IMPROVE- MENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF AND MODE OF WORKING HYDROSTATIC PRESSES AND HYDRAULIC APPARATUS
Year: 1863

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Henry Bessemer, of Queen Street Place, New
Cannon Street, in the City of London, for the Invention of "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF AND MODE OF WORKING HYDROSTATIC PRESSES
AND HYDRAULIC APPARATUS."
Sealed the 1st December 1863, and dated the 9th June 1868.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Henry Bessemer at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 9th
June 1863.
I, HENRY BESSEMER, of Queen Street Place, New Cannon Street, in the
City of London, do hereby declare the nature of the Invention for "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF AND MODE OF WORKING HYDROSTATIC PRESSES AND
HYDRAULIC APPARATUS," to be as follows:-
This Invention consists of certain improvements in the construction of and
mode of working apparatus to be employed in pressing, moulding, shaping,
embossing, crushing, shearing, and cutting metallic and other substances, for
which Provisional Protection was granted to me on the 5th day of January
1863 (No. 37), and is as follows:-
Firstly, when constructing bydraulic presses of large dimensions, in which a
continuous reciprocating motion is given to the ram, I make the cylinder of
à press in a separate casting from the arch which surmounts it, the cylinder
having massive projections at each side, which are faced off in the lathe, and a
such
A

page_text: curved channel is formed therein to receive the curved ends of the arched
casting, which ends are also turned in the lathe and made to fit the curved
channel. The upright sides of the arched casting I core out and pass steel or
wrought-iron bolts or standards through them, so as to secure the arch firmly
to the cylinder or bed of the
press.
Secondly, my Invention consists in the employment of a differential ram in
hydraulic apparatus, that is, a ram having a large diameter at one end and a
small diameter at the other, the large one serving to increase the power of
the apparatus, and the smaller part serving to form a guide and steady its
motion. I prefer to make the ram of hammered cast steel. The cylinder of
the press is to be bored also of two diameters, the large part being shallow,
and the smaller diameter being of greater depth, so as to form a sufficient
guide to the ram. In some cases I employ a leather or packing only around
the enlarged part, in which case I make one or more channels in the small
part of the ram or in the small part of the cylinder, so as to put both parts of
the cylinder in communication with the force pump or other source of power.
In other cases I pack the smaller part of the ram also, and provide separate
passages from the force pump, so that power may be applied to one part only
of the ram, or different pressures may be applied to each part if desired.
When presses are required of very great power, and the area to be operated
upon is large, I place two or three differential rams in a line in one press, or
I form a group of four rams on one bed plate, with suitable cast-iron standards
at the sides thereof, through which steel or wrought-iron tension rods pass, so
as to secure the head of the press to the foundation or bed plate, and so that
the two, three, or four rams may operate simultaneously on a moving block on
which the dies or the work to be operated upon is placed, and in some cases I
make a large and massive sliding block with a short ram projecting therefrom,
the sides of the said block moving in grooves formed on the sides or cheeks of
the press; or in lieu of the grooves, the cheeks of the press may be curved on
their inner sides, and the sliding block may be turned to fit these curved
parts, which are to be bored true for that purpose.
Thirdly, my Invention consists in a mode of forming the enlarged part of
differential press cylinders so that the pressure exerted within their larger cir-
cumference does not tend to burst open the cylinder or bed of the press. For
this purpose I form the bed or cylinder to fit the small part only of the
differential ram, and round about the mouth of this cylinder I form a raised
part, which is turned truly and fitted to a short cylinder or hoop made with
open ends, the joint being kept water-tight by a leather or other packing;
into this hoop is fitted the enlarged part of the ram, which is also packed and

page_text: kept water-tight. The cylinder or hoop may be cast in gun metal or in steel,
or it may be made of wrought iron or of rolled or hammered steel, the great
tenacity of the latter as compared with cast iron will greatly reduce the size it
would require to be if made of cast iron.
Fourthly, my Invention consists in regulating the distance between the dies,
faces, or other pressing surfaces of such apparatus by means of a screw, which
I fit up in much the same manner in which screws are employed in iron rolling
mills to regulate the distance apart of the rolls. I prefer to make both the
screw and the box in cast steel. Below the screw I employ a sliding block
properly fitted in between the cheeks of the press; the lower side of this block
is provided with a dovetailed opening or other means for securing thereto
different hammer faces, dies, or cutters. The weight of the block and screw
I prefer to support by a lever and counterbalance weight at the side of the
press, or I pass a rod upward through the screw and attach the lever and
weight to it and to the timbers of the roof, in all cases preferring to give a
preponderence to the weight, so that the sliding block shall have a tendency
to move upwards, and will not sink down on the removal of pressure. The
screw may be worked by handles, or by a worm and wheel, or by a pair of
bevilled wheels, as may be desired. The distance between the faces or dies
may be indicated by graduations on the sliding block or on the cheeks of the
press with a finger or pointer capable of adjustment. In some cases the screw,
instead of working in a box fitted into the top of the arched casting or top of
the press, may work within the sliding block, the upper end of the screw abut-
ting against the under side of the arch, and carrying a bevilled wheel, through
which motion may be communicated by a handle at the side of the press; the
sliding block in this case I prefer to make in hammered cast steel. The
regulation of the distance between the faces or dies may be effected by using
a pair of circular inclines made into a series of steps, or by the employment
of simple inclined planes acting in a straight line and at right angles to the
motion of the sliding block. I nevertheless prefer the employment of a screw
for such purposes supported in the manner described.
Fifthly, my Invention consists in retaining within some part of the apparatus
the water or other fluid media used to regulate the distance reached by the
pulsations or strokes of the ram. For this purpose I construct a cylinder by
preference of small diameter in proportion to its length, and I fit into it a
plunger of such a size as will admit in one stroke the entire contents of
the press cylinders to be discharged into the cylinder in which it works.
I attach a steam piston direct to one end of the said plunger, and provide
a small two-way cock, or a slide, or equilibrium valve, by means of which

page_text: steam may be admitted to either side of the said piston and discharged
simultaneously from the other, so that the workman may by means of steam
pressure force the plunger down and discharge water or other fluid into
the press cylinder, or he may by reversing the said valve or cock draw
off the water or other fluid from the press cylinder and lower the press
ram. Suitable self-acting inlet and outlet valves and a cock or cocks
worked by han levers are provided for the purpose of controlling the
amount of fluid entering or escaping from the press cylinder, and I prefer
that the handle or handles which turn off or on the steam should be con-
nected with the handle or handles employed to establish the communication
between the press cylinder and the plunger before referred to. It will be
understood that the steam pressure so employed to drive water or other fluid
into the press cylinder or for drawing off the same is not intended to actuate
the press, but merely to add to or diminish the quantity of fluid to be operated
upon by other means. The rise and fall of the plunger, by moving an index
hand, may be made to shew by suitable graduations the distance that the dies or
pressing surfaces will be apart at the end of each pulsation, notwithstanding that
the press ram is in a state of constant motion. By this means of drawing off the
fluid into another part of the apparatus, and returning the same when required
to the press cylinder, I am enabled to employ oils, fatty matters, or other
hydrocarbons in lieu of water, and thus prevent the corrosion of the iron parts
of said apparatus, while the employment of such fluids insures the constant
lubrication of the working parts.
Sixthly, my Invention consists in regulating the maximum pressure to be
exerted by hydrostatic or hydraulic apparatus by the employment of a loaded
plunger in lieu of an ordinary safety valve, and which plunger is always in
communication with the fluid under pressure, the load on each square inch area
of the plunger being equal to the maximum pressure per square inch at which
the apparatus is intended to be worked. I prefer to make such plunger of
small diameter in proportion to its length, and to connect with the cylinder in
which it works suitable guides, by which means the weight with which it is
loaded may be steadied; or in lieu thereof I connect a thin rod to the under
side of the plunger; this rod passes out at the bottom of the cylinder through a
suitable packing, and has a weight suspended thereto, thus forming a safety
valve capable of relieving the apparatus whenever the power exerted by
the force pump is greater than is intended; so also whenever the resistance to
compression of the matters acted upon in the press exceeds the maximum
regulated force of the apparatus, the load will rise and fall with every corre-
sponding motion of the force pump until the undue obstruction to the working of

page_text: the apparatus be removed. The return of the same fluid again into the appa-
ratus by this means will render the indications as to the distance between the
faces or dies as correct as if no such action of the safety valve had taken place,
there being no discharge of fluid from the apparatus. In presses of great
power the weight required to keep down the plunger in this construction of
safety valve will be very great, and therefore in such cases I prefer to use the
pressure of a fluid in lieu of a solid weight on the plunger. In such cases I
prefer to employ a steam cylinder having a piston working therein, the rod of
this piston being a continuation of the plunger before referred to, the opposite
side of the piston to that at which it is attached to the plunger being in
constant communication with a steam boiler, and thus serving by the elastic
force of the steam as an equivalent to the dead weight on the plunger.
The cylinder should by preference be placed at such an elevation as will
allow any water condensed therein to return by gravitation to the boiler; it will
be understood that the steam piston and the plunger in connection therewith
are not put in motion to work the press, but are simply used as a means
of precaution against breakage, or any sudden or undue strain that may be
brought upon the apparatus, in which case the plunger will be raised, and
the steam contained in the cylinder be driven back again into the boiler.
In some cases it is of importance that the regular strokes or pulsations of the
pressing ram should be for a short interval interrupted, I therefore in such
cases employ an equilibrium valve or slide so placed as to cut off the communi-
cation between the plunger pump and the press ram, and so that at any
moment of time the workmen may by means of a handle operate upon this
valve and stop the action of the press without at the same time stopping the
engine by which the force pump is kept in action; this valve will also be useful
as a means of stopping the action of one press whenever it may be desired to
put another apparatus in action by the same force pump and engine.
Seventhly, my Invention consists in forming a ring or hoop around the
upper part of the pressing ram; another smaller hoop is also fitted inside of
it, and is fastened to the press cylinder or is made to form part thereof, these
hoops sliding into and out of each other so as to form a sort of " telescope
joint" for the purpose of preventing scales of metal, dust, or other matters from
getting access to the sliding surfaces of the ram and cylinder. I also fix thin
plates or studs or otherwise at a small distance from the inner sides of the press
frame or arch in order to protect it from the heat of the mass operated upon
when compressing or shaping masses of iron or steel.
To facilitate the cutting and shaping of metal in such presses, I core or cast.

page_text: two vertical slots in the side cheeks of the arch of the press so as to admit of
cutters or other tools being introduced in a direction at right angles to the
length of the article under operation, and when such arched frames are of large
dimensions I prefer to use two pairs of iron or steel columns or bolts to
strengthen them, the slots or openings before described being in that case
formed between each pair of bolts.
Lastly, it being desirable to keep all the joints and other parts of the pump-
ing apparatus in close contact at all parts of the revolution of the engine, I
therefore prefer to put as much back pressure on the press ram as will effect
this object, and thereby prevent or lessen the concussions which any free space
between the several parts would occasion. For this purpose I attach a rod
to the press ram, which I pass through a suitable packing in the bottom of the
press cylinder; to this rod I suspend such a weight as will cause the ram to force
the water back into the pump at each return stroke, and keep all the moving
parts in close contact; or in lieu of this weight I fasten to the rod a piston
working in a steam cylinder in constant communication with the boiler, the force
of the steam in such case acting in lieu of the dead weight before described.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Henry Bessemer in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
9th December 1863.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, HENRY
BESSEMER, of Queen Street Place, New Cannon Street, in the City of London,
send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Ninth day of June, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, in the twenty-sixth year of Her
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the
said Henry Bessemer, Her special licence that I, the said Henry Bessemer,
my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said Henry
Bessemer, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any time
agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter
during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use,
exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland,
the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
THE CONSTRUCTION OF AND MODE OF WORKING HYDROSTATIC PRESSES AND HYDRAULIC

page_text: APPARATUS," upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said Henry
Bessemer, my executors or administrators, by an instrument in writing under
my, or their, or one of their hands and seals, should particularly describe and
ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same was
to be performed, and cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent
Office within six calendar months next and immediately after the date of the
said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Henry Bessemer, do hereby declare
the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the fol-
lowing statement thereof, that is to say :-
This Invention consists of certain improvements in the construction of and
mode of working apparatus to be employed in pressing, moulding, shaping,
embossing, crushing, shearing, and cutting metallic and other substances, for
which Provisional Protection was granted to me on the 5th day of January
1863 No. 37, and is as follows:-
Firstly, when constructing hydraulic presses of large dimensions, in which
a continuous reciprocating motion is given to the ram, I make the cylinder of
such press, in a separate casting from the arch which surmounts it, the cylinder
having massive projections at each side, which are faced off in the lathe, and
a curved channel is formed therein to receive the curved ends of the arched
casting, which ends are also turned in the lathe and made to fit the curved
channel. The upright sides of the arched casting I core out and pass steel or
wrought-iron bolts or standards through them, so as to secure the arch firmly
to the cylinder or bed of the press.
In order that this mode of constructing hydraulic presses may be fully
understood, I have represented the same on Sheet A of the Drawings here-
unto annexed, where Figure 1 is a front elevation of the press, the lower part
thereof being shewn in vertical section; Figure 2 is a vertical section taken
at right angles to Figure 1; Figure 3 is a side elevation; Figure 4, a hori-
zontal cross section on the line A, B, of Figure 1; and Figure 5 is a horizontal
cross section on the line C, D, of Figure 1.
The lower main casting or cylinder a is bored out and fitted to the ram b;
it has projections a', through which the steel bolts c pass; these projections
are secured from breaking off by the brackets a³. The large arched casting d
has its lower end spread out so as to form a wide foot at d'; the under side
and edges of this foot are turned truly, and fitted to a curved channel formed
around the mouth of the cylinder; the upright sides of the arch are cored
out to receive the wrought-iron or steel bolts c, the upper ends of which

page_text: pass out at top, and are provided with nuts and screws. When the press is put
together for use the bolts c may be heated up to 500° or 600° Fahrenheit, so
that on cooling they may contract and hold the arch and bed plate firmly
together, the space as being filled with wood, and having iron wedges driven
into them.
Secondly, my Invention consists in the employment of a differential ram in
bydraulic apparatus, that is, a ram having a large diameter at one end and a
small diameter at the other, the large one serving to increase the power of the
apparatus, and the smaller part serving to form a guide and steady its motion.
I prefer to make the ram of hammered cast steel. The cylinder of the press
is to be bored also of two diameters, the large part being shallow, and the
smaller diameter being of greater depth, so as to form a sufficient guide to
the ram.
This form of ram is shewn in the press represented on Sheet A of the
annexed Drawings at Figures 1 and 2. The lower part of the ram b is fitted to
the small part of the cylinder a, and the upper part or head of the ram 6* is
fitted to the enlarged part of the cylinder; around the lower part of the head
a hydraulic leather e is secured by a ring of metal f, so that the leather moves
upward and downward with the ram, exposing to pressure so much only of the
internal surface of the enlarged part of the cylinder as is below the leather.
When working this press the water or other fluid media employed enters the
cylinder a by the pipe g, part of the fluid passing upward through channels
formed in the small part of the ram, and shewn at 6'. In some cases I
employ a leather or packing only around the enlarged part, in which case I
make one or more channels in the small part of the ram or in the small part
of the cylinder, so as to put both parts of the cylinder in communication with
the force pump or other source of power. In other cases I pack the smaller
part of the ram also, and provide separate passages from the force pump, so
that power may be applied to one part only of the ram, or different pressures
may be applied to each part, if desired. Although this mode of operating
with different pressures on two separate parts of the same ram may be con-
venient, under some circumstances, I desire it to be understood that I lay no
claim thereto as part of my said Invention. When presses are required of
very great power, and the area to be operated upon is large, I place two or
three differential rams in a line in one press.
•
And in order that my improved mode of constructing such presses may be
fully understood, I have shewn at Figure 1 on Sheet B of the annexed
Drawings a vertical section of the cylinder of a hydraulic press in which this
arrangement is carried out. a is the cylinder or bed of the press; it is bored

page_text: out of three different diameters, the largest part at a¹, the smallest at a³, and
the intermediate size at a²; this reduction of the diameter of the cylinder
forms an annular shoulder extending around the interior of the cylinder, on
which the division plates b and c rest; these plates I prefer to make of ham-
mered cast steel, and I form a groove around them, both on the inside and on
the outside; in each of these grooves is inserted a hydraulic leather, the outer
ones serving to keep a close joint with the cylinder, and the inner ones forming
a close joint in contact with the sliding ram d. This pressure ram I prefer
to make of cast steel, the upper end having a dovetailed recess formed therein
for the purpose of securing hammer faces, dies, &c., as required. This ram is
also made of four different diameters, the upper or largest part d' is formed
by an enlargement of the piece itself, and is fitted to the largest part of the
cylinder at a¹, and is kept water-tight by a leather ring, as shewn; the smaller
part of the ram d has two pistons e and f fitted to it; these pistons are annular
steel rings fitting tightly on the ram d, and prevented from sliding upon it by
the shoulders or projecting parts formed by reducing the diameter of the ram;
the pistons e and f are fitted firmly on to the rain d, and have hydraulic
leathers fitted around them, so that they may slide freely (although water-
tight) against the inner surface of the cylinder a whenever the ram d is
moved; thus it will be seen that the cylinder a is divided into three separate
chambers, in the upper one the fluid pressure is exerted on the annular
surface of the enlarged head of the ram, in the middle chamber the pressure
is exerted on the annular surface of the piston e, which is attached to the
ram d, and in the lower chamber the pressure is exerted on the small end of
the ram d, and also on the annular surface of the piston f, which is firmly
attached to the ram d. Water or other fluid under pressure is admitted by
the opening a* into the lower chamber; a portion of the fluid will also pass
upward through a passage formed in the centre of the ram d, and by means
of several horizontal passages h into the space beneath the head of the ram d'
and the space below the piston e, and thus act simultaneously on the ram d,
increasing its power without enlarging the diameter of the cylinder to a cor-
responding extent, in order that any leakage that may take place may escape,
and that air may enter on the sinking down of the ram d. I provide one or
more openings, as shewn at n, n, which pass through the sides of the
cylinder a into the open air.
I am aware that it has before been proposed by myself and others to act
on two or more pistons or rams placed in the sanie line in hydraulic appa-
ratus, and I mention this fact to shew that I lay no general claim thereto;
but I do claim as my Invention the peculiar arrangement of apparatns herein

page_text: described for effecting that object, and the application of two or more pistons
or plungers acting in the same line when applied to hydraulic presses, to which
a continuous reciprocating motion is given through a short range, as described
in a Patent granted to me bearing date the 5th day of January 1863, and
numbered 37; but in some cases where great power is required I form a
group of four rams on one bed plate with suitable cast-iron standards at the
sides thereof, through which steel or wrought-iron tension rods pass so as to
secure the head of the press to the foundation or bed plate, and so that the
two, three, or four rams may operate simultaneously on a moving block on
which the dies or the work to be operated upon is placed.
The mode of arranging four differential rams in one press is shewn at
Figures 2 and 3 on Sheet B of the Drawings hereunto annexed, Figure 2
being a vertical section taken on the line A, B, of Figure 3, and Figure 3 is
a horizontal section of the line C, D, of Figure 2. m, m, are two rams,
which I prefer to make of hammered cast steel; the lower parts m¹ are of
small diameter, and are fitted truly to the cylinders; the upper or enlarged
parts m³ are similarly fitted to the enlarged mouths of the cylinders, and are
rendered water-tight by hydraulic leathers let into the head of the ram. The
bed plate or cylinder p of the press has four cylindrical openings made therein,
into each of which one of the four rams is fitted; the spaces between these
cylindrical openings serve to give strength and stability to the bed, while the
metal around the upper or enlarged part of the ram need not be of corre-
sponding thickness, by reason of the small depth of those parts presenting
only a corresponding small area to the fluid tending to burst them open. A
large block r of metal (preferably steel) has dovetailed ribs formed on its
under side, which are inserted into similarly formed grooves made in the top
of each ram; these are wedged firmly up so as to unite each of the rams to
the block r, and thus act as one press of large area.
Fluid under pressure is
admitted by the passage s, and from thence into cross passages leading into the
bottom of each cylinder; channels formed in the sides of the rams m will
also convey the fluid into the spaces beneath the enlarged heads of each ram.
The upper part of the press o, o, shewn broken off, is secured by steel bolts to
the bed in a similar manner to that shewn on Sheet A of the annexed Drawings.
I am aware that four hydraulic cylinders have been before combined in one
press, I therefore lay no general claim thereto, but I do claim the peculiar
arrangement shewn at Figures 2 and 3 on Sheet B, and generally the combi-
nation of two or more differential rams acting simultaneously in one apparatus.
And in order to construct presses of great power without in any way
weakening the bed thereof by making one or more deep cylindrical openings

page_text: therein, I in some cases make a large and massive sliding block with a short
ram projecting therefrom, the sides of the said block moving in grooves formed
on the sides or cheeks of the press; or in lieu of the grooves, the cheeks of the
press may be curved on their inner sides, and the sliding block may be turned
to fit these curved parts, which are to be bored true for that purpose.
This mode of constructing hydraulic presses will be better understood by re-
ference to Sheet B of the annexed Drawings, where Figure 4 is a front elevation,
and Figure 5 is a horizontal section on the line A, B, of Figure 4. The bed
and arch of the press A are shewn as cast in one piece, although they may, if
preferred, be put together in separate pieces, secured by tension bolts of steel,
as herein-before described. The inner sides of the upright parts of the arch
are curved, and to them is fitted the curved ends of the head of the ram B;
this ram is a massive block, having on its under side a circular projection B',
which is fitted to a shallow recess formed in the bed or lower part of the press,
and is rendered water-tight by a hydraulic leather in the usual way. The
upper part of the block B is provided with a dovetailed groove, in which the
pressing block or die is fixed, and to prevent the block from turning round,
a feather is made in the cheek of the press, as shewn at B³; the passage for
admission and exit of water below the ram may be made in any convenient
part. It will be understood that the small depth of the cylinder in proportion
to its diameter renders unnecessary the great thickness of metal usually em-
ployed for hydraulic cylinders, while the perfect guiding of the upper part of
the ram insures its steadiness without making the cylinder deep for that
purpose.
Thirdly, my Invention consists in a mode of forming the enlarged part of
the differential press cylinders so that the pressure exerted within their larger
circumference does not, tend to burst open the cylinder or bed of the press.
For this purpose I form the bed or cylinder to fit the small part only of the
differential ram, and round about the mouth of this cylinder I form a raised
part, which is turned truly and fitted to a short cylinder or hoop made with
open ends, the joint being kept water-tight by a leather or other packing; into
this hoop is fitted the enlarged part of the ram, which is also packed and kept
water-tight. The cylinder or hoop may be cast in gun metal or in steel, or it
may be made of wrought iron or of rolled or hammered steel, the great
tenacity of the latter, as compared with cast iron, will greatly reduce the size
it would require to be if made of cast iron.
This mode of forming the enlarged part or cylinder in hydraulic presses
having a differential ram will be understood by reference to Sheet B of the
Drawings annexed, where Figure 6 represents a front view of the lower part

page_text: of the press, partly in elevation and partly in section. The ram E is fitted
accurately to the cylinder G of the press; round about the mouth of the
cylinder there is a circular raised part G', having a channel formed around its
outer diameter, into which a hydraulic leather is fitted. A hoop or ring H of
gun metal or of steel or wrought iron is tightly fitted on to the projecting
part G¹, and is kept water-tight by the leather before referred to; the upper
or enlarged part E¹ of the ram is also fitted to the hoop H, and a water-tight
joint is formed by a hydraulic leather let into a channel made around the
upper part of the ram; it will thus be seen that the fluid under pressure does
not tend to lift or force the hoop H from its seating, nor does it tend to burst
open the bed of the press; hence by this means advantage may be taken of
the great tensile strength of steel to resist the bursting force where rams of
large diameters are employed, and the great weight of cast iron that would
otherwise be necessary may be avoided.
Fourthly, my Invention consists in regulating the distance between the dies,
faces, or other pressing surfaces of such apparatus by means of a screw, which
I fit up in much the same manuer in which screws are employed in iron
rolling mills to regulate the distance apart of the rolls. This part of my
Invention will be understood by reference to Sheet A of the Drawings
annexed, where the screw and sliding block attached thereto are shewn in
Figures 1, 2, and 3. I prefer to make both the screw t and the box u in cast
steel. Below the screw I employ a sliding block v, properly fitted in between
the cheeks of the press. The lower side of this block is provided with a dove-
tailed opening at v* or other means for securing thereto different hammer
faces, dies, or cutters. The weight of the block and screw I prefer to support
by a lever and counterbalance weight at the side of the press in a manner
well understood, or I pass a rod upward through the screw, as shewn at w,
Figures 1, 2, and 3, and I attach the lever and weight to it and to the timbers
of the roof, in all cases preferring to give a preponderence to the weight so
that the sliding block shall have a tendency to move upwards, and will not
sink down on the removal of pressure. The screw may be worked by the
handles, as shewn at Figure 1, or by a worm and wheel, or by a pair of
bevilled wheels, as may be desired. The distance between the faces or dies
may be indicated by graduations on the sliding block or on the cheeks of the
press with a finger or pointer capable of adjustment. In the press repre-
sented on Sheet A, two hammer faces y and z are shewn, with an ingot or
other mass of steel between them. In some cases the screw, instead of
working in a box fitted into the top of the arched casting or top of the press,
may work within the sliding block, the upper end of the screw abutting

page_text: against the under side of the arch and carrying a bevilled wheel, through which
motion may be communicated by a handle at the side of the press. The
sliding block in this case I prefer to make in hammered cast steel. This
mode of working the sliding block by a screw and bevilled gear is represented
in front elevation in Figure 4 on Sheet B of the annexed Drawings, where J
is the block, having grooves at each side, into which projections on the cheeks
of the press are fitted. The lower part of the block is provided with a dove-
tailed groove for the purpose of securing the hammer faces or dies, and in the
upper part a large hole is bored out and formed into a screw nut, into which
the screw K is fitted. A bevilled wheel L is fixed on the screw, and is put in
motion by the pinion M and handles N. A steel stud O is fitted on the under
side of the arch of the press into a hollow in which the top end of the screw
works. The block may be suspended by a chain and counterweight over a
pulley or by other known and convenient means. The regulation of the
distance between the faces or dies may be effected by using a pair of circular
inclines made into a series of steps, or by the employment of simple inclined
planes acting in a straight line and at right angles to the motion of the
sliding block, I nevertheless prefer the employment of a screw for such
purposes supported in the manner described.
'
Fifthly, my Invention consists in retaining within some part of the appa-
ratus or in a cylinder connected to the press the water or other fluid media
used to regulate the distance reached by the pulsations or strokes of the press
ram. For this purpose I construct a cylinder, by preference of small diameter
in proportion to its length, and I fit into it a plunger of such a size as will
admit in one stroke the entire contents of the press cylinders to be discharged
into the cylinder in which the said plunger works. I attach a steam piston
working in a suitable steam cylinder direct on to one end of the said plunger;
and provide a small two-way cock, or a slide, or equilibrium valve, by means of-
which steam may be admitted to either side of the said piston and be dis-
charged simultaneously from the other, so that the workman may, by means of
steam pressure, force the plunger down and discharge water or other fluid into
the press cylinder, or he may by reversing the said valve or cock draw off the
water or other fluid from the press cylinder and lower the press ram. Suitable
self-acting inlet and outlet valves and a cock or cocks worked by hand levers
are provided for the purpose of controlling the amount of fluid entering or
escaping from the press cylinder, and I prefer that the handle or handles
which turn off or on the steam should be connected with the handle or handles
employed to establish the communication between the press cylinder and the
plunger before referred to. It will be understood that the steam pressure so

page_text: employed to drive water or other fluid into the press cylinder or for drawing
off the same is not intended to actuate the press, but merely to add to or
diminish the quantity of fluid to be operated upon by other means. The rise
and fall of the plunger by moving an index hand may be made to shew by
suitable graduations the distance that the dies or pressing surfaces will be apart
at the end of each pulsation, notwithstanding that the press ram is in a state of
constant motion. By this means of drawing off the fluid into another part of
the apparatus, and returning the same when required to the press cylinder, I am
enabled to employ oils, fatty matters, or other hydrocarbons in lieu of water,
and thus prevent the corrosion of the iron parts of said apparatus, while the
employment of such fluids insures the constant lubrication of the working parts.
The details of this apparatus for supplying water or other fluid to the press
cylinder or receiving it therefrom may be varied considerably without im-
pairing its utility or in any way departing from the principle on which it works,
as will be readily understood by constructors of bydraulic apparatus.
Sixthly, my Invention consists in regulating the maximum pressure to be
exerted by hydrostatic or bydraulic apparatus by the employment of a loaded
plunger in lieu of an ordinary safety valve, and which plunger is always in
communication with the fluid under pressure, the load on each square inch
area of the plunger being equal to the maximum pressure per square inch at
which the apparatus is intended to be worked. I prefer to make such plunger
of small diameter in proportion to its length, and to connect with the cylinder
in which its works suitable guides, by which means the weight with which it
is loaded may be steadied; or in lieu thereof I connect a thin rod to the under
side of the plunger; this rod passes out at the bottom of the cylinder through a
suitable packing, and has a weight suspended thereto, thus forming a safety
valve capable of relieving the apparatus whenever the power exerted by the
force pump is greater than is intended; so also whenever the resistance to
compressing of the matters acted upon in the press exceeds the maximum
regulated force of the apparatus, the load will rise and fall with every corre-
sponding motion of the force pump until the undue obstruction to the working
of the apparatus be removed. The return of the same fluid again into the
apparatus by this means will render the indications as to the distance between
the faces or dies as correct as if no such action of the safety valve had taken
place, there being no discharge of fluid from the apparatus.
On Sheet B, Figure 7, I have shewn a vertical section of this apparatus.
Q is the plunger working in an upright cylinder R, supported by its upper
flange, which rests on the foundation plate S. To the lower side of the plunger
is attached a rod T, which passes through a stuffing box formed in the bottom

page_text: of the cylinder R, and is connected to the weight U, which is free to move
up and down in an arched chamber formed below the cylinder. At V is an
outlet provided with a flange, by means of which a constant communication
is kept up with the pipe. which leads from the plunger pump to the cylinder of
the hydraulic press, whereby the said apparatus acts as a safety valve, yielding
to the pressure whenever it exceeds the desired amount, and again returning
the fluid to the press cylinder whenever the excess of force is removed. In
presses of great power, the weight required to keep down the plunger in this
construction of safety valve will be very great, and therefore in such cases I
prefer to use the pressure of a fluid in lieu of a solid weight on the plunger.
In such cases. I prefer to employ a steam cylinder having a piston working
therein, the rod of this piston being a continuation of the plunger before
referred to, the opposite side of the piston to that at which it is attached to
the plunger being in constant communication with a steam boiler, and thus
serving by the elastic force of the steam as an equivalent to the dead weight
on the plunger. The cylinder should by preference be placed at such an
elevation as will allow any water condensed therein to return by gravitation to
the boiler; it will be understood that the steam piston and the plunger in
connection therewith. are not put in motion to work the press, but are simply
used as a means of precaution against breakage, or any sudden or undue
strain that may be brought upon the apparatus, in which case the plunger
will be raised, and the steam contained in the cylinder be driven back again
into the boiler. In some cases it is of importance that the regular strokes or
pulsations of the pressing ram should be for a short interval interrupted,
I therefore in such cases employ an equilibrium valve or slide so placed as to
cut off the communication between the plunger pump and the press ram, and
so that at any moment of time the workmen may by means of.a handle operate
upon this valve and stop the action of the press without at the same time
stopping the engine by which the force pump is kept in action; this valve will
also be useful as a means of stopping the action of one press whenever it may
be desired to put another apparatus in action by the same force pump and
engine.
Seventhly, my Invention consists. in forming a ring or hoop around the
upper part of the pressing ram; another smaller hoop is also fitted inside of it,
and is fastened to the press cylinder or is made to form part thereof, these
hoops sliding into and out of each other so as to form a sort of "telescope
joint for the purpose of preventing scales of metal, dust, or other matters
from getting access to the sliding surfaces of the ram and cylinder. A section
of two such hoops is shewn in Figure 1, and in elevation at Figure 2; Sheet A
"

page_text: of the annexed Drawings. The inner hoop K is fixed to the bed of the
press, and the outer hoop L is secured to the head of the ram, and moves
freely up and down over the inner one. I also fix thin plates on studs
or otherwise at a small distance from the inner sides of the press frame or
arch, in order to protect it from the heat of the mass operated upon when
compressing or shaping masses of iron or steel, as shewn at s, Figure 6,
Sheet B.
To facilitate the cutting and shaping of metal in such presses, I core or cast
two vertical slots in the side cheeks of the arch of the press so as to admit of
cutters or other tools being introduced in a direction at right angles to the
length of the article under operation, and when such arched frames are of
large dimensions I prefer to use two pairs of iron or steel columns or bolts
to strengthen them, the slots or openings before described being in that case
formed between each pair of bolts.
Lastly, it being desirable to keep all the joints and other parts of the
pumping apparatus in close contact at all parts of the revolution of the
engine, I therefore prefer to put as much back pressure on the press ram as
will effect this object, and thereby prevent or lessen the concussions which
any free space between the several parts would occasion. For this purpose I
attach a rod to the press ram, which I pass through a suitable packing in the
bottom of the press cylinder; to this rod I suspend such a weight as will
cause the ram to force the water back into the pump at each return stroke,
and keep all the moving parts in close contact; or in lieu of this weight, as
shewn at Z in Figure 6, Sheet B, of the annexed Drawings, I fasten to the
rod a piston working in a steam cylinder in constant communication with the
boiler, the force of the steam in such case acting in lieu of the dead weight
before described.
Having thus described my several improvements in the construction and
mode of working hydrostatic presses, I desire it to be understood that the said
improvements, although in some cases described apart from each other, may
nevertheless be worked in combination with each other in such manner as may
be desired; and that the said improvements, as far as the same are applicable,
may be employed in presses constructed and worked in the manner set forth
in a Patent granted to me, and bearing date the 5th day of January 1863,
and numbered 37.
Firstly, I claim the mode herein described of fitting the arched casting or
upper frame to the bed or cylinder of hydraulic presses.
Secondly, I claim the employment in hydraulic presses of a differential
ram so constructed that the fluid pressure is made to operate simul-

page_text: taneously on two parts of the same ram having different diameters, as herein
described.
Thirdly, I claim the method herein described of dividing the cylinders of
hydraulic presses into separate chambers having pistons therein, which are
connected to or form part of the same ram.
Fourthly, I claim the combination of differential rams in one press, arranged
in the manner herein described.
Fifthly, I claim the employment in bydraulic presses of a sliding block or
bed with curved sides fitted to the cheeks of the press, and having a short ram
projecting from the under side thereof, as described.
Sixthly, I claim the employment in hydraulic presses of a steel, wrought-
iron, or gun metal hoop, forming a portion of the cylinder of the press in the
manner herein described.
Seventhly, I claim regulating the distance between the pressing or cutting
surfaces in bydraulic presses by means of a screw and sliding block, and the
support of such block by a counterweight, in the manner described.
Eighthly, I claim in the construction of hydraulic presses the employment
of a sliding block having a screw working therein actuated as described.
Ninthly, I claim in hydraulic presses the employment of a cylinder and
ram actuated by steam pressure for regulating the quantity of fluid in the press
cylinder, as described.
Tentbly, I claim the employment in hydraulic presses of a plunger weighted
or acted upon by steam pressure so as to form a safety valve, as herein
described.
Eleventhly, I claim the employment of rings around the upper part of the
ram for the purpose of keeping such parts clean, as described.
Twelfthly, I claim the use of plates of metal fixed between the cheeks of
hydraulic presses for the purpose of defending the same from the heated mass
under operation, as described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Henry Bessemer, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Ninth day of December, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-three.
HENRY BESSEMER. (L.S.)