proves in Means or Apparatus Employed in Casting Metals under Pressure.
Year: 1887

page_text: Date of Application, 30th June., 1887
Complete Left, 25th Jan., 1888
Complete Accepted, 24th Feb., 1888
proves in Means or Apparatus Employed in Casting Metals
under Pressure.
I, JOHN JOSEPH CHARLES SMITH of the City and County of Passaic and State of
New Jersey in the United States of America but at present of 23 Southampton
Buildings in the County of Middlesex, Engineer do hereby declare the nature of said
invention to be as follows:-
The invention has for its object improvements upon an invention for which Letters
Patent were granted to B. J. B. Mills dated May 11. 1869 No. 1443 and relates to
that class of mechanical appliances by means of which fluid refractory metals can be
forced into moulds made of materials which will not admit of the production of
perfect castings in them without the application of high pressure to the fluid metal.
The apparatus herein described is applicable to casting a great variety of articles
but in the drawings is represented as applied to the casting of elongated shells or
projectiles of iron and steel according to an invention for which I am also about to
apply for provisional protection.
And in order that my said invention may be clearly understood and readily carried
into effect I will proceed aided by the accompanying drawings fully to describe the
same as applied to the casting of shells or projectiles.
In the accompanying drawings-
Figure 1 is a vertical section of my improved apparatus drawn through the axial
or central line.
Figure 2 is a vertical section of the same also drawn through the axial or central
line but seen at right angles to Figure 1.
Figures 3, 4, 5 and 6 are cross sections of the same drawn on lines 1. 1; 2. 2;
3. 3 and 4. 4; of Figures 1 and 2.
In all the figures like parts are indicated by similar letters of reference.
a Figures 1 and 2 represents a strong base or platform to which two vertical
columns b, bare fixed, which latter carry the cross head e, cross guide bar & and
table. e to which vertical motion is given.
The base or platform a is provided with a table f which is fitted to slide to and fro
in a horizontal direction in dovetail or other guides a¹.

page_text: Motion is imparted to this sliding table by means of a rack gear wheel g and
lever or hand wheel attached to the outer end of the shaft h to the centre of which
the gear wheel y is fixed.
To the sliding table the cylinder i of a hydraulic ram is attached, this cylinder i
is provided on its upper end with a broad flange, forming a platform.
On this platform is supported and fixed a cylinder j. This cylinder is formed in
two halves which are hinged together at jon one side thereof, on the other side each
of these halves has a flange by means of which the two halves may be held together
firmly by the aid of two hinged bolts j³ which work in open ended slots formed in the
flanges j².
By means of this arrangement the two halves of the cylinder
separated from each other by turning them upon their hinge joint
require.
may readily be
as occasion may
This cylinder serves as the receptacle for the fluid metal to which mechanical
pressure can be applied by means of the piston of the hydraulic ram i which acts
on an intervening clay disc . The cylinder is provided with a non conducting
lining which prevents the chilling of the fluid metal when poured into the
cylinder 1.
The chilling of the fluid motal is prevented long enough by the lining to enable
the said fluid metal to be forced into the moulds.
The lining is formed of asbestos sheets which are rolled into cylindrical shape of
a size to fit the interior of the iron cylinder j. This asbestos cylindrical lining jas
also the asbestos disc j and burnt clay disc are inserted in position before the two
halves of the cylinder j are closed and fastened together.
Both the clay disc and asbestos dise fit snugly in the cylinder j and tightly
against the lower end of the asbestos cylindrical lining thereby forming a perfect
packing against the escape of the fluid metal when pressure is applied thereto.
The piston of the hydraulic ram extends even at its lowest position a little into
the cylinder and forms the support for the clay disc j*.
The table e is moveable vertically by means of the springs k surrounding the
columns b and can be forced down to the position shown in the drawing by means of
the screw l.
On the table e and fastened thereto by the hinge bolt m' is a cylindrical mould
casing or flask m. This casing or flask m is made in two halves capable of being
separated from each other by turning them on the hinge bolt m' and of being fastened
rapidly and securely together by means of the hinged bolts m³ acting in combination
with open ended slots formed in the flanges m².
This casing or flask m is for the purpose of holding the moulds firmly so as to
prevent the bursting of the same when they are filled with fluid metal under
pressure.
The table e is moveable vertically for the purpose of raising and lowering the mould
casing or flask m when required.
The springs act to press the table e upward-and hold it at any point whilst by
means of the screw / acting through the cover m² and casing or flask m it may be
depressed and by means of the asbestos sheet packing between the molten metal in
the cylinder and the mould receptacle m formi a tight connection between the two.
I would here remark that it is essential that the inould casing, when charged with
empty moulds ready for casting, be so arranged as to permit of a quick and tight
connection with the cylinder containing the Huid metal, and that the platform or
sliding table must be capable of being quickly relieved so that it may be readily
moved in and out to enable the cylinder to be supplied with fluid metal and to
permit of a rapid and tight connection between the cylinder j containing the fluid
inetal and the casing or flask m containing the moulds to be filled.
I will now describe the mode of operation of my improved apparatus.
By raising the screw the table e and mould receptacle m will also rise by the
action of the springs k.
This movement will permit the sliding table f together with the hydraulic ram i and

page_text: metal receptacle j to be moved out from their central or normal position by means of
the lever or hand wheel gear wheel g and rack fl which motion brings the metal
receptacle into suitable position to be filled with molten metal.
When this is done the sliding table f is replaced in its central or normal position in
the apparatus together with the ram i and metal receptacle j.
Then the screw is rotated so as to depress the mould casing or flask m and table e
on to the open end of the metal receptacle j so as to make a tight connection between
the two by the aid of the asbestos packing disc.
The hydraulic ram i has a valve and flexible connection tube i3 which is in con-
nection with a hydraulic accumulator under a pressure of about 100 lbs. to the
square inch.
As soon as the ram and metal receptacle jare in proper position and firmly
connected with the moulds as described the valve is opened to admit the water from
the accumulator into the ram, which causes the rain piston 2 to move and exert
pressure on the clay disc which in its turn acts on the fluid metal in the cylinder j
thereby forcing it into the moulds through the proper gates m³ at the same rate and
pressure as the water enters the cylinder of the ram. The pressure is kept up until
the metal has solidified.
When the metal in the moulds has fully set, the screw is rotated so as to raise
the cover m from the mould casing m, the latter and the metal receptacle jare then
opened and the whole charge is easily removed.
It should be here stated that more fluid metal must be put into the cylinder than
is required to fill the moulds so that the ram piston may continue to act on the fluid
metal after the moulds are filled and produce the desired pressure.
The moulds used with the above described apparatus may be formed in a similar
manner to that described in Patent No. 1443 of the year 1869 hereinbefore referred
to or in other suitable way.
In the specification of the above mentioned Letters Patent is described an apparatus
for casting metals under pressure the broad principle of which is similar to that of
the improved apparatus herein described, I wish however to draw particular attention
to very important improvements contained in the herein described apparatus as
compared with that described in the specification of above mentioned Patent.
First. In the former caso the receptacle for the fluid metal was in one cylindrical
piece.
Second. The interior lining of the same for preventing the cooling of the fluid
metal until the casting is performed is made of clay and plumbago mixture.
Third. The cylinder for the molten metal is of horizontal position which requires a
funne to fill it and a head or thimble at the end to close it and further a removeable
plug to prevent the metal from entering the moulds before pressure is applied.
The disadvantages consequent on the above mentioned features of construction are.
First. The cylindrical receptacle for the molten metal being in one piece presents
many difficulties in the removal of the residue of cooled metal remaining in it after
the casting operation so also do the funnel and opening for filling the cylinder.
Second. The lining of the cylinder for the molten metal with clay and plumbago
has a serious objection in practical use as parts of this clay lining will detach as the
piston moves and mix with the metal in the moulds thereby causing series defects in
many of the castings.
Third. The required head or thimble for closing the head of the cylinder for the
molten metal and the removeable plug in the head are very objectionable because they
frequently prevent a successful casting.
The plug may stick so that it will not move under the proper pressure, or the head
may not make a proper tight joint and allow the fluid metal to spurt out.
Further the horizontal position of the cylinder and the arrangement of the mould
casing or flask although convenient for casting sundry kinds of articles is not at all
suitable for the casting of certain shapes especially such as are of a round form such
as projectiles statuettes and others.

page_text: The above mentioned difficulties are all removed by the improved construction of
apparatus herein described.
First. The cylinder or receptacle for the fluid metal is made in two parts thereby
enabling it to be opened or parted longitudinally which will permit of a ready removal
of the residual charge after cooling.
Second. The non-conducting lining of this improved cylinder is made of different
material and in a different manner, being made of fire-proof but flexible material it
holds together and none of it will detach and mix with the metal during the motion
of the piston.
Third. The cylinder for the molten metal on account of its vertical position and
arrangement is a ready and practical receptacle for fluid metal and does not require
as special head or closed communication with the moulds whilst the asbestos packing
disc serves as a perfect packing against leakage.
I would here remark that I do not confine myself to the precise details herein shown
and described as such may be varied without departing from the peculiar character of
my invention.
JOHN JOSEPH CHARES SMITH.
By Harris & Mills,
23, Southampton Buildings,
Agents.

page_text: Improvements in Means or Apparatus Employed in Casting Metals
under Pressure.
I, JOHN JOSEPH CHARLES SMITH of the City and County of Passaic and State of
New Jersey, in the United States of America, but at present of 23 Southampton
Buildings in the County of Middlesex, Engineer, 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 :-
The invention has for its object improvements upon an invention for which Letters
Patent were granted to B. J. B. Mills dated May 11. 1869 No. 1443 and relates
to that class of mechanical appliances by means of which fluid refractory metals can
be forced into inoulds made of materials which will not admit of the production
of perfect castings in them without the application of high pressure to the fluid
metal.
The apparatus herein described is applicable to casting a great variety of articles
but in the drawings is represented as applied to the casting of elongated shells
or projectiles of iron and steel.
And in order that my said invention may be clearly understood and readily carried
into effect I will proceed aided by the drawings accompanying my provisional
specification fully to describe the same as applied to the casting of shells or
projectiles.
In the drawings accompanying my provisional specification Figure 1 is a vertical
section of my improved apparatus drawn through the axial or central line.
Figure 2 is a vertical section of the same also drawn through the axial or central
line but seen at right angles to Figure 1.
Figures 3, 4, 5 and 6 are cross sections of the same drawn on lines 1. 1, 2. 2, 3. 3,
and 4. 4, of Figures 1 and 2.
In all the figures like parts are indicated by similar letters of reference.
a, Figures 1 and 2 represents a strong base or platform to which two vertical
columns. b. b. are fixed, which latter carry the cross head c, cross guide bar d and
table e to which vertical motion is given.
The base or platform a is provided with a table which is fitted to slide to and fro
in a horizontal direction in dovetail or other guides a².
g
and
Motion is imparted to this sliding table by means of a rack, gear wheel
lever or hand wheel h¹ attached to the outer end of the shaft to the centre of which
the
gear wheel g is fixed.
To the sliding table the cylinder i of a hydraulic ram is attached; this cylinder i
is provided on its upper end with a broad flange forming a platform.
On this platform is supported and fixed a cylinder j. This cylinder is formed in
two halves which are hinged together at j¹ on one side thereof, on the other side, each
of these halves has a flauge j, by means of which the two halves may be held together
firmly by the aid of two hinged bolts which work in open ended slots formed in the
flanges. By means of this arrangement the two halves of the cylinder j may
readily be separated from each other by turning them upon their hinge joint ;¹
as occasion may require.
This cylinder serves as the receptacle for the fluid metal to which mechanical

page_text: pressure can be applied by means of the piston of the hydraulic ram which acts on
an intervening clay disc . The cylinder is provided with a non-conducting
lining which prevents the chilling of the fluid metal when poured into the
cylinder j. The chilling of the fluid metal is prevented long enough by the lining j
to enable the said fluid metal to be forced into the moulds.
The lining is formed of asbestos sheets which are rolled into cylindrical shape of
a size to fit the interior of the iron cylinder j. This asbestos cylindrical lining j
as also the asbestos disc j and burnt clay disc are inserted in position before the
two halves of the cylinderjare closed and fastened together.
Both the clay disc and asbestos disc
fit snugly in the cylinder and tightly
against the lower end of the asbestos cylindrical lining thereby forming a perfect
packing against the escape of the fluid metal when pressure is applied thereto.
The piston of the hydraulic ram extends even at its lowest position a little into
the cylinder and forms the support for the clay disc j*.
The table e is moveable vertically by means of the springs surrounding the
columns and can be forced down to the position shown in the drawing by means of
the screw 7.
On the table e and fastened thereto by the hinge bolt m' is a cylindrical mould
casing or flask m. This casing or flask m is made in two halves capable of being
separated from each other by turning them on the hinge bolt m¹ and of being
fastened rapidly and securely together by means of the hinged bolts m³ acting
in combination with open ended slots formed in the flanges m².
This casing or flask m is for the purpose of holding the moulds firmly so as to
prevent the bursting of the same when they are filled with fluid metal under
pressure.
The table is moveable vertically for the purpose of raising and lowering the
mould casing or flask m when required.
The springs act to press the table e upward and hold it at any point whilst
by means of the screw / acting through the cover m' and casing or flask m it may be
depressed and by means of the asbestos sheet packing between the Diolten metal in
the cylinder and the mould receptacle m form a tight connection between
the two.
I would here remark that it is essential that the mould casing when charged with
empty moulds ready for casting be so arranged as to permit of a quick and tight
connection with the cylinder containing the fluid metal, and that the platform
or sliding table must be capable of being quickly relieved so that it may be readily
moved in and out to enable the cylinder to be supplied with fluid metal and
to permit of a rapid and tight connection between the cylinder containing the fluid
metal and the casing or flask m containing the moulds to be filled.
I will now describe the mode of operation of my improved apparatus.
By raising the screw / the table e and mould receptacle m will also rise by
the action of the springs k.
This movement will permit the sliding table f together with the hydraulic ram i
and metal receptaclej to be moved out from their central or normal position by means
of the lever or hand wheel ', gear wheel g and rack fl which motion brings the
metal receptacle into suitable position to be filled with molten metal.
When this is done the sliding table f is replaced in its central or normal position in
the apparatus together with the ram and metal receptacle j.
Then the screw 7 is rotated so as to depress the mould casing or flask m and
table e on to the open end of the metal receptacle j so as to make a tight connection
between the two by the aid of the asbestos packing disc j'.
The hydraulic ram i has a valve and flexible connection tube which is in
connection with a hydraulic accumulator under a pressure of about 100 lbs. to the
square inch.
As soon as the ram and metal receptacle ; are in proper position and firmly
connected with the moulds as described, the valve is opened to admit the water from
the accumulator into the ram, which causes the ram piston to move and exert

page_text: pressure on the clay disc which in its turn acts on the fluid metal in the cylinder į
thereby forcing it into the moulds through the proper gates m' at the same rate and
pressure as the water enters the cylinder of the rain. The pressure is kept up until
the metal has solidified.
When the metal in the moulds has fully set, the scrow / is rotated so as to raise the
cover m from the mould casing m, the latter and the metal receptacle j are then
opened and the whole charge is easily removed.
It should be here stated that more fluid metal must be put into the cylinder j than
is required to fill the moulds so that the ram piston may continue to act on the fluid
metal after the moulds are filled and produce the desired pressure.
The moulds used with the above described apparatus may be formed in a similar
manner to that described in patent No. 1443 of the year 1869, hereinbefore referred
to or in other suitable way.
In the specification of the above mentioned Letters Patent is described an apparatus
for casting metals under pressure, the broad principle of which is similar to that
of the improved apparatus herein described; I wish however to draw particular
attention to very important improvements contained in the herein described apparatus
as compared with that described in the specification of above mentioned Patent.
First. In the former case the receptacle for the fluid metal was in one cylindrical
piece.
Second. The interior lining of the same for preventing the cooling of the fluid
metal until the casting is performed is made of clay and plumbago mixture.
Third. The cylinder for the molten metal is of horizontal position which requires
a funnel to fill it and a head or thimble at the end to close it, and further a
removeable plug to prevent the metal from entering the moulds before pressure
is applied.
The disadvantages consequent on the above mentioned features of construction
are:
First. The cylindrical receptacle for the molten metal being in one piece presents
many difficulties in the removal of the residue of cooled metal remaining in it after
the casting operation, so also do the funnel and opening for filling the cylinder.
Second. The lining of the cylinder for the molten metal with clay and plumbago
has a serious objection in practical use as parts of this clay lining will detach as the
piston moves and mix with the metal in the moulds thereby causing serious defects in
many of the castings.
Third. The required head or thimble for closing the head of the cylinder for
the molten metal and the removeable plug in the head are very objectionable because
they frequently prevent a successful casting. The plug may stick so that it will not
move under the proper pressure or the head may not make a proper tight joint and
and allow the fluid metal to spurt out.
Further the horizontal position of the cylinder and the arrangement of the mould
casing or flask although convenient for casting sundry kinds of articles, is not at all
suitable for the casting of certain shapes especially such as are of a round form such
as projectiles, statuettes and others.
The above mentioned difficulties are all removed by the improved construction
of apparatus herein described.
•
First. The cylinder or receptacle for the fluid metal is made in two parts thereby
enabling it to be opened or parted longitudinally which will permit of a ready
removal of the residual charge after cooling.
Second. The non-conducting lining of this improved cylinder is made of different
material, and in a different manner, being made of fireproof but flexible material
it holds together and none of it will detach and mix with the metal during the motion
of the piston.
Third. The cylinder for the molten metal on account of its vertical position
and arrangement is a ready and practical receptacle for fluid metal and does
not require a special head or closed communication with the moulds whilst the
asbestos packing disc j' serves as a perfect packing against leakage.

page_text: I would here remark that I do not confine myself to the precise details herein
shown and described as such may be varied without departing from the peculiar
character of my invention.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what
I claim is
1. In means or apparatus employed in casting metals under pressure the general
arrangement and combination of parts substantially as herein shown and described
and for the purpose stated.
2. In means or apparatus of the character hereinbefore referred to, the employment
of a hydraulic ram, the cylinder i of which is attached to a sliding table f receiving
motion at the times desired through a rack and toothed wheel g, or otherwise, and
formed at its upper end with a broad flange all in manner substantially as herein
shown and described and for the purpose stated.
3. In means or apparatus of the character herein before referred to the employment
of a metal receptacle or cylinder formed in two parts, hinged and locked together
in manner substantially as herein shown and described and for the purpose stated.
4. In means or apparatus of the character hereinbefore described the employment
of a hydraulic ram the cylinder i of which is attached to a sliding table f and formed
at its upper end with a broad flange in combination with a metal receptacle or
cylinder formed in two parts hinged and locked together all in manner substantially
as herein shown and described and for the purpose stated.
5. In means or apparatus of the character hereinbefore referred to the employment
in combination with the metal receptacle or cylinder j of a flexible fireproof asbestos
lining j, asbestos disc j, asbestos packing disc, and fire clay all in manner
substantially as herein shown and described and for the purpose stated.
6. In means or apparatus of the character herein before referred to the employment
of a table e normally forced upward by means of springs k in manner substantially as
herein shown and described and for the purpose stated.
7. In means or apparatus of the character herein before referred to the employment
of a mould casing or flask m formed in two parts hinged and locked together and
provided with a moveable cover mall in manner substantially as herein showu and
described and for the purpose stated.
8. In means or apparatus of the character hereinbefore referred to the employment of
a table e normally forced upwards by means of springs k in combination with a mould
casing or flask m formed in two parts hinged and locked together and provided with
a moveable cover m* to which pressure is applied by means of a screw / or otherwise
all in manner substantially as herein shown and described and for the purpose
stated.
9. In means or apparatus of the character herein before referred to the employment
in combination of hydraulic cylinder i attached to sliding table f and formed with
broad flange i¹, metal receptacle or cylinder j formed in two parts hinged and locked
together; table e normally forced upward by spings and mould casing or flask m
formed in two parts hinged and locked together and provided with moveable cover m
to which pressure is applied by means of screw or otherwise all in manner
substantially as herein shown and described and for the purpose stated.
T
51
T
ف ن ن 1
Bated this
51
day
ن ن ن 1
JOHN JOSEPH CHARLES SMITH.
By Harris & Mills,
23, Southampton Buildings,
Agents.