Patent GB-190513938-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in Apparatus for Casting Curved Stereotype Printing Plates.
Inventor: LOCK WILLIAM HENRY
Filed: 1905-07-06
Granted: 1906-05-10
Abstract: 13,938. Lock, W. H., [Wood, H. A. W.]. July 6. Stereotype. -Apparatus for casting and trimming curved stereotype plates operable by one man comprises a hollow water-cooled core c, Figs. 5 and 6, and back B, Figs. 1, 5, and 6, with arrangements for moving the back from the core &c. and also for turning the core, the core and back being placed vertically, and made high enough to cast a head or sullage piece on the stereotype. The apparatus further comprises a melting-pot M, with pumps 21 &c., cutters 88 for trimming the stereo and separating the head, automatically brought into position on opening the mould, matrix holders to remove the matrix from the stereo, and a metal shield for fitting over the matrix, also devices for removing the plates after they have been cast &c. The core c is mounted to revolve round the central pillar 36, and is cooled internally by sprays of water over the whole surface except that part where the head or sullage piece will be cast. The water is introduced through passages 41, 42, and passes out through channels 53 and pipe 34. A ring 50 makes a water-tight joint at the bottom of the core. The back B is semicircular, and cooled by water circulating through flexible pipes 63, 64. It is supported on rollers 58, and may be moved up to and away from the core by links 62, actuated through a shaft 59 and a handle 60. The matrix F is held at the edges by clips 68, pivoted to the ends of the back B, and having springs which cause them to move into the position shown in Fig. 5, where the matrix is lifted away from the back, except when the clips engage with stops 77, or are held down by hand operated means. When in use, the back B is brought up to the core c, the matrix F being simultaneously forced into position against the back, and into the mould thus formed metal is poured from a pot M by a pump 21, actuated through a handle 25. The metal passes from the pump through a spout 31, pivoted as shown so that' it can be previously turned into the position shown in dotted lines, and warmed up by passing metal: through it and back into the pot M. When the plate R has solidified, the back B is withdrawn, and the clips 68, in opening out, peel the edges of the matrix F from the cast, and are assisted in this operation by a flexible metal shield passing over the upper edge of the matrix. At the same time as the back is withdrawn, rotary cutters 88, on a rotary spindle revolved by a band 92<a>, are moved from the position shown in Fig. 1 to that shown in Fig. 5 through the action of a cam 93. The core c, which has been held in place by a spring- controlled, foot-operated stop 52 engaging with one of two pins 51, is now released, and rotated by a handle 47 and bevel-gear, and carries the matrix round past the cutters 88, which cut off the head and trim the lower edge. The matrix is held to the core by a fin cast on the head in recesses in the upper part of the core, and also by other notches formed at intervals, also in the upper part of the core. Additional security is afforded by a roller mounted on an arm attached to the pivoted bracket 86 carrying the cutters 88, bearing against the sullage piece. After performing one-half a revolution, the core is stopped by the stop 52, and on reclosing the mould by bringing up the back B, pivoted fingers 99 push the matrix off the core on to rests 100, and tilt the head or sullage piece so that it is easily removable for returning to the pot M.