US74207A - Improved brick-machine - Google Patents

Description

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DAVID P. DOBBINS AND JOHN S. RICHARDS,-OF ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA, AND JAMES SANG STER, OF'BUFFALO, NEW YORK.

Letters Patent No. 74,207, dated February 11, 1868.

IMPROVED BRICK-MACHINE.

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TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

Be it known that we, DAVID P. Doumns, of Buffalo, county of Erie, State of New York, JOHN S. RICH- ARDS, of Erie, county of Erie,and State of Pennsylvania, and JAMES SANGSTER, of the city of Bufi'alo, in the county of Erie, and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in and on Brick- Machincs; and we do hereby declare that the followingis a description of our said invention and improvements, andof the manner of making, constructing, and using the same, in such full, clear, and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art or science to which it appertains, or with which it is most nearly connected, to make, construct, and use the same, and of the operation and construction of the same, reference being bad to the annexed drawings, making a part of this description or specification, in which- Figure 1 represents a side elevation.

Figure 2, a vertical longitudinal section.

Figure 3, a plan view of the improved machine.

Figure 4 is a front view of the end of 'one of the perforated pistons or platens.

, Figure 5 represents a view of the same without perforations.

Figure 6 is a plan view of the strap which connects the connecting-rods that move the pistons.

Figure 7 represents the two connecting-rods for drawing the pistons, with the strap for holding them to the cranks, und'the keys for adjusting the same.

Figure 8 is a front view of the lifter for lifting the brick out of the mould and delivering it after it has i been pressed.

Figure 9 represents an end view of the main shaft, showing the cranks at right angles to each other, or nearly so, the same being so arranged that no two cranks are giving to the clay or other material the final pressure at the same time, which, of course, gives a great saving of power.

The nature of our invention pertains to machinery for pressing brick to be made of pulverized or other properly-prepared clay or material or materials, or for re-pressing brick, or for pressing or re-pressing into rectangular form, or other desirable shape, clay or other friable or plastic material or materials for any useful purpose.

Whenever the term brick-machine is used in this description or specification it is intended to mean a machine for any above mentioned purposes. I

.Our invention consists in-'- First. The construction and arrangement of the body of the machine, so that the stationary platens, the guides and supports for the movable pistons and sliding moulds. and an arrangement by'means of which several machines may be combined or united together to form one, may be cast or constructed all at once, with the body of the machine, thereby affording the means'(which cannot be obtained so effectually and at so little cost in'anj other way) of planing, at one and the same time, without taking it oil from the planer, the body of the machine, the stationary pistons, and the guides which fit within and support the movable pistons and sliding moulds; the arrangement for fastening several machines together, thus leaving every part in line and perfectly true-a. result which is almost impossible to be attained when the several pieces are put together separately. Italso obviates another and very serious objection incident to machinery where great power is required. When the several parts are put together in pieces or parts, some of them are liable to get loose or out of line, which often causes derangement, and more often the'breakage of machinery-a practical impossibility by our invention, constructed as the frame above mentioned is, in one piece, so as to be firm and immovable, and so that all the several parts, or either of them mentioned, may be planed or fitted together as hereinbefore described.

Second. In the combination and arrangement of mechanism for regulating the size of the mould while open, consisting of an adjustable strap, which, while it connects the connecting-rods thntmove the pistons to the main shaft and crank, affords, at the same time, the means for adjusting the distance that the pistons and platens shall be apart while the mould is open, so that the size or capacity of the mouldmay be adjusted'to clays of all kinds, or other proper material, as difierent clays and materials require different openings of the mould, so as to receive enough, andonly enough, to enable the machine to condense to the necessary density and proper size Third. In fastening the friction-rollers directly to the sliding moulds, so that the cams which give them the. necessary reciprocating motions may act more direct, thereby avoiding the'usc of connecting-rods or any intermediate connection. l

Fourth. A stationary platen or platens; perforated, in combination witha movable piston or pistons, perforated, when said perforated piston or pistons, and platen or platens, are combined with a sliding mould or moulds, which move, during the operation of pressing bricksor other'forms, in the same direction, but at a less velocity than the moving piston, the motions. of said moulds and movable pistons being so regulated and adjusted that the brick or form is condensed between the said piston or pistons, and stationary platen or platensu in such a manner as to be of the same hardness or density, or nearly so, on both sides, so that the brick or form may contract evenly or alike, or nearly so, on both sides, and so that the air, moisture, and surplus clay may escape therefrom while pressing, drying, or baking, thereby leaving them in the desired shape and of equal density, or nearly so, throughout, and free from checks or cracks. I

Fifth. In the combination with said perforated pistons, said stationary perforated platens, and sliding moulds, moving as aforesaid, of the cranks which give them their motion; also in the arrangement of said cranks, at right angles to each other, or nearly so, when more than one is used, so that while one is giving the final pressure the other or othcrsare slightly compressing, thereby effecting a-great saving of power, as, when two cranks are used-for driving a double set of mouldspand are placed in the same line with each other, and so that both operate together, pressing and giving the final pressure at the same time, or nearly the same time, almost double the power would be required to operate themthat would be necessary were the cranks set at right angles to each other, or nearly so.

Sixth. Graduating the size of the holes or perforations in the pistonsand platens, the largest being placed near the bottom, so that there will be a gradual increase in the size of the said perforations from the upper i part of the mould, pistons, or platens downward toward the bottom of the same,-for the purpose of compensating for the diiferencc in the density of the clay or material to be pressed, pulverized clay, especially, being i exceedingly sensitive in that respect, so much so that the clay at the bottom of the mould is more dense than i that at the top, and a brick pressed in that condition must, of necessity, be the hardest at the bottom, and in a condition to warp out of shape while baking, besides being liable to the usual objection of checking or cracking. By means of the perforations being gradually increased in size, as described, more room is left, or the room or outlet for the extra amount or surplus clay or material is increased in the same ratio, or nearly so, as the density of the clay or material increases from the top to the bottom of the moulds, pistons, or platens.

Seventh. In an arrangement or device for preventing the lifter, which lifts the brick or form up out of the mould after it is pressed, from being clogged up while working, the arrangement being such that no opening is left in the working parts for refuse clay or material to fall into and fill or clog them up.

Eighth. In constructing the cams of segments of circles, so that they can be turned up on the lathe, instead of chipping and filing, the usual way of making such cams, thereby aifording the means of producing them so as 'to be adjustable, and so they will run truer and easier, and be better adapted to the purposes for which they are intended than cams made in the ordinary way.

Ninth. The arrangement of the cams on the wheels, so as' to produce from one set of wheels, and one set of cams on each wheel, the alternate reciprocating motionsof the sliding moulds at opposite ends of the machine.

Tenth. The arrangement and central position of the main shaft with the moulds for pressing the brick or form, zit-opposite sides of said shaft, when the same is used in combination with the perforated pistons, the stationary platens, and a sliding mould that-mov es in the same direction with the pressing-piston or pistons.

I Eleventh. In forming the holes in the pistons and platens so that they will gradually increase in size, commencing to-cnlarge at or near the pressing face of said pistons, so that the surplus clay or material remaining in. sa-id holes or perforations after forming or pressing a brick or form may be easily forced out by the press ure of thesucceeding clay or material. I

Twelfth, In making the faces or nosings of the pressing-pistons and stationary platens adjustable, so that solid or perforated ones may be used when desired. In the pressing of brick from pulverized clay the perforated pistons and platens are much'the best; but for re-pressing bricicmade from tempered clay, or pressing other material into-any desired form, the solid ones would be better; hence the necessity of having the facings or nosings of the pistons and platens adjustable, so that either solid or perforated ones may be attached to the pistons or platens.

Thirteentln An arrangement by means of which the backward motionof the pressing-pistons can be adjusted and controlled, the same consisting of a pin or screw placed at the back end of said pressing=pistons, so as to stay them at any point desired in their motion backward, the object being to prevent the sliding moulds, in their backward motions, from drawing them too far back.

In the accompanying drawings, in which like letters refer to like parts in the several figures, A represents the body or frame of the machine. It is fastened to the supports B and B by means of screws or bolts, as shown in the drawing marked No. 2, at the points marked D. I

The stationary platens are marked E. They are placed at opposite ends of the machine, and are cast in 'one piece with the frame. The)? are. more plainly shown in drawing N0. 3, which is a plan view of two frames fastened together by means of projections marked F, which are alsocast in a piece with the frame A, and the bolts or screws shown in dotted lines andmarked G.

In said plan but two frames are shown bolted together. In a larger machine, where more than two frames are required, all the intermediate frames, or those between the two outer ones, must be so arranged or constructed that they will have projections, similar to those marked F, on both sides at each end, so as to'admit of their being bolted together; and when thus combined, form a complete machine, the size and capacity of which will be in proportion to the number of frames bolted together, as described.

The guides or supports for the pressing-pistons, which are also cost in a piece with the frame A, are shown in fig. 3, and marked by the letters H; but if desired, these supports maybe dispensed with, and the sliding mould, through which the pressing-pistons move, may be made a little longer, and strong enough to support and hold them in position. v

The journal-boxes through which the main shaft passes are also cost with the frame A, thus forming a part of it. They are marked by the letters I in fig. 3. a V

The letters J, in figs. 1, 2, and 3, represent the driving-wheels, which receive their motion by the pulley K and pinions L, as shown in fig. 2. The pulley K, pinion'or pinions L, with their driving-shaft M, are supported directly over, or nearly so, by the frame N, as shown in fig. 2. There may be two or more of said frames or supports N, andthey can be made of the shape or form shown in the drawing, or of any other convenient form,-

so that the gearing maybe supported above the machine, as above mentioned, and so that the said frame N,'or part of it, or any attachment thereto, may-act at the same time as a shield or covering, or partial covering, for the wheel or wheels J. Said frame is bolted, or otherwise fastened firmly, to the frame or frames A. The cams for giving the sliding moulds their necessary reciprocating motions are fastened to the wheel or wheels J, and are numbered 1, 2, 3, and 4, in drawings Nos. '1 and 2. They are made in the form of segments of circles, so they can be turned up" in the lathe, thereby aifording a much easier method of constructing them than the old way of chipping and filing cams which are cast in irregular forms and at the same time affording the means for a much easier and truer adjustment than can be got in any other way.

The cam or cams No. 1, are intended to draw the sliding moulds over and cover the clay or material preparatory to its being pressed by the pressing-pistons, which operation of couise draws them towards the shaft G.

Cam No. 2 gives the said sliding moulds a motion half as fast, or nearly so, and in the same direction, as the motion of the pressing-pistons while pressing, the object being tocausc the clay or material to be carried against the stationary perforated platens dhring the action of pressing, with the same velocity or force, or

nearly so, as the moving or pressing perforated pistons are moved against the clay or material on the opposite side, so as to produce as nearly as possible an equal degree of condensation on each side of the brickor form, without the aid of the simultaneously-moving pistons, thereby affording the means of greatly reducing and simplifying the machinery.

Cam No. 3 draws the moulds back towards the shaft 0, and uncovers the briclt or form so that it may be lifted out of the mould.

Cam No. 4 forces moulds forward into position, so that they can again be filled with clay or material. Said cams are fastened to the wheels J by means of belts or screws, or the equivalent thereof, which may be so arranged, if desired, that their positions may be changed or adjusted on the wheels.

, The letter O, in figs. 1, 2, and 3, represents the sliding moulds. They are made in the form of a. trunk or box, and are open at both ends, so that they may fit nicely and slide over theends of the stationary platens,

and allow the prcssing-pistons to move within them. They receive their necessary reciprocating motions, as

above mentioned, by means of the cams 1, 2, 3, and 4, which operate 'upon the friction-rollers P, as shown in drawings 1, 2, and 3. These friction-rollers are attached directly to the sliding moulds without the use of any intermediate connection, thus rendering the action of the cams more direct, and at the sametime simplifying the machinery.

The pressing-pistons are represented by the letter Q, and are shown in drawings, Nos. 2 and 3. They receive their motions by means of the connections marked R, in figs. 2, 3, and 7, which connections arefastened to the main shaft 0, by means of the strap S fastened by wedges or keys, as shown in figs. 6 and 7, theopposite ends being connected by straps and wedges to said pressing-pistons, as shown at the points marked U, in figs.

2 and 8.

In the pressing of brick, it is often necessary to change the capacity of the mould, as some clays will not condense as easily as others. As hereinbefore mentioned, to accomplish this result, and similar results, We leave a. lost motion, more or less, as may be required, by making the strap S adjustable by means of the wedges and keys W X Y, which pass through the slot in the strap marked T in fig. 6. As will be readily seen, by

loosening up the keys X and Y, and tightening up or driving down the wedge or key W, the slack or lost motion" will be increased, and by a reverse operation it will be decreased, thereby regulating the distance the platens andpistons shall be apart while the mould is open, and of course thus regulating the size or. capacity of the mould. In orderto prevent the lost motion being taken up by the backward motion of the sliding moulds, which, by their friction, might draw the pressing-pistons back with them, and thus defeat the object sought to be gained of adjusting the capacity of said moulds, we use a pin similar to that shown at the point marked Z. There are several holes. in the guides H, into which said pins are placed to limit the distance of the motion of the pistons backward, as and for the purposes hereinbefore mentioned. There arc'many other equivo lent means for accomplishing the same result. A small slotted bolt may be placed behind the pistons and adjusted by a screw, or a set-screw may be made to take the place of said pins Z.

, The lifting-device is represented by the letter A, and is shown in figs. 2 and 8. It receives its motion by means of the cam 13 on the shaft G, of which cams there is one for each lifter on the same shaft, and the arms C and D, which swing upon the centres E, F, G, and H, as shown in drawing No. 2. The object of. the arm or rod D is to keep the lifter A in a, vertical position as it moves up or down. i

The pieces-J as shown in fig. 2, are intended to hold the sliding moulds in place, they being so arranged as to allow 0. part on each side of the sliding mould to slide in a slot, thus keeping it firmly in place on the frame.

The cranks for moving the pressingpistons' are placed on or form a part of the shaft C, and are placed at right angles to each other, or nearly so, as shown in fig. 9, for the purposes hereinbefore mentioned.

The faces of the platens and pistons are made detachable and are perforated, as shown in fig.-4, and in fig. 2. Fig. 2 showing the comparative size or arrangement of the holes through the same, being made to enlarge gradually inward, as shown, for the purposes hereinbefore mentioned, and fig'. 4 showing the manner of graduating the size of said holes, for the purposes hereinhei'ore mentioned, We not limiting ourselves to any particular graduation or to any particular shape of the holes.

The operation of the machine is as follows: The sliding mould on the end of the machine, near cam No. 1, is open, ready to receive the clay or material, while at the opposite end of the machine the pistons and sliding moulds are in the position where the clay or material receives its final pressure. A movement of the wheels J forwaid in the direction of the arrows, as shown in fig. 2, will cause the open moulds, at J, to move over. and confine the clay or material within them, at the same time the pressing-pistons on thatside commencc pressing, while cam No. 3 moves the mould and .uncoversa brick or form already pressed. The said motionof wheel J being continued, brings the cam on theshaft 0 against the friction-roller B on the levers C, and through them moves the lifter A up, together with the brick or form, while another brick or form at the other end of the machine is being pressed equally on both sides, or nearly so, by the pressing-pistons at that end ofthe machine and the conjoint action of cam No. 2, moving the mould during the action of pressing, substantially as hereinbefore mentioned. The motion of said wheel being still continued, cam No. 4 now opens the mould at J leav ing it in a position to receive the clay or material for another brick or form, and cam No. 3 has moved around and uncoversthe brick or form now finished at the opposite end of the machine. J Having described the construction and operation of our invention with sufficient cleainess and exactness to enable others skilled in the art, as aforesaid, to make and use the same, what we claim as our invention and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-- 1. The combination and arrangement of the mechanism for regulating the size of the mould while open, consisting of the adjustable strap S, keys W, X, and Y, for holding said strap in position, substantially as herein described. I i 1 2. We claim the friction-rollers P, when in combination with and connected directly to the sliding moulds O, as and for the purposes described.

3. We claim the stationary perforated platen or platens E, in combination with the friction-rollers the sliding moulds U, and cam No. 2, substantially as and for the purposes herein described.

4. The combination and arrangcment'of the rods or arms D and G, for the purpose of keeping the lifters A ina vertical position, and to prevent the parts from being clogged up while working, substantially as described- 5. The arrangement of the cams 1, 2, 3, and 4, on the wheels J, so as to 'produce from one set of Wheels and one set of cams on each wheels the alternate reciprocating motions of the sliding moulds at opposite ends of the machine substantially as herein described.

6. We claim the pin Z, or its equivalent, substantially as herein described. 1

7. The arrangement of the frame N, for supportingthe upper gearing, and affording a shield to the wheels, J, substantially as herein described.

D. P. DOBBINS,

. JOHN S. RICHARDS,

Witnesses: 4 JAMES SANGST'ER.

WILLIAM Tnunsroun, G. T. MIATT.

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