US2398227A - Briquetting press - Google Patents

Description

L. S. HUBBERT BRIQUETTING PRESS April 9, 1946.

Fil April 2, 1943 FIEz].

4 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR L=sur-z S. HUBBERT BRIQUETTING PRESS Filed April 2, 1943 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 FI| .4. IIEnE.

INVENTOR LESLIE S. HUBBERT U -flmiw ATTORN EY April 9, 1946. s. HUBBERT BRIQUETTiNG PRESS Filed April 2,' 1945 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Plus.

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INVENTOR Lcsu: 5. HuaaERT BY "Ti-M & Tush; ATTORNEYS April 1946. L. s. HUBBERT 2,398,227

BRIQUETTING PRESS Filed April 2, 1943 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Illll I].

INVENTOR Lssua f3. Hussenr ATTORNEY Patented Apr. 9, 1946 nmounrrmc rnsss Leslie S. Hubbert, Mount Gilead, Ohio, assignor to The Hydraulic Development Corporation, Inc., Wilmington, Del., a corporation of Delaware Application April 2, 1943, Serial No. 481,585

7 Claims.

- This invention relates to presses and, in particular, to briquetting presses for powdered and granular materials.

It is an object of this invention to provide a briquetting press, in which the mold for receiving the material to be briquetted is composed of a plurality of mold parts, movable relative to each other during the pressing operation and adapted, following the completion of the pressing operation, to cooperate with each other so as to strip the brlquetted article from at least one of said mold parts.

It is another object of thi invention to provide a briquetting press having a reciprocable mold portion which is positively actuated by the press ram in response to a predetermined position thereof during the working stroke of said ram,- and which is operable independently of said ram, following the completion of the working stroke of said ram. 1

It is a further object to provide a briquetting press for forming hollow articles which includes a reciprocable outer mold portion and a reciprocable inner mold portion, and in which said outer and inner mold portions are actuated automatically, following the completion of the brlquetting operation, to strip the work piece therefrom.

It is still another object of the invention to provide a briquetting press including a reciprocable mold, composed 01 a plurality of parts movable relative to each other during the actual briquetting operation, while means is provided opening said mold, following said briquetting op eration, to allow removal irregular shape, from the said mold.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly from the following specification in connection with the accompanying drawing in which:

Figure l diagramm tically illustrates a briquetting press according to the invention.

Figure 2 illustrates, partly in section, an article formed by the press of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a wiring diagram for an electric control circuit to be used in connection with the press according to Figure 1.

Figures 4, 5, 6 and 7 diagrammatically illustrate various phases oi operation of the press shown in Figure 1.

Figure 8 is a somewhat modified briquetting press according to the invention which is particularly adapted for briquetting irregularly shapedarticles.

Figure 9 is a view of an article formed in the press constructed according to Figure 8.

of articles, havin an Figure 10 is a section along the line Iii-ll of Figure8.

Figure 11 is a partial section along the line ll|l of Figure 10. Figure 12 is a wiring diagram for use in connection with the structure of Figure 8.

Finsr Emonnmm' Structural arrangement Referring now to the drawings and Figure 1 thereof in particular, the system shown therein comprises a press cylinder having reciprocably mounted therein a press ram 2|. Connected to the press ram 2| is a press platen 22 which carries a mold portion 23 with a bore 24 therein. The mold portion 23 is adapted to enter a molding cylinder 25 provided in and forming a part of a beam or plate 23. The plate 23 has adjustably mounted therein abutment screws or bolts 21 adaptedto be engaged by the platen 22. The plate 26 has furthermore connected thereto plungers 23 and 23 which are respectively reciprocable in stationarily mounted cylinders 30 Th'e cylinders 33 and 3| are hydraulically interconnected by means of conduits .32 and 33. The conduit 32 is connected to a conduit 34 having one, end in fluid communication with the upper end 01' the cylinder 3|, while the other end of the conduit 34 leads to a 4-way valve, generally designated 35. The 4-way valve 33 may be or any standard design and comprises a valve member 36 which is continuously urged into its lowermost position by means of a spring 31.

In this position, the valve member 36 establishes fluid connection between the conduit 34 and the conduit 33, while simultaneously interconnecting the conduits 39 and 40. The conduit 39 is connected with the lower portion of the cylinder 3|, while the conduit 40 leads to a conduit 4| one end of which is connected to a 4-way valve, generally designated 42. The 4-way valve 42 is of similar structure as the valve 35 and comprises a valve member 43 continuously urged into its lowermost position by means or a spring 44.

In this position, the valve member 43 establishes fluid connection between the conduit 4| and the conduit 45 leading to the lower portion of the cylinder 20, while simultaneously establishing fluid connection between the conduit 43 and the conduit 41 leading into the upper portion of the cylinder 20. Connected to the conduit 41 by means of a pilot line 43 is a tonnage control valve, generally designated 43.

u The valves 33 and 42 are provided with solenoids SI and MS, respectively, adapted to counteract the springs 31 and 44 to move the valves 38 and 42 into their uppermost position. In this position, the valve member 36 connects the conduit; 34 and 4' with each other, while simultanously connecting the conduit II with the conduit ll. Similarly, when the solenoid MS is energized, the valve member 43 establishes fluid connection between the conduits 4| and 41, while hydraulically interconnecting the conduits 4i and 4'.

The conduit 4| is connected through a conduit II with the pressure side of a variable delivery pump Ii which may be of any standard design and is provided with control means 52 connected through a pilot line 53 with the conduit ll for moving the pump ll into substantially neutral or no delivery position in response to a predetermined pressure in the conduit 50. The suction side of the pump II is connected through a conduit 44 with afluid reservoir ortank IS. The conduit I4 is connected through a conduit N with the conduit 4| which latter leads to a 4-way valve. generally designated 51. The valve ll corresponds in its structure to the valves 35 and 42.

The valve member ii is continuously urged into its lowermost position by a spring 5!, in which position fluid connection is established between the conduits 4| and II, while simultaneously the conduits 4. and Ii are connected with each other. The valve II has also associated therewith a solenoid 82 adapted to counteract the spring 5! so as to move the valve member Bl into its uppermost position. In this position, the conduit I is connected with the conduit 4!, while the conduits ll and 4' are connected with each other.

The conduits I and I lead to the upper and lower portions, respectively, of a control cylinder 2. Reciprocably mounted in the control cylinder 82 is a plunger 83 connected to a beam or plate 44 which latter has connected thereto adjustable abutment screws 85 for abutment with a stationary beam or plate 8|. The plate or beam 8 is also provided with adjustable abutment screws 81 for abutment with the plate or beam 28.

The plate or beam 88 is provided with a sleeve I and furthermore carries a mold element 69 having the shape of a hollow cylinder and adapted to fit into the molding cylinder 25. The upper surface or the mold element 8! forms the greatest part of the bottom of the mold composed of the elements 23, II and 4! and also of the core plunger ll which latter is supported by the beam or plate i4 and extends through the sleeve 68 and the mold element 6!.

The system shown in Figure 1 also comprises a limit switch LSI which is normally in open position and is closed by upward movement of the beam or plate 26. A similar limit switch LS3 is provided which is normally in closed position and adapted to be opened by downward movement of the beam or plate 20. The beam or plate 84 is also adapted in response to a predetermined position thereof to engage and close a normally open limit switch LS2, while in another position of the beam or plate 84 the latter opens a normally closed limit switch LS4. The remaining part of the system shown in Figure 1 and enclosed by a dot-dash line is not necessary for the device of Figure 1 it articles, such as the article shown in Figure 2, are formed, whereas it is useful in connection with the forming or irregularly shaped articles, such as the article shown in Figure 9, as will be described later.

diagram for the electric control circuit pertaining to Figure i, this diagram comprises the main supply line II adapted by closui e oi the normally open starter switch ST in be connected with the line 12 which latter is adapted by closure of the limit switch L8! to be connected with a line It. The line 13 is adapted by closure or the limit switch LS2 to be connected with the line I4.

When the tonnage control valve 4! is closed, its switch blade Ti connects the line 14 with one end of a contactor A, the other end of which is connected with the main supply line II.

The tonnage control blade Ti is connected with a second tonnage control blade T2 in such a manner that when the blade TI is closed the blade T2 is open and vice versa. The contactor A controls the normally open switches Al and A2 in such a manner that energization of the contactor A causes the switches Al and A2 to close, while deenergization of the contactor A causes the said switches to open.

when the switch Al is closed, it electrically connects the main supply line H through the line ll with the line II. When the switch A! is closed it connects the main supply line II with one end of the solenoid MS, the other end of which is connected to the main supply line ll. Closure of the blade T2 establishes electric connection between the main supply line II and the line II, which latter is electrically connected by closure of the limit switches L8! or LS4 with one end of the contactor B, the other end of which is connected to the main supply line 14.

The contactor B controls the normally open switches Bl, B2 and B3 in such a manner that these switches are closed when the contactor B is energized, while de-energization o! the contactor B causes the switches Bi, B! and B8 to open. Closure of the switch Bl electrically by-pa-sms the blade T2. Closure oi the switch BI closes the energizing circuit for the solenoid Bi, while closure of the switch Bl establishes an energizing circuit for the solenoid 82.

Operation Itmay be assumed that the elements oi Figure 1 so far described occupy the position shown therein, while the mold cylinder I! has been filled with molding material, for instance with powdered material. In order to start a briquetting operation, the operator starts the pump II and closes the starter switch 3T. Closure of the starter switch ST establishes an energizing circuit for the contactor A which circuit comprises the main supply line H, switches 8T, IBi, LS2, contactor blade Tl, contactor A and main supply line 15.

As a result of the energization oi the contactor A, the contactor switches Al and A! close. Closure of the contactor switch Al establishes a holding circuitior the contactor A so that the latter remains energized when the operatcr'withdraws his hand from the starter switch ST so that the latter again opens automatically. Closure oi the contactor switch A! establishes an energizing circuit for the main solenoid MB so that the latter moves the valve member 43 into its uppermost position.

Consequently, pressure fluid delivered by the pump ii now passes through conduits II, 4| and 41 into the upper portion oi the cylinder 24 where it acts upon the ram ii and moves the latter downwardly. The fluid expelled from the lower portion of the cylinder 2| during this downward movement escapes through conduits Ii, 43 and I3 into the conduit I3 and tank ll.

When the ram 2| has moved downwardly to such an extent that the mold portion 23 enters the molding cylinder 25, it begins slightly to compress the material in the molding cylinder, while the core plunger 13 begins to enter the bore 23 in the mold portion 23. It may now be assumed that the mold portion 23 has moved from Figure 4 position into Figure 5 position so that the platen 22 engages the abutment screws 21.

It will now be clear that further downward movement of the ram 2i actuates the plate or beam 26 through the platen 22 and the abutment screws 21 so as to carry the beam or plate 26 along. Consequently, due to the friction between the material in the mold cylinder 25 and the latter, pressure is now exerted upon the upper and lower portion approximately evenly upon the material in the mold cylinder. In this way, a uniform molding pressure is exerted upon the material in the mold cylinder.

Due to the downward movement of the beam or plate 26, also the plungers 23 and 29 move downwardly and pressure fluid in the lower portion of the cylinders 33 and. 3|, respectively, is conveyed through conduits 33, 33 and 40 into the conduit 4! from where it is conveyed into the upper portion of the cylinder 23. As a result of the downward movement of the beam or plate 26, the switch LSI is disengaged and therefore opens. This, however, has no effect on the circuit since the switch L8! is by-passed by the now closed contactor switch Al and the line 16.

When the ram 2| and therefore also the mold portion 23 and the beam or plate 2 have moved from Figure 5 into Figure 6 position, the actual briquetting operation has been completed. At this time a predetermined pressure has built up in the upper portion of the cylinder 20 which pressure is conveyed through conduit 31 and pilot line 43 to the tonnage control valve 49. In response to this pressure, the tonnage control valve 49 causes its blade TI to open and its blade T2 to close.

Opening of the blade Tl breaks the energizing circuit for the contactor A so that the contactor switches Al and A2 open. Opening of the contactor switch Al has no additional eilect at this time, while the opening of the contactor switch A2 breaks the energizing circuit for the main solenoid MS. As a result of the de-energization of the solenoid MS, the spring 33 moves the valve member 43 of the 4-way valve 32 downwardly. Therefore, pressure fluid delivered by the pump 52 now passes through conduits 50, 4| and 35 into the lower portion of the cylinder 20 and causes the ram 2| to return to its uppermost position.

Closure of the blade T2 establishes an energizing circuit for the contactor B so that the contactor switches Bl, B2 and B3 close. Closure of the contactor switch Bl establishes a holding circuit for the contactor B so that the latter remains energized when the tonnage control valve 39 returns to its original position after the pressure in the conduit 31 has subdded. The closure of the contactor switches B2 and B3 causes energization of the solenoids SI and S2.

As a result thereof, the valve members 36 and 58 move into their uppermost position. Therefore, pressure fluid delivered by the pump 5| now passes through conduits ll, 43 and 34 into the upper portion of the cylinders 3| and 3c and similarly pressure fluid delivered by the pump II is conveyed through conduits 3| and 3| into the upper portion of the cylinder I2.

It will therefore be clear that the pressure in the upper portion of the cylinders 33 and 3i causes the plate or beam 23 to move further downwardly into the position shown in Fisure 7. while the core-plunger 13 is withdrawn from the molding cylinder 25 as likewise shown in Figure 7. In this way, the molded article is stripped from the molding cylinder and the core plunger II and now rests on top of the beam or plate 23.

It may be assumed that while the beam or plate 23 has reached its lowermost position, the core plunger 10 is. still moving downwardly. when the plate 26 has reached its lowermost position it open the switch LS3. This, however. has no eflfect yet on the energization of the contactor B since the plunger II has not reached its lowermost position at which it opens the limit switch LS4.

However, when the plunger III has moved downwardly so as to cause the beam or plate 64 to open the limit switch LS3, th energizing circuit for the contactor B is broken. The contactor B is therefore de-energized and the contactor switches Bl, B2 and B3 open. While the opening of the contactor switch Bl has no additional eifect at this time, the opening of the contactor switches B2 and B3 causes de-energization of the solenoids SI and S2. Consequently, the springs 31 and 59 pertaining to the valves 3! and 51, respectively, return these valves to their original downward position so that pressure fluid delivered by the pump 5! causes the plunger 23 and 23 to return the plate or beam 26 to its uppermost position, while fluid delivered by the pump it into the lower portion of the control cylinder 62 causes the plunger 63 to lift the core plunger ll into its uppermost position. The press elements then again occupy the position shown in Figures 1 and 4 while, however, the briquetted article I3 rests on top of the mold element 63.

The operator then removes the article 13 and the mold cylinder 2! may be charged with a new charge of material to be briquetted. Since the plungers 23, 23 and Ill and the ram 2| now occupy their uppermost position. the pressure in the conduit 50 will increase, to such an extent that, conveyed through pilot line 53, it will cause the control means 52 to move the pump ii to substantially neutral or no delivery position. The pump will remain in this position until a new cycle is started in the manner described above.

From the above description, it will be clear that the system of Figures 1 and 2 comprises a safety feature which prevents the starting of a new cycle before the various parts have reached their initial position. More specifically, the closure of the starter switch ST will not be able to cause organization of the contactor A and thereby of the main solenoid MS unless the plate or beam 26 has been fully retracted so as to close the limit switch LSI, and unless the core plunger 10 has been fully lifted so that the plate or beam 64 closes the limit switch LS2.

mechanism for opening the mold cylinder in order to enable the removal of articles with irregpressing operation,

ular shape, such as the article shown in Figure 9.

More speciflcally, the press shown in Figure 8 comprise a press cylinder ll having reciprocably mounted therein a press plunger II which has connected thereto a press platen 82. The press cylinder ll is connected to the press head H, which, in its turn, is connected to the press bed 84 by means of strain rods '5 and nuts as. Mounted on the press head 83 is a fluid reservoir or tank .1 into which the press cylinder I extends. The fluid reservoir or tank ll corresponds to the tank 55 of Figure l, and the hydraulic connections between the cylinder II, the tank 81 and the fluid source for delivering pressure fluid to the cylinder II are the same as in Figure 1. Therefore, the conduits leading to the cylinder ll carry the same numerals as in Figure l.

The press bed it carries a plate or beam is which corresponds to the beam or plate 6 in Figure 1 and which similarly is provided with adjustable abutment screws The beam or plate 88 has connected to the upper portion thereof a mold element SI forming the bottom portion of a mold, generally designated 9| (Fig. 11). The mold Si is composed of a mold portion 82 which is rigidly connected in any convenient manner with the movable plate or beam l3, and furthermore comprises a mold portion 94 which is movable relative to the beam 13.

The mold portion 94 is slidably mounted on the plate or beam 83 and is connected in any convenient manner with a fluid operable plunger 95 reciprocably mounted in a cylinder 86. The arrangement is such that, during the molding or the mold portions 92 and 94 engage each other so as to act as a unitary form. However, when the briquetting operation has been completed, the mold portion N is spaced from the mold portion 92 in order to allow the removal of an irregularly shaped article, such as the article 91 shown in the drawings.

The structure of Figure 8 is, in a manner, similar to that of Figure 1 provided with a control cylinder 98 having reciprocably mounted therein a control plunger as which, in its turn,

has connected thereto a beam or plate IDI corresponding to the beam or plate N of Figure l. The hydraulic connections of the cylinder 98 correspond to those of the cylinder 82 and therefore are designated with the same numerals. Connected to the beam or plate III is a core plunger llli corresponding to the core plunger 10 of Figure l. A further mold portion II! is connected to the press platen II which mold portion is adapted to enter the mold 8i and takes the place of the mold portion 23 in Figure 1.

Similar to the structure of Figure 1, the press of Figure 8 is provided with adjustable abutment screws I03. In order to prevent the hands of the operator from accidentally getting between the abutment screws I03 and the beam or plate 53, safety guards I at least partially surrounding the upper portions of the abutment screws I are connected to the platen 82.

To limit the uppermost position of the beam or plate 93, adjustable abutment screws ii! are connected to the cylinders I which are connected to the press head l3. Reciprocably mounted in the cylinders ill are plungers H5 connected to and adapted to reciprocate the beam or plate 93. To prevent the operator's hands from getting caught between the abutment screws. H3 and the beam or plate 93, safety guards ill, similar to the safety guards I, are provided and connected to the beam or plate It. Otherwise, the hydraulic circuit for the structure of Figure 8 correspond to that of Figure 1, the only difference consisting in the supplementary circuit enclosed by a dot-dash line in Figure l.

' This supplementary circuit comprises conduits III and I", respectively, connected to the left end and right end of the cylinder I and leading to a 4-way valve, generally designated I". The valve ill corresponds in its structure to the valves 35, I2 and 51 and is provided with a valve member ill continuously urged into its lowermost position by a spring I". When the valve member III is in its lowermost position, the conduit I" communicates with a conduit iil leading to the conduit 5|, while simultaneously the conduit I is connected with a conduit ill leading into the conduit H. The valve member III is adapted to be moved into its uppermost position by energization of a solenoid AS. In this uppermost position, the valve member ill establishes fluid connection between the conduits I05 and Iii, while simultaneously interconnecting the conduits IIS and I ll.

Referring now to Figure 12, illustrating the electric control circuit for the structure of Figure 8, this circuit comprises in part the same elements as the circuit of Figure 2 which are therefore designated with the same numerals as used in Figure 2. In addition thereto, the circuit of Figure 12 comprises a normally open limit switch LS5 which is closed by a dog H2 (see Figure 1) when the plunger has properly moved the mold portion 94 into mold closing position.

When the limit switch LS5 is closed, it electrically interconnects the contactor B and the tonnage control blade Ti when the latter is in its closing position. The tonnage control blade TI is furthermore connected with an additional tonnage control blade T3 in such a manner that the blade T3 moves into its closing position when the blade Tl moves into its closing position and opens together with the blade TI. The remaining parts of the circuit shown in Figure 12 will best be understood from a description of the operation of the structure illustrated in Figure 8.

Operation It may be assumed that all parts of the press shown in Figure 8 occupy the position shown therein, while the pump 52 has been started. The operator now closes the switch 0 thereby energizing the contactor A. Energization of the contactor A causes the contactor switches Al and A2 to close and the contactor switch A! to open. The opening of the contactor switch A! has no effect on the circuit at this time.

Closure of the contactor switch AI establishes a holding circuit for the contactor A so that the latter remains energized when the operator releases the switch 0 and allows the latter to return to its open position. Closure of the contactor switch A! closes the energizing circuit for the contactor AS so that the valve member I08 moves into its uppermost position. Pressure fluid from the pump 52 is then conveyed through conduits 50, ll, ill and I05 to the right hand portion of the cylinder 96, thereby moving the plunger 95 toward the left and causing the mold portion 84 to engage the mold portion 52 for closing the mold.

Thereupon, the operator fills the mold II with molding material, and after this operation has b n o pleted the press is ready to start a working cycle. To this end, the operator closes the starter switch 8'1 thereby closing the energizing circuit for the contactor B which circuit comprises the main supply line II, the now closed starter switch ST, the switches LSI, LS2 closed at this time, the blade Tl, the switch L85, contactor B and main supply line 15. Energlzation of the contactor B causes the contactor switches Bi and B2 to close.

Closure of the contactor switch Bl establishes a holding circuit for the contactor B so that the latter will remain energized when the operator releases the starter switch ST so that the starter switch returns to its open position, Closure of the contactor switch B2 closes the energizing circuit for the main solenoid 148. Therefore, the valve member 43 moves upwardly, and pressure fluid delivered by the pump ll passes through conduit 41 into the upper portion of the press cylinder III where it causes the ram 8| to move downwardly.

The fluid expelled from the lower portion of the cylinder 39 during this downward movement of the ram 3| escapes through conduits 45, 4B and 53 into the conduit 84 and tank 55. Downward movement of the ram ll causes the press platen 92 and thereby also the mold portion I02 to move downwardly. When the mold portion I92 has just entered the mold 9| and slightly compressed the material in the mold, the abutment screws I93 engage the plate or beam 93. Further downward movement of the ram M will now cause the plate or beam 93 by means of the platen 92 and the abutment screws I93 likewise to move downwardly.

Since the cylinder 95 is mounted on the plate 93, the downward movement of the plate 93 carries along the mold 9|. In this way, the molding material in the mold 9| is properly compressed from all sides. When the plate 93 begins to move downwardly, it disengages the limit switch LSI so that the latter opens. This, however, has no eiiect on the electric circuit since the contactor B remains energized through the closed contactor switch Bl. When the plate 93 has been moved downwardly to such an extent that it abuts the abutment screws 99, it comes to a stop,

At about this time or shortly thereafter, the pressure in the upper portion of the press cylinder 90 has increased to such an extent that it actuates the tonnage control valve 49, thereby causing the blades TI and T3 of the tonnage control valve to open. while simultaneously causing the blade T2 of the tonnage control valve to close.

The opening of the tonnage control blade T3 breaks the energizing circuit for the contactor A thereby causing the contactor switches AI and A2 to open, while causing the contactor switch A3 to close. Opening of the contactor switch Al has no e ct on the circuit at this time. Opening of t e contactor switch A2 causes deenergization of the solenoid AS. De-energization of the solenoid AS causes the spring I39 of the valve II! to move the valve member I99 downwardly, thereby conveying pressure fluid from the pump through conduit I05 to the left side of the cylinder 95.

As a result thereof, the plunger 95 moves toward the right and spaces the mold portion 94 from the mold portion 92. The opening of the tonnage control blade Tl breaks the energizing circuit for the contactor B so that the contactor switches Bi and B2 open. Opening of the contactor switch Bl has no additional effect on the circuit at this time. Opening of the contactor switch B2 breaks the energizing circuit for the main solenoid MS so that the spring 44 pertaining to the valve 42 moves the valve member 43 downwardly and causes pressure fluid delivered by the pump 5| to pass through conduit 45 into the lower portion of the cylinder 99, where the fluid acts upon the ram ti and moves the latter upwardly. In this way, the mold portion I92 is withdrawn from the mold 9|. When the ram 8| has reached its uppermost position, it comes to a stop.

Closure of the tonnage control blade T2 brings about energization of the contactor C so that the contactor switches Ci, C2 and C3 close. Closure of the contactor switch Cl establishes a holding circuit for the contactor C so that the latter remains energized when the tonnage control valve 49 and thereby the tonnage control blades Tl, T2 and T3 return to their initial position after the ram 8| has started its return stroke.

Closure of the contactor switch C2 establishes the energizing circuit for the solenoid S2 so that the valve member 59 is moved upwardly and pressure fluid delivered by the pump 5! passes through conduits 4| and GI into the upper portion of the control cylinder 99. Here it acts upon the plunger 99 and moves the latter downwardly. thereby withdrawing the core plunger I ill from the mold.

Since the plunger 99 moves downwardly, the extension Ill connected to the beam or plate I09 disengages limit switch LS2 so that the latter opens. This, however, is without eiiect on the circuit at this time. When the beam I00 has reached its lowermost position it causes the limit switch LS4 to open. However, inasmuch as the limit switch LS4 is by-passed by the closed switch H8, the opening of the limit switch LS4 has no effect on the circuit.

Closure of the contactor switch C3 establishes the energizing circuit for the solenoid SI so that the valve member 36 moves upwardly'and causes pressure fluid to pass from conduit 59 through conduits 49 and 34 upon the upper portions of the plungers 5, thereby positively maintaining the plate or beam 93 in contact with the abutment screws 89. The operator now removes the briquetted work piece from the mold.

To condition the press for a new working cycle, the operator closes the switch 0, thereby closing the energizing circuit for the contactor A as previously mentioned. As a result thereof, the contactor switches Al and A2 close while the contactor switch A3 opens. Closure of the contactor switch AI establishes a holding circuit for the contactor A, while closure of the contactor switch A2 causes energization of the solenoid AS. Energization of the solenoid AS causes the valve member I09 to move upwardly so that pressure fluid from the pump 5| passes toward the right side of the cylinder 96 .and causes the plunger to move leftwardly to thereby bring the mold portion 94 into its closing position. When the mold portion 95 has reached its closing position, the dog H2 closes the limit switch LS5.

Opening of the contactor switch A3 breaks the energizing circuit for the contactor C so that the contactor switches Cl, C2 and C3 open. Opening of the contactor switch Cl has no additional effect on the circuit at this time. Opening of the contactor switches C2 and C3 causes de-energization of the solenoids SI and S2. De-

energization of the solenoid SI causes the spring .clear that both circuits then fully 31 of the valve 35 to move the valve member It downwardly.

As a result thereof, pressure fluid delivered by the pump passes through conduits 50 and 39 into the lower portion of the cylinders i H where it acts upon the plungers H5 so as to move the latter together with the beam or plate 93 upwardly. when the beam or plate 93 has been fully retracted, it again closes the limit switch LSI.

De-energization oi the solenoid S2 causes the spring 59 of the valve 51 to move the valve member 58 downwardly so that pressure fluid from the pump ll passes through conduit 80 into the lower portion of the cylinder 98 and moves the plunger 99 upwardly. In this way, the core plunger liil is again reintroduced into the mold. When the plunger 99 has reached its uppermost position, the extension III has again closed the limit switch LS2. All parts of the press now are again in their initial position and a new cycle may be started in the manner described above.

While the press shown in Figure 8 has been described in connection with the briquetting of articles having an irregular shape, such as the article shown in Figure 9, which irregular shape prevents an ejection or stripping of the briquetted article in the manner described in connection with Figure 1, it should be noted that the press of Figure 8 may also operate in the manner of the press shown in Figure 1.

To condition the press of Figure 8 for such an operation, it is merely necessary to shift the selector switch I I! from the position shown in Fig ure 9 so that it contacts the terminal I20. Furthermore, the switch H8 is opened. From a comparison of the thus conditioned circuit of Figure 12 with the circuit oi. Figure 2, it will be correspond to each other.

In other 'words, the circuit of Figure 12 will then be identical to that of Figure 2, and since, on the other hand, the hydraulic circuits of both presses are the same, Figure 8 will then operate in the same manner as Figure 1.

It is, of course, understood that in this instance the mold portions 92 and 94 would be replaced by mold portions making up a mold for a cylindrical body similar to the mold cylinder of Figure 1.

When the cylinder 98 of Figure 8 is used, it will be clear that a return of the plate or beam 93 and consequently a starting of the press cycle will be possible only after the mold has been closed. This safety feature is embodied by the limit switches LS5 and LSI.

It is, of course, understood that the present invention i by no means limited to the particular structure shown in the drawings, but also embraces such modifications as come within the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus fully described and ascertained the nature of my said invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a press, said press having at least three mold parts at least two oi. which are movable independently of each other and all of which are movable in unison, a platen motor, a first mold part and a platen rigid with the movable member of said motor, a second mold part positioned to be engaged by said platen and to be moved thereby during the latter part of the movement of said platen and first mold part, a third mold part movable transversely to the direction of movement or said ilrst and second a motor means for moving said third mold part into and out or clamping engagement with said and mold part, prior to the engagement of platen with said second mold part, said third mold part being also capable of movement in the same direction as the second mold part and being moved bysaid platen while said third mold part is in clamped engagement with said second mold part and during the latter part of the platen movement and stop means 10: limiting the movement of all of said mold parts by said platen motor.

2. In a press, said press having at least three mold parts at least two or which are movable independently of each other and all of which are movable in unison, a platen motor, a first mold part and a platen rigid with the movable motor, a first mold part and a platen rigid with the movable member of said motor, a second mold part positioned to be engaged by said platen and to be moved thereby during the latter part 01 the movement oi said platen and first mold part, a third mold part movable transversely to the direction of movement of said first and second mold parts, a transversely disposed motor means for moving said third mold part into and out of clamping engagement with said second mold part, prior to the engagement of said platen with said second mold part, said third mold part being also capable of movement in the same direction as the second mold part and hem! moved by said platen while said third mold part is in clamped engagement with said second mold part and daring the latter part of the platen movement and stop means for limiting the movement of all of said mold parts by said platen motor, and an additional motor means connectedto one of said mold parts for maintaining the same against said step means.

3. In a press, said press having at least three mold parts at least two 0! which are movable independently of each other and all or which are movable in unison, a platen motor, a first mold part and a platen rigid with the movable member 0! said motor, a second mold part positioned to be engaged by said platen and to be moved thereby during the latter part of the movement of said platen and first mold part, a third mold part movable transversely to the direction of movement of said first and second mold parts, a motor means for moving said third mold part into and out of clamping engagement with said second mold part, prior to the engagement of said platen with said second mold part, said third mold part being also capable of movement in the same direction as the second mold part and being moved by said platen while said third mold part is in clamped engagement with said'second mold part and during the latter part of the platen movement and stop means for limiting the movement of all of said mold parts and platen by said platen motor.

4. In a press, said press having at least three mold parts at least two of which are movable independently or each other and all of which are movable in unison, a platen motor, a first mold part and a platen rigid with the movable member of said motor, a second mold part positioned to be engaged by said platen and to be moved thereby during the latter part of the movement of said platen and first mold part, a third mold part movable transversely to the direction of movement of said first and second mold parts, a motor means for moving said third mold part into and out of clamping engagement with said second mold port, prior to the engagement 01' said platen with said second mold part, said third mold part being also capable of movement in the same direction as the second mold part and being moved by said platen while said third mold part is in clamped engagement with said second mold part and during the latter part of the platen movement and stop means for limiting the movement of all of said mold parts and platen by said platen motor, and an additional motor means connected to one of said mold parts for maintaining the same against said stop means.

5. In a press, said press having at least three mold parts at least two of which are movable independently of each other and all of which are movable in unison, a, platen motor, a first mold part and a platen rigid with the movable member 01 said motor, a second mold part positioned to be engaged by said platen and to be moved thereby during the latter part of the movement of said platen and first mold part, a third mold part movable transversely to the direction of movement of said first and second mold parts, a motor means for moving said third mold part into and out of clamping engagement with said second mold part, prior to the engagement of said platen with said second mold part, said third mold part being also capable of movement in the same direction as the second mold part and being moved by said platen while said third mold part is in clamped engagement with said second mold part and during the latter part of the platen movement and stop means for limiting the movement oi. all of said mold parts by said platen motor, and an additional motor means connected to said second mold part for maintaining the same against said stop means.

6. In a press, said press having at least three mold parts at least two of which are movable independently of each other and all of which are movable in unison, a platen motor, a first mold part and a platen rigid with the movable member of said motor, a second mold partpositloned tobcensagedbysaidplatenandtobemoved therebyduringthelatterpartotthemovement otsaldplltenandflrstmoldparhaflihdmold part movable transversely to the direction of movement oi said first and second mold parts. amotormeansiormovingsaidthirdmoldpart into and out 01 clamping engagement with said secondmoldpart,priortotlie u-oi'said platenwithsaidsecond mold part, saidthirdmold partbeingalsocapableotmovementinthesame dlrectionastheseeondmoldpartandbeing moved by said platen while said third mold part isinclampedengagementwithsaidsecondmold partandduringthelatterpartottheplaten movement and stop means for limiting the movement of all of said moldpartsbysaid platen motor, and a fourth mold part and motor means therefor for advancing said fourth mold part towardandawayfromsaidflrstmoldpartandin the same direction 01' movement as the movement ofsaidflrstmoldpart.

7. Inapresasaldpresshaflngatleastthree mold parts at least two of which are movable independentlyoteachother andallofwhich are movableinunisomaplatenmotonaflrstmold partandaplaten rigid withthemovable member otsaid motor,asccondmoldpartpositionedto beengagedbysaidplatenandtobemovedtherebyduringthelatterpartoi'themovementoisaid platenandflrstmoldmrttathirdmoldpartmovabletothedirectionofmovementof saidflrstandsecondmoldpamamotormeans for moving said third mold part into and out of clamping engagement withsaidsecondmold part. priortothetotaidplatenwithsaid secondmoldmrhsaidthh'dmoldplrtbeing alsocapableodmovementinthesamedirection asthesecondmoldpartandbeingmovedbysaid platenwhilesaidthirdmoldpartisinclamped twithsaidseeondmoldp rtandduringthelatterpnrtotthenlatentand stop means for limiting the movement of all of saidmoldplrtsbysaidplatenmotonandmeam w toadesiredmaximumpmessuremthe taneouslyopentenidplatenmotmmdanother ofsfldmoldmeanstomoldopmingpoaiflon.

manna.

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