IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY AND APPARATUS FOR SUPPORTING, MOVING, AND FORGING HEAVY MASSES OF METAL
Year: 1867

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Ramsbottom, of Crewe, in the County of
Chester, Engineer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY
AND APPARATUS FOR SUPPORTING, MOVING, AND FORGING HEAVY MASSES OF
METAL."
Sealed the 5th July 1867, and dated the 7th February 1867.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Ramsbottom
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with bis Petition, on the
7th February 1867.
I, JOHN RAMSBOTTOM, of Crewe, in the County of Chester, Engineer, do
hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
MACHINERY AND APPARATUS FOR SUPPORTING, MOVING, AND FORGING HEAVY MASSES.
OF METAL," to be as follows:-
The first part of my Invention consists in an apparatus to be suspended to
the chain of a swing, travelling, or other crane to facilitate the moving of
heavy ingots or other articles into, out of, and when in or out of the furnace;
this apparatus consists of a counterbalanced arm, the point of suspension of
which can be brought over the centre of the furnace; to the lower end
of this arm is attached the paddle, one end of which supports the ingot,"
and the other end is prolonged and serves as a bandle for the operator to

page_text: guide the ingot when it is suspended. By this apparatus a considerable
saving of manual labor and time is effected. The ingot when drawn out of
the furnace is or may be laid on a turntable placed near to and about on
a level with the floor of the furnace, and by means of this turntable the
ingot can be turned round previous to its being placed in the furnace or
for any
other purpose. The stand of the turntable may be mounted on wheels
if desirable.
The second part of my Invention consists in certain improvements upon
the machinery for supporting ingots while being hammered, for which former
Letters Patent were granted to me on the Eleventh day of January, One
thousand eight hundred and sixty-five, No. 89. In the Specification of the
said Patent I described how the loose headstock supporting one end of the
ingot was made to yield as the length of the ingot increased by means of a
screw and break; now my present improvement consists in controlling the
movement of the loose headstock by the direct application of break blocks
to the frame of the carriage which blocks are acted upon by a lever, one arm
of which is held between two springs, one of which is connected to the loose
spindle, and the other to the loose headstock. As the ingot lengthens the
spring on the loose spindle overcomes in part the spring on the loose
headstock, and partially liberates the break, thereby allowing the loose
headstock to move until the spring on the headstock overcomes the spring
on the spindle and again applies the break. This apparatus is more simple
and less liable to become deranged than that now in use although in principle
it is the same.
The third part of my Invention relates to apparatus for supporting axles
and other articles while being forged, a pair of wheels running on rails are
mounted loose on an axle, to which are bolted adjustable plates or brackets
for supporting the shaft or other article while being forged, one or more pairs
of these wheels, may be used. In forging or hammering ingots or short pieces
of metal: I fix them by pointed set screws in a cross piece attached to a shaft
or porter bar supported on bearings on a truck or slung in a crane, or
otherwise, and the cross piece is turned round by a handle in the usual
way.
The article to be forged may, be supported on rollers, as described in the
Specification of Letters Patent granted. to me on the Eleventh, day of January,
One thousand eight hundred, and sixty-five, No. 89, and to facilitate the turning
over it is hung in slings so formed as to take into centres at each end, of the
ingot, these slings may be used generally for moving heavy forgings.
The last part of my Invention consists in certain improvements in the

page_text: mode of dividing ingots into dises for making loops or tyres. In the
Specification of Letters Patent granted to me on the Thirty-first July, One
thousand eight hundred and sixty-five, No. 1975, I described how annular
grooves were formed in the ingot by means of narrow dises fixed on an
axle, which discs were pressed into the ingot as it revolved below them. Now
my present improvement consists in attaching suitable narrow blades to the
hammer blocks of duplex steam hammers, and these narrow blades by
repeated blows on the ingot, which may be mounted on rollers and turnod
gradually round, produce the annular grooves required or completely separate-
the disc from the ingot.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said John Ramsbottom in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
6th August 1867.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JONN
RAMSBOTTOM, of Crewe, in the County of Chester, Engineer, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Seventh day of February, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-seven, in the thirtieth year of Her
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the
said John Ramsbottom, Her special license that I, the said John Rams-
bottom, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the
said John Ramsbottom, 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
MACHINERY AND APPARATUS FOR SUPPORTING, MOVING, AND FORGING HEAVY MASSES
OF METAL," upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said John
Ramsbottom, 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 mouths next and immediately after the
date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said John Ramsbottom, do hereby declare
the nature of iny said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be per-

page_text: formed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement (that is to say):-
The first part of my Invention consists in an apparatus to be suspended
to the chain of a swing, travelling, or other crane to facilitate the moving of
heavy ingots or other articles into, out of, and when in or out of the furnace ;
also in the application of a turntable placed near the furnace for swivelling the
bloom or ingot round.
The second part of my Invention consists in certain improvements upon the
machines for supporting ingots while being hammered, for which former
Letters Patent were granted to me on the Eleventh day of January, One
thousand eight hundred and sixty-five, Number 89.
The third part of my Invention relates to apparatus for supporting axles
and other articles while being forged.
The last part of my Invention consists in certain improvements in the mode
of dividing ingots into discs for making hoops or tires, being an improvement
upon the mode described in the Specification of Letters Patent granted to
me on the Thirty-first day of July, One thousand eight hundred and sixty-five,
Number 1975.
And in order that my Invention may be fully understood and readily
carried into operation I will proceed to describe the accompanying Four Sheets
of Drawings, reference being had to the figures and letters marked thereon.
On Sheet 1, Figure 1 is a sectional elevation of a furnace of the usual con-
struction, to which my improved apparatus for moving heavy ingots or other
articles into, out of, or when in or out of the furnace is applied; Figure 2 is a
plan, and Figure 3 an end view of the apparatus.
a represents the ingot to be heated supported by the paddle 6, which is
attached to the lower end of the counterbalanced arm c, the horizontal portion
of which is suspended at the point c¹ (coinciding above with the centre of
gravity of the ingot and the paddle) to the chain of the crane; there are
ratchet teeth or notches on the under side of the arm c to vary the point of
suspension according to the position and shape of the ingot. The adjustable
weight is to counterbalance the arm c, and the prolonged end ¹ of the
paddle b, by which prolonged end the operator guides and moves the ingot
when it is suspended by this apparatus; the weight usually employed to
counterbalance the ingot is dispensed with, and a considerable saving of
manual labor and time is effected, as the weight of the ingot being borne by
the crane the operator has only to control the position of the ingot into, or out
of, or when in the furnace.
Figure 4 is a section of a furnace to which a modification of my improved

page_text: lifting apparatus is applied, adapted for lifting conical ingots used for the
manufacture of tyres, as described in the Specification of Letters Patent
granted to me on the Thirty-first day of July, One thousand eight hundred and
sixty-five, Number 1975.
Figure 5 is a plan of the apparatus; in this case the conical ingot a is
supported by the paddle b which is attached, as before described, to the
counterbalanced arm c; to the lower end of this arm is hinged the bridled, the
inner end of which passes over the top of the ingot and holds it when the
ingot is being lifted into or removed from the furnace; the outer end of the
bridled can be pressed down to liberate the ingot, or when an ingot is to bo
taken hold of by the paddle.
On Sheet 2, Figure 6 is a section of a furnace to which another modifica-
tion of my improved lifting apparatus is applied; this apparatus is particularly
adapted to furnaces not provided with cranes; Figure 7 is an edge view, and
Figure 8 a plan of part of the same; Figures 9, 10, and 11 are detached
views of part of the same; in this instance the counterbalanced arm c is sus-
pended to the hook e, which is hinged to a frame e running on the fixed
rail e placed above and about in a line with the centre of the furnace; the
paddle b is binged to the lower end of the arm c, and it is forged with the
arm ; to the lower end of the arm c is fixed the tube f, through which
passes the rod f¹, one end of which is screwed and the other hooked; the
hooked end takes on the end of the arm 6, and the screwed end is provided
with the cross handle f, the nave of which forms a nut, fitting the screw; by
turning this handle round in the proper direction the paddle b is brought up
to the under side of the ingot and lifts it clear of the blocks on which it bears
when in the furnace, so as to be free to be run out of the furnace.
Figure 12 is a vertical section, and Figure 13 a plan of a portable turn-
table placed near the mouth of the furnace in which the ingot or other article
has been or is to be heated. The turntable consists of a conical or other
shaped stand 9. in which the socket fits; this socket supports the spindle g²
of the plate g³, in which are fixed studs; the ingot bears upon these studs
which are of the requisite height to hold the lower surface of the ingot suffi-
ciently above the plate g³ to allow the paddle 6 to pass under the ingot. By
means of this turntable the ingot can be turned round with the greatest
facility previous to its being placed in the furnace, or when removed from the
furnace. I wish to observe that the stand of the turntable may be mounted
on wheels if desirable.
On Sheet 3 I have shewn my improved machinery or apparatus for
supporting ingots in centres while being hammered by duplex steam hammers.

page_text: In the Specification of Letters Patent granted.to me on the Eleventh day
of January, One thousand eight hundred and sixty-five, Number 89, I
described, in reference to Figures 5 and 6 of the Specification Drawing, how
the loose headstock & supporting one end of the ingot was made to yield as
the length of the ingot increased by means of a screw and break. Now my
present Invention consists in controlling the movement of the loose headstock
by the direct application of break blocks to the frame of the carriage, thereby
dispensing with the screw.
Figure 14 is a side elevation, partly in section, of my improved apparatus ;
Figure 15 is an end view, also partly in section, and Figure 16 is a plan of
the same; Figure 17 is a side elevation of the apparatus drawn to a reduced
scale. is the body of the truck connected by bolts passing through hollow
stays, the truck is supported on the wheels k¹, k, which run on the rails of the
rocking table k, or on cross rails, as heretofore. To one end of the truck is
fixed the headstock i formed of strong iron plates united by the socket and
screw nut ; the spindle of the fast headstock is capable of adjustment by
means of the screw i³, which passes through the nut ; this screw is turned
round when required by the handle 2, and it is connected to the spindle by
a pin passing through the spindle and fitting in a groove in the end of the
screw; by this arrangement the spindle is drawn back to admit or release the
ingot; the loose headstock is also made of strong iron plates secured
together by the socket, nut i, and stays passing through tubes; the
spindle of the loose headstock passes through the socket, the outer end of
the spindle is provided with a recessed plate supporting one side of the india-
rubber or other spring 1, the other end of which fits in a recess in the lever m;
a similar spring is placed between the opposite side of the lever and a
recessed plate, which is acted upon when required to adjust the strength of
the springs by the tail screw n passing through the nut ; the trunnions of
the lever m pass through bushes fixed to the sides of the loose headstock,
and to the projecting portions of the trunnions are fixed the arans m¹, the ends
of which take into recesses in the break blocks o; these break blocks are
lined with hard wood or other substance to increase the friction, and they
bear upon the top of the truck k; through the upper end of the screw m
passes the screw m2, the point of which is brought in contact with the pro-
jecting end of the socket 3, in order to release the break and so allow the
headstock to be moved on the truck. The spindles and are made water-
tight by elastic rings fitting in recesses in the sockets and is, and the
cavities around them contain water to keep them cool.
The mode of operation is as follows:-As the ingot lengthens by the blows

page_text: of the hammer the loose spindle is forced outwards, and the spring!
overcomes in part the spring , thereby moving the lever m slightly to the
right, and partially liberating the breaks o, which allow the loose headstock to
move until the spring overcomes the spring and again applies the breaks.
This apparatus is more simple than the one described in my former Patent
above referred to, and it is less liable to become deranged when in use, but in
principle it is the same.
.
On Sheet 4, Figure 18 is an elevation in section, Figure 19 an end view,
and Figure 20 a plan of my improved apparatus for supporting axles and
other articles while being forged in a duplex steam hammer. p, p, is a pair
of wheels running upon the rocking table r above described, or on ordinary
rails. The wheels p are mounted loose on the axle p', to which the adjustable
plates or brackets p2 are bolted; the upper part of these plates are V-shaped
or of other suitable shape to suit the form of axle or other article to be forged,
and between the lower end of the plates is secured the weight pa to counter-
balance the axle or other article bearing on the plates p³. It is evident
that one or, more pairs of these wheels, may be used according to the length of
the article to be forged..
Figure 21 is a side view and Figure 22 an end view of my improved appa-
ratus for holding ingots or short pieces; of metal while being forged or
hammered. s represents a shaft or porter bar, to which is forged or attached!
the cross piece. s¹; through the arms of this cross piece pass the pointed set
screws s, which are screwed into the ingot or article to be forged,;; the shaft.
or porter bar may be supported in bearings on a truck, or slung in a crane, or
upon the apparatus shewn in Figures 18, 19, and 20, or otherwise, and the
cross piece is turned round by a handle applied to the end of the porter bar in
the, usual manner.
Figure 23 is a side view, Figure 24 a front view, and Figure 25 a plan of
my improved apparatus for dividing ingots into discs. In the Specification of
former Letters Patent granted to me on the Thirty-first day of July, One
thousand eight hundred and sixty-five,, Number 1975, and in reference to
Figures 1, 2, and 3 of the plans forming part thereof, I described how
annular grooves were formed in the ingot by means of narrow discs fixed on
an axle, which discs were pressed into the ingot as it revolved below them.
Now my present improvement consists in attaching the narrow blades Z to
the plates Y, which are suspended to the ends of the hammer blocks a
of a duplex steam hammer, and these narrow blades by repeated blows on
the ingot, which may be mounted ou rollers and turned gradually round,

page_text: produce the annular groooves required, or completely separate the disc from
the ingot.
Having thus stated the nature of my Invention, and described the manner
of performing the same, I declare that I claim,-
First, the machinery or apparatus described and shewn in Sheets 1 and 2
of the accompanying Drawing, whereby the centre of gravity of the ingot or
other article to be heated is brought under the point of suspension, or any
modification of such machinery or apparatus for producing the same or similar
results.
Secondly, the application of a turntable to facilitate the moving of ingots or
other articles previous to putting. them in, or on removing them from the
furnace, as shewn and described in reference to Figures 12 and 13 on
Sheet 2.
Thirdly, the improved machinery or apparatus shewn and described in
reference to Sheet 3 for supporting ingots while being hammered in duplex
steam hammers.
Fourthly, the apparatus described and shewn in Figures 18, 19, and 20 of
Sheet 4, for supporting and moving axles and other articles while being forged
or hammered.
Fifthly, the apparatus described and shewn in Figures 21 and 22 for
holding and moving ingots and other short articles while being forged.
And, lastly, the improved mode of dividing ingots into discs, as shewn and
described in reference to Figures 23, 24, and 25.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Ramsbottom, have hereto set my
hand and seal, this Fifth day of August, One thousand eight hundred
and sixty-seven.
JOHN RAMSBOTTOM. (L.B.)