Improvements in or relating to the Manufacture of Clay Goods.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 6th Dec., 1893
Complete Specification Left, 6th Oct., 1894-Accepted, 10th Nov., 1894
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or relating to the Manufacture of Clay Goods.
We, ROBERT YARDE FOLEY and FRANCIS LEIGH CARSLAKE, both of The
Somerset Trading Company Limited, of Bridgwater, in the County of Somerset,
Merchants, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
:-
This invention relates to the manufacture from plastic clay of goods such as
roofing tiles, ridges, garden-tiles and the like.
The invention is designed to manufacture from a continually running or inter-
mittent stream or belt of clay proceeding from a die of suitable shape roofing tiles,
ridges or other goods as the case may be.
In the case of the roofing tiles commonly called plain-tiles this object is effected
as follows:
The clay on coming from the die is received on a short table fitted with horizontal
rollers which may be called the dividing table. The belt of clay is here cut off
while moving, to the required length by a dividing wire working to and fro. After
being cut it is moved forward by one or more of the rollers, fitted with a handle for
that purpose, so as to separate the portion cut off from the belt of clay still running
forward. A shifter is then inserted between and the piece of clay cut off is pushed
forward by hand on to the cutting table where it is cut into the number of tiles
required preferably five-the tiles being if desired marked and holed at same
time. The shifter is then employed again to pass the tiles forward on to a movable
tray which is then lifted on to suitable trolleys and wheeled away to the drying
house. Another tray is then placed on the delivery table-the delivery table
carrying the trays being fixed in a suitable manner to the cutting table. Rollers
are so carried on the table that the rolls project slightly above the rails of the trays
and facilitate the passage of the tiles on to the trays.
The operation of dividing the clay cutting the tiles and delivery is so quickly
performed that the machine forcing out the belt of clay may run continuously.
In the case of ridge tiles the clay on coming from a suitably shaped die is
received on ridge shaped supports preferably of wood usually called "horses,"
carried upon a table or framing. When the clay has run out to the required
length it is divided whilst moving, by hand or automatically by a wire being passed
through it. The divided portion is moved forward quickly by a suitable device
arranged in one of the horses underneath so as to admit of a shifter being placed
between and the piece of clay so cut off is moved forward by hand on to movable
horses seated on a wooden tray.
The device by which the horse and tile are moved may be of varied construction
but we find that a roller rack or equivalent is suitable for moving it by hand or
automatically in one direction and a cord and weight or spring to take it back
again; or suitable levers or cams may be employed.
The tray bearing the horses and length of clay is then pushed forward on to the
cutting table and another tray with horses put into its place. On the cutting table
the clay is divided into the number of ridges corresponding with the number of horses
on the tray and the tray with horses and ridges is lifted on to a suitable trolley
for removal to the drying shed.
The above named operations are so expeditiously performed that the machine
producing the ridges may run continuously.
The horses on the movable trays are provided with longitudinal openings into

page_text: which handles can be placed so as to lift the horse and tile from the trolley on to
the shelves of the drying house after which the horse is withdrawn.
Dated this 6th day of December 1893.
W. P. THOMPSON & BOULT, .
Agents for the Applicants.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or relating to the Manufacture of Clay Goods.
We, FRANCIS LEIGH CARSLAKE and ROBERT YARDE FOLEY, both of The
Somerset Trading Company, Limited, of Bridgwater, in the County of Somerset,
Merchants, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the
same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by
the following statement:-
This invention relates to the manufacture from plastic clay of goods such as
roofing tiles, ridge-tiles or "ridges" as they are hereinafter termed, garden-tiles,
and the like.
The invention is designed to manufacture from a continually running or inter-
mittent stream or belt of clay proceeding from a die of suitable shape, roofing tiles,
"ridges
or other goods as the case may be.
In the case of roofing tiles commonly called plain-tiles this object is effected as
follows:-
The clay on coming from the die is received on a short table fitted with horizontal
rollers which may be called the dividing table. The belt of clay is here cut off
while moving, to the required length by a dividing wire working to and fro.
After being cut it is moved forward by one or more of the rollers, fitted with a
handle for that purpose, so as to separate the portion cut off from the belt of clay
still running forward. A shifter is then inserted between, and the piece of clay
cut off is pushed forward by hand on to the cutting table where it is cut into the
number of tiles required--preferably five-the tiles being if desired marked and
holed at same time. The shifter is then employed again to pass the tiles forward
on to a movable tray which is then lifted on to suitable trolleys and wheeled away
to the drying house. Another tray in then placed on the delivery table-the
delivery table carrying the trays being fixed in a suitable manner to the cutting
table. Rollers are so carried on the delivery table that the rolls project slightly
above the rails of the trays and facilitate the passage of the tiles on to the trays.
The operation of dividing the clay, cutting the tiles and delivery is so quickly
performed that the machine forcing out the belt of clay may run continuously.
In the case of ridge tiles the clay on coming from a suitably shaped die is
received on ridge shaped supports preferably of wood usually called "horses,"
carried upon a table or framing. When the clay has run out to the required
length it is divided whilst moving, by hand or automatically by a wire being passed
through it.
The divided portion is moved forward quickly by a suitable device
arranged in one of the horses underneath so as to admit of a shifter being placed
between and the piece of clay so cut off is moved forward by hand on to movable
horses seated ou a wooden tray.
The device by which the horse and tile are moved may be of varied construction
but we find that a roller rack or equivalent is suitable for moving it by hand or
automatically in one direction and a cord and weight or spring to take it back
again; or suitable levers or cams may be employed.
The tray bearing the horses and length of clay is then pushed forward on to the
cutting table and another tray with horses put into its place. On the cutting table
the clay is divided into the number of "ridges" corresponding with the number of
horses on the tray and the tray with horses and "ridges" is lifted on to a suitable
trolley for removal to the drying shed.

page_text: The above named operations are so expeditiously performed that the machine
producing the "ridges" may run continuously.
The horses on the movable trays are provided with longitudinal openings into
which handles can be placed so as to lift the horse and tile from the trolley ou to
the shelves of the drying house after which the horse is withdrawn.
In the accompanying drawings:
Figures 1 and 2 are respectively a side elevation and plan of the apparatus
employed for making roofing or plain tiles according to our invention.
Figure 3 is a transverse section on the line 3-3 of Figures 1 and 2.
Figures 4, 5 and 6 are respectively a side elevation a plan and an end elevation.
of the apparatus employed for making ridge tiles according to our invention.
Figures 7 and 8 are transverse sections taken respectively on the lines 7-7
and 8-8 of Figure 4, Figure 8 being drawn to a larger scale than that to which
the other figures are drawn.
Like letters represent like parts throughout the drawings.
Referring first to Figures 1, 2, and 3, A is the usual frame or stand for supporting
the various working parts of the apparatus and at one end of which is provided the
dividing table B comprising a series of rollers B' (in the drawing six are shown)
which may be arranged in two sets each encircled by an endless web or apron B².
In the space C¹ between these two sets of rollers B' we provide the usual
dividing wire C (Figure 1) which may be operated by any of the means hitherto
employed for the purpose, such for example as that illustrated in Figures 4, 5, and 6.
Any desired number of rollers or sets of rollers B' other than that shown may be
employed. The first of the rollers B viz. that at the extreme right hand end of
Figure 1 is located close against the die of the press or moulding machine (not
shown in the drawing) so that the moulded clay issuing from the die may pass
directly on to the dividing table B.
:
At the opposite side of the rollers B' viz. the left hand as on the drawings is
located a roller D the shaft of which is provided with a crank handle D' or other
device whereby the roller may be readily rotated or brought to rest.
Beyond the roller D is provided the cutting table E comprising a number of
rollers E', which, like the rollers B₁ may be arranged in sets or groups of three
each encircled by an endless web or apron E2. Between the adjacent sets and
outside the end sets of rollers E' we provide the usual cutting wires which may
he operated by any of the means hitherto employed for causing them to pass
through and cut the clay into the necessary tile-lengths.
Next in order along the table is the roller G which is adapted to rotate in oil or
other lubricant contained in a trough G and next again to this is the removable
tray H which consists of a number of longitudinal rails H connected at their ends
by cross rails H the spaces H³ left between the rails H being sufficient to admit
of the free rotation of the rollers I supported by the frame extension A, these
rollers, at their upper part projecting slightly above the rails H' as shown in
Figures and 3.
The tray H may be secured to A' in any suitable manner which will admit of its
being readily removed when it has received the tiles upon it and allow of an empty
tray being substituted for it.
The upper surfaces of the various rollers D G and I and aprons B' and E' are
preferably all in the same horizontal plane.
The operation of the before described apparatus is as follows:-
―:
The clay on coming from the die passes in the form of a continuous stream or
belt on to the dividing table B over the roller D and on to the cutting table E.
When sufficient clay has been allowed to pass the dividing wire C to form, when
subsequently divided by the wires F, the desired number of tiles, say five (that
being the number which the apparatus illustrated in the drawings is adapted to
make) the dividing wire C is moved across and thereby caused to sever the belt of
clay and the operator immediately thereafter rotates the handle D' in the direction
indicated by the arrow in Figure 1 so 'as, through the roller D, to move the
42

page_text: "
severed portion of the belt, or "tile blank as it is hereinafter termed away from
the feed to enable a shifter to be inserted between its back end and said feed.
The tile blank" may be of a length approximating to that of a single tile or to
that of two or other desired number of tiles so that when subsequently cut or
divided it will form a corresponding number of these tile lengths.
As soon as the severed portion of clay reaches the proper position on the cutting
table, which may be when its back end leaves the roller D the cutting wires Fare
operated and cut the clay into the necessary lengths, any surplus portions cut from
the ends of the strip being returned to the pug-mill.
The operator then, by the aid of a shifter pushes the tiles forward over the
cutting table E and roller G and on to the tray H they receiving from the roller G
a coating of lubricant to facilitate their passage on to the tray H.
The full tray H may then be removed and an empty one substituted for it.
The undivided belt of clay having been continuously fed on to the apparatus
throughout these operations, has by this time reached the position in which it
requires to be severed by the wire C and as soon as this has been effected the
handle D is rotated and the before described series of operations is repeated, the
whole being effected without necessitating the stoppage of the feed of clay.
In the arrangement of apparatus shown in Figures 4 to 8 of the accompanying
drawings we provide on the receiving end of the frame or stand A a dividing
table J comprising two stationary horses J J2 having, like the other horses
subsequently described, their upper surfaces of a shape in cross-section corresponding
with the shape in cross-section of the ridge tile to be received thereon. At the end
of the horse J' nearer the die we provide a roller G which rotates in a trough G
containing lubricating material and adapted to give a coating of lubricant to the
underside of the stream of clay to facilitate its passage on to JJ and the following
horses.
The upper surfaces of J'J' and K (the last named hereinafter described) may be
grooved as shown at J³ to reduce the surface brought into frictional contact with
the underside of the clay.
The dividing wire C which, like that before mentioned in reference to Figure 1,
may be mounted in a suitably-guided sliding or other frame C2, is adapted to work
to and fro in the space C¹ between the two horses J¹ J.
K is a horse arranged so that it may be moved from the delivery end of J' up to
the receiving end of the next stationary horse L and vice versa. A convenient way
of effecting this is illustrated in Figures 4 and 6 though we may use any other
device for attaining the same result. As shown in the drawing we provide a drum
or roller M the shaft of which suitably supported by the frame A, is provided with
a crank handle D. To the drum M is connected one end of a belt, cord or
equivalent M' whose opposite end is connected to the rear end of the horse K while
a second cord or equivalent M2 is connected at one end to the forward end of the
horse K and at its opposite end to a weight spring or equivalent M³ and passes at
an intermediate part over the drum M. By turning the handle D' of the last
described device, in the direction indicated by the arrow in Figure 4 the horse K
is moved forward and the weight M3 is raised and when after being thus operated
the handle D' is released and the weight thereby left unsupported the horse K is
immediately returned to its normal position in which it is shown in Figures 4 and 5.
If desired the horse K or the portion of the frame A over which it travels may be
provided with rollers to facilitate its movement.
The stationary horse L is provided at its upper part with a series of rollers L'
working in lubricant contained in a trough L so that when the clay is passed
over Lits under surface will receive a coating of the lubricant.
Next in order come the horses N detachably mounted on the movable tray O
which is adapted to accommodate two of these horses though any other desired
number may be employed. At its rear end the tray O is formed with an
approximately right-angled slot O' Figure 5 adapted to be engaged by a catch-or
stud P extending upwards from, and conveniently formed in part withna bar Pl

page_text: upon which a spring P shown in dotted lines in Figure 5, acts so as to tend always
to press the bar in the direction indicated by the arrow in Figure 5. The outer
end of the bar P is provided with a push plate P against which the operator
presses when he wishes to release the tray O or when it is desired that the stud P
under the influence of the spring P, shall engage with the slot O' to lock the tray (
in position.
"
Beyond that part of the frame A at which the tray O is locked in position by
the stud Pas last described, is located the cutting table Q where the cutting
wires R mounted conveniently in a counter weighted pivotted frame R' are caused
to traverse and cut the previously severed portion of the clay belt into the necessary
tile-lengths, the horses N being for this purpose shifted from the position in which
they are shown in full lines in Figure 4 to that indicated in dotted lines in that
figure.
The operation of the apparatus shown in Figures 4 to 8 is as follows:-
The clay belt or stream of the required section passes from the die of the press
or moulding machine (not shown in the drawings) on to the fixed and movable
horses JJK and L and when a sufficient length has passed the wire C to form
two tiles, the wire C is moved across the machine and thus severs the clay belt.
The handle D' is then rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow in Figure 4,
with the result that the horse K together with the severed portion of the clay belt
is moved forward at a quicker rate than that at which the clay is fed to the machine
and a gap is thereby made at the back of the cut-off portion between it and the
"feed
so that a shifter may be applied to push the severed portion of clay further
forward and on to the horses N the latter being locked in the position in which they
are represented in full lines in Figures 4 and 5. At this juncture the operator
releases the stud P from the slot O', pushes the tray O horses N and the clay
thereon into the position shown in dotted lines in Figures 4 and 5 and then operates
the frame R' so as to pass the wires R through the clay and cut it into tile lengths..
Another tray O with horses N N upon it is then placed in the "full line "position
of Figures 4 and 5 to receive the portion of clay next cut off by the wire C. The
tray together with the horses N and ridge tiles S (see Figure 8) is then lifted off
the cutting table Q and placed on a suitable trolley for removal to the drying
shed a tray with horses being ready for replacing in the frame A in the full-line.
position.
On reaching the drying shed the horses N, which are for this purpose provided
with a hole N at each end, are together with ridge tiles S thereon lifted off the
tray by means of bars or handles inserted into these holes and placed in suitable
positions for drying.
It will be seen from Figure 8 that the horses N are so constructed that on the
"ridges" being placed on the drying shelf they (the horses) drop down and can be.
easily withdrawn and replaced on the tray O to be returned to the machine.
The dotted lines marked S in Figures 3 and 8 represent two of the forms of tile
which may be manufactured according to this invention any other forms may
however be inade.
It will be readily understood that the apparatus may be adapted to make at each
operation any desired number of "ridges" other than that for which it is shown
adapted in the accompanying drawings, and further that the horses may be of any
desired shape to suit the shape of the "ridges" to be made.
The tray O together with the horses N upon it and the uncut detached portion
of clay on the horses may be removed from the apparatus when in the full-line
position to enable the clay to be cut and further operated on in a different machine..
We may also construct the apparatus so that any desired holes or equivalent may
be formed in the tiles or <
ridges "simultaneously with the cutting into tile-lengths
by the wires R.
The apparatus though herein specially described as for manufacturing tiles and
ridges may be used for the manufacture of other like articles made of clay.
"
By the word "feed as herein used we mean the portion of the clay belt first.

page_text: delivered on to the before described apparatus or at the part just leaving the die of
the press or moulding machine.
Having now particularly described (and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we
claim is :-
:―
1. In apparatus for the manufacture of tiles "ridges" and other clay goods the
combination with a dividing and cutting table such as B E of a roller-supporting-
frame-extension such as A and tray such as H detachably mounted thereon
substantially as described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
2. In the manufacture of tiles "ridges" and other clay goods in which the
portion to form the tiles is cut off from a continuously moving clay belt and the
speed of the severed portion is accelerated when moving it on to the table whereon
it is divided into lengths delivering these lengths in close succession on to a tray
and removing them and the tray simultaneously from the machine.
3. The manufacture of "ridges" from a continuously moving stream or belt of
plastic material.
4. Manufacturing "ridges" from a continuously moving body of clay and
separating the ridge blank from the rest of the clay while still in motion.
5. Manufacturing "ridges" from a continuously moving stream or belt of clay
by severing a length of clay from the moving stream accelerating the motion of the
detached portion so as to produce a gap between it and the feed inserting a shifter
in the gap and pushing the detached portion forward on to one or more movable
horses moving it together with said horses to the cutting table and cutting it into
lengths thereon substantially as described.
6. In apparatus for the manufacture of tiles "ridges" and other clay goods a
shifting horse such as K and means for moving it such as a drum M and cord M¹
substantially as described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
7. In apparatus for the manufacture of tiles "ridges" and other clay goods the
combination of a horse such as L rollers L' and lubricant container substantially
as described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
8. In apparatus for the manufacture of tiles "ridges" and other clay goods the
combination of an adjustable tray such as means for locking it in position such
as a slot O' and spring controlled bar P P and one or more horses substantially as
described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
9. In the manufacture of a tile "ridge" or other article formed of clay delivering
it from the cutting table by lifting it from said table together with a horse on which
it is supported and a tray supporting the horse substantially as described.
10. In apparatus for the manufacture of tiles "ridges" and other clay goods
from a continuously moving stream or belt of clay the combination with a dividing
device for separating a length of clay from the feed and a device for cutting the
severed portion into tile or finished lengths of a movable horse such as K and
means such as roller M cords M¹ M' weight or spring M³ and handle D' for
operating the horse substantially as described and illustrated in Figures 4, 5 and 6
of the accompanying drawings.
11. The combination and arrangement of parts constituting the complete
apparatus for manufacturing tiles or other clay goods substantially as described
and illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 3 of the accompanying drawings.
12. The combination and arrangement of parts constituting the complete
apparatus for manufacturing tiles or other clay goods substantially as described
and illustrated in Figures 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 of the accompanying drawings.
Dated this Fourth day of October 1894.
ROBERT YARDE FOLEY.
W. P. Thompson & Boult,
Agents for the Applicants.