IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF CAST METAL PIPES OR TUBES OR SIMILAR ARTICLES AND IN APPARATUS THEREFOR
Year: 1883

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Robert Lake of the firm of Haseltine, Lake,
& Co, Patent Agents, Southampton Buildings London for an Invention
of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF CAST METAL PIPES OR TUBES
OR SIMILAR ARTICLES AND IN APPARATUS THEREFOR communicated to
him from abroad by Frederick Shickle, of St Louis, Missouri, United States
of America Manufacturer
دو
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Robert Lake at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 15th December 1883.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the firm of Haseltine Lake & Co Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings London, "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF CAST
METAL PIPES OR TUBES OR SIMILAR ARTICLES, AND IN APPARATUS THEREFOR
[a communication to him from abroad by Frederick Shickle, of St Louis, Missouri,
United States of America, Manufacturer]
"
This invention relates to the manufacture of pipes and similar castings and
comprises improved methods and apparatus for use in the said manufacture as
hereinafter described.
One part of the said invention relates to apparatus for forming cores and moulds
for pipes and similar castings.
In carrying this part of the said invention into practice the clay or other
material used in coating the core bar and lining or making the mould is deposited
endwise upon the core bar or mould, beginning at one end of the core or mould
and laying the material on until the other end of the core bar or mould is reached,
enabling the operation to be readily and easily performed.
In forming the core I provide a core bar of the kind ordinarily used in pipe
making which core, when finished, has a clay coating. It is this coating that is,
by means of the present improvement to be formed upon the core bar. I also
provide a pit such as is used in pipe making; a hopper supported from the wall of
the said pit, the said hopper being preferably arranged, by means of an arm to
swing horizontally upon a bearing upon the wall. The hopper can be swung

page_text: around so as to bring it either over the ground without the pit wall, or to project,
from the pitwall inwardly over the pit. The core bar is adapted to be moved
upward and downward in the pit, through the hopper when the latter is projecting
inwardly from the pitwall. To this end the core bar, at its lower end, is held in
or supported upon a socket which, in turn, is supported upon a ram. The socket
is detachable from the ram to enable sockets of different sizes to be used.
The ram is moved upward and downward by any suitable means, preferably by
bydraulic power, the said ram working in a suitable water cylinder in the ordinary
manner, and in connection with the usual appliances of hydraulic rams. The said
socket fits an opening in the hopper and also coincides in diameter with the
finished core, that is when the clay coating has been applied to the core bar.
In operation the core bar is first secured to the socket in an upright position.
For this purpose the core bar is furnished with dowels, which, when the said core
bar is in place, pass downward through the socket, and underneath the latter are
perforated to receive keys. The hopper being swung around over the pit so as to
bring the opening in the hopper exactly over the socket, and the hopper being
secured in that position, say by means of a pin passing through the arm, into a
bracket, upon the pitwall, the ram is elevated to bring the socket and core bar
into position, the socket coming up to the opening in the hopper, and the core bar
projecting upward through the said opening. The hopper is then filled with the
material, to be applied to the core bar and form the desired coating thereon. In
this initial position the socket closes the opening of the hopper. The ram, socket
and core bar are then lowered. As the socket drops below the hopper the coating
begins to form upon the core bar.
The material is suitably prepared to adhere to the core bar. After the socket
has dropped below the hopper an annular space, at the bottom of the hopper
surrounds the core bar. The material falls into this annular space and against the
core bar. The result is the forming of the coating upon the core_bar, and of a
thickness sufficient to complete the core to the desired diameter. By continuing
to lower the core bar the coating is made to extend the length of the said core bar
and the core is finished so far as the application of the coating is concerned.
If desired the core bar can be passed upward and downward through the hopper
more than once, and either to perfect the original coating or to apply the coating
in instalments or layers. As the upper end of the core bar drops below the
hopper a cap, which has been resting upon the core bar, lodges in the bottom of the
hopper (the cap in diameter being larger than the opening in the hopper) and
closes the said opening. This prevents the remnant of the material in the hopper
from dropping through the hopper. The hopper can now be swung upon the
bearing over a basin, and then by raising the cap, the material can fall into the
basin and there be combined with a fresh lot of coating material. The said basin
is a convenient receptacle in which the coating material can be prepared and
thence, as needed, transferred to the hopper. When the core bar is elevated the
upper end of the core bar encountering the cap lifts the latter from the hopper and
supports it until the core bar is again lowered. The hopper is, at the bottom,
preferably made with a removable ring. This ring enables the diameter of the
opening in the hopper to be adjusted to the size of the intended core, the ring,
while externally fitting the hopper being internally of different diameter to suit
the desired size of core. If desired, that part of the socket with which the coating
comes immediately in contact may be made to rotate upon the main part of the
socket to enable the connection between the coating and the socket to be readily
broken, for occasionally the clay may adhere to the socket. By turning the part of
the said socket around, the clay is detached. The socket is also made detachable
from the ram, so that it may be changed to suit the size of core being made.
The water cylinder extends downward below the bottom, of the pit. To prevent
the ram from being lifted too high in the cylinder the latter is furnished with a
stop or ring, and the ram is furnished with a projection to encounter the said stop.
The water cylinder is made in two parts, and the said stop is inserted in the
1

page_text: cylinder at the junction of the said parts resting upon the lower part, and at its upper
edge encountering a shoulder in the upper part. The said ring or stop is notched
and the ram is provided with projections which fit the notches. The ram is dropped
into the cylinder the said projections passing down in the notches and after passing
the stop, the ram is turned around so as to bring the projections out of line with
the notches. In this position the ring acts as a stop. The ram, however, can at
any time be removed from the cylinder by turning the said ram around until the
notches are in line with the projections, whereupon the ram can be raised.
The lining of the mould will now be described. The core is removed from the
ram and a cone shaped head attached to the ram The mould is then placed in
position over the cone shaped head and is upheld upon a stand to provide suitable
access to the lower end of the said mould. The stand, in diameter, is large enough
not to interfere with that portion of the apparatus used in operating the core bar.
The mould by means of suitable detachable fastenings is secured to the stand and
so as to be concentric with the head and the ram. The pipe may be cast the bell
end downward. The pattern can be vertically adjusted in the upper part of the
stand. The head which fits the pattern is equal to the internal diameter of the
finished mould and is preferably of conical form. The material used in lining
the mould, and in proper condition therefor, is poured into the mould and is upheld
therein by means of the head. The head, by means of the ram, is then moved
upward in the mould and as the said head ascends, the material falls into the
annular space around the head and between the head and the mould and is pressed
against the inner surface of the flask and caused to adhere thereto. By continuing
to elevate the head to the upper end of the flask, the lining is formed therein The
surplus material remaining after forming the lining and lifted by the head above
the flask, is received in a pan, at the top of the flask. The head ascends through
an opening in the bottom of the pan. The head at its largest diameter, is slightly
larger than the opening in the pan and by continuing to elevate the head the pan
containing the surplus material is also lifted, the head serving to close the opening
in the pan, Then by connecting a suitable lift-say a crane--to the eye the head
carrying the pan can be lifted from off the socket and borne away from the flask to
a suitable place for dumping the material A suitable ring is employed at the top
of the flask for forming the bead-part of the mould. The lower part of the lining
may, before elevating the head as described, be packed in the usual way by
rammers. The mould can be lined, by means of the present improvement the bell
end upward, in which case the parts are, by any suitable means therefor, held in
place in the mould.
As is understood, in making cores for castings such as pipes, it is essential to
construct the core so that, after the pipe is cast, the core bar can be separated from
its coating. Otherwise the core cannot be withdrawn from the pipe. To this end it
has been customary, in making the core, to first wrap the core bar with a band of
hay, and then finish the core with an outer coating of clay. Then as the casting is
made, the head incidental thereto effects the combustion of the hay, thereby operating
to separate the bond between the core-bar and its outer coating. The core bar is
then withdrawn from the pipe after which the clay coating is removed from the
pipe. In the present case the core bar can be separated from its outer coating. In
place, however, of a hay band for the inner combustible coating I employ a pulp
which is equally combustible with the hay band referred to but sufficiently plastic
in its original condition, to enable it to be applied to the core bar in accordance with
the present method. That is, the pulp, made preferably of such material as horse
manure cut straw or the like, and in a semi fluid state, is placed in the hopper, and
thence transferred to the core bar, as above described forming the sub-coating. The
outer coating is similarly applied forming the complete covering.
The apparatus thus far described is adapted more especially for clay moulds and
is unfitted for sand. For in forming a mould of clay it is practicable to force a
conical head through the clay when a body of it is deposited in the mould upon
the head. As the head is forced upward the clay readily parts and flows around

page_text: the head and is deposited upon the mould. But when it is attempted to use sand
in connection with such a head the sand becomes wedged around the head and
the aparatus becomes inoperative To provide an apparatus adapted for sand is
the object of another part of this invention. According to this part of the
invention, in place of a head and instead of allowing the sand to extend across the
interior of the mould above the head, the sand, previous to its being compressed,
is held in an annular form against the shell of the mould throughout its length.
That is, prior to the application thereto of pressure, the sand from the bottom to
the top of the mould is arranged in the form of a tubular lining, the thickness of
which is as much greater than that of the finished lining as the sand in practice is
compressed. This tube of loose sand is held in place by means of a cylinder
which extends from the bottom to the top of the mould and which at its lower
end has a tapered enlargement or collar, the diameter of which is equal to that of
the finished mould. The cylinder and its enlargement or collar are adapted to be
moved together and as one part, and the tubular body of sand is compressed, and
the sand-lining suitably formed in the mould by forcing the cylinder with its
enlargement or collar longitudinally through the sand. That portion of the
compressor which is above the tapered enlargement serves to hold the sand in
position to be compressed, and the enlarged portion of the compressor acts to
compress the sand. When other than a cylindrical lining is formed the cylinder
and enlargement above referred to are suitably modified in cross section to suit the
cross-sectional shape of the mould; and when a mould for a pipe having a bell-end
is to be formed the sand-compressing device may be provided with a special
attachment for compressing the sand in the bell part of the mould.
In carrying this part of the said Invention into practice I provide a flask of the
customary form. The said flask may be arranged for casting the pipe with the
bell-end downward, The flask rests upon a stand, being suitably and detachably
secured thereto by means of fastenings. The stand, in turn, should be suitably
secured to a fixed support. A convenient method is to attach the stand to legs
and fasten the legs to the base. The device for forming the sand lining in the
mould is composed substantially of a main cylindrical portion and a tapered
enlargement. The last named part is in practice, secured to the main cylindrical
part by means of the bolts, the bolts at their lower ends being attached to an
extension of the tapered enlargement. The compressor in effecting its work may
be drawn or forced upward through the flask, and is operated by means of a ram,
which is adapted to work upwards and downwards through the foundation and is
provided with a tapering head fitted to engage in a socket in the extension of the
compressor. I may adopt any other mode of connecting the main cylindrical part
and tapered enlargement and the compressor and ram. A part of the apparatus is
operated in connection with the compressor for the purpose of forming the bell
portion of the mould. The said part is annular in form and is fitted to be slipped
upward and downward in the stand and at its upper end, is shaped suitably to
form, when elevated, the bell-part of the mould. The said annular part is
preferably connected with the compressor so as to be moved therewith This is
accomplished preferably by means of pins which pass through perforations in the
annular part and project into a groove in the compressor: When the compressor is
lifted it encounters the pins and the annular part rises with the compressor. In
operation, the compressor being suitably centred in the flask, the annular space
between the main cylindrical, part the tapering enlarged part the annular part and
the flask is filled with sand. The compressor and annular part by means of the
ram are then lifted so as to compress the sand in the bell-part of the flask. In
doing this the parts are moved. As the parts rise the shoulder upon the annular
part encounters a shoulder on the stand preventing the further upward movement
of the compressor and annular part The annular part is provided with pins
which project outward through slots in the stand and as the annular part rises the
said pins move upward. Blocks are then inserted into the slots serving thereby to
support and uphold the pins and through the pins, the annular part, The sand in

page_text: the bell-part of the mould being compressed the compressing of the sand in the
main portion of the flask is now proceeded with.
For this purpose the annular part must now be detached from the compressor.
Accordingly the retaining pins are withdrawn from the groove, and, if desired,
entirely withdrawn. The stand is suitably cut away to provide room for the outer
end of the pins as the annular part is lifted as above described. The compressor is
now free of the annular part and the last named part, by means of its pins and
blocks remains supported upon the stand and is then moved upward through the
flask. The main portion of the compressor serves, as stated, to hold a tubular
body of sand in place against the shell of the flask. This tubular body of sand is
just enough, when the operation is properly effected, to form the flask lining, and
it only needs to be compressed laterally against the shell of the flask. To effect
this compression is the function of the tapered enlargement or collar. The difference
in the diameters of the main portion and the tapered enlargement is the extent to
which the sand is compressed. The compressor is forced or drawn upward through
the flask and the diameter of the tubular body of sand is thereby enlarged to the
diameter of the tapered enlargement. The movement of the said enlargement is
The latter in turn are
guided partly by rollers which are journalled in arms.
journalled in a ring upon the top of the flask. When the enlargement comes
against the rollers the keys are removed and the arms are turned backward leaving
room for the enlargement to pass. The ring is held in place by the bolts and keys.
The annular part is then removed and, to separate it from the sand, the part is, by
means of its pins turned around in which movement the said pins follow the slots,
that is, the annular part is first rotated horizontally and then spirally downward.
The ring is provided with a flange. As the compressor is lifted in the flask the
sand is forced into a space behind the said flange. After, or, as, the enlargement is
withdrawn from the flask the ring is removed leaving an impression in the sand
corresponding to the shape of the flange. A head-ring is inserted in the outer
portion of this space, but leaving an unoccupied space just within the upper part
of the head-ring. A runner is then placed upon the top of the flask and head-ring.
The said runner has a flange which fits into the (hitherto) unoccupied space within
the head-ring and serves to complete the mould at its upper end. The pipe may
then after inserting the core, be cast in the usual manner. The mould is dried
in the usual manner, and at the proper stage of the operation.
In applying the black-wash I provide a disc or plunger coinciding in diameter
with the internal diameter of the mould after the sand has been compressed. The
black-wash is poured into the mould upon the disc and the disc is then by suitable
means, such as chains leading from the disc over bearings, elevated through the
mould. The black-wash flows against, and is applied to the sand lining as the disc
rises, the application of the black-wash to the lining being promoted by giving a
conical shape to the disc. If there is a surplus of black-wash, after the disc has
reached the top of the mould it overflows and is caught in a trough. This trough
and an arch which supports a bearing, may be connected, and they may be attached
to a ring which, when the black-washing device is being used, is fitted into a
depression in the ring. According to a modification adapted to moulds for small
pipes, the annular part is upheld upon the compressor by means of a pin and, after
the annular part has been elevated to compress the sand in the bell-part of the
mould, the pin is withdrawn, whereupon the compressor can be drawn upward into
the mould. The annular part when detached from the compressor, is upheld by
means of other pins which are passed through the stand into a lug upon the said
part. The core bar consists mainly of a cylinder having a bottom, a top bar, and a
tie-rod. The core-bar in forming the core, rests upon, and is secured to, a stand which,
in turn, is secured to a suitable foundation. The bottom rests in a socket in the stand
and is secured thereto by means of the bolt and keys. The cylinder rests upon the
bottom, the top-bar rests upon the cylinder and the cylinder, bottom and top bar are
fastened together by means of the tie-rod. The bottom is provided with a staple.
The tie-rod, at its lower end, is forked, terminating in eyes. The eyes and staple

page_text: are brought into engagement and by means of a bolt the various parts of the
core-bar are connected. The core-bar being in place upon the stand, a cylinder is
lowered around it, and the tubular space is filled with the sand. The cylinder
extends from the bottom to the top of the core-bar, and, in diameter, is enough
larger than the core-bar cylinder to contain just enough sand to form the desired
coating upon the core-bar. At its lower end the cylinder is provided with a ring
which is attached to the cylinder say by means of bolts. The said ring is used to
compress the sand against the core-bar and its internal diameter at the narrowest
point is equal to the diameter of the finished core. The said ring is made of
suitable strength and enlarges toward its upper end until it coincides in diameter
with the cylinder. During the introduction of the loose sand into the tubular
space the cylinder and rings rest upon pins, after which the cylinder and ring are,
by any suitable means, such as a lift attached to ears drawn upward until the ring
has cleared the core-bar. The ring as it rises compresses and contracts the sand
upon the core-bar cylinder, reducing the sand to the thickness of the finished
coating. The black-wash is held in an annular hopper which, after the coating has
been formed upon the core-bar, is by any suitable means drawn upward upon the
The wash flows from the hopper into the core, and any surplus remaining in
the hopper, when it clears the top of the core is caught in a pan which, for that
purpose, rests in the top of the core. To support the pan it is furnished with a
flange which is adapted to fit the top of the core. The said pan is suitably shaped
at its centre to admit the tie rod.
core.
The chains for elevating the hopper are conveniently passed over a bearing
which, in turn, is supported upon the pan. When the core has been used, it is
desirable to be able to readily contract the core-bar cylinder in order to separate it
from the coating. To this end the said core-bar cylinder is divided vertically and
at one side of the opening, and upon the inner side of the cylinder, is provided
with a nut and at the other side with a stud. A plate is provided having lugs and
being slotted to receive the said nut and the stud respectively.
A threaded rod having shoulders passes through the said lugs and nut The said
slot is inclined and when the rod is rotated the plate moves upward or downward;
and the stud and nut are drawn together or moved apart, as the rod is turned, and
the core-bar cylinder thereby collapsed or expanded. In practice the plate is
extended from the top to the bottom of the said cylinder and is provided with
several sets of nuts and studs. To relieve the studs and nuts from strain when the
core is contracted by the cooled casting, the said plate is made to work between
shoulders. To guide the cylinder in contracting and expanding it, it is at one side
of the opening provided with strips which are adapted to work between strips on
the other side of the opening.
To the success of the present mode of lining moulds or coating core-bars it is
essential that the flask or core bar be arranged vertically, and that the tubular body
of sand be placed within the flask or upon the core bar before the compression of
the sand is initiated. That is, the full amount of sand needed for making the
lining or coating must be placed in position before the compressing device is
brought into operation.
Further, it is essential that the compressor shall be moved upward, and not
downward, in compressing the sand. For, if downward, the loose sand is apt to be
dislodged and to drop lower down in the flask causing the casting to be imperfect.
And at the extreme lower end of the mould or core the sand is liable to be broken
and carried down with the compressor, and the mould or core, in consequence, to 5
be ruined.
Another part of this invention relates to the construction of the pit in which
the moulding and casting are conducted and the flasks and cores prepared; to the
mode of supporting the flasks in the pit; to the mode of constructing the flask and
core ovens and supporting the flask and cores respectively therein; and to the mode 5
of heating the ovens.
According to this part of the said invention the pit is divided into two or more

page_text: rooms which may be connected by a passage. That is, the pit may have as many
separate rooms as in practice may be grouped, and the adjoining rooms may have
for the purpose of transferring the flasks and cores from one room to another, as
many connecting passages as may be needed. At the ends of one or more of the
rooms the ovens for drying the flasks and cores may be arranged, the flask ovens
being say at one end of the rooms, and the core-ovens at the other end. If desired,
the rooms may be extended beyond the ovens. The pit is surrounded by a platform
and between the rooms are other platforms. This provides ample support for those
of the operatives who are employed at the top of the pit. By thus dividing the
pit a large number of flasks can be handled and operated in a comparatively
small space, and with a single hoisting device such as a travelling crane whose
truck rolls upon the elevated track and whose hoist can be moved over all the
compartments.
With such a device suitably arranged and operated from overhead, the various
flasks, cores and pipes can be moved along the rooms transferred to and from the
ovens and transferred to and from the various rooms and elevated and lowered as
desired.
Another feature is the relative position of the pit-wall and the flasks when
suspended in the pit. Heretofore it has been the practice to suspend pipe-flasks in
immediate proximity to the pit-wall. It is desirable to provide room between the
flasks and the pit-wall, so that the operatives can reach readily all around the lower
end of the flasks. To this end the flasks are, in the present instance, suspended
at such a distance from the wall as to enable a person to practically pass entirely
around the flask, and, as the most desirable means therefor, the flasks are hung
upon a beam which, in turn, is upheld upon a row of posts. The posts at the top
are braced by beams and toward the level of the lower end of the flasks are braced
by other beams. The posts may also be stayed by tie-rods. A horizontal beam is
attached to the posts and the flasks at their lower ends are thereby supported
laterally. The flask is provided with a bracket one edge of which engages in the
notch in the horizontal beam. This notch is in a line perpendicular with the pivot
upon which the flask at its upper end is hung. The bracket is provided with a
shoulder in the form of a flange and by means of the hook one end of which hooks
upon the said flange and the other end catches against the horizontal beam, the flask
is confined to the said beam and prevented from swinging outward therefrom being
otherwise liable to occur when the core bar or pattern is being withdrawn from the
flask. The said hook can be detached when it is desired to remove the flask. The
same method may be employed in suspending the flasks, that is to say in place of
the closed wall posts beams and tie rods are employed forming an open construction
which enables the operatives to pass all around the flasks and, also one which is
self-sustaining. The platforms rest upon beams.
The flask ovens have doors which swing horizontally to enable the flasks to be
transferred to and from the pit, and the oven tops are also removable, to provide
for the hoist-chains in handling the flasks. The tasks rest in the oven upon bars
which are spaced apart to provide for the passage upward into the oven, of the heat
which is transmitted, preferably from a fire box. This fire-box, or grate, as it may
be indifferently termed, is shaped to contain fuel, has apertures for the admission
of air to the fuel, and is mounted on wheels, to enable the fire-box to be rolled on
the track into and out of the chamber. To replenish the box, it may be withdrawn
into the pit, there filled, and then rolled back again into the chamber. An air blast
introduced through an inlet to reach the fire-box, may be employed to supply air
thereto in any desired quantity. Similar devices may be similarly employed to
heat the core ovens.
These ovens have horizontally swinging doors and removable or hinged tops.
The cores are supported in the oven by means of a reel. The said reel is arranged
vertically, and is journalled in bars. The cores are set into the reel by passing the
journals of the core bars into bearings, in the top and bottom of the reel. The
bearings are at the inner ends of the slots in the top and bottom of the reel. In

page_text: this manner a comparatively large number of cores can be packed into a limited
space and so as to be entirely free of each other and readily moved. For, by
rotating the reel in its journal bearings, any part or side of it is made accessible.
The cores are secured in the bearings by means of hinged bars which, after inserting
the core in its place in the reel, are turned down upon the outer side of the
journals.
The pit may be of rectangular circular or any other suitable form.
A room may be extended to form an outer circle, and another room to form an
inner circle. The two concentric circles may be connected by passage-ways,
without departing from the principle of the improvement.
So far as supporting the flasks upon an open frame is concerned, the construction
and flask may be above ground as well as in a pit. For with such a support for
the flasks the operatives not only can approach the flask from all sides but also be
able to carry on an otherwise very oppressive work with more comfort and safety.
The air can circulate freely through the frame, and in case of accident, the operatives
have opportunity for escape.
This invention further relates to that part of the moulding-apparatus which
forms the bell of the pipe.
According to this part of the said invention the core the flask--shell, and the
lining are of the customary form and construction. The socket is preferably in
one piece with the bottom of the flask, as this facilitates handling this portion of
the moulding-mechanism. But, whether in one piece with the flask-bottom, or not
the coating has been formed upon the socket by wrapping the socket with a rope
and then applying thereto the material from which the coating is formed. Such a
socket is objectionable, first, because the upper edge of the coating is apt to give
away when the metal is poured onto it, and, second, because it is difficult to
remove the coating from the socket after the coating has, from the heat of the
coating, become hardened thereon. Forming the coating also becomes expensive,
comparatively, in that the rope used in the construction cannot be used a second
time. The present socket, externally is made conical or tapering. The coating, is
extended above the upper edge of the socket and is bonded by means of nails,
which pass through the coating, and are attached to a chain which encircles the
socket, and, preferably, above the level of the upper edge of the socket.
This device, not only serves to bond the coating, but also, from its position in
the coating, materially aids in preventing the upper edge of the coating from being
abraded or broken by the molten metal as it falls into the mould. It can, also,
be used over and over again in the construction of the moulds. The coating is
extended, preferably, upon the flask-bottom to prevent the molten metal from
coming in contact with the said flask-bottom, and the edge of the pipe from
becoming chilled.
After the pipe has been cast, the coating from the tapering form of the socket
can be readily removed therefrom and the nails and chains recovered. There is a
narrow annular space left between the core and the coating. The corner of the
core is made to come below the upper edge of the coating, and the core-bar bears
upon the socket. The object is this If the corner of the core is allowed to come
even with the upper edge of the coating it is liable to be broken away in the
casting and the pipe, in consequence, injured. But by dropping the core slightly
below the top of the coating, and allowing the core to be sustained by the socket,
as described; the pipe can be cast perfectly.
The core can be readily seated in the socket without abrading it at the corner,
and by causing the core to lap the coating, there is no liability of the pipe,
internally, being too small in diameter. The metal, in casting, runs into the
space, forming a thin, annular, fin which can be readily removed from the pipe.
This invention further relates to the means employed in moulding the coating
upon the core bar socket.
According to this part of the said invention the flask bottom has a socket and a
socket coating.

page_text: The said coating is formed upon the socket as follows, that is to say :-
A boxing preferably in three parts, is placed around the socket and centred by
means of a ring which is dropped between the lugs, of the flask-bottom and the
boxing, or rather the lugs of the boxing. The boxing rests upon slight elevations
upon the flask-bottom These elevations however, are not wide enough to
practically interfere with the application of the coating material to the flask-bottom.
The several parts of the boxing are suitably united by bolts and keys. A.ring. is
placed in the socket the coating is then moulded upon the socket between the
boxing, and ring, and, in doing this the device nails and chain are inserted. This
device is in practice inserted before the coating-material is entirely filled into the
boxing, and after its insertion, the coating is completed, so that the device, when
the coating is completed, is entirely beneath the coating. So far as this mode of
forming a coating upon the socket, is concerned, the chain device may or may not
be used.
The ring is shaped so that, when the core is ultimately placed in the socket,
there is a narrow, annular space left between the core and the coating, the purpose
of which is that when the core is placed in the socket, the lower end of the core is
dropped slightly below the top of the coating.
For, by causing the coating to lap the core slightly, there is no liability of the
pipe internally being too small in diameter.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said William Robert Lake in the Patent Office on the 13th June
1884.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the firm of Haseltine, Lake, and Co, Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF CAST-
METAL PIPES OR TUBES, OR SIMILAR ARTICLES, AND IN APPARATUS THEREFOR."
A communication to me from abroad by Frederick Shickle, of St Louis, Missouri,
United States of America, Manufacturer,
This invention relates to the manufacture of pipes and similar castings and
comprises improved methods and apparatus for use in the said manufacture as
hereinafter described.
The said invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings on sheet 1
of which.
Figure 1 is an elevation, partly in section, showing the apparatus used in forming
the cores, the core bar and ram being elevated
Figure 2 is a similar view, the core bar and ram being lowered.
Figure 3 is a plan of the hopper used in forming the core.
Figure 4 is a vertical section, drawn to an elarged scale, of the hopper.
Figure 5 is a vertical section of the hopper, showing, the mode of applying the
coating to the core bar;
Figure 6 is a horizontal section taken on the line 6-6 of Figure 7.
Figure 7 is a vertical section taken on the line 7-7 of Figure 6:
Figure 8 is a horizontal section taken on the line 8-8 of Figure 9;
Figure 9 is a vertical section taken on the line 9-9 of Figure 8.
Figure 10 is a sectional elevation showing the apparatus used in forming the
mould, the ram being lowered.
Figure 11 is a vertical section, showing the parts of Figure 10, the ram being
elevated
Figures 12 and 13 are views showing the construction of the cores
On sheets II and III
Figure 1 is an elevation partly in section, showing the apparatus used in forming
the moulds.
Figure 2 is a vertical section of the lower portion of the apparatus shown in
Figure 1 but showing the pattern elevated as when the bell part of the mould is
formed.
Figure 3 is a section similar to that of Figure 2. but showing both parts of the
pattern in section, and the main part of the pattern elevated above the bell part as
when the sand is being compressed in the main part of the mould.
Figure 4 is a plan of the stand; or plan taken on the line 4-4 of Figure 2:
Figure 5 is a horizontal section on the line 5-5 of Figure 2.
Figure 6 is a horizontal section on the line 6-6 of Figure 2:
Figure 7 is a vertical section, showing the relative positions of the flask and the
bell-part of the pattern prior to the compression of the sand in the bell-part of the
mould:
Figure 8 is a view similar to that of Figure 7. but showing the relative positions
of the parts after the sand in the bell-part of the mould has been compressed:
Figure 9 is a vertical section of the upper end of the flask showing the top ring
and guides
Figure 10 is a vertical section of the upper end of the flask showing the
bead-ring and runner in position for the casting
Figure 11 is a half-plan of the parts of Figure 9
Figure 12 is a half-plan of the parts of Figure 10:

page_text: Figure 13 is a vertical section of the upper end of the flask showing the device
used to fly the black-wash.
Figures 14, 15, 16 are vertical sections, showing a modification of the sand
compressing device adapted to smaller moulds; Figure 14 showing the entire
pattern down; Figure 15 showing the pattern elevated; and Figure 16, showing
the main part of the pattern elevated above the bell-part
Figure 17 is a sectional elevation showing the apparatus used in forming the
cores, a portion of the shell of the core-bar being broken away:
Figure 18 is a vertical section, in parts, of the core bar and parts immediately
therewith connected :
Figure 19 is a vertical section of the lower end of the core forming apparatus,
the view of the core-bar being at right angles to that of Figure 18:
Figure 20 is a horizontal section on the line 20-20 of Figure 17:
Figure 21 is a plan :
Figures 22 and 23 are horizontal sections, showing respectively the sand as before
and as after being compressed:
Figures 24 25-26-27-28, are views showing the construction of the core-bar;
Figure 29 is a vertical section of the upper end of the core and the device used
in collecting the black wash and Figures 30, 31, 32 are views of details,
On sheets IV, V and VI
Figure 1 is a plan of the moulding-pit and ovens, the top of one of the ovens
being removed:
Figure 2 is a vertical cross section on the line 2-2 of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a horizontal section on the line 3-3 of Figure 4:
Figure 4 is a side elevation showing the upper end of one of the flasks and the
part to which it is attached:
Figure 5 is a horizontal section on the line 5-5 of Figure 6
Figure 6 is a side elevation showing the lower end of one of the flasks and the
part to which it is confined.
Figure 7 is a vertical section, on the line 7-7 of Figure 8, of the flask oven
Figure 8 is a horizontal section on the line 8-8 of Figure 7.
Figure 9 is a vertical section of the core-oven
Figure 10 is a horizontal section on the line 10-10 of Figure 9:
Figures 11, and 12 are views of details, and
Figure 13 is a vertical, cross section taken through the moulding-pit and
showing the traveller.
On sheet VII
Figure 1 is a top view of the flask-bottom, half of the socket-coating at the top,
being in section to exhibit the means used in bonding the coating.
Figure 2 is a vertical section on the line 2-2 of Figure 1, a portion of the
coating, at the top, being in elevation:
Figure 3 is a sectional elevation of the lower end of the core.
Figure 4 is a sectional elevation showing the core in position: and
Figure 5 is a detail, in section drawn to an enlarged scale
Figure 6 is a view in perspective showing a flask-bottom provided with
improvements according to this invention.
Figure 7 is a vertical section
Figure 8 is a vertical section drawn to an enlarged scale, showing a portion of
the flask-bottom before the coating is applied to the socket.
Figure 9 is a vertical section showing the coating formed upon the socket; anl
Figure 10 is a section similar to that of Figure 9. but in a different plane.
One part of the said invention relates to apparatus for forming cores and moulds
for pipes and similar castings, and is illustrated on sheet 1 of the drawing
According to this part of the said invention the clay, or other material used in
coating the core bar and lining or making the mould is deposited endwise upon the
core bar or mould beginning at one end of the core or mould and laying the

page_text: material on until the other end of the core bar or mould is reached, enabling the
operation to be readily and easily performed.
The forming of the core will be first described.
A Figures 1. 2, 5. 6 and 7 indicates a core bar of the kind ordinarily used in
pipe making, and which when finished has a clay coating B, Figures 2 and 5.
It is this coating that is, by means of the present improvement to be formed upon
the core bar.
C indicates the wall of a pit C¹, such as is used in pipe making and D a hopper
supported from the wall C and preferably, arranged, by means of the arm d, to
swing horizontally upon a bearing c upon the wall, the movement of the hopper
being indicated by the broken lines in Figures 1, 3, the hopper can thus be swung
around so as to bring it either over the ground without the pitwall, or to project
from the pitwall inwardly over the pit. The core bar is adapted to be moved
upward and downward, in the pit Ci through the hopper D, when the latter is
projecting inwardly from the pitwall. To this end the core bar, at its lower end,
is held in or supported upon a socket E, which, in turn, is supported upon a
ram F. The socket is detachable from the ram to enable sockets of different sizes
to be used.
The ram F is moved upward and downward by any suitable means, preferably by
hydraulic power, the said ram working in a suitable water cylinder G in the ordinary
manner and in connection with the usual appliances (which are not here fully
shown as their nature is well understood) of hydraulic rams. The said socket fits
the opening d¹ in the hopper D, and also coincides in diameter with the finished
core, that is when the clay coating B has been applied to the core bar.
In operation the core bar A is first secured to the socket E in an upright
position. For this purpose I prefer the devices shown in Figures 1, 2. 6 and 7, the
core bar being furnished with dowels a a, which, when the core bar is in place
pass downward through the socket and underneath the latter are perforated to
receive keys a' a¹. The hopper being swung around over the pit so as to bring
the opening d¹ in the hopper exactly over the socket E and the hopper being
secured in that position, say by means of the pin d² passing through the arm d
into a bracket c¹ upon the pitwall, the ram is elevated to bring the socket and core
bar into the position shown in Figure 1, the socket coming up to the opening, d
in the hopper, and the core bar projecting upward through the said opening d².
The hopper is then filled with the material, H Figure 5, to be applied to the core
bar for forming the desired coating thereon. In this initial position the socket E
closes the opening d¹ of the hopper. The ram socket and core bar are then
lowered. As the socket drops below the hopper the coating B begins to form upon
the core bar, as shown in Figure 5.
The material H is suitably prepared to adhere to the core bar. After the socket
has dropped below the hopper an annular space, at the bottom of the hopper,
surrounds the core bar. The material H falls into this annular space and against
the core bar. The result is the forming of the coating upon the core bar of a
thickness sufficient to complete the core to the desired diameter. By continuing
to lower the core bar the coating B is made to extend the length of the core bar,
as seen in Figure 2, and the core is finished so far as the application of the coating
is concerned. If desired the core bar can be passed upward and downward through
the hopper more than once either to perfect the original coating or to apply the
coating in layers. As the upper end of the core bar drops below the hopper, a
cap I which has been resting upon the core bar, lodges in the bottom of the hopper
(the cap in diameter being larger than the opening d', in the hopper) and closes the
said opening d¹ as seen in Figures 2, 4. This prevents the remnant of the
material H in the hopper from dropping through the latter. The hopper can now
be swung, upon the bearing c, as indicated in Figure 1, over a basin, j and then by
raising the cap I, the material H can fall into the basin and there be combined
with a fresh lot of coating material. The said basin is a convenient receptacle in

page_text: which the coating material can be prepared and thence, as needed, transferred to
the hopper. When the core bar is elevated the upper end of the core bar
encountering the cap I lifts the latter from the hopper and supports it until the
core bar is again lowered.
The hopper is, at the bottom, preferably made with a removable ring K which
enables the diameter of the opening d, to be adjusted to the size of the intended
core the said ring while externally fitting the hopper, being internally of suitable
diameter to suit the desired size of core.
If desired that part c of the socket E with which the coating B, comes immediately
in contact may be made to rotate upon the main part of the socket, to enable the
connection between the coating and the socket to be readily broken, for occasionally
the clay may adhere to the socket, By turning the part E around the clay is
detached The socket E, is also made detachable from the ram, so that it may be
changed to suit the size of core being made.
The cylinder G extends downward below the bottom C of the pit. To prevent
the ram from being lifted too high in the cylinder, the latter is furnished with a
stop g and the ram is furnished with a projection to encounter the said stop g.
The best mode of carrying out this feature of the construction is shown in Figures &
and 9. wherein the cylinder G is shown in two parts, gl g², and the said stop g is
inserted into the cylinder at the junction of the said parts resting upon the lower
part g¹ and at its upper edge encounters a shoulder in the part, g, as seen in
Figure 9. The said ring or stop g is notched at g³, and the ram F is provided with
projections ff which fit the notches 93 g³. The ram is dropped into the cylinder,
the said projections f, passing down in the notches g³ and, after passing the stop g,
the ram is turned around so as to bring the projections out of line with the notches.
In this position the ring g, acts as a stop. The ram, however can at any time be
removed from the cylinder by turning the said ram around until the notches are
in line with the projections, whereupon the ram can be raised.
The lining of the mould will now be described. The core is removed from the
ram and a cone shaped head L Figures 10, 11, attached thereto. The mould M is
then placed in position over the head L, and is upheld upon a stand N to provide
suitable access to the lower end of the said mould. The stand, in diameter, is
large enough not to interfere with that portion of the apparatus used in operating
the core bar. The mould by means of suitable, detachable, fastenings_m, m is
secured to the stand, so as to be concentric with the head L, and the ram F.
As shown in the drawing the pipe is cast bell end downwards. m¹ indicates the
pattern used in forming the bell-part of the mould. This pattern m¹ can be
vertically adjusted in the upper part N¹ of the stand N, The pattern m as shewn
in Figures 10 and 12 it is in position for forming the mould. The head L which fits
the part m is equal to the internal diameter of the finished mould and is preferably
of conical form as shown.
The operation is as follows:-the parts are brought into the position shown in
Figure 10. The material O used in lining the mold, and in proper condition
therefor, is then poured into the mold and is upheld therein by means of the
head L as seen in Figure 10. The head L by means of the ram, F is then moved
upward in the inold M and, as the said head ascends, the material O falls into the
annular space around the head, and between the head and the mold and is pressed
against the inner surface m², of the flask, and caused to adhere thereto. By
continuing to elevate the head L to the upper end of the flask, the lining P is
formed therein, as shown in Figure 11. The surplus material O remaining after
forming the lining P, and lifted by the head above the flask, is received in the
pan, Q, at the top of the flask. The head, L, ascends through an opening in
the bottom, g of the pan. The head, at its largest diameter, is slightly larger
than the opening in the pan, and by continuing to elevate the head, the pan,
containing the surplus material is also lifted, the head serving to close the
opening in the pan. By connecting a suitable lift-say a crane to the eye,
the head carrying the pan, can be lifted from off the socket, and borne away from

page_text: the flask to a suitable place for damping the material O. A suitable ring m³ is
employed at the top of the flask for forming the bead-part of the mold. The lower
part P¹ of the lining may, before elevating the head L as described be packed in
he usual way by rammers. The mold can be lined, by means of the present
improvement, the bell-end upward, in which case the parts m¹ m³ are, by any
suitable means therefor, held in place in the mold.
As is understood, in making cores for castings such as pipes it is essential to
construct the core so that, after the pipe is cast, the core bar can be separated from
its coating. Otherwise the core cannot be withdrawn from the pipe. To this end
it has been customary, in making the core, to first wrap the core bar with a band
of hay, and then finish the coro with an outer coating of clay. Then, as the
casting is made, the heat incident thereto effects the combustion of the hay, thereby
operating to separate the bond between the core-bar and its outer coating. The
core bar is then withdrawn from the pipe, after which the clay, core bar, coating is
removed from the pipe. In the present case in place, of a hay band for the inner
combustible, coating, I employ a pulp which is equally combustible with the hay
band referred to, but sufficiently plastic in its original condition, to enable it to be
applied to the core bar in accordance with the present method. That is, the pulp,
made preferably of such material as horse-manure, cut straw or the like and in a
semi fluid state, is placed in the hopper D, and thence transferred to the core bar, A.
as above described, forming the sub-coating, b, Figures 2, 12 and 13. The outer
coating, 61, is then similarly applied forming the complete covering D
The apparatus thus far described is adapted more especially for clay moulds and
it is unfitted for sand. For in forming a mould of clay it is practicable to force a
conical head through the clay when a body of it is deposited in the mould upon the
head. As the head is forced upward the clay readily parts and flows around the
head and is deposited upon the mould. But when sand is used in connection with
such a head, the sand becomes wedged around the head and the apparatus becomes
inoperative. To provide an apparatus adapted for sand is the object of another
part of this Invention
According to this part of the Invention in place of a head, and instead of allowing
the sand to extend across the interior of the mould above the head the sand,
previous to its being compressed is held in an annular form against the shell of the
mould throughout its length. That is, prior to the application thereto of pressure,
the sand from the bottom to the top of the mould is arranged in the form of a
tubular lining, the thickness of which is as much greater than that of the finished
lining as the sand in practice is compressed. This tube of loose sand is held in
place by means of a cylinder which extends from the bottom to the top of the
mould and which at its lower end has a tapered enlargement or collar, the diameter
of which is equal to that of the finished mould. The cylinder and its enlargement
or collar are adapted to be moved together and as one part, and the tubular body of
sand is compressed, and the sand-lining suitably formed in the mould by forcing
the cylinder with its enlargement or collar longitudinally through the sand.
portion of the compressor which is above the tapered enlargement serves to hold
the sand in position to be compressed, and the enlarged portion of the compressor
acts to compress the sand. When other than a cylindrical lining is formed the
cylinder and enlargement above referred to are suitably modified in cross-section to
suit the cross-sectional shape of the mould; and when a mould for a pipe having a
bell-end is to be formed, the sand-compressing device may be provided with a
special attachment for compressing the sand in the bell-part of the mould
That
Referring to Sheets II and III of the Drawing the Figures of which illustrate
this part of the Invention A, Figures 1, 2 and 3 indicates a flask adapted for
carrying out the improvement.
Saving as modified by the improvement the flask is of the customary form. As
shown the flask is arranged for casting the pipe with the bell-end downward.
The flask rests upon a stand B, being suitably, and detachably secured thereto
by means of the fastenings bb. The stand, in turn, should be suitably secured to

page_text: a fixed support. A convenient method is to attach the stand to the legs, 6º, 6º, and
fasten the legs to the base C.
D indicates the device for forming the sand lining in the mould. It is composed
substantially of the main cylindrical portion d and the tapered enlargement d.
The last named part, d' is, in practice, secured to the part d, by means of the
bolts, d, d², the bolts at their lower ends being attached to an extension, d³, of the
part, d, substantially as shown in Figures 2, 3.
The compressor in effecting its work may be drawn, or forced upward through
the flask. As shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, the compressor is operated by means of the
ram E which is adapted to work upwards and downwards through the foundation C,
and is provided with a tapering head, fitted to engage in a socket in the extension ³
of the compressor. I do not desire however to be confined to any special mode of
connecting the parts d, and d¹ nor the compressor and ram
F indicates the part that is operated in connection with the compressor for the
purpose of forming the bell portion of the mould. The said part is annular in form
and the shape of the ring in cross-section is shown in Figures, 2, 3, 7, 8. It is
fitted to be slipped upward and downward in the stand, B, and at its upper end, f, is
shaped substantially as shown to forin, when elevated, the bell-part of the mould.
The part F, in forming the bell part of the mould is preferably connected with the
compressor D, so as to be moved therewith. This is accomplished preferably by
means of the pins, f1f1, which pass through perforations in the part, F, and project
into a groove d*, in the compressor.-When the compressor is lifted it encounters
the pins and the part F rises with the compressor.
The operation of the device, as thus far described, is as follows the compressor,
being suitably centred in the flask, as in Figure 1, the annular space between the
parts d d', F, and the flask A, filled with sand as shown at G Figure 1. The
compressor D and part F, by means of the ram E, are then lifted so as to compress
the sand in the bell-part a of the flask. In doing this the parts are moved from
the position shown in Figures 1 and 7, into that shown in Figures 2 and 8. As
the parts rise the shoulder f, upon the part F encounters the shoulder b', of the
stand B, preventing the further upward movement of the compressor and part F.
The part F is provided with the pins f³ f³, which project outward through the
slots in the part B, and as the part Frises, the pins f³ f³ move from the
position shown in Figures 1 and 30, upward into the position shown in Figures 2
and 31. Blocks H, Figure 31, are then inserted into the portion 63 of the slots
serving thereby to support and uphold the pins f³ f³, and, through the pins, the
part F.
The
The sand in the bell-part of the mould being compressed, the compressing of the
sand in the main portion a¹ of the flask is now proceeded with.
For this purpose
the part F must now be detached from the compressor D. Accordingly the
pins ff, are withdrawn from the groove d', and, if desired entirely withdrawn
as indicated in Figure 3. The stand B, is suitably cut away at 63 to provide room
for the outer end of the pins as the part F is lifted as above described.
compressor is now free of the part F, and the last named part, by means of the
pins ff and blocks H H remains supported upon the stand B. The compressor
is then moved upward through the flask. The main portion d of the compressor
serves, as stated, to hold a tubular body of sand in place against the shell of the
flask. This tubular body of sand just enough, when the operation is properly
effected, to form the flask lining, and it only needs to be compressed laterally
against the shell of the flask. To effect this compression is the function of the
tapered enlargement or collar d'. The difference in the diameters of the part d
and the part d', is the extent to which the sand is compressed.
pressor d d is forced or drawn upward throughout the flask and the diameter of
the tubular body of sand is thereby enlarged to the diameter of the part d¹. The
movement of the part d' is guided partly by the rollers J. J which are journalled
in the arms ii. The latter in turn are journalled at ', in the ring J upon the
top of the flask. When the enlargement d' comes against the rollers the keys i³ ³
The com-

page_text: are removed and the arms ii are turned backward leaving room for the part d¹ to
pass. The ring J is held in place by the bolts ³ ³ and keys 22 22. The part F is
then removed and, to separate it from the sand, the part is, by means of the
pins f3f3 turned around, in which movement the pins ffs follow the slots 6262
from the position shown in Figure 31 into the position shown in Figure 32. That
is the part F, is first rotated horizontally and then spirally downward.
The top
ring J is provided with a flange j of the shape shown more distinctly in Figure 9.
As the compressor d d is lifted in the flask the sand is forced into the space j
behind the flange j. After, or as the part d' is withdrawn from the flask, the
ring J is removed, leaving an impression in the sand corresponding to the shape
of the flange j. The head ring K is inserted in the outer portion of this space, but
leaving an unoccupied space just within the upper part of the head ring. The
runner L Figures 10, 12, is then placed upon the top of the flask and head-ring.
The runner has a flange which fits into the (hitherto) unoccupied space within
the head-ring and serves to complete the mould at its upper end.
The pipe may
then, after inserting the core, be cast in the usual manner.
the usual manner, and at the proper stage of the operation.
The mould is dried in
In applying the black wash I provide a disc or plunger M Figure 13, coinciding
in diameter with the internal diameter of the mould after the sand has been
compressed. The black wash is poured into the mould upon the disc and the disc
is then by suitable means, such as the chains m m leading from the disc over a
bearing m¹, elevated through the mould. The black-wash flows against, and is
applied to the sand-lining as the disc rises, the application of the black-wash to
the lining being promoted by giving a conical shape to the disc substantially as
shown. If there is a surplus of black-wash, after the disc has reached the top of
the mould it overflows and is caught in the trough m². This trough and the
arch m³ which supports the bearing m may be connected, and they may be
attached to a ring ms, which when the black-washing device is being used, is fitted
into a depression 12 in the ring J.
In Figures 14, 15, 16 a modification of the compressor is shown, the modification,
being adapted to moulds for small pipes. In this case the part F is upheld upon
the compressor D by means of the pin fo and after the part F has been elevated
to compress the sand in the bell-part of the mould, the pin f6, is withdrawn,
whereupon the compressor can be drawn upward into the mould as shown in
Figure 6. The part F when detached from the compressor, is upheld by means of
the pins which are passed through the stand B into a lug fs upon the part F.
The application to the forming of the cores will now be described. N, Figures 17,
18, indicates the core-bar which consists mainly of the cylinder n the bottom n¹
the top bar n² and the tie-rod n³. The core bar in forming the core, rests upon and
is secured to a stand O, which, in turn, is secured to a suitable foundation. The
bottom n¹, rests in a socket o in the stand O, and is secured thereto by means of the
bolt o and keys 02 03. The cylinder n rests upon the bottom n¹, the top bar n²
rests upon the cylinder, and the cylinder n, bottom n¹, and top-bar n³, are fastened
together by means of the tie-rod n³, and as follows: the bottom n' is provided
with a staple . The tie-rod, at its lower end, is forked, terminating in the
eyes n³, na Figures 18. 19. The eyes and staple are brought into engagement,
and by means of the bolt n the various parts of the core-bar are connected.
The core bar being in place upon the stand, a cylinder P Figures 17. 18. is lowered
around it, and the tubular space Q, Figure 18, is filled with the sand R. The
cylinder P, extends, from the bottom to the top of the core-bar, and in diameter is
enough larger than the core-bar cylinder to contain just enough sand to form the
desired coating upon the core-bar. At its lower end the cylinder is provided with
a ring P¹, which is attached to the cylinder say by means of the bolts pp The
said ring is used to compress the sand against the core-bar, and its internal diameter
at the narrowest point is equal to the diameter of the finished core. Its office is
to compress the sand R laterally against the cylinder n. To this end the said
ring is made of suitable strength and enlarges toward its upper end until it

page_text: coincides, in diameter with the cylinder P. During the introduction of the loose
sand into the tubular space Q, the cylinder P and ring P' rest upon the pins S S
Figure 17. After which the cylinder and ring are, by any suitable means, such as
a lift attached to ears p¹ p¹, drawn upward until the ring P¹ has cleared the core-
bar. The ring P¹, as it rises compresses and contracts the sand upon the core-bar
cylinder, reducing the sand from the thickness indicated in Figure 22. to the thickness
of the finished coating indicated in Figure 23. The black-wash is held in an
annular hopper T Figures 19, 29, which, after the coating has been formed, upon
the core-bar is by any suitable means drawn upward upon the core. The wash
flows from the hopper into the core, and any surplus remaining in the hopper,
when it clears the top of the core is caught in the pan T Figure 29, which, for that
purpose, rests in the top of the core as shown. To support the pan T¹ it is
furnished with a flange t which is adapted to fit the top of the core. The said
pan is suitably shaped at its centre ¹, to admit the tie rod n³. The chains t² 2,
for elevating the hopper T, are conveniently passed over a bearing to which in
turn is supported upon the pan T¹ substantially as shown in Figure 29. When
the core has been used it is desirable to be able to readily contract the core-bar
cylinder in order to separate it from the coating. To this end the cylinder n is
made substantially as shown in Figures 24. 28. The cylinder is divided vertically
at no and at one side of the opening, and upon the inner side of the cylinder, is
provided with the nut no and at the other side, with the stud n. A plate n³,
having the lugs, n³ nº, and slotted at no n¹ to receive the nut no, and the stud n²,
respectively, is arranged substantially as shown in Figure 25.
A rod 2 having the shoulders n13 n¹³ and threaded at n¹, passes through the
lugs n n and the nut n. The slot n¹ is inclined as shown, and when the
rod n is rotated the plate moves upward or downward, and the stud and nut are
drawn together or moved apart, as the rod is turned, and the cylinder n thereby
collapsed or expanded. In practice the plate n³ is extended from the top to the
bottom of the cylinder. n. and is provided with several sets of nuts no and studs n'.
To relieve the studs and nuts from strain when the core is contracted by the cooled
casting the plate n³ is made to work between the shoulders n¹³ n15. To guide the
cylindern, in contracting and expanding, it is at one side of the opening no
provided with strips n which are adapted to work between strips n17 17 ou the
other side of the opening.
To the success of the present mode of lining moulds or coating core-bars it is
essential that the flask, or core-bar, be arranged vertically, and that the tubular
body of sand be placed within the flask, or upon the core-bar, before the compression
of the sand is initiated. That is the full amount of sand needed for making the
lining, or coating, must be placed in position before the compressing device is
brought into operation.
Further, it is essential that the compressor shall be moved upward, and not
downward in compressing the sand. For if downward the loose sand is apt to be
dislodged and to drop lower down in the flask, causing the casting to be
imperfect. And, at the extreme lower end of the mould or core, the sand is liable
to be broken and carried down with the compressor, and the mould, or core in
consequence to be ruined
Another part of this invention relates to the construction of the pit in which
the moulding and casting are conducted and the flasks and cores prepared, to the
mode of supporting the flasks in the pit; to the node of constructing the flask
and core ovens and supporting the flasks and cores, respectively, therein; and to
the mode of heating the ovens
This part of the said invention is illustrated in Sheets IV V and VI of the
drawings in which A indicates the pit which is divided into two or more rooms, a a¹
which may be connected by the passage a¹¹. That is to say the pit may have us
many separate rooms as in practice may be grouped, and the adjoining rooms may
bave, for the purpose of transferring the flasks and cores from, one room to another,
as many connecting passages as may be needed. At the ends of one or more of;

page_text: the rooms a a¹ the ovens for drying the flasks and cores may be arranged, the flask
ovens, B. B, being say at one end of the rooms, and the core-ovens C C at the
other end, substantially as shown, and, if desired, the rooms as indicated at the top
of Figure 1, may be extended beyond the ovens. The pit is surrounded by a
platform D and between the rooms a a¹ are other platforms E. E. This provides
ample support for those of the operatives who are employed at the top of the pit.
By thus dividing the pit, a large number of flasks can be handled and operated in
a comparatively small space, and with a single hoisting device, such as a travelling
crane S Figure 13, whose truck rolls upon. elevated track ss and whose hoist S¹
can be moved over all the compartments with such a device suitably arranged and
operated from over head, the various flasks, cores, and pipes can be moved along the
rooms, transferred to and from the ovens, and transferred to and from the various
rooms, and elevated and lowered as desired.
Another feature is the relative position of the pit wall and the flasks, when
suspended in the pit. Heretofore it has been the practice to suspend pipe-flasks in
immediate proximity to the pit-wall F. It is desirable to provide room between
the flasks and the pit-wall so that the operations can reach readily all around the
lower ends of the flasks. To this end the flasks are in the present instance,
suspended at such a distance from the wall F as to enable a person to practically
pass entirely around the flask, and as the most desirable means therefor, the
flasks G. G. G. are hung upon a beam H which, in turn, is upheld upon a row of
posts I, Figure 2. The posts at the top are braced by the beams J and toward the
level of the lower end of the flasks, are braced by the beams J¹. The posts may
also be stayed by tie rods K K. A horizontal beam L is attached to the posts I
and the flasks, at their lower ends are thereby supported laterally. This is shown
more distinctly in Figures 2. 5. aud 6. The flask is provided with a bracket g,
one edge gl of which engages in the notch in the beam L. This notch is in line
perpendicularly with the pivot g' upon which the flask at its upper end is hung as
shown more distinctly in Figure 2. The bracket g is provided with a shoulder in
the form of the flange 73 and by means of the hook M one end of which hooks
upon the flange g³ and the other end at m. catches against the beam L the flask is
confined to the beam L and prevented from swinging outward therefrom being
otherwise liable to occur when the core bar or pattern is being withdrawn from the
flask. The hook M can be detached when it is desired to remove the flask. The
same method may be employed in suspending the flasks G¹ G¹ G¹, that is to say in
place of the closed wall the posts I¹ I¹ the beams H¹ J' L' and the tie rods K³ K¹
are employed as shown in Figure 2 forming an open-construction which enables the
operatives to pass all around the flasks G¹ G¹, and, also one which is self-sustaining.
The platforms DEE rest upon the beams J2 J2, respectively.
The construction of the flask-ovens B B is shown more distinctly in Figures 7, 8, 9.
The ovens have doors b b which swing horizontally to enable the flasks to be
transferred to and from the pit, and the oven tops, b₁ b' are also removable to
provide for the hoist chains in handling the flasks. The flasks rest in the oven,
upon the bars 62 62, which are spaced apart, as shown, to provide for the passage,
upward into the oven, of the heat which is transmitted, preferably from the fire-
box N. This fire-box, or grate, as it may be indifferently termed, is shaped to
contain fuel, has apertures n n, for the admission of air to the fuel, and is mounted
on wheels, n¹ n', to enable the fire-box to be rolled on the track, n2, into and out
of the chamber 63. To replenish the box, it may be withdrawn into the pit, there
filled, And then rolled back again into the chamber 6. An air-blast, introduced
through the inlet O, to the fire-box may be employed to supply air thereto in any
desired quantity. Similar devices may be employed to heat the core-ovens C.
These ovens have the horizontally swinging, doors c c and the removable or
hinged tops c¹ c¹. The cores, P P P, are supported in the oven by means of the
reel, Q. The said reel is arranged vertically, and is journalled, at q q, in the
bars qq The cores are set into the reel by passing the journals, PPP, of
the core-bars into bearings, q³ q² q³ in the top, q³, and bottom q*, of the reel, as

page_text: shown in Figure 9. The bearings q' q², are at the inner ends of the slots, 95 9³, in
the top and bottom q. In this manner a comparatively large number of cores
can be packed into a limited space and so as to be entirely free of each other, and
readily moved. For, by rotating the reel in its journal bearings, any part or side
of it is made accessible. The cores are secured in the bearings, q² q² by means of
the hinged bars, q° 9° which, after inserting the core in its place in the reel,
are turned down upon the outer side of the journals, p p, as shown in Figures 11 12.
The pit, A, is shown of rectangular form, but I do not desire to be confined to this
form as for instance it may be made circular.
The room a may be extended to form an outer circle, and the room, a¹ to form an
inner circle, the two concentric circles may be connected by passage-ways, such as
all, without departing from the principle of the improvement.
So far as supporting the flasks upon an open frame is concerned, the frame and
flasks may be above ground as well as in a pit. For with such a support for the
flasks the operatives not only can approach the flasks from all sides but also be able
to carry on an otherwise very oppressive work with more comfort and safety.
The air can circulate freely through the frame, and, in case of accident, the
operatives have opportunity for escape.
This invention further relates to that part of the moulding-apparatus which
forms the bell of the pipe and which is illustrated in Figures 1 to 5 on sheet VII.
In the present case the pipe is cast the bell-end downward.
The flask-shell is not shown.
B indicates the flask-bottom and E the core.
F indicates the socket which receives and supports the core. The core, flask-
shell, and lining are of the customary form and construction. The socket is
preferably in one piece with the bottom of the flask, as shown in Figures 2 and 4,
as this facilitates handling this portion of the moulding mechanism. But whether
in one piece with the flask-bottom, or not, the coating has been formed upon the
socket by wrapping the socket with a rope and then applying thereto the material
from which the coating is formed. Such a socket is objectionable, first, because the
upper edge of the coating is apt to give way when the metal is poured on to it, and,
second, because it is difficult to remove the coating from the socket after the coating
has, from the heat of the coating, become hardened thereon. Forming the coating
also becomes expensive, comparatively, in that the rope used in the construction
cannot be used a second time. The present socket, F, externally is made conical or
tapering. The coating, G, is extended above the upper edge of the socket and is
bonded by means of nails, H H, which pass through the coating, and are attached
to a chain H¹ which encircles the socket, and, preferably, above the level of the
upper edge of the socket.
This device, H H H¹ not only serves to bond the coating but also, from its.
position in the coating, materially aids in preventing the upper edge of the coating
from being abraided or broken by the molten metal as it falls into the mould. It
can, also, be used over and over again in the construction of the moulds. The
coating is extended, preferably, at g, upon the flask-bottom to prevent the molten
metal from coming in contact with the flask-bottom, and the edge of the pipe from
becoming chilled.
After the pipe has been cast, the coating, G, from the tapering form of the
socket can be readily removed therefrom and the device H H H¹, recovered.
There is a narrow annular space, M, left between the core and the coating.
The corner e of the core, is made to come below the upper edge of the coating
and the core-bar, at e¹ bears upon the socket F The object is this. If the corner e
of the core is allowed to come even with the upper edge of the coating it is liable
to be broken away in the casting and the pipe, in consequence, injured.
But, by dropping the core slightly below the top of the coating, and allowing
the core to be sustained by the socket at e¹, as described, the pipe can be cust
perfectly, for the core can be readily seated in the socket without abraiding it at
the corner e, and by causing the core at e to. lap the coating, there is no liability

page_text: of the pipe, internally, being too small in diameter. The metal, in casting, runs
into the space, M, forming a thin, annular fin which can be readily removed from
the pipe
The invention further relates to the means employed in moulding the coating
upon the core-bar socket, which means are illustrated in Figures 6 to 10 on
sheet VII
A indicates the flask-bottom having the socket B, and socket coating C.
The coating, C, is formed upon the socket B as follows; that is to say:-A
boxing, D preferably in three parts, d d d, is placed around the socket and centred
by means of a ring E, which is dropped between the lugs a a, of the flask-
bottom and the boxing, or rather the lugs d¹ d¹ of the boxing. The boxing rests
upon slight elevations a¹ a¹ upon the flask-bottom. These seats a¹ a¹, however
are not wide enough to practically interfere with the application of the coating-
material to the flask-bottom at c The several parts d, d, d, of the boxing are
suitably united, as by the bolts and keys d² d³. A ring F is placed in the
socket B, the coating C, is then moulded upon the socket between the boxing D
and ring F, and in doing this, the device H H³, is inserted. This device is in
practice inserted before the coating-material is entirely filled into the boxing, and
after its insertion, as shown, the coating is completed, so that the device, H H²,
when the coating is completed, is entirely beneath the coating. So far as this
mode of forming a coating upon the socket, is concerned the device H H¹ may or
may not be used.
The ring F, at f is shaped so that, when the core is ultimately placed in the
socket, there is a narrow, annular space left between the core and the coating the
purpose of which is that when the core is placed in the socket, the lower end of
the core is dropped slightly below the top of the coating for by causing the
coating to lap the core slightly, there is no liability of the pipe internally being
too small in diameter. The metal in casting, ruus into the annular space left
between the core and coating, forming a thin annular fin which when the pipe is
cast can be readily removed therefrom.
Having thus fully described the said invention as communicated to me by my
foreign Correspondent and the manner of performing the same I wish it understood
that I claim.
With reference to sheet 1 of the drawings
First. The combination of the core-bar, A, the hopper, D, the arm d, the pit-
wall. C, and the pit C, substantially as described
Second. The combination of the pit-wall C, the arm d, the hopper D, the core-
bar A and means for raising and lowering the core-bar through the hopper.
Third. The combination of the hopper, D the core bar A and the ram F, the
said hopper D, being adjustable substantially as described
Fourth The combination of the hopper D, the core bar A, the ram F, and a
removable socket, the said socket being supported upon the ram, and the said core
bar, being supported upon the socket substantially as described
Fifth The combination of the core-bar A and the socket E the said socket having
the removable part e, for the purpose described.
Sixth. The combination of the pitwall, C the hopper D, the arm d, the pin d²,
and the bracket c' substantially as described and for the purpose set forth.
Seventh. The combination of the pit-wall C, the arm d, the hopper D, the core-
bar A. and the ring K, as and for the purpose, described.
Eighth. The combination of the core-bar A the ram F, the hopper D and the
cap 1, substantially as described
Ninth. The combination of the pan Q, the ram F the head L and the mould M,
for the purpose described
Tenth. The combination of the mould, M, and the head L, the said head moving
longitudinally in the said mould for the purpose described
Eleventh, The combination of the mould M,. the stand N, the pan Q, the ram F,
and the head L, substantially as described,

page_text: Twelfth. The combination of the mould M, the head L, and the pan Q,
substantially as described.
Thirteenth. A core-bar the sub-coating of which is made of pulp and the outer
coating of clay loom
With reference to sheets II and III
Fourteenth. The herein described mode of lining a mould, consisting in placing
the lining material in a tubular form in the mould-flask and then compressing the
material against the flask the said flask being arranged vertically and the sand
being applied thereto throughout its height before being compressed, and the
compression being accomplished by moving the compressor upward as described
from the lower to the upper end of the flask.
Fifteenth. The hereindescribed mode of coating a core-bar consisting in placing
the coating material in a tubular form upon the core-bar and then compressing the
material thereupon, said core-bar being arranged vertically, the sand being applied
thereto throughout its height before being compressed, and the compression being
effected by moving the compressing cylinder upward from the lower to the upper
end of the core-bar, as described
Sixteenth. The combination of the flask A, the stand B, the part F, and the
compressor D, substantially as described
Seventeenth The combination of the flask A, the compressor D, the stand B the
part F, and the pins f¹ f¹ƒ³ f³, substantially as described
Eighteenth The combination of the stand B having the slots 62 6² the part F, the
pins f³, fs, and the blocks H H, as described.
Nineteenth. The combination of the stand B having the shoulder f' and the
part F having the shoulder f2, as described
Twentieth. The combination of the flask A, the part d, and the guides I I, as
described
Twenty first. The combination of the flask A, the parts & and d¹, and the ring J
having the flange ; as described
Twenty second. The combination of the flask A the bead ring K and the
runner L having the flange as described
Twenty third. The combination of the flask A, the disc M, and the trough m²,
as described
Twenty fourth. The combination of the flask A the ring J having the depression j³,
and the parts m² m², as described
Twenty fifth. The combination of the core bar N, the cylinder P and the ring P¹,
as described.
Twenty sixth, The combination of the stand O having the socket o, the core-
bar N, and the keys o¹, o², o³, as described
Twenty seventh. The combination of the stand O the ring P', and the pins,
substantially as described.
Twenty eighth. The combination of the stand O, the ring P¹ the cylinder P, and
the core-bar N, as described
Twenty ninth. The combination of the core-bar N the pan T', and the hopper T
as described
With reference to sheets IV, V, and VI
Thirtieth. A moulding pit having the compartments a a¹ separated by the
platform E, and having drying ovens at one or both ends of the compartments a a¹
as described
Thirty first. A moulding pit having its compartments separated by the
platforms E E and connected by a passage way a", and having a drying oven at
one or both ends of the compartments, as described
Thirty second. A moulding pit having compartments connected with each other
and having a traveller S combined and operating as described
Thirty third. An open work construction or frame for supporting pipe-flasks
substantially as, and for the purpose, described.

page_text: Thirty fourth. The combination in a moulding-pit of the beam H, and the
posts I I I the said posts being suitably braced laterally for the purpose described
Thirty fifth. The combination of the beams H L J J, the posts I I I, and the
wall F as described
Thirty sixth. The combination of the pit A, the posts I I I¹ and the
beams H L J2 J3, as described
Thirty seventh. The combination of the beam L, the flask G having the
shoulder g³, and the book M as described
Thirty eighth, The flask-oven B having the bars b² 62, the chamber 63 beneath
said bars, and the fire-box or grate N, the said fire-box or grate being at a level as
shown, sufficiently beneath the bars 62 62 to enable the heat to be applied evenly
to the flasks and not in excess to the lower ends of the flasks
Thirty ninth. The oven C having the vertically-arranged reel Q and the
vertically arranged doors c c, as described
Fortieth. The vertical reel Q having the slotted top and bottom, as, and for the
purpose, described
Forty first, The combination of the top q³ having the slots q³ the cores P P,
and the bars qº as described.
With reference to Sheets VII
Forty second. The socket-coating G bonded near its upper edge, for the purpose
described
Forty third. The combination of the tapering socket F and the coating G;
bonded near its upper edge.
Forty fourth, The combination of the socket F, the nails H H H, the chain H',
and the coating G, substantially as described
Forty fifth. The combination of the socket F, the coating G, and the core F;
the said coating and core being relatively adjusted as, and for the purpose,
described.
Forty sixth. The combination of the boxing D, the bottom A, and the ring E, as
and for the purpose referred to.
Forty seventh. The combination of the bottom A, the socket B, the boxing D,
and the ring F, substantially as described
Forty eighth. The combination of the bottom A, the socket B, the boxing D, and
the rings E, F, substantially as described
Forty ninth. In combination with the socket B, the ring F, having the projection f,
for the purpose described
In witness whereof I the said William Robert Lake, have hereunto set my hand
and seal this Twentyseventh day of May in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and eighty four