US1689533A - Method of and apparatus for molding reducers for fibrous conduits - Google Patents

Description

Oct. 30, 1928. 1,689,533

H. PARKER METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR MOLDING REDUCERS FOR FIBROUS CONDUITS Filed June 11, 1925 2 Sheets-Sheet l 0000 00 coo H. PARKER METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR MOLDING REDUCERS FOR FIBROUS CONDUITS Filed June 11, 1925 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 I D ooo 9 1 2: :21; i z; z: 2:: 2 1: 2 :2 2/ O O O 0 J; m w

/6 Q 41/ @7 l -m 5 \L' MT, J6 T 2 4004 4/07 Jim/m4 Patented ca. 30,1923.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

nowann ruuma, or BERLIN, nnw namrsnma, ASSIGNOR T BROWN COMPANY,

' or BERLIN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, A oonronarron or name.

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR MOLDING REDUCERS FOR FIBROUS CONDUITS.

Application filed June 11, 1925.- Serial No. 36,433.

This invention relates to reducers for conduits, and more articularly to tapered reducers made of hbrous material for use in connection with conduitsor tubes of the same material. Such tubes or conduits are usually produced by winding paper or wood pulp on a mandrel, then removing the pulp from the mandrel in the form of a wet or green tube, and thoroughly drying it. When used as a conduit for electrical wiring, or as a water pipe, the fibrous walls of the tubes are thoroughly waterproofed as by impregnating or saturating them with pitc or other suitable aterial.

The primary objectof this invention is to provide a method and apparatus for the production of tafpered reducers for use in connection with brous conduits in an expedient manner. Briefly stated, this object is attained by placing the desired length of green tube on a form having the desired reducing taper, and while maintaining it in a pulpous condition, pressing and shaping it to the form. The invention, including other objects and advantages incident thereto, will best be understood from the following description thereof, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a sectional View through the apparatus in a position to receive a green Figure 2 shows a similar view with the apparatus in a position to mold or shape .a tube.

Figure 3 represents a plan view of the apparatus.

Referring to the drawings, the forming or molding apparatus may be considered as consisting of a lower and upper half,-the lower half, generally speaking, constituting the form, and the upper half the former. The form consists of a frustro-conical hollow member 3 having a pluralityof holes or perforations 2, regularly distributed over its sides and which communicate with its hollow interior. The form is provided at its lower end with an annular ledge or step 4 for supporting the green tube undergoing the shaping or molding treatment. Below the ledge 4 it is provided with a circular flange 5 serving as a support for the upper half of the apparatus and having lugs 6 protruding from its sides. The form rests on a base which is complemental to its lower portion. The base comprises a frustro-conical portion 8, servin as a ottomfor the form 3 and making a goo tight fit with the lower interior sides of the form below the perforations 2, and a flanged portlon 10 .with lugs 12 at its sides, matlrg the flange 5 and the lugs 6 of the form. The form 3 and the basemay be secured to a suit able table or foundation 14 by common fastenmg means, as by bolts 15 passed through the complemental lugs 6 and 12.

The upper or forming half of the apparatus comprises a cylindrical cover -fitt1ng overthe form and above the ledge \1;, the intenor s1de wall of which is lined with a tube or diaphragm 18 of soft expansible sheet rubber secured thereto near its upper and lower ends, as by rubber cement. The lower end of the cover has a flanged portion 21 and carries a rubber ring 25 which seals the cover to the flange 5. The top of the cover is also provided with a rubber ring 26, which may rest on the top of the form 3, and serve as a seal therebetween for a purpose hereinafter described. The diaphragm 18 may be deformed to assume the shape of the'for'm, by introducing fluid under pressure between the diaphragm and the interior side wall of the cover. In thus assuming the shape of the form, the diaphragm 18 presses the green tube exteriorly uniformly along its length against, the form, so that the tube assumes the shape of the tapered form. For theintroduction of fluid between the diaphragm and the interior wall, a conduit communicates with a hole 31 extending through a lower portion of the cover 20 outwardly of the diaphragm. This conduit is connected to the horizontal end 32 of a three-branch connector 311, the vertical branch 33 of-which is connected to a fluid supply line 34, and the other horizontal branch 35 to a fluid outlet line 36, both lines being provided respectively with valves, as

with the plug valves 37 and 38. Any suitable,

fluid under pressure, such as'water, may be introdnced'between the diaphragm 18 and the interior side wall of the cover through the supply line 30. The ,water introduced may be discharged by closing the valve 37 and opening the valve 38, and is facilitated by establishing communication between the atmosphere and the space between the diaphragm and the side wall of the cover. Communication with the atmosphere is made through a conduit 40 communicating with a hole 41 extending through the upper portion of the cover 20 and provided with a plu valve 43. In order to open the valves 38 an 43 and close the valve 37 simultaneously, the stems of the valves are respectively provided with arms 45, 46, and 47, pivotally connected to links 48 and 49, an upward movement of the links 48 and 49 closing the valves 38 and 43 and opening the valve 37 thus causing the diaphragm 18 to be expanded, and a downward movement of the links closing the valve 37 and opening the valves 43 and 38, thus dis-- charging the water and permittlng the diaphragm 18 to assume cylindrical" orm.

It uently occurs that the green tube is hard an unmoldable, so that provision must be made to at the tube in a formative or pulpous condition by the addition of water thereto before ressure is applied by the diaphragm 18 in t e shaping or forming operation. For thispurpose, the interior 1 of the form communicates through the bottom 8 with a conduit 16 connected to the vertical end 50 of a three-branch connector 51. The horizontal end 53 of the branch connector is connected with a conduit 55 supplied with either hot water or steam, and the other vertical end 56 is connected with an outlet conduit 58 for the discharge of the water or steam from the form 3 after the green tube has been sufiiciently softened. The conduits 55 and 58 are provided respectively with suitable valves, as the plug valves 60 and 61. In order to operate these valves simultaneously, the stems of the valves 60 and 61 are pivotally connected by arms 62 and 63 to a link 64, a downward movement of the link closing the valve 61 and opening the valve 60, thus allowing steam or hot water under sufficient pressure to be introduced into the interior of the form, and

an upward movement of the link closin the valve 60 and opening the valve 61, thus a owing the water or steam to be discharged from the interior 1 of the form 3. To facilitate a rapid discharge of the steam or hot water mm the interior 1 of the form 3, after the tube has been sufliciently moistened and softened, the interior is opened to the atmos here throu h an opening extending throng the top of the form 3 and communicating with a lateral opening 71 through the upper portion of the cover 20, to which 1s attached a conduit 73 valved as at 74 and communicating with the atmosphere. The valve 74 is closed simultaneously with or prior to the downward movement of the'lever 64 to introduce moisture into the interior of the form, and is opened after the tube has been suflicientl softened for the forming operation, simu taneously with or after the upward movement of the lever 64, to facilitate rapid dischar e of the moistening agent from the interior 0 the form. Rubber rings '25 and 26, respectively,

- at the top, and lower ends of the cover serve as seals and prevent any hot water or steam introduced into the interior ofthe form from escaping.

In operation, the former 20 is first raised to a position as shown in Figure 1, the conduits 37 and 38 being connected respectively to flexible hose connections '80 and 81, which allows the upward and downward movement of the former into and out of operative osition over the form. Gheesecloth 85, w ich prevents the sticking of the tube to the form,

quently by the former or upper half of the mold. If a conduit 87 however, is equal to or greater than the diameter of the base of the Iorm, 3, it is formed or molded in entirety by the former,-that is, by the uniform pressure exerted on its exterior by the diaphragm 18, as will be described. The former is then lowered into the position shown in Figure 2, the lower end 21 resting on the flange 5 of the base portion of the form, and it is so secured. The arm 64 is lowered, steam or water being introduced through the valve 60 and pipe 16 into the interior 1 of the form, the steam or water passing through the perforations and cheesecloth into the pulp conduit 87 and softening it or placing it in a more formative or pulgous condition. The harder the green con uit is, the longer it is subjected to the water or steam treatment. The tube, having been sufliciently softened, is ready to be molded, and the moistening agent is allowed to flow out from the form through the pipe 16 by raising the arm 64,-the air valve in the pipe 7 3 also being opened to allow air at atmospheric pressure to assist in the removal of themoistening agent from the form; The lever 48 is raised, the water under pressure passin throughJhe conduit 30 and forcing the ru ber diaphragm 18 around the tube against the form, causing the tube to assume a tapered shape, and squeezin out any excess moisture therefrom throught e perforations 3. The reducer now having been formed, the lever 48 is moved downwardly, the valves 43 and 38 being 0 ened, and the valve 37 closed, thus allowing t e water to escape through the pipe 30. The upper half of the mold is then raised to its inoperative position, and the operator sps the upper edges of the cheesecloth and ifts the reducer from the mold.

The hereinbefore described method I of molding reducers yields a product which is similar in characteristics to the conduits with which it is used; that is, the reducers are (as indicated by' strong and their constituent fibers are densely compacted and inter-felted. Subsequent to the molding operation, the wet reducers may be dried and treated with a waterproofing compound, and they may be turned and their ends formed into any one of a Variety of joints, by suitable instrumentalities.

Having thus described a preferred embodiment of this invention, it should be evident to those skilled in the art that it is susceptible of various changes and modifications without departing from its spirit or scope as defined by the appended claims.

What 1 claim is:

1. A me hod of producing a tapered fibrous article, unich comprises placing a fibrous tube over a frustro-conical form, wetting said tube so as to soften it, applying pressure on the wall of said tube so'that it assumes the shape of the form, removing the tapered tube from the form, and drying it.

2. Apparatus for forming fibrous reducers, comprising a hollow form over. which a tubular fibrous conduit may be positioned and having perforations distributed over its sides communicating with its hollow interior; means for introducing moisture into the interior of said form for wetting and softening the fibrous conduit; means for discharging the moisture from the interior of said form; a cover adapted to be placed over said form; a flexible rubber diaphragm within the interior wall of said cover and secured thereto at its edges; and means for causing said diaphragm to expand so as to press the tube against the form.

3. Apparatus for forming fibrous reducers, comprising a form over which a tubular fibrous conduit may be positioned, a cover adapted to be placed over said form, an expansible rubber diaphragm covering the interior wall of said cover and secured thereto at its edges, and means for causing said diaphragm to expand and press the tube against the form.

ehApparatus for producing tapered reducers, comprising a form over which a fibrous tube may be positioned, means for wetting the tube so as to render it somewhat soft and pulpous, and means for applying a uniform pressure to the wall of said tube while it is soft, in a manner such that it assumes the shape of the form.

5. Apparatus for producing tapered reducers, comprising a form over which a fibrous tube may 'be positioned, a cover fitting over saidform, a flexible rubber diaphragm overlying the interior wall of said cover, and means for introducing fluid between the wall of said cover and the diaphragm whereby said diaphragm expands and uniformly presses said tube against said form.

6. A mold for forming tapered reducers, comprising a hollow form over which a tubularfibrous conduit may be positioned and having aplurality of perforations distributed over its sides communicating with its interior; means for introducing moisture into the interior of said form; means for discharging the same from the interior of said form; a cover for said form provided with an expan- I sible diaphragm secured at its edges thereto, and normally resting against its interior wall; means for introducing fluid between the zs wall of said cover and said diaphragm to cause the deformation of the latter against ,tureoutlet pipes connected to'said conduit;

means for opening the inlet pipe while closing the outlet pipe and opening the outlet pipe while closing the inlet pipe, means for establishing communication between the interior of said form and the atmosphere for facilitating the discharge of moisture from the form, a cover for said form provided with an expansible rubber diaphragm secured at its edges thereto and normally resting against its interior wall; means for introducing fluid between said cover and said rubber dia- W phragm to cause the expansion of the latter against the form, whereby the tube assumes the shape of said form, and means for discharging said fiuid to allow said diaphragm to contract against said cover.

8. A mold for forming tapered reducers, comprising a hollow form over which a. tubular fibrous conduit may be positioned and having a plurality of perforations distributed over its sides communicating with its interior, 10 a conduit communicating with the hollow interior portion of said form, moisture inlet and moisture outlet pipes connected to said conduit; means for opening the inlet pipe while closing the outlet pipe and opening the outlet H5 pipe while closing the inlet pipe; means for establishing communication between the in terior of said form and the atmosphere for facilitating the discharge of moisture from the form, a cover for said form provided with a flexible rubber diaphragm secured at its edges thereto and normally resting against its interior wall, a conduit extending through the lower end of said cover to said rubber diaphragm, fluid inlet and fluid outlet pipes connected to said conduit, a pipe communicating with the atmosphere extending through the cover to the rubber diaphragm and means for opening the fluid inlet pipe while closing the air and fluid outlet pipes to cause the expansion of the tube against the form, and for opening the air and fluid out-let pipes while closing the fluid inlet pipe to cause the discharge of the fluid and the contraction of the rubber tube.

9. A mold'for forming tapered reducers, comprising a hollow form over which a. tubular fibrous conduit may be positioned, and having a plurality of perforations distributed over its sides communicating with its interior; means for introducing moisture into the interior'of said form; means for discharging the same from the interior of said form; a cylindrical cover for said form, provided with a flexible rubber diaphragm secured thereto at its edges and normally resting against its interior wall; a conduit extendin through the lower end of said cover to said rubber diaphragm; fluid inlet and fluid outlet pipes connected to said conduit; an air pipe communicating with the atmosphere, extending through the cover to the rubber. diaphragm; and means for opening the fluid inlet pipe while closing the air and fluid outlet pipes to 2 cause the expansion of the tube against the form, and for opening the air and fluid outlet comprises windin a web of pulp on itself into cylindrical tubu ar form(i deforming the tube while wet into tapere form, and drying the tapered tube.

11. A method which'comprises windin a web of pulp on itself into. cylindrical tub ar form, placing the-tube while wet over a frustro-conical form, pressing the tube against the form, removing the tapered tube thus produced from the form, and drying it.

12. A method which comprises windin a web of pulp omitself into cylindrical tubu ar form, applyin a substantially uniform pressure on t e will of the tube to cause the tube to be crowded inwardl a ainst the form, removing the. tapered tu e t us produced from the form, drying it, and impregnating it with waterproofing material.

In testimony whereof I have aflixed my signature. HOWARD PARKER.

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