US2648426A - Attachment for line casting machines - Google Patents

Description

Aug. 11, 1953 J. F. HAZZARD ETAL ATTACHMENT FOR LINE CASTING MACHINES 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 2, 1950 PUMP LEI El? (l/v TE)? TYPE MACH/NE) PUMP LE (/5 PI/MP STOP LEVER Q METAL P07 INVENTORS J-OSEPH FHAzzA/w By GENE R. BRUSSEA u 1 L- T- (OMPOSEDMATR/XL/NE l 1 I I L L -L V/SE JAW ASSEMBLY 0L1, WM M ATTORNEYJ v7.55 CAP Aug. 11, 1953 J. F. HAZZARD ETAL ATTACHMENT FOR LINE CASTING MACHINES 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Aug. 2, 1950 PUMP LE VER PUMP sroP' LEVER R m U m E w D 0 wk u T2 W m 5 T w NZMMVV w. S s H E s s V% mm 6 m M M c a 1 0 MM M L M 5 E A J W S. m M 4. M Z? m M m/ M v w W 5 3/ W //6 w Umm m w v 6 W a A7 A a a l?! 4 L ms T M P \0 2 X I 7 m m E, I 6 c w 1 u; 4 w w 8 a Q L a L 7 .l 2 MMR z c 0 WW T a m I W s m M i 0 w m M 2 MHW\/ ou w E a M M w M M 1. WW. E 2 0 B m CM V A TTOR'NE Kr g- 1953 J. F. HAZZARD ET AL ,4 6

ATTACHMENT FOR LINE CASTING MACHINES Filed Aug. 2, 1950 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 W6 E J]? W EMBL Y COMFOSED MOVABLE ZZZ T mm: Ill-5E MATRIX LINE SCRE W 7 V/SE W V/SE FRAME INVENTORS JsEPH/FHAZZARD BY GENE 1 Emma/w pmealme m A T TOR/VS Ya Aug. 11, 1953 J. F. HAZZARD ET AL ATTACHMENT FOR LINE CASTING MACHINES '7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Aug. 2, 1950 Aug. 11, 1953 J. F. HAZZARD ET AL 2,543,426

ATTACHMENT FORLINE CASTING MACHINES Filed Aug. 2, 1950 '7 Sheets-Sheet 6 F HIIIIIIHH mm BA /3 44 58 W55 LOCK- 5 PUMP (ONTROL LEI/ER 57 RIGHT HAND V1 LOCKING STUD //VDE/V T/O/V 61 /DE 58 PUMP CON TROL L E l/El? Sf/IFTLEVE/P J 5 [fix 1 7 ,7, I, /V, I p 1 mm 5/11 A 7' TORNE 5 Aug. 11, 1953 7 Sheets-Sheet '7 Filed Aug. 2, 1950 R l1- V/SE LOCK/N6 STUD D W 5 m E/ s K 6 3 W w 5 M. w H./ .6 R. 6

III a o w m a a 4 i .4 w n 5 m 6 Q I LII L m H L IIIH rr a 9 T M 2 m m/w w I u a M .w w u A .1 I E 2 H 5 2 2 N s 2 T W a x m Q Q 6 M c 0 m CM ,423 r /22 L ,J A

FIRST ELEVATOR JAWS m D m w M f u RUE EH U L V m II II I I| V 9 HR E Tbs Y /\T B a E W m am a ma T m a m M C MOLD DISK 0M, WMQTWM ATToR/vEKr Patented Aug. 11, 1953 ATTACHMENT FOR LINE CASTING MACHINES Joseph F. Hazzard and Gene R. Brusseau, Minneapolis, Minn.

Application August 2, 1950, Serial No. 177,266

9 Claims. 1

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in line casting machines, and more particularly to a novel mechanism for allowing an overlength line of assembled matrices and spacebands to freely enter between the usual vise jaws of the machine and descend into proper casting position in alignment with the mold, even though the overalllength of the assembled line may exceed the maximum allowed line length for which the machine has been set.

In the operation of line casting machines such as the well known Linotype and Intertype machines, it is common knowledge that considerable waste is often experienced in the use of matrices,

because of damage imparted thereto and to the equipment, should the overall length of an assembled line to be inserted into the machine exceed the maximum allowed line length. Under such conditions, excessive force may be applied to the assembled line in an attempt to force it into proper casting position between the vise jaws, because of the inability of the movable vise jaw to yield sufiiciently and allow the overlength line to freely descend into proper casting position because distortion of the lower outwardly projecting lugs of the end matrices. Also if the assembled line does not descend into alignment with the mold, the lower projecting lugs of the matrices may not enter the grooves in the mold, whereby they may be damaged to the extent that they may have to be replaced, and damage to parts of the machine may also result. The matrices are rather expensive, and such periodic replacement of matrices may therefore materially increase the maintenance cost of the machine.

An object of the present invention, therefore, is to provide a mechanism for automatically allow.- ing the so-called movable vise jaw to yield with respect to its complemental fixed jaw within certain limits, whereby an assembled line whose overall length may slightly exceed the maximum line length for which the machine has been set, may be freely inserted between the vise jaws into proper casting position relative to the mold, with the assurance the matrices of the assembled line are not likely to become damaged or distorted when inserted into position between the faces of a novel backing element for the movable jaw of the machine, and means for automatically controlling the action of said backing means, thereby to eliminate forcing of a tight line, i. e., as for example, an assembled line of matrices and spacebands which may exceed in length the maximum line length for which the machine has been set, thereby to permit free insertion of such an overlength line into proper alignment with the mold.

A further object resides in the novel construction of the backing means for the movable vise.

ment for a line casting machine comprising a pair of jaws for supporting an assembled line of matrices and spacebands in position adjacent to the mold while casting a slug from the assembled line, one of said jaws being fixed and the other relatively movable within certain limits, said invention being directed more particularly to the construction of the backing element for the movable jaw and the operating means for said backing element, said operating means permitting the assembled line of matrices and spacebands, if within the allowed maximum line length, to descend to the proper casting position between said jaws and simultaneously render the backing means eiiective to resist relative movement of the movable jaw, whereby the assembled line may be? justified, and the pump actuated to force a charge of metal into the mold cavity.

Other objects of the invention reside in the unique construction of the backing means for resisting outward movement of the movable jaw; in the provision of means for quickly condensing and gauging the overall length of the assembled line of matrices and spacebands, and automatically releasing the pump in the event the line is Within maximum line length for which the machine has been set, or interrupting pump operation in the event said assembled line length exceeds said maximum; in the provision of means for auto matically withdrawing the backing element from its operative position with respect to the movable jaw, thereby to permit said jaw to yield to the pressure of the overlength line without causing damage to the parts; in the provision of a pump control lever having a yieldable arm portion for actuating the pump stop lever, and whereby said arm portion may yield during operation of the machine, should the pum stop lever for some reason become inoperative during a cycle of operation; in the provision of a warning signal for indicating pump failure during operation of the machine; and in the provision of such an attachment which is simple and inexpensive in construction, and which may readily be attached to a conventional line casting machine without requiring any material alterations to be made therein.

These and other objects of the invention and the means for their attainment will be more apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

In the accompanying drawings there has been disclosed a structure designed to carry out the various objects of the invention, but it is to be understood that the invention is not confined to the exact features shown, as various changes may be made within the scope of the claims which follow.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a plan view of the casting mechanism of a Linotype machine showing the invention embodied therein, with an assembled line supported between the vise jaws;

Figure 2 is a fragmentary view illustrating the means for automatically apprlsing the operator of pump failure, should the pump for some reason fail to function;

Figure 3 is a detail sectional plan view on the line 33 of Figure '7, showing the means for allowing an overlength line to enter between the jaws, the backing element for the jaw being shown in inoperative position;

Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3 showing the vise jaw backing element in operative position, as when the assembled line is within maximum line length;

Figure 5 is a detail view on the line 25-45 of Figure 4, showing an end .view of the vise cap and the vise jaw supporting block;

Figure 6 is a view showing the front of the vise and illustrating the justification bar for driving the wedges between the matrices to expand the line.

Figure 7 is a view substantially on the line l-l of Figure 3, showing the means for automatically preventing operation of the pump in the event of an overlength assembled line;

Figure 8 is a detail sectional plan view illus trating the indention means associated with the movable jaw for accommodating a shorter line length;

Figure 9 is a detail sectional elevation on the line 8-9 of Figure 8, showing the parts before justification of the line;

Figure 10 is a view similar to Figure 9 showing the position of the parts after justifica ion;

Figure 11 is a detail sectional view on the line Il-H of Figure 9;

Figure 12 is a detail sectional view showing the abutment slide positioned to allow the movable jaw to yield, as when the assembled line exceeds the maximum length for which the machine may be set, and whereby the pump is held inoperative;

Figure 13 is an enlarged detail sectional view of the assembled line of matrices and spacebands in its descended position before advancement of the mold;

Figure 14 is a view similar to Figure 13 with the mold advanced to casting position;

Figure 15 is a view similar to Figures 9 and 10, with the slide descended for the purpose of indention or reduction of line length;

Figure 16 is a detail sectional view showing the invention applied to the pump lever stop member of a conventional Intertype line casting machine;

Figure 17 is a detail sectional view on the line l'il1 of Figure 16; and

Figures 18 and 19 illustrate a vise jaw backing means wherein the line indention means shown in the previous figures has been omitted.

To afford a clearer understanding of the present invention, there is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, particularly Figures 1, 3 and 4, a portion of the supporting frame of a conventional line casting machine, designated by the numeral 2. This frame is of conventional and well known construction and it therefore need not be herein illustrated or described in detail.

Figure 1 illustrates portions of the casting mechanism of the machine, including the usual forwardly extending hubs 3 and 4 in which locking studs 5 and 6 are secured, as is well known in the art. The vise assembly of the machine, generally designated by the numeral 1, includes the vise cap 8 on which is mounted locking screws 9 and ll,,respectively, as will be understood by reference to Figures 1 and 6. Each locking screw is provided at its outer end with a slidably mounted bolt or rod 12 to facilitate rotating said bolts when securing the vise assembly in casting position with respect to the machine frame.

To thus secure the vise assembly in fixed position relative to the machine frame, the locking screws 9 and H are threadedly engaged with the vise cap 8, and their inner terminals are received in sockets provided in the adjacent ends of the studs 5 and 6, and with the walls of which they are adapted for interlocking engagement, as shown at I9 in Figures 3, 4 and 12. p

In Figure 1 the casting machine mechanism. is shown in normal inoperative position, with the assembled line spaced from the mold. The vise jaw M, as illustrated in Figure 6, comprises a body portion I5 which is secured to the frame portion N5 of the vise assembly by suitable means, not shown. The movable vise jaw 43 is mounted for limited movement relative to fixed jaw M, as will subsequently be described. 7

One of the important features of the present invention resides in the construction and arrangement of the movable vise jaw l3, whereby it may yield under certain conditions to permit an assembled line of matrices and spacebands, which may be slightly oversize in length, to freely enter between the vise jaws to its proper position in alignment with the mold. Thevise jaw assembly is mounted on a suitable frame 11 having its lower end pivotally supported on. a shaft 20 of the machine frame. The usual mold disk I8 is shown rotatably mounted on a stud I9, indicated in Figure 6, whereby the disk may be rotated to bring the proper size mold into alignment with the metal pot mouthpiece 2|, shown in Figures 13 and 14.

The mold disk [8 is movable laterally to move the mold 22, secured thereto, into casting position with respect to the assembled line. When the mouthpiece 2| of the metal pot is moved .to the position shown in Figure 14, the plunger 23 of the pump, generally designated by the numeral 30, is actuated to force a portion of the molten metal in the metal pot into the mold to cast a slug,

The operating mechanism for the pump is shown in part in Figures 1 and 2, and comprises the usual cam 24 having a depression 25 in its periphery. A roller 26 is shown mounted in the terminal of a laterally extending arm provided on the pump lever 21, and is arranged to ride on the periphery of the cam 24, as shown in Figure 2. When the recess 25 in the cam 24 passes the roller 26, the roller drops into said recess, whereby the pump lever 21 is actuated by the action of a spring 28, to cause the pump 36 to operate, provided the assembled line of matrices and spacebands has been properly placed between the vise jaws so that the mold cavity is aligned therewith.

In Figure 1, the numeral 29 represents the usual metal pot provided with a cover 3| and having an opening 32 therein for receiving the plunger rod 33 of the pump plunger 23. The cam 25 is shown mounted upon the usual operating shaft 34 of the machine. A second cam 35 is similarly secured to the shaft 34 and has a projecting lug 36 on its periphery, as shown in Figure 2, which serves an important function in the operation of the present invention, as will next be described.

The invention as herein disclosed, includes a warning device adapted to automatically operate and indicate to the operator each time the pump fails, which may result from various causes, as is well known in the art. To thus apprise the operator of each pump failure, a warning circuit, generally designated by the numeral 31, is shown provided with a normally closed circuit breaking switch 38 having a movable contact 39 positioned in the path of the lug 36 of the cam 35, when the pump lever 21 is in its normal position, as shown in full lines in Figure 2. A warning device, here shown in the form of a small light bulb 4|, is electrically connected in the circuit 31, and under normal operating conditions is on, or lighted.

For convenience, the switch 38 may be mounted on the hub of the pump lever 21, whereby when said lever is in its inoperative position, the movable contact 39 of the switch is positioned in the path of the lug 36. Duing each normal cycle of operation, the pump lever 21 is swung downwardly to the dotted line position shown in Figure 2, when its roller 26 drops into the depression 25 in the periphery of the cam 24, provided the pump lever has been released for operation, as will subsequently be described. When the pump lever moves to the dotted line position and actuates the pump, the switch 38 is swung upwardly, whereby its contact 39. is out of the path of the cam lug 36, and the warning light 4| then remains on without interruption. Should the pump lever 21 for some reason fail to operate during an operating cycle of the machine, the pump lever will remain in its full line position shown in Figure 2, whereby the lug 36 will engage and actuate the contact 39 and momentarily break the circuit to the warning light 4|, and thereby apprise the operator that the pump has failed to operate.

The above described mechanism forms an important part of the present invention and operates in conjunction with the movable vise jaw |3 to interrupt the casting operation in the event the assembled line being inserted between the vise jaws is relatively longer than the maximum line length for which the machine has been set. It is also to be understood that the warning circuit may be varied in numerous ways without departing from the scope of the invention.

Another important feature of the present invention resides in the novel construction and operation of the backing means for the movable jaw which also controls the operation of the pump lever 21, whereby should an assembled line of greater length than the maximum line length for which the machine has been set be inserted between the vise jaws, the movable vise jaw may move to a position to render the backing means ineffective to cause the release of the pump lever 21, whereby the warning circuit 31 may function and apprise the operator of such pump failure, as hereinbefore stated.

The backing element, generally designated by the numeral 42, is in the form of an elongated member which is slidably mounted in a longitudinally extending recess 43 provided in the periphery of the right-hand vise locking stud 5, as best illustrated in Figure 4. The slide 42 has a projection 44 on its outer face adapted to be moved into or out of alignment with an abutment face 45 carried by a slide 46, mounted for vertical sliding movement on the movable jaw I3, as indicated by the full and dotted lines in Figure 15. A spring element, generally designated by the numeral 40, retains the slide 42 in the recess 43, as will be understood by reference to Figures 3 and '1. The spring element 40 may be secured in place by suitable means, such as screws 40'.

The slide 46, which is utilized only when the indention mechanism is employed, is of U- shaped cross section, and comprises spaced walls 41 and 48 tied together by a cross wall 49, as best shown in Figures 8, 9, 10, 11 and 15. An upright stud 5| is shown secured in the base portion 52 of the usual vise jaw block 53, and cooperates with an outwardly turned flange 54 on the slide 46 to retain said slide in proper position on the vise jaw I3. The cross wall 49 of the slide 46 has an opening 55 therein adapted to receive the head 56 of an abutment screw or stud 51, carried in the front end portion 58 of a pump control lever, generally designated by the numeral 66. The lever 60 has a rearwardly extending flexible arm portion 59, and a hub 6| for mounting it on a pivot 62 received in threaded engagement with a fixed bracket 63 secured to the right hand vise locking stud 5.

The means provided for actuating the vise jaw backing element 42 is best illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, and comprises a rod 64 having one end received in threaded engagement with a tubular supporting member or sleeve 65, slidable within a bore 66 provided in the vise locking stud 5. A pin 61 is shown having a head 68 received in threaded engagement with the slide 42, said pin also having a collar 69 adapted to be seated against the slide 42 whereby the pin may be fixedly secured therein in the position shown in Figures 3 and 4.

The reduced end portion of the pin 61 is received in aligned apertures provided in the tubular supporting element 65, whereby the slide 42 is movable simultaneously with the rod 64. A suitable spring 1| is mounted within the bore 66 and has one end engaging the inner end of the tubular member 65, and its opposite end the inner end of an anchor screw 12, the inner end of which is received in threaded engagement with the right hand vise locking stud 5, to secure said stud in fixed position in the machine frame 2.

As hereinbefore stated, the vise cap 8, when in operative position, is secured to the vise locking studs and 6' by manipulation of the of the screws 9 and H are shown provided with means adapted for'interlocking engagement with the adjacent ends of their respective studs 5 and 6, as hereinbefore stated, and as indicated by the numeral ID in Figure-'3.

To assure accurate axial alignment of the screws 9 and -l;l with. their respective studs 5 and 6, the screws 9 and H are preferably providedwith cylindrical extensions adapted to be received in the ends' of the bores 86 in. the studs 5- and 9, to serve as dowels to maintain the screws 9' and I l in true. axi'alalignment with the studs 5 and 6.

The opposite endof the rod 54 is shown. having an ofiset [6 provided with a threaded terminalv 17' disposed in parallel relation to the rod 64. As shown in Figure 3, the rod terminal 11 is secured to a spring: element 18 fixed to a portion [9 of the machine frame. The flexible end of the spring element l;8'is rearwardly bent to provide a stop 8|. which. normally engages a pin 82 carried by the relatively smaller arm 83. of the usual pump stop lever 84. When the pump. stop lever is in its normal position, as shown in Figure 3, its outer end is positioned in the path of a lateral projection 85 on the pump lever 21, whereby thepump lever is lockedv against operation.

Secured to the free end of the arm portion 59 of the pump control lever 68, is a forked terminal element 86 which constantly engages the pin 82' in the pump stop lever '84, whereby the flexible arm portion 59 of the. pump control lever is constantly in operative engagement with the pump stop lever 84. When the free end of member 18 is moved forwardly with the rod 64, the stop' 8! moves out of the path of. the pin 82, whereby the forked end of the arm portion 59 is released and may be swung from the position shown in Figure '3 to that shown in.Figure 4, whereby the pump stop lever 84 is actuated to release the pump lever 21. The forked element 8.8permits free swinging movement of the parts 86 and 82 on opposed arcs, as

will be understood by reference to Figures 3.

and 4.

'Means is provided for aXially translating the rod 64in its guides in the right-hand vise looking stud 5, when the mold is moved to its normal non-casting position, as illustrated in Figures 3. and 13. When so positioned, the: spring:

element 18 at the rear end thereof: is positioned to secure the pump stop lever 84' in position to prevent operation of the pump lever: 21. Suchaxial movement of the rod 84 is effected by movement of the mold disk slide 18 through a bracket 81 secured to the slide 18 by suitable bolts 88, as shown in Figure '7. The bracket 81 carries an abutment screw 89 whichis adjustable therein and has a lock nut 9| securing it in adjusted position.

Means is provided for operatively connecting the stop screw 89 with the rod 64, and is here shown comprising a U-shaped member, generally designated by the numeral 92, having its rear leg 93' normally engaging the offset rear'portion T8 of the rod 64, as shown in Figure 3. The forward end 94 of the member 92 is shown extending outwardly into the path .of thescrevv 8.9, and is engaged therewith. The spring H in" thestud 5 is constantly under compression and constantly holds the leg 94 of the member 92 in engagement with the screw 89..

In Figure 13, the mold 22 is shown. in its normal non-casting position, wherein the first elevator jaws, indicated by the numerals 95 and. 96, are shown supporting an assembled line ofmatrices and spacebands in alignment with the mold, or, in other words, in the position assumed 1 just prior to the mold moving into casting. engagement with the assembled line, shown in Figure 14. When the machine is at rest, the mold is in its non-casting position, as shown inv Figure 13, and the mouthpiece 2:] of the metal pot throat is spaced from the mold.

The mold then advances to casting position, followed by the mouthpiece 2|, which moves into casting engagement with the mold when the latter comes to rest, as shown in Figure 14. The line is then cast, provided it has been properly positioned between the vise jaws. The bracket 8'I is shown provided with a rearwardly extending.-

cam-like projection 98 which serves to position:

the leg 940i the U-shaped member 92 in alignment with the screw 59, when the mold, disc slide is moved rearwardly, particularly when the machine has been taken apart and is reassem:--

bled.

Another important feature of the present invention resides in the novel construction and:

operatic-11 of the backingmeans for the'movab'le vise jaws it, which is such that when a line whose overall length may be relatively greater than the maximum line length for which the machine has been set, may in most cases enter betweenthe jaws without causing damage to the equipment; Should the assembled line, however, exceed the maximum line length of the machine, the movable vise jaw It may move to the position shown in Figure 12, whereby the projection 45-91: on

' the slide 49 may pass the backing lug 44 on the slide 42. and thus prevent the rod '94 frombein longitudinally translated to effect actuation of the pump stop lever 84' from its locked position shown in Figure 3.

Such interruption of the rod 64 results because of the projection 49 on the slide 42 engaging against the side of the abutment face 97, as shown in Figure 12. During each cycle of operation wherein the operation of'the pump lever '21 is interrupted, the warning circuit 5"! is momentarily opened to cause the warning light to flicker and thus apprise the operator of such pump failure.

The present invention may therefore be termed a longline safety mechanism, as it positively prevents a long line inserted between the vise jaws from causing damage to the matrices' or' other parts of the equipment.

Means is provided for constantly retaining the vise jaw l8 in its centered or normal position, and is shown comp-rising a small flat spring element 98, having one end secured to the vise cap 8 and its opposite end yieldably engaging a portion 99 of the supporting block 53 of the mov able vise jaw l3.

Means is also provided. for limiting the travel of the movable vise jaw it in a direction away from its complemental fixed jaw l4, and is shown comprising a stud. 5552 mounted for sliding move.-

-ment in a guide sleeve I93 received in threaded opposite end of the tubular guide member I03 and is engaged by one end of a spring I06. The opposite end of the spring I06 i seated against an abutment member I01, fixed to the stud I02 whereby the spring I06 constantly urges the stud I02 in a direction towards the movable vise jaw I3, as shown in Figures 9 and 10. When the assembled line has been properly positioned between the vise jaws and with respect to the mold, it may be justified by manipulation of the usual wedges I00, as is well known in the art.

In Figures 8 and 9, the assembled line is shown loosely positioned between the vise jaws, wherein it will be noted the movable vise jaw I3 is spaced from the head 56 of the stud and from the end of the stud I 02. It will also be noted that the projection 44 of the backing member 42 is spaced from the abutment face 9! of the slide 46. The assembled line shown in Figures 8 and 9 is within the safe maximum line length for which the machine is set, whereby the slide or backing element 44 may move into alignment with the abutment face 91, as shown in Figure 4.

Justification 0f the assembled line forces the wedges I08 between the matrices and expands the line in a lengthwise direction until the movable vise jaw reaches the limit of its movement, as a result of its engagement with the backing lug 44 on the slide 42, as shown in Figure 4. A stop screw I09 is shown adjustably mounted in the right hand vise locking stud 5, and has its inner end projecting above the bottom of the recess 43, thereby to provide a solid backing for the slide 42. A wear plate 43' may be placed in the bottom of the recess 43 to provide a smooth surface upon which the slide 42 may slide.

When an assembled line is delivered between the vise jaws which may be shorter than the spacing therebetween, requiring indention of the line, the slide 46 is moved downwardly from its position shown in Figures 9 and 10, to the position shown in Figure 15, wherein the abutment face 45 is aligned with the backing lug 44 of the slide 42. The line may then be justified as before, whereby the movable jaw I3 is moved outwardly to take up the space between the abutment faces 44 and 45, and the space between the end of the stud I02 and the extension II2 of the slide 46.

The indention of the line is controlled by the operator, and is shown comprising a small lever II3 provided at the outer end of the stud I02. The outer face of the nut I04 is shown provided with serraions I I4 adapted to interlock with similar serrations on a nut H5, adjustably secured to the outer threaded end portion I I6 of the stud I02, and secured thereto by a lock nut I. See Figures 5, and 15. A lever H3 is provided at the outer end of the stud I02 and preferably has two positions corresponding to the upper and lower positions of the slide 46, as shown in Figures 10 and 15. The collar I01 secured to the inner end of the rod I02 is shown having a pin II8 extending laterally therefrom and received in a slot II9 provided in an offset portion I2I of the lower portion of the slide 46, as will be understood by reference to Figures 11 and 15.

The indention slide 46 may be omitted, if it is found unnecessary to indent the lines. When the slide 46 is eliminated, the adjusting screw I09, shown in Figures 9, l0 and 15, may be dispensed with, and in lieu thereof, an abutment screw I22 is adjustably secured in the adjacent end of the movable vise jaw I3, as shown in Figures 18 and 19. A lock nut I23 is received in threaded engagement with the abutment screw I22 to lock it in adjusted position on the vise jaw. The screw I22 preferably has an enlarged head I24 adapted to engage the projection 44 on the backing slide 42, mounted in the right-hand vise locking stud 5. The head I24 is normally spaced from the abutment lug 44, as shown in Figure 18, and the terminal I25 of the stud I26 is similarly spaced from the vise jaw I3. The stud I26 is similar to the stud I02, shown in Figures 9 and 10, with the exception it does not have an operating handle I I3, such as the stud I02.

As hereinbefore stated, the invention herein disclosed may well be termed a long line safety mechanism, as it serves to prevent damage to matrices and the equipment in the event a line whose overall length is relatively greater than the maximum line length for which the machine has been set. In conventional line casting machines, means is provided for automatically preventing damage to the equipment in the event of a short line, but so far as now known, there is no equipment obtainable for use in connection with such machines for automatically interrupting the machine and apprising the operator in the event that an overlength line is inserted between the vise jaws.

In the normal operation of a conventional line casting machine, a so-called overlength line usually only slightly exceeds the maximum spacing between the jaws, whereby such a line may be forced partially into position between the vise jaws. In so doing, however, the end matrices may be seriously damaged and other equipment may be damaged. The present invention, as hereinbefore stated, substantially eliminates all danger of damage to matrices and equipment by automatically interrupting the normal operation of the machine and simultaneously apprises the operator that something is wrong.

The invention is also so designed that should an operator attempt to force an overlength line between the vise jaws, the pump lever will remain locked against movement so long as the overall length line is supported between the vise jaws. The embodiment of the present invention in a conventional line casting machine does not alter the operation thereof. It does not require the manipulation of additional controls, or other operating elements, with the exception of the small indention lever II3, which is used only when the indention slide 46 is utilized.

In a normal cycle of operation, the operator manipulates the usual keys of the machine to select the required matrices and spacebands for a given line. The line of matrices and spacebands is then delivered into the first elevator jaws of the machine in the usual manner, which lowers the assembled line into position between the vise jaws I3 and I4. When the assembled line has been positioned between the vise jaws, assuming that the line does not exceed the maximum line length for which the machine has been set, the movable jaw may engage the end matrices of the line under spring pressure, caused by the action of the spring I06 because of the base 52 of the jaw I3 abuttingly engaging the screw I02, as shown in Figure 10. The mold then moves into casting position with respect to the assembled line, as shown in Figure 14, and simultaneously the backing slide 42 is advanced to move the projection 44 thereof into alignment with the abutment face 45 of the slide 46, provided the indention slide 46, shown in Figures 8, 9 and 10, is utilized.

The backing slide 42 is advanced by the action of the spring II because of its connection therewith, as shown in Figure 3. The forward movement of the slide 42 from the position shown in Figure 3 to that shown in Figure 4, is commensurate with the movement of the mold disk slide I0, because the movement of the rod 64 is controlled by the movement of the slide 42 by reason of the leg 94 of the U-shaped member 92 being retained in engagement with the abutment screw 89 by the spring I I.

It will thus be seen that with a normal line, when the mold 22 moves into casting position with respect to the assembled line, the backing lug 44 on the slide 42 is automatically moved into alignment with the abutment face 91 of the slide 46, whereupon the spring element 18 at the rear end of the rod 64 is actuated to move its free end out of the path of the pin 82, as shown in Figure 4, whereby the pump stop lever 84 may be swung out of looking engagement with the pump lever 21 to permit said pump lever to be operated to force a portion of the metal in the metal pot into the mold cavity to complete a slug.

The pump control lever 60 may be actuated by swinging movement of its arm portion 58, caused by the movable vise jaw I3 engaging the head 59 of the stud 51 and imparting pivotal movement to the pump control lever. This is particularly true in line casting machines wherein the abutment head 56 is fixedly mounted on the arm portion 58'of the pump control leverIiiJ.

In the operation of the machine wherein the abutment 56 is yieldably mounted in the arm portion 58, as shown in Figures 8, 9 and 10, should the stop 8| be in locked engagement with the pin 82 when the arm portion 58 of the pump control lever 69 is actuated by the vise jaws I3, the flexible arm portion 59 of the pump control lever 69, if constructed as herein illustrated, may flex as indicated in dotted lines in Figure 1, to relieve the parts of excessive strains.

Under such conditions, it will be noted the spring element T8 is retained in the position shown in Figure 3, whereby the arm 59 is locked against swinging movement in a direction to move the pump stop lever 84 out of locking engagement with the pump lever 21 and thereby prevent operation of the pump lever. Simultaneously, the circuit'breaker 38 of the control circuit 31 is acmated by the lug 36on the cam to cause the warning light 4| to flicker, or momentarily'become extinguished thus apprising the operator of the pump failure.

In Figures 16 and 17, the invention is shown applied to the pump stop lever of an Intertype line casting machine. The parts I21 and I28'represent portions of the machine frame and a bracket I29 is shown secured thereto. The usual pump stop lever I3I is pivotally mounted on the bracket I29 by a pivot I32, and its free end is normally positioned beneath a projection l33 on the pump lever I34. A spring I35 is shown having. one end secured to the swinging end of the pump stop lever, and its opposite end to'a fixed clip, whereby the spring constantly tends toswing the pump stop lever out of locking engagement with the pump lever.

The invention comprises a small bracket I39 secured to the pump stop lever I3I and having one end extending outwardly from said lever as shown. The projecting end of the bracket I36 has a slot I31 therein adapted to receive the terminal I38 of a rod I39 corresponding tothe rod 64 of Figure 3. A U-shaped member 92 is engaged with therod I39 andfunctions in a I3 manner similar to the operation of the corresponding member 94 shown in Figure 3.

The pump stop lever I3I is adapted to be automatically moved out of locking engagement with the pump lever I34 by the spring I35, and into interlocking engagement with the pump lever I34 by manipulation of the conical head I4I of a push rod I42, as shown in Figure 17.

In the structure disclosed in Figure 16, the pump stop lever I3I is adapted to be automatically moved into and out of locking engagement with the pump lever I34 by longitudinal movement of the rod I39, the upper offset end portion thereof being engaged with the bracket I39. Thus when the rod I39 is moved in a forward direction, the pump stop lever I3I is swung out of locking engagement with the projection I33 of the pump lever I34, and when moved in a rearward direction, the pump stoplever I3I is swung into looking engagement with the pump lever I34. Operation of the rod I39 is controlled by the length of the assembled line, which also controls the movement of the backing slide 42. In other words, if the maximum length of the assembled line inserted between the jaws is greater than the maximum line length allowed for the machine, the overlength line will cause the vise jaw I3 to move outwardly into the path of the lug 44 of the backing slide 42, whereby the slide cannot move into alignment with the vise jaw to actuate the pump stop lever and permit the pump to operate.

The foregoing detailed description has been given for clearness or" understanding only, and no unnecessary limitations should be understood therefrom, but the appended claims should 'be construed as broadly as permissible in view of the prior art.

We claim as our invention:

1. The combination with a line casting machine comprising a mold, a mold disk slide, a metal pot, a pump having an operating lever, means for operating the pump lever, a pump stop lever for normally locking the pump lever against movement, a vise jaw assembly including a fixed jaw and: a relatively movable jaw, and avise locking stud. secured in the machine frame adapted to interlock with means on the vise jaw asembly to secure said assembly in line casting position with respectto the mold, of a mechanism for preventing, operation of the pump in the event'that an over-length line of matrices is inserted between the vise jaws, said mechanismv including: means for normally locking the pump stop lever against movement, an element mounted for longitudinal sliding movement on the vise locking. stud and having an operative connection with said locking means, an: abutment on said element normally positioned out of alignment with the movable vise jaw, said element also having an operative connection with the mold disk slide whereby when a normal length line of matrices is inserted be tween the vise jaws and the mold disk slide. is moved into castin engagement with the mold, said elementv is actuated to move said abutment into: alignment with themovablevise jaw to provide a backing therefor, actuation of said element also causing said locking means: tube operated to effect the release of the pump stop lever and permit the pump tofunction, and means carried by the movable vise jaw and movable therewith into the path of saidabutment to prevent actuation of said element and the subsequent release of the pump stop lever, shouldan over-length line of matrices be inserted between the vise. jaws. 2. A mechanism as defined in claim 1, wherein a warning device is operatively associated with the pump operating lever for indicatin to the operator each pump failure, said warning device comprising a control element positioned to be actuated by the pump lever operating means to efiect operation of said warning device only in the event the pump lever fails to function.

3. A mechanism as defined in claim 2, wherein the warning device includes an electric circuit having a circuit breaker therein mounted to be operated by the pump operating means to eifect operation of the warning device, only in the event the pump lever fails to function.

4. The combination with a line casting machine comprising a mold, a mold disk slide, a metal pot, a pump having an operating lever, a pump stop lever for normally locking the pump lever against movement, a vise jaw assembly including a fixed jaw and relatively movable jaw, and a vise locking stud secured in the machine frame adapted to interlock with means on the vise jaw assembly to secure said assembly in line casting position with respect to the mold, of a mechanism for preventing operation of the pump in the event that an over-length line of matrices is inserted between the vise jaws, said mechanism including a member normally engaged with the pump stop lever to prevent operation thereof, an element mounted for longitudinal sliding movement on the vise locking stud, a rod having one end operatively connected to said element and having its opposite end connected to said locking member, an abutment surface on the adjacent end of the movable vise jaw, an abutment on said element normally positioned out of alignment with the abutment surface on said movable vise law, said element also having an operative connection with the mold disk slide whereby when a normal length line of matrices is inserted between the vise jaws, and the mold disk slide is moved into casting engagement with the mold, said element is actuated to move said abutment into alignment with the abutment surface on said movable vise jaw to provide a backing therefor, actuation of said element also causing said locking means to be operated to effect the release of the pump stop lever and permit the pump to function, the abutment surface on the movable vise jaw being movable into the path of the abutment on said element to prevent actuation of said element and the subsequent release of the pump stop lever, should an over-length line of matrices be inserted betwen the vise jaws.

5, The combination with a line casting machine comprising a mold, a mold disk slide, a metal pot, a pump having an operating lever, a pump stop lever for normally locking the pump lever against movement, a vise jaw assembly including a fixed jaw and a relatively movable jaw, and a vise locking stud secured in the machine frame adapted to interlock with means on the vise jaw assembly to secure said assembly in line casting position with respect to the mold, of a mechanism for preventing operation of the pump in the event that an over-length line of matrices is inserted between the vice jaws, said mechanism including a member normally engaged with the pump stop lever to prevent operation thereof, an elongated element mounted for longitudinal sliding movement on the vise locking stud, a rod slidably mounted in said stud and having one end operatively connected to said element for direct movement therewith, the opposite end of said rod being connected to said locking member whereby movement of said element will impart movement to said member, a U-shaped member slidably supported on said rod and having one end operatively connected to the mold disk slide for movement therewith, an abutment on said element normally positioned out of alignment with the movable jaw, said abutment being movable into alignment with the movable jaw to provide a backing therefor when a normal length line is inserted between said jaws and the mold disk slide is moved into casting position, the connection between said U-shaped member and said rod being such that should an over-length line of matrices be inserted between the vise jaws and cause the movable jaw to move outwardly beyond its normal travel, said movable jaw will traverse the path of said abutment and prevent relative sliding movement of said element in the vise locking stud, whereby the locking member is retained in looking engagement with the pump stop lever to prevent operation of the pump lever in the event that an over-length line is inserted between the vise jaws.

6. A mechanism as defined in claim 5, wherein the U-shaped member on said rod is indirectly connected to the mold disk slide.

'7. A mechanism as defined in claim 5, wherein an abutment screw is adjustably secured in the end of the movable vise jaw adapted to engage the abutment on said slidable element when a normal length line is inserted between the vise jaws, said abutment screw being movable into the path of the abutment on said element to prevent operation thereof, in the event an over-length line is inserted between the jaws, thereby to prevent actuation of said element and the subsequent release of the pump stop lever.

8. A mechanism as defined in claim 5, wherein one end of said rod is slidabl mounted in the vise locking stud and has an operative connection with said slidable element, and the opposite end of said rod being secured to said locking member whereby axial movement of said rod by movement of the mold disk slide into casting position will cause said locking membed to release the pump stop lever and permit operation of the pump lever, when a normal length line is inserted between the vise jaws, the operative connection between the mold disk slide and said rod permitting the movable vise jaw to move outwardly into the path of the abutment on said slidable element to prevent relative movement of said element and the subsequent release of the pump stop lever, in the event an over-length line is inserted between the vise jaws.

9. The combination with a line casting machine comprising a mold, a mold disk slide, a metal pot, a pump having an operating lever, a pump stop lever for normally locking the pump lever against movement, a vise jaw assembly including a fixed jaw and a relatively movable jaw, and a vise locking stud secured in the machine frame adapted to interlock with means on the vise jaw assembly to secure said assembly in line casting position with reference to the mold, of an attachment for preventing operation of the pump in the event that an over-length line of matrices is inserted between the vise jaws, said attachment including a yieldable locking member normally engaged with the pump stop lever to prevent operation thereof, an elongated element mounted for longitudinal sliding movement on the vise locking stud, a rod slidably mounted in said stud and having one end connected to said locking member and having its opposite end connected to said element for direct movement I5 therewith, a U-shaped member. slidably: supported on said rods and having one endoperative- 1y connected'to the mold disk slide for movement therewith whereby movement of the mold disk slide intocasting position. will effectmovement of-said element" upon the vise lookingstud and the subsequent release of'the pump stop'lever, an abutment on said element normall'ypositioned out of alignment with the movable vise jaw, said abutment: being movable into. alignment. with the movable-vise jaw: to provide abacking therefor, when a normallength line is inserted. between the vise jaws and the mold diskslide is: moved into casting position, the connection. between said U-shaped member and-said rod being. such that should an over-length line of matrices be inserted between the vise jaws and cause the movable vise jaw to moveoutwardly beyond its normal length, oftravel, said movable jaw will traverse the path. of said abutment and prevent relative slidingmovement. of said element on the vise locking stud, whereby the locking member. is

16 retained; inulocking' engagement with the pump stop. lever to prevent the release. of the. pump lever, in. the event that. an over-length lineis inadvertently inserted, between the vise jaws.

JOSEPH F. HAZZARDJ. GENE R. BRUSSEAU;

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES. PATENTS Number Name Date 659,865 Bates Oct. 16,1900 788,578 Blair May 2, 1905 799,933 Paddock Sept; 19, 1905 1,259,671 Rogers Mar, 19, 1918 1,460,445 Robinson July-3, 1 2,094,212 Guest Sept. 28, 1937 2,163,536 Bieber June 20, 1939 2,188,988 Sundstrom et a1. Feb. 6, 1940 220L084 Freund May 14', 1940 2,325,666 Czachorski Aug. 3, 1943

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