Improvements in or in connection with the Manufacture of Linoleum, Cork Carpets, and the like Fabrics, and in Machinery or Apparatus therefor.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 27th June, 1895
Complete Specification Lelt, 26th Mar., 1896-Accepted, 27th June, 1898
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or in connection with the Manufacture of
Linoleum, Cork Carpets, and the like Fabrics, and in Machinery
or Apparatus therefor.
I JOHN INGLEBY of 12 Bainbrigge Road Headingley Leeds in the County of
York late of the Ceylon Civil Service do hereby declare the nature of this invention
to be as follows:-
My invention refers to the manufacture of linoleum, cork carpets, and other
similar floor and wall coverings, and the like fabrics, hereinafter for the sake of
brevity referred to as linoleum, in which the fabric is formed by the compression to
adhesion or consolidation of loose particles of prepared ingredients, and in which
the pattern or design is formed in and exists through the full thickness of the
fabric; and it refers more particularly to improvements or details in connection
with my invention, the subject of application for Letters Patent No. 18469 of the
29th September 1894, and comprises
1. A method or means for obtaining linoleum in continuous lengths, irrespective
of the attachment of the linoleum material to a continuous backing fabric. For
this purpose I mould the linoleum material in a series of moulds, which are
successively connected together, and which after being so connected are charged
with material, and traversed along a bed slide or tramway up to and under a press
device, and after compression and removal of the compressed material from the
mould, each mould is successively disconnected and returned to the commencing end
to be charged afresh.
Where the moulds are provided with retractile webs or removable pattern grids,
it may sometimes be necessary or convenient to provide the ends of such moulds
with a retractile web or a removable division plate. In the former case such web
is withdrawn with and by the same means as the pattern retractile webs; and in
the latter case is removed from the mould prior to reaching the press..
It will be evident that where the moulds are moved up to the press in an
intermittent manner, and the length of the press plate made exactly equal to the
length of each intermittent movement, there is a risk of leaving a distinct
mark across the pattern corresponding to the ends of the press plate; also of a
distortion of the pattern by lateral flow of the material about such lines; and lastly
the union of the fabric about such lines is not so perfect as where the fabric is
compressed on both sides of such joint simultaneously. To avoid these disadvantages
I make the length of the press-plate greater than that of the single moulds, and
curve or taper this overlap upwards; so that at the joint between the two moulds,
this end of the press plate leaves the surface of the fabric inclined, the thickness
and density of the fabric changing gradually from the thickness and density of the
uncompressed state to the thickness and density of the compressed state.
mould being advanced, brings this inclined portion under the opposite (straight)
end of the press plate, which descending compresses the inclined surface level, and
renders the thickness and density uniform.
The
In the case of moulds with retractile webs, the portion of the webs about the
inclined part of the fabric just above referred to, must be formed in short dis-
continuous lengths to permit of being withdrawn (i.e. depressed) to different extents,
This
and provision is made for withdrawing the webs to such different extents.
will be conveniently effected by correspondingly stepping or tapering the edge of the

page_text: press plate at the point where it operates the side rods or other connections attached
to the discontinuous portions of the webs. Each such discontinuous portion is
provided with independent (depressing) connections.
2. The retractile webs referred to in my above mentioned specification, may
instead of being shaped to the outlines of the desired pattern, be made straight;
and arranged to run parallel to and diagonally to the sides and ends, or to run in
lines making angles of say 60 degrees with each other, forming rectangular,
triangular, or hexagonal compartments. Or the webs may be formed as thin
cylinders arranged in rows, with the sides of the cylinders touching, or almost
touching each other.
The compartments or divisions of the moulds thus formed are made so small,
that when they are charged with material by means of stencils, the pattern or
design shows out distinctly. The more numerous and smaller the divisions, the
finer and more intricate are the designs which can be produced. The great
advantage of this modification of my invention is, that it is not necessary to have a
fresh set of moulds with differently curved webs for every fresh design; but that
any number of designs may be produced from the same mould or moulds, by using
stencil plates corresponding to such designs. It will be understood that the
compartments or cells thus formed are of the same size and shape.
3. Machines of a rotary type having moulds with retractile webs may also be
constructed and arranged to work in a continuous or intermittent manner.
The
following is a description of a continuous rotary machine. The machine consists
essentially of a large cylinder or drum, hereinafter termed the drum; to which a
slow continuous rotation in one direction is imparted by any suitable or convenient
means or gearing. This cylinder or drum is provided on its outer surface with a
mould or moulds, into which the material for forming the fabric is filled. On the
drum shaft is mounted loose a lever or rather a pair of levers, the end or ends of
which carry, conveniently by means of a cross girder, a steam or hydraulic press
cylinder, or other press device. This lever or levers may if desired, be carried
past the drum shaft, and carry a balance weight or weights. To the press cylinder
or other press device is attached a press plate, curved approximately to the radius
of the outer surface of the drum.
To the above lever or levers, hereinafter called the side levers, is imparted a
reciprocating radial or oscillating movement; first in the same direction and at the
same angular velocity as the drum; during which movement the press plate is
caused to descend on to the material in that portion of the mould or moulds
covered for the time being by the press plate, and to compress the material.
Immediately afterwards a return movement, at least twice as rapid as the above
forward movement, is imparted to the side levers; and during this return move-
ment the press plate is kept raised. The lengths of the forward and the return
movements which are equal, are each slightly less than the length covered by the
press plate.
The reciprocating movement of the side levers and the corresponding movements
of the pressing device may be effected by the following or other means. In the
case of a steam or hydraulic press cylinder, the valve lever of the cylinder is so
mounted, that during the last portion of the return movement the valve lever
catches or strikes against a fixed stop suitably placed; so that the completion of
the last portion of the return stroke reverses the valve, causing the press plate to be
forced down on to the moulds. The pressure between the press plate and the
material in the moulds is sufficient to lock the side levers to the drum, so that the
former with the press plate and press device are carried round with the drum in a
forward direction, and the compression (and heating) at the same time takes place.
If it is considered unadvisable or found preferable not to rely or make use of the
pressure of the press plate for locking the side levers to the drum, these may be
connected together by means of a separate locking or gripping device, actuated by
the descent of the press plate connections; or by the latter part of the return
movement in an analogous manner to the mode of operating the valve lever.

page_text: To obtain the return movement of the side levers, a side disc or returu wheel is
mounted loose on the axle of the drum, and driven in a contrary direction to the
motion of the drum by any suitable or convenient means, with at least twice the
angular velocity. During the last part of the forward movement of the side levers,
the before mentioned valve lever catches or strikes against a second fixed stop;
so that the completion of the forward movement reverses the valve, and raises the
press plate. This upward movement of the press plate or its connections, or the
last portion of the forward movement of the side levers, is arranged also to lock
the side levers to the return wheel, by means of a friction or other gripping or
locking device. It will be understood that the operation of, or part of the mechanism
for locking the side levers to the drum, releases the gripping or locking device
between the side levers and the return wheel; and that the operation, of or part of
the mechanism for, locking the side levers to the return wheel, releases the gripping
or locking device between the side levers and the drum.
The rotary machine as above described may be employed in other cases than where
the moulds are provided with retractile webs; as for example where the material
is moulded in loose removable pattern grids placed on the moulds, said grids being
removed immediately after charging or before the moulds are placed under the press.
In the case where the unlaid linoleum is moulded in moulds having retractile
webs, said webs are most conveniently set up and withdrawn by means of fixed or
moveable cam rods, or bars, or grooves, arranged in position close to the sides of
the drum; the retractile webs being attached to cross pieces extending on both
sides sufficiently far to engage with the said cams rods, bars, or grooves.
4. For charging the moulds I may use the following device. This consists of a
series of solid cylinders, (one for each colour and shade), or cylinders the walls of
which are sufficiently thick, or so formed, that cavities or recesses with their
surface edges of the shape of the corresponding compartments of the moulds can
be cast or formed therein, capable of containing respectively the quantities of
linoleum material (or slightly less) required to fill the corresponding compartments.
Along the upper surface of this cylinder and parallel to the axle I place a hopper,
terminating in a long narrow slit, and fitting the cylinder at this point sufficiently
closely to prevent the passage of any linoleum material except into the aforesaid
cavities or recesses. Each hopper is provided with a feed device. The under
surface of the cylinders rests upon the surfaces of the moulds, over which the former
are placed transversely. A closely fitting shield, covering suitably the lower two
thirds of the circumference of the cylinder, and having a narrow slit about the line
of contact of the cylinder and the mould surfaces, prevents the material falling out
of the cavities or recesses as the cylinder revolves until reaching the slit in the
shield, which allows the material to fall into the underlying corresponding com-
partments of the moulds. It will be evident, that whilst the circumference of each
cylinder must be equal to or a multiple of one length of the design, the surface
outline of each of the cavities or recesses may be made smaller, so as to fall within
the outline of the corresponding compartment of the mould; and that the sections
of the recesses may be made smaller of other than rectangular shape, for example
cup shaped, or triangular, which would facilitate the discharge from the recess or
cavity and uniformity in filling.
•
The
5. The moulds provided with retractile webs may be constructed as follows.
grooved or divided blocks are fitted on a bed plate and enclosed by two retractile
side plates and oue retractile or removable end plate, the opposite open end of the
rectangular mould being closed by the end plate of the adjoining mould. Each
bed plate is provided with a locking device, by means of which it may be rapidly
attached to and disengaged from the next adjoining moulds. Such device may
consist of a right and left hand screw, the ends of which enter into loose nuts fitting
in rectangular recesses in lugs cast at the corners of the bed plate. A small hand
wheel is fitted on the screw, and by rotating the same in one direction or the other,
the attachment or disengagement is effected. I propose also to secure the blocks
in position by screws inserted from the underside of the bed plate, passing into each

page_text: block or subdivision of a block. The lower ends or edges of the retractile webs
are connected by means of vertical rods passing through the blocks and bed plates,
to cross plates or cross bars, the ends of which mount and rest upon supporting
"rails laid parallel to the travel of the moulds. The retractile webs are set up by
the aforesaid cross bars mounting an incline at the starting end of the bed. The side
and end plates of the mould are set up by similar or the same means.
The moulds may be returned to the starting end of the machine along a
bed slide placed to one side of the machine, and provided with setting up and
supporting rails; or the moulds may be dropped on to an endless chain carrier,
placed beneath the machine, from which they are lifted up by hand or mechanism
at the starting end.
Dated this 26th day of June 1895.
J. CLARK JEFFERSON,
2, East Parade, Leeds, Agent for Applicant.
Improvements in or in connection with the Manufacture of
Linoleum, Cork Carpets, and the like Fabrics, and in Machinery
or Apparatus therefor.
I JOHN INGLEBY of 12 Bainbrigge Road Headingley Leeds in the County of
York late of the Ceylon Civil Service do hereby declare the nature of this inven-
tion and in what mauner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described
and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
My invention refers to the manufacture of linoleum, cork carpets and other
similar floor and wall coverings and the like fabrics hereinafter for the sake of
brevity referred to as linoleum, in which the fabric is formed by the compression
to adhesion or consolidation of loose particles of prepared ingredients and in
which the pattern or design is formed in and exists through the full thickness of
the fabric and it refers more particularly to improvements or details in connection
with my invention the subject of application for Letters Patent No. 18469 of
1894 and comprises :-
1. A method or means for producing linoleum in continuous lengths and the
design extended over any number of moulds irrespective of the attachment of
the linoleum material to a continuous backing fabric. For this purpose I mould
the linoleum material in a series of moulds, which are successively connected
together, and which after being so connected are charged with material, aud
traversed along a bed slide or tramway up to and under a press device, and after
compression and removal of the compressed material from the mould, each mould
is successively disconnected and returned to the commencing end to be charged
afresh.
Where the moulds are provided with retractile webs or removable pattern
grids, it may sometimes be necessary or convenient to provide the ends of such
moulds with a retractile web or removable division plate. In the former case
such web may be withdrawn with and by the same means as the pattern retractile
webs; and in the latter case is removed from the mould prior to reaching the
press.
It will be evident, that where the moulds are moved up to the press in an
intermittent manner, and the length of the press plate made exactly equal to the
length of each intermittent movement, there is a risk of leaving a distinct mark
across the pattern corresponding to the ends of the press plate; also of a
distortion of the pattern by lateral flow of the material about such lines; and
lastly the joining of the fabric about such lines is not so perfect as where the

page_text: To avoid these
fabric is compressed on both sides of such joint simultaneously.
disadvantages I make the length of the press plate greater than that of the single
moulds, or the actual surface to be compressed by one movement of the press
plate, and curve or taper this overlap upwards; so that at the joint between the
two moulds, this end of the press plate leaves the surface of the fabric inclined;.
the thickness and density of the fabric changing gradually from the thickness and
density of the uncompressed state to the thickness and density of the compressed:
state. The mould being advanced brings this inclined portion under the opposite
(straight) end of the press plate, which descending compresses the inclined surface
level and renders the thickness and density uniform.
In the case of moulds with retractile webs, the portion of the webs about the
inclined part of the fabric just above referred to, must be formed in short.
discontinuous lengths to permit of being withdrawn, (i.e. depressed), to different.
extents, and provision is made for withdrawing the webs to such different.
extents. This will be conveniently effected by correspondingly stepping or
tapering the edge of the press plate at the point where it operates the side
rods or other connections attached to the discontinuous portions of the webs..
Each such discontinuous portion is provided with independent (depressing).
connections.
or
and
2. The retractile webs referred to in my above mentioned specification, may
instead of being shaped to the outlines of the desired pattern, be made straight;:
and arranged to run parallel to diagonally to the sides and ends, or to run in
lines making angles of say 60 degrees with each other, forming rectangular,.
triangular, or hexagonal compartments, or in any other regular manner, Or the
webs may be formed as thin cylinders, arranged in rows, with the sides of the-
cylinders touching or almost touching each other.
The compartments or divisions of the moulds thus formed are made so small,.
that when they are charged with material by means of stencils or other arrange-
ments, the pattern or design shews out distinctly. The more numerous and
smaller the divisions, the finer and more intricate are the designs which can be
produced. The great advantage of this modification of my invention is, that it.
is not necessary to have a fresh set of moulds with differently curved or shaped
webs for every fresh design, but that any number of designs may be produced
from the same mould or set of moulds, by using stencil plates corresponding to.
such designs. It will be understood, that the compartments or cells thus formed
are of the same size and shape, or of uniform size and shape. It will be evident
that this portion of my invention is applicable to pattern grid moulds.
3. Machines of a rotary type having moulds with retractile webs may also be
constructed, and arranged to work either in a continuous or intermittent manner.
The following is a description of a continuous rotary machine. The machine
consists essentially of a large cylinder or drum, hereinafter termed the drum; to
which a slow continuous rotation in one direction is imparted by any suitable or
convenient means or gearing. This cylinder or drum is provided on its outer.
surface with a mould or moulds, into which the material for forming the fabric is
filled. On the drum shaft is mounted loose a lever, or rather a pair of levers, the
end or ends of which carry conveniently by means of a cross girder, a steam or
hydraulic press cylinder, or other press device. This lever or levers may if desired
be carried past the drum shaft and carry a balance weight or weights. To the
press cylinder or other press device is attached a press plate, curved approximately
to the radius of the outer surface of the drum.
To the above lever or levers, hereinafter called the side levers, is imparted a
reciprocating radial or oscillating movement, first in the same direction and at the
same angular velocity as the drum, during which movement the press plate is
caused to descend on to the material in that portion of the mould or moulds.
covered for the time being by the press plate and to compress the material.
Immediately afterwards a return movement is imparted to the side levers; and
during this return movement the press plate is kept raised. The lengths of the.

page_text: forward and the return movements which are equal, are each less than the length
covered by the press plate.
The reciprocating movement of the side levers and the corresponding movements
of the pressing device may be effected by the following or other means.
In the
case of a steam or hydraulic press cylinder, the valve lever of the cylinder is so
mounted, that during the last portion of the return movement the valve lever
catches or strikes against a fixed stop suitably placed, so that the completion of
the last portion of the return stroke reverses the valve, causing the press plate to
be forced down on to the moulds. The pressure between the press plate and the
material in the moulds is sufficient to lock the side levers to the drum, so that the
levers with the press plate and press device are carried round with the drum in a
forward direction, and the compression at the same time takes place. If it is
considered inadvisable or found preferable not to rely on or make use of the
pressure between the press plate and the material in the moulds for locking the
side levers to the drum, these may be connected together by means of a separate
locking or gripping device, actuated by the descent of the press plate connections;
or by the latter part of the return movement, in an analogous manner to the mode
of operating the valve lever.
To obtain the return movement of the side levers, a side disc- or return-wheel
is mounted loose on the axle of the drum, and driven in a contrary direction to the
motion of the drum by any suitable or convenient means. During the last part of
the forward movement of the side levers, the before mentioned valve lever catches
or strikes against a second fixed stop; so that the completion of the forward
movement reverses the valve and raises the press plate. This upward movement
of the press plate or its connections, or the last portion of the forward movement
of the side levers, is arranged also to lock the side levers to the return wheels by
means of a friction or other gripping or locking device. It will be understood
that the operation of, or part of the mechanism for locking the side levers to the
drum releases the gripping or locking device between the side levers and the
return wheel and that the operation of, or part of the mechanism for locking
the side levers to the return wheels releases the gripping or locking device
between the side levers and the drum.
The rotary machine as above described may be employed in other cases than
where the moulds are provided with retractile webs; as for example where the
material is moulded in loose removable pattern grids, placed on the moulds, said
grids being removed immediately after charging, or before the moulds are placed
under the press.
In the case where the inlaid linoleum is moulded in moulds having retractile
webs, said webs are most conveniently set up and withdrawn by means of fixed or
moveable cam rods, or bars, or grooves, arranged in position close to the sides of
the drum; the retractile webs being attached to cross pieces extending on both
sides sufficiently far to engage with the said cam rods, bars, or grooves.
Instead of the hydraulic press I may use a travelling apron, arranged either by
means of a curved guide or guide rollers so as gradually to approach nearer to
the surface of the moulds and gradually to compress the fabric material, and after
such partial compression to complete the compression by a steam or hydraulic
press. This travelling apron device may also be used with a flat bed machine,
and its application to either flat bed or rotary machines forms part of the subject
matter of application for Letters Patent No. 6519 dated 25th March 1896.
4. In place of using stencil cylinders I may use the following device of a
charging and distributing cylinder. This consists of a series of solid cylinders,
(say one for each colour and shade), or cylinders the walls of which are sufficiently
thick, or so formed that cavities or recesses with their surface edges of the shape
of the corresponding compartments of the moulds can be cast or formed therein,
capable of containing respectively the quantities of linoleum material (or slightly
less) required to fill the corresponding compartments. Along the upper surface of
this cylinder and parallel to the axle is placed a hopper, terminating in a long

page_text: narrow slit, and fitting the cylinder at this point sufficiently closely to prevent the
passage of any linoleum material except into the aforesaid cavities or recesses.
Each hopper is provided with a feed device. The under surface of the cylinders
rest upon or almost touch the surface of the moulds, over which the cylinders
are placed transversely. A closely fitting shield, covering suitably the lower
two thirds of the circumference of the cylinder, and having a narrow slit about:
the line of contact of the cylinder and mould surfaces, prevents the material.
falling out of the cavities or recesses as the cylinder revolves until reaching the
slit in the shield, which allows the material to fall into the underlying corre-
sponding compartments of the moulds. It will be evident, that whilst the
circumference of each cylinder must be equal to or an exact multiple of one
length of the design, the surface outline of each of the cavities or recesses may
be made smaller, so as to fall within the outline of the corresponding compartment
of the mould; and that the sections of the recesses may be of other than
rectangular shape, for example cup shaped or triangular, which would facilitate.
the discharge from the recess or cavity and uniformity in filling.
5. The moulds provided with retractile webs may be constructed as follows.
The grooved or divided blocks are fitted on a bed plate, and enclosed or not by
two retractile side plates and one retractile or removable end plate, the opposite
open end of the rectangular mould being closed by the end plate of the adjoining
mould. In the case of web or grid moulds, the compartments of which are uniform
in size and shape, end plates are generally unnecessary. Each bed plate may be
provided with a locking device, by means of which it may rapidly attached to and
disengaged from the next adjoining moulds. Such device may consist of a right
and left hand screw, and by rotating the same in one direction or the other the
attachment or the disengagement is effected. When the moulds are pushed
forward by a hydraulic plunger, the weight of the moulds is sufficient to keep
them close up, without a locking device. I propose also to secure the blocks in
position by screws inserted from the underside of the bed plate, passing into each
block or subdivision of a block. The lower ends or edges of the retractile webs
are connected by means of vertical rods, passing through the blocks and bed
plates to cross plates or cross bars, the ends of which mount and slide over
supporting rails laid parallel to the travel of the moulds. The retractile webs
are set up by the aforesaid cross bars mounting an incline at the starting end
of the bed. The side and end plates of the mould are set up by similar or the
same means.
The moulds may be returned to the starting end of the machine along a bed
slide placed to one side of the machine, and provided with setting up and supporting
rails; or the moulds may be dropped on to an endless chain carrier, placed
beneath the machine, from which they are lifted up by hand or mechanism at the
starting end.
And in order that my invention and the manner in which the same is to or may
be performed may be more readily and clearly understood, I have annexed hereto
the accompanying sheets of drawings; in which
Fig. 1 is a side elevation, and Fig. 2 a plan of a horizontal arrangement of a
machine for the construction of linoleum in continuous lengths according to my
invention.
Fig. 3 is a side elevation of another design of such machine.
Figs. 4, 5, 6, and 7, are plans of moulds or parts of moulds with a uniform
arrangement of the webs, the pattern being produced only by the use of suitable
stencil arrangements.
Figs. 8 and 9 illustrate respectively means for attaching the blocks and the
retractile webs of the moulds.
Fig. 10 is a side elevation, and Fig. 11 a cross section on line X MY of Fig. 10
of a rotary type of machine.
Fig. 12 is a plan, and Figs. 13 and 14 are cross sections on lines XX and YY
of Fig. 12, to illustrate in detail the construction of moulds with retractile webs.

page_text: Fig. 15 is a longitudinal section, Fig. 16 is a cross section, and Fig. 17 a
longitudinal side elevation illustrating the means for avoiding a mark between
portions of the fabric moulded on adjoining moulds.
Figs. 18 and 19 are diagrammatic views of an apron pressing device forming
part of the subject matter of application for Letters Patent No. 6519 of 1896,
and which are herein inserted to give the fullest information as to the manner of
carrying out my present invention, to which said device is applicable.
Fig. 20 shews in section the recessed cylinder charging device, and Figs. 21
and 22 are section and part side elevation of the same device modified by forming
recesses uniform in size and shape over the whole surface.
1. As illustrating a machine for obtaining linoleum in continuous lengths in
which also the design can be extended over any number of moulds, I have
reproduced in Figs. 1 and 2, the Figs. 1 and 2 accompanying my Complete
Specification No. 18469 of 1894, and have added also in Fig. 3 a side elevation of
a somewhat altered design of machine. In all these figures the same reference
letter refers to the same or corresponding part.
The machine or apparatus comprises a series of moulds A, which are mounted on
a bed slide or frame B, so that they can be traversed thereon. Beginning with the
commencing end of the machine, the moulds A are each successively traversed by
means of the carriage E, Figs. 1 and 2, on the rails F, or raised by the hydraulic
lift M, Fig. 3, so as to be in line with the commencing end of the bed slide B, and
then pushed forward by the hydraulic ram N or other mechanical means or by
hand up to the last mould; to which the fresh mould may be temporarily but
securely fixed, or merely adjoined, the weight of the moulds being generally
sufficient to prevent their relative movement. They may be secured together as
illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5 of my before mentioned Specification No. 18469
of 1894 by means of the right and left hand screws j, which enter the loose
nuts carried in rectangular recesses in the lugs ; the scrows being rotated
by means of the hand wheels. After being thus connected or adjoined, the
filling of the mould is either commenced or continued by means of stencils or
other device; and by the successive addition of fresh moulds and the pushing
forward of these, each mould is moved forward in an intermittent manner up to
the press C or other pressing device, the filling of the mould being completed
during such forward movement. The compression motions of the press are caused
to take place during the pauses in the forward movement of the moulds. After
the compression the next push of the ram N or other apparatus moves the
mould on to the carriage E, Figs. 1 and 2, or on to the table of the hydraulic
drop apparatus R, Fig. 3, when it is immediately detached from the next succeeding
mould (now under the press), and traversed along the rails F, to the return
bed slide G, Figs. 1 and 2, or lowered by the hydraulic drop apparatus R,
Fig. 3 to the level of a return slide, (below the top slide), along which the mould
is returned to the commencing end by means of the travelling chain G, Fig. 3.
It will be evident that the charging of the moulds may be arranged to take place
wholly or partially during the return movement, if the ends of the moulds are
closed. Further the forward movement of the moulds may be arranged to be slow
and continuous, by mounting the press C capable of a to-and-fro motion, the return
portion of the movement being such as to bring the press into position for pressing
the next portion of the fabric. Or by means of the travelling band or apron
arrangement shewn in Fig. 19, the fabric material q may be compressed to adhesion
and afterwards to consolidation by the press; which is then placed beyond the
machine. The apron s¹ travels in the same direction and at the same surface speed
as the moulds, as indicated by the arrow, over that portion of its traverse
immediately over and in contact with the top of the moulds. In so doing the apron
at the same time approaches the surface of the moulds, thereby compressing the
material as above explained. Over this distance are provided rollers u, see dotted
lines, or a flat shield to keep the apron close up against the material.
Where the material is intended to have a canvas or other backing, the latter is

page_text: uncoiled from a drum H, passed round and under a guide roller immediately in
front of the press, on to the top of the mould under the press, to the material in
which it is attached by pressure. As the fabric, i.e. the linoleum material (and
the canvas) comes from the press, it is coiled round the drum K, or may be
otherwise transferred for finishing.
In Fig. 3, s is the driving shaft and p the driving pulley. u, u', are the axles of
the pulleys carrying and actuating the return chain G. vis a cam driven by the
gearing shewn; the camo actuating the distributing valves for supplying water to
the hydraulic cylinders C, c, and N.
2. Figs. 4 to 7 are illustrations of the manner in which the moulds may bo
subdivided into numerous uniform sized and shaped cells, so as to be able to obtain a
change of pattern by merely changing the stencils or distributing device. Fig. 4
shews the mould formed or divided into square cells, Fig. 5 into hexagonal cells,
Fig. 6 into circular cells, and Fig. 7 into triangular cells; the upper half of Fig. 7
indicating how by filling the cells with different coloured material a pattern may
be produced. The method of construction where the moulds are thus subdivided
is illustrated by Figs. 7, 8 and 9; Fig. 7 being a plan of a portion of a mould.
The core pieces a (corresponding to the blocks A mentioned in my aforesaid
Specification No. 18469 of 1894) are secured to the mould bed plate E by screwed
or rivetted or soldered pin stems, n. Figs. 7 and 9. The retractile webs or sides
of the cells care formed of short pieces of triangular tubing, conveniently soldered
or braized together, and at suitable points, such as where the corners join, are
fitted and soldered in saw cuts in the upper ends of the vertical rods d, Figs. 7
and 8, the lower ends of the rods d passing freely through corresponding holes in
the mould bed plate e, and being secured to the cross plate or cross rods f.
The method of building up and constructing moulds illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9
forms part of the subject matter of my application for Letters Patent No. 6519
dated 25th March 1896.
3. A machine of a rotary type for carrying out my invention is illustrated in
Figs. 10 and 11, and comprises a large cylinder or drum H, to which a slow
continuous motion in one direction, indicated by an arrow, is imparted from a pair
of driving shafts L by means of worms J, and circular worm racks K, or any other
convenient gear. This cylinder or drum, bereinafter called the drum, is fitted
round its circumference with curved bed plates e and mould blocks a and retractile
webs attached to cross bars or plates in the manner already described. The
cross bars and attached webs are set up and depressed by the cam bars o. A lever
or pair of side levers L are mounted loose on the drum shaft M; and the ends of
the same carry, conveniently by means of a cross girder N, a steam or hydraulic
press cylinder P. The levers L are preferably carried beyond the shaft M, and
carry balance weights Q. A press plate Y is attached to the plunger or piston
rod of the press cylinder P by means of the links R and levers S hinged in fixed
brackets attached to the cross girder N. The undersurface of the press plate Y
is curved to the radius of the surface of the blocks a plus the thickness of the
compressed fabric. To the side levers L a reciprocating radial or oscillating.
movement is imparted, first in the same direction and at the same angular velocity
as the motion of the drum, and during this movement the press plate Y is caused
to descend on to the uncompressed material in that portion of the moulds covered
for the time being by the press plate, and to compress the material. At or about
the end of this movement the press plate Y is raised from the material. Imme-
diately afterwards a return movement is imparted to the side levers L, and during
this return movement the press plate Y is kept raised. The lengths of the forward
and the return movements which are equal are each less than the length covered
by the press plate Y, being the length and speeds of the movements and the
length of the press plate being duly proportioned so as to ensure uniformity of the
pressing action.
It will be evident, if in the case of a rotary machine the retractile longitudinal
webs of one mould abut exactly against the ends of the webs of the adjoining

page_text: moulds when drawn down, that when the webs are set up, there will be a gap
between them. This objection may be got over by making the longitudinal
(i.e. circumferential) webs longer by a little more than the length of the gap, and
bevelling both webs off over this length on the adjoining sides.
In the case where the moulds are divided uniformly, this difficulty may be got
over by making the cross or transverse end webs free from (i.e. not soldered to) the
circumferential webs at their upper ends and giving them bend or spring towards
the adjoining transverse web of the adjoining mould, or division of the mould.
The reciprocating movement of the side levers and the corresponding movements
of the press plate may be effected by the following means; though I do not wish
to limit myself to the means hereunder set forth. The distributing valve lever T
of the press cylinder P is connected by means of a link and lever to a tappet
lever U, hinged to a bracket attached to the press cylinder P or girder N. This
tappet lever U at or just before each end of the reciprocating movement of the
side levers L strikes against one or other of the fixed tappet or stop bars V, and
thus operates the distributing valve to give the proper movement, i.e. to raise or
lower the piston or plunger of the press cylinder P, and thus to raise and lower at
proper times the press plate Y. The pressure between the press plate Y and the
fabric material in the moulds will lock the side levers L to the drum M, and so
cause the forward movement of the side levers L. The return movement of the
side levers is effected by the following means. On the drum shaft M is mounted
loose a pair of return wheels W, provided with ratchet teeth and worm teeth; the
latter gearing with a pair of worms on the driving shafts A', whereby a constant
rotation is imparted to the wheels W in the return direction. The rise of the
press cylinder plunger at the end of the following movement, by means of lever
and link connections, depresses the catch rods B₁, so that the teeth on the lower
end of the same engage with the ratchet teeth of the wheels W, locking the side
levers to the return wheels. At the end of the return movement the descent of
the press cylinder plunger or piston by means of the same connections raises the
catch rods B', so as to unlock the side levers from the return wheels.
If it is considered inadvisable to rely on the pressure between the press plate Y
and the material in the moulds to lock the side levers to the drum, this may be
effected by similar means to those just described for locking the side levers to the
return wheels.
D¹ are sheet metal stencil cylinders, driven at the same surface speed as the
drum, and fed with fabric material from hoppers H¹, whereby the moulds are
automatically charged with material. The charging may be done by hand or
other means.
It will be understood that this rotary arrangement may be adopted
whether the moulds with retractile webs are employed in connection with the
machine, or not.
Instead of using the rocking press device above described, I may first compress
the material to adhesion by means of a travelling apron, and afterwards compress
to consolidation by means of a fixed steam or bydraulic press. The travelling
apron arrangement is diagramimatically illustrated in Fig. 18.
The aprons travels at the same surface speed and in the same direction as the
moulds, and in so doing approaches the surface of the moulds, thereby compressing
the fabric material g. Supporting rolls q, or a curved shield, keep the travelling
apron up to the material should the tension of the apron not be sufficient.
The combination of the apron pressing device (in place of the oscillating side
levers and press device) with a continuously rotating mould drum forms part of the
subject matter of my application for Letters Patent No. 6519 of 25th March 1896.
4. The construction of moulds with retractile webs is illustrated in Figs. 12,
13 and 14, which are respectively plan and two vertical sections on lines X X
and Y Y of Fig. 12; also in Figs. 7, 8 and 9 already described, and in Figs. 3, 4
and 5 of Specification No. 18469 of 1894. The following description refers more
particularly to Figs. 12-14, but the same reference letter is used to indicate
the same or corresponding part in all the just above mentioned figures.

page_text: a are the blocks or cores, most conveniently formed as separate pieces, fitting
close against the retractile webs c at their upper ends, but more or less cut away
for the remainder of their depth, to reduce the resistance due to friction during the
movement up and down of the webs c and the attached rods d. The separate.
blocks or picces of the blocks a are secured to the bed plates by means of screws
or bolts s, (lettered n in Fig. 9), inserted from or bolted on the underside of the.
plate e.
At suitable positions the lower edges of the retractile webs are most
conveniently secured to the vertical rods d by being inserted in saw cuts in the
upper ends of the latter, and pinned, braized or soldered thereto; though other
methods or means of attachment may be employed. The rods d pass through
corresponding holes in the bed plate e, and may be attached at their lower ends to
the cross bars f, as shewn in Figs. 3 and 4 of Specification No. 18469 of 1894, or
as shewn in Figs. 13 and 14; the lower ends of the rods d passing through and
being guided in holes in a bottom plate e¹ of the mould frame; the bed plate e being
secured to the bottom plate e¹ by means of bolts s. The outer ends of the cross
bars (or a cross plate) may be attached to the retractile side plates as shewn
in Fig. 4 of Specification No. 18469 of 1894, or as shewn in Fig. 13, in which the
side rods g are acted upon directly by the press plate.
In order to avoid any distinct mark between successive portions of the fabric
carried on adjoining moulds, the length of the press plate is made somewhat longer
than the length of a mould. In the following reference is to be had to Figs. 15
to 17. The vertical side rods g' of the first three or four cross bars are not
connected to the side plate h, but may pass directly through the side plates, the
latter having holes drilled through them for the purpose; or they may be arranged
so as to pass outside of the plates h, being bent if necessary for this purpose; so
that each rod g¹ is depressed independently, first (i.e, ou coming next to the press)
by the overhanging inclined or stepped edge of the press plate y to different
extents in a stepwise fashion, and the surface of the fabric is left at this part
correspondingly sloped as shewn-in Fig. 15. When the mould is moved under the
press, this portion comes under the opposite end of the press plate, so that the side
rods gl and the surface of the fabric are depressed level. It will be understood that
the portion of the webs c attached to any one of the first three or four cross bars
is not continuous with the portion attached to the adjoining cross bar or bars; this
condition being necessary to allow of the stepwise displacement of these different
portions of the webs c. If necessary springs 4 may be added to balance these cross
bars, and retain them for the time being in the stepwise position, should the friction
of these parts not be sufficient for this purpose.
The cross bars or plates are set up and kept up by means of supporting
rails o, see Figs. 1 and 2, or the ends of the cross bars may fit in grooved guides
attached to the sides of the bed frame B Fig. 13. When the charging or filling of
the moulds is commenced on the return slide G, similar provisions for setting up
and keeping up the webs c is provided.
5. The device of a recessed charging and distributing cylinder for charging the
moulds is illustrated in cross section in Figs. 20 to 22, and in the following
description and in the figures part of the improvements the subject matter of
application No. 6519 of 1896 are included. This device consists of a cylinder a,
the walls of wbich are of a sufficient thickness or are so moulded as to contain
cavities or recesses b, the surface edges of which correspond to the outlines of the
corresponding compartments of the moulds; the cavities or recesses b being of such
a depth, as to contain the quantities of linoleum material respectively required to
fill the corresponding conipartments of the moulds. The cylinder a is placed
transversely above the moulds, with its under surface touching the top edges of the
retractile webs c when the latter are set up; and is geared to revolve at the same
surface speed as the moulds. Along the upper surface of the cylinder a, and
parallel to the axis of the same, is placed a double trough and worm arrangement;
the worms and e traversing the material in opposite directions respectively.
Slits with adjustable openings are provided in the underside of the trough g,

page_text: through which part of the material is allowed to fall into the trough ; the
remainder reaching the end of the trough g falls down into the same end of the
trough h, to be caught by the worm e, and traversed back until it escapes through
the slit in the bottom of the trough h into the above mentioned recesses b. The
object of the double trough and worm arrangement is to ensure a regular and
uniform distribution of the material; and this device forms part of the subject
matter of application No. 6519 of 1896. is a closely fitting shield, which prevents
the premature escape of material; and a similar shield on the opposite side prevents
the escape of any material which may have stuck to the side or bottom of any
of the recesses b. Between these shields about the line of contact of the cylinder a
and the upper end of the webs c is left a long slit, through which the fabric
material falls from the recesses 6 into the corresponding partitions of the moulds,
as they and the recesses simultaneously come opposite this slit.
To avoid the necessity of having to provide a fresh set of cylinders a, when a
fresh pattern is required, I propose to form the recesses 6 over the whole surface
of the cylinder a, and of uniform size and shape, as illustrated in Figs. 21 and 22;
the former being a cross section, and the latter a part outside view of the cylinder.
The recesses bare preferably made to pass fully through an outer cylinder a,
the bottom of the recesses being closed by an inner cylinder n. Plug pieces m are
provided, fitting in and capable of being secured in the recesses by bolts or other
means. To produce a fresh pattern, these plugs are fitted in each cylinder in all
those recesses which correspond to portions of the pattern having a different colour
than that of the material used for charging said cylinder; so that only those
recesses are left open to receive the fabric material, which correspond to those
portions of the pattern of the same colour as that of the material supplied to the
cylinder in question.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inveu-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. The method of producing linoleum and similar fabrics in continuous lengths
irrespective of the attachment of the same to a backing material consisting in
moulding the fabric material in a series of moulds provided with removable pattern
grids or retractile webs, which are successively adjoined or connected together,
and on being thus connected or adjoined or previously are charged with material
and traversed along a bed slide up to and under a pressing device, where the
material is compressed, the partitions of the mould being simultaneously or
previously withdrawn or removed, the mould then being traversed beyond the
press and disconnected, and the fabric disengaged from the mould, and the
mould returned to the starting end to repeat the operations substantially as herein
described.
2. A machine or apparatus for the production of linoleum in continuous lengths
irrespective of the attachment of the same to a backing material, consisting of a
bed slide such as B, Figs. 1, 2, and 3, a series of moulds A with removable pattern
grids or retractile webs and arranged to slide on the bed B, and to be readily
connected together or adjoined and disengaged, a pressing device, means for giving
an intermittent or continuous motion to the coupled or adjoined moulds, and means
for transferring the disengaged and emptied moulds back to the commencing end of
the bed, substantially as set forth and shewn in the drawings.
3. The method of manufacturing linoleum and similar fabrics consisting in
charging the fabric material by means of flat or cylindrical stencils or other
devices into moulds with retractile webs or removable pattern grids, said webs or
grids dividing the moulds into numerous compartments or cells of uniform size and
shape or sizes and shapes, and on withdrawal or removal of the said webs or grids
compressing the material to adhesion or consolidation.
4. In the manufacture of linoleum and the like fabrics the use of moulds having
removeable partitions (i.e. retractile webs or deep pattern grids) said partitions

page_text: dividing the mould into numerous cells of uniform size and shape or sizes and
shapes, also in combination therewith the use of flat or cylindrical stencils for
charging said moulds, substantially as and for the purpose herein set forth.
5. A machine or apparatus for the manufacture of linoleum and the like fabrics
comprising a rotating drum carrying the moulds, side arms or levers hinged loose
about the axle of said drum and carrying between their outer ends a press cylinder
and connections, the said arms and press oscillating in such a manner as to move
with and at the same speed as the drum and moulds during the compression periods
of the action of the press and in the intervals in the opposite direction at such
a speed as to bring back the press so as to be ready for the next compressing
stroke.
6. A machine or apparatus for the manufacture of linoleum and the like fabrics
comprising a continuously rotating drum H carrying the moulds, side arms or
levers L hinged about the axle of the said drum and carrying a press apparatus
between them, the said arms and press apparatus having an oscillating movement,
and a return wheel or wheels W, and means for locking the side arms or levers L
alternately to the drum H and to the return wheels W.
7. The construction of moulds with retractile webs substantially as herein
set forth and illustrated in Figs. 4 to 7 and 12 to 14 of the accompanying
drawings.
8. The method of or means for avoiding a mark between portions of the fabric
carried ou adjoining moulds, substantially as herein set forth and illustrated
in Figs. 15 to 17 of the accompanying drawings.
9. In machinery used for the manufacture of linoleum and the like fabrics the
employment of the recessed cylinder device for charging compartment moulds
substantially as herein set forth and illustrated in Figs. 20 to 22.
Dated this 25th day of March 1896
J. CLARK JEFFERSON,
30 Park Row, Leeds, Agent for Applicant.