US3001304A

US3001304A - Rotary pressing machine

Info

Publication number: US3001304A
Application number: US760777A
Authority: US
Inventors: William M Turner; Donald B Lucius
Original assignee: Unipress Co Inc
Current assignee: Unipress Co Inc
Priority date: 1958-09-12
Filing date: 1958-09-12
Publication date: 1961-09-26
Anticipated expiration: 1978-09-26

Description

Sept. 26, 1961 w. M. TURNER ETAL ROTARY PRESSING MACHINE Filed Sept. 12, 1958 4 Sheets-Sheet l 79 3 FIG. I

f 755 4 If INVENTORS WILLIAM M. TURNER DONALD E. LUCIUS ATTORNEY 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. 12, 1958 STEAM PRESS I64 I I Il um!" CONDENSATE RETURN 1 3 M I 7 w; I mo I m I I II H I\ .II 1 I II I Z I h I l I I I I 9 I- I l 6 0 I 8 6 9 I I I w 9 w "W" 1 m [m 5 4 2 3 5B 9 B w wii 8 6 m 9 w I E 7 m hee INVENTORS WILLIAM M. TURNER DONALD B. LUCIUS ATTORNEY Sept. 26, 1961 Filed Sept. 12, 1958 W. M. TURNER ETAL ROTARY PRESSING MACHINE 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTORS WILLIAM M. TURNER DONALD B. LUOIUS ATTORNEY Sept. 26, 1961 Filed Sept. 12, 1958 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTORS WILLIAM M. TURNER DONALD B. LUCIUS ATTORNEY w. M. TURNER ET AL 3,001,304 ROTARY PRESSING MACHINE United States PatentOfiFice 3&0 1,304 Patented Sept. 26, 196i 3,001,304 RQTARY PRESSING MACHlNE William M. Turner, Excelsior, and Donald E. Lucius,

Bloomington, Minn, assignors to The Unipress Company, Minneapolis, Minn, a corporation of Minnesota Filed Sept. 12, 1958, Ser. No. 760,777 17 Claims. (Cl. 38-5) This invention relates to improvements in rotary pressing machines of the type having a plurality of individual presses mounted on a platform of low elevation which is arranged to be rotated on a vertical axis. Such pressing machines are exemplified in Patent 2,669,044 and various other patents of the prior art. In particular this invention relates to an improved rotary gland and manifold structure for fluidly connecting stationary fluid lines to the fluid lines of the individual presses.

All modern pressing machines of this type and as exemplified in the aforementioned patent and other patcuts of the prior art utilize separate individual presses of the type having steam heated pressing heads and usually also have steam heated bucks. The mechanism in each press for moving the head against the buck for pressing is almost always an air motor which is controlled automatically by rotation of the common platform on which the pressers are collectively mounted. Commonly a pipe having a rotary gland connected thereto is aligned coaxially with the axis of rotation of the platform and compressed air is conducted therethrough to the rotary platform and thence to the individual presses thereon so as to serve as an air supply of each press. Controls for each press are provided for automatically and appropriately valving the air supply of each press, as it is carlied on the platform to accomplish actuation of each press to and hour a closedposition as the presses are moved through a circular path of motion by said platform. In addition, according to the prior art practice, steam is conducted to and steam condensate is returned from the rotary platform through pipes, each having a rotary gland and arranged coaxially in respect to the axis of rotation of said platform. The necessity for coaxial alignment of such plurality of pipes and rotary glands for conducting the working fluids (air, steam and condensate) to and from the individual presses mounted on the rotary frame and for control of one such fluid for operating maintenance that are not always easily solved, some of said being set forth hereinafter. In addition, the use of aforementioned structure has required the use of expensive rotary glands.

While the foregoing design requirements of the prior art rotary presses can, in many cases, be fulfilled satisfactorily it has been found in many instances diificulties are encountered; particularly in respect to the larger diameter steam and condensate return glands which usually operate at higher temperatures, especially in respect to steam line. Further it has been found that difficulties have been encountered in the provision of fluid distributing means for receiving the fluid from the supply line and then distributing it to the plurality of presses which are mounted on said platform. Additionally it has been found that mutilation to the nonflexible tubes connecting the rotary gland structure to the rotary presses and to the rotary gland means occurs relatively frequently.

It is an object of this invention to solve the aforemen tioned problems by providing an improved rotary pressing machine wherein air and other operating fluids are con ducted through manifold, rotary gland and distributing means to the individual presses. It is a further object of this invention to provide improved combined rotary gland and manifold means for conducting the operating fluids to and from the appropriate stationary main pipes and distribute and collect fluids tary presses.

A still further object of this invention is to provide an improved rotary gland and manifold structure for rotary pressing machines to furnish the necessary concentricity and to take up the eccentricity of the stationary fluid connections relative to the individual press connecting lines that are carried on the rotary frame in order to obtain maximum life and performance from the installation. The aforementioned rotary gland and manifold structure is to be relatively inexpensive to manufacture and install.

It is an additional object of this invention to provide a facility in rotary pressing machines wherein the stationary operating fluid pipes are connected to appropriate fluid channels in the rotary gland and manifold means for distributing fluids to the individual presses, there being a line having a flexible portion that fluidly connects each fluid channel to an appropriate manifold. It is another object of this invention to provide a rotary pressing machine wherein compressed air and steam are received from stationary supply lines and conducted to appropriate rotating distributing means to be delivered to and from the individual presses, said means including a rotary gland having coaxial steam and condensate return channels formed therein which are fluidly connected to said distributing means by short U-shaped line having a flexible member therein.

It is another object of this invention to provide a ro tary pressing machine wherein air is conducted from a stationary supply line through a rotary gland and doughnut shaped manifold means to be distributed to the individual rotating presses. Still another object of this invention is to provide an improved rotary pressing machine wherein air and other operating fluids are conducted from a supply pipe through manifold distributing means to the individual presses, there being a flexible and a rotary connection between the supply line and said manifold distributing means.

Still another objective of this invention is to provide an improved rotary pressing machine wherein the turntable and the track secured thereto rotate and the means on which the track rotates are stationarily mounted. The aforementioned means hold the track above the base on which the machine is mounted so that the steam and condensate return lines may be placed on the base to extend beneath the turntable and the track to pass between the means for rotatably supporting the track above the base.

Still a further objective of this invention is to provide a rotary pressing machine wherein the stationary fluid pipes are passed through the track on which the wheels that rotatably support the machine run and are above flood level to to be connected to appropriate pivot structure mounted on said floor.

Other and further objects are those inherent in the invention herein illustrated, described in the claims, and will be appearing as the description proceeds.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, this invention then comprises features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims, the following description setting forth in detail certain illustrative embodiments of the invention, these being indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed.

The invention is illustrated by reference to the drawings in which the corresponding numerals refer to the same part and in which: t

FIGURE 1 is a schematic plan View of a representative type of pressing machine embodying the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a schematic vertical section view taken from the individual ro- 3 along the line and in the direction of the arrows 2-2 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical view of the rotary gland and manifold means mounted in a rotary pressing machine, a portion of said view being shown in section;

FIGURE 4 is a plan view of the rotary gland and manifold means which is illustrated in FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged, vertical sectional view of the rotary gland, said view being taken along the line and looking in the direction of the arrows 5-5 of FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view of the rotary gland and manifold means, said view being taken along the line and in the direction of the arrows 22 of FIGURE 1 to show a plan view of the air manifold;

FIGURE 7 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view of the rotary gland and manifold means, said view being taken along the line and in the direction of the arrows 77 of FIGURE 3 to show a plan view of the steam manifold;

FIGURE 8 is a fragmentary horizontal section view of the rotary gland and manifold means similar to FIG- URE 7, said view being taken along the line and looking in the direction of the arrows 8-8 of FIGURE 3 to show a plan view of the condensate return manifold;

FIGURE 9 is a fragmentary vertical view, partly in schematic, of a modified embodiment of this invention, said view showing a rotary frame having a rotary track mounted above the floor level to rotate on fixedly positioned Wheels and over steam and condensate lines running along the floor beneath the rotary frame;

FIGURE 10 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view of the modified embodiment shown in FIG URE 9, said view being taken along the line and looking in the direction of the arrows lltllltl of FIGURE 9 to illustrate the structure for rotatably supporting the rotary frame and track above the floor.

In general it may be stated that rotary pressing machines of the type of which the present invention is an improvement consist of a rotary turntable of low elevation that is adapted to be placed upon the floor and upon which there are mounted a plurality of individual pressing machines. The individual presses may be the laundry or garment pressing type and may have the same or different type of bucks and heads or interchangeable bucks and heads for pressing the same or different portions of garment or laundry items. While rotary press- 1ng machines of this type maybe built as a unitary structure, for ease of manufacture and reduction in cost it has been found that ordinary individual air driven, steam heated, pressing machines of a design that are normally mounted directly on a floor may be used to advantage, such individual pressing machines being mounted in regularly spaced relationship around the periphery of the rotary turntable. In such mechanical organization, the presses are rotated one at a time in front of an operator station. At or slightly ahead of the operator station, the press is automatically controlled by its rotary movement so as to actuate the press to an open press position and the operator may, without moving from her position, remove the pressed garment and lay an unpressed garment on the buck. Usually the rotation of the pressing machine rotary platform is continuous (but it may be operator-controlled), the removal of the pressed garment and replacement of the unpressed garments on the bucks of the several presses being effected while each press moves at its regular pace in succession through the operators station. Then as each press of the pressing machine progresses in succession along its rotary path of motion it reaches a position adjacent to but slightly beyond the operating station where provision is made for automatically actuating controls ofeach press to cause the presser head to move against the buck into pressing relationship therewith.

In the prior art presses, valve controls were provided on each press and arranged to be operated by various means, such as cams mounted on the floor or upon supports which were engaged by appropriate mechanisms on the presses, as each press moved past a predetermined station, to inject air into the air motors of that press. The press was then closed automatically and then remained closed as long as air was continued to be supplied during the course of travel of the press around its circular path of motion. At a predetermined station, known as the opening station, appropriate valve controls on each press were provided, and arranged to be actuated by other cams or other mechanisms, such as timers, so as to release the air line pressure to permit the press to open, and thus be in an open position when it again reaches the operator station. In the usual prior art machines, the bucks and heads of the pressers are continuously heated by incoming steam which enters through the steam line and the condensate is continuously or periodically withdrawn through the condensate return line.

It is within this class of pressing machines that the invention hereinafter described constitutes improvements. For purposes of illustration, but not by way of limitation there is herein illustrated a rotary pressing machine resembling that shown in the Patent 2,669,044.

Referring to the drawings, particularly FIGURES 1 and 2, the pressing machine includes a base plate It) which is adapted to be placed or bolted upon the floor II or base on which the pressing machine has been installed. Upon the plate It there is mounted a central stationary tubular pivot housing 12. The pivot housing 12 serves to support a suitable bearing retainer 19 for retaining the pilot bearings 13. The pilot bearings may be of a suitable ball or a sleeve type which are mounted within the annular main flange 16 of the circular rotary frame plate 17. The bearing 18 isusually constructed to serve as a thrust hearing so as to receive any weight load that may be present at the center of the rotary frame 17.

The plate 17 is preferably of circular shape and near its peripheral portions it is reinforced by

concentric ring channels

20 and 2,1. The aforementioned main flange may be welded to the inner periphery of the ring channel 21 and the outer periphery may be welded to the central opening of the main frame 17. V

A. plurality of curved plate sections 39 which are bolted to the main flange 16 extend radially inwardly to rest or be appropriately secured to the bearing structure 18. Through the aforementioned structure the turntable is mounted to rotate about the stationary pivot housing 12.

A plurality of radial stiffening webs (not shown) extend between the

ring channels

20 and 21 to reinforce the rotary frame plate. Secured to the inner periphery of the outer ring channel 20 are a plurality of wheels 22. Greater rigidity is provided by placing two or more of the wheels 22 under each of the presses. where they. are mounted upon the rotary frame plate 1:7- so that the plate is braced against vibration due to the opening and closing of the presses. The wheels 22 may have rubber tires, if desired, and the wheels 22 may run directly upon the floor 11 when the floor has sufficient evenness. However, where installation ismade on a rough or uneven floor 11 it is preferable to place a circular metal track 24 along the path where the wheels 22. track.

Using a narrow track of appropriate height and the pivot housing of this invention presents'a considerable advantage over prior structures since the steam supply and condensate return lines may be extended through appropriate apertures formed in said track and thus alleviate the necessity of digging a pit beneath the central portion of the rotary frame in order to connect the aforementioned lines to the central pivot portion of the turntable. Further, it is mentioned that the axis of each of the wheels 22 is transverse to and extends radially from the central pivot axis 12. V

For rotating the rotary frame 17 and all the elements carried thereon, there is provided a belt 25 which may be a chain belt, as shown in FIGURE 1, which passes over a pulley 26 that is mounted upon a radial arm 27, the arm being pivoted at 28 to the floor. An adjustment screw 30 mounted in the stationary bracket 31 is positioned so as to bear against the arm 27 and move it arcuately and thus. permit tightening or loosening of the belt 25. The belt 25 also runs over the drive pulley 32. The pulley 32 rotates at a slower speed and is preferably driven by an electric motor 34 through a gear box. It is preferable to use a motor 34 which is capable of speed variations, such as a wound-rotor repulsion induction motor, a shunt type direct current motor or the like. It is perfectly feasible to utilize an air driven motor 34 of constant or variable speed where such is desired. The On-Off, and the speed controls for motor 34 for controlling speeds and operation thereof, and the Emergency control are on a control panel 46 which forms a vertical fence at the left of the terminating edge 38 of the operators station 37. Rotation of the frame plate is in the direction of the arrow 35 and the rotation of the drive pulley is in the direction of arrow 36.

Upon the rotary base 17 there are mounted a plurality of pressing machines generally designated 1, 2, 3, and 4 in FIGURES 1 and 2. Any suitable number of pressing machines greater than one may be utilized, depending upon the size and capacity of the unit and the type of work desired to be done by means of the installation. Four pressing machines are shown in the illustrated embodiment of the invention and are spaced evenly around the frame plate 17. An operator station indicated by the floor pad 37 extends through approximately onequarter of the circular path of motion of the floor plate 17 and presses 1-4 mounted thereon. Adjacent the terminating edge 38 of the operator station there is provided a protective guard 40 which likewise extends through approximately one-quarter of the path of rotation of floor plate 17 and the presses mounted thereon. The guard 40 roughly defines the position of the press at the closing station, it being understood that the guard extends somewhat ahead of and behind the position at which the presses close at the closing station and is sufiiciently high so as to adequately safeguard any person from introducing members of their body into the press while the press is closing. From the termination of the closing press, which is at the position approximately shown by press 4 in FIGURE 1 and continuing in the direction of the arrows 35, there is a portion of the path of motion during which the pressing part of the cycle takes place. During this portion of the cycle the pressing head is closed down upon the buck and is held down (closed) as long as line air pressure is maintained on the air motor of the press. The opening station is between the position in which press 2 is shown in FIGURE 1, which is still closed, and the leading edge 41 of the operators station. At the opening station each press is opened by discontinuing the application of line air pressure and exhausting the air motor of the press, whereupon the press will be opened by its springs as is well known.

The presses 1-4 (or any number which are mounted upon the rotary floor plate 17) may be of any desired individually power driven presses. Present day presses are usually air driven and in the embodiment of the invention herein illustrated, presses 1-4 are of the type shown in Patent Re. 22,041, although it is to be understood that any suitable one or two cylinder press, or other power driven press may be utilized. Thus, for example, the presses 1-4 can be single cylinder air driven presses of which the type shown in Patent 2,265,449 is exemplary, or they can be multiple air cylinder presses.

in FIGURE 2, each of the pressing machines includes a press frame 52 which is suitably attached to the circular revolving frame plate 17. The type of press herein illustrated is a two-cylinder press. On the frame 52 there is mounted a stationary buck 54 and a presser arm 55 which is pivoted at 56. The presser arm carries a presser head 57 which is movable from an open position (as shown for press 1 at the left in FIGURE 2), to a closed position (as shown for press 4 at the right in FIGURE 2). The movement of the press from open to closed positon and from closed to open position is accomplished by means of an air or other fluid motor means. In the present instance the air motor 58, 62 that actuates the presser head operates as set forth hereinafter.

Air is introduced from the overhead air pressure supply pipe 76 through the stationary connection 71, rotary gland 72, and rotary air line 150-154 to the air manifold 80, the operation of which will be described hereinafter. From the air manifold the air passes through the distributing air line 157 to a closing cylinder 58 and squeezing cylinder 62, said cylinders being mounted on the presser frame (schematically shown in FIGURE 2). Air so introduced causes the

pressing machine linkages

55, 56, 58, and 59 to effectuate closing and then squeezing of the presser head 57 against the buck 54. The press remains closed until such time as the valve 84 cuts off air flow communication from the air distributing line 157 and establishes air fiow communication between the cylinders 58, 62 through intermediate line 157 and exhaust line (not shown). At this time air is exhausted from cylinder 58, s2 and the press opens under action of springs (not shown). The control for supplying and exhausting air from the aforementioned cylinders is described hereinafter.

In Patent Re. 22,041, which explains the operation of presses of this type, the air cylinders for operating the press are energized through two-hand control valves that are (in the case of a single pressing machine) located near the front of the pressing machine on the work table beneath the bucks. In the present invention these two valves (corresponding to the two-hand control valves) are located at 75 and 76 near the base of the press (as in Patent 2,669,044) and when they are automatically operated by the cams, air under pressure is introduced from the air manifold for operating the press. Valves 75 and 76 are normally closed but both are opened by actuation of the cams 77 and 78 (at station 42) to allow air under pressure to pass from the distribution line 157 through suitable intermediate fluid connection line 157 to the air motors 58, 62 of the press thus causing closing and then squeezing of the pressing head 57 against buck 54.

Thus, as each press reaches the closing station 42 the cams 77 and 78, mounted on pedestal 79, cause actuation of the valves 75 and 76 and appropriate press controls and the presser head 57 closes upon the buck 54. The continued rotation of the frame 17 carries the then closed press in the direction of arrow 35 and the pressing action takes place until the operation controls of the press are brought adjacent the opening station 45 where a single cam which is mounted under an opening station cover 45, actuates the operating stem of the opening valve 84, which in turn actuates the intermediate controls so as to allow the press to open under action of the springs (not shown).

The thus opened press continues around through the operator station 37. The operator removes the pressed garment and lays a fresh unpressed or damp garment on the buck while the rotation is continued; or two operators, if desired, may be at the operating station 37, one to remove the garments and another to put the unpressed garments on the buck. The then open press with the unpressed garment on the buck continues around to the closing station 42 where closure of the press is occasioned as previously described.

Each of the presses 1-4 of the rotary pressing machine is therefore provided with a set of closing valves (or actuators) corresponding to 75 and 76 and with an open- 1ng or release valve (or actuator) corresponding to valve 84. These may be located at any convenient place on the press or on the rotary frame 17. For example, they may be located in the from lower left portion of each press as illustrated in the present exemplified form of the in vention or at any place on the rotating frame 17 or parts movable therewith so that the valves may be operated by stationary stops or cams as the presses move along their circular paths of motion. Valves '75, 76 and 84 may be located on the frame 17 so as to be within the confines of the circular ring channel 21 so as to be operated by cams thereunder as shown in Patent 2,632,- 965. The criterion is to have each press closed after it has reached a safe location within a prescribed space (as within the guard 40). The closing cams are located accordingly. The criterion is also to have each press open as 1t comes to the operation station and the opening cam is located accordingly. The foregoing controls are described in greater detail in Patent 2,669,044 and Re. 22,- 041. It is to be understood that any suitable controls for the presses 1-4 inclusive may be utilized, depending upon the style of the press, and that the specific illustration herein given is therefore only exemplary.

in such pressing machines of the nature described, fluid connections are required for conducting three fluids between the stationary floor and the rotary pressing machine turntable and the presses carried thereby. These fluids are (1) air, for actuating the press operating motors, (2) steam, for heating the pressure heads and bucks, and (3) steam condensate return. Since these fluids must all pass from a stationary location to a rotary location this has necessitated concentric pipes and glands, of which one type is shown in Patent 2,497,128. Such concentric pipe gland devices are expensive to build and sometimes difficult to maintain. Accordingly the present invention has been made to use relatively inexpensive rotary gland structure and connections which are relatively easy to maintain.

A typical operation of the rotary pressing machine and the individual presses having been described, the rotary gland and manifold means 90 of this invention for conducting the three fluids between the stationary fluid pipes, the air supply pipe 70, the steam supply pipe 65, and the condensate steam pipe 60 and the respective rotating individual press connecting or distributing

lines

157, 164, and 165 will now be described. As previously set forth, the base plate which is secured to the floor 11 by bolts 14 has a stationary vertical tubular pivot housing 12 mounted thereon. The stationary pivot housing extends upwardly through the central aperture 23 formed in the turntable 17 to an elevation above the manifolds 80, 9'1, and 92, said manifolds being the air manifold, the steam manifold, and the condensate return manifold respectively, which are mounted on the rotary turntable 17 and concentric with said pivot housing 12.

An elbow plug 98 which forms a tight seal with the inner periphery of the wall of the housing 12 is mounted in the bottom portion of said housing to seal the lower end thereof. An aperture is formed in the lower vertical portion of the tubular housing so that a right angle elbow 97 may be secured therein for fluidly connecting the horizontally extending opening formed in the plug to the condensate return pipe so.

A vertical well 63 extends from the top surface of the plug to the aforementioned opening, said well having a shoulder 93 therein. The peripheral surface of the well and the shoulder are concentric to the tubular housing. A hollow stationary condensate return tube 61 has its lower end mounted in the well such that the horizontal edge portion rests on the shoulder 93A and forms a tight .seal therewith. Thus provision is made for conducting condensate from the tube 61 through the elbow plug 98,

the elbow 97 and outwardly through the condensate rev turn pipe 60. It is to be noted thatthe outer diameter of the tube 61 is smaller than the inner diameter of the housing 12 so that an annular space 99 is formed in said housing.

The housing 12 has a base pipe aperture 102 formed therein at an elevation slightly higher than the elbow 97 and at right angles to the elbow aperture. A coupling attachment 100 having a central opening therethrough is welded to the housing so that the axis of said opening coincides with the axis of the aperture 102. The coupling 101 which is fitted in the coupling attachment 100 fluidly connects the steam supply pipe 65 to the annular space 99. Both the condensate return pipe 60 and the steam pipe extend radially outwardly from the housing 12 through appropriate apertures formed in the track 24.

An elongated rotary gland, generally designated 105, is connected in the upper end portion 95 of the stationary pivot housing 12 to extend in a vertical direction and to be rotated in the direction of arrow 35. The rotary gland has a hollow shaft portion 106 that is threaded in the upper end portion 95 of the aformentioned housing 12.

The hollow stationary shaft 106 when threaded in the upper end portion 95 of the stationary housing 12 has a common axis with the tube 61 and said stationary pivot housing. Thus the annular space 99 having the same dimensions as those in the pivot housing is extended upwardly into the rotary gland.

The shaft 106 has an enlarged diametrical portion 106a that forms a shoulder on which the ball bearings 109, spacer 111, and bearings 110 are mounted. An appropriate peripheral groove is formed in the upper portion of the shaft so that the bearing retainer 113 may be mounted therein to hold the aforementioned bearings and spacer tightly against the shoulder 106a.

A bellows assembly, generally designated 103, is mounted on the shaft 106. The bellows assembly includes an internally threaded lock nut 116 that is threaded on the upper end of the hollow shaft 106, a bellows 128 that at one end is secured to the lock nut to depend therefrom and an annular member to which the opposite side of the bellows is attached. The annular member abuts against a seal ring 114 which is positioned on the hollow shaft intermediate said annular member and the bearings. Thus by tightening the lock nut, the bellows is forced downwardly against the annular member 115 which in turn is forced downwardly against the seal ring 114 to press against the bearings. The seal ring in being compressed between the bearings and the annular member expands radially to form a tight seal between the enlarged diametrical portion 112f of the rotary gland housing 112 and the shaft, the inner peripheral wall of said portion 112 forming a close fit with the outer peripheral wall of the bearings and the seal ring for rotatab-ly mounting said housing on said shaft.

The rotary gland housing 112 is of a generally cylindrical shape having the aforementioned enlarged diametrical portion 112f. The enlarged diametrical portion has female threads 112a in the lower end thereof and a shoulder 112s in the upper portion thereof. The lock nut 107 is threaded into the female threaded end portion 112a to retain the bearings, the spacer, and the seal ring in position against the shoulder 1120. The central aperture of the lock nut 107 has an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer dimensions of the shaft 106 such that it may be threaded thereover.

An appropriate lubrication aperture is formed in the peripheral wall of the housing to extend into the space between the

bearings

110 and 109 so that the bearings may be lubricated. A lubrication plug 108 is provided to be threaded in the lubrication aperture.

The rotary gland housing has a portion 112g of a reduced inner diameter which extends upwardly above shoulder 1120 to an elevation above the top end portion of the condensate tube 61 and encloses an annular space 123 between said tube and the inner peripheral wall thereof. In the upper end of the portion 112g, an aperture that extends through the peripheral wall thereof and the flange 112d formed integral unto said wall, extends into the aforementioned annular space. The flexible metal steam hose 126 has a reduced coupling 125 secured to the end portion thereof, said reducer coupling being threadedly connected in the internally threaded flange 112d. Thus a fluid channel is formed from the steam supply pipe 65 upwardly through the annular space 99 into the chamber 123 and then outwardly through the aperture in flange 112d into the flexible steam hose 126. As may be noted, the pivot housing 12 and the shaft 106 are stationary whereas the rotary gland housing 112 rotates, thus providing a rotary connection between the steam supply pipe 65 and the flexible steam line 126.

The top wall portion 112s of the rotary gland housing having a depending flange 112k integrally formed therewith has a vertical aperture 112 extending through the central portion of said flange and the top wall 112a The top portion of the condensate tube 61 extends upwardly through the vertical aperture 112h formed in said depending flange, the top wall 112e, and the aperture 11212 in the outwardly extending flange 112 which is formed integral with the top Wall portion. The portion of the vertical aperture extending from the top wall portion 112e outwardly is enlarged so that packing rings 119 and a packing nut 121) may be mounted between the inner peripheral walls forming said vertical aperture and the outer peripheral wall of the aforementioned tube 61. The packing nut 120 has male threaded portions 120a so that the packing nut may be threadedly connected to the internally threaded portion of the outward extending flange 112].

A right angle condensate return elbow 121 having a female threaded portion is threadedly connected to the male threaded portion of the outward extending flange 112 Threadedly connected in the portion of the condensate return elbow which is at right angles to the tube 61 are reducer couplings 124, the end of the reducer couplings opposite the elbow being secured to one end of the flexible metal condensate hose 127. As the rotary gland housing 105 rotates, the elbow 12 1 is rotated while the packing rings 1 19 and packing nuts 120 form a fluid seal between said housing and the tube 61. The aforementioned elements form a rotary connection between the stationary condensate return pipe 60 which extends into the plug 98 and the rotary tube 61, and forms a fluid channel from said condensate return hose through the condensate return elbow 121 and tube 61 into the plug 98 and out the condensate return pipe 60.

The rotary gland structure having been described, the

structure connecting the rotary gland structure to the individual presses will now be set forth. As previously mentioned, three stacked doughnut shaped

manifolds

80, 91, and 92 are mounted on the turntables 17 such that they are concentric with the pivot housing 12 and the rotary gland 105. Since each of the manifolds is of a similar structure, only the air manifold 80 will be described in detail i The air manifold 80 has a hollowed out central portion to form an enclosed doughnut shaped space 133. Formed integral with the outer periphery of the manifold is a boss 134 having a central aperture 135 extending into the doughnut shaped space. is perpendicular to a tangent drawn to the peripheral wall of the doughnut shaped space. The aforementioned boss 134 is internally threaded so that a short horizontal tubular section 157 may be threaded therein.

Formed integral with the inner peripheral wall of the doughnut or torus shaped manifold are a plurality of spaced ofisets 138, said ofisets having vertical holes 139 formed therein. On the outer peripheral wall of the manifold are a plurality of spaced bosses 140 (see FIG- URE 4). The spaced bosses 140 are set approximately The central axis of the aperture 1 t 10 at an angle of to each other, when there ar four presses mounted on the turntable. Of course, it is to be realized that if more than four presses were to be used on the same rotary turntable 17, then an additional number of bosses may be formed in the manifold; similarly if a fewer number of presses were to be used, then some of the bosses may have plus threaded therein or else a manifoldhaving fewer bosses may be used. Each of the bosses 140 has a central threaded aperture 141 formed therein similarly as the central aperture was formed in boss .134.

After the manifolds are placed in a stacked relationship. to one another and mounted concentric to the pivot housing 12, the condensate return manifold '92 being on the bottom and the air manifold 80 being on the top, the bolts 143 are inserted through the holes 139 formed in the offsets 138 of each of the manifolds, said bolts being threaded into appropriate apertures formed in the main flange 16 or otherwise secured thereto. It is to be noted in FIGURE 4, that when the manifolds are secured in the aforementioned stacked relationship, the bosses 134 formed therein are also one above the other while the bosses are spaced or ofiset from one another and from the bosses 134. Further, the boss 134 of the steam manifold is set approximately 120 relative to the boss 134 of the condensate manifold. The bosses have been formed in the manifolds in the aforementioned manner to facilitate making appropriate connections between said manifolds andthe individual presses. Due to the afore mentioned mounting of the manifolds, said manifolds will be stationary relative to the plurality of presses 14 inclusive mounted on the turntable.

Air is supplied to each of the four presses from the overhead air supply pipe 70 through the fluid path set forth hereinafter. From the supply pipe, air flows through coupling 71, rotary gland 72 and then through pipe 150, coupling @151, and elbow 152, to the elongated flexible pipe 153. From the elongated pipe 153 the air flows through a right angle elbow 152 and into the reducer coupling 154 which opens into the doughnut shaped aperture 133 where the air is distributed to the individual presses. A J-shaped bracket 156 having an appropriate aperture formed in the long horizontal arm thereof is secured to the top of the stack of manifolds by the bolt 143 which is inserted through said aperture. The long arm of the bracket extends in an outward radial direction and has an aperture formed in the opposite end thereof and in the short arm of the J which is parallel thereto The pipe 153 is inserted through the last two mentioned apertures 155.

A purpose of using the aforementioned J -bracket is to help relieve the stresses on the couplings 154 which are developed when the turntable and gland 1095 are rotated. Also in conjunction with the J-shaped bracket #156, the flexible elongated pipe 153 helps alleviate any strain developed inthe rotary gland and the manifold-from the rotation of the turntable with respect to the stationary supply pipe 70.

From the doughnut shaped aperture 153, the air flows radially outward through the central apertures formed in the bosses 140 and into the distributing or connecting air lines 157 which places said bosses in fluid communication with the individual presses. From the connecting air line 157, the air flows to the valves 75 and 76 to operate the cylinders 58, 62 when said valves are opened.

The fluid connection from the air supply to the presses having been set forth, the fluid connections from the steam supply to the presses will now be described. However, prior to describing the fluid line from the steam supply pipe to the pressm, the structure interconnecting the rotary gland 105 with the steam manifold 91 will be set forth. A short horizontal tube 96 extending radially outward from the boss 134 of the steam manifold 91 is threaded in said boss. A right angle elbow 160 is connected to the opposite end of the short tube from the boss 134, the opposite leg of the elbow having a short vertical tube 161 threaded therein. Threadedly connected to the top end portion of the vertical tube 161 is a right angle elbow 160, said elbow having an appropriate coupling 162 threaded in the opposite leg thereof. To the opposite end of the coupling from the elbow there is connected the flexible metal steam hose 126.

As may be noted in FIGURE 4 the short flexible steam hose 126 which interconnects the coupling 162 and the reducer coupling 125 is slightly curved. By curving the hose in the manner illustrated, which is in the direction of rotation of the machine, the amount of strain transmitted therethrough to the rotary glands is minimized.

the shock or strain to the rotary gland structure which develops from any eccentricity in the elements forming the fluid connections between the rotating members and the stationary members interconnecting the fluid supply pipes to the individual presses and any unevenness in the rotation of the turntable relative to the rotary gland is important since the life of the fluid seals formed in said gland is decreased by any shock or strain thereto.

By providing the concentric tube 61 and tubular housing 12 with a rotary gland 105 connected thereto and interconnecting said rotary gland to the steam manifold through the above described structure the eccentricity of the tube or the rotary frame relative to the stationary connections will be compensated for through the flexible hose connection. A close tolerance of concentricity and means for taking up any eccentricity is desired for maximum life and performance of the unit. In other words the rotary gland is to be connected to the manifold through a flexible hose that takes up any eccentricity.

By using the flexible hose a minimum bending radius may be used while at the same time expensive connections and parts are not necessary to interconnect the totary gland to manifolds that are mounted on the rotary frame. The flexible hose will absorb the shock or strain developed as a result of the eccentricity and usually will tear or break when the rotary gland freezes, it being cheaper to replace the flexible hose than the rotary gland.

The steam is conducted to the individual presses through the fluid channel which extends from the steam supply line 66 into the annular space 99 contained between the tube 61 and the pivot housing 12 and thence upwardly into the hollow chamber 123 in the rotary gland 105. From the hollow chamber 123, the steam passes outwardly through the flexible hose 126 and thence through

pipe connections

162, 169, and 161 and through tube 96 into the doughnut shaped space 133 in the steam manifold 91. From the steam manifold, the steam flows outwardly through the appropriately spaced bosses 140 into the individual steam connecting lines 164 to the individual pressing units for heating the appropriate Presser members.

The steam channel to the individual presses having been set forth, the condensate return line connection or fluid channel from the individual presses to the condensate return pipe 65 will now be described. Before describing the structure interconnecting the presses and the condensate return pipe 65, the structure connecting the rotary gland to the condensate return manifold will first be set forth.

The structure interconnecting the rotary gland 105 and the condensate return manifold 92 is very similar to the structure interconnecting the rotary gland and the steam manifold, and performs a similar function; therefore, it will not be described in detail. The condensate collected in the presser heads is returned through a condensate connecting line 165 which interconnects the individual presses to the appropriately spaced bosses 134 formed in the condensate manifold 92. At the condensate manifold, the condensate from the individual presses is collected and flows outwardly through the boss 134mm the horizontal tube 166 and thence through the T-joint 167 which had a plug in one leg thereof and then upwardly through the short vertical pipe 168. The plug pro vides means for draining the condensate from the system when the unit is shut down. As may be readily apparent, the short vertical pipe 163 is longer than the short vertical pipes 161, this being necessary since the condensate return manifold is located beneath or at the bottom of the stack of manifolds and is connected to the top condensate returnelbow 121 which is located above the steam boss 112d formed in the rotary gland. From the short vertical pipe 168, the condensate returns through the elbow 169 and coupling 176 into the short flexible hose 127 which functions similar to hose 126. From the flexible hose 127, the condensate passes inwardly through the rotary gland elbow 121 and then downwardly through the tube 61, plug 598 and outwardly to the condensate return pipe 6%.

It may be noted in FIGURE 3, a steam trap is provided in the condensate return line adjacent the presses to prevent the steam backing up through the condensate line. Also it is to be noted that the elevation of the presser bucks and presser heads is higher than the elevation of the top portion of the rotary gland, thus insuring that the condensate from the presscr heads and bucks will flow from said members through the condensate return fluid channel to the condensate return pipe.

The preferred embodiment of the invention having been set forth, a modified embodiment thereof will now be described. Basically the structure of the modified embodiment is the same as that of the preferred embodiment except for the differences set forth hereinafter. In the modified embodiment, the rotary turntable 17 has an annular track 200 secured to the outer bottom peripheral portion thereof. The aforementioned track 209 is spaced above the floor 11 and is rotatably supported in that position by a plurality of spaced wheels 201 which are journaled for rotation in channel irons 202, said channel irons being secured to the floor 11 by a bolt or other appropriate means.

Each of the wheels 261 is journaled for rotation in the channel iron 202 by a shaft 206 which extends through a central aperture of the wheel and is mounted in the aperture 203 formed in each vertical leg of the channel iron. A bushing 204 may be mounted on the shaft 206 on either side of the wheel and to retain the wheel spaced from the vertical legs of the channel iron. Appropriate means such as hubs 205 having set screws therein are provided on either end of the shaft to retain said shaft in position in the channel iron mounting structure.

One of the advantages to be derived from using the modified embodiment is that no apertures have to be cut in the track or in the floor for extending the steamline and condensate return pipes to the central portion of the rotary turntable. In other words, the steam supply pipe 65 of the condensate return pipe 60 may pass intermediate a pair of spaced channel irons 202 and thus run along the floor and beneath the rotary track 200 to be connected to the tubular housing 12.

As many apparently different embodiments of this in-' vention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, it is to be understood that we do not limit ourselves to the specific embodiments herein.

What We claim is:

1. In a rotary pressing machine having a frame mounted for rotation about a fixed axis on a stationary base, said frame having thereon a plurality of separate presses, each having cooperating pressing elements at least one of which is a steam heated element, a stationary steam pipe, a stationary condensate return line, and power means connected to said pressing elements and controls therefor, for moving one of said pressing elements into pressing engagement with the other pressing element, the improvement comprising vertical concentric steam'and condensate pipes which are fluidly connected to said steam pipe and condensate, return pipe, a rotary gland having means for being mounted on said vertical concentric pipes and forming two fluid channels therein, a plurality of annular manifolds fluidly connected to said rotary gland, said manifolds being mounted on the frame coaxially with the rotary gland, a branch feeder extending from one of said manifolds to each heated pressing element of said presses for supplying steam to said ele-. ment to heat the heated pressing element and a connecting line from each steam heated element to a second of said manifolds for returning the condensate.

2. In the rotary pressing machine having a central upright tubular pivot, a rotary frame mounted for rotation on said pivot, and having a plurality of separate presses mounted at intervals around said frame, each of said presses having a cooperating steam heated pressing head and buck, a stationary pressure steam pipe, a stationary condensate return pipe, and motor means connected to said pressing head for moving it into and out of engagement with the buck, the improvement comprising first and second fluid channel means for conducting steam to the individual presses from the steam pipe and returning condensate from said individual presses to the condensate return pipe, said first and second fluid channel means including a tube arranged coaxially in respect to said tubular pivot, a rotary gland having at least two separate fluid passageways, first and second manifolds mounted on said rotary frame, a flexible fluid line forming a portion of the first channel means connecting one of the fluid passageways of the rotary gland to the first manifold and a second flexible fluid line forming a portion of the second channel means connecting another of the fluid passageways of the rotary gland to the second manifold means.

3. The combination of claim 2 further characterized inthat means are provided for rotatably supporting the outer peripheral portion of the frame, and the stationary steam pipe and condensate return pipe are extended through said means at an elevation between the floor and the frame.

4. The combination of claim 2 further characterized in that the motor means includes an air motor and that there is provided a stationary air supply pipe and a third fluid channel means for fluidly connecting the air motor to the air supply pipe, said third channel means including an air rotary gland, an air manifold mounted coaxially in respect to the central pivot, an air connecting line connected at one end to the air rotary gland and at the other end to the air manifold and air distributing lines extending from said air manifold to the individual presses.

5. The combination of claim 4 further characterized in that the air, first and second manifolds have a hollow central portion coaxial with the pivot and that said mani folds are mounted in stacked relation on the rotary frame.

6. The combination of claim 2 further characterized in that the first and second fluid lines include short metal hoses curved slightly in a direction opposite the direction of rotation of the frame.

7. For mounting on a floor, a pressing machine having a rotary turntable upon which are mounted a plurality of presses that are moved in succession past an operator station, a closing station, then through a press ing zone and an opening station and then again through said operator station and in which said presses each have a heated pressing element including a buck, a presser head mounted for movement toward and away from said buck, motor means for moving said head against said buck and holding said head against the buck, a closing control and an opening control for each press, a plurality of stationary fluid supply pipes, each of said fluid supply pipes having one end portion adjacent the axis of rotation of the turntable, a plurality of fluid connecting lines extending from each press inwardly to a position adjacent the axis of rotation of said turntable,

rotary gland and manifold means mounted coaxially with" mentioned means including a circular track secured to;

the turntable, said track being fixedly connected to said turntable and spaced above a floor and spaced means stationarily mountable on a floor for rotatably supporting said track.

8. A pressing machine having a rotary turntable upon which are mounted a plurality of presses which are moved in succession past an operator station, a closing station, then through a pressing zone and an opening station and then again through said operator station and in which said presses each have a heated pressing element including a buck, a presser head mounted for movement toward and away from said buck, motor means for moving said head against said buck and hold; ing said head against the buck, a closing control and an opening control for each press, at least one stationary fluid supply line, said supply line having an end portion adjacent the axis of rotation of the turntable, at least one fluid connecting line extending from each press inwardly to a position adjacent the axis of rotation of said turntable, a rotary gland mounted coaxially with the axis of rotation of the turntable, said rotary gland having at least one fluid channel extending therethrough, means for rotatably mounting said rotary gland and fluidly connecting said fluid channel to the stationary fluid supply line, at least one manifold mounted on the turntable to rotate therewith and coaxially with said turntable, said manifold being fluidly connected through a separate connecting line to each press, and flexible means for fluidly connecting said fluid channel to the manifold.

9. A pressing machine of claim 8 further character ized in that the motor means is an air motor, and that the rotary gland and manifold means includes an air manifold mounted on the turntable, that there is provided an overhead air supply line, an air rotary gland.

connected to said'supply line coaxi-ally with the axis of rotation of the turntable, anda fluid line interc0nnect-' ing saidair rotary gland and the air manifold, said last mentioned fluid line having a transverse cross sectional portion located a substantial distance radially outwardly from the turntable axis of rotation. i

10. The machine of claim 9 further characterized in.

that each of the manifolds is a generally torus shaped manifold mounted on the turntable, said manifolds being mounted in stacked relation.

11. The machine of claim 8 further characterized in that the rotary turntable has a central aperture formed therein, that the manifold is an annular manifold, the means rotatably mounting the rotary gland is a stationary housing of a height to extend upwardly above said annular manifold, said stationary housing having at least one fluid channel which is connected to the respective stationary fluid supply line and that said rotary gland is mounted on the upper portion of said stationary housing.

12. A pressing machine having a rotary turntable upon which are mounted a plurality of presses which are moved in succession past an operator station, a closing station, and through a pressing zone and an opening station and then again through said operator station and and in which said presses each have a heated pressing element including a buck, a presser head mounted for movement toward and away from said buck, motor means for moving said head against said buck and holding said head against said buck, a closing control and an open control for each press, a plurality of stationary fluid supply lines, each of said fluid supply lines having an end portion adjacent the axis of rotation of the turntable, a plurality of fluid connecting lines extending from each press inwardly to a position adjacent the axis of rotation of said turntable, rotary gland and manifold means mounted coaxially with the axis of rotation of said turntable for fluidly connecting the connecting lines to the appropriate stationary fluid supply line, said rotary gland and manifold means including a plurality of manifolds, a rotary gland having at least two fluid channels formed therein, an interconnecting fluid line connecting one of the fluid channels of the rotary gland to one of the manifolds, a second interconnecting line connecting a second fluid channel to a second manifold, each of said interconnecting fluid lines having an outwardly extending portion connected at one end to one of the rotary gland rfluid channels, a transversely extending portion having one end connected to the opposite end of outwardly extending portion, and an inwardly extending portion having one end connected to the opposite end of the transversely extending portion and an opposite end connected to a manifold.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 further characterized in that one of the aforementioned portions of each interconnecting line is made of a flexible hose.

14. The apparatus of claim 12 further characterized in that one of the aforementioned portions of each interconnecting line is a short hose curved in a direction opposite the direction of rotation of the turntable.

15. A pressing machine having a rotary turntable upon which are mounted a plurality of presses that are moved in succession past an operator station, a closing station, then through a pressing zone and an opening station, and then again through a pressing zone and an opening station, and then againtthrough said operator station and in which said presses each have a heated presser element including a buck, a presser head mounted for movement toward and away from said buck, motor means for moving said head against said buck and holding said head against said buck, a closing control and an opening control for each press, at least one stationary fluid supply line, said supply line having an end portion adjacent the axis of rotation of the turntable, at least one fluid connecting line extending from each press to a position adacent the axis of rotation of the turntable, a stationary housing for rotatably mounting a rotary gland and fluidly connecting said gland to the stationary fluid line, at least one annular manifold mounted on the turntable to have a central axis thereof coaxial with the axis of rotation of the turntable, said manifold being fluidly connected through a connecting line to each press, and a fluid line connecting said rotary gland to said manifold.

16 16. A rotary pressing machine comprising a rotary frame having thereon a plurality of presses each of which has a buck and a presser head, the latter being mounted for pressing movement toward and away from a press open position in which the presser head is away from the buck and a press close position in which the presser head is against the buck, each press including motor means connected to the presser head for moving said presser head, control means for said motor means having a plurality of positions, control operator means responsive to the movement of the frame for moving said control means sequentially to a position in which said motor means is actuated to a press open position and a position in which said motor means is actuated to a press close position, fluid connecting lines extending inwardly from each press to a point adjacent the axis of rotation of the turntable, a plurality of separate fluid supply lines extending inwardly to a point adjacent the axis of rotation of said press, rotary gland and manifold m a mounted coaxially with the axis of rotation of said rotary frame for fluidly connecting the connecting lines to the respective stationary supply lines, said rotary gland and manifold means including a steam manifold, a condensate return manifold, a rotary gland having at least two fluid channels formed therein, each of said fluid channels being connected to a separate stationary supply line, a generally U-shaped fluid line connecting one of said fluid channels to the steam manifold and a second generally U-shaped fluid line connecting a second fluid channel to a condensate return manifold, each of said U-shaped fluid lines including a generally vertical leg and a flexible hose extended through a generally horizontal plane,

17. The apparatus of claim 1 further characterized in that said vertically concentric pipes are of a height to extend upwardly through said manifold and that said manifold has a central aperture of a diameter to be in spaced relation to said concentric pipes.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,556,477 Leef June 12, 1951 2,662,315 Leef Dec. 15, 1953 2,669,044 Maxwell et al. Feb. 16, 1954 2,854,769 Langen et al. Oct. 7, 1958 2,867,923 Langen Jan. 13, 1959 UNITED STATES PATENTOFFICE I CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No 3,,OOl 304 I September 2.6V 1961 I William M, Turner et a1 It is hereby certified that error ap pears in the above numbered patent requiring correction and that the said Letter s Patent should read as corrected below.

Column 2 line 53 for "flood" read floor column hline 48 for "distribution" read distributing Signed and sealed this 3rd day of April 1962;,

(SEAL) Attest;

RNEST W. SWIDER DAVID L. LADD Attesting Ufficer I Commissioner of Patents