USRE22405E - miller r - Google Patents

Description

Dec. 14, 1943. W. J MlLLER Re. 22,405

METHOD OF AND APllARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING POTTERYWARE i Original Filed March l, 1929 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.

.Mu/AMJ M/LER y/////// Dec. 14, 1943. w. J. MILLER METHOD 0F AND APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING POTTRYWARE I 1929 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Original Filed M arch l Dec. 14, 1943. w` J` M|L| ER Re. 22,405

METHOD oF AND APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING PoTTEmfwAm-sl Original Filed March l1 14929 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 IN VEN TOR.

M//lam J 7771//er Ressued Dec. 14, 1943 h Re. 22,405

METHOD F AND APPARATUS FOR MANU- FACTURIN G POTTERY WARE William J. Miller, 'Swissvale, Pa.

Original No. 2,243,880, dated June 3, 1941, Serial No. 69.778. March 20, 1938, which is a division of Serial No. 343.693', now Patent No. 2,046,525, March 1. 1929. Reissue No. 22,187, dated September 29, 1942, Serial No. 440.332, April 24, 1942. This application for reissue August 3,

1943. Serial N0. 497.255

. 66 Claims. `(Cl.- 25-22) This invention relates to a method of and apparatus for producing pottery ware, and the principal object of the same is a machine and process whereby this class of ware may be manufactured more expeditiously and economically than withy known machines now in use, the apparatus possessing numerous advantageous features of construction and operation inaugurated with a view toward improving the grade of ware and at the same time facilitating volume productionv with a. minimum amount of manual attention.

This application is a division of my co-pending application for United States Letters Patent Serial No. 343,693, now Patent No. 2,046,525, led March 1, 1929.

In practicing the method the molds in which the ware is formed and fabricated are disposed on l open bottom trays and the latter mounted in seriesv in an endless flexible, preferably continuouslydriven, conveyor which progresses the molds adjacent instrumentalities for applying clay to the molds and jiggering the same, the trays being temporarily halted thereat whilst the production operation ensues, the molds being accessible from below the trays, chucks serving to elevate the molds from the trays into operative adjacency to the instrumentalities mentioned and rotate the same where required. l

The-complete apparatus as disclosed in the parent application includes automatically operated units or assemblies for producing ware of different designs, such for example as plates, cups, bowls, saucers and the like, means being provided for jiggering or shaping certain articles of ware which would otherwise have to be cast, .and only such of these units need be placed in operation as may be required in manufacturing a particular line of ware,k as Where plates only are being manufactured. This divisional application has to do particularly with the production of diversified shapes in succession in one or more production lines at speeds commensurate with the production of uniform shapes in one or more lines. The application is concerned with the dominating formative procedure and apparatus, to wit; the jiggering phase of the production cycle embracing the feeding, preforming or adhesively bonding the clay to the mold whilst it is being spread and given an approximation of final ware form and the final step of profiling which includes trimreciprocable and rotatableplates the line production of diversified Ware through the use of novel apparatus of a character such that a multiple of instrumentalities for co-operation with molds of diverse character may be carried thereby and may be operated in timed relation with the presentation and mechanical manipulation of molds so that the proper charge of clay, bat and final 4piece for a particular mold may be produced in succession. In short, the instrumentalities for co-operation with the molds are alternated automatically and the preferred apparatus for accomplishing this resides in the form of a turret synchronized with the mold conveyor and mounting tools or fabricating implements of diversified character, all as will be here- I inafter explained. r

The objectsof the invention are to enable form diversity on a single production line and high form diversity Where a multiple of lines are operated in conjunction; to provide novel apparatus for mounting and controlling the alternation, presentation and withdrawal of variousfabricating instrumentalities and the control and regulation of the size, bulk or volume of the clay charge: to facilitate and expedite the charging of molds with clay, jiggering of the clay and the removal and disposal of excess clay.

In the drawings: A

Fig. 1 is an enlarged fragmentary view in side elevation of a portion oi the conveying mechanism.

Fig. 2 is a sectional elevation of a mold for shallow ware.

Fig. 3 is a horizontal sectional plan view taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 4 is a view in section and side elevation of a mold actuating or Jigger assembly.

Fig. 5 is a plan View of the extruding means forming part of the feeder assembly.

Fig. 5A is a detail view of a part of the mold actuating assembly of Fig. 4, Fig. 6 is a detail view in section of`a detent.

Fig. 7 is a transverse vertical sectional view of the clay progressing and compacting means forming part of the assembly for feeding charges of clay to the molds.

Fig. 8 is a view in transverse vertical section of l, the extruding means forming part of the feeder assembly.

Fig. 9 is 'a View in front elevation of a tool or attachment carriage to which the jigger tool turret and attachments are applied.

`Fig. 10 is a view infront elevation of the profile and trimmer assembly.

Fig. 11 is a detail side elevation er the assembly Fig. 121s a reduced fragmentary view ofa drive unit. v Fig. 13 is a. broken side or edge elevation of one of the profile units oi' Fig. 10 in cci-operation with a mold and disclosingthe excess clay removing apparatus.

Fig. 14 is a section taken on the line i4l4 of Fig. 9.

Fig. 15 is a fragmentary detail of an optional drive means for the apparatus of Fig. 11.

Fig. 16 is an end elevation of a profile cleaner.

Fig. 17 is an end elevation of a profile mounting shown in Figi 18 and Fig. 18 is a side elevation of a profile and actuating frame.

The various fabricatingunits hereindisclosed are mounted in such order along the fabricating line as will permit each operation to be perfumed in proper sequence in accordance with the article of ware being produced. 'I'hese umts, as far as the present application is concerned, are a clay feeding apparatus adapted for single or multiple line operation; preforming apparatus including* die formers, plungers and turret devices on which the dies, plungers, etc., are mounted and jiggering apparatus. including profiles, trimmers, ex-

.cess ,clay handling devices and turret devices for the profiles together with a mold conveyor and actuating means therefor, means for operating the turrets in timed relation therewith and reaacos l manner comprises a cam 41j which -moves lever 4'ld` to the right, causing the bar 41e to turn bellcrank 41h and thus raise the rods 41a which are pivotally attached to the rails 411. The cam 41g is for the purpose of shifting the rails longitudinally through rod 41e to advance the trays to the next position after they have been elevated, the trays being subsequently lowered into the next succeeding set of notches on bars 4I afterwhich the transfer returns to initial posi-l tion. The chain sprockets (not shown) are driven in synchronism and the slack is periodically accumulated and dissipated on opposite sides of the halted tray or trays, the links buckling as shown at the left in Fig. 1 and permitting abutting trays to move into close-up relation.

Hollow or fiat ware may be made on'the machine-and for purposes of illustration, one type of flatware mold is shown at 53, Fig. 2, having a basefB and a renewable absorbent plaster body C as shown and described in my co-pending application. The base B, Fig.. 2, is preferably prociprocable and/or rotatable chucks for the recep-` tion and manipulation of molds adjacent thefeeding, Preforming and'jiggering apparatus.

'I'he molds in or on which the ware 1s fabricated are disposed on open .bottom .trays or carriers 39, Fig. l, which are swingably mounted in series in endless flexible chain conveyors 40 byhollow projecting trunnions 39a, Fig. 1 having rollers 39h rotatably mounted thereon, these rollers having concave peripheries which assist'in centering the trays laterally while supported on tracks 4I. These tracks are adjustably secured to the machine frame and' support the trays moving in on one side and out on the other of the fabricating apparatus. 'I'he trays 39 have mold supporting plates 39m mounted thereon in spaced alignment and each support is adapted to carry a mold and the molds on succeeding supports in any one particular line. may be arranged for the production of ware of different size, shape or configuration.

The conveyor 40 is driven by sprocket'shaft 44 to provide for intermittently halting the trays in the zone of the fabricating apparatus at'the feeding, preforming and jiggering stations, a predetermined amount of slack is provided in the conveyor chain as described in my application,

Serial No. 343,693, and my United States Letters Patent No. 1,856,498.V

In the zone of the various fabricating machines, the trays are supported on tracks 4I arranged on each side of the machine. The trays ride on these tracks on their rollers 39h and adjacent each fabricating position the track is notched for the purpose of positioning the trays relative to the machine chucks and the fabricating machines. The trays in the zone ofthe fabricating machines are advanced by mechanism comprising an elongated pair of rails 41 having a, plurality of equidistantly spaced notches 46a which are adapted to pick up the trays by theirtrunnions and advance several of the trays simultaneously from one fabricating position to another.

Means for actuating the rails in the aforesaid vided with Ventilating openings 53e to accelerate the extraction of moisture, facilitate the drying action and permit the application 'of super and/or subatmospheric pressure and analogous treating iiuids to the clay incident to fabrication.

As the trays bearing the molds progress along the main fabricating line, they are intermittently halted over reciprocable and rotatable chucks 62 forming part of the mold actuating units shown rin Fig. 4, these chucks being located at the feed' v ing, preformlng and .jiggering stations for the ele'- vation of the molds into o o-operation with the various fabricating units and rotation where required. The complete assembly is mounted on a skeleton frame 63 adjustably secured on supports 63a. The frame 63 is provided with transversely aligned spindles 64, Fig. 5A, having collars 64a. supporting a tapered thrust collar 64e, bearing rollers 64o', saddle 64d and spring 64e abutting `against cover 64j. 'I'he spindle moves upwardly against the tension of spring 64e and lowers by gravity.

Spindle 64 is in spline-sliding engagement with chuck spindle 62e, Fig. 4, on which chuck 62 is secured, reciprocation being imparted to chuck B2 and spindle 62e by cam 62d on cross shaft 63e.

The cam operates lever 62j, which is adjustably pivoted at one extremity, the pivoting assembly being supported from the frame 63, and at its opposite extremity pivotally secured to a pitman (52g, the pitman connecting with spindle 62e by means of a cross fork 62h, which is adjustably secured to said pitman by nuts 621' at its one extremity and forked into an annular groove 16a in the spindle 62c at its opposite extremity. The pitman 62g projects through and is guided by extensions 6291 of the frame 63, the upper end of said pitman having adjustably threaded therein `a contact screw 62k, jthe function of which will -later become apparent.

Rotation may be imparted to spindle 64 in the unit shown in Fig, 4, by means of co-operative friction gears 64g and 64h, Figs. 3 and 4, the gear 64g being adjustably secured on the spindle 64 and the gear 54h splined for longitudinal sliding movement on a continuously driven cross shaft 641. ,The friction gears are brought into intermittent contact by lever and brake assembly comprising a brake shoe 64j formed with studs for mounting the shoe for vertical movement on the frame 63, a bell-crank lever 64k, connecting rod 64I, pitman 6411. and cam contacting arms 64o and 64p. Arms 64o and .64p are 'alternately ing reciprocation, friction gears 64h have a grooved collar 84h splined on shaft Sdi, Fig. 12, and a grooved cam 64M on shaft 62e, Fig. 4, motion being transmitted from the cam to the gear by a lever 84M, and lever having a pin f lower extremity the lever connects with the grooved hub 64M through link Elh.

In operation, the chuck reciprocating cam 82d and brake cams being adjusted to work in synchronism when the chuck spindle and chuck elevate, the brake 847' is released permitting spindle 84 to lower and thus lowering gear 84g into contact with the continuously rotating gear 64h and imparting rotation to the chuck. When the chuck is lowered, brake j raises and engages gear 64g, raising spindle 84 and disengaging gears 84gv and 64h stopping rotation of the chuck.

The shafts 64i and 62e may be driven from the main drive shaft in the machine through, in each instance, helical gears 61a and 81, Fig. 12. Super and sub-atmospheric pressure, and other mediums may be applied to the molds through the chuck for various fabricating operations, the

.84M working in the groove ofcam 64712. At its passages 62a' and szb extending down'into the 'I chuck spindle 82e and opening out into annular registering grooves 62a' and B2b' formed in a hood 10 having a working fit aroundy the spindle and adjustably vsupported on the frame 63 by rod 10a, hose nipple 62a2 and B2b! being threaded into the hood 1l) and communicating with the' grooves. A further communicating passage opening out in the bottom of the chuck is provided by a bore 1| in the screw 62e', the interior of the spindle 62e being hollow, thus forming a chamber lla, and the hood 'lll having a further groove 1lb both in communication with said chamber, a hose nipple 1|c being threaded into the hood 1|) and communicating with said=groove. Where the passages 62a, 62h and 1| open out into the chuck 62, resilient sealing and cushioning pads ,are adjustablythreaded into the chuck. The

uid is controlled by cam operated valves 12,

described in the parent application.

The assembly just described is preferably operated in conjunction with the Jigger unit and may be mounted in multiple according to the number of fabricating lines being operated, the shafts Eli and 62e, Figs. 4 and 12, being common to all of the units if desired. The present mold elevating assembly may be adapted for use at .the

feeder position but in that event, the gears 64h would be disengaged and the chuck held against angular movement, since it does not rotate at this station.

The'clay ofrwhich the ware is to be formed is taken from the conditioning apparatus in the usual cartridge or slug form and disposed in a hopper 18o opening into a progressing and compacting chamber 18, Fig. 7, having a driven screw 18a .working therein which progresses and coinpacts the clay into a conduit 8| extending transassembly. The screw 18a is preferably formed in sections and the required number of these sections are assembled on the squared portion of a shaft 18c and secured from endwise displacement by an end cap' 18d, said shaft having bearing in a detachable head 18e formed with a hub 18e' and bracket 18)', the bearing being provided with the usual packing gland and packing to ensure against leakage and wear. i

The walls of the chamber 18 are preferably uted longitudinally to prevent angular movement of the clay, and in the top Wall a return passage v18g is formed, the inlet 18h of which is shaped to seat a valve 181' provided with a stem 18j havinga sliding flt in an exteriorly-threaded sleeve 18k against the resistance of a spring 181, said sleeve being adjustably threaded in a cover plate 18m and secured by lock nut 18u, and the" 'rotating sprocket gear 18, which is rotatably mounted on shaft 18e, and an intermittentlyrotating ratchet gear 19a, all as described in my co-pending applicatibn.

n operation, the continuously-rotating gear 'I8 carries a pivotally-mounted dog 19d around the periphery of ratchet 19a, the dog being alternately thrown into and out of mesh with said ratchet by adjustable trip cams. Power for driving the screw 18a may be taken from the main drive of the machine which extends along the side of the machine, motion being transmitted from thisshaft through various cross shafts 89a, as in Fig. 5, for the fabricating units by means of helical gears 61 and 61a similar to those used for the shaft M and cross shafts 62e, Fig. l2.

Referring now to Fig. B, the clay compacting in the conduit 8| is forced upwardly through openings Bla, formed in the top of the said conduit and into a chamber 8|b formed in a pivot post Ble, and from the chamber 8|b the clay passes through registering openings lb and 8|b2, respectively formed in the side wall of the post 8|c and the hub of a pivoted turret casting Bld. and into one of a series of chambers 8Ib3 formed in a multiple of radial cylinders lc forming part of the turret 8|d, from which the clay is extruded into. or on the molds. While the clay could be extruded direct from the conduit 8| onto the molds, 'the construction here shown is adapted for producing different kinds of ware i in succession, as where plates, cups and saucers versely of the machine across the lines of molds and common to amultiple of feeders. From this conduit the clay is forced into extruding-chambers and segregated and extruded into or on the molds by reciprocating plunger assemblies.

The chamber 18'is formed with a supporting bracket adapted for posts 18h' whichare secured in one of the top plates of the machine and by means of which the entire feeder assembly may be adjustably supported over the mold-actuating are being formed in one line of molds. The turret Bld, therefore, may be rotated on the pivot post 8|c in synchronism with the mold conveyor to bring each cylinder over a mold as it; is advanced in line if different types of molds are in the same line.

The upper extremity of the turret 8|d is formed with a shoulder and trunnion to receive a gear 8 If, which is rotatably mounted thereon, the gear being recessed to house a resiliently mounted latch or detent Big, Fig. 6, the shoulder being formed with a number of recesses in accordance with the number of extruding cylinders 8Ib3,

here three. After the gear and detent assembly have been applied. the gear is secured from displacement by a cap 8|h. The side of the turret Vim! is also bored to receive a spotting or positioning detent assembly Bli. The side of the turret Bld is also bored to receive a spotting or `positioning detent assembly lili, Fig. 8. and the side wall of the pivot post 8lc is formed with a plurality of notches, here three, so that when the turret is rotated vto its approximae angular posiion, it is spotted by said detent.

The upper extremity of the pivot post 8lc is threaded and thereon is adjustably mounted a lever-supporting bracket or post 82, the lower extremity of which is rounded and enlarged as at 82a and threaded over the post 8lc and secured by lock nut 82a', said bracket 82 alsobeing cast with a branch bracket 82h. 0n the upper extremity of this bracket B2, a lever 8U is adjustably pivoted, said lever Bly' terminating to a gear segment Ille, which is in continual mesh with the turret gear Blf. The lever sli is oscillated by a groove cam Bll, which is formed with a groove BIZ, and adjustably secured as on shafts y 80a, said lever being provided with a, pin Sli' which engages in said groove. y

As the cam lill rotates, lever 8in' is oscillated. thus oscillating turret gear Blf, the length of the stroke being adjusted in accordance with the angular spacing of the detent slots in the shoulder ofthe turret Bld. Thus, if the turret is to be intermittently rotated counter-clockwise, the deent is turned so that the toe of its beveled end faces in that direction, and if clockwise, the detent is simply turned in its socket accordingly, While il the turret is to be oscillated back and forth, the detent is turned to an intermediate position.

As the clay is progressed into the chamber Blb3,

it is extruded therefrom in measured charges by reciprocating plungers, each of which comprises a stem 83, which is hollow or formed with a. longitudinal bore 83a, the lower extremity of the plunger being threadedto adjustably receive a socket 83h, in which is threaded a porous head 83o composed of material such as plaster of Paris and having a chamber 83o' therein, the bore 83a terminating in said chamber. The head may be secured in adjusted position by a lock nut 83d. The'stem 83 extends upwardly through the top of the cylinder 8 le, which is provided with a packing gland 83d, said cylinder being formed with an latter moving upwardly against the compression of a spring lief, which encircles the stem 83 and is adjustable by a collar 83a threaded on said stem. A contact nut 83e is also adjustably threaded on the stern 83, to adjust the lowermost point of reciprocation or travel of the plunger.

The extruding plungers are forced upwardly against the compression tension of springsl 83! by a lever 83i, adjustably'pivote'd at one extremity, Fig. 8, on the bracket 82h, and at its opposite extremity said lever has pivotally mounted thereon a hook 831, adjustable by turnbuckle 837", said hook engaging under a collar 83k, which is adjustably secured on each plunger stem 33. Lever 83i is actuated by a cam 831, which is adjustablyV mounted on `the shaft 80a, Fig. 5.

Means are provided for applying a treating medium, such as fluid at super and sub-atmospheric pressure or electricity to the clay charges, the rounded part 82a of bracket 82 and the upper extremity of post 8lc being formed with registering bores or the passage 83m connecting with the plunger bore through a hose 83o and the passage 83u leading down through the turret and terminating in an exuding chamber `in an upper i extension guide bracket 8le3 for said stem. the

mixtures of clay into one conduit and feeding a particular mix or grade into a particular advancing line or lines of molds, itis preferred to mount the progressing and compacting assembly shown at both ends of the conduit 8 l and the extruding orifices along the conduit may be separated from one'another by slide-valves 8l m. Thus, a certaingradeor mix of clay may beprogressed into each end of the conduit and maintained separate by the slide valves, or if'it should be desired -to feed a diiferent grade or mix o1' clay to each line of molds, a separate feeding chute and screw could obviously be provided for each extruding assembly.

The feeder assembly as a whole is adapted for use with `the mold actuating units described in connection with Fig. 4 and it willvbe seen that the charges of clay may be' treated on all sides, viz: through the plunger head 83h, upper dieV or former and the mold.

The operation of the feeder should now be understood. The clay may be deposited in the hopper 18o in the usual cylindrical roll as it is taken from the conditioning apparatus,'the screw 'lliabeing intermittently actuated to progress and compact the clay in a homogeneous mass into the conduit 8l, from which it is forced upwardly through the chamber alb. If the turret is tobe-` rotated to feed different types'of molds in succession, the detent Blg is turned in the proper direction, and as the openingslb and 8lb2 register, the clay passes into the chamber 8lb3, from which the feeding plungers eject or extrude and segregate it in measured charges against the molds,` which are preferably elevated to the upper die and form a confining chamber substantially bounded on all sides by porous material' and into which the clay is extruded, the descending plunger completing the walls of the chamber. The feeding plungers need only be raisedl to a point sufcient to permit approximately the correct quanr tity of clay to pass into the feeding orices, the

scending plungers move into the orifices and eject the clay in the form of a column onto the molds with sufficient force to` cause it to adhere thereto, the column spreading radially over the molds and expelling the air from the gradually closing chamber,- until the molds and upper diesmeet, at which time or shortly thereafter the charge is completely extrudedy by the descending plunger head.

It is preferred to leave a clearance space between the plunger head 83e and side Walls of the extruding orifice or well 84d, to permit back extrusion of excess material into the chamber 8lb3.

Suction may be set up through the porous mold, plunger head and die facing, which will not only withdraw air but increase adhesion of the clay to the mold and speed up the drying faction. The effect of suction is supplemented by the mechanical pressure exerted on the clay by the extruding plungers.

No attempt is made herein to enumerate the many methods of treating the clay charge through the porous walls which encompass the chamber formed by the mold, die facing and plunger head and into which the charge is extruded. However, in the event that clay should tend to adhere to the upperdie and plunger head air under pressure may be applied to ensure release of the clay or a suitable iiuid or liquid,

applied so that the plaster head and facing will be maintained in a moist and slippery condition, and in conjunction with the foregoing, sub-atmosphere or action may be applied through the porousmold which will cause theclay to adhere thereto and also evacuate excess moisture and air pockets, The vents 53e' may be formed around the mold where the peripheral edge of the ware terminates so that. when suction is applied, it will assist the expansion of the charge and ensure complete coverage ofthe mold. Ordinarily, the porous material will permit the treating medium to pass therethrough and it will not be necessary V to provide ducts or vents unless it is desired to selectively apply said medium. By establishing a sub-atmospheric condition between the chuck and mold, the latter will be held ilrmly on the chuck and be prevented from sticking tothe upper die if there should be any tendency in that direction. In the event it is desired to apply superatmospheric pressure to the under-portion of the mold, the chuck may be magnetized as disclosed in my co-pending application to maintain the mold and chuck in association. Y

After the molds in a line transversely of the conveyor have been filled, the'tray is advanced one division by the bar 41 to the next station which may bey the jiggerlng or profiling station. The profiles are mounted on turrets suspended over each line for. alternating the various tools in accordance with the article presented for jig' gering and the turretsare supported by an 4assembly whichcomprises a vertical guide 85, Figs.

9 and 11, and stop posts which are adjustably secured in and depend from one of the -top plates of the frame. A frame 85a shown as of rec-` tangular shape is mounted to have a vertical sliding nt on said posts, nuts 85h being threaded on the lower extremities of said posts to adjustably limit the lowermost point .of travel of said frame. The frame. 85a is formed with a bracket 85o, which is bored to receive a pivot bolt 85d, which` is adjustably secured by nut 85d', a lever 85e being pivoted at one extremity in said bolt 'I'he lower portion of the frame 85a is formed with a dovetail slot or groove in which a bar 85g is mounted to have a horizontal sliding nt, the bar at the left as viewed in Fig. 9 being formed with a vertical guide bracket 85h having a central slot or track 85m. A lever` 851 provided with a cam roller 85i' is pivotally and adjustably supported at its upper extremity from, a post 857, and at its lower extremitysaid lever is provided with a pin 851'2 adapted to have a working iit in said track 85h. cams for the lever 85i are given the required contour in accordance with the work involved and are mounted on one of the cross shafts 80a.

The bar 85g is slotted at 85kt, a pin 85 being secured in the frame 85a. a compression spring 85k2 being mounted to abut a-t opposite ends, respectively, against said pin and the bar 85g. The bar gis also provided with a screw bracket 851 in which a contact screw 85m is mounted, which serves to adjustably limit the movement of bar 85g in one direction independently of its As in the case o! lever 85e, the.

cam travel or reverse movement. The screw bracket 85! is adapted to be attached at either end of bar 85g and the spring 85k2 at either end of slot 85k, to conform to the positive direction of movement of the cam lever 851.

It will be seen that when levers 85e and 851 are osclllated, the frame 85a reciprocates vertically and the bar 85glaterally the bar deriving its vertical movement from said frame. The frame is provided with screws 85u and 85o adatped to be adjusted in contact with the posts 85 and the frame 85a in the event the actuating cams are to be disconnected and the frame and bar set in rigid adjusted position.

An attachment and tool mounting turret disk 88, Fig. 10, is supported from the slide bar 85g, Figs. 9 and 11,by means of a hanger bracket 85a, said bracket being formed with projecting hub portions 88a' and 86a! and is secured to the ybar 85g by screws 86a3, the disk 88 being rotatably mounted on the hub 88a' and prevented from lateral displacement by a ring. A shaft 881)A extends through and has bearing in the projecting hubs of bracket 86a, this shaft functioning in a manner which will later become apparent. The disk, like the feeder turret 8Id, may be rotated intermittently in one direction or osclllated, detent such as 8Ig in Fig. 6 being housed, respectively, in a gear 88o, Fig. 14, and the bracket 85a and adapted to register-in detent orlatch notches 81g and spotting notches Sli'iormed in one side of said disk 88, there being four ofeach of said notches in the present instance. The gear -88c is mounted to rotate rfree on the bracket hub 88a' and the teeth 86o' .of said gear are in continual mesh with the teeth 88d' of a rack 86d,'the latter being slidably dovetailed into a groove formed in the bracket 86a, see Fig. 9, and terminating in a. T-head 88412, which is formed with a track 88d3. 'I'he rack 88d is actuated by a bellcrank lever 86e, which is fulcrumed at 86e' on a bracket extension 88e2 formed on the frame 85a, the one extremity of said lever 86e being provided with a pin 8$a3 which has a sliding iit in`the groove-or track 88d3, Fig. 9, while the opposite extremity of said lever has pivoted thereto, a connecting rod 86f which extends through a Iguide bracket 88N and terminates in a T-head 88j" formed with a groove or track 86f2, said T-head co-operating with a lever 88g pvotally supported at its upper extremity from a'post 85h and at its lower extremity said lever is provided with a pin 88g' having a sliding t in the groove or track 8812 of T-head 86f. Lever 88g is operated by a cam (not shown) mounted on shaft a, these cams also being generally shown with the respective attachments hereinafter described. A retracting spring 86d! is secured at opposite extremities, respectively to the T-head 86d2 and the bar g.

A screw 861 is shown as threaded in the bracket 88a, this screw being adjusted against the turret disk 86 when it is desired to maintain said disk stationary with said bracket. A screw 887' is also shown threaded in the hub 85a! of bracket 88a,

and this screw may be adjusted against the shaft tab when it is desired to maintain the lau-.er

stationary with said bracket.

The disk 86 is provided with a plurality of holes 86k for attaching various fabricating tools and attachments, such as shaping tools, turning and nishing tools and transfer chucks, which is desired Iin connection with each respective fabricating operation in -my co-pending application supra. "In thepresent application proiilingv instrumentalities are mounted thereon. The shaft 86h may be driven by either a positive or friction drive, the friction drive' being shown in Fig. for the purposes of illustration.

A 'bevel gear B1, formed with ya. hub 81' is shown as adjustably secured on the shaft lib,

dinally grooved shaft c2 in spline-sliding engagement with said sleeve, the lower extremity of shaft 81c2 being coupled for universal movement with the stud shaft 81o' on which gear 81a is secured. The stub shaft llc of the exible coupling has adjustably secured thereon a pinion gear 81d, which may be replacedV by a friction gear 81d. see Fig. 15, when a non-positive, intermittent or continuous high-speed drive .is desired. If pinion 81d is used, the drive is effected by means of a segmental gear 81e formed on a lever 81e', which is adjustably pivotally mounted on vthe bracket 81h and provided with a cam roller 81e! adapted to contact with a cam to be mounted on shaft 80a or sleeve 6B and which may be given various contours in accordance'with the rotation desired for shaft 88h. 'I'he lever 81e' may be-retracted by a spring 81].

If the friction or non-positive drive is desired, the friction gear 81d' may be substituted for pinion 81d and a co-operating friction gear 81g splined or mountedfor longitudinal sliding moveon slide rod BH2 which in turn is mounted to`A slide longitudinally in adjustable supporting brackets 817' which extend upwardly and are secured in one of the frame plates llc.

If the rotation of shaft lllb is to be alternately reversed, the drum cam 81h may be used, this cam movement causing the friction gear- 81g to move across 'the face of gear 81d' and when the gear 81g passes over the vertical axis-of gear 81d', the rotation 'of said gear will'be halted and then reversed, thusfreversing the drive on said shaft 86h.

'I'he jack shaft Bf of the change-speed assembly previously described in connection with Figs. 9 and 11 is shown asmounted and having bearing in hanger brackets IIM' which are also adjustably supported by posts BH2 from one of theframe plates.

The' fabricating attachments are mounted on the turret disk 86, Fig. 10, which is rotated in accordance with the particular attachments in use. If there areA four attachments on the turret and all are being used in succession. the lever 06g may be actuated by a cam properly contoured to move the disk a quarter -turn each machine cycle. ,i

I'he profile and trimmer assemblies are'shown in Fig. 10 as being mounted directly on the -turret disk 86, there being four proles 8U, 80a,

sabana soc shown, so that four different kinds t of ware may be shaped in succession, or the turret disk oscillated to alternately move any two profiles into operative position. The profiles are adJustably secured to the disk 8B by slotting the disk and prole at right angles to receive attaching bolts, as at 9nd, Fig. 18. Excess material openings 840, see Fig. 10 sloped so. as to present a scooping edge counted to rotation of the mold, are preferably formed in the proilles, these openings terminating in a cavity or channel Gln. v

The profile 90 is for undercut ware and is provided with a resiliently mounted brim-forming ring 90e and adapted for application of subor super-atmospheric. pressure or other fluid through the clay contactingface thereof to assist atively stationary. the hose nipple 9092 being secured in the ring '80h and the latter formed with an annular groove or chamber in registration with the supply duct-90g'. The ring 90h is secured by threaded pins 80M to a bracket Si,

- springs B07' being vinserted oversaid latter pins to provide a resilient mounting for the assembly. The bracket Olli is slotted at 80k for the securing pins or bolts for the prole `so-that the profile and ring assembly have a relative lateral floating association. It will be noted that the profile 90 does not require al trimmer in view of the ring 90e with its brim-contacting insert. l

.When the profile is removed from the interior of the undercut ware, it is first moved toward the left and then elevated,l Whilel at the same time the mold may be lowered. f

Segment lever 81e is actuated by cam Ble3 for the purpose of Vrotating shaft 86h, which in the case of the prole asse'mbly hasadjustablysecured thereon a trimmer-depressing cam 9i, see Figs. 10 and 11, which depresses a trimmer Bla against the compression of a spring 9Ib,.said

trimmer being slidably mounted in brackets Sic.'

which maybe formed on the profile. and has adl-v Justably threaded in the top thereof a contact screw. Qld whichl contacts with camt 9|.

To insure accurate positioning of the profile relatively to the molds and uniform thickness of the ware, a. contact screwl 62k' may be adjust? ably mountedmin a bracket 62h22 secured to the turret disk 86, said screw being adjusted to contact with screw 62k threaded into the top of the pitman 62g Figs. 4 and 10. When' the mold and profile reach their approximate operative positions. the screws 62k and 62k contact and the prole moves a short distance in unison with the mold.

I1' it is desired to produce irregular-shaped ware such as ovals and the like, the -mold may be vertically and the screw 92h laterally, and'as I the sudebar ssa to which the turret-disk sa 1s se; 1

provided with a ring cam 92, contoured in accordance with the ware to be produced, the profile being guided by any suitable 'cam-contact means such as screws 92a and S'Zbywhich are adjustably mounted in a bracket 92c secured to the disk 88, vthe screw 82a guiding the profile cured has a resilient yielding action in one direction and the frame' 85a yields vertically against gravitational weight. .the cam 9.2 may serve to1 guide the profile in shaping irregular-w producing irregular-shaped ware by the use of suitably-contoured cams for levers 05e and 851'. A suitable fluid such as water may be auto matically applied to the clay charge during profiling through the passages 13e and 13j, in Fig. 14 and a tube connected thereto terminating in a valved nozzle 90', Fig. 10. The fluid may be controlled by one of the valves 12, Fig. 4.

Figs. 17 and 18 illustrate a simplified form of profile assembly which it may be desired to use when the ware inV one line is of the same shape. In this instance the assembly may be adjustably supported from one of the top plates by posts 90m. The profile 90a is adjustably secured on a slide bracket 90m which in turn is mounted for vertical sliding movement in a guide and supporting bracket 50m2, the latter being supported by said posts 90m. The bracket 90m moves vertically against the tension of a spring 90m3 secured at opposite extremities, respectively, to said bracket 90m and bracket 901112. The slide bracket 90m' has adjustably secured on top thereof a stop member or washer 90m4, which contacts with the guide bracket 90m2 when the profile is in its lowermost position. The trimmer 91a is adjustably secured lon abracket 901115,

which may be cast integral with, or secured to the bracket 901112.

In operation, the screw 62k' may be adjusted relatively. to screw 62k, so that when the 4mold elevates, these screws will contact when the proille has smoothed the ware to a predetermined thickness, whereupon the mold and profile move in unison to a point where the trimmer operates,

. after which the molds with the formed ware is lowered onto its tray 39. The horizontal operating position of the Aprofile may be definitely limited by screw 85m .and its angular position definitely spotted by a detent.

A bracket 92C carrying screws 92a and 92h may obviously be applied to the turret disk 86 for each f pro-file assembly, and the use of this feature is .not confined to the' production of irregularly vtion in a conduit member 93, Fig. 13, formed with a segmental flange 93a to facilitate registration with a conveying conduit 93h. Theconduit member 93h may be supportedy from the frame and is positioned so that the flared inlet will yield slightly and register with the flanged terminal 93a of the conduit 93 whenv the turret is given a partial turn to bring one of the profiles into operative position. A screw conveyor 93C mounted in scrapes the excess material into the chamber 931' when disc B6. Fig. 10, rotates.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:

1. Ina pottery fabricating machine, a turret member, a plurality of fabricating tools mounted plane, fabricating mechanism mounted adjacent the line of travel of said trays and including a clay-feeding machine provided with a chambered turret member, a plurality of upper dies mounted on said turret member, lmeans for progressing clay under pressure to said dies through said member, and means for intermittently rotatingi the turret to bring said dies into feeding position relative to the molds carried by said trays.

3. In apparatus of the class specified, a tool carriage, comprising an anguiarly movable member adapted to support the tool, vertically and horizontally movable frame components on which said member is mounted, and a system of camactuated levers for imparting angular movement to said member andvertical and horizontal movement to said frame components. V

4. In apparatus of the class specified, means having a plurality of profiles mounted thereon,

each of said profiles being' formed-'with an ex- 'mittent angular movement to the first named means to move the profiles into operative position, means including a relatively stationary conduit mounted adjacent the first named means, the receiving end oi' said latter conduit being adapted to register with a terminal end of said first-named conduit when the respective profiles move into operative position, and a means for removing excess material from saidl conduits.

5. In apparatus of the class specified, a tool carriage, comprising a turret, vertically and horizontally movable frame components on which said turret is mounted, a system of cam-actuated levers for imparting angular movement to said turret and vertical and horizontal movement to said frame components, and means for adjusting the throw of said levers while acting to move said turret and frame components.

6. In apparatus of the class specified, the combination with a plurality of molds and means conduit 93h impels the excess material therethrough to a point of disposal. Suction could be substituted in conduit 93D for the screw 93C with the same result.

Fig. 1G illustrates 'a profile cleaner or scraper 931 having a funnel shaped chamber 931 with a screw conveyor 9312 therein. This assembly may be mounted o-n the machine so that the prole for advancing said molds in series in a substantially rectilinear plane. of a turret member having a multiple of profiles mounted thereon, means for imparting-intermittent angular movement to the turret in synchronism with the advancing molds, and means for moving the turret member.. a plurality of proiiles mounted thereon, each of said profiles being formed with a clay receiving zone in communication 4with the working edge of the profile and terminating in a conduit member, means for imparting intermittent angular movement to the turret. to move the profiles into operative position, and a relatively stationary conduit mounted adjacent the turret,

the receiving end of said latter conduit being.

nating means in timed relation with the conv eyor and the reciprocable mold support.

10. In apparatus for manufacturing potteryware, a feeder unit for #feeding different sizes and volume clay charges to different capacity molds presented in succession thereto in a single line in combination with a multiple profile unit for profiling different Ware shapes in succession 'on the previously charged molds presented in succession in the said line.

11. In combination, a conveyor transporting different-size and shapes of molds, a plurality of molds located on said conveyor, a clay feeder having a plurality of discharge nozzles arranged to charge said molds with clay in successive order, a plurality of dies arranged to be alternately co-operated with corresponding molds and a plurality of profiles arranged to be alternately cooperated with corresponding molds.

12. Ina pottery fabricating machine, a 'plurality of fabricating tools arranged on a common mounting. a plurality of pottery molds and means for o o-operating pottery molds with said fabrieating tools, means for altering the mounting to bring different fabricating tools into co-operation with the molds to form different pieces of ware in said molds, means for transporting molds to and from the zone of fabrication said fabricating tools comprising forming members movable axial- I 1y of the molds for depositing mold charges in the molds and shaping the same therein.

13. In apparatus for the manufacture of pottery Ware, charge feeding and batting out mechanism which comprises a support, a plurality of charge forming mechanisms associated with said support, a batting out die associated With each charge forming mechanism and means for alternating said charge feeding and batting out mechanisms at the feeding and batting `'out position to thereby diversify the production.

14.' In apparatus for the manufacture of potteryware, a clay feeding and forming mechanism which comprises a plurality of. charge forming devices arranged on a common support, an open center batting out die associated with each charge forming device and means for alternating the charge forming devices and dies at the feeding position. l

15. In apparatus for the manufacture of potteryware, mechanism for batting out clay on molds comprising a support having a plurality of batting out heads having diversely contoured working surfaces thereon and means for alter- 8. In apparatus of the class specied, a turretv nating said heads at the batting out position to thereby'diversify the production.

`16 In a machine for making potteryware, the combination of a batting out mechanism comprlsinga plurality of batting out heads for making ware pieces of different kinds together with means for alternating the heads at the batting position and a Jiggering mechanism comprising a plurality of proling instrumentalities and means for alternating said instrumentalities at the profiling position; said batting out and profilingmechanisms being arranged adjacent a common line of molds forca-operation with the molds arranged in said line.

17. In a pottery machine, the combination of means for successively depositing mold charges inand shaping mold charges on molds including at least one axially movable forming member and a. proling mechanism including a plurality of profiles for making dissimilar pieces of ware, means for'4 altering the profiling mechanism to alter the profiles at the profiling position to form different pieces of ware and means common to al1 of said profiles for supplying fluid to the work together with a mold carrier having continuous motion except in the forming and profiling positions. a series of molds mounted on the carriers and arranged by the movement of the carrier to be. brought,Y in turn into the aforesaid stations.

18. In apparatus for manufacturing diversified potteryware, a dryer, a moldV conveyor, a fabricating machine mounted in conjunction with a conveyor having a multiple of preforming heads. eachhaving a surface contour corresponding to that of a particular mold', means'for alternating the heads at the preforming position as molds for di'erent kinds of ware are presented thereto, a jiggering machine including a multiple of profiles each having an edge surface corresponding to that of a, particular ware shape to be'produced. and means for alternating said profiles so "as to bring the corresponding profile into profiling posi- :ion as the corresponding mold is presented there- 19. In apparatus for manufacturing diversified potteryware, a mold conveyor, a mold charging means, preforming means comprising a plurality of shaping heads mounted on a common support, means for alternating said heads at the preforming position, a, jigger comprising a plurality of profiles mounted on a common'support, means for alternating said profiles at the profiling position and means for synchronizing the operation of said alternating means and said conveyor.

20. In a pottery fabricating machine, mold' rality of fabricating instrumentalities, means for rotating said mounting to alternate the fabricating instrumentalities at the fabricating position to thereby diversity the production and means for reversing the rotation of said mounting.

22. In a clay feeder, a plurality of means for feeding clay charges, means for alternating the charge feeding means at the feeding position,

and means common to all said charge feeding means for supplying said charge feeding means with clay, said means including a hollow -conduit adapted to be filled with clay and discharged into said feeding means. i

23. In a mechanism for supplying plastic clay to molds, a plurality of mold charging means each having a clay receiving chamber and a delivery outlet, and means including a force applying device and a hollow conduit common to all said mold charging means for supplying the clay receiving chamber oi' said mold charging means with clay.

24. In apparatus for the manufacture of potteryware, a feeder for progressing different grades and mixtures of clay comprising a conduit having a plurality ofcharge forming devlces'associated therewith for preparing and feeding charges to a plurality of lines of molds, clay progressing and compactlng means connected at both ends of the conduit and slide valves arranged along the conduit.

25. In apparatus for manufacturing potteryware', the combination of a carrier having a series oi' molds mounted thereon, a conduit for plastic material, charge feeding mechanisms. branches leading from said conduit to said feeding mechanism, means for forcing clay under pressure into said conduit and means for interrupting the supply oi' clay to any one of said charge feeding mechanisms without interrupting the supply of clay to any other of said charge lfeeding mechanisms.

26. In apparatus for manufacturing pottery articles, a carrier for molds having a series of molds thereon, a plurality of charge feeding mechanisms arranged adjacent the line of travel of said conveyor and adapted to prepare and deposit a plurality of moldsmeans for supplying said charge feeding mechanisms with clay comprising a conduit havin-g branches associated duit. directing the clay into several outlets each molds being arranged in of which is directly over a line of molds and forcing the clay into the molds by the movement of an implement axially thereof.

3l. In combination, a mold carrier, molds disposed thereon, a plurality of mold charging means -each having a clay receiving chamber and a delivery outlet, a hollow conduit common to all of said mold charging means for supplying clay to the clay receiving chambers thereof and means for progressing clay into said conduit. f

32. In combination with a mold carrier having molds disposed thereon, a plurality of mold charging means having a clay receiving chamber and a delivery outlet, segregating means, hollow conduit means for supplying said chambers with clay, means for supplying clay to said conduit and means for regulating the discharge of clay from said outlets.

33. In combination, a mold carrier having molds disposed thereon, mold charging means having a clay receiving chamber and a delivery outlet, means for supplying clay' to said clay Areceiving chamber comprising a hollow. member for enclosing the clay with substantialexclusion of air through which the clay is progressed into said clay receiving chamber, and means for filling said member with clay.

34. In apparatus for the manufacture of pottery ware, means for supplying clay to molds with said charge feeding mechanisms, means for forcing clay under pressure into the conduit from at least one end, said charge feeding mechav nisms and said carrier being synchronously operated.

27. In a clay supplying mechanism for use with pottery making machinery, a clay compacting and extruding mechanism, drive means therefor selectively regulable to predetermine the rate and amount of extrusion, a conduit connected to said extrusion mechanism and into which the clay is forced under pressure, branches in said conduit leading to mold charging mechanisms associated with the pottery machine and individual valves controlling the passage of clay into said branches whereby any one or all of said branches may be selectively closed or opened.

28. In apparatus of the class described, a plurality ofmold charging means each having a clay receiving chamber and a delivery outlet, means forming a conduit for progressing clay into s'aid clay receiving chambers and an axially movable implement associatedwith eachlmold charging means for discharging clay through said outlet, means for filling said conduit with clay, each of said mold charging means being in the charge produced.

29. In combination, a charge .feeding mechanism having means for producing charges for making a succession of different ware shapes varying in the amount of clay contained in each, and mold conveying means for successively presenting diverse molds at the 'feeding position, said charge feedingvmechanismv operating reindividually regulable to vary the volume oi clay l including a plurality of mold charging means each having a clay receiving chamber and a delivery outlet, an elongated conduit located adjacent thereto and communicating with the aforesaid clay receiving chambers, clay extrusion ing the volume of clay contained in thebcharges which comprises progressing clay from a source of extrusion in one or more-columns into a hollow conduit and diverting the clay at spaced points along the conduit into separate streams and segregating each streamof clay into mold charges.

37. The method of supplying clay tomolds in the manufacture of'jiggered pottery ware which comprises, extruding clay directly into a hollow conduit and then progressing the clay along said conduit with substantial avoidance of exposure to atmosphere,l diverting the clay into one or more discharge outlets and then progressing the clay' therethrough and segregating charges therefrom, depositing the charges on molds and by cooperation with a non-adhesive matrix spreading the clay over the surface of the molds to thereby form a jiggering blank and adl'iesively bond the clay to the molds.

38. In apparatus for supplying plastic clay to 'chamber and a delivery having a clay receiving chamber and a delivery outlet, means includinga force vapplying device and a hollow' conduit common to all of said mold charging means for supplying the clay receiving chamber of said mold charging means with clay and means yior interrupting the mold charging function of any one of said mold charging meansf 39. In combination with a mold carrier having molds disposed thereon, a plurality of mold charging means each having a clay receiving outlet, segregating means, conduit means for supplying said chambers with clay, means for supplying clay to said conduit, means for regulating the discharge of clay from said outlets and means for interrupting the mold charging function of any one of said mold charging other.

40. In apparatus for feeding clay to a succession of pottery molds, chambered means having delivery outlets through which plastic clay is de-l livered in consecutive charges to said molds, hollow conduit means for conducting clay to said chambers, force applying means operatively connected to said hollow conduit means for progressing clay into said chambers and outlets, the feed to the succession oi molds being alternated between delivery outlets.

41. `In apparatus i'orY feeding clay to arsuccession oi' pottery molds arranged in one or more f lines, chambered means having sets of delivery outlets through which plastic clay is delivered to ternated between sets oi' outlets. 4,2. In apparatus for feeding clay to molds,

a plurality of clay receiving chambers with downwardly opening delivery outlets, the feed through the aforesaid outlets being alternated.' one `outlet being inoperative. whilst the other is working,v means for supplying plastic clay to said chambers including hollow conduit means adapted to be filled with clay and discharged thereinto, means for transporting a succession of molds into feeding position relative to saidoutlets and means for segregating clay charges.

` 43. In vthe feeding of plastic clay to a succession of pottery molds, the method which consists in, progressing clay from a source of supply into a hollow conduit, bringing into registry the hcllow conduit and a chamber having a downwardly opening delivery outlet and applying pressure to the clay in said conduit to discharge the same into vsaid chamber and delivery orifice and by the movement of a segregating member, severing charges of clay therefrom in consecutive order.

44. In combination with apparatus for advancing a line of pottery molds along a generally hori` zontal path wherein clay is formed on the molds into articles of pottery, a plurality of clay discharge nozzles through which .clay may be fed,

back to inlets removed therefrom, and means for supplying clay under controlled pressure to molds,` a plurality of mold charging means each molds into articles oi' pottery, a plurality of clay discharge nozzles through which clay may be fed,

`clay passages for the several nozzles extending -means, individually of the back to inlets removed therefrom, and means for supplying clay under controlled pressure to the inlet of a selected passage, each nozzle being above the general path of travel of the molds and adapted selectively to feed clay charges of a size or -weight predetermined for the particular nozzle to successive molds in said path.

46. In combination with apparatus for advancing a line of pottery molds along a general hori-A zontal path wherein clay is formed on the molds into articles of pottery, a plurality of clay dis-k charge nozzles through which clay may be fed, clay passages for-the several nozzles extending back to inlets removed therefrom, `means for supplying clay un'der controlled pressure to the inlet of a selected passage, each nozzle being above the general path of travel of the molds and adapted selectively to feed clay charges to suc-- cessive molds moving in said path, and means operative in timed relation tothe movement of a mold into charge-receiving position beneath the selected nozzle for effecting severance of charges fed thereby. l

'47. In combination with apparatus for advancing a` line of pottery molds alonga generally horizontal path wherein clay is formed on the molds into articles of pottery, a plurality Vof clay discharge nozzles through which clay may be fed, clay passages for the several nozzles extending back to inlets removed therefrom, means for supplying clay under controlled pressure to the inlet of a selected passage, each nozzle being above the particular path 0f travel 0f the molds and adapted selectively to feed clay charges to successive molds moving in said path and means clay passages for the several nozzles extending for each nozzle for controlling thev size or weight of successive charges fed therefrom.

48. An apparatus for feeding clay charges to a single line of pottery ware moldswhich com prises, in combination, a plurality of feeders each having a discharge oritlce superimposed relative to said line of molds, -means operable to substitute the feed through one discharge orifice furthe feed through another discharge orifice to the line of molds, means for segregating clay charges associated with said discharge outlets and mechanism by means of which the volume contained in the charges of clay may be varied.

49. An apparatus for feeding clay charges including a plurality of feeders arranged ony a common support, means for alternating the feeders at the working position and means for varying the size and volume of the charges.

50. In combination, anA apparatus for feeding clay charges to molds including a plurality of feeders arranged on a common support, means for alternating .the feeders at a mold charging position, means for varying thepsize and volume of the charges and a conveyor for transporting molds in succession to the charging position.

51. In combination with means for supporting and transporting a single line or jlgger molds to a, clay feeding zone, clay feeding apparatus for charging ligger molds in the line with clay including a plurality of clay feeders each having clay extruding Amechanism and means for automatically substituting one feeder and mechanism for another in the feeding of clay to the single line of molds.

52. In apparatus for'feeding clay to a single line of jigger molds, a plurality of clay feeders each having clay, extruding mechanism, means for varying the amount of clay extruded thereby to regulate the amount of clay fed to the .lisser molds, means for supporting and transporting a single line of jigger molds to the feeding zone and means for automatically substituting one feeder and mechanism for another in the feeding oi' clay to the single line of molds.

53. In apparatus for manufacturing pottery continuous motion except in the forming position, a series of molds mounted on the carrier and arranged by the movement of the latter to be brought in turn into the forming position,

means for holding the mold stationary in the formingposition during the forming operation, and means moving axially of the molds for successively depositing mold charges in and shaping mold charges in the .molds while in the forming position.

55. In apparatus for manufacturing pottery articles, the combination of means for presenting molds in a forming position, and means com'- prising sockets arranged to receive and support the molds during the forming operation.

56. Apparatus for fabricating pottery ware, comprising a plurality-of mold-carrying trays, means for advancing said trays, molds carried by said trays, fabricating mechanism mounted adjacent the line of travel of said trays and including a clay-feeding machine and a plurality of dies adapted for various types of molds, and means for intermittently altering the position of the said dies relatively to theadvancing molds.

'7. In apparatus of the class specified, the

combination with a plurality of molds and means for advancing said molds in a substantially rec'- tilinear plane, of a multiple of profiles each adapted for a particular shaped article of ware,

support means on which said profiles are mounted, and means for imparting intermittent angular movement to said support means in synchronism with the advancing molds.

58.In a pottery fabricating machine, a turret member, a plurality of fabricating tools mounted lon said member, lreciprocable and rotatable chucks, a plurality of open-bottom trays connected in series by an endless exible conveyor,

means ,for advancing said trays in a substanume required by each presented thereto in succession, means for spreading the clay on said molds, and means for profiling different ware shapes in succession.

60. In a pottery fabricating machine, a turret member, a plurality of fabricating tools mounted thereon. said tools being of diverse character in order to produce a diversified production, reciprocable and rotatable chucks, a plurality of open bottom mold carrying trays connected in series by an endless flexible conveyor, means for advancing the said trays in a substantially rectilinear plane to a position adjacent said turret and said chucks, means for imparting intermittent angular motion to said turret member and means for elevating said chucks to remove molds from said trays and means for rotating said chucksto rotate the said molds incident to cooperation with the fabricating tools.

61. In a pottery fabricating machine, a con-` veyor for molds, mold charging mechanism, ware fabricating mechanism said last named mechanism comprising a support on which a plurality of fabricating means are mounted said fabricating means having diversely contoured `fabricating surfaces and means for selectivelyv presenting various fabricating means at the fabricating position to thereby diversify the production.

62. In combination, a conveyor transporting diierent sizes and shapes of molds, a plurality ofmolds located on said conveyor, a clay feeder arranged to charge said molds with clay in successive order, a plurality of dies arranged to be alternately co-operated with corresponding molds and a plurality of profiles arranged to be alternately co-operated with corresponding molds, there being means for trimming the brim of the ware incident to profiling together with means for collecting and disposing of the trimmings. A

63. A clay feeder which includes means having a plurality vof feeding orifices, means for alternating the orifices at the feeding position and a regulable source `of clay supply common to all of said orices inclding a hollow conduit adapted to be filled .with plastic clay and force applying means for'discharging the clay therefrom. 64. The method .of feeding clay to moldswhich comprises, progressing clay from opposite directionsinto the ends of a conduit and diverting the clay into the production lines before the opposed advancing columns meet in the conduit.

65. In the automatic mass production manufacture of.dinnerware, the method which consists in advancing a line of diverse molds. for making dierent ware shapes through a feeding station and successively feeding charges of clay thereto and automatically varying the amount of clay charged into each mold.

66. In combination, a mold carrier having molds disposed thereon, mold charging means having a clay receiving chamber and a delivery outlet, means for supplying clay thereto in the form of a holow conduit, means for extruding clay into said conduit and means for regulating the rate of extrusion. f

j WILLIAM J. hmm

Images