Improvements in or relating to Apparatus for Moulding Pipes and other Articles.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 7th Dec., 1894-Accepted, 12th Jan., 1895
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or relating to Apparatus for Moulding Pipes and
other Articles.
I, WILHELM LIEHMANN of Pilsen, Bohemia, Empire of Austria, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement :-
This invention relates to apparatus for moulding pipes and other articles and
will be best understood, by reference to the accompanying drawings in which :-
Figure 1 is a front elevation of the apparatus
Figure 1 is a detail of Figure 1 giving a separate view of the pattern-apparatus
forming part of this invention.
Figure 2 is a rear elevation of the apparatus, and
Figure 3 is a side elevation, partly in section;
Figure 3 shows in section a pipe with the core-bar;
Figure 4 is a plan of the apparatus
Figure 5 is a section of the hollowing and distribution-screws.
Figure 5 is a plan of the distribution-screw;
Figure 6 is a side elevation of the pattern apparatus, with a partial section of
the head of the pattern and of the hollow shaft, whereby the pattern is formed in
the finished pipe with the flange.
Figure 7 is a front elevation of the pattern-apparatus ;
Figure 8 is a plan of the pattern-apparatus, showing the exact position in which
it is attached to the machine;
Figure 9 is a plan showing the pattern with the knives screwed on ;
Figure 10 is a view of the same from underneath;
Figure 11 is a side elevation of the same.
The foundry is so arranged that a pipe-forming pit K tightly filled with well-
rammed foundry-sand runs throughout the entire length. On both the longitudinal
walls of the casting pit the traverses T carry the rails S on which the wheels of
the forming-machine run. On two projecting shoulders V in the longitudinal
walls (Figure 3) cast-iron bottom-plates Pare laid, wherein at regular intervals
orifices P are arranged for the purposes hereinafter described. Above these
apertures and as continuation thereof, vertically, are arranged the forming
holes P2, which serve to receive the pipe-moulds executed by the machine. The
distance between these holes P2 i.e., the thickness of the wall of sand left between
each two forming holes is dependent upon the diameter of the forming-screw J
and the ability of the moulding-sand to maintain the form.
These forming holes are made according to one method as follows:-Two wood
cylinders are used in the formation of the casting-pit K and these are placed
perpendicularly over the apertures P of the bottom plate P, while; between the
nearest hole and the wooden cylinder, a laterally stayed wooden wall is placed, so
that the forming sand cannot slip away, whereupon this part of the casting pit is
finished by hand-stamping or ramming. In the side-walls, which serve as stays in
the formation of the pipe-forms, a suitable number of iron rods R", are laid while
ramming, as shown in Figures 1 and 4. By a repetition of the process above
described, and by the two wooden cylinders (which are of the same diameter as the
screw J being taken out and used over again in forming the next two form
holes P, when the preceding two holes are done, the casting-pit is completely
filled.

page_text: Or, on the other hand by another method the breadths of the intervening cross-
walls of sand between the form-holes, are set out upon the side-walls of the
casting-pit, so that the iron rods can be laid in correctly, and thereupon the
entire length of the casting pit is duly filled with sand, well-rammed by hand;
while the apertures P in the bottom plates P are closed by means of wooden
covers, from below, for the purpose of preventing the escape of the moulding sand.
In this case, the hollowing or clearing machine, hereinafter described, is used to
bore out the form-holes while the surplus tsand; inside the hollow screw; drops out
through the aperture in the bottom-plate, and is thence removed. By the succession
of the work this process comes to an end, inasmuch as, after each casting the
completed pipe is lifted out, and the empty hole is used over again as a mould for
another pipe.
The working of the machine as well as its forward movement, in this latter case,
is effected by means of a rope arrangement, wherein the rope runs over the
guide-pulleys R₁ of the machine. The rope is led between the disc A and over.
the rope-pulley B which communicates the rotation to the spur-gear C an
thence to the vertical shaft a by the aid of the pairs of wheels D E and F.
(Figure 2).
In order to enable the working of the machine to and fro, in a forward or
backward manner, as well as also to stop the separate parts, the pairs of wheels.
mounted on the vertical axis a are fitted with clutch apparatus b¹ or 62 or 63.
The uppermost pair of wheels D by means of the horizontal shaft b and the
gearing c on the other side drives the pair of bevel wheels G. The larger wheel
of this pair G is provided above with a neck G, lodged in a bearing G² on the
machine; and it is formed into a hollow-cylinder G³ which extends down to the
bevel-wheel H.
The parts G G³ form a long hollow cylinder, provided throughout with a
feather m (Figure 3) which fits into the groove of the forming screw, so that, when
the wheel G is caused to rotate, the screw is carried along therewith, and it can
also slide up and down in a vertical direction.
The above-mentioned bevel wheel H is driven by the pair of wheels E by the
shaft c' and the gearing K₁.
The bevel-wheel H is provided with a long boss H2, which is carried in the frame
of the machine, and carries on its lower end the distribution-screw L.
The inside of this boss H2 is formed as a nut to receive the screw J which owing
to the turning of the wheel H and according to the direction thereof is either raised
or lowered.
The lowest bevel-gear F serves for the further movement of the forming-
machine, inasmuch as, by means of the shaft d, chain wheel d¹, chain d², and
chain wheel d³, it imparts movement to the horizontal shaft at which last carries
two toothed wheels d engaging with teeth R', carried by the running-wheel R.
Moreover, these bevel-gears. F actuate the pattern apparatus.
The most important part of the forming machine is the forming screw J.
This is a hollow metal cylinder provided with an external screw thread; its
exterior is turned or made smooth, so that the moulding sand may not cling to it.
The lower end of this screw tapers-off-as.a_cone, which facilitates the exit of the
moulding sand; on the lower end of this conical or tapered-part-fits-a-hollow-
plug with the pipe-pattern T, attached thereto as by means of a ring or
collar U, in such manner as to be capable of turning freely independently of the
forming screw.
If the screw is intended to remove the sand from the completed casting, when
cooled down, and therefore for digging or hollowing out, it must have at the
bottom a cutting edge a (Figure 5) with which it bores the pipe out of the form.
The pipe-forming work of the machine is effected as follows;-
The machine is placed over a forming aperture P2 through which the forming
screw J is let down, so that the pipe-pattern T, projects through the aperture P₁
of the bottom-plate, as shown in Figure 3. Then, upon the pipe-pattern T₁ by means

page_text: The working of the pattern apparatus is effected by the before-mentioned
horizontal shaft d by means of three pairs of bevel-gears fig' and k of which the
first two f and g' are arranged on the rotating frame or standard / (Figure 1A).
The shaft i is arranged to slide in the standard and in the bevel-wheel g so that
thus motion is granted freely to the pattern apparatus.
The bevel-gear k is mounted in the standards of the pattern apparatus, while one
of the said wheels k is coupled with the vertical shaft in the standard; the boss of
this wheel is provided with a key, by means whereof the hollow shaft g sliding in
the wheel is caused to rotate. In order that all pipes may be formed of like
length, hollow spindle is provided with a measuring rod m' guided between two
wheels or rollers m².
These guide-wheels m² are geared with each other by means of toothed wheels m³.
On the shaft of one of the rollers m² there is a crank-handle with which before
the pattern apparatus is employed, the measuring-rod is let down and afterwards
drawn up again.
When it is desired to work with the apparatus, one has first, by means of the
crank-handle and two rollers m² to let down the ineasuring rod m' to the lowest
point through the hollow spindle fg, which having been done the upper cover is
closed. Thereupon, the pattern-apparatus is set in motion, and the pattern is
slowly lowered by means of the crank-handle u, until the measuring rod m
touches the lower as well as the upper cover; and therewith the pattern-working
terminates as well; the measuring rod and the pattern are then returned to their
previous position.
When all these operations are completed, the mould or pipe-form is coated
with a graphite solution and dried with a charcoal or gas-fire; whereupon the
lower cover, provided with an opening for the bottom spindle of the core, is
screwed into its place, and at the top the form-box c₁, with the pipe-head, is also
affixed.
The pipe-core O formed of one cast-iron spindle with loam coatings as requisite,
is then introduced from the top into the pipe mould, so that its lower pin projects
through the hole in the lower cover; on the upper pin of the core-spindle is placed
the bridge q, which is fastened by means of bolts and keys on the box and holds
the core-spindle in the centre of the pipe-mould. In both pins, at the ends of the
core-spindle are slotted holes for keys, wherewith both above and below the whole
are keyed together to form one solid piece for the casting.
For flanged pipes, the core is made straight and in one piece, whereas for
socket-pipes the same is set off, and constructed in two lengths. The lower form
covers are correspondingly shaped. While for flanged pipes the cover is provided
with a smooth layer of loam for socket-pipes, the core for the socket is set off on
the cover, which when joined with the upper part forms a solid whole.
When the pipe-form is finished as above described, the pipe is cast, and the
casting left to stand until it has sufficiently cooled, down to permit of the ejecting
machine being used to clear away the moulding sand.
After taking the upper bridge from off the core-spindle by unscrewing it, the
machine is caused to travel until it stands over the centre of the casting, the latter
being underneath the forming-screw J.
The clearing machine is arranged similarly to the forming machine, with the
exception of the screw, which is constructed in manner as shown in Figure 5, and
the hopper Q which is placed high in order that it may be enabled to pass over
the head of the pipe.
Just as the forming machine worked from the bottom upwards (in placing sand
for the mould), so now the clearing machine reverses the operation, working from
above downwards, while by the regular working of the bevel-wheel H, the screw
displaces the sand all around the pipe-casting and conveys it into the Lopper Q1
whence it is removed to the outfall-pipes. by the distribution screw L, and falls
thence into the lower screw conveyor s, which removes it to the place where the
sand is again prepared to be used over again in forming the moulds.

page_text: of a lever-machine X moving on rails (at the bottom of the casting pit) Figures 2
and 3 the plate has a pattern flange or socket y introduced through the opening,
and secured by means of screws e.
The moulding sand, brought to the place by means of a worm-conveyor or any.
the like apparatus of the pipe-forming machine, is taken into the hopper P₂
(Figures 1, 2 and 4) whence it is fed by the feed-roller Q into the lower hopper Q:
where by means of the distribution screw it is pressed into the forming screw J
and by this is carried downwards.
By:
The rotation of the screw J is produced by means of the upper bevel wheel G
while the wheel H follows it in the same direction with a slight retardation.
this retardation of the bevel-wheel H which surrounds the forming-screw J like a
nut, this latter will be raised or lowered according to the direction of the rotation.
The speed with which the form-screw descends is regulated by the change of.
the gear K and depends on the diameter of the pipe to be formed; so that with;
pipes of small diameter the upward movement must be less rapid, because a
greater quantity of moulding sand is necessary for the formation (in consequence of,
the larger space to be filled in the form-hole P2) which the form-screw must put
down; while, when a pipe of large diameter is to be formed, the movement is more
rapid, owing to the larger area left open.
In the formation of the pipe, the form-screw J rotates and presses the moulding
sand from the hopper Q against the bottom-plate P and the pattern flange y there
fixed as described, while the form-screw, gradually ascending, presses the moulding
sand against the pipe-pattern T¹ which ascends with it, until it reaches the
hopper Q where the machine is brought to rest. In order to enable the form-
machine to proceed further, all the moulding sand is removed from the hopper
whereupon the screw is enabled to pass through the hopper. Thereupon the
form-machine resumes its progress forwards to the next halting-place.
By throwing into gear the coupling with the chain-wheel d₁ the machine
moves forward to the next pipe-forming place, where the above described process
of working is repeated, while the model-plate y is shifted from the bottom plate P
and replaced by a substituted flat cover-plate.
This being completed, the pattern apparatus, behind the forming-machine, comes
into action, over the first pipe-form while the form-screw rests over the second
forming place (Figure 2); this pattern-apparatus completes the formation of the
pipe-form as is presently described.
The pattern-apparatus (see Figures 1 to 10) consists in the upright frame A'
provided underneath with a sliding and rotary support, which enables the pattern }^
by means of the two levers and π² (Figures 6 and 7), to be inserted accurately
in the mouth of the pipe-form. The lower part of the pattern is of the same
form and size as the finished pipes and is rounded off at the bottom.
The upper part.. comprises the head screwed on to the bottom of the hollow
spindle g and has two arms cast on it, to receive the patterns o' and o² which have
the exact form of the pipe-flange, to which further the step or shoulder for the
pipe stopper is closely connected, which is destined to receive the upper box C₁
(Figure 3) with the finished pipe-head.
The patterns o' and o² are each provided, underneath with a cutter, which, on
rotating, cut away the moulding sand and thus, owing to their position, swing it
outwards, while. the lower, part of the pattern, within the pipe-form prevents the
moulding sand from falling down the pipe-form.
Suitably mounted in the frame A¹ there is a hollow vertical shaft in two parts f
and gunited by a rotary coupling, and on the lower part g of which screwed to a
flange, is carried the pattern b. The upper part of this hollow shaft carries a
rack-bar with which a toothed-wheel 3 engages, this wheel is mounted on
a spindle. This spindle carries, on one side of the toothed wheel a ratchet-wheel 2
and, on the other side, a crank-handle u by which latter the spindle together with
the pattern can be raised and lowered, while the ratchet wheel maintains it at any
desired height.

page_text: When the screw in its work has got quite down to the bottom-plate, it is
withdrawn, together with all the sand contained in the screw, and the sand is
thereby discharged in the hopper Q₁ and carried away by the conveyor s; where-
upon the machine is removed on to the next casting, and there the entire process of
clearing is repeated.
The pipe, thus cleared, is hoisted up by the crane and conveyed to the cleaning
department, when all the moulding sand that remains is removed from it.
One and the same machine may be used for the forming as well as for the
clearing of the pipe, which applies also to the screw used, if only at the one end
thereof the screw terminates with the special piece shown in Fig. 5.
In this case,
when the work of forming the pipe is completed, the screw can be reversed, for use
as a clearing screw.
When the out-put is large, there will always be ranged along the casting-pit,
first a pipe-forming machine, and, following it, a separate pipe-clearing machine, in
continuous work.
For pipes of a small diameter, there should be two three or more pipe-moulding
machines, and the same number of pipe-clearing machines, constructed.
Moreover, it is to be recommended that pipes exceeding say 700 millimetres in
diameter should be made in a special casting box by means of special forming-
machines and appurtenances; by opening the two halves of the casting-box, the
pipe can then be cleared of the moulding sand; because pipes of such a large
size are less common and must also be left in the case to cool for a much longer
time.
The forming apertures in the forming canal, filled and rammed with moulding
sand, can be made at the beginuing with the clearing screw, which cannot be done
later on.
In summing up the entire advantages of the apparatus and processes above
described, the following points are noteworthy;--
1. An important mechanical effect, inasmuch as each pipe requires at the most
10 minutes to form a pipe (or mould) and the same time to clear it.
2. The large number of patterns of the smaller diameters is very materially
diminished, as therewith it suffices if each casting hole gives one pipe-casting
inasmuch as with the same in ten working hours sixty or more pipe moulds can be
prepared.
3. The casting boxes which have a material value owing to the labour bestowed
on them, and for which much material and labour are necessarily wasted, are
entirely saved.
4. A considerable economy of space.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed 1 declare that what I
claim is ;-
1. A moulding machine which forms a mould by means of one or more forming
screws such as J while each forming screw when rotated presses the moulding sand
against a centre-piece such as T₁ secured to its lower end and the screw and centre-
piece are gradually drawn upwards substantially as described and illustrated in the
accompanying drawings.
2. A modification of the machine described in Claim 1 wherein the screw
provided with cutters and without the centre-piece serves to bore out the moulding
sand after the casting of the pipe substantially as described and illustrated in the
accompanying drawings.
3. The combination and arrangement of parts constituting the complete
moulding apparatus substantially as described and illustrated in Figures 1 2 3
and 4 of the accompanying drawings.
4. The combination and arrangement of parts constituting the complete
pattern machine substantially as described and illustrated in Figures 6 to 11 of the
accompanying drawings.

page_text: 5. The combination and arrangement of parts constituting the complete
clearing machine substantially as described and illustrated in Figures 5 and 5ª of
the accompanying drawings.
6. The combination with a moulding apparatus of a pattern apparatus both on
the same travelling carriage or frame substantially as described and illustrated in
the accompanying drawings.
Dated this 7th day of December 1004
BOULT & WADE,
Agents for the Applicant.