US2013102A

US2013102A - Garment or ironing press

Info

Publication number: US2013102A
Application number: US495089A
Authority: US
Inventors: Ledbetter James Camrod
Original assignee: PROSPCRITY Co Inc
Current assignee: PROSPCRITY Co Inc; PROSPCRITY COMPANY Inc
Priority date: 1930-11-12
Filing date: 1930-11-12
Publication date: 1935-09-03
Anticipated expiration: 1952-09-03

Description

sept. 3, 193.5.4

GARMENT OR IRONING PRESS Filed Nov. 12, 1950 I 4 Sheets-Sheet l` @imgi um WwW/Ey.:

J. c. LEDBETTER 2,013,102

Sept-13, 1935- J. c. LEDBETTER 2,013,101?v GARMENT 0R IRONING PRESS Filed ov. 12, 195o 4 smetsheet 2 Sept 3, l935- J. c. LEDBl-:TTER A 2,013,102

GARMENT OR IRONING PRESS Filed Nov. l2, 1930 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 MOTOR 23 /N VENTO/f SPt 3, 1935 .1. c. -Llamada-rml? v GARMENT OR IRONING PRESS 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed NOV. K l2, 1950 si" r6 cYLmnsa 23 Y L P P U 5 m A IHR SUPPLY I [N VENTOR James famraa/ edJeZZer @VM/0V #WHA/EY;

lli

Patented Sept. 3, 1935 UNITED ATENT OFFICE GARMENT R IR@ l G PRESS Application November l2, 1930, Serial No. 495,089

14 Claims.

ing presses or other machines.

An object of the invention is to produce a garmentpress or ironing machine having a Z-hand control means, the fluid pressure motor of which receives its motive fluid thru a supply conduit which does not include a manual control valve. Hence the flow of air or other motive fluid to the motor is extremely fast by reason of not being impeded by valves or other pipe fittings, and it results that the press head closes so quickly that an operator does not have time to get his hand or hands off the control manuals and into the press jaws before the latter closes. Small size pressure lines are possible becausel of unobstructed Means for arresting or stopping the press head travel toward the buck in case an operator removes one hand too soon or before the press closes, is not needed because the press closes so quickly an operator cannot endanger his hands by trying to start the motor and then spread or smooth out a wrinkle observed at the last instant. 1 Another object is to produce an 'improved fluidpressure motor and a Z-hand control means therefor which may be adapted to ironing presses or other machines. n l

an additional object is to produce a novel safety and Z-hand control means for starting a motor, wherein the 2-hand control means includes two manuals which require the use of both hands, and in which instrumentalities are embodied to produce what may be called a positive Z-hand means to' render it impossible for either one of the manual controls to be operated in advance of the other, tied down,put out of operation or rendered incapable ofuse. In other words, it is a particular object to prevent an operator from changing thisZ-hand control over to a single hand control. in carrying out this purpose, a positive interlocking operating connection, in several different forms, is coordinated with both lthe 2-hand control manuals or buttons to preventeither manual from` being operatedr or pressed down ahead of the other, and hence the interlockingrneans preventsan operator from'beatingor overcoming.

this Z-hand control by converting it .vinto a single hand control which is sometimes done with 2hand control devices of present-day use.

`A further object of the invention is to produce 3 severaldifferent forms of positive interlocking connection means between the two manuals of the Z-hand control mechanism constituting this invention. To this end, there is shown two diierent forms of mechanically actuated interlocking posi-` tive means disposed between the Z-hand control buttons; and there is also shown a pneumatic or 5 fluid pressure operating positive connection between the two spaced manuals. In the threeforms named, it is impossible for an operator to preliminarily operate or depress one button ahead of the other. In other words, the interlocking means in one or all of its forms compels an operator to use both hands at the same time and if he attempts to do otherwise the machine or press cannot be started.

Another object in view is 'to produce improve- 15 ments in valve mechanism for` the cylinder of a fluid pressure motor, wherein iiuid pressure such as air, steam, or other motive fluid, is trapped in the cylinder of the motor at the end of the piston stroke, or at the end of travel of a pressing 2@ or ironing head, by which to maintain the piston down or to its actuated position or out stroke, by fluid pressure. This object is carried out by trapping the motive iiuid in the cylinder at the instant the motor reaches its full stroke. In this way an ironing head, for example, can be kept closedV on the work against a buck by reason of fluid pressure held in the motor; and the pressure supply line may be cut oi from 'the motor.

The views and figures in the drawings '30 In the accompanying drawings, there is first shown by way of example, a pressing machine having motor driven jaw operating means, together with a valve mechanism which closes the uid pressure intake to the motor at the time, the piston reaches its full outward power stroke, and hence the piston is held by entrapped fluid pressure. A single or a 2`hand control means of any suitable form may be used to control the 40 flow of fluid pressure to initiate the operation of f thel motor. Figures 1 thru-4 show the press and motor' means, illustrating different positions thereof. i f i l v v The drawings next show,'Figures 5 thru 8, three 45 different forms of: 2hand 'control means 'of a` kind which. may be calledl positive ,and to that end includes an inter-locking means byy which neither button-,nor manual can be put out lof operation by vtying it down or dispensing with its use.. l

The accompanying drawings illustratev concrete embodiments of the invention byshowing several different examples to illustrate the principles involved. The views are largely diagrammatic in form and it is well' understood that structural changes may be made if desired in adopting the invention and these diagrammatic views to the commercial form of machine.

6 Figure 1 shows a Side view of the ironing press in open position with its press head up and the motor retracted to normal inactive position and the operator has released the motor control means, which appears in the form of either a l single or one-hand push button in side view but in fact may be a 2-hand type of control, although a single hand control can be used. Plan view Figure 5 later discussed, is a further showing of the valve and handle control in side elevation of l5 Figure 1.

Figures 2, 3 and 4 illustrate longitudinal sectional views of the motor means wherein different positions of the movable parts are shown for a better understanding of the mode of operation. Figure 2 shows the motor at rest in open-press position prior to admitting fluid pressure theretoy Figure 3 shows the piston starting on its power or out stroke and shows the position of the pres,- sure inlet valve during the piston travel and 2:5 before the inlet valve is closed to trap the pressure in the cylinder.

Figure 4 shows the motor at rest and under pressure and shows the positionv of the piston and inlet valve at. the time the power stroke is completed, whereupon the inlet valve was retracted to this cut-01T closed-press position to trap and hold fluid pressure in the cylinder.

Figures 5 thru 8 show several examples of positive 2-hand controls, any of which may be employed in connection with the motor means shown in the views above discussed.

. Figure 5 shows a plan view of a 2-hand control having a mechanical inter-locking means between two spaced manuals for operating two .mwvalves in series in a single uid pressure or air t line. Ordinarily two control devices, either v alves or switches in series, are subject to msuse or` mis-operation, in that they can be overcome or beat by tying one down or putting it 'out of commission, but the spaced button con-.-

trol means shown in Figure 5 prevents' that from being carried out where two valves or two switches are in series. The operation and principle are the samefor two electric switches in 5@ series as for two valves in series. A side view of "this construction is laid out on the press in Figure 1.

Figure 6 shows another form of positive and inter-locking 2-hand control means, and it is of `the mechanical type requiring the simultaneous use of two hands to open one valve or actuate a switch in case an electric motor driven machine is employed. The mechanical 2-hand means is directly below or in front of the single Q-Avalve and its fluid pressure pipe with clearance between these two elements.

Figure 'l shows a three-valve combination 2- hand control means wherein a pneumatic coni nection is provided between the two spaced mannuals so that pressure is received from the two pipes marked air supply and admitted by the valve system to a single Apipe leading to the cylinder. The normal or inactive open-press position oi' the parts is shown in this view, i. e., the

admit air `or other Ifluid pressure to the motor means when the operator properly actuates both "two spaced valves, constituting the operating safety manuals at the same time, and hence is produced a positive 2-hand control.

Figure 8 may also be considered with the Figure 7 view just explained and shows the position of the shuttle valve in case the operator does not 5 simultaneously actuate the two spaced manuals, and it is seen that the pipe to the cylinder is closed by reason thereof. Hence the motor will not start. I

The press and motm means in Figures 1 to 4 lo A description will first be given of a conventional form of garment or ironing press as shown in Figure 1, and for simplicity the invention in its several forms will be explained in connection l5 therewith, but this motor means may be used to operate other machines. A press frame I0 mounts any suitable form of head carrying or jawsw'nging member in the form of a press lever II pivoted at I2. A press head I3 is carried on the `3 front end of this jaw-swinging lever` I I, and jaw operating means connects with the rear vend 4oi.' the lever. The press head I3 coacts with the, buck I4 and hence are provided the cooperating. press jaws I3 and I4 between ,which the .work is. l5 ironed or pressed. The press jaws are usually. heated as by steam or other means.

'Ihis invention, among other things, provides.. a novel motor means which is operatively connected with the press head I3 byl any suitable. jaw operating means or connections, such as a toggle comprising links I I and I8. The lower cnd of the toggle I'I-Iii is vpivoted at. I9 on the. frame Ill andthe upper end thereof is pivoted` at 2U to the other member II of the jaw.operat. ing means. The press head I3 is therefore actuated up and down'by breaking and straightening the toggle.v This toggle I '1 -I8 and press lever II is a mere example of suitable jaw operating. means or motion transmitting means intercon-` nected between one of the press jaws I3 and a prime mover such as 9, motor 23. y

This invention provides motor means 23 for .flexing or straightening the toggle II-I8 rearwardly toward straightened position for closing i the press and producing jaw compression. Fluid. pressure iiows from a feed or supply pipe 24 and motive fluid is admitted .to' the. front end of the motor 23 thru a conduit, 41 for actuating a pis-` ton 28 toward closed-press position. Ordinarilnw;n weight or spring means 25 may be included as a part of the jaw operating means and returns thepress head and motor to open or. starting position. In other words, the illustrated embodi, ment simply shows motor means 23 for closing 53,. the press and spring or other4 suitable means 25' for opening the press. f

In the example of construction shown, the motor cylinder 23 is adapted to oscillateon the frame Ill in order to follow the movement-of thel 00,.. differential length toggle links Hand 4I8 andto that end a cylinder pivot 2'I is fixed on diametriJ cally opposite sides. of the cylinders and jour- -nalled in the frame I0. In Figure V1- there isI shown a cylinder pivot 21 on the near side and a similar pivot is mounted .diametrically oppo-c site thereto. In this way the cylinder 23 is sup-,z ported by the'two pivots 2l 4and is adapted to oscillate freely in the frame .Il about the horizontal axis 21 during the back and forth stroke 701; of the motor piston 28. i .i

As already mentioned, the fluid pressure motor. means comprises a ycylinder 23-, an d thepizton 28 is attached to the front end of .a -piston rod4 3l, the rear endof whichis pivotaliy yconnected 751-.

at 32 with the toggle |1|8. Inlet valve means is provided for controlling the admission and exhaust of iiuid pressure to and from the motor 23 and the illustrated example of the invention shows a valve case or housing 33 carried on or integral with the cylinder 23. This valve housing 33 is made with a valve or. cylindrical bore 34 communicating with a motive fluid or air inlet passage 35 extending from the cylinder bore 34 into the front end of the motor means or cylinder 23.

A slide or piston inlet valve plunger 38 operates in the bore 34 to alternately open and close the inlet passage 35 to admit and exhaust motive fluid, such as air, steam or otherwise, to the motor means 23 to drive the piston 28 rearwardly on its out stroke, hold it there for a time, and then release it. The piston-type inlet valve or plunger valve 38 reciprocates in the valve bore 34 and is fixed on a valve rod or stem 39 which projects outwardly from each end of the valve bore 34. The front end of this valve stem 39 projects against the upper end of a lever or bell crank means 40 pivoted at 31 on the press frarne or cylinder, while the rear end of the valve stem 39 terminates in a slide yoke or guideway 4|conflned on a motor actuated driver or cross head pin 42. It is clear, therefore, that this valve 38 is lunder the combined control of the press attendant or operator and the motor means itself, and is engaged by the cross head or pin 4I at the end of the piston stroke as noted in Figure 4.

An exhaust port 48 is formed in the valve housing 33 to vent the valve bore 34 to atmosphere to open the press and this exhaust port is somewhat forward of the upper end of the motor intake fluid passage 35. To the rear of. passage 35 is formed an intake port to which is connected the direct pressure intake conduit 41, a flexible tube 41 being used to accommodate the slight tilting motion of the motor. Still further to the rear is provided another port to which a pipe or flexible tube 48 is connected and pipe 48 has a manually controlled valve, either a single hand or double hand valve ycontrol means. It is noted, therefore, that an arrangement of triple ports is provided in the valve housing 33 including an exhaustport 46 lwhich is normally open when the press is opened as in Figure 2, a direct air feed intake port for pipe 41 which is closed by the plunger or piston valve 38 when the press is both open and closed as in Figures 2 and 4, and finally a port for a manually controlled valve equipped pipe 48 normally open at all times. The two

separate feed pipes

41 and 48 are connected to the main feed pipe 24 which is connected With a source of motive fluid. 'Air pressure enters lthe valve bore 34 thru both

pipes

41 and 48 and from the main air line 24 but under different conditions.

The air pipe 48 branches off from the main feed line 24, Figure 1, passes thru a valve housing or housings 50 and 5|, Figure 5, and then Aconnects to the inlet valve bore 34 at the rear end which is never covered by the slide valve 38. The two valves 50 and 5I are in series in the pipe line 4,8 and are placed between the main feed pipe 24 and the valve bore 34 and may be identi- 'cal in construction. A series valve 2-hand control is easily beaten as the saying goes simply because it. is a, simple matter to tie or plug down one valve 50 or 5l and then use the remaining valveas a one hand control. 'Ihat objection is :overcome with the construction shown in Fig- `kind in the valve housing 50 and 5 l.

ure 5 and other views. The valves 58 and 5| are spring and fluid pressure closed or seated and hence the air cannot normally flow thru the branchpipe 48 to the cylinder 23. A stem 55 projects forwardly from each series valve housing 5l) and 5l and has its outer exposed end mounted in alignment with a button or hand control as shown in Figure 5 so that a valve head 56 can be displaced off its seat as hereinafter explained to admit pressure to the motor means.

To open the press by the return pull of the spring 25, the exhaust port 46 must be opened to vent the motor 23. This is accomplished by depressing a kick-off or exhaust pedal 52 operatively connected to the bell crank or other suitable means 40 heretofore described. Thus the intake valve 38 is reset from closed-press position in Figure 4 back to open-press position in Figure 2 which opens the passage 35 to the exhaust port 46 and at same time closes the direct feed pressure pipe 24-41. The non-straightened toggle |1-I8 gives or breaks back to its openpress position by pull of spring 25 and the press head I3 opens.

The two-hand control in Figures 1 and 5 With further reference toy Figure 5 showing the valve controlled pipe 48 already mentioned, it is noted that the two valves 53 and 5l are included in series in this pipe 48, and that each valve has a stem 55 carrying a valve head 56 of the usual Valve heads 56 are spring and pressure closed and both valves 58 and 5I remain normally closed to prevent the ow of air `or other motive fluid pressure thru pipe 48 unless both valves 50 and 5l are simultaneously opened. Ordinarily two valves 50 and 5i in series in a conduit 48 does not vprovide a positive Z-hand control of the kind which cannot be beaten, defeated or overcome by an ingenious operator as by opening and tying down or by plugging down one valve to hold it open, but in the present invention means are provided to prevent a shop foreman or press operator from acccmplishing that purpose and the same will now be described.

The Z-hand manuals shown in Figure 5 are disposed in front of the two air valves 50 and 5i for the purpose of requiring a pressv operator to use both hands and include means to positively prevent the operator 'from tying down one of the manuals by which to convert a 2-hand series valve arrangement into a one hand control. A pair of spaced stationary abutment members in the form of housings o r guide tubes 58 are secured to the frame l0 or attached t0 the press table, or otherwise held. in spaced and clearance position in front of the two valves 55 and 5i, as shown iny Figures l and 5. A plunger 55 is slidably mounted in each tube `58 and has a press button 53 on 'the outer end thereof.

The two press buttons 53 are spaced apart and conveniently located to the operator and he must use both hands in order to press both buttons 5ml.l

The inner end of each plunger 53 is made with a reduced stem 5i which is aligned with the stem 55 of each valve 55 and 5l. Each plunger 55 is spring pressed outwardly by a spring 52. The

springs 82 maintain both plungers 59 and their' buttons 55 in outwardly normal open-press position and hence both stems 6i are free of or do not engage the two valve stems 55. Adequate clearance exists between the button stems 5l and valve stems 55 to allow all parts to remain in normal spring pressed position.

Each plunger 59 is made with a slot 64. Each guide tube 58 is made with a slot 65. g The four

slots

64 and 65 are disposed in a com/mon plane. A connecting link 66 is pivoted at its ends on pins 61 anchored in the slotted plungers 55. In other words, the connecting link 66 is freely pivoted on pins 61 and is free to move in the

slots

64 and 65. Each end of the link 66 carries a projecting finger or feeler having a wcdging end 68 lying within each slot 64 and withlimited clearance barely provided between the feeler wedges 68 and the inner wall of the housing 58. The assembly of

parts

66 and 59 provides a simple 3-part combination all of which are relatively movable with each other, but which are required to be simultaneously moved by the buttons in order to open both valves 50 and 5|.

By pressing both buttons 60 at the same time, it is seen that the two spaced feelers or Wedging fingers 68 are not displaced out of their slots 64, and hence do not hinder the free movement of the plungers 59. On the other hand, should either button 66 be depressed ahead of the other, itfollows that one en-d of the link 66 would lag behind the other, thereby pivotally projecting one of the ngers 68 outwardly from the slot 64 and thereby wedging said nger 68 against the inner wall of the stationary guide tube 58. This Wedging action prevents the other or companion button 60 from being further depressed and hence one or the other of the valves 56 and 5| is not opened. Only by pressing both buttons 6|) at the same time, is it possible to project both 2-hand button stems 6| toward both valve stems 55 to simultaneously open both valves 50 and 5| to permit air to flow through the pipe 48 to any point of use, for example, to the cylinder 23 of the pressing machine from a source of supply, say

.pipe 24.

'Ihe instrumentalities shown in Figure 5 provide a simple means of including two valves 50 and 5| in series in an air line and yet defeat an operator from doing what is ordinarily called beating a. 2-hand control arrangement. Should he press only one button 60, then only one valve 50 or 5| is opened. If he tries to press the other button, the wedge 68 anchors that button against movement and hence the corresponding valve cannot be opened because the stationary housing or tube 58 abuts or impinges the feeler wedge 68. 'I'he same is true of the improved 2-hand means shown in Figure. 6 as will later be explained. Other examples of this invention for accomplishing the same purpose will now be described. The principle of the invention is susceptible to many forms of construction, wherein may be employed electrical, mechanical and pneumatic means.

Eatplanation of the mode of operation of the press With further reference to Figure 1, it is desired to point out that the-press jaw I3 is actuated by long-throw non-straightening or non-locking operating connections, or motion transmitting means |1|8 interconnected between the prime mover 23 and said press head. -In this way a Wide opening jaw action is attained because f the arrangement of toggle and lever means, and there is no latchng or locking of parts under stress or pressure. The toggle is4 non-locking or non-straightening in form and manner of operation because it is desired that the press head be held down resiliently by yieldable fluid pressure.

The knee or toggle joint 32 preferably does no reach a straight line or over straightened anc locked position as is so frequently the case in thi type of operating connections where toggles an employed.

Well dened advantages are derived in holding the press head closed Iby resilient and yieldable uid pressure, as above explained, by nonlocking and long-throw parts. Should the thickness of the goods or work to be pressed vary anc it usually does, the machine compresses the worli substantially equally under all conditions, i. e. the jaw compression in pounds is the same foi thick and thin work alike. For thick work between the jaws, the toggle knee 32 does noi travel out quite so far as for thin work and hence automatic and self-regulation of uniform pressure is the result. This desired end is not true of the latch or lock down press heads or overstraightened toggle.

Again the latch down and/ or overstraightened operating connections so frequently used produce a jarring vibration and disagreeable reaction when the press is opened which produces a noisy operating machine and results in wear and tear. Not so with the smooth, easy and quiet motor-driven operating connections which push on the head by motor pressure. By holding the press closed by motor or fluid pressure, the release or opening of the press is easy and quiet because there is no jarring reaction or vibration. The dotted outline in Figure 1 shows the position of the non-straightening toggle |'|-|8 when the press jaws are closed and it is observed that the toggle is not locked in a straight line or passed dead center or over-straightened position. Hence the press will easily and quietly open without the ordinary noisy toggle breaking action.

Further reference is made to the straight or direct pressure conduit 24-41 which connects directly with the bore 34 of the inlet valve 38 and which is not fitted with hand operated or 2hand control valves of any kind. When the press head is up, the air flow thru this feed pipe is cut oif because the piston or plunger valve 38 is at rest across and over the port for pipe 24-41, the pipe 24 coming from an air compressor or steam supply, the conduit 41 being a flexible connection to allow the cylinder 23 to tilt on its axis 21 if required. True enough, the direct feed pipe 24--41 is cut off and opened up by the inlet valve means 38, but this valve is opened at high speed once pressure is admitted behind it thru pipe 48 and there is no delay in its opening movement as might occur if the inlet valve 38 was opened by a direct manual control means of some form to be actuated by an operator.

'I'he direct pressure feed pipe 24-41 transmits pressure at high velocity from a source of supply to the motor 23 and the result is that the press head closes with high velocity, so much so that the press is safe for the operator because he does not have time to get his hands off of the buttons 60 of the by-pass or indirect pressure line 48 and into the press jaws for a last instant smoothing or laying action of the work. An operator working by the piece will so frequently do this at his own peril. His press being a little slow, an operator tries to save time by finishing the lay after the head starts toward the buck.

yHe cannot do so with the machine being described because the jaw action is practically instantaneous. A

Once a little pressure or motive fluid passes the valve controlled pipe 48 intothe rear end of the 7 inlet valve bore 34, the plunger valve 38 is instantly thrown forward and the direct straightiiow pipe 21V-4T is directly connected with the large inlet passage leading to the motor means. The press head closing motion which follows is practically instantaneous, or so nearly so, that an operator cannot get his hand from button 60 to the buck I4 before the head has closed. The press is high speed and an operator learns to perfect the lay of his work before starting the motor means 23.

The pressure in the pipe 48 is dissipated through the bearing in the valve casing 33 for the rod 39 so that air will not pocket therein and impel the valve 38 to the left in Figure 2 after the press has opened. It is practically impossible to keep such a bearing absolutely tight andthisprovides an exhaust for the air pocketed in the pipe 48. The leakage through this bearing when the motor means is under heavy pressure is not sufficient to be of any concern.

Of the two ports in valve housing 33 for indirect supply line 38 and the direct pressure line lli, it is noted that the one for pipe 38 is aways open. The exhaust port i6 is closed only during the power or out stroke of the motor, and the direct feed line lll port is automatically closed by the motor driven across head pin 32 at the time the piston 23 reaches the end of its out stroke. 'Ihe single slide valve 38 controls the two ports, exhaust 36 and direct intake 3l, while a one-hand or two-hand control governs the now of pressure thru pipe 38 and the port therefore leading into valve bore 33 for setting the valve plunger 38 to closed-press position.

The course of the pipe or tubing 38 is readily traced by reference to both Figures l and 5. The cylinder 23 does not get its closing charge of pressure from pipe 38 thru the one, two, or more valves 5D and 5| in Figures 1 and 5, or the single valve in Figure 6. The charge of pressure to close the press is thru the open direct and unrestricted pipe 23. The auxiliary or by-pass pipe line 33 merely sends a shot of air to the valve' bore 35 to displace the inlet valve 38 to instantly open up the direct pressure pipe 23 to the cylinder 23.

In some pressing machines, it may be desirable to employ one of the operators hands with another function, and consequently a one-hand or single hand control in pipe 38 would be needed'.

`In that case, a single valve is ttcd in the by-pass Press held closed byv pressure trapped in cylinder It is to be noted that the outstroke of the motor 723-23 rcloses off the flow of direct pressurefrom feed line ill and also closes the passage 35. Hence ,air or other motive fluid vpressure is ytrapped in the motor means 23 to holdthe press head` I3 closed on the buck llby motorpressure. The pressure feed line 2lilli is cut off and no longerdelivers pressure `to the motor means.

Nevertheless' the motor means remains under pressure and holds` its outstroke position` because of the entrapped fluid pressure in the cylinder and` hence holds4 the press head down against the buck by reason of the cushion of fluid pressure entrapped in the cylinder. The air or uid pressure cushion in the` cylinder, entrapped therein by the valve plunger 38 over the passage 35, provides a yielding thrust or cushioned force, to produce a soft and yieldable jaw compression to nish the work between the head and buck.

After the valve 38 closes off further ingress of air pressure from direct feed pipe 4l to the cylinder 23, it follows that the pressure cushion in the cylinder is resiliently yieldable and gives or yields under jaw compression so the work being treated is suitably compressed by a yielding force. In this invention the motor means is not maintained open to the pressure feed line 23 during the pressing operation and hence the work benefits by a somewhat different character of suitably impressed and gradually yieldable cushioned compression.

The remote control connections in Figures 1 to 4 A description of the remote or tandem control hook-up between two jointly operated presses will now be described before 'taking up a discussion of the two alternate or modified constructions of 2-hand controls shown in Figures 6 and 7.

It is frequently desirable to arrange two ironing presses for use by one vattendant or operator. The work is speeded up and larger production results, especially with remote control or so-called tandem control, whereby the closing action of one press automatically opens the other. The two presses are placed side by side or the tables of the presses are abutted at an angle so that the operator stands at or works between the two machines. He lays a shirt, or other Work to be ironed, on the buck I3, depresses the buttons 63 and closes the press; and if the remote control means provided on each motor 23 is connected up, the other press automatically starts its opening motion. Hence by the time the operator turns to the other press it is open and the heat has partially dissipated from between the open press Jaws.

f When a single machine is in use and not connected with a companion press for joint and remote control, a cut-off valve l'l) attached to the cylinder23, is closed as represented in Figures l and 2. This valve lll is connected with the cylinder` 23 toward the out stroke end thereof; and after the piston 23 passes the valve l'il, pressure from passage 35 flows into this valve lll it is open and thence thru tube or pipe li. The air pressure admitted into tube 'lll is conveyed to another press, of the same or equivalent construction as herein disclosed, and its employed at the other .press to open it. i i

The pressvherein disclosed and the other press in question both have a kick-oir or press-opening servo-motor means in the form of a cylinder 'l2 containing a piston I3 attached to a piston rod orplunger lll which engages the top edge of the kick-,off pedal 52 for depressing it in the same Way as n operator would use this pedal. `The pipe rll on the'press in' Figurel l is designedv to connect vith pipe H0 yon the'other machine located ve y close to "this machine. In fact the pipe 'lill on this machine is identicalV with the same equipment on the other machine. Hence this description is carried ou't'onl ythe one view and is 'readily understood.

-fThe t o pipes 'H `and 'lill are connected so that pressure flows from the pressclosing cylinder 23 of one press to the press opening cylinder 'l2 of the other press. Therefore, when the operator, standing at one machine, depresses the two buttons 60 and starts the piston 28 toward the rear end of the cylinder, it follows that pressure enters tube 1| as soon as the piston is well onv its way, and said pressure travels to the kickoi cylinder 12Q on the other or the remote press to force plunger 14 down against pedal 52 the same way an operator would Wo-rk it if he was there to do so. Downward movement of pedal 52 swings arm 48 to the right and resets inlet valve means 38-39 from Figure 4 closed-press position to Figure 2 open-press position, whereupon cylinder 28 is exhausted to atmosphere and the press opens by the spring 25. The operator simply depresses the remote kick-off pedal 52 by a shot of air thru line 1I and 1H) initiated from the near press or the one which he is closing. Consequently the other press is open by the time he reaches it to remove the ironed work and spread new work on the buck thereof.

It is noted that the kick-oil plunger and piston 18-14 are still down in Figure 1 where the press head is up but as soon as the buttons 88 are depressed to direct pressure into valve bore 34 behind valve 38, the front end of valve stem 88 will act to lift pedal 52 and consequently restore the kick-oil piston 13 to up position ready for the next downward stroke to take place to open its press when the other press is closed.

The two-hdmi control in Figure 6 This view or figure in the drawings illustrates two separated elements with suitable operating clearance space therebetween so that a pair of button means are operatively free and normally form of construction in accordance with the principles of this invention and is in reality a combination mechanical and iluid-pressure control, in that a valve or a switch means is actuated by two positive 2-hand buttons or manuals. This control means is adapted for use on presses or -may be employed for controlling other motor driven machines.

The motive power supply line is shown for example as a conduit 15 and includes any suitable form o'f valve means consisting of a housing 18 and a valve stem 11 projecting therefrom. 'I'he line 15 may as well be an electric transmission line or power circuit from a source of power supply and leading to a point of use, and the cut-ofi means 18 is diagrammatically represented as a valve or electrical switch housing while the plunger element 11 extends from the switch or valve housing 18. The 2-hand means will now be described for actuating `the plunger element 11 for opening and closing the power line 15 thru the medium of the controller device 18.

A frame or abutment panel 181s made with spaced slide bearings 18 togtherwith a central bo* carrying a similar slide bearing 88. This pa Ael and its apertures or bearings supports a simple and positive 2-hand operating device-to actuate the means 11 to operate the control device 18 for opening and closing the line 18, which starts and stops the flow of motive force'i'romv a power source to a place of consumption as shownby the arrows.

A yoke means `is carried in the panel bearings 18 and consists of parallel button plungers 8i having abutton 82 on the outer ends thereof.

The button plungers 8| are connected by an inside cross link or lengthwise member 88. The lengthwise inter-connecting link 88 is behind the panel 18 and affords a neat compact construction. Theyoke means connecting link 88 between the two button plungers 8| is mounted in alignment with the movable means 11 of the controller device 18.

A resiliently mounted return plunger 88 is slidably retained in the central bearing 88, projects through the. panel 18 and is fitted with a spring 85 compressed between a flange 88 and boss 88. 'I'he spring expands and holds the plunger 84 normally outward from the panel 18. A cap 81 is placed over the spring 8l and operating parts to give a iinished appearance. The plunger 84 has an enlarged head 88 normally resting against the inner side of the panel 18 and this head acts as a stop against the panel to limit the outward movement of the plunger 88.

The plunger head 88 is made with an aperture 88 thru which the yoke or lengthwise member 83 is loosely or operatively mounted. The yoke 83 is pivoted within opening 88 on a pin 88 ilxed in the head 88. Hence the yoke and 2-hand plunger means 8I-88 is swingably carried on the return plunger 84-88. A spring or other suitable means 9| is fixed to the head 88 and bears on the yoke 88 to equalize and center the latter in the spaced bearing 18 and this equalized action is accomplished by the spring 8| impressing an even force on each side of the pivot 88 by which the two button plungers 8l are lined up in parallel relation with the axis of the two slide bearings 19. A leaf spring 8l anchored at its center to the return and guide plunger performs well the objects in view with its arms resiliently outstretched bearing against the yoke.

Inasmuch as the spring 8l holds the two button plungers 8| in straight relation or parallel to the axis of bearings 18, itl follows that both buttons 82 may be easily pressed towad the panel 18 to engage the 2-hand plunger meanst82-88 against the controller 18-11 to open the line 18 and allow a motive iluid or other form of energy to be transmitted to any suitable motor means. The plunger head 88 easily moves toward the member A 11 ifvboth buttons 82 are pressed at the same time.

However, should the operator depress only one button 82, it follows that both button plungers 8| wedge by a crosswise movement in the two abutment or panel bearings 18 and neither button can then be depressed to overcome the spring 88 to move the head 88 towards controller 1118. Only by simultaneously depressing both buttons 82, or by pressing them in unison, can an operator eiect forward movement of the head 88 toactuate the controller device 18. This 2-hand control is positive in action and cannot be overcome or beaten inasmuch as onev button means 8|-82 cannot be depressed ahead ci the other. It follows, therefore, that the operator cannot tie one button 82 down and then control the stop and starting means 18 with the other hand.

The two-hand control in Figures 7 and s 7 and`8 show a third form of 2-hand control.

The construction presented in Figures7 and 8 is adapted for use in controlling fluid-pressure operated motor means for driving presses and the like. Figure 'l shows the normal position of the 2-hand control butttons and a centralized statically and pressure balanced valve means 94 when air or fluid pressure is-not flowing through the control means as when the press is open or otherwise not in use, While Figure 8 shows the decentralized or unbalanced position of the normally balanced valve means 94 when an operator tries to start the motor means by pressing one button 99 only. This improvement provides a positive 2-hand and pneumatically actuated control means. In other words, it is entirely pneumatic and does not include mechanically operated means interconnected between the 2hand control buttons as shown in the other two forms of the invention.

A motor feed conduit or pipe line 93 is adapted to be connected with the motor means or other apparatus to be actuated by fluid pressure. It

- may be assumed that this motor feed line 93 is valve casing 94, to contain shuttle valve means |0||02 is connected to the feed line 93. The motor feed line 93 preferably connects at the center of the valve housing 94. An annular port 93i is formed in and around the shuttle valve housing 94 by which to connect the motor feed pipe 93 therewith. This port 93a is normally maintained open at all times by the inside valve means |0'|-I02 later described except when an operator tries to start the motor means by depressing only one control button 99, and if he does the port 938L is instantly closed and pressure cannot ow from pipe or pipes 95 to motor feed line port 93a and hence to conduit 93.

An air supply pipe 95 connects with a port 92 at each end of the shutttle valve housing 94 and supplies pressure to the shuttle valve means 94 and the pressure is adapted to ow through the motor feed line 93 to the'place of consumption or use. The intake port 92 is provided at each end of the statically balanced shuttle valve means 94 for connecting the latter with the two supply pipes 95. One or the other of these two ports 92 is positively closed should an operator depress only one button and the subsequent opening of the other button will not correct the mis-opera- 'I'heoperator will tion to start the motor means. have to begin al1 over again by depressing both buttons at one andthe same time, i. e. in unison.

A valve housing 96 is included in each supply line 95. 'I'he two valves 96 may be of any approved and similar construction and includes a normally-seated or closed valve head 91 carried on a stem 96 with a safety button 99 on the outer end of the valve stem 98. The two valves 96 may as well be duplicates of each other, and they are spaced apart a suitable distance to compel the operator to use both hands and simultaneous- 1y open both valves 96 by simultaneously depressing both buttons 99 so that motive fluid will uniformly ow from both supply pipes 95 to the f be connected together back of thel two hand valves 96 and then a single pipe line run to the com'- pressed air storage tank, a steam boiler, or to an air compressor, to take oif fluid pressure andv transmit the same through the two valves 96 when both are opened. It is not deemed necessary to y" show the source of pressure supply or the one pipe line leading therefrom to the two pipes 95. Suflice it to say that the two pressure lines 95 are connected in multiple to t-he one motor feed line 93, together with a triple control valve means 94, 96 and 96 for admitting pressure to the pipe 93. i

Means are provided in the valve housing 94 for compelling the `operator to simultaneously open both safety valves 96 by requiring an operator to simultaneously depress both operating buttons 99, else pressure does not reach the motor feed line 93. This means consists of a wholly pneumatic pressure operated device to close one or the other of the feed ports 92 which positively cuts oi the pressure from that line should the operator be late or subsequently depress the other button 99. The operation is such that either one or the other port 92 will be automatically closed in case an operator only depresses one button 99 and followed by the uncovering of or opening of an exhaust or vent port |00 to atmosphere through which all that pressure, which passes the one opened valve 96, is wasted to atmosphere and hence said pressure does not reach and flow through said pipe 93 to the motor.

A simple form of statically balanced valve means is slidably retained in the shuttle valve.

housing 94 for carrying out this purpose. If

equal pressure is received into the valve means 94 through the two spaced ports 92 by virtue of the operator having opened both hand valves 96 at the same time, then the pressure reaches port 93a and flows through pipe 93 to the motor means, but should pressure be received from only one pipe 95, the port 93a is closed and hence pressure cannot flow through it, the other pipe 95 has its port 92 closed, and the waste or vent port |00 is opened to atmosphere.

vIn carrying out the foregoing, I provide two spaced shuttle valve sleeves |0| slidably conned in the housing 94 and normally resting in a balanced stationaryposition between and not covering either of the two feed ports 92. A spring |06 is interposed between each end of the housing 94 and the end of each piston valve |0| to normally hold the shuttle valve |0||02 in central position so that ports |03 and 93a are in registry. On the other hand 'this shuttle .valve IDI-|02 normally covers over both of the waste or vent exhaust ports |00 leading to atmosphere as shown in Figure 7, and this is tiue of the position of vthe shuttle valve when both hand valves 96 are either opened or closed because equal pressure from both feed-lines 95 will not displace the shuttle valve |0| from i-ts normal position. Now note Figure 8 which shows the position of the shuttle valve i0 ||02 in the event an operator depresses only one bu-tton 99, and it is clear that theshuttle valve plunger means |0 ||02 has lost its balance and diverts the pressure supply from that one feed pipe 95 which is open to the vent port |00 and hence to atmosphere.

The shuttle valve is composed of the two cylindrical piston-like plugs or plunger sleeves |0'| spaced apart on either side.of .the motor feed line-port 93a and joined together by a sleeve |02 which leaves an internal open space or passage inside the sleeve |02 and between the pistons |0|. This sleeve |02 has a port or ports |03 which normally register with the annular port 93n so that pressure flows freely from the inside of the sleeve |02 and out through port |03, the port 93a and hence to the motor feed pipe 93 and on to the point of use. A poppet valve, comprising a head |01 and a stem |08, is carried in each piston |0| of the shuttle valve. A spring |09 is confined between the two poppet valve members |01 to keep them normally seated in and against the valve openings or passages through each part |0|, except when pressure normally flows equally from the two feed links and as it should and then both valve heads |01 unseat or open toward each other to completely open a passageway through the shuttle valve means 94 from the two supply pipes 95 to the one motor feed pipe 94.

The shuttle valve sleeve |02 has the several or two oppositely disposed ports |03 as shown and the annular port 93a preferably extends around the housing 94 so that if the shuttle valve means |0||02 should rotate wi-thin the housing 94, the ports |03 thereof will always register with the annular port 93 and hence convey pressure to the motor feed pipe 93. The circular or annular port 93 conveys pressure from the sleeve ports |03 to the motor feed pipe no matter what rotated position the plunger valve |0||02 may assume in relation -to the stationary valve housing 94, so long as the balanced position of the the shuttle valve is not disturbed by missuse or by wrongfully depressing only one valve button 99 of the 2-hand control means.

Referring further to the poppet valve means |01-|08 within the shuttle valve means 94, it is to be understood tha-t both poppet valves |01 open by depressing the spring |09 under fluid pressure received from both supply lines 95 by virtue of the two buttons 99 being properly and simultaneously pressed as they should be. Fluid pressure then flows from both pipes 95 past each open poppet valve head |01 and thence thru aligned ports |03 and 93a to feed pipe 93, and during this normal operation the shuttle valve means IDI-|02 itself remains stationary because equal pressure from both pipes 95 against the two equal size ends of the piston sleeves |0|, will not disturb the balanced condition ,of the shuttle valve |0|-|02 movably disposed between the two compression springs |06. Hence the two poppet valves |01 will pop open and equal pressure then flows through each hollow plunger sleeve |0| toward pipe 93.

Should the operator depress only one button,

` say the left-hand button 99 shown in Figure '1,

then the pressure flowing through left-hand pipe 95 forces against the left-hand sleeve plunger |0| and instantly displaces the shuttle valve means |0||02 toward the right to assume the position shown in Figure 8. The left-hand vent port |00 is therefore opened with the result that the pressure flowing from left-hand pipe 95 is wasted out through the left port |00 with an escaping singing sound which is a tell-tale indication that the operator is misusing the double hand control. Should he hold his hand down on left button 99 and then press right button 99, it follows that no pressure will iiow through righthand pipe 95 because the right port 92 is positively closed by the shuttle valve |0||02 as shown in Figure 8. In this situation, the operator must release both buttons to permit all parts to return to normal posi-tion,v whereupon he must start again by simultaneously depressing both buttons 99 in order that air pressure may flow in the intended manner from both pipes 95 to the single pipe 93. It is quite impossible for an operator to tie down or misoperate this 2-hand control means and hence it is safe.

This invention fills a want for positive unbeatable 2-hand control means for controlling various motor drive machinery and speeds up production without danger.

What is claimed is:

1. A garment or ironing press comprising, coacting press jaws, a fluid-pressure motor having a piston, an opera-ting connection between the motor piston and one jaw to operate the jaw by movement of the piston, a pressure-feed line connected to the motor, a normally-closed motorstarting valve means in the feed line and handle means to open the valve means to admit pressure to the motor to close the press, a normallyclosed cut-off valve in the feed line between the motor and the normally-closed motor-starting valve means and opening upon operation of the motor-starting valve to admit fluid pressure to the motor when the handle means is actuated; a lost-motion operating connection provided between the piston and the cut-off valve, said lostmotion operating connection idling and ineffective to close the cut-off valve during the pressclosing stroke, but operatively eiective when the press jaws close to close the cut-off valve to trap fluid pressure in the motor to hold the press closed by motor pressure, and means Ito exhaust the fluid from the motor.

2. A garment or ironing press comprising, coacting press jaws, fluid-pressure motor means connected to one jaw to operate the same. a valve chamber on the motor comprising a valve cylinder provided with a fluid-pressure passage leading into the motor, an exhaust port in the valve cylinder on one side of the passage, two intake pressure-feed lines connected to the valve cylinder on the other side of the passage, a piston-type valve slidably mounted in the valve cylinder covering one of the intake feed line connections and leaving the other intake feed line connection always uncovered, two-hand controlled valve means normally closing the last named intake line whereby pressure admitted past the two-hand controlled valve means is first applied against the piston-type valve to force it toward the other end of the valve cylinder to close the exhaust port and open the passage to the motor to start the latter, the other intake line being an open and direct line between a source of pressure supply and the valve cylinder and connected to the valve cylinder between the passage leading to the motor and the line fitted with the two-hand controlled valve means, whereby this last named direct line also opens into the motor upon actuation of the piston-type valve to feed pressure thereto to continue the press closing movement; and means to reverse the movement of the pistontype valve when the press closes to shut the passage to the motor,'to cut off the exhaust port from the motor means, to close the direct line, and to trap pressure in the motor to hold the jaw in operated position.

3. A garment or ironing press comprising, coacting press jaws including a head and buck, llaw operating means connected to the head including a uid pressure motor to operate the jaw and means to return the jaw to initial position, an inlet valve including a valve housing having a valve bore with a passage leading from the bore to motor, an exhaust port connecting the valve bore to atmospheraa plunger valve slidably confined in the valve bore to open and close the passage and open and close the exhaust port, a pressure feed pipe connected to the bore to admit pressure against the plunger valve to operate the latter to close the exhaust, a control valve in the pressure feed pipe to admit pressure thru said pipe tothe valve bore to operate the plunger valve as aforesaid, a direct pressure feed line connected to the valve bore and normally closed by the plunger valve when the press is open but adapted to deliver pressure directly to the motor after the plunger valve is operated to open the direct pressure feed line, and means to return the plunger valve to normal open-press position to exhaust the motor out thru the passage and the exhaust port.

4.- A garment or ironing press comprising, coacting press jaws including a head and buck, jaw operating means connected to the head including a fluid pressure motor to operate the jaw and means to return the jaw to initial position, an inl-et valve including a valve housing having a valve bore with a passage leading from the bore to motor, an exhaust port connecting the valve bore to atmosphere, a plunger valve slidably conned in the valve bore to open and close the passage and open and close the exhaust port, a pressure feed pipe connected to the bore to admit pressure against the plunger valve to operate the latter to close the exhaust, a control valve in the pressure feed pipe to admit pressure thru said pipe to the valve bore to operate the plunger valve as aforesaid, a direct pressure feed line connected to the valve bore and normally closed by the plunger valve when the press is open but adapted to deliver pressure directly to the motor after the plunger valve is operated to open the direct pressure feed line, a stem slidably projecting from each end of the valve bore and xed to the plunger valve, means cooperating with one end of the stem to actuate the plunger valve to close the direct pressure feed pipe and open the exhaust port to the motor to open the press, and means operatively connecting the other end of the stem to the jaw operating means whereby upon nal closing movement of the press head, the plunger is reset to close the direct pressure feed line and trap the fluid pressure in the cylinder to hold the jaw in operated position by fluid pressure.

5. A garment or ironing press comprising, coacting press jaws, a fluid pressure motor operatively connected to one jaw to operate the same, a normally-closed inlet valve and pressure feed line connected to the motor, control means to open the inlet valve and admit pressure to the motor automatically closing the press, and means to close the inlet valve to trap pressure in the cylinder upon a predetermined extent of movement of the press to hold the press yieldingly closed by said trapped pressure.

6. A garment or ironing press comprising, coacting press jaws, operating means including a fluid motor connected to one jaw to operate the same, valve means correlated with the motor and including a housing provided with an exhaust port, -adirect pressure feed line connected with the housing, anfindirect feed line connected with the housing, an intake passage from the housing into the motor, and a plunger slidably mounted in the housing and normally closing the direct pressure feed line and opening the intake passage to the exhaust port for normal open-press position, control valve means in the indirect feed line to admit pressure to the housing to move the plunger over the exhaust port and connect the intake passage with the direct pressure feed line to admit motive fluid to the motor from the latter line to actuate the motor and close the press, means operated at the end of the press closing motion to move the plunger back over the intake passage to entrap pressure in the motor to hold the jaw closed by the pressure cushion therein yieldable against the work compressed between the jaws and to move the plunger over the direct lintake line to stop the flow of motive fluid to the motor, and means to shift the plunger off of the intake passage and to connect said intake passage with the exhaust port to open the press.

7. A garment or ironing press comprising, coacting press jaws, operating means including a fluid motor connected to one jaw to operate the same, pressure supply means to admit fluid prassure to the motor, means to trap the pressure in the motor to hold the jaw in operated position, and remotely controlled means on the press including mechanism to exhaust the pressure from the motor, and a pressurefeed tube interconnected between the motor of another press, and the remotely controlled means by which movement of the motor of the remote press directs pressure thru the tube to the remotely controlled means to open the press.

8. A garment or ironing press comprising, coacting press jaws, operating means including a fluid motor connected to one jaw to operate the same, pressure supply means to admit fluid pres-4 sure to the motor, remotely controlled means on the press including mechanism to exhaust the pressure from the motor, and a pressure feed tube interconnected between the motor of another press and the remotely controlled means by which movement of the motor on the other press directs pressure thru the tube to the remotely controlled means to open the press.

9. A garment or ironing press comprising, coacting press jaws, operating means including a fluid motor connected to one jaw to operate the same, a pressure supply conduit and inlet valve connected with the motor including an exhaust port, a remote control pressure line connected with the motor and including a valve which is left closed when the press is used alone, a pedal means operatively related with'the inlet valve by which an operator actuates said inlet valve to o open the exhaust to vent the motor, and a kickoff motor means operatively associated with the pedal and adapted to be connected with the remote control pressure line of the motor of another press and the valve adapted to be open by which pressure is received from the motor of one press to the kick-olf motor means of the other press.

)10. A garment or ironing press, adapted for remote control connections so it may be opened by closing action of another press of the same form, and comprising coacting press jaws, a fluid pressure motor operatively connected to one -jaw to operate the same, said motor being provided with an exhaust port normally open when the press is open, an inlet valve and a pressure feed line connected to the motor, control means to open the inlet valve and close the exhaust port and admit pressure to the motor, a port in the motor adapted to be uncovered after the motor is operated and through which pressure is discharged,

a hand valve in the port adapted to be closed.

the inlet valve by which an operator may shift the latter and vent the motor through the exhaust port to allow the motor to return to starting position, and a servo motor operatively connected with the pedal means and having a pressure line adapted for connection with the hand valve aforesaid carried by the motor of another press to receive pressure from the motor of said other press if its hand valve is open by which the pedal is actuated to open the press.

11. A garment or ironing press comprising, coacting press jaws adapted to open and close upon the work, motor means operatively connected with one of the jaws to operate the same, a normally-closed motor-starting valve means connectedlwith the motor means, a fluid connection between the motor-starting valve means and the motor means, a normally-closed valve in the connection which is opened upon operation of the motor-starting valve meansl to admit fluid to the motor means, means operative upon a predetermined extent of movement of the motor means to close the normally-closed valve to trap uid pressure in the motor means, and means to exhaust the fluid from the motor means.

12. A garment or ironing press comprising, coacting press jaws adapted to open and close on the Work, motor means operatively connected with one of the jaws to operate the same, a normally-closed motor-starting valve means connected with the motor means, a fluid connection between the motor-starting valve means and the motor means, a pressure-operated and normallyclosed valve in the connection which is opened by fluid pressure upon operation of the motor-starting Valve means to admit fluid to the motor means, means operative upon a predetermined extent of movement of the motor means to close the normally-closed valve to trap fluid pressure in the motor means, and means to exhaust the uld from the motor means.

13. A garment or ironing press comprising, coacting press jaws adapted to open and close on the work, motor means operatively connected with one of the jaws to operate the same, a normally-closed motor-starting valve means connected with the motor means, a fluid connection between the motor-starting valve means and the motor means, a normally-open exhaust connected with the motor means, a valve in the connection normally closing the same and operable to open the connection and close the exhaust upon actuation of the motor-starting valve, means operative upon a predetermined extent of movement of the motor means to close the normally-closed valve and retain the exhaust closed to trap fluid in the motor means, and means to exhaust the fluid from the motor means.

14. A garment or ironing press comprising, coacting press jaws adapted to open and close upon the work, motor means operatively connected with one of the jaws to operate the same, a normally-closed motor-starting valve means connected with the motor moans, a fluid connection between the motor-starting valve means and the motor means, a normally-open exhaust conlnected with the motor means, a pressure-operated and normally-closed valve in the connection and operable to open the connection and close the exhaust upon actuation of the motor-starting valve, means operative upon a predetermined extent of movement of the motor means to close the normally-closed valve and retain the exhaust closed to trap fluid in the motor means, and means to exhaust the uid from the motor means.

JAMES CAMROD LEDBETTER.