US1771943A - Machine for splitting mica - Google Patents

Machine for splitting mica Download PDF

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US1771943A
US1771943A US49317A US4931725A US1771943A US 1771943 A US1771943 A US 1771943A US 49317 A US49317 A US 49317A US 4931725 A US4931725 A US 4931725A US 1771943 A US1771943 A US 1771943A
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mica
lever
plates
splitting
carrier
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US49317A
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Arthur R Tinnerholm
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General Electric Co
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General Electric Co
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    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B28WORKING CEMENT, CLAY, OR STONE
    • B28DWORKING STONE OR STONE-LIKE MATERIALS
    • B28D1/00Working stone or stone-like materials, e.g. brick, concrete or glass, not provided for elsewhere; Machines, devices, tools therefor
    • B28D1/32Methods and apparatus specially adapted for working materials which can easily be split, e.g. mica, slate, schist
    • B28D1/322Splitting of the working materials

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the separation or splitting of a foliated material, such as mica, which at the present time is split by laborious and time-consuming manual methods.
  • the splitting operation should be regulated automatically to produce films or flakes of definite gauge or thickness.
  • the splitting of the mica fragments in the machine should occur at a relatively high rate to warrant the expense and upkeep of the machine.
  • My new machme also provldes means for automatically subjecting the mica blocks of semi-automatic, or wholly automatic operadesired thinness, this part of the split fragment then being automatically removed by PATENT; OFFICE rated into component parts of desired thickness.
  • Fig. represents in perspective rotating mechanisms carrying reciprocating jaws WlllCll engage the mica blocks by suction. This figure illustrates the relation of the feeding mechanism to the splitting mechanism, a portion of the splitting mechanism being shown 55 broken away for the sake of simplicity;
  • FIG. 2 shows in perspective and partly in section, a portion of the splitting mechanism with particular relation to the apparatus for gauging the thickness of the separated plates I of mica;
  • Fig. 3 is a detail of a latching mechanism i ormgng part of the apparatus shown in Fig. 4 is a front view of the conveyer whereby mica blocks are transferred from one part of the apparatus to another;
  • Fig. 5 is a side view of the conveyer shown in Fig. 4' looking from left to right; i
  • Fig. 6 is a top view of the. conveyer
  • Figs. 7 and 8 show details of the mechanism whereby the operation of the conveyers is controlled
  • Figs. 9 and 13 illustrate particularly theelectrical circuits of the gauging mechanism
  • Fig. 10 is a fragmental top view of the movable jaws showing their relation to a track' forming part of the gauging mechanism
  • Figs. 11 and 12 illustrate somewhat diagrammatically the relation of the movable plates or jaws to the gauging mechanism
  • Fig. 14 is a detail view of a shifting mecha- ,nism whereby the mica carriers are transferred from one track to another;
  • Fig. 15 shows a device for releasing a conveyer when the last block of mica contained therein has been delivered to a splitting device
  • Fig. 17 illustrates the arrangement of exhaust passages whereby the suction for holding the mica is applied and released
  • Figs. 18 and 19 illustrate in enlarged views how the mica carriers are engaged and disengaged from the lifting chains
  • Fig. 20 is a side elevation of a cam forming part of the mechanism shown in Fig. 2.
  • the mica splitting operation is carried out b plates which engage with opposite sides of t e mica blocks, and then separate.
  • a mica block is held by suction agalnst the faces of these engaging plates so that upon their separation the mica block will be split along one of its natural cleavage planes.
  • One set of these plates constitutes part of a rotatable disc.
  • These discs, numbered 16 and 17, have been shown in Fig. 1, and represent two units of a series, the action of all of which is similar and will be understood from the description referring to disc 16.
  • Engaging with the mica fragments on thesediscs are a series of movable plates 18, which are set on the periphery of a ring 19.
  • This ring 19 is rotatably carried by a vertical standard 20, being supported by a series of radial arms, only one of which-is indicated at 21.
  • the ring 19 is driven by a motor 22-through gearing 23 and 40.
  • Each of the movable plates 18 is connected with a vacuum system by flexible tubes 24, or other convenient means, communicating with a series of holes in the movable plates, as shown at 25in Fig. 2, so that a suction effect is obtained upon the mica.
  • the flexible tubes 24 are all connected to a pipe 26, which connects through radial pipes 27 with a vacuum pump (not shown) through the interior of the vertical standard 20.
  • a gauge 28 may be employed to indicate the pressure in the vacuum system.
  • the blocks of mica which are to be split are placed upon the perforations 29 in the rotating discs 16, 17 either by hand or by an automatic carrier which will be described hereinafter. These perforations are connected by ducts 30 (see Figs. 2 and 17), to the vacuum system so that the mica blocks may be held in desired position by suction. As shown in Fig. 17 the suction is released when the per forations 29 move past a line passing throu h the centers of the disc 16 and the rim 19. s shown in Figs.
  • the hollow shaft 16 of the disc 16 is provided with ducts 33, which during one-half revolution of the supporting disc 16 provide communication for the ducts 30 with the suction system through a semi-circular channel 33' in the standard 44, but are shut ofi during the remaining half of the revolution of the shaft 16'.
  • the plates 18 are caused to move toward and away from the supporting plates 16 and 17 by the action of push rods 31, which angage with a rotating cam 32.
  • push rods 31 which angage with a rotating cam 32.
  • One of these push rods and the cam mechanism also is shown in Fig. 2.
  • the cam 32 is mounted on the same shaft with .a gear 34, which in turn meshes with a gear 35 driven through a second set of gears 36 and 37.
  • the gear 37 recelves power through a shaft 38 and a gear 39, whichin turn is driven by the gear 40, located on the periphery of the ring 19.
  • a lever 45 pivoted at the fulcrum 46 on bracket 43 is operated against the spring 47, closingthe electrical contacts 48, 49 of the circuit 50, and energizing the magnet 51.
  • the magnet 51 when energized attracts its armature 52 against the pull of a spring 53.
  • the movement of the armature 52 toward the magnet unlocks the latches 54 and 55, the latch 54 being on a pivoted lever 56 together with the armature 52.
  • the latch 55 is mounted upon a pivoted bracket 57, which in turn engages at its outer ends with a collar 58 in a slot 58.
  • the collar 58 is mounted upon the shaft 38 without interfering with the rotation of the shaft and is urged upwardly by a spring 59.
  • the freeing of the latch 55 permits the spring 59 to push the gear 39 upwardly into engagement with another gear 60 connected to the disc 16, thus gearing the latter to the large peripheral gear 40 of the ring 19.
  • the pivoted bracket 57 is provided with a vertical post 66 on which is mounted an angular latch 62, pivoted intermediate its ends on a pin 62.
  • the latch is urged downwardly by a spring .63 on one side of its pivot, the opposite side,
  • each of the'movable top plates 18 are provided at their outer ends with a roller 69, which engages with a track 70, whereby the mica blocks held on these upper plates are gauged and those which are of sufiicient thinness sorted out from the rest.
  • the track 70 has-been shown conventionally for the sake of simplicity in the drawing.
  • the supports therefor (which also may support the track 97) are upright standards (only one of which is indicated at 78, Fig. 1) and may be of any suitable construction.
  • the roller 69 rides first into a depression 71, where the mica film is gauged by a mechanism to be described. If it is of suflicient thinness, it actuates a mechanism which eventually causes it to be released and to be dropped into a container G. s
  • the roller 69 advances on the track 7 0 until it reaches a carrier 92 (as shown in Fig. 1), where the mica is deposited, to be later carried away to another splitting mechanism.
  • the track gauge is shown in Fig. 13, and comprises a stationary member 72 with which the plate 18 engages, and which is supported by the track support 78 (Fifigs. 1 and 13).
  • the gauging point 42 engages with the point 73
  • a valve control mechanism Operating in conjunction with the gauging mechanism of Fig. 12, is a valve control mechanism, as illustrated diagrammatically by Fig. 11'.
  • a valve lever 85 rides in a guide 86 to control the degree of suction on the individual splitting plates 18.
  • the valve levers '85 are a part of the rotatable splitting mechanism and ride within the stationary guide 86.
  • the guide is so disposed that the valve levers 85 are raised and lowered as they advance, which in turn varies the opening of the valves 87.
  • the valve At the position A the valve is wide open with full suctionon the mica block. In this position the mica is split.
  • the valve At B and C the valve is partially closed as the mica need only be held as-it is carried forward.
  • the position of the valve lever is determined by the gauging mechanism. If, as described above, the magnet 80 is energized then its armature 88 is drawn in to the dotted position causing the pivoted track lever 89 to move upwardly as shown in dotted lines. In this position the lever 85 is forced downwardly, releasing the suction entirely and permitting the split flake of mica to drop into a container.
  • the gauge points do notcomplete the circuit- 77 and the magnet 80 is-not energized.
  • the valve lever 85 can then pass over the track lever 89 and the suction is not broken. Hence the mica is carried to the next position E where the lever 85. is forced down, breaking the vacuum and releasing the mica which here drops on a carrier. This is one complete cycle of the operation.
  • the valve lever 85 is kept within a range of motion by a spring 90 and a stop 91, as shown in Fig. 2. As the rotation of the ring 19, on which the splitting plates 18 are mounted, continues the above cycle of air control is repeated.
  • Fig. 1 several carriers are provided for automatically transferring the mica blocks from one place to another.
  • Mica blocks which are .too thick to operate the gauge at C are carried to position E, where they are dropped on a carrier 92 (to be later described in detail), which is located on a track 93 directly under the splitting plate at this position E.
  • the carrier 92 When the carrier 92 is filled with mica blocks, it is drawn forward by the chain 94 to the position of the carrier 92. At this position the carrier is elevated by chains 96 which are driven as indicated the splitting disc 16.
  • the carrier After the mica has been completely discharged, the carrier is automatically released and travels down 'an incline to a shifting mechanism which is shown in Fig. 14. As the carrier advances on the track 97, the weight of the carrier pushes the track sections 98 and 99 downwardly to the position shown in dotted lines, acting against the spring 100. The carrier then passes down the inclined track 101, which terminates in a charging position under another one of the splitting plates 18 which are divided into several groups. One of thesegroups comprising six plates is shown in Fig. 10.
  • the carriers 92 comprise a rectangular ,frame 102 on which three wheels 103, 104, and 105 are mounted, which hold the carrier on the guide tracks 97, 101, etc.
  • On the cross bars 107 and 108 are mounted bearings 109 in which are sup orted shafts 110, carrying sprockets 111. ver these sprockets are mounted chains 1-12tov which are fastened rods 113.
  • To these rods 113 are hinged a number of thin metal plates 114. As the plates 18 pass over the carrier they actuate a lever 115 which terminates with a small roller 116. As this lever is pushed downward it operates the pivoted dog 117, which advances the ratchet,
  • the mica block is deposited from the splitting plates 18 upon two of the leaves of the carrier, as shown at 119 in Fig. 6. As the plate 18 advances past the carrier, the lever 115 is pushed down causing a set of plates 114 to drop down upon the mica ready to receive another piece of mica.
  • the first or bottom plate 114 rests on pins or studs 120 and the next pair of plates rest on the first pair, being separated by the lugs 121.
  • the chargin proceeds the angled lever 122 (Fig. 8), w ich is pivoted on the inner sleeve 122', in turn mounted on a rope or wire, slides down in a slot in the guiding tube 123, strikes the lower end of the slot, and moves back on pin 124, which thereby is disengaged from the ends of the rods 113.
  • the pin 124 is disengaged by the lever 122 striking a stop a. When the pin 124 is disengaged the counter-balance 125 causes it to return to the top of the guide tube 123.
  • lever 129 projects outwardly at an angle to the carrier frame and then extends downwardly vertically to engage pins 128.
  • the upper portion of the lever carrying the dog 130 is positioned' over the disc 16 when the carrier is brought into such position with respect to the disc and in order that the lower portion of the lever 129 may engage the pins 128,, it necessarily must extend outwardly and downwardly with respect to the carrier truck frame, since the pins 128 are mounted on the periphery of the disc 16.
  • the carrier is held in position by means next to be described.
  • the plates L 114 both fall toward the center at the top of the carrier, and fall away from the center at the bottom, thereby discharging the mlca.
  • the lever 138 mounted on the carrier- 92 strikes the pin 142 onthe lever 137, mounted on the bracket 141 which is supported in turn by the track. This causes the lever 138 to be released from the pin 143 on the vertical slide 139 which is dropped on the bent end 140 of the lever 137.
  • the carrier is still in the unloading position over disc 16 and has not started to move along the sloping track 97.
  • the vertical lever has simply been released for a portion of its length and is held up by the bent end 140 of the lever 137.
  • the carrier truck is now in a position to be propelled further on its course but up to this point the slide 139 has not been in I carriage 92.
  • the trucks are switched by the mechanism shown in Fig. 14 to a track 101 which the trucks descend on their way to the charging positon.
  • a truck comes fromthe disc on a track (omitted for the sake of clearness) .to the position 92, it may encounter one or more empty trucks waiting to be charged.
  • a descending truck 144 engages a truck 145, which is last in line, by a hooked lever 146 on the waiting truck latching with a pin 147 on the arriving truck.
  • Each truck is provided with a separate set of latches and pins on opposite ends so that when the trucks are turned about relatively at the charge and discharge positions, these opposite sets of latches and pins may function interchangeably.
  • the waiting trucks are hooked together so that the removal of one truck from the loading or unloading position, automatically pulls another waiting truck into the position cleared by the loadedor unloaded truck.
  • the trucks are unhooked from each other b a cam shoe 148 on a track arm 149 past WhlCh the trucks move.
  • cam surface148 pushes the lever 146 down.
  • a releasing mechamsm (not shown similar to 149 operating in conjunction wit the lever 146 is provided at the discharging position. As the empty carrier leaves the unloading position, a pin 156 on the carrier depresses lever 157 against the spring 158 and resets the lever 137. The lever 139 is reset b passing over the shoe 159 on the track 9;.
  • the pivoted latch 151 holds the lever 126 in the down position,-as shown in Fig. 8, while the carrier advances to the position 92, as shown in Fig. 1. Just before the carrier reaches the position 92, the lower end of the latch 151 strikes a stop 151 (Fig. 1) releasing the latch from the notch in the lever 126 and allowing the spring 155 to draw the levers 126 and 154 into their original or upper position.
  • a mica splitting machine com rising a flat holder for engaging with one ace of a block of mica, a second flat holder engaging with the opposite face of said plate, means for pivotally separating'said holders thereby splitting said plate of mica along'a cleavof mica, a plurality of flat plates adapted to engage successively with the opposite side of'said mica block, means for moving said plates in turn into engaging relation with said mica .block and away from said block, thereby carrying away one or'more of the component mica laminae from said block,
  • a machine for splitting mica the combination of. a rotatable disc, suction means for holding a plurality of mica blocks at spaced intervals adjacent the periphery of said disc, a rotatable ring having a plurality of hinged plates attached thereto and being arranged to cause'said plates during rotation to successively pass over said rotatable disc, means for causing said plates to engage successively with a mica block on said disc,'means for reciprocatingsaid plates to subdivide said block, and means for rotating said disc through an arc of a circle when the residue of said block remaining on the disc has been reduced to a desired dimension. 4.
  • a carrler for transferring mica blocks from one part of the machine to another, said carrier comprising a frame, paired sets of sprocket wheels spaced apart and mounted on said frame, chains passing over the wheels of the respective sets, a plurality of rods connecting said chains, hinged plates mounted upon said rods, means cooperatingwith said car- 'rier to cause successive pairs of said plates ers adapted to respectively engage with opposite faces of a block of mica, pivotal mounting means therefor permitting angular separation of said holders thereby splitting said mica block, automatic means for displacing the splittings laterally, and means operated by the closure of said holders for selecting splittings upon which said operation is to be repeated.
  • a mica splitting machine comprising aplurality of paired flat-surfaced jaws adapted to engage in succession with opposite surfaces of blocks of mica, mounting means therefor permitting separation of said jaws, means for separating opposite edges of one side of said aws relative'to the other, and means for transferring split parts of mica from one pair of jaws to another pair of jaws, and means for discontinuing the splitting when the mica has been reduced to a desired gauge.
  • a mica splitting machine comprising cooperating flat plates constructed and ar ranged to en age with opposite sides of a block, means for gauging splittings derived ing said plates in order to split said mica block, means for gauging splitting derived from said block while said splittings remain in engagement with said plates, and means responsive to said gauging means for releasing splittings of predetermined thinness and re-subjecting thicker splittings to one or more subsequent splitting operations.
  • a splitting machine comprising the combination of splitting mechanism, gauging means comprising cooperating electrical contacts arranged to come into engagement when a split material has been reduced to a predetermined thickness, means for carrying material above and below said thickness respectively over different routes, electrical means ener ized by the closure of said contacts for se ecting said routes, a carrier for collecting oversize splittings, and means for automatically recharging said oversize material to the splitting mechanism.
  • a mica splitting machine comprising a holderfor a block of mica, a plurality of hingedR fiat plates, means for causing said plates to successively engage with said block of mica and withdraw therefrom angularly while engaging flatwise with said b ock of mica to subdivide said block, means for gauging the thickness of the mica portion remainin on said holder, means for moving said holder out of asposition of engagement with said plates when the residual mica portion has been reduced in thickness to a predetermined dimension, and means for removing the residual mica portion from said holder. 10.
  • An apparatus comprising reciprocating holders for engaging with a laminated material and for splitting the same by their separation into separate laminae, independent gauges operatively connected to said holders, said gauges having cooperating electrical contacts arranged to close when the thickness of said material on the respective holder has been reduced to a predetermined dimension and mechanism responsive to the closure of said contacts for separately collecting laminae within and outside of said dimension.
  • A'mica splitting a paratus comprising a rotatable disc, means fbr holding a plurality of mica blocks on said disc, a rotatable member carrying a plurality of plates arranged to engage successively with one of said blocks, pivotal mounting means for said plates permitting angular displacement thereof with respect to said disc, means for holding a split lamina of micaon said respective plates, means for causing engagement and angular displacement of said plates successively with the aforesaid block of mica thereby carrying away laminae thereof, means'operable by the gauge of the mica residue on said disc for discontinuing said operation and rotating said disc through an arc of a circle to present another mica block to the operation of said plates, and means for releasing split-ofl laminae from said plates.

Description

y 1930. A. R. TINNERHOLM 11,771,43
MACHINE FOR SPLITTING MICA Filec1 A11g- 1925 4 Sheets-Sheet l M0 Arthur R. 77nnerho1m,
His A ttorn ej g.
Juiy 29, 1936.
A. R. TINNERHOLM MACHINE FOR SPLITTING MICA Filed Aug. 10, 1925 4 Sheets-Sheet; 2
Inventor:
Arthur R Tinnerholm,
95%, Ara
His Attorn y 29, 1939 A. R. TINNERHOLM 1 7N943 MACHINE FOR SPLITTING MICA Filed g- 1925 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Inventor:
Art/1w" 1?. 77nner/7olm,
His Attorne .5.
Patented July 29, 1930 UNITED STATES ARTHUR R. TDTNEBEOLH, OI SCOTIA, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOB '10 GEN'M ELEGI'BIO COMPANY, A. CORPOB l'lIOIN' NEW YORK ILGEINE FOB SPLITTING' MIOA.
Application filed August 10, 1985. Serial No. 48,817.
The present invention relates to the separation or splitting of a foliated material, such as mica, which at the present time is split by laborious and time-consuming manual methods.
Several problems are presented in the machine splitting of mica. First, the mica must be split in such a way as not to be damaged by bending, crushing or tearing. Second, in
order that the machine may operate with an output sufliciently uniform to warrant its substitution for hand labor, the splitting operation should be regulated automatically to produce films or flakes of definite gauge or thickness. And, third, the splitting of the mica fragments in the machine should occur at a relatively high rate to warrant the expense and upkeep of the machine. These requirements have not been satisfied heretofore, largely because mica is a fragile material, and is difiicult to handle in thin films.
In accordance with my invention I have provided a machine, which is capable of both tion, whereby fragments of mica are successively split on natural cleavage planes without requiring handling, until after successive splitting, one of the separated parts is of the the machine.
My new machme also provldes means for automatically subjecting the mica blocks of semi-automatic, or wholly automatic operadesired thinness, this part of the split fragment then being automatically removed by PATENT; OFFICE rated into component parts of desired thickness. c i
The above-mentioned and other novel features of my invention are set forth in greater particularity by the appended claims. For a complete understanding of my invention reference may be had to the following specification taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
Fig. represents in perspective rotating mechanisms carrying reciprocating jaws WlllCll engage the mica blocks by suction. This figure illustrates the relation of the feeding mechanism to the splitting mechanism, a portion of the splitting mechanism being shown 55 broken away for the sake of simplicity;
2 shows in perspective and partly in section, a portion of the splitting mechanism with particular relation to the apparatus for gauging the thickness of the separated plates I of mica;
Fig. 3 is a detail of a latching mechanism i ormgng part of the apparatus shown in Fig. 4 is a front view of the conveyer whereby mica blocks are transferred from one part of the apparatus to another;
Fig. 5 is a side view of the conveyer shown in Fig. 4' looking from left to right; i
Fig. 6 is a top view of the. conveyer;
Figs. 7 and 8 show details of the mechanism whereby the operation of the conveyers is controlled;
Figs. 9 and 13 illustrate particularly theelectrical circuits of the gauging mechanism;
7 Fig. 10 is a fragmental top view of the movable jaws showing their relation to a track' forming part of the gauging mechanism;
Figs. 11 and 12 illustrate somewhat diagrammatically the relation of the movable plates or jaws to the gauging mechanism;
Fig. 14 is a detail view of a shifting mecha- ,nism whereby the mica carriers are transferred from one track to another;
Fig. 15 shows a device for releasing a conveyer when the last block of mica contained therein has been delivered to a splitting device;
Fig. 16
illustrates details of mechanism loo whereby the conveyers when filled with mica blocks are advanced from one part of the mechanism to another;
Fig. 17 illustrates the arrangement of exhaust passages whereby the suction for holding the mica is applied and released;
Figs. 18 and 19 illustrate in enlarged views how the mica carriers are engaged and disengaged from the lifting chains; and
Fig. 20 is a side elevation of a cam forming part of the mechanism shown in Fig. 2. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the mica splitting operation is carried out b plates which engage with opposite sides of t e mica blocks, and then separate. A mica block is held by suction agalnst the faces of these engaging plates so that upon their separation the mica block will be split along one of its natural cleavage planes. One set of these plates constitutes part of a rotatable disc. These discs, numbered 16 and 17, have been shown in Fig. 1, and represent two units of a series, the action of all of which is similar and will be understood from the description referring to disc 16. Engaging with the mica fragments on thesediscs are a series of movable plates 18, which are set on the periphery of a ring 19. This ring 19 is rotatably carried by a vertical standard 20, being supported by a series of radial arms, only one of which-is indicated at 21. As shown 1n Fig. 9, the ring 19 is driven by a motor 22-through gearing 23 and 40. Each of the movable plates 18 is connected with a vacuum system by flexible tubes 24, or other convenient means, communicating with a series of holes in the movable plates, as shown at 25in Fig. 2, so that a suction effect is obtained upon the mica. The flexible tubes 24 are all connected to a pipe 26, which connects through radial pipes 27 with a vacuum pump (not shown) through the interior of the vertical standard 20. A gauge 28 may be employed to indicate the pressure in the vacuum system. The blocks of mica which are to be split are placed upon the perforations 29 in the rotating discs 16, 17 either by hand or by an automatic carrier which will be described hereinafter. These perforations are connected by ducts 30 (see Figs. 2 and 17), to the vacuum system so that the mica blocks may be held in desired position by suction. As shown in Fig. 17 the suction is released when the per forations 29 move past a line passing throu h the centers of the disc 16 and the rim 19. s shown in Figs. 2 and 17, the hollow shaft 16 of the disc 16 is provided with ducts 33, which during one-half revolution of the supporting disc 16 provide communication for the ducts 30 with the suction system through a semi-circular channel 33' in the standard 44, but are shut ofi during the remaining half of the revolution of the shaft 16'.
on the upper exposed surface and cause the blocks split by their pull away from the supporting plates 16 and 17 on which the mica blocks are located.
The plates 18 are caused to move toward and away from the supporting plates 16 and 17 by the action of push rods 31, which angage with a rotating cam 32. One of these push rods and the cam mechanism also is shown in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 20, as well as in Fig. 2, the cam 32 is mounted on the same shaft with .a gear 34, which in turn meshes with a gear 35 driven through a second set of gears 36 and 37. The gear 37 recelves power through a shaft 38 and a gear 39, whichin turn is driven by the gear 40, located on the periphery of the ring 19.
When the movable plate 18 is lifted upwardly by the action of the cam rod 31 acting against the spring 31' one portion ofthe s lit mica block remains on the disc 16 and t e other portion is held by suction on the plate 18. The operation of the machine then carries the movable plate 18 away from the split mica upon the disc 16, and the next of the movable plates 18 moves into engaging relation with the mica block, and by its action splits off another film of mica. This action continues until the mica remaining on the disc 16 is sufliciently thin to cause the engagement of two gauging points 41 and 42. The point 42 is mounted upon the movable plate 18 and the cooperating point 41 is mounted on a lever 45 support-ed by a bracket 43 attached to a standard 44 which supports the rotating disc 16.
As best shown in Fig. 9, when downward motion of the plate 18 brings the point 42 into contact with the point 41, then a lever 45 pivoted at the fulcrum 46 on bracket 43 is operated against the spring 47, closingthe electrical contacts 48, 49 of the circuit 50, and energizing the magnet 51. The magnet 51 when energized attracts its armature 52 against the pull of a spring 53. The movement of the armature 52 toward the magnet unlocks the latches 54 and 55, the latch 54 being on a pivoted lever 56 together with the armature 52. The latch 55 is mounted upon a pivoted bracket 57, which in turn engages at its outer ends with a collar 58 in a slot 58. The collar 58 is mounted upon the shaft 38 without interfering with the rotation of the shaft and is urged upwardly by a spring 59. The freeing of the latch 55 permits the spring 59 to push the gear 39 upwardly into engagement with another gear 60 connected to the disc 16, thus gearing the latter to the large peripheral gear 40 of the ring 19. As shown in Fig. 3, the pivoted bracket 57 is provided with a vertical post 66 on which is mounted an angular latch 62, pivoted intermediate its ends on a pin 62. The latch is urged downwardly by a spring .63 on one side of its pivot, the opposite side,
which is rovided with a vertical ofiset, being urge u wardly to form a detent for the projection '6 depending vertlcally from the spur gear 60. The gear '60, being fixed to the plate 16, holds this plate against rotation.
When the pivoted bracket is elevated by the spring 59, as described above, a statlonary pin 61 mounted on the post 44 will hit the vertical leg 62 tilting it against the tension of the spring 63'and freeing the gear 60 and the plate 16 for rotation, until the downwardly projecting cam 65 on the gear 60 engages the cam surface of the post 66 and pushes it together with the spur gear 39 downwardly,
engaging the lock again and disconnecting 33 in the disc is carried past the vacuum line 33 by the rotation of the disc 16, so that the mica is no longer held by suction. The mica now can be blown away by a jet of air which is constantly issuing from a nozzle 68, which sends the mica plate into a container (not shown).
As best shown in Figs. 10, 11 and 12, and also indicated in Fig.1, each of the'movable top plates 18 are provided at their outer ends with a roller 69, which engages with a track 70, whereby the mica blocks held on these upper plates are gauged and those which are of sufiicient thinness sorted out from the rest. The track 70 has-been shown conventionally for the sake of simplicity in the drawing. The supports therefor (which also may support the track 97) are upright standards (only one of which is indicated at 78, Fig. 1) and may be of any suitable construction. As shown in Fig. 12, the roller 69 rides first into a depression 71, where the mica film is gauged by a mechanism to be described. If it is of suflicient thinness, it actuates a mechanism which eventually causes it to be released and to be dropped into a container G. s
If the mica is proved to be too thick by this gauge, then the roller 69 advances on the track 7 0 until it reaches a carrier 92 (as shown in Fig. 1), where the mica is deposited, to be later carried away to another splitting mechanism.
The track gauge is shown in Fig. 13, and comprises a stationary member 72 with which the plate 18 engages, and which is supported by the track support 78 (Fifigs. 1 and 13).
If the thickness of the mica is equal or less than a predetermined dimension, the gauging point 42 engages with the point 73,
i and moves the pivoted lever 74 downwardly so as to cause the cont-act'points 75 and 76 to engage and to complete the electrical circuit 77, energizing the magnets 79 and 80.
When the magnet is energized and attracts its armature 81, causing the disengagement of the latch 82 with a pivoted track section 83, then the track section drops down into the position shown by dotted lines,-and causes the roller 69 to ride upwardly upon the upper track 84, so as not to discharge the mica, as late explained. If the gauging points 42 and 73 do not engage, then the pivoted track section remains latched, as shown by the full lines in Fig. 12, forcing the roller to pass under the track 84 until it arrives at a point over a carrier (to be described) where the suction is released and the mica block is dropped on the carrier 92.
Operating in conjunction with the gauging mechanism of Fig. 12, is a valve control mechanism, as illustrated diagrammatically by Fig. 11'. As shown in Fig. 2, a valve lever 85 rides in a guide 86 to control the degree of suction on the individual splitting plates 18. As shown in Fig. 10the valve levers '85 are a part of the rotatable splitting mechanism and ride within the stationary guide 86. As shown in Fig. 11 the guide is so disposed that the valve levers 85 are raised and lowered as they advance, which in turn varies the opening of the valves 87. At the position A the valve is wide open with full suctionon the mica block. In this position the mica is split. At B and C the valve is partially closed as the mica need only be held as-it is carried forward. At D the position of the valve lever is determined by the gauging mechanism. If, as described above, the magnet 80 is energized then its armature 88 is drawn in to the dotted position causing the pivoted track lever 89 to move upwardly as shown in dotted lines. In this position the lever 85 is forced downwardly, releasing the suction entirely and permitting the split flake of mica to drop into a container.
If the mica is not sufliciently thin, then the gauge points do notcomplete the circuit- 77 and the magnet 80 is-not energized. The valve lever 85 can then pass over the track lever 89 and the suction is not broken. Hence the mica is carried to the next position E where the lever 85. is forced down, breaking the vacuum and releasing the mica which here drops on a carrier. This is one complete cycle of the operation. The valve lever 85 is kept within a range of motion by a spring 90 and a stop 91, as shown in Fig. 2. As the rotation of the ring 19, on which the splitting plates 18 are mounted, continues the above cycle of air control is repeated.
As shown in Fig. 1, several carriers are provided for automatically transferring the mica blocks from one place to another. Mica blocks which are .too thick to operate the gauge at C, are carried to position E, where they are dropped on a carrier 92 (to be later described in detail), which is located on a track 93 directly under the splitting plate at this position E. When the carrier 92 is filled with mica blocks, it is drawn forward by the chain 94 to the position of the carrier 92. At this position the carrier is elevated by chains 96 which are driven as indicated the splitting disc 16.
After the mica has been completely discharged, the carrier is automatically released and travels down 'an incline to a shifting mechanism which is shown in Fig. 14. As the carrier advances on the track 97, the weight of the carrier pushes the track sections 98 and 99 downwardly to the position shown in dotted lines, acting against the spring 100. The carrier then passes down the inclined track 101, which terminates in a charging position under another one of the splitting plates 18 which are divided into several groups. One of thesegroups comprising six plates is shown in Fig. 10.
As shown in Figs. 4, 5 and 6, the carriers 92 comprise a rectangular ,frame 102 on which three wheels 103, 104, and 105 are mounted, which hold the carrier on the guide tracks 97, 101, etc. On the cross bars 107 and 108 are mounted bearings 109 in which are sup orted shafts 110, carrying sprockets 111. ver these sprockets are mounted chains 1-12tov which are fastened rods 113. To these rods 113 are hinged a number of thin metal plates 114. As the plates 18 pass over the carrier they actuate a lever 115 which terminates with a small roller 116. As this lever is pushed downward it operates the pivoted dog 117, which advances the ratchet,
118. The mica block is deposited from the splitting plates 18 upon two of the leaves of the carrier, as shown at 119 in Fig. 6. As the plate 18 advances past the carrier, the lever 115 is pushed down causing a set of plates 114 to drop down upon the mica ready to receive another piece of mica.
As the next plate. 18, carrying a mica block comes to the position E,.it first deposits a block of mica and then strikes the lever 115 and causes the plates 114 to be advanced. When the splitting plate carries no mica at position E it rides upon the pivoted track section 83 (Fig. 12) in the dotted line position upwardly to the upper surface of a track section 84. In this raised position it does not strike the lever 115.
The first or bottom plate 114 rests on pins or studs 120 and the next pair of plates rest on the first pair, being separated by the lugs 121. IAs the chargin proceeds the angled lever 122 (Fig. 8), w ich is pivoted on the inner sleeve 122', in turn mounted on a rope or wire, slides down in a slot in the guiding tube 123, strikes the lower end of the slot, and moves back on pin 124, which thereby is disengaged from the ends of the rods 113. The pin 124 is disengaged by the lever 122 striking a stop a. When the pin 124 is disengaged the counter-balance 125 causes it to return to the top of the guide tube 123.
'As. the pin 124 reaches the bottom, it strikes a pin 153 onlever arm 154 and thereby moves the attached lever 126 down (Fig. 4) and causes this lever to engage with a lug 127 (Fig. 16) on the chain 94. This chain, as shown in Fig. 1, is constantly travelling'and hence moves the carrier to the position occupied by the carrier 92, Fig. 1.
In the discharge position of the carrier 92", pins 128 on the disc 16 strike a lever 129 on the carrier and cause a dog 130 to advance the ratchet 131 in discharging the mica blocks. Fig. 4 clearly shows the manner in which the pin 128 strikes the lever-129, this striking operation occurring until all of the mica blocks contained in the carrier have upon the disc 16. By referring to Fig. 5, it
will be seen that lever 129 projects outwardly at an angle to the carrier frame and then extends downwardly vertically to engage pins 128. In other words, the upper portion of the lever carrying the dog 130 is positioned' over the disc 16 when the carrier is brought into such position with respect to the disc and in order that the lower portion of the lever 129 may engage the pins 128,, it necessarily must extend outwardly and downwardly with respect to the carrier truck frame, since the pins 128 are mounted on the periphery of the disc 16. During this operation, the carrier is held in position by means next to be described. As the two sets of sprocket chains are connected by a chain 132 and a set of reversing gears 133, the plates L 114 both fall toward the center at the top of the carrier, and fall away from the center at the bottom, thereby discharging the mlca.
As the carrier gets in the unloading position, the lever 138 mounted on the carrier- 92, (Fig. 15) strikes the pin 142 onthe lever 137, mounted on the bracket 141 which is supported in turn by the track. This causes the lever 138 to be released from the pin 143 on the vertical slide 139 which is dropped on the bent end 140 of the lever 137. The carrier is still in the unloading position over disc 16 and has not started to move along the sloping track 97. The vertical lever has simply been released for a portion of its length and is held up by the bent end 140 of the lever 137. The carrier truck is now in a position to be propelled further on its course but up to this point the slide 139 has not been in I carriage 92.
a position where it can enga e the pin 128 on the disc 16. A reference to ig. 4 will clear- 11y show the position of lever 139 at this point.
will be noted that engagement of the slide 139 on the bent end 140 stops the travel of the When the carrier truck is completely emptied the lever 126 closes a switch 134 and completes the circuit of the ma 15. When the armature 136 0 this magnet is drawn downwardly, it releases the lever 137, causing the vertical slide 139 to drop down in the path of the lugs 128, shown in Fig. 1, on the discs 16 and 17. Whenthe magnet 135 has released the lever 137 and caused the lever head 140 to disengage the slide 130, the carriage is allowed to move forward. The rotation ofthe discs v16, 17 causes the carriers to be pushed forward by the engagement therewith of lugs 128 and to run down the sloping track 97. As already described, the trucks are switched by the mechanism shown in Fig. 14 to a track 101 which the trucks descend on their way to the charging positon. As a truck comes fromthe disc on a track (omitted for the sake of clearness) .to the position 92, it may encounter one or more empty trucks waiting to be charged. As shown in Fig. 16, a descending truck 144 engages a truck 145, which is last in line, by a hooked lever 146 on the waiting truck latching with a pin 147 on the arriving truck. Each truck is provided with a separate set of latches and pins on opposite ends so that when the trucks are turned about relatively at the charge and discharge positions, these opposite sets of latches and pins may function interchangeably.
The waiting trucks are hooked together so that the removal of one truck from the loading or unloading position, automatically pulls another waiting truck into the position cleared by the loadedor unloaded truck. As shown in Fig. 16, the trucks are unhooked from each other b a cam shoe 148 on a track arm 149 past WhlCh the trucks move. The
cam surface148 pushes the lever 146 down.
with a fixed track bracket 152 bringing the carrier to a stop at the charging position. After the carrier has been fully charged and when the angled lever 122 nears the end of its travel itpushes downwardly on a pin 153 on an arm 154, Fig. 8. As this arm 154 is integral with the arm 126 it causes the pin 151 to be depressed against a spring 155, re-
leasing the truck just before the lever 126 et 135, Fig.
engages with one of the lugs 127 on the chain 94. A releasing mechamsm (not shown similar to 149 operating in conjunction wit the lever 146 is provided at the discharging position. As the empty carrier leaves the unloading position, a pin 156 on the carrier depresses lever 157 against the spring 158 and resets the lever 137. The lever 139 is reset b passing over the shoe 159 on the track 9;.
Referring again toFig. 8, the pivoted latch 151 holds the lever 126 in the down position,-as shown in Fig. 8, while the carrier advances to the position 92, as shown in Fig. 1. Just before the carrier reaches the position 92, the lower end of the latch 151 strikes a stop 151 (Fig. 1) releasing the latch from the notch in the lever 126 and allowing the spring 155 to draw the levers 126 and 154 into their original or upper position.
What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is:
1. A mica splitting machine com rising a flat holder for engaging with one ace of a block of mica, a second flat holder engaging with the opposite face of said plate, means for pivotally separating'said holders thereby splitting said plate of mica along'a cleavof mica, a plurality of flat plates adapted to engage successively with the opposite side of'said mica block, means for moving said plates in turn into engaging relation with said mica .block and away from said block, thereby carrying away one or'more of the component mica laminae from said block,
means responsive to the thickness of the residual laminae for controlling the splitting away of laminae, and'means for removing the residual laminae.
3. In a machine for splitting mica, the combination of. a rotatable disc, suction means for holding a plurality of mica blocks at spaced intervals adjacent the periphery of said disc, a rotatable ring having a plurality of hinged plates attached thereto and being arranged to cause'said plates during rotation to successively pass over said rotatable disc, means for causing said plates to engage successively with a mica block on said disc,'means for reciprocatingsaid plates to subdivide said block, and means for rotating said disc through an arc of a circle when the residue of said block remaining on the disc has been reduced to a desired dimension. 4. In a mlca sphttmg machme, a carrler for transferring mica blocks from one part of the machine to another, said carrier comprising a frame, paired sets of sprocket wheels spaced apart and mounted on said frame, chains passing over the wheels of the respective sets, a plurality of rods connecting said chains, hinged plates mounted upon said rods, means cooperatingwith said car- 'rier to cause successive pairs of said plates ers adapted to respectively engage with opposite faces of a block of mica, pivotal mounting means therefor permitting angular separation of said holders thereby splitting said mica block, automatic means for displacing the splittings laterally, and means operated by the closure of said holders for selecting splittings upon which said operation is to be repeated.
6. A mica splitting machine comprising aplurality of paired flat-surfaced jaws adapted to engage in succession with opposite surfaces of blocks of mica, mounting means therefor permitting separation of said jaws, means for separating opposite edges of one side of said aws relative'to the other, and means for transferring split parts of mica from one pair of jaws to another pair of jaws, and means for discontinuing the splitting when the mica has been reduced to a desired gauge.
7. A mica splitting machine comprising cooperating flat plates constructed and ar ranged to en age with opposite sides of a block, means for gauging splittings derived ing said plates in order to split said mica block, means for gauging splitting derived from said block while said splittings remain in engagement with said plates, and means responsive to said gauging means for releasing splittings of predetermined thinness and re-subjecting thicker splittings to one or more subsequent splitting operations.
8. A splitting machine comprising the combination of splitting mechanism, gauging means comprising cooperating electrical contacts arranged to come into engagement when a split material has been reduced to a predetermined thickness, means for carrying material above and below said thickness respectively over different routes, electrical means ener ized by the closure of said contacts for se ecting said routes, a carrier for collecting oversize splittings, and means for automatically recharging said oversize material to the splitting mechanism.
9. A mica splitting machine comprising a holderfor a block of mica, a plurality of hingedR fiat plates, means for causing said plates to successively engage with said block of mica and withdraw therefrom angularly while engaging flatwise with said b ock of mica to subdivide said block, means for gauging the thickness of the mica portion remainin on said holder, means for moving said holder out of asposition of engagement with said plates when the residual mica portion has been reduced in thickness to a predetermined dimension, and means for removing the residual mica portion from said holder. 10. An apparatus comprising reciprocating holders for engaging with a laminated material and for splitting the same by their separation into separate laminae, independent gauges operatively connected to said holders, said gauges having cooperating electrical contacts arranged to close when the thickness of said material on the respective holder has been reduced to a predetermined dimension and mechanism responsive to the closure of said contacts for separately collecting laminae within and outside of said dimension.
' 11. A'mica splitting a paratus comprising a rotatable disc, means fbr holding a plurality of mica blocks on said disc, a rotatable member carrying a plurality of plates arranged to engage successively with one of said blocks, pivotal mounting means for said plates permitting angular displacement thereof with respect to said disc, means for holding a split lamina of micaon said respective plates, means for causing engagement and angular displacement of said plates successively with the aforesaid block of mica thereby carrying away laminae thereof, means'operable by the gauge of the mica residue on said disc for discontinuing said operation and rotating said disc through an arc of a circle to present another mica block to the operation of said plates, and means for releasing split-ofl laminae from said plates.
. In testimony whereof I afiix my signature.
ARTHUR R, TINNERHOLM.
' CERTIFIGATE'OF connncrlon.
Patent No. '1, 771,943. Granted July 29; 1930, to
ARTHUR R. TINNERHOLM.
It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Page 5, line 19, after "slide,"-for the numeral "130" read 139; page 6, lines 43 and 44, claim 7, strike out the words "block, means for guaging splittings derived ing said plates in order to split said mica block and insert instead block of mica means for angularly separating said plates in order to split said mica block, and line 45, for "splitting" read splittings; and that the said Letters Patent should beread with thesecorrections therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Office.
Signed and sealed this 2nd day of September, A. D. 1930.
. M. J. Moore, (Seal) Acting Commissioner of Patenta,
US49317A 1925-08-10 1925-08-10 Machine for splitting mica Expired - Lifetime US1771943A (en)

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2419056A (en) * 1943-02-19 1947-04-15 Aerovox Corp Mica splitting process and apparatus

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2419056A (en) * 1943-02-19 1947-04-15 Aerovox Corp Mica splitting process and apparatus

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