An Improved Process of and Apparatus for the Manufacture of Metal Casks and the like
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 29th May, 1897
Complete Specification Left, 28th Feb., 1898-Accepted, 28th May, 1898
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Process of and Apparatus for the Manufacture of Metal
Casks and the like,
JOHANN HARMATTA, of Kirchengasse, Szepesvaralja, in the Kingdom of
Hungary, Engineer, and ROBERT MEEBOLD, GUSTAVE WEISS, and HERMANN
BERRER, constituting the Firm of Goeppinger & Co., of Weissinfels, Upper Car-
niola, in the Empire of Austria, Manufacturers, do hereby declare the nature
of this invention to be as follows:-
-
This invention relates to a process and apparatus for the manufacture of metal
casks for purposes of transport (or shipping), including the provision thereof
with undulated screw threads as a means of connection or junction.
The object of this invention is to enable strong and light iron casks with per-
fectly air and water tight joints to be manufactured at the lowest possible cost,
in a manner which, whilst advantageous from the pecuniary point of view, is
calculated readily to meet all requirements of practice, it being mainly intended
to offer a good substitute for the oil and petroleum receptacles hitherto used, viz.,
both the old-fashioned wooden casks and the cylindrical iron casks with rivetted
and soldered or welded joints, which have of late been introduced for want of
proper petroleum carrying vessels or receivers.
The invention further includes a process-together with the requisite means
for its performance with a view to providing smooth walled metal casks with
screw threads, which are distinguishable alike by the simplicity of their con-
struction and by the uncommon strengthening or stiffening effect they produce;
while owing to the undulated configuration of the helical line of the screw thread
a bulging or convex instead of a cylindrical shape is imparted to the cask.
And the invention furthermore comprises a process and tool or instrument for
making a tight connection between two halves of metal casks, the edges
of each half being provided with undulating screw-threads; this method of form-
ing each cask in two parts being extremely profitable and calculated to impart
extraordinary strength to the complete vessel, owing to the stiffening affect pro-
duced by the novel type of joint adopted in connecting the two halves of each
cask.
The invention, will be best understood by reference to the accompanying draw-
ings in which
Figs. 1 to 14 represent one form of construction of the cask halves and
Figs. 16 to 18 a modified form thereof;
Figs. 19 to 23 illustrate the method of construction of the screw threads;
Figs. 24 to 27 illustrate the process and instrument for joining together the
two halves of a cask.
Referring now more particularly to the first form of construction of partial
casks, as exemplified by Figs. 1 to 14.
Figs. 1 to 6 show how the operation of pressing the metal into shape progresses
through its different stages, beginning with the smallest diameter and ending
with the largest ;

page_text: g3. au o inustrate the operation whereby the body which was een 1ª
stamped punched or driven into shapo by the preceding operation (Figs. 1 to 6)
receives the outline of a cask proper;
Fig. 9 illustrates the smoothing or rolling stage;
Figs. 10 and 12 are illustrations of the several stages of a reversed pressing
punching or stamping process commencing with the largest, and finishing with
the smallest diameter.
Fig. 13 corresponds to Figs. 7 and 8, and
Fig. 14 to Fig. 9.
a¹ is the material; b¹ the punch; d' the dic; e a ring encircling the punch
and adapted to hold the material while it is being pressed, relieving it from its
grasp by degrees in accordance with the progress of the pressing operation.
As will be seen by referring to Figs. 1 to 6,-the pressing operation is divided
into a number of successive stages; these figures illustrating that order of suc-
cession in which the smallest diameter is commenced with. As soon as the pressing
with the smallest shaping punch and die has been completed, a punch and die
of the next (larger) size are taken. Owing to this progressive punching there
forms an offset or step such as g¹ in the material at each succeeding stage of
operation.
Fig. 10 to 11 also illustrate progressive punching or pressing in this instance,
however, the largest diameter is first dealt with, while the smaller diameter con-
cludes the operation.
In both cases, after the gradual pressing has been completed, the body or trunk
thus formed is placed between a shaping die and punch (as illustrated in Figs. 7
8, and 13) wherein the off-sets g' are removed, and the surface of the trunk
smoothed out, by pressing, into the proper cask shape.
When the side walls of the body or trunk of the cask have been sufficiently
reduced in thickness, such trunk or body is placed upon a rotary cone or mandrel
and further smoothed down by means of a blunt tool such as is shown in Fig. 9.
But should the material be still too thick, and require reducing in thickness, it
is also placed upon a rotary conical mandrel but instead of being merely smoothed
out it is subjected to a rolling or laminating process by means of either a suitable
roller or a blunt tool, in order to adjust both its thickness and its length to actual
requirements (see Fig. 14).
The second form of construction of cask halves in accordance with this inven-
tion is shown in Figs. 15 to 18.
Fig. 1o being a longitudinal section of two halves of a cask produced by the
method.here referred to;
Figs. 16, 17 and 18 illustrate this method of construction.
As shown in Fig. 15 the cask consists of two separate halves A and B each of
which, in its central part, represents one part of a cask split up into two, and cach
forming one integrul or continuous piece.
The method of manufacture of a cask of this description is as follows:-
A round ingot iron plate of sufficient thickness or depth is hammered and pressed
into the shape of a thin circular and convexo-concave disc, as shown at a, with
thick edges or flanges b.. These flanges, on being placed upon a suitably shaped
mandrel, are laminated, by the action of either a pressure roller or a blunt
tool or mandrel, such as P, so as to take the shape of a hollow thin-walled trun-
cated conc, exactly fitting the mandrel 3, and forming one half of a cask. The
stout flanges are rolled out gradually in the direction of the longitudinal axis of
the cone, the material or metal being for this purpose carried round helically.
To increase the strength of the cask section, annular beads (shoulders or flanges),
such as, may be formed on its surface, by punching or pressing.
The method of forming the novel type of screw threads or helical undulations
is illustrated by Figs. 19 to 23.
Figs. 19, 20 and 23 showing by what means the operation is performed, and
Figs. 21 and 22 being detail views.

page_text: As shown in Fig. 19 of the drawing, a cask section or half,' a³, is fastened in
a turning lathe between discs face plates or chucks such as e b³ Close against
the chuck e, another disc f³ is mounted upon the same shaft. The material
of the trunk or section of the cask extends inwardly somewhat beyond the spiral
coil or removable screw thread g³, loose upon the periphery of the disc, such
spiral coil varying in pitch, according to the depth of the screw thread to be
made on the cusk surface. Now when the trunk of a cask, which is thus securely
held by and between the pieces 63, ³, fa, is, along with these, set in rotary motion,
the metal a³ of the cask being formed is forced, or driven, into the helical spaces
of g by a suitable pressure roller. Whilst undergoing this action the material a
contracts or draws close together the convolutions of the spiral g³; and when this
contraction is completed, and the metal has entirely filled the spaces of the spiral
coil, as shown in Fig. 20, the desired screw thread is finished.
Should the screw threads of certain cask sections or trunks happen to require
less depth and a greater pitch than that shown in Fig. 20 is supposed to do, it
is only necessary to partly compress the spiral g³; in which case the metal being
screw threaded will not contract the spiral, or draw together its convolutions,
the following contrivance being resorted to instead: -
The locking disc or chuck e is provided with apertures or recesses, of sufficient
depth, such as in its end surface ³. In the present example (Fig. 21) there
are supposed to be six such apertures. Luto these, helical springs are removably
inserted, with their ends protruding outside. Against this spiral, the disc f³
(Fig. 22) takes up its position. It will thus be seen that the metal necessary
for filling the helical grooves of the spiral g³ is by this arrangement supplied as
it were automatically, while it is at the same time protected from any tearing
action.
Where quite thin-walled cask trunks have to be dealt with, so that their metal
is incapable of overcoming the resistance of the helical springs inserted into the
apertures while at the same time the automatic drawing in of the metal is
still desirable, a number of the spiral springs may, if required, be removed, and
the operation continued with only such a number of them as may be overcome
by the metal of the cask according to its thickness at the time.
On the same principle, cask trunks may be provided screw threaded throughout,
and the result will be a strong bulging cask, helically undulated from end to
end.
In constructing a cask of this type, the spiral coil or screw g³ is made to con-
form to the truncated cask in length and shape (Fig. 23) the end of such screw,
where its diameter is smallest, resting upon a disc (), by which it is partly
supported, while its other point of support is situated on the disc f
The metal is forced into the grooves of the screw thread or spiral coil in the
same manner as has already been described above.
The spiral is removed from the trunk of cask simply by screwing, and
may then be utilised for scrow threading the next cask section or trunk; the
final result being a bulging helically undulated cask.
The process, and the arrangement of the tool, for connecting the halves,' of
casks constructed in the manner hereinbefore described may be gathered from
Figs. 24 to 27.
Fig. 24 being a section of the tool or instrument in question, while
Fig. 25 illustrates the manner in which it is used;
Fig. 26 is a similar illustration but on a larger scale than Fig. 25 and
Fig. 27 is a section of part of the finished article (as it appears after the tool
has been applied to it).
As shown in Fig. 24, a spindle is mounted in bearings ff. On the spindle
a tube or sleeve is loosely passed. This sleeve is screw threaded on its outer
periphery at g, and is provided with a flange h; and upon such sleeve are ar-
ranged a stationary annular disc a*, a similar but movable and adjustable disc a*,
and a nut c.

page_text: The two halves of a cask, provided with undulating screw threads and screwed
together thereby, are locked in a lathe by the well known appliances, as shown
in Fig. 25. Then the lock device represented in Fig. 26 and forming the sub-
ject of this part of our invention is fitted on to the rest' of the lathe, and is raised
by well known means to the level of the screw-joint uniting the two halves of
the cask in such a manner that their projection fits in between the discs a* at
(Fig. 26).
Now when the cask is set in rotary motion, it will cause the discs a' a*
together with the sleeve b, to turn at the same time on their spindle d'; and
this spindle, in its turn, will revolve in its bearings f, f'; the nut being in
the meantime gradually screwed tight until the undulated joint assumes, in sec-
tion, the shape indicated in Fig. 27.
By thus compressing the undulated screw joint the connection between the cask
sections or halves is rendered strong, secure and tight, and enabled to produce
upon the cask an exceedingly reliable and advantageous stiffening effect.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.O.,
Agents for the Applicants.
An Improved Process of and Apparatus for the Manufacture of Metal
Casks and the like.
We, JOHANN HARMATTA, of Kirchengasse, Szepesvaralja, in the Kingdom of
Hungary, Engineer, and ROBERT MEEBOLD, GUSTAVE WEISS, and HERMANN
BERRER, Constituting the Firm of Goeppinger & Co., of Weissenfels, Upper Car-
niola, in the Empire of Austria, Manufacturers, do hereby declare the nature
of this invention and in what manuer the same is to be performed, to be particu-
larly described and ascertained in and by the following statement:―
This invention relates to a process and apparatus for the manufacture of metal
casks for purposes of transport (or shipping), including the provision thereof
with undulated screw threads as a means of connection or junction.
The object of this invention is to enable strong and light iron casks with per-
fectly air-and-water tight joints to be manufactured at the lowest possible cost,
in a manner which, whilst advantageous from the pecuniary point of view, is
caculated readily to meet all requirements of practice; it being mainly intended
to offer a good substitute for the oil and petroleum receptacles hitherto used, viz.,
both the old-fashioned wooden casks and the cylindrical iron caska with rivetted
and soldered or welded joints, which have of late been introduced for want of
proper petroleum carrying vessels or receivers.
The invention further includes a process together with the requisite means
for its performance with a view to providing smooth walled metal casks with
screw threads, which are distinguishable alike by the simplicity of their con-
struction and by the uncommon strengthening or stiffening effect they produce;
while owing to the undulated configuration of the helical line of the screw thread
a bulging or convex instead of a cylindrical shape is imparted to the cask.
And the invention furthermore comprises a process and tool or instrument for
making a tight connection between two parts forming the metal casks, the edges
of each half being provided with undulating screw-threads; this method of form-
ing each cask in two parts being extremely profitable and calculated to impart
extraordinary strength to the complete vessel, owing to the stiffening effect pro-

page_text: duced by the novel type of joint adopted in connecting the two halves or each
cask.
The invention will be best understood by reference to the drawings, accompany-
ing our Provisional Application in which,
Figures 1 to 14 represent one form of construction of the cask-halves, and
Figures 15 to 18 a modified form thereof;
Figures 19 to 23 illustrate the method of construction of the screw threads;
Figures 24 to 27 illustrate the process and instrument for joining together the
two halves of a cask.
Referring now more particularly to the first form of construction of partial
casks, as exemplified by Figures 1 to 14.
Figures 1 to 6 show how the operation of pressing the metal into shape pro-
gresses through its different stages, beginning with the smallest diameter and
anding with the largest;
Figures 7 and 8 illustrate the operation whereby the body which has been
pressed, stamped, punched, or driven into shape by the preceding operation
(Figures 1 to 6) receives the outline of a cask proper.
Figures 9 illustrate the smoothing or rolling stage;
Figures 10, 11, and 12 are illustrations of the several stages of a reversed
pressing punching or stamping process, commencing with the largest, and finishing
with the smallest diameter.
Figure 13 corresponds to Figures 7 and 8, and
Figure 14, to Figure 9.
a is the material; b₁ the punch; d the die & a ring encircling the punch and
adapted to hold the material while it is being pressed, relieving it from its grasp
by degrees in accordance with the progress of the pressing operation.
As will be seen by referring to Figures 1 to 6, the pressing operation is divided
into a number of successive stages; these figures illustrating that order of suc-
cession in which the smallest diameter is commenced with. As soon as the pres-
sing with the smallest shaping punch and die has been completed a punch and
die of the next (larger) size are taken owing to this progressive punching there
forms an off set or step such as g¹ in the material at each succeeding stage of
operation.
Figures 10 to 12 also illustrate progressive punching or pressing in this instance
however the largest diameter is first dealt with, while the smaller diameter con-
cludes the operation.
In both cases, after the gradual pressing has been completed the body or trunk
thus formed is placed between a shaping die and punch (as illustrated in Figures 7,
8, and 13), wherein the off-sets g are removed, and the surface of the trunk
smoothed out, by pressing into the proper cask shape.
When the side walls, of the body or trunk of the cask have been sufficiently
reduced in thickness, such trunk or body is placed upon a rotary cone or mandrel
and further smoothed down by means of a blunt tool such as is shown in Figure 9.
But should the material be still too thick and require reducing in thickness, it
is also placed upon a rotary conical mandrel but instead of being merely smoothed
out it is subjected to a rolling or laminating process by means of either a suitable
roller or a blunt tool, in order to adjust both its thickness and its length to actual
requirements (see Figure 14).
The accond form of construction of cask halves in accordance with this invention
is shown in Figures 15 to 18.
Figure 15 being a longitudinal section of two halves of a cask produced by the
method here referred to;
Figure 16, 17, and 18 illustrate this method of construction.
As shown in Figure 15 the cask consists of two separate halves A and B
5 each of which, in its central part, represents one part of a cask split up into two
and each forming one integral or continuous piece.
The method of manufacture of a cask of this description is as follows;

page_text: A round iron plate or ingot of sufficient thickness or depth is hammered and
pressed into the shape of a thin circular and convexo-concave disc, as shown at a³.
with thick edges or flanges 63. These flanges, on being placed upon a suitably
shaped mandrel, are laminated, by the action of either a pressure roller dor
a blunt tool or mandrel, such as , so as to take the shape of a hollow thin walled
truncated cone, exactly fitting the mandrel &³, and forming one half of a cask.
The stout flanges are rolled out gradually over a cone shaped mandril and provided
with annular stiffening corrugations such as in order to add to their rigidity.
The method of forming the novel type of screw threads or helical undulations
is illustrated by Figures 19 to 23.
Figures 19, 20, and 23 showing by what means the operation is performed and
Figures 21 and 22 being detail views.
As shown in Figure 19 of the drawings, a cask-section or "half," a³, is chucked
in a turning lathe between disc face plates or chucks such as e Close against
the chuck, another disc f³ is mounted upon the same shaft d³. The material
of the trunk or section of the cask extends inwardly somewhat beyond the spiral
coil or removable screw-thread g', loose upon the per phery of the disc f; such
spiral coil varying in pitch, according to the depth of the screw thread to be
made on the cask surface. Now when the trunk of a cask, which is thus securely
held by and between the pieces b³, 3, is along with these, set in rotary motion,
the metal as of the cask being formed; is forced or driven, into the helical spaces
of 3 by a suitable pressure roller. Whilst undergoing this action the material a³
contracts or draws closer together the convolutions of the spiral g³; and when
this contraction is completed, and the metal has entirely filled the spaces of the
spiral coil, as shown in Figure 20, the desired screw thread is finished.
Should the screw threads of certain cask sections or trunks happen to require
less depth, and a greater pitch than that shown in Figure 20, is supposed to do;
it is only necessary to partly compress the spiral g; in which case the metal,
being screw-threaded, will not contract the spiral, or draw together its convo-
lutions, the following contrivance being resorted to instead:-
The locking disc or chuck 3 is provided with apertures or recesses of sufficient
depth, such as 3, in its end surface . In the present example (Figure 21) there
are supposed to be six such apertures. Into these, helical springs are removably
inserted with their ends protruding outside. Against this spiral, the disc
(Figure 22) takes up its position. It will thus be seen that the metal necessary
for filling the helical grooves of the spiral g³, is by this arrangement supplied
as it were automatically, while it is at the same time protected from any tearing
action.
Where quite thin-walled cask-trunks have to be dealt with, so that their metal
is incapable of overcoming the resistance of the helical springs inserted into the
apertures, while at the same time the automatic "drawing-in" of the metal
is still desirable, a number of the spiral springs may, if required, be removed,
and the operation continued with only such a number of them as may be overcome
by the metal of the cask, according to its thickness at the time.
On the same principle, cask trunks may be provided screw-threaded throughout,
and the result will be a strong bulging cask, helically undulated from end to end.
In constructing a cask of this type, the spiral coil or screw g³ is made to con-
form to the truncated cask in length and shape (Figure 23); the end of such
screw, where its diameter is smallest, resting upon a disc (), by which it is
partly supported, whilo its other point of support is situated on the disc f.
The metal is forced into the grooves of the screw thread or spiral coil in the same
manner as has already been described above.
The spiral is removed from the trunk of cask simply by screwing, and may
then be utilized for screw threading the next cask-section or trunk: the final
result being a bulging, helically undulated cask.
The process, and the arrangement of the tool, for connecting the "halves" of

page_text: casks constructed in the manner hereinbefore described may be gathered from
Figures 24 to 27.
Figure 24 being a section of the tool or instrument in question; while
Figure 26 illustrates the manner in which it is used;
Figure 26 is a similar illustration but on a larger scale than Figure 25; and
Figure 27 is a section of part of the finished article (as it appears after the tool
has been applied to it).
As shown in Figure 24, a spindle d' is mounted in bearings f* f. On the
spindle a tube or sleeve 6 is loosely passed. This sleeve is screw-threaded on
its outer periphery, at g, and is provided with a flange ; and upon such sleeve
are arranged a stationary annular disc a, a similar but movable and adjustable
disc a, and a nut c¹.
The two halves of a cask, provided with undulating screw threads and screwed.
together thereby, are locked in a lathe by the well-known appliances, as shown
in Figure 25; then the lock-device, represented in Figure 26 and forming the
subject of this part of our invention is fitted on to the "rest" of the lathe, and
is raised by well-known means to the level of the screw-joint uniting the two
halves of the cask in such a manner that their projection fits in between the
discs at a (Figure 26).
Now when the cask is set in rotary motion it will cause the discs a* a³,
together with the sleeve b', to turn at the same time on their spindle, *; and
this spindle, in its turn, will revolve in its bearings ff; the nut c* being in
the meantime gradually screwed tight by a spanner or other suitable means until
the undulated joint assumes, in section, the shape indicated in Figure 27.
By thus compressing the undulated screw-joint, the connection between the
cask-sections or halves is rendered strong, secure and tight, and enabled to pro-
duce upon the cask an exceedingly reliable and advantageous stiffening effect.
The usual hoops may therefore be dispensed with.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said in-
vention and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what
we claim is:-
1. A process of manufacturing metal casks for purposes of transport (or ship-
ping), and more especially for carrying mineral oils, but applicable also to other
substances; in the performance of which process metal plates are gradually pressed
between shaping dies and punches, in several successive stages, until they acquire
the desired dimensions; after which they are pressed between other shaping
punches and dies corresponding in shape to the cask to be produced; and then
smoothed in a lathe by means of a blunt. tool or mandrel; they being rolled or
laminated (instead of being merely smoothed) in those cases where the walls of
the cask-section or trunk need reducing in thickness, or where the body of such
cask-section has to be lengthened out; as illustrated in Figures 1 to 14.
2. A process of manufacturing screw-threaded halves of casks for transport or
shipping purposes; in the performance of which process a metal plate is ham-
mered or pressed into the shape of a slightly arched sheet (or disc) provided with
a stout flange; such flange being rolled out gradually over a cone-shaped man-
drel and provided with annular stiffening corrugations such as e³, in order to add.
to its rigidity; as illustrated in Figures 15 to 18.
3. A process for the construction of screw-threads on metal casks, for the pur-
pose of joining together the halves of each cask into one bulging vessel; the
main feature of the process being that a cask-section or trunk is locked in a lathe,
while a disc or pulley, whercon a spiral coil or removable scrow-thread is slipped,
is rigidly secured on the lathe-spindle; the metal overlying the grooves or spaces
between the convolutions of the spiral being pressed into such spaces or grooves
by a suitable pressure roller, and by such means screw threaded; as illustrated
in Figures 19 to 23.
4. A process of manufacture of a bulging cask provided with screw-threads;

page_text: "half" is
the main feature of such process being, that a cask-section, trunk or
locked in a lathe, whereon there is arranged an unwound or expanded resilient
spiral, corresponding to the cask-trunk in size; the metal of the truncated section
which overlies the spaces between the convolutions of the spiral being pressed
into such spaces by means of a suitable pressure roller, whereby a continuous
screw thread is formed, extending over the whole periphery of the cask from end
to end; as illustrated in Figures 19 to 23.
5. Appliances for carrying out the process referred in Claims 3 and 4, mainly
consisting of a spiral coil, such as g³, accommodating the cask in process of form-
ation, in shape, or extending only over part of the surface; such spiral coil being
slipped onto a disc or pulley, such as f³, which is keyed on the rotary shaft
of a lathe, or interposed between the said disc and a locking disc or chuck 13;
the metal to be corrugated being fed automatically owing to the resilient nature
of either the spiral coil itself or of a set of helical springs inserted between the
locking disc and the spiral-carrying disc ; as illustrated in Figures 19 to 23.
6. A method of providing a tight joint between the halves of a metal cask,
the edges of which halves are screw-threaded; such method of junction, mainly
consisting in setting a cask, consisting of halves screwed together, in rotary
motion; their connecting flanges being at the same time gradually pressed until
the inner faces of such connecting flanges become so compressed that there forms
a strong and reliable air-tight joint imparting great rigidity to the cask as a
whole and affording an advantageous substitute for the protecting hoops hitherto
generally employed; all as illustrated in Figures 24 to 27.
7. A device for making the connection referred to in Claim 6, the main feature
whereof is that a tube, sleeve or socket, screw-threaded on its periphery, nut as b',
is revolvably mounted upon a spindle capable of rotating about its own axis;
upon which socket or sleeve are placed two annular discs such as a' a', movable
in relation to each other and adjustable by means of a screw-nut, such as ';
the object of the arrangement being to cause the sleeve 64, when the undulating
screw thread of the rotating cask is locked in position, to revolve on the
spindle, together with the adjustable discs a a; and at the same time to
cause the said spindle to revolve about its own axis; as illustrated in Figures 24
to 27.
8. A cask consisting of two halves, the connecting edges or flanges of which
are provided with screw shaped undulations and thereby screwed together; the
main distinguishing feature of such cask being that the rib formed by its joints
is powerfully compressed; so that the inner surface of the connecting flanges
(composing such rib) are brought into so close a contact with each other as to en-
sure a strong and airtight connection and impart great rigidity to the cask; owing
to which arrangement the usual hoops may be dispensed with being replaced by
the helical ribs pressed or punched out of the metal of the cask itself; as illus-
trated by Figures 24 to 27.
Dated this 28th day of February 1898.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicants.