US2559647A - Molding machine - Google Patents

Description

J. L. LEGERE MOLDING MACHINE July 10, 1951 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 25, 1948 Jbsep/r Leo Legere J. L. LEGERE MOLDING MACHINE July 10, 1951 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 25, '1948 Inventor I'IIrIIlIIIA Joseph Leo Legere B) @Aw and y 10, 1951 J. L. LEGERE 2,559,647

MOLDING MACHINE Filed 25, 8 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Fig.4.

Inventor Joseph Lea Legere @Maoi ia WWW July 10, 1951 J. L. LEGERE 2,559,647

MOLDING MACHINE Inventor Joseph Leo Legere WWW ML.

[82 I80 Allomeys Patented July 10, 1951 MOLDING MACHINE Joseph Leo Legere, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, assignor of twenty-five per cent to John Legere, Brantford, Ontario, Canada Application August 25, 1948, Serial No. 46,023

29 Claims. 1 This invention comprises novel and useful improvements in a molding machine, and more specifically pertains to a novel construction of a sectional molding box together with automatic operating means for manipulating, the same.

The principal object of this invention is to provide an apparatus for automatically, more effectively and more quickly forming satisfactory molds therein.

The objects of the invention are attained by providing a sectional molding box having an upper and lower molding box section, wherein fluid pressure means are provided for selectively raising and lowering the upper section relative to the lower section.

An important feature of the invention resides in the provision of a molding box wherein the walls of the upper and lower section are movable selectively inwardly and outwardly of the mold interior, to compress the molding sand therein and to release the mold as desired, and wherein this inward and outward movement is effected by fluid pressure operated means and by spring means.

Yet another important feature of the invention resides in the provision of the fluid pressure operated means for rotating the mold box in order to successively fill the upper and lower mold box sections.

An additional important feature of this invention comprehends the provision of a sectional mold box togetherwith fluid pressure operated means for separating the sections and further characterized by a resilient mounting for the sectional mold to permit rotation and agitation of the molds as desired.

A still further feature of the invention resides in the provision of a fluid pressure operated mechanism for selectively sliding a patterncarrying plate into and out of the mold between the upper and lower sections thereof; and providing a fluid pressure automatically operated means for carrying the pattern plate as the same is interposed between the mold sections.

And a final important feature of the invention resides in the provision of a molding box as set forth in the preceding features and objects which is particularly adapted for use with a pattern-heating furnace.

These,' together with various ancillary features and objects of the invention which will later become apparent as the following description proceeds, are attained by this device, a preferred embodiment of which has been illustrated 2 by way of example only in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a fragmentary perspective view. parts being broken away, showing a preferred embodiment for carrying out the principles of the invention, the mold upper and lower sections being shown in their separated or elevated positions, the pattern plate carrier being shown in its raised position, and the pattern plate being shown as partially inserted between the upper and lower mold section;

Figure 2 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the arrangement shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a vertical longitudinal sectional view, parts being broken away and parts being omitted, of the arrangement shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view taken substantially upon the plane of the section line 4-4 of Figure 2;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary side ,elevational view showing the upper and lower section of the mold box in assembled relation, certain concealed parts being indicated in dotted lines;

Figure 6 is a fragmentary vertical transverse sectional detail view taken substantially upon the plane of section line 6-6 of Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a fragmentary vertical transverse sectional detail view, taken upon an enlarged scale substantially upon the plane of the section line 1-4 of Figure 4;

Figure 8 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional detail view taken substantially upon the plane of the section line 8-8 of Figure '7;

Figure 9 is a further vertical transverse sectional detail view taken upon an enlarged scale; and

Figure 10 is a fragmentary perspective view indicating a portion of the fluid pressure operated fork for moving the pattern plate.

Referring now more specifically to the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals designate similar parts throughout the various views, the numeral Ill designates generally the improved pattern mold which, as shown in Figures 1-4, is particularly adapted for association with and for joint operation with a pattern furnace indicated generally at l2.

The molding box Ill includes detachable upper and lower sections it and I6, respectively, each of which sections is preferably generally rectangular in shape having side walls, but is open at its top and bottom. Rigidly attached to opposite sides of the lower section [6, in any suitable manner, are a pair of supporting brackets I8 and 20, each of which, see Fig. '7, is provided with a laterally extending lug or flange 22 which seats and is received between a pair of aligned coil springs 24, which rest upon the opposite sides of the lug 22, and which coil springs in turn are seated between the opposite arms 26 of a U- shaped support 28 provided with a trunnion or bearing 30. By means of these trunnions or bearings 30, the lower section l6 of the molding box I is resiliently and rotatably supported for a purpose to be later set forth. A fastening pin 32 of an suitable construction extends through the upper and lower arms of the U-shaped member 28 and also through an aligned aperture in the lug 22, to retain the lug, the springs and the supporting member 28 in assembled relation. As so far described, the two brackets 18 and 20 are of identical construction. However, while the bracket I8 and bracket 20 both form trunnions by means of which the lower section I5 is pivotally mounted for a purpose to be later set forth, one of the brackets, such as that indicated at 20, is further provided with means for causing a pivotal or oscillating movement of the lower section It in a manner to be subsequently apparent. The coil spring mounting enables the mold box sections to be agitated by any suitable mechanism, not shown, without damage to the supporting and rotating mechanism.

The two trunnions are journaled in inwardly extending bosses or journal bearings 34 carried by parallel supporting arms 36 which in turn are integrally, or, if desired, detachably but rigidly carried by laterally extending flanges 33 secured to the outer surface of the walls 40 of the furnace or oven l2.

As shown more clearly in Figures 1, 2, 4 and '7, the trunnion 30 of the bracket 20 extends through its supporting wall or arm 36, and upon its extending surface is provided with a fixedly attached gear 42 whose teeth are continuously engaged by the teeth of a driving gear 44 mounted on an axle 46 extending laterally from and carried by the supporting arm 36. If desired, the gears 42 and 44 may be provided with teeth throughout only a portion of their circumference, since it is contemplated that less than a full revolution of each gear will be required to effect the purposes intended.

As will be best seen by reference to Figures 1 and 2, the driving gear 44 has pivotally attached thereto a link 48 by means of pivot 50, this link being connected, as by a pin 52 at its opposite extremity, to a connecting rod 54 which is slidable within a guilding bracket 56 carried by the arm 36, this connecting rod being in turn pivoted to the piston rod 58, see Figure 4, which is connected to the piston 60 which is slidable in a cylinder 62 likewise carried by the supporting arm 36. The cylinder 62 is provided with fluid pressure conduits 64 connected with the opposite ends thereof on opposite sides of the piston 60, whereby the selected supply of fluid to the ends of the cylinder 62 will result in the piston being selectively operated inwardly or outwardly of the cylinder to in turn operate through the connecting linkage the gear 44, thereby causing an oscillation of the trunnion 38 of the bracket 20.

It is to be here understood that any suitable pressure source such as compressed air, hydraulic fluid or the like may be supplied from any suitable pressure-producing medium, and delivered by means of suitable valving mechanisg of any desired construction through the cylinder 62 to effect the rotation of the trunnions, and consequently of the lower box section l6. Since this fluid pressure control and distributing valve mechanism and fluid pressure creating means may be of any desired type, their constructions in themselves form no part of the present invention, and accordingly it is not believed necessary to illustrate the same.

Laterally extending, oppositely disposed rigid supporting brackets 66 and 68, as shown in Figure 1, are rigidly carried by the upper mold box section M, in alignment with and overlying the brackets 18 and 20 of the lower section 16. Also rigidly carried by the upper box section, and preferably integrally depending from the brackets 66 and 68, are identicall constructed slides 10, which are slidably received in guide channels 12 formed upon the inner faces of the brackets l8 and 20. As will be apparent from Figure 4, the guide channels 12 and the slides 10 are provided with complementary dovetailed edges, thereby permitting vertical sliding movement of the slides in the guide channels but preventing lateral withdrawal therefrom. It is thus seen that the upper box section I4 is secured to the lower section for vertical sliding movement relative thereto.

In order to ccntrollably effect this vertical sliding movement, a fluid pressure operating means, see Figure '7, is provided consisting of fluid pressure cylinders 14 formed in the brackets l8 and 20, which cylinders slidably receive, as shown best in Figure 7, a fluid pressure operated piston 16 which is rigidly connected to a piston rod 18 slidable through the bore opening from the cylinder 14 through the upper end of the brackets l8 and 20, this rod being rigidly attached to the above mentioned brackets 66 and 68 carried by the upper box section [4. The brackets 18 and 20 may be made in sections (not shown) comprising a main portion-and a cylinder head portion as is well known in the art. Prior to the welding or otherwise securing the sections together the piston and piston rods may be suitably emplaced within the cylinder. Suitable fluid pressure conduits 82, see Figure 1, lead from any suitable pressure source and control and distributing valve mechanism, not shown, to opposite ends of the cylinders I4 on opposite sides of the piston 16. whereby the piston may be selectively raised or lowered by fluid pressure to thereby elevate the upper box section I4 from the lower box section IE, or return the same as desired.

Rigidly attached to, or if desired, integrally carried by what may be termed the front wall of the lower section [6 are a pair of identical brackets 84, each of which, as shown in Figure 9, is provided with a vertically disposed fluid pressure operating cylinder 86 therein, within which is slidably received a piston 88 carrying a rigid piston rod 90, extendingthrough the upper end of the brackets. Suitable threaded nipples 92 connect the interior of the cylinder 86 upon opposite sides of the piston rod, and suitable fluid pressure conduits 94 are connected with these nipples, whereby fluid pressure from any suitable source and controlled and distributed in any suitable manner may be supplied to the piston to positively raise and lower the piston rods 90.

The arrangement of the brackets 84 upon the lower box section I6 is clearly shown in Figures 1 and 4, while the construction of the cylinder and piston assembly of the brackets 84 is disclosed in Figure 9.

As will be best seen by reference to Figure l,

the piston rods are secured to forwardly ex' tending brackets 96 which are rigidly attached to a, pattern plate carrier 88 in the form of a U-shaped yoke or frame which is receivable upon and seated upon a circumferential shoulder I00 extending about the upper end of the walls of the lower box section I 6.

It will thus be seen that by suitable manipulation of the operating pistons 88, tile pattern plate carrier 88 will be selectively raised from its seat upon the shouldered portion I00 of the lower box section I6 into an elevated position, as indicated in Figure l, or returned to its seated position as indicated in Figures 3 and "I. Since the means for supplying the fluid pressure to the operating pistons of the brackets 84, together with the control valve and distributing valve mechanism, may be of any conventional design and in itself forms no part of this invention, it has not been thought necessary to illustrate the same in this application.

The pattern plate I02, which is generally rectangular and of the same dimensions as the external dimensions of the upper and lower box sections I4 and I6 and the pattern carrier plate 98, is provided for selective interpositioning between and removal from between the lower surface of the upper section I4 and the upper surface of the pattern plate carrier plate 98, as indicated in Figures 1, 3, 6 and '7.

This pattern plate is provided with sixteen apertures adapted to register with looking pins carried by the wall sections of the upper and lower boxes, these sixteen apertures being d sposed along the margin of the pattern plate, see Figures 6 and 7, there being two apertures M4 on each of the sides of the pattern plate, and two outer apertures I06 likewise disposed on each side of the pattern plate but at the outer edge thereof. These apertures are adapted to respectively register with locking pins I08 and I I0 carried by the'lower and upper box sections respectively. These locking pins I08 and H0 are more clearly shown in the detail view of Figure 6.

It will thus be seen that when the pattern plate is properly positioned between the upper and lower box sections, and the latter are lowered, the pattern plate will be locked to both upper and lower sections, thus forming a rigid and unitary assembly of these three elements.

Further, by merely lifting the upper section, the same may be disengaged from the pattern plate while the latter may in turn be raised from the lower section, to thereby disassemble the three parts.

The upper and lower box sections are each provided with inner walls which are relatively movable with respect to the box sections under the control of power operatingmeans for a purpose to be later set forth. The construction and operating means of these movable inner walls are substantially identical, and a description of the operation of one of these-mechanisms, such as that indicated in Figure 6, will sufiice for all. As will be seen, the upper box section I4 is provided with four inner walls II2, provided with outwardly extending lugs II4 which are pivotally connected, as at I I6, adjacent the upper edges of the walls, to the rigid outer wall members of the upper box section I4. Thus, each of the inner walls II 2 is pivoted at its upper edge, whereby its lower edge may oscillate slightly about the pivot pin and move inwardly and outwardly, as set forth hereinafter. Intermediate their ends, the walls II2 are provided at suitable longitudinally spaced points thereon with rearwardly ex- .6 tending brackets II 8 to which are pivotally connected, as at I20, piston rods I22 which extend Into fluid pressure operating cylinders I24 formed in the fixed walls of the upper box section I4 and which rods are rigidly carried by slidably disposed pistons I26 movable in said cylinders. A passage I28 communicates with each cylinder I24 on the inward side of the piston I26, while the outward side of the piston communicates with the atmosphere through a vent passage I30. By means of screw-threaded nipples I32, suitable flexible conduits I34, see Figure 1, establish communication with the chamber at the innermost face of the piston I26, and any suitable source of fluid pressure by means of any conventional type of control valve and distributing valve assembly. As will readily be seen, when the fluid pressure is applied, the pistons are urged outwardly and by means of their pivotal connection with the walls II2 urge the latter outwardly of the upper box section. This outward movement is effected against the opposition of a plurality of pairs of coil springs I36, each pair of springs being disposed upon opposite sides of one of the operating cylinders I24, as shown in dotted lines in Figure 5. A suitable link I40 is pivoted, as at I42, to a lug I44 extending outwardly from the plate H2, and is also pivoted, as at I46, to an upwardly extending lug I48 carried by a retaining lip I50.

The movable inner wall construction of the lower box is similar to that above described. Here, each of the inner walls, indicated at I 52, is pivoted, as at I54, to the fixed wall section of the lower box section I6, and is connected with an operating piston I56 which is slidable in an operating cylinder I58 formed in the Wall of the lower box section I6. A vent hole I60 connects one side of the piston I56 with the atmosphere, while a conduit or passage I62 connects the other side, as by a threaded nipple I 64, and suitable flexible conduits or hose I66, with any suitable source of fluid pressure through the agency of a conventional control valve and distributing valve mechanism, not shown. It will thus be seen that the springs I68, similarly arranged to springs I36, urge the movable walls I52 inwardly of the lower box section, the walls pivoting about the pivot pins I54 adjacent their lower edges, while the upper edges of the walls are provided with outwardly turned flanges I'I0 which are slidably received in shouldered recesses II2 formed on the upper edges of the fixed side walls of the lower section I6.

As previously mentioned, the pattern plate locking pins I 08 are screw-threadedly engaged upon the movable wall sections I52, being screwthreaded to the upper portion of the flanges I10, while the locking pins IIO are likewise screwthreaded to the lower surface of the member I50, the pins I08 and III) being selectively engageable in the apertures I04 and I06 in the pattern plate I02.

From the foregoing, the operation of the movable inner walls of the upper and lower box sections will be readily understood. The spring means normally urge these walls into their innermost position, whereby the same will be tightly engaged upon and will firmly hold the sand placed in the mold while it is being compressed by any desired means, not shown. After the mold has been filled and it is denied to release the mold boxes from the mold, the fluid pressure is supplied to the operating pistons I26 and I56, to cause the same to move outwardly against 7 the opposition of the springs, the link I40 thus simultaneously withdrawing the sliding retaining lip I50, to thereby allow the upper half of the mold to drop down into the bottom half, and thereby pivot the walls into their outermost position, thereby disengaging the walls from the sand in the mold sections, whereby the sections may be readily raised or withdrawn from the molds therein as set forth hereinafter.

As shown more clearly in Figures 3, '7 and 8, the bottom box section I6 is provided with a replaceable bottom or partition I14, received between the movable walls I52 therein, and which bottom section is releasably retained, as by the wedge-shaped nose I'I6 of a latch I18 slidably received in aligned bores or apertures I80 and I82 in the fixed and movable walls respectively. This latch is provided with a head portion I84, see Figures 7 and 8, which is slidably received in a chamber I86 formed in the previously mentioned boss or bracket 20. Coil springs I88 engage the rear end of the head I84 of the latch to urge the same inwardly until the nose is engaged with the partition I14 to retain the latter in the lower box section I6, these coil springs being received in bores I90 opening from the chamber I86 in the bracket 20.

An operating cylinder I92 is formed in any desired manner in the bracket 20, and is provided with a vent opening I94 opening freely to the atmosphere. Slidably received in the cylinder I92 is a piston I94 having a piston rod I96 extending from said cylinder into operating engagement with the rear surface of the latch head The inward surface of the piston I94 is placed in communication by means of a conduit I98 opening into the cylinder I92, and a threaded nipple 200, and thence by means of a flexible conduit 202, with any suitable source of fluid pressure supply, by means of a conventional control valve and distributing valve mechanism, not shown. The arrangement is such that by proper manipulation of the fluid pressure supply, pressure may be admitted to the inside surface of the piston I94 to cause the same to retract by means of the piston rod I96 rigidly attached thereto, the head I84 and consequently the latch I18 with its wedging nose I16 from its engagement with the lower plate or partition I14, whereby the latter may be withdrawn from the bottom mold box section. Upon disengagement of the pressure actuating means, the springs I88 will serve to re-cngage the latch with the bottom plate I14.

Attention is next directed more specifically to the construction of the pattern heating oven l2, which, as will be seen more readily in Figures '3 and 4, includes, in addition to the side walls 40. a rear wall 204 which is pierced by a plurality of heating gas inlet ports 206, the furnace or oven being further providcdwith a roof portion 208. On their inner surface, the side walls 40 are provided with longitudinally extending flanges 2I8 constituting tracks or supports for receiving and supporting the pattern plate I02 when the latter is slid into and out of the furnace, as set forth hereinafter. Suitably upwardly and downwardly extending baiiles 2I2 and 2" are carried by the bottom wall 2I8 and the top 208 of the furnace, as shown clearly in Figure 3, and serve to direct the incoming streams of heating gas, upwardly and downwardly, against the pattern plate I02 when the latter is supported by the longitudinal rails 2 I 0.

Means are provided for mechanically moving the pattern plate into and out of the heatin furnace, this means including a slide 220, see Figures 3 and 10, guided in suitably formed guideways in the furnace, which slide is provided with a downwardly extending front member 222, upon the lower end of which extends a forwardly and laterally projecting head 224. This head is provided with a pair of downwardly extending pins 226 which are appropriately spaced to engage correspondingly positioned apertures 228 in the rear edge of the pattern plate I02.

The slide 220 is provided with an operating rod 230 which extends through the slideway 232 which consists of a channel member in which the slide 220 is guidingly and slidingly disposed, this rod 230 being attached to a piston 234 which is reciprocatingly received in a fluid pressure operated cylinder 236 mounted in any desired manner, not shown, at the rear end of the furnace I2, this cylinder being provided with a pair of fluid pressure conduits 238 communicating with the cylinder at opposite ends of the piston therein.-' These conduits are connected with any suitable fluid pressure source, under the control of control valves and distributing valves, of any conventional design and not shown.

The arrangement is such that when the upper box section I4 is elevatedout of engagementwith the pattern plate, and the pattern plate is lifted,

by the pattern plate carrier plate, the head 224 may be disposed with its pins 226 in registry with the apertures 228, whereupon, by suitable manip ulation of the piston 234, the pattern plate may be withdrawn from the pattern plate carrier plate, which is now elevated into horizontal alignment with the supporting rails 2I0, and the pattern plate may then be withdrawn upon the rails 2I0 into the furnace whereby the pattern carried thereon will be suitably baked or heated as desired. Upon reversal of this operation, the pattern plate with patterns thereon may be returned to proper position, and after one-third of the movement of the pattern plate out of the furnace, the latter begins to engage the pattern plate carrier plate, the last two-thirds of the movement pushing the pattern plate entirely upon the carrier plate.

The operation of the invention is as follows: With the upper and lower bottom sections tightly closed, and with the pattern plate in the oven and the pattern plate carrier plate tightly and properly seated therebetween, and with the movable walls of the upper and lower sections in their innermost or vertical position, the device is in what may be termed its normal rest position. At this time, the piston I6 and the cylinder I4 are energized to lift the upper section I4 from the lower section I6, this upward movement causing disengagement of the wall pins H0 of the upper section from the pattern plate apertures I06. The piston and cylinder 234 and 236 are now operated to cause the operating head 224 and pins 226, which are engaged in the apertures 228 of the pattern plate I02, which is inside the furnace resting upon the supporting rails 2I0, to move the pattern plate outwardly of the furnace until about one-third of its travel, at which time the pattern carrier plate pistons and cylinders 36 and 86 are energized to cause the pattern carrier plate 98 to be elevated to the position indicated in Figure 1, whereby the same is now substantially aligned with and ready to receive the pattern plate. During the next two-thirds outward movement of the pattern plate, the pattern plate isslid upon the carrier plate and into position between the carrier plate and the upper box section I4.

The carrier plate pistons now lower the carrier plate with the pattern plate resting thereon, onto the lower half I6 of the box. At this time, the above mentioned locking pins of the upper and lower box sections have registry 'with the apertures I06 and I04 of the pattern plate, while simultaneously dowel pins or registering pins 240 carried by the lower box section register with corresponding apertures 242 in the lower surface of the pattern carrier plate. The upper section I4 is now lowered by its supporting pistons into engagement upon the top of the pattern plate, whereby the upper and lower sections I4 and I6, the pattern plate and the carrier plate are all engaged and locked to each other. 1'

The mold box rotating piston 60, and the gearing 42 and 44 now rotate the entire mold box assembly to an inverted position, whereupon the lower box section which is now on top is filled with sand which is vibrated and packed in any desired manner. This vibratory treatment is, however, facilitated by the suspension springs 24, previously mentioned.

The latching pins I16 are now withdrawn by their operating pistons, and the bottom board I14 is then placed upon this sand. Upon the release of the operating pressure, the latches are spring-urged into position to lock and secure this bottom board in place, whereupon the piston 6 is again actuated in reverse direction to return the box assembly to its original position, whereupon thefilled lower box section is now again upon the bottom of the assembly. In this position, molding sand is placed in box I4 and is vibrated and pressed as desired. Next the upper box section is again lifted by its elevating pistons, whereupon the conveyor piston 234 is again operated to cause the conveyor head and its securing pins to again engage the pattern plate, the latter being now lifted by means of its operating lifting piston into engagement to cause the apertures of the pattern plate to engage the pins on the conveyor head. The conveyor head is now withdrawn, thus conveying the pattern plate into the oven for reheating, whereupon the carrier plate pistons are again operated to lower the carrier plate to its resting position upon the lower box section.

The top section is now lowered upon the carrier plate and the bottom section by means of the operating pistons therefor, whereupon the wall operating pistons are energized to withdraw the walls of the two box sections from the mold. The latching pin I18 is now withdrawn, releasing the bottom board and the mold from the lower box section. Upon release of the air pressure, the latch is again returned by the springs, and upon release of the air pressure to the wall actuating pistons, the walls are again returned to their original rest position.

As will be readily understood, the molding apparatus may be made in any desired size and of any suitable materials, and provides a means for mechanically forming a mold without requiring the manual assistance of the operator.

Moreover, by means of the mechanical exactness of manipulation by this device, the molds prepared by the machine are much more uniform than those formerly prepared by hand, resulting in a much higher percentage of undamaged and acceptable molds and representing a considerable saving of time over the manual method of preparing molds.

Since from the foregoing the manner of operating the device, its construction and the advantages accompanying the device will be readily understood, further explanation is believed to be unnecessary.

However, since numerous modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art after a consideration of the foregoing specification and accompanying drawings, it is not intended to limit the invention to the exact construction shown and described, but all suitable modification and equivalents may be resorted to falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Having disclosed and described the invention, what is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A molding apparatus comprising a lower mold box, an upper mold box slidably and guidably connected to said lower mold box, pressure operated means carried by one box and connected to the other box for positively separating and closing said boxes relative to each other, a pair of support arms, means for mounting one of said boxes on said arms for movement about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of said boxes.

2. A molding apparatus comprising a lower mold box, a pattern frame slidably and guidably connected to said box, pressure operated means carried by said box and connected to said pattern frame {or positively separating and closing said frame relative to said box, a pair of support arms, means for mounting said mold box on said arms for movement about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of said box.

' 3. A molding apparatus comprising a lower mold box, an upper mold box slidably and guidably connected to said lower mold box, pressure operated means carried by one box and connected to the other box for positively separating and closing said boxes relative to each other, a pattern frame disposed between said boxes and slidably and guidably connected to one of said boxes, a second pressure operated means carried by one box and connected to said frame for positively separating and closing said frame relative to the box to which it is connected.

4. A molding apparatus comprising a lower mold box, an upper mold box slidably and guidably connected to said lower mold box, pressure operated means carried by one box and connected to the other box for positively separating and closing said boxes relative to each other, a pair of support arms, means for mounting one of said boxes on said arms for movement about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of said boxes said box mounting means including a pair of stub shafts each rotatably mounted in one of said arms, U-shaped brackets attached to the inner ends of said shafts, flanges attached to opposite sides of one of said boxes, pins extending through the legs of said brackets, said flanges being slidably mounted on said pins between the legs of said brackets, resilient means disposed on said pins between said flange and the legs of said bracket.

5. The combination of claim 3 including a pair of support arms, means rotatably mounting one of said boxes on said arms for movement about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of said boxes.

6. The combination of claim 5 wherein said box mounting means includes a pair of stub shafts each rotatably mounted in one of said arms, U-shaped brackets attached to the inner ends of said shafts, -flanges attached to opposite sides of one of said boxes, pins extending through the legs of said brackets, said flanges being slidably mounted on said pins between the legs of said brackets, resilient means disposed on said pins between said flange and the legs of said bracket. 1

7. The combination of claim 6 including means for rotating said shafts relative to said arms.

8. The combination of claim '7 wherein said rotating means includes a gear mounted on said arms and operatively engaging one of said shafts, a link pivotally connected to said gear, an actuator rod pivotally connected to said link, means attached to said rod for imparting longitudinal reciprocatory motion thereto.

9. A mold box comprising a frame having an inner wall and a bottom edge, a mold plate laterally movably mounted'on said inner wall, a stripper mounted on said frame for movement parallel to said bottom edge, means connected to said mold plate and said stripper for moving said plate laterally of said inner wall and said stripper parallel to said bottom edge whereby a mold disposed in the box may readily be removed.

10. The combination of claim 9 including means disposed between said plate and said frame yieldingly urging said mold plate away from said inner wall into its mold engaging position.

11. The combination of claim 10 wherein said last mentioned means yieldingly urges said stripper into its mold engaging position.

12. The combination of claim 11 including means carried by said stripper for locking said stripper and said plate in their mold engaging position.

13. A mold box comprising a frame having an inner wall and a bottom edge, a mold plate laterally movably mounted on said inner wall, a stripper mounted on said frame for movement parallel to said bottom edge, a link pivotallv connecting said stripper and said mold plate to said frame, means engaging said plate for selectively moving said stripper and said plate.

14. A mold box comprising a frame having an inner wall and a bottom edge, a mold plate laterally movably mounted on said inner wall, a stripper mounted on said frame for movement parallel to said bottom edge, a link terminally pivoted to said frame and said stripper, said link being pivoted intermediate its ends to said mold plate, means engaging said plate for selectively moving said stripper and said mold plate.

15. The combination of claim 14 including a pattern plate having an aperture therein, a pin depending from said stripper and receivable in said aperture when said stripper and mold plate are in their mold engaging position.

16. A molding apparatus comprising a lower mold box, an upper mold box slidably and guidably connected to said lower mold box, pressure operated means carried by one box and connected to the other box for positively separating and closing said boxes relative to each other, said upper mold box including a frame having a bottom edge, a stripper mounted on said frame for movement parallel to said bottom edge, means for moving said stripper parallel to said bottom edge, a pattern plate having a first aperture therein disposed between said boxes, a pin depending from said stripper and received in said first aperture when said stripper is in its mold engaging position.

1'7. A molding apparatus comprising a lower 12 mold box, an upper mold box slidably and guidably connected to said lower mold box, pressure operated means carried by one box and connected to the other box for positively separating and closing said boxes relative to each other, said upper mold box including a frame having an inner wall and a bottom edge, a side plate laterally movably mounted on said inner wall, a stripper slidably mounted on said bottom edge, a pattern plate having an aperture therein, a pin depending from said stripper and received in said aperture when said stripper and plate are in their mold engaging position, means connected to both said side plate and said stripper for selectively moving said side plate laterally of said inner wall and said stripper parallel to said bottom edge, said pin preventing mold releasing movement of said plate and stripper when said upper mold is in engagement with said pattern plate.

18. The combination of claim 16 wherein said lower mold box has an inner face and a top edge,

a side board laterally movably mounted on said inner face, means for moving said side board, a transversely extending flange on said side board overlying said top edge, said pattern plate having a second aperture therein, a pin extending upwardly from said flange and receivable in said second aperture when said side board is in its mold engaging position.

19. The combination of claim 17 wherein said lower mold box has an inner face and a top edge, a side board laterally movably mounted on said inner face, means for moving said side board, a transversely extending flange on said side board overlying said top edge, said pattern plate having a second aperture therein, a pin extending upwardly from said flange and receivable in said second aperture when said side board is in its mold engaging position.

20. A molding apparatus comprising a lower mold box, a pattern frame slidably and guidably connected to said box, pressure operated means carried by said box and connected to said pattern frame for positively separating and closing said frame relative to said box, said lower mold box having an inner face and a top edge, a side board laterally movably mounted on said irmer face, means for moving said side board, a pattern plate having an aperture therein disposed on said pattern frame, an upwardly extending pin attached to said side board and received in said aperture when said side board is in its mold engaging position.

21. A molding apparatus comprising a lower mold box, an upper mold box slidably and guidably connected to said lower mold box, a first pressure operated means carried by said lower box and connected to the upper box for positively separating and closing said boxes relative to each other, a pattern frame disposed between said boxes and slidably and guidably connected to one of said boxes, a second pressure operated means carried by one box and connected to said frame for positively separating and closing said frame relative to the box to which it is connected, said upper mold box including a frame having a bottom edge, a stripper mounted on said frame for movement parallel to said bottom edge, means for moving said stripper parallel to said bottom edge, a pattern plate having first and second apertures therein mounted on said pattern frame, a pin depending from said stripper and received in said first aperture when said stripper is in its mold engaging position, said lower mold box having an inner face and a top edge, a side board laterally movably mounted on said inner face, means for moving said side board, an upwardly extending pin attached to said side board and received in said second aperture when said side board is in its mold engaging position.

22. The combination of claim 21 wherein said upper mold box has an inner wall, a side plate laterally movably mounted on said inner wall, means operatively connecting said side plate to said stripper for movement therewith.

23. The combination of claim 22 wherein said connecting means includes a link terminally pivoted to said frame and to said stripper, said link being pivotally connected intermediate its ends to said side wall.

24. The combination of claim 23 wherein said means for moving said, stripper includes a spring disposed between said frame and said side wall to yieldingly urge said side wall and said stripper into their mold engaging position.

25. The combination of claim 24 including pattern plate removal means mounted adjacent said mold box for movement parallel to and overlying the plane of said pattern frame.

26. The combination of claim 25 including lugs depending from said pattern plate removal means, opening of said pattern frame relative to said lower mold box urging said pattern plate into engagement with said lugs, movement of said pattern plate removal means moving said pattern plate therewith.

27. The combination of claim 26 including support arms, means rotatably supporting said mold boxes and pattern frame on said support arms.

28. A molding apparatus comprising support arms, a lower mold box, means reciprocably mounting said lower mold box on said support arms, an upper mold box slidably and guidably connected to said lower mold box, a first pressure operated means carried by said lower box and connected to the upper box for positively separating and closing said boxes relative to each other, a pattern frame disposed between said boxes, 9. second pressure operated means car- 14 ried by one of said boxes and connected to the said pattern frame for selectively opening and closing said pattern frame relative to the box to which it is connected.

29. A molding apparatus comprising support arms, a lower mold box, means reciprocably and rotatably mounting said lower mold box on said support arms, an upper mold box slidably and guidably connected to said lower mold box, a first pressure operated means carried by said lower box and connected to the upper box for positively separating and closing said boxes relative to each other, a pattern frame disposed between said boxes, a second pressure operated means carried by one of said boxes and connected to the said pattern frame for selectively opening and closing said pattern frame relative to the mold box to which it is connected.

JOSEPH LEO LEGERE.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS FOREIGN PATENTS Country Date Germany Mar. 5, 1930 Germany Nov. 22, 1930 Number Number

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