US2226966A

US2226966A - Means for manufacturing bricks and the like

Info

Publication number: US2226966A
Application number: US261321A
Authority: US
Inventors: Francis J Cannon
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1939-03-11
Filing date: 1939-03-11
Publication date: 1940-12-31
Anticipated expiration: 1957-12-31

Description

Deg. 31, 1940..

F. .1. CANNON 2,226,966

MEANS FOR MANUFACTURING BRICKS AND THE LIKE 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 11, .1939

Dec. 31, 1940. F. J. cANNoN 2,226,966

MEANS FOR MANUFACTURING BRICKS AND THE LIKE Filed March 11, 1939 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 gimme/r1104; fiulzcis' JUan 72 0 72 Dec. 31, 1940.

F. J. CANNON MEANS FOR MANUFACTURING BRICKS AND THE LIKE Filed March 11, 1939 5 Sheets-Sheet I) Zarznorz Patented Dec. 31, 1940 UNITED STATES MEANS FOR MANUFACTURING BRICKS AND THE LIKE Francis J Cannon, Highland, N. Y.

Application March 11, 1939, Serial No. 261,321

. 10 Claims.

This invention relates to the manufacture of bricks and kindred building blocks, and it is an object of the invention to provide means whereby bricks or blocks can be produced in large numbers in a relatively short period of time and with a minimum of labor.

It is also an object of the invention to provide means for producing bricks or kindred building blocks from a cementitious material wherein a predetermined amount of such material is placed Within a vehicle body and after which a brick or block molding apparatus is placed from above upon such material within the body, said molding apparatus being so con structed and arranged to provide means for removing the molded bricks or blocks from the vehicle body and delivering the same to a desired location for curing.

A particular object of the invention is to provide means for manufacturing bricks and kindred building blocks in quantities and in a manner whereby is eliminated the necessity of manual handling of the bricks or blocks or the material from which said bricks or blocks are molded.

Another object of the invention is to provide a means for manufacturing bricks or the like including a vehicle to initially receive a predetermined amount of the material to be molded together with a molding apparatus to be placed upon the vehicle body above the material therein and wherein means are provided for forcing from below the material within the vehicle body within the mold.

The invention consists in the details of construction and in the combination and arrangement of the several parts of my improved means for manufacturing bricks and the like whereby certain important advantages are attained and the device rendered simpler, less expensive and otherwise more convenient and advantageous for use, as will be hereinafter more fully set forth.

The novel features of my invention will hereinafter be definitely claimed.

In order that my invention may be the better understood, I will now proceed to describe the same with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein- Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view in top plan illustrating a plan or means for manufacturing brick and kindred building blocks constructed in accordance with an embodiment of my invention;

Figure 2 is an enlarged fragmentary view in top plan of the vehicle body as herein comprised together with the molding apparatus in position for placement upon the vehicle body;

Figure 3 is a View in end elevation of the assembly as illustrated in Figure 1, the overhead track and carriage riding thereon being omitted;

Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken substantially on the line 4-4 of Figure 2 with the molding apparatus in applied position upon the vehicle body;

Figure 5 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken substantially on the line 5--5 of Figure 2 with certain of the parts in end elevation;

Figure 6 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional View taken substantially on the line 66 of Figure 2; v

Figure 7 is a detailed sectional view taken sub-' stantially on the line l'i of Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a diagrammatic View in side elevation of a material feeding hopper and associated mixer;

Figure 9 is a diagrammatic View in top plan of the means as herein disclosed for'operating the locking means for holding the molding apparatus upon the vehicle body;

Figure 10 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view illustrating a molded block as formed by the present embodiment of the invention, the molding apparatus being omitted;

Figure 11 is a transverse sectional view taken through Figure 10;

Figure 12 is a view in perspective of the brick or block constructed by the embodiment of my invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

As disclosed in the accompanying drawings, T denotes an endless trackway disposed as preferred and which has a straight portion I of de sired length which underlies a suitably supported overhead trackway 2 leading to suitable localities whereby the molded bricks or blocks may be deposited for curing, as will hereinafter be more particularly referred to.

The trackway T extends beneath a suitably positioned hopper H of desired capacity and in which is discharged from the mixer M the material to be molded. This material is cementitious to the desired ratio of sand and cement and which material has an amount of water mixed therewith to make the mixture sufficiently damp to hold together under very light pressure. The

hopper H and mixer M in their details of construction form no particular part of the present invention and, therefore, a detailed description and illustration thereof are believed to be unnecessary other than to point out, that the mixer M has depending therefrom a gauge blade for a purpose to be hereinafter more particularly referred to.

Travelling on the trackway T is a car C which, as herein disclosed, comprises the elongated side sills 3 resting from above upon and suitably secured to the transversely disposed axles 4 positioned fore and aft of the car. carry the conventional flanged wheels 5 which ride upon the rails of the trackway. At predetermined points spaced along the sills 3 are the transversely disposed beams 6 to the extremities of which are welded or otherwise securely anchored the upstanding bracket arms I. These arms I are riveted, as at a, or otherwise. securely fixed to the outer side walls 8 the extremities of which have interposed therebetweenand suitably secured thereto the end walls 9; edges of these

walls

8 and 9 areflush and are also preferably of metal and have their inner faces highly polished.

Welded or otherwise securely anchored to the central portions of the. side sills 3 and bridging the space therebetween is an underslung table or platform It]. This table to provides a mounting for the centrally arranged upstanding hydraulic jack A. The plunger I of this jack moves in a Vertical direction and the upper end portion thereof carries a relatively large head plate I 2 which underlies and is rigidly secured by welding or otherwise to the bottom plate M for the body of the car C as provided by the

walls

8 and 9. The upper surface of this bottom plate i4 is also highly polished and said plate is of such dimensions as to snugly fit within the area defined by the

walls

8 and 9. Each of the upper marginal portions of the plate I4 is formed therealong with a rabbet i5 in which is fitted gaskets N5 of felt or other desired material for close contact with the inner face of the

adjacent wall

8 or 9. This is to prevent slippage of the material during the molding operation out between the bottom plate l4 and the

adjacent walls

8 and 9.

The jack A is of any preferred type and, as herein disclosed, has associated therewith a pump l1 the piston iii of which is actuated by the pitman l9. This pitman I9 is operatively engaged with a crank 28 carried by the inner end portion of a shaft 2|. As herein disclosed this shaft 2! has one end portion rotatably supported,

as at 22, by the outer housing or shell 23 of the jack A with the opposite end portion of the shaft 2! rotatably supported by the bearing 24 mounted upon one of the sills 3. This shaft 2| is of a length to extend outwardly beyond one of the side walls 8 and said outer end portion carries a hand wheel 25 whereby the shaft 2| can be readily rotated when desired to effect an upward movement of the plunger II.

The pump I? also comprises the conventional release valve 26 which is. operated by a rock shaft 21 extending laterally and outwardly through one of the side sills 3 and terminating in an operating lever 28. When it is desired to allow the plunger H or jack A with its load to drop, it is only necessary that the required turning movement be given to the shaft 21 as is well known in connection with hydraulic jacks.

A position of the bottom plate M with respect to the upper edges of the

walls

8 and 9 determines the depth of the cementitious material as deposited within the car body from the hopper H. For example,'if it is desired to make a four inch brick the car body must be filled for a depth of approximately six and one-quarter These axles 4 The upper inches with the mixed cementitious material. This depth, of course, is to be varied in accordance with the size of the brick or block to be produced.

This depth of the material within the car body is measured from the upper face of the bottom plate I4 and the upper edges of the

walls

8 and 9. The gauge 1) associated with the hopper H as hereinbefore referred to is so placed as to ride on the upper edges of

thesewalls

8 and 9 as the car C passes under the hopper, thus assuring the top of the mixture within the car body being properly smoothed off.

The desired position ofthe bottom plate M is had by proper manipulation of the jack A and in order to readily determine the position of the bottom plate I4 within the car body, the bottom plate H3 at a side marginal portion thereof is provided with a depending arm 29 of desired length and the lower end portion of this arm carries a laterally extended index or pointer 33. This index or pointer 38 cooperates with the graduations 3! provided on the outer face of a vertically disposed gauge strip 32 herein disclosed as suitably secured to a side sill 3. It is to be stated that if desired these graduations may have associated therewith suitable numerals whereby it can be readily determined when the bottom plate I4 is raised or lowered in accordance with the desired initial depth of the mixed material as deposited within the car body from the hopper.

When it is desired to produce bricks or blocks of a hollow type, such as illustrated in Figure 12 of the drawings, a plate 33 is placed over the plate l4 and suitably carried by this plate 33 are the upstanding cores 3d. The plate 33 and cores 34 are preferably of metal and the upper face of the plate 33 and the outer surfaces of the cores 39 leading from a suitable source of oil with the discharge of the oil from the nozzle being under control of the valve Ml. As the car C passes under the nozzle 39 the top face of the bottom plate It together with the inner faces of. the

walls

8 and 9 are provided with a coating of oil as will also be the upper .face of the plate 33 and the outer surfaces of the cores 34 when used. This spraying of oil is done to minimize the tendency of the cemen'titious material after being molded to stick to such surfaces.

Travelling on the overhead track 2 is a conventional carriage 0 from which depends a conventional chain hoist B which is adapted to be detachably hooked, as at 38, to the central portion of a girder .r of desired length. The opposite end portions of this girder :c carry the transversely disposed beams y equi-distantly extending as desired beyond opposite sides of the girder .r. The outer ends of the beams y are provided with the depending hook members M with which are engaged the upper end portions of the coil springs 42 of desired tension. The lower end portions of these springs 42 are hooked or otherwise connected to the upper end portions of the upstanding hanger plates 43 riveted orotherwi-se securely fastened to theend portions of the side members 44 of the frame F. The frame F is adapted to rest from aboveupon the

side walls

8 and 9 of the car body,'

Welded or otherwise rigidly secured to the outer face of each of the plates 43 is -a vertically disposed elongatedtubular member 45 open at its lower end and with said lower end substantially flush with the lower margin of a side member 44 of the frame F. Slidably and snugly engaged within the member 45 is an elongated tubular locking bolt 46 adapted to be extended below the lower end of the member 45 within a keeper -41: riveted or otherwise secured to the outer face of aside member 8 when, of course, the frame F has been lowered to rest upon the walls or

members

8 or 9 of the car body. This bolt 46 is normally maintained with its lower end extended or projected beyond the lower end of the member 45 by an expansible member 48 interposed between the closed end 49 of the member 46 and the top closed end of the member 45. Suitably secured to and depending from the top closed end of the member 45 are'the elongated rods '5l) of desired length and which are freely disposed through the closed end 49 of the bolt '46. The lower ends of these rods 50 are provided with the enlargements or heads 5! which have contact from below with the closed end 49 of the bolt 45 whereby is limited the extent of outward movement of the bolt 46 with respect to the member 45. V

Pivotally supported within the bolt 45 by opposed walls thereof is a rock shaft 52 shown in end elevation in Figure 4. This shaft 52 has a central squared portion 53 providing a key for the rock arm 54 extending laterally of the bolt 46 and also for the upper end portion of a swinging latch arm 54. The lower end portion of this arm 54 is provided with an outwardly and laterally directed lug 55, the lower face 56 of which is downwardly and inwardly beveled while the upper face 51 of said lug is substantially at right angles to v the arm 54. This lug is of a length to extend out through the opening 5] in the inner Wall of the lower portion of the bolt 46 in order to engage within a keeper pocket 58 formed in the adjacent wall of the keeper 4! to provide means for locking the frame F in position upon the car body. The lower end of the arm 54 or that extremity carrying the lug 55 is constantly urged outwardly by the leaf spring 59 interposed between the lower end portion of the arm 54 and an adjacent wall of the bolt 46.

Freely extending through the upper closed end of the member 45 and the upper closed end 49 of the bolt .46 is an elongated rod Bil the lower end portion of which is operatively connected, as at 6 I, to the rock arm- 54. Upon upward movement of the rod 66 the arm 54 will be swung inwardly to bring the lug 55 entirely within the bolt 46 to allow removal of the frame F or to offer no interference to the application .of the frame F with respect to the car body. 5

As the frame F is lowered to rest upon the members or

walls

8 and 9 of the car body, the lower projected portion of each of the bolts 46 will enter a keeper 4'! and after such placement of the frame F each of the rods 68 is moved downwardly a distance sufficient to allow the associated lug 55 to enter a keeper pocket 58. As herein disclosed, the operative connection between the rock arm 54 and the lower or inserted end of the rod 65 comouter or free end portion of the rock arm 54 and which is directed through a longitudinally disposed slot 63 provided in an arm 64 pivotally connected, as at 65, to the lower or inserted end of the rod 60.

The expansible member 48 hereinbefore referred to is herein disclosed as comprising a coil spring surrounding the portion of the rod between the closed end of the member 45 and the closed end '49 of the bolt 46.

To facilitate the locking and unlocking of the frame 'F with the car body, it is of importance that means be provided to operate all of the rods 60 in unison. As herein disclosed, there is mounted upon the upper closed end ofeach of the members 45 a housing 66 thru which the rod 60 is freely directed and the lower end of this housing 66 is formed to provide a thrust bearing!" for a bevel-gear 68 threaded upon the rod 60. p

A pair of transversely aligned miter gears '68 at each end of the frame mesh with the miter gears 65 carried by a transversely disposed shaft 70. Each end portion of a shaft 10 is disposed within a housing 66 and rotatably supported by'a wall thereof. Each of the gears 68 at one side of the frame F also has in mesh therewith the miter gears H carried by the shafts 12. These shafts T2 were longitudinal alignment and extend in-' wardly' one toward the other and their opposed end portions carry the mitergears 13 which mesh with the interposed miter gear M. r The miter gear '14 is adapted to be rotated by a hand wheel and in accordance with the direction of rotation of the gear 14 the several rods 6E3 will be caused to move in unison and in the same direction. The gears "13 and 14 are also positioned within a suitable housing 16 carried, as at Tl, by a platform 18 extending transversely of the frame F at its longitudinal center and at a desiredspoint thereabove.

Thg'housin'g 16 together with the housing GE-at the same side of the frame F provide mountings.

member '44 of the frame F. Each of these end plates .l'9 is of such dimensionsas to position theplatform 18 at a desired height above the frame F..

prises a laterally directed pin 62 carried by the' Mounted upon the platform 18 at substantially 18. The extremity ofthe shaft a2 carries a hand The pump 8 I wheel 84 for rotating the shaft 82. also has associated therewith a release shaft 85 having its outer end provided with an operating crank'85'.

Mounted upon the upper end of the plunger 89 is a plate 86of desired dimensions and resting upon this plate 86 and directly above the plunger 81! is an elongated I beam 81. The plate 86 is welded; or otherm'se secured to the plunger 8i! while the beam 81 is welded or otherwise secured to the plate.

Depending from the opposite end portion of the beam 81 are the posts :88 welded or otherwisese cured thereto and these posts 88 have their lower ends welded or otherwise rigidly secured to the central portions of the transversely disposed anv beams 89 which equi-distantly extend beyond the opposite sides of the beam 81. Thesebeams 89 overlie and are welded or otherwise rigidly se-- cured to a series of parallel beams 99 equi-distantly spaced apart and which beams 99 are directed lengthwise of the the frame F and are substantially co-extensive in length therewith. Securely fastened to the under surface of each of the beams 99 and equi-distantly spaced therealong are the depending plungers 9I each of which has its lower portion slidably disposed through an upstanding bearing and guide sleeve 92 mounted upon the plate 93 disposed transversely of the frame F and having each end portion resting upon the upper edge of a side member or wall 44 of the frame.

The interior of the frame is divided by the longitudinal plates 94 and the transverse plates 95 into a plurality of molding chambers 96 of 20 desired dimensions and in which a brick or block 91 is produced. There is a plunger 9| for each chamber 96 and said plunger extends therein through the plate 93 as is particularly illustrated in Figure 4 of the drawings. The inserted end portion of this plunger 9I carries a piston or head 98 which snugly engages within its chamber 96. Each side face of this piston or head 98, as herein disclosed, is provided therealong with a groove or chamber 99 in which is seated a gasket I99 of felt or other desired material whereby close contact is assured with the inner faces of the walls of the molding chamber 96.

To further assure the proper mounting of each of the beams 89 the brace rods "II are provided. These brace rods I9I are welded or otherwise securely fastened to the end portions of the beams 99 and extend upwardly and inwardly and rigidly secured to an end portion of the beam 81.

The thickness of the brick or block 91 to be molded within a chamber 96 is dependent upon the position of the head or plunger 98 therein and by raising or lowering the beam 91 under control of the hydraulic jack D the desired adjustment of such head or piston 98 may be readily accomplished. In order that the position of the head or piston 98 within its chamber 96 may be readily determined, the plate 86 has depending therefrom a gauge strip I92 provided on its outer face with the graduations I 93. These graduations can be readily read in connection with the upper edge of the casing or shell I94 of the jack D and thus readily disclose the position of the head or plunger 98 within the chamber 96. It is believed to be obviousthat as the beam 81 rises or lowers the heads 99 in all of the chambers 96 will be similarly adjusted.

As disclosed in the present embodiment of my invention the plate 86 has adjustably secured to diagonal corners thereof the elongated dependthe cylinder I 96.

Before the frame F and the parts carried thereby are broughtinto position to be lowered upon the car body, said frame F is caused to pass beneath the spray pipe II9 whereby oil may be applied thereon or more particularly the inner surfaces of the chambers 96.

After the frame F has been applied upon the car body, the lower edges of the plates 94 and 95' will be flush with the top edges of the

walls

8 and 9 of the car body and as the bottom plate I4 is forced upwardly by the jack A, said material will be effectively compressed within the chambers 96.

The bottom plate I4, or the plate 33 when used, is raised tight against the lower margins of the

plates

94 and 95. At this time it is to be stated that it is very important that the material as initially placed within the car body be loose and at proper depth to assure at least fifteen tons pressure just as the bottom plate I4 or plate 33 contacts the lower edges of the

plates

94 and 95. To make a four inch brick the car body should be filled to approximately six and one-quarter inches deep.

After the material has been pressed within the chambers 96 the rod 21 is operated to release the jack A and the hand wheel 15 operated to swing each of the lugs 55 into release position and to raise each bolt 46 until the lower end thereof is preferably substantially flush with the bottom edge of the adjacent side member 44 of the frame F. The chain hoist B is then operated to raise the frame F with its molded brick or block and said frame with its load is transported by the carriage and trackway 2 to a suitable point of delivery whereupon the frame F is dropped tothe desired receiving surface which may be a floor or a tier of previously delivered blocks or bricks. In the event the bolt 46 does not raise, as hereinbefore stated, to bring the lower end thereof substantially flush with the bottom edge of the adjacent side member 44, the spring 48 will permit such bolt 46 to move inwardly upon contact of the projected end of said bolt with the floor or other obstruction. The jack D prevents the springs I99 ejecting the blocks during the movement of the frame F to the storage room. After the frame F has been lowered at the point of delivery or storage, the rod 85 is operated to release the jack D where-' upon the springs I99 hold the molded bricks or blocks to the storage surface as the frame F is initially raised through the medium of the chain hoist B. When the frame F has been raised a distance approximately one-half the thickness of a brick or block the springs I99 will become ineffective. The frame F with the assembled

plates

94 and 95 is then entirely raised above the molded green bricks or blocks and returned for a succeeding mounting upon a car body.

The heavy pressure on the bricks or blocks while being molded within the chambers 96 together with the recesses III is the only thing that keeps the blocks or bricks within the chambers 96 when the frame is being raised from a car and transported to the point of delivery. It is also to be stated that it takes about fifty pounds pressure per brick to start them out.

It is believed to be obvious that While the frame F is being transported to the point of delivery the car C is moved around the trackway I to again be filled as desired.

While in the accompanying drawings I show but a single car C it is to be stated that any number desired may be used.

The jacks A and D are preferably of a high speed type.

The recesses III are to make the walls of the forms rough or if porous or sanded steel is used these recesses can be eliminated. It is to be stated that with the use of the recesses I1 I when the. forms :are next,yusedmtherecesses1.|.l,l will fill up with cement and set hard, holding the bricks or blocks from falling out.

.Itris very important-thatnot too much pressure be imposed onthe green bricks or blocks and it is also essential that the pistons 98 go downjust farxenoughto clear the bottom of the mold chambers 96 one-thirty-second of an inch and left in that'position until passing through thewoil spray.-, The inside faces of the chambers 96 are not'polished...

The spring I09 ,in each, of the cylinders I06 constitutes a starting spring. Within the lower portion ofthe. cylinder. I06 is, a sliding head H2 swivelled, to the inserted end of a shank H3 threadingup through the platform 18. Interposed between this head H2 and the piston Ill! is a coil spring H4 of a tension to reduce, pressure on, the. bricks or blocks to not more than four or five pounds when the bricks. or blocks are about half way out of their chambers.

.It is'also to bestated that as the car C passes under the spray line139 the valve 40 will be automatically opened, and as the car passes'beyond said spray line 39 said valve 40 will close. It is also preferred that the spray line H0 be automatically opened as the frame F andthe parts carried thereby pass thereunder and that said spray line be closed as such frame passes therebeyond.

From the foregoing description it is thought to be obvious that a means for manufacturing brick or the like constructed in accordance with my invention is particularly Well adapted for use by reason of the convenience and facility with which it may be assembled and operated, and it will also be obvious that my invention is susceptible of some change and modification without departing from the principles and spirit thereof and for this reason I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to the precise arrangement and formation of the several parts herein shown in carrying out my invention in practice except as hereinafter claimed.

I claim:

1. Means for manufacturing bricks or the like comprising a portable body having a Vertically movable bottom, means for forcing said bottom upwardly, said body being adapted to contain the material to be formed into bricks or the like, a frame, means for raising and lowering the frame, said frame when lowered being adapted to rest upon the portable body, releasable means for locking the frame to the body, said frame being divided into a plurality of molding chambers, the upward movement of the bottom of the portable body lifting the material within the body and. compressing the same within the molding chambers of the frame.

2. Means for manufacturing bricks or the like comprising a portable body having a vertically movable bottom, means for forcing said bottom upwardly, said body being adapted to contain the material to be formed into bricks or the like, a frame, means for raising and lowering the frame, said frame when lowered being adapted to rest upon the portable body, releasable means for locking the frame to the body, said frame being divided into a plurality of molding chambers, the. upward movement of the bottom of the portable body lifting the material within the body and compressing the same within the molding chambers of the frame, and means for indicating the position of the bottom within the body when thebottorn is in lowered position to frame, said frame when lowered being adapted to.rest upon the portable body, releasable means.

for locking the frame to the body, said frame being divided into .a plurality of molding chambers, the;upwardfmovementof the bottom of the portable body lifting the material within the body and compressing the same within the molding chambers of the frame, and an overhead carriage from which the frame is suspended.

4. Means for manufacturing bricks and the like comprising a portable body having avertically movable bottom, said body being adapted,

to receive the material to'be molded into bricks or the like, a portable frame, means for raising and lowering said frame, said frame when lowered being adapted to rest upon the portable bodyor upon adelivery surface, means for looking the frame to the body, means for dividing the frame into a plurality of molding chambers, pistons within. said molding chambers, means for moving said pistons in unison and in the same direction, and means for lifting the bottom of the body with the material thereon to compress said material within the molding chambers.

5. Means for manufacturing bricks and the like comprising a portable body havinga vertically movable bottom, said body being adapted to receive the material to'be molded into bricks or the like,,a portable frame, means for raising and. lowering said frame, said frame when lowered being adapted to restrupon the portable body or upon a delivery surface, means for locking the frame to the body, means dividing the frame into a plurality of molding chambers, pistons within said molding chambers, means for moving said pistons in unison and in the same, direction, means for lifting the bottom of the body with the material thereon to compress said material within the molding chambers, and means for resisting the movement of the molded bricks upwardly with the frame upon in tial raising of the frame from the delivery surface.

6. Means for manufacturing bricks and the like comprising a body having a vertically movable bottom, said body being adapted to receive the material to be molded, a frame, means for placing the frame upon the body or removing the same therefrom, said frame being provided with a plurality of molding chambers, means for look.- ing the frame to the body, and. means for lifting the bottom of the body with the material thereon to compress such material within the molding chambers.

'7. Means for manufacturing bricks and the like comprising a body having a vertically movable bottom, said body being adapted to receive the material to be molded, a frame, means for placing the frame upon thebody or removing the same therefrom, said frame being provided with a plurality of molding chambers, means for locking the frame to the body, means for lifting the bottom of the body with the material thereon to compress such material within the molding chambers, the means for locking the frameto the body comprising keepers mounted upon the body, slidable tubular bolts carried by the frame, means for normally maintaining. portions of the bolts projected below the frame to engage the keepers of the body, latches within the bolts for holding engagement with the keepers when the extended portions of the bolts are within the keepers, and means for moving the latches in unison into release position.

8. Means for manufacturing bricks and the like comprising a portable body having a vertically movable bottom, means for lifting said bottom, a portable frame, means for raising and lowering said frame, said frame being adapted to rest upon the body from above, said frame being provided with a plurality of molding chambers, and means for connecting the frame to the body to resist the stress imposed thereon when the bottom is raised to compress the material within the molding chambers.

9. Means for manufacturing bricks and the like comprising a body having a vertically movable bottom, means for raising said bottom, an elongated beam, a portable hanger for said beam including means for raising and lowering the beam, a frame, resilient means for supporting said frame from the end portions of the beam, said frame "being provided with a plurality of molding chambers, said frame being adapted to rest upon the body, and means for locking the frame to the body to resist stress thereon when the bottom of the body i's raised toicomprss'the "material withinthe body within the molding chambers of the frameL i 10. Means for manufacturing bricks and the like comprising a body having a Vertically movraising or lowering the beam to adjust the po-;

.sition of the pistons within'the molding chambers and for holding the pistons in selected adjustment, and additional means interposed between -the platform and thebeam for effecting a partial projection of the bricks within the molding chambers upon upward movement of the frame when the-means for adjusting and holding the pistons is ineffective.

FRANCIS J. CANNON.