Patent GB-652418-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in and relating to the casting of pottery articles
IPC: B28B1/28
Filed: 1948-01-31
Abstract: 652,418. Apparatus for casting pottery. ROYAL CROWN DERBY PORCELAIN CO., Ltd., and ROBINSON, P. I. Jan. 31, 1948, No. 2933. [Class 87 (ii)] A mould 45 rotatably supported in a frame 42, Fig. 4, is moved continuously by a chain conveyer 30 beneath a slip container 60, Fig. 1, which moves with the mould for a short distance, while slip is poured into the mould. The mould is rotated during pouring by a band 50 engaging a fly-wheel 43 on the mould. After pouring, the mould is tipped, by a ratchetwheel, see Figs. 10 to 15 (not shown), on the mould which engages adjustably mounted pegs, to drain off excess slip. The mould is restored to its original position by a further set of pegs. The moulded articles are then trimmed, and the moulds raised to allow an operator to remove the moulds with the moulded articles. The container 60, Fig. 6, is moved up rails 61, by members 62 on the conveyer engaging members 63 on the container. When the container has moved with the mould for a short distance, the members 62 pass under the members 63 and the container moves back to its original position. The outlet cock of the container is opened during its upward movement by a roller 66, connected to the cock, which roller is moved by engagement with a cam profile 70, fixed to the rails 61. The cock is closed by a trigger mechanism. The position of the slip container and rails, the point at which the mould is tipped, and the point at which trimming takes place may be adjusted. As the pouring,ceases, the fly-wheel 43 comes into engagement with another band 82 which rotates the mould in the opposite direction. The mould is normally prevented from rotating by a brake band which is disengaged, during pouring, by cam rails. Each moulded article is trimmed by a tool on the lower end of a plunger 105, Fig. 16, slidably mounted in a frame 100 which is moved along rails 103 by the members 62. As the mould advances, the members 62 move the frame 100 and cause a shaft 108 to rotate, by means of a cam profile 113, which shaft causes the plunger to move down and the tool to trim the moulded article. After trimming, a collar 120, Fig. 4, on the spindle 41 carrying the mould, is raised by means of an inclined ramp, Fig. 20 (not shown), to allow the operator to remove the mould. If, for some reason, a mould is not removed, a cam-operated electrical circuit, Figs. 22 and 23 (not shown), is arranged to move a flap which prevents the roller 66, Fig. 6, of the slip container from engaging the cam 70, thus preventing slip from being poured into the already filled mould. The cam operating the electric circuit is also actuated if the operator fails to supply an empty mould. The cock of the slip container may have a master sleeve, see Figs. 24 to 26 (not shown), which may be used to prevent slip from being poured, when the conveyer is being run to remove the moulds at the end of a day's work or in the event of an electrical breakdown which might stop the running of the conveyer, during slip pouring. A loose plaster ring 95, Fig. 4, having a metal rim may be placed on the mould to allow it to be overfilled. The ring is held in position by spring clips.