said copending ap lication, Serial No. 152,577. The principal purpose of duplicating the molding stations is to avoid loss of time in changing the socket patterns in changing from one style or size of mold to another. With this arran ment the socket pattern mechanism can be cfi nged manipulated in the molding operations performed at .either station are thus conveniently disposed within the control of a single attendant at a single convenient place adjacent the moldin stations. The controller 6 for the crane adjusting motor 1*) is located at a convenient spot which need not lie/ecssarily be at either molding station. Neither shown) for the carriage adjusting cylinder since neither the crane C nor the carriage F ordinarily need to be adjusted after being put in the proper position for operating at one molding station until it is desired to in terrupt operation at that molding station.

Advantageou'sly stools or supports Q, are arranged at one side of the molding stations atterns h are consequently forced down into the mold the full depth, and the flange plate It brou ht into en agement with the upper end of t 1e flask, be ore the mam ram ming' patterns K start to move upward. After the mold engagin element is thus seated on the flask an further relative movement between these parts is thus prevented, the main rammin patterns K begin to move upward and t 1e upward movement of the main ramming patterns is continued until they are drawn clear of the mold. After the mold engaging element is firmly seated on the flask, and the main patterns are started on their upward movement, the pressure in the cylinders H is preferably released to insure that when the patterns K approach the u ward limit of their movement and the resistance to their' movement decreases, there will be no tendency for the mold enga ing element H to lift. After the patterns I are entirely withdrawn from the molds the pressure fluid is again admitted to the cylinders H whereupon the mold engaging element H and the riser patterns it carried by it are lifted clear of the flask. Prior to, or durin the initial portion of the operation of rawing the main patterns K out of the molds, the socket patterns p in use are forced up by the corresponding socket pattern mechanism P to form the lower portion of the mold. After this is accomplished and the lower ends of the main patterns K have moved out of enagement with the socket patterns 1:) the atter may be retracted and the socket pattern mechanism P may be moved out of operative relation with the flask, so that when the main patterns K and the riser patterns pattern puller is sub'ected to the reaction of the mold mater al being compacted therein. 4

In lieu of controlling the maintenance of the sustainin force thus exerted by the cylinders H an pistons I by the manual actuation of the levers H, this may be bron ht about automatically, as has been herein efore indicated. -One arrangement for accomplishing this is illustrated in the drawings and comprises a pair of levers H and 'H, pivotally connected to the frame-work F', at lower and upper levels respectively.

portioning the parts and in These levers have their outer ends connected by links H and H. respectively to the op osite ends of a lever H, connected to an extending in opposite directions from the rock-shaft H.

A trip J is pivoted at J to the cross- ;head J, and is prevented from turning downout of the mo (1. When the trip J engages the lever H it shifts the latter, (and also lever H) from the full to the dotted line position of Fi 3. This adjusts the stem H of valve I to connect the upper ends of cylinders H to exhaust and thereby does away with the normal sustaining force exerted by the cylinders H and the pistons I. As the crosshead J continuing its upward movement approaches its uppermost position the trip J engages the lever H and shifts it back into its full line position and thereby adjusts the stem H of valve H to restore ressure in the upper ends of the cylinders E. On the subsequent downward movement of the crosshead J the trip J 25 moves idl past the levers H and H With the apparatus described it will be apparent that accurate alinement of the main patterns K is preserved throughout the pattern ramming operation proper in-;

asmuch' as the patterns travel in guides held in rigid engagement with the flask in which the mold is being formed. ward pull exerted on the flask through the sand by the resistance of the latter to the movement of the patterns K, which amounts to many tons in some cases, is substantially balanced by the downward thrust imparted to the flask by the mold engaging element H indirectly through the riser patterns It and the sand, and dlrectly through the flask engaging flange plate h. By suitably proarticular, by increasing the number of pufiey wheels in the alley blocks H and J of the block and tack e eonnection,-the o posite thrusts exerted on the flask ma he brought into almost mathematical ba anoe but such refinement 1S 1n general unnecessary. To secure satisfactory results it is in general only es-' sential to insure that the upward pull on the flask due to the upward movement of the (patterns K does not exceed the downwar thrust which the mold engaging element H simultaneously exerts on the flask by an amount as large as the weight of the flask and the sand contained therein.

The ap aratus disclosed is obviously adapted to speedy manipulation both in the mold forming operation proper and in the at w The up a interchange of pattern necessary in changing from one style or size of pipe mold to another, To effect this change the crane (l and carriage F are adjusted to bring the patterns K and It supported thereby over an empty steel frame Q whereupon the patterns are dropped into engagement with the latter and are-then disconnected therefrom. The crane C is then adjusted to'bring the carriage F over the steel frame Q, inlwhich are held the patterns K and h next tobe used, and the'latter are then connected to' sary headroom above the flask level is re;

duced to a practical minimum, and the use of the block and tackle connection and the motor driven winding drum M contributes to a maximum speed of operation and mini- 1nizes the cost of operation.

\Vhile in accordance with the provisions of the statutes I'- have illustrated and described the best form of my invention now known to me, it will be apparent to those skilled iii the art that changes can be made in the form of my invention without departing from its spirit, and that some features of my invention may be used without a corresponding use of other features'of the invention.

Having now described my invention, What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

l. A pattern hoist for pulling a ramming pattern up out of a vertical pipe mold comprisin in combination a support, vertically movab e pattern and mold engaging ele.

ments .carried by said support, and a block and tackle connection between said elements for simultaneously applying an upwardly acting force to said attern element and a downwardly acting orce to said mold engaging" element. I

2. A pattern hoist for pulling a ramming pattern up out of a vertical pipe 1nold comprising in combination a support, vertically movable pattern and mold cngagin clementsicarried by said support, a bloc and tackle connection between said elements for simultaneously applying an upwardly act ing force to said pattern element and, a downwardly acting force to said mold en- 'Inovable pattern and mol gaging element, and means for adjustin said mold engaging element relative to said support.

3. A pattern hoist for pulling a ramming pattern up out of a vertical pipe mold comprising in combination a support, vertically movable pattern and mold engaging elements carried by said support, a block and tackle connection between said elements for simultaneously applying an upwardly acting force to said pattern element and a downwardly acting force to said mold enga ing element, "and a yielding vertically ad tistable connection between said'mold engaging element and said support. a

4. A pattern hoist for pulling a ramming pattern up out of a vertical pipe mold comprising in combination a support, vertically movable pattern and mold engaging elements in guided relation with said support, a block and tackle connection between said elements for simultaneously applying an upwardly acting force to said pattern element and a downwardly acting force to said mold engaging element, and fluid pressure adjusting means connecting said mold engaging element and said support and comprising coiiperating piston and cylinder elements relatively movable in a vertical direction.

5. A patternhoist for pulling a ramming pattern up out of a vertical pipe mold comprising in combination a support, vertically movable pattern and 'mold engaging elements in guided relation with said support, and a block and tackle connection between said elements for simultaneously applying an upwardly acting force to said attern element and a downwardly acting orce to said mold engagin element, said connection comprising a all having its standing end connected to said support.

6. A pattern hoist for pullinga ramming pattern up out of a vertical pipe mold com prising in combination a su port, vertically engaging elements in guided relation with said support, a block and tackle connection between saidelements for simultaneously applying an upwardly acting force to said attern element and a downwardly acting orce to said mold enga ing element, said connection comprising a %all having its standing GIIduCOII- nccted to said su port and means mounted on said sup ort or applying a pull to the running on of said fall.

7. A pattern hoist for pulling a ramming pattern up out of a vertical pipe moldcomprising in combination a support, vertically movable pattern and mold engaging elements in guided relation with. said support,

a block and tackle connection hetweefi said elements for simultaneously applying an upand a downwardly acting force to said mold engaging element, said connection comprising a fa 1 having its standing end connected to said support and. means for adjusting said mold engaging clement relative to said sup port.

8. A pattern hoist for pulling a ramming pattern up out of a vertical pipe mold comprising in combination a su port, vertically movable pattern and mo] engaging elements in guided relation with said support, a block and tackle connection between said elements for simultaneously applying an upwardly acting force to said attern ele ment and a downwardly actin orce to said mold engaging element, said connection comprising a fall having its standing end connected to said support and a yielding vertically adjustable connection between said mold engaging element and said support.

pattern up out of a vertical pipe mold comprising in combination a support, a vertically movable mold engaging element mounted in said support and comprising vertical members, a pattern secured to the lower ends of said members, a pattern element comprising a verticallyvmovable crosshead incguided relation with said members, a -main ramming pattern in guided relation with the first mentioned pattern, and a block and tackle connection between said crosshead and the upper ends of said members for simultaneous y applying an upwardly acting force to said downwardly acting gaging element.

10. A pattern hoist for pulling a ramming pattern up out of a vertical pipe mold comprising in combination, a support, a vertically movable mold engaging element mounted in said support in guided relation therewith and comprising vertical members, a pattern secured to the lower ends of said membersg pattern engaging element com- ,p risin ayertically movable crosshead in guid relation with said members, a main ramming pattern in guided relation with the 'first ment1oned pattern and means for simultaneou'sly applying an upwardly acting forceto said pattern element and a downwardly acting force to said mold engaging element.

11. A pattern hoistfor pulling a ramming pattern up out of a vertical pipe mold comprising in combination a support, a vertioally ovable mold engaging element mounted in said supportand comprising upper and lower crossheads, and tubular connectattern element and a ing struts, an adjustable connection between said element and support comprising piston chambers located in the upper ends of said tubular struts and pistons working therein and connected to said support, a pattern ele- 9. A'pattern hoist for pulling a ramming orce to said mold en nient comprising a. crosshead in guided relation with said struts and a ramming pattern secured to said crosshead, and a block and tackle connection between the upper crosshead of said mold engaging element and the crosshead of said pattern element.

I 12. A pattern hoist for pulling a ramming pattern up out of a vertical pipe mold comprising in combination, a support, a vertically movable mold engaging element mounted in said sup ort and comprising upper and lower'cross leads and connecting struts,- the latter being in guided relation with said support, a pattern secured to the lower cross head of said element, a pattern engaging element comprising a vertically movable crosshead in guided relation with said struts and a main ramming pattern in guided relation with the first mentioned pattern, and a block and tackle connection between said elements comprising a pulley block mounted on the upper crosshead of the mold engaging ele ment and a pulley block mounted on the crosshead of the pattern element.

13. A pattern hoist for pulling a ramming pattern up out of a vertical p'ipe mold comprising in combination, a suppl .t, a vertically movable mold engaging element mounted in said support and comprising upper and lower crossheads and w nnecting struts, the latter being in guided relation with said support, a riser pattern secured to the lower crosshead of said element, a pattern engaging element comprising a vertically movable crosshead in guided relation with said struts, and a main ramming pattern passing through and guided by 'said riser pat in, and a block and tackle connection between said elements comprising a pulley block mounted on the upper crosshead of the mold engaging element, a pulley block mounted on the crosshead of the pattern element and a fall the standing end of which is connected to said support.

14. In pipe moldin apparatus the combination with a vertica flask and its supporting means, of a support extending over the flask, a carriage mounted on and horizontally movable with respect to said support,

vertically movable mold engaging and pat tern elements in guided relation with one another and said carriage, a rotatable IIIOlZOl" mounted on said carriage and power transmitting connections between said motor and said elements for simultaneously applying oppositely acting forces to said elements.

15. In pipe molding apparatus the combination with a vertical flask and its supporting means, of a support extending over the flask, a carriage mounted on and horizontally adjustable with respect to said support, vertically movable mold engaging and pat tern elements in guided relation with said carriage, a motor mounted on said carriage, and a block and tackle connection between said elements comprising a fall lhc running end of which is opcratively connected to said motor.

16. In pipe molding apparatus the combination with a vertical flask and its supporting means, of a support extending over the flask, a carriage mounted on and horizontally adjustable with respect to said support, vertically movable mold engaging and 'pattern elements in guided relation with said carriage, a. motor mounted on said carriage, and a block and tackle connection between said elements comprising a fall the running end of which is operatively connected to said motor and the standing end of which is con- IiEClLt d 0 said carriage.

17. in pipe molding apparatus the combination with a. vertical flask and its supporting means, of a'support extending over the flask, a carriage mounted on and horizon tally ustalile with respect to said. support, vertically movable mold engaging and pattern elements in guided relation with said carriage, a motor mounted on sa id carriage, a block and tackl connection between said elements comprising a fall the running end of which is operatively connected to said motor and means for adjusting said moid engaging element relative to said carriage.

18. In a pipe molding plant the combination with a turn table and a series of vertical flasks carried thereby, of an idle pattern support located adjacent said turn table, a crane arm mounted above the flasks to turn about the turn table axis and a pattern hioist mounted on said crane arm with freedom for adjustment from one position in which it extends over the pathof the flasks into another position in which it extends over said pattern support. and a. pair of optionally usable socket pattern mechanisms into oooperative relation with each of which said hoist may be brought.

19. In pipe molding apparatus the combination with a turn-table and a series of vertical flasks carried thereby, of an idle pattern support located adjacent said turntable, a crane arm mounted above the flasks to turn about the turn-table axis, and a pattern hoist mounted on said crane arm'with freedom for ad uStmcnt from one DOSltlOn in which it extends over the path of the flasks into another position in which it extends over said pattern support.

20. In pipe moldin apparatus the combination with a turn-ta lo and a series of vertical flasks carried thereby of a crane arm mounted above the flasks to turn about the turn-tahle axis and a pattern hoist mounted on said crane arm with-freedom for adjustmeat from one position in which it extends over the path of the flasks into another posi lion in which it lies beyond the path of the flasks.

21. Molding appa 'atus comprising in combination a support, a mold forming de vice comprising two cooperative vertically movable elements, means for impressing an upwardly acting force on one of said elements and a. reacthfe downwardly acting force on the other of said elements, and a yielding supporting connection between the last nn-ntioned element and said support.

22. Molding apparatus omprising in combination a support. a mold forming device comprising two cooperative vertically movable elements, means for impressing an upwardly acting force on one of said elements and a reactive downwardly acting force on the other of said elements and a connection between the last mentioned ele ment and said support, normally exerting a yielding supporting force on said element and means for varying said force, and a piston and cylinder supporting connection lNJtWQOlI said support and said last mentioned elenicnt and means for maintaining and for varying an elastic fluid pressure therein.

23. Molding apparatus comprising in combination a support, a mold forming de vice comprising two cooperative vertically movable elements, means for impressing an upwardly acting force on one of said ele ments and a reactive downwardly acting force on the other of said elements, a piston and cylinder supporting connection between said support and said last mentioned element and means for maintaining and for varying an elastic fluid pressure therein.

JAMES B. LADD.

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