US2296364A - Apparatus for the manufacture of pottery ware - Google Patents

Description

Sept. 22,1942. w. JQM ILLER 2,

v APPARATUS, FOR" THE MANUFACTURE OF POTTERY WARE,

Filed June 11, 1958 INVENTOR. v MAL/AM JN/L AER,

and operating cam therefor. i C

Patented Sept. '22, 1.942

APPARATUS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF POTTERY WARE William J. Miller,"Swissvale, Pa.

Application June 11; 19381, Serial No. 213,239

7 ohms. (or. 25-22) 'This invention relates to apparatus for the manufacture of potteryware. It has to do with improvements in apparatus for applying fluid,

for instance water,to the work incident to the operation of profiling gered potteryware,

This application is a continuation in part of in the manufacture of. jigmyco-pending application, Serial No. 29,886, now

Patent No, 2,148,871.

In the manufacture of jiggered p otteryware,

plastic clay is applied to absorbentmolds and profiled for-the purpose of forming and smooth--.. ing, in the case of flatware, the back and foot of the ware, and in the case of hollowware, the interior. In either case,excess clay is removed from the surface of the "work and fluid (water) is applied incident to this operation for the purpose of lubrication;

Figufi is a side elevation of an atomizing nozzle.

Figlfi'a is a view Fig. 6.-

Fig. 7 is adayout of a fluid system for use with the atomizingnozzle of Figifi. A

Fig.8 is a sectional elevation of another form of atomizing nozzle. l

Fig. 9 is a detail partly in section of a profile unit for makinghollowware with visions herein specified. l

During the profiling operationyit is necessary to apply a lubricant such as water to the surface of the ware toprevent undue drag of the profile blade on the clay and assist in polishing the surface ofthe ware atthe termination of the The present improvements will enable thereliable and accurate application of fluid in the exact amount required to the proper zones and at the proper ins'tant for such classes of round, jiggered potteryware as cups, saucers, plates, bowls, etc, My invention comprehends improvements in fluid applying and control means enabling variation of the lubrication in the respects hereinbefore enumerated to thereby obtain the most eflicient and the desired setting and operation in accordance with the requirements of any one class of ware being'made.

The objects of the invention are? to provide for the predetermined, selective, reliable and uniform application of fluid in accordance with the requirements of the ware undergoing fabrication; to conserve fluid and avoid promiscuous application, to improve the quality of the ware and avoid-rough backs, tool marks and slurrying and to provide for controlled lubrication in the manufacture of ware of the class described.

The present improvements may, if desired, be

of manufacturing in succession .wars of the same.

or different type, size and form.

profiling operation. The application of thiswater has a considerable bearing on the quality of the ware produced. The quantity of water applied, the time of application, duration of application, the location and angle of impact and the number of applications are extremely important in this connection.

In Fig. 1,.left hand side, is shown afluid ap-j plication nozzle 23ja which may be of any suitable type suchas forinstance that shown at Fig. 2, 6 or 8,\vhich wouldnormally besuspended sources under controlrof valves la, lb, [0 and Id A respectively, each beinginterposed' in a fluid line which communicates with the pipe 23m, Any one or all of these valves may be cam operated so as to operate insequence or inany timing order desired. In each line is disposed globe valves Fig. 1 is a diagrammaticillustration of a fluid applyingsystem and controls therefor employ- V inga single or a multiple of outlets; v A

Fig. 2 is a sectional elevation of a non-drip fluid applying instrumentality.

Fig. 3 is an elevation of a control.

Fig. 4 is a section taken onthe line l4 of Fig. 5 is a plan view of the controlof Fig. 3

Mn, 2311123112 and 23113 respectively," each valve being adjustableby hand to control the fluid flow into the line23mfl, Furthermore, each line isprovided with a check valve 230, 230, 2302,

and 2303 respectively to prevent back flow or As for the valves la, lb, lo and id, certain of these 'may be connected in lines supplying hot taken on the line 6a-6a of lubrication pro may be used in the treating of the clay undergoing fabrication. Also, the pressure may vary as between lines, for instance, the valve Ia may be interposed in a high pressure line and the valve Id in a low pressure line. Therefore, by closing one or more of the valves 23 2311', 23 2 or 23113, that portion of the stream controlled by that particular valve is eliminated so that an interrupted stream or a stream of less duration depending on which valves are closed is applied.

As an example of how the system would operate, say for instance in the making of large flat ware, with the machines disclosed in my copending applications, the mold with the clay blank thereon is elevated into co-operation with the profile whilst the mold is rotating at a comparatively high speed. The speed of mold rota- I and possibly ripping or an over-supply with consequent slurrying and softening of the piece is to be avoided.

Assuming that the initial cutting operation is light and therefore the lubrication requirements correspondingly reduced, the valve la can be timed to operate just before or at the time the tool first engagesthe Ware to make a moderate application but if the peak requirement comes on quickly and the need for lubricant therefor greatly increased, valve Id may be timed to cut in at the precise instant to increase the volume by the amount needed, or if the peak is gradually reached, valves Ib, lo and Id may cut in in succession to increase the flow and then be cut out as the peak passes and polishing ensues which would require less fluid if harmful slurrying is to be avoided. Inasmuch as the entire profiling operation consumes only a very small interval of time, viz: two or three seconds, it is advantageous to provide for instantaneous increases or decreases in fluid supply which may involve the use of individual high and-low pres-' sure lines rather than the control from a single line through one valve.

The lubrication requirements may also be taken care of by employing a multiple of nozzles adapted to service particular zones or portions of the ware undergoing profiling. Referring to the right hand View, Fig. 1, instead of connecting each fluid line to a main header 23m, as shown in the left hand view, each line is connected to an individual nozzle shown at a'b, 7'c, id and y'e respectively, the check valves being eliminated but the hand valves 23nd,.23n5, 23116 and 23111 remaining. These nozzles in practice would be arranged adjacent the profile and directed at the zone of the ware or blank to be supplied with lubricant, for instance if a plate, the nozzle :ib could be directed on the outer brim zone thereof, the nozzle do on the zone between the brim and the foot of the ware, the nozzle :id at the foot itself and the nozzle is at the zone inside the foot. As a precautionary measure, one of the nozzles could be used for a blanketing spray in case. the others were utilized for definite point application and their range held within narrow limits. In any event, it is the purpose to illustrate that the burden of lubrication of the ware can be distributed between several nozzles for finer control of distribution.

The flow of fluid is controlled by valves Ia, Ib, I0 and Id as in the case of the single nozzle system. Each valve would be timed to control the flow to its individual nozzle in accordance with the requirements of the zone of the ware serviced by such nozzle. Hence, all valves may be opened at the commencement of profiling operations and the flow through any one or all of the nozzles increased, decreased, interrupted or held constant. If closer control is desired, each of the nozzles :ib, 7'0, id and a'e may be connected in a system such as that shown in the left hand portion of Fig. 1. This would enable the ap-pli-- cation of fluids of various character at predetermined intervals through any one or all of the plurality of nozzles utilized or the high or low pressure jetting or fluids through any one nozzle. Fluids of various character may also be applied with the multiple nozzle system in which case the character of the fluid applied by any one nozzle could not be varied but various fluids could be applied to the ware, depending on the number of nozzles.

The arrangement shown in the right hand view of Fig. 1 is also adaptable to use in connection with multiple jiggering machines and in that case each of the nozzles 7'2), 7'0, id and a'e would be associated with an individual profiling station. In the event flat ware was being made in line I, then the valve 7'!) would be timed to operate in keeping with the lubrication requirements of that line, whereas, the nozzle :ie might be associated with a cup or hollow ware profile and therefore would be timed to operate in keeping with the requirements of ware of this class. Therefore, the valves Ia to Id inclusive would be individually timed and controlled although they may operate from a common actuating member on the machine.

In regard to character of the jet or stream, it is preferred that the nozzle be constructed to provide for adjustment of the stream from solid stream to finely divided spray and that the spray be adjustable from a round to a flat shape.

The nozzle shown in Fig. 2, comprises a pipe 231; having on its end an orificed cap 23q adjustable with respect to a needle valve 23r in order to vary the cross sectional area of the stream. By properly proportioning the needle contour with the orifice contour, any desired shape of stream from a solid stream to an open spray may be obtained, the former serving for definite point application, the latter for promiscuous application.

Under certain conditions, it may be desirable to retract the nozzle away from the working surface of the ware after it has applied its charge. In this connection, the casing 23s, Fig. 2, is provided with an enlarged bore 23y in which works a piston 231; secured to a hollow piston rod 230, a spring 2310 being located'between the piston and smaller part of the casing. The latter has an inlet 23a: and a bypass port 23t. A gland 232 prevents leakage around the piston rod. A lug 24 facilitates securing the nozzle to the mounting member, for instance the lead or flexible member 31. The spring 2311) serves to keep the piston normally in a position adjacent the inlet 23:: and when water is admitted through valves such as Ia, Fig. 1, and inlet 23.1., the piston rod and nozzle are forced forward uncovering the port 233i and permitting water to pass into the remain in the hollow manv, so that this st l ture functions to first project the nozzle tip to the desired position, then apply a jet of water to the ware surface, and then retract the nozzle tip away fromtlie ware preventing dripping of,

water onto the same when the device is inactive.

The valves for controlling the application of water from the nozzles shown in Fig. l are illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4. A valve casing I50 is provided with a valve body 24d secured1 by its stem l5a toa star wheel I 5bwand provided with three ports 24eand three vents 24f, intermit' tently communicating withports 24g and 24h and leakage port 241' in the casing so that when the valve is in the position shown in Figh '3, water from the supply line enters ati24g and issues at 2411. and thence to the various nozzles. .In the next one-:sixth communicates with 24h and 241' to thereby "connect the nozzle to atmosphere or vacuum.

rotation of the valves, port.24f 25 The means for actuating the valve of Fig. 3 is shown in Fig. 5 as comprising a cam discflOz mounted on a shaft 9d, the shaftfbeing operated in the pottery making functions of the pottery machine. The cam disc is provided with a series of threaded openings 3| into which a numberoi studs ii are secured. These studs engage the teeth of the star wheel I52) and shift the same one:

notch or one-sixth revolution and as the valve requires a one-thirdrevolution from one open to another open position, it follows that atevery alternate functioning, the valve is, opened and closed. These studs I5 may be placed at various positions on the periphery of the cam disc and will serve to adjust or varythe relative instant of and number of functions of the fluid control valve duringone cycle. For instance, with the control facilities just described, the'n'ozzle 231a,,

Fig. 1,, maybe caused to function a number of times during one complete machine cycle and.

these functionings may be timed to occur at predetermined instants.

The nozzle shown in Fig. 6 is solely for atomizing purposes and is'particularly useful where a spray application is desired more than a solid jet or stream. This nozzle comprises a body 30 having an air pressure connection ll and a water connection 32 arranged at right angles, the outlet orifice of the air connection being restricted and located atthe level of the top of the water pipe outlet. The flow of fluid through pipes 3| and 32 isregulated by screws 35 and 35 which have tangential slots 35a. for fluid passages and are located in oil center relation as respects the long axis of the pipe bores; These screws also control the profusity as well as the volume of the the pipe 32 is connected to a water supply line having a shut offyalve 38, a regulating valve 39 and a moveable ventpipe 32a for preventing overflow and drip atthe nozzle when air pressure valve 40. and a mechanically controlled valve 42 I 96,364 chamber 24a, through o t fl hollow 15 is adjustable on the shaft to, bring various faces 43-into co-operation with the cam follower. 45

each-cam track representing a different adjust- .ment in the instant of initiation and termination of the operation'of. thespray. For instance, in manufacturing small ware the quantity of fluid or number of applications required may be less than ,that requiredfor largeware. .Hence, in making an adjustment therefor, the valves 4lland may beregulated 'andeither the cam 43a positioned so that the track providedfor cup making will co-operate with the follower 45 or the follower and lever 44 shiftedlaterallyof the cam face. i

The location of the spraynozzle 30 and the I angle will depend on. the character of the ware undergoing fabricationI Where, from the character of the warebeing profiled, it is advisable to direct more than one spray of, lubricant on the ware i-by asecond nozzle corresponding to that shown at 30 may be mounted asdescribed on the frame part 38 and. connected. to the fluid control system just described, or if independent controlls desired,-thento a separatecontrol system comparableto that illustrated which may be "timed to operate, at predetermined instants by a second cam ora single multiple faced cam as shown. n g a In Fig. 8 I have shown another form of nozzle :generally indicated by the numeral 52 which may 30 beregulated to provide either a jet, stream or spray. This nozzle may be attached to a supporting membersuch as that shown at 31 by the ear" 50. An inner-exteriorly threaded nozzle 352a and an outer nozzle or shell 52bare adjustably threaded together. "These respective nozzles may be provided with any number of supply connections such as hose nipples for applying a mixture of treatingv ingredients or mediums or anyparticular medium separately, and in; the

present instance there are showntwosupply ing provided with a. regulating valve. The inner nozzle is provided with an adjusting pin 51- which 7 tapers into the nozzleextremity and forms a needle valve manually adjustable, by the thumb plate 48. This enables accurate adjustment, and the lower extremity of the inner nozzle tapers,

into the outer nozzle, so that this same adjustment may be obtained with respect to the outer nozzle by adj sting the same 'onthe inner nozzle.

7 To insure ce tering of the outer nozzle 52b on 7 so that the'lubricant will be applied prior to' the is discontinued. The air line has a regulating actuatedby levers 4|, 46 and and a multiple faced cam 43 mounted on shaft 43a. The cam the inner nozzle 52, screws 55 and 56 are threaded into the lower extremity of the outer nozzle.

With reference to Fig. 9, I have shown therein a profiling arrangement together with fluid. applying instrumentalities arranged for the production of hollow ware, for instance cups. In this case, a profile mounting is supported in the frame 38 and has attached thereto a cup profile P which is arranged to co-operate with the mold M when it is elevated by the chuck 41. The spray nozzle 30 is shown positioned to direct a spray of fluid across the brim zone of the mold as well as the brim of'the cup and the interior of the cup. The spray is located behind the profile in the direction of rotation of the ware coeoperation of the lubricated surface with the profile. If desired, a plurality of these spray nozzles. may be arranged at the profiling position and actuated in sequence orin any order of timing desired by means of thefluid control system shownin either Figs. 1 or 7.

The angle of impact of the jet, stream or spray is determined by the positional setting of the nozzle. The extent of spread of the jet,

stream or spray depends on the angle at which the nozzle is set, the pressure behind the'application and the needle valve adjustment. Point or widespread application is therefore easily obtainable as the case demands and with the various control and regulating features supplied, the individual lubrication requirements of round ware of any standard size and shape capable of being made on an automatic jigger can be .satisfled through the use of the fluid applying provisions herein specified which are universally adaptable thereto.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:

1. In apparatus for manufacturing pottery articles, the combination with a mold adapted to receive plastic material and a fabricating means of mechanism for applying lubricantto the said material incident to fabrication comprising, means for applying water in jets to the surface of ware undergoing jiggering, a rotary valve controlling the timing of the jets, a star wheel for rotating the valve, a power shaft, a disk on the power shaft having a series of holes pitched in an are adjacent the path of the star wheel teeth, and drive pins selectively attachable in the holes of the disc.

2. In apparatus for lubricating potteryware incident to jiggering, a fluid applying instrumentality, a fluid line connected thereto and meansfor controlling the operation of said fluid applying instrumentality comprising a valve having a fluid inlet and outlet and a rotatable closure, means for rotating said closure comprising a disc with apertures therein and pins disposed in certain of said apertures, said pins being adapted to be rearranged in said apertures to thereby vary the actuation of said valve and the operationof said fluid applying instrumentality, and a cam shaft for rotating said cam.

3. In apparatus for manufacturing pottery articles, the combination with a mold adapted to receive a charge of plastic material and a forming member for cooperation therewith in fabricating the said charge of material of mechanism for supplying lubricant to the said charge of material incident to fabrication comprising a fluid nozzle, a fluid supply line, a timer for intermittently opening and closing said supply line and means for varying the setting of said timer.

4. In apparatus for manufacturing pottery articles, the combination with a mold adapted to receive plastic material and a forming member of mechanism for supplying lubricant thereto incident to forming comprising a nozzle member including a nozzle tip and means for retracting said nozzle tip from the mold incident to interruption of a fluid applying operation in order to prevent dripping of fluid onto the surface of the formed product. I

5. In apparatus for manufacturing jiggered pottery articles, the combination with a mold adapted to receive a charge of clay and a profile for cooperating therewith to jigger the clay of mechanism for supplying lubricant to the clay during jiggering which comprises, a fluid nozzle, a fluid supply line, a valve in said line, a timer for opening and closing the supply line valve and means for changing the setting of the timer to thereby vary the lubrication of the clay during the jiggering operation.

6. In apparatus for manufacturing jiggered pottery articles, the combination with a mold adapted to receive a charge of clay and a profile for cooperating therewith to jigger the clay of mechanism for supplying lubricant to the clay during jiggering which comprises, a fluid nozzle, a fluid supply line, a valve in said line, a timer for opening and closing the supply line valve, repositionable means for changing the setting of the timer to thereby vary the lubrication of the clay during the jiggering operation.

7. In apparatus for manufacturing pottery articles, the combination with a mold adapted to receive a charge of plastic clay and a profile for cooperating therewith to jigger the clay of mechanism for supplying lubricant to said clay incident to profiling comprising a fluid nozzle, a fluid supply line, n. valve in said line, a timer for intermittently opening and closing the supply line valve having means for varying the setting of the timer including a plurality of actuating means operable to actuate the valve said last named means being relatively movable to vary the time of opening or closing of the valve.

WILLIAM J. MILLER.

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