IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OR PRODUCTION OF BRICKS, TILES, AND OTHER ARTICLES OF
Year: 1859

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Wilson, of Glasgow, in the County of Lanark,
North Britain, Brick. Maker, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
THE MANUFACTURE OR PRODUCTION OF BRICKS, TILES, AND OTHER ARTICLES OF
Sealed the 14th February 1860, and dated the 18th August 1859.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Wilson at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
18th August 1859.
I, William Wilson, of Glasgow, in the County of Lanark, North Britain,
Brick Maker, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OR PRODUCTION OF BRICKS, TILES, AND
OTHER ARTICLES OF EARTHENWARE, AND IN THE MACHINERY OR APPARATUS EMPLOYED
THEREIN," to be as follows, that is to say :—
:
This Invention relates to the manufacture or production of bricks, tiles, and
other articles of earthenware according to a novel system or principle as
regards the primary preparation and subsequent treatment of the clay used in
the manufacture, aud to the arrangement and construction of the preparing
and moulding machinery used in the actual preparing and moulding or
shaping processes.
According to this system, the clay pit or field whence the raw material is

page_text: to be obtained is covered over with a temporary roof or house, so as to defend
it from the weather. The top or useless crust of the clay stratum being
removed, the clay itself is dug up in blocks and turned over to allow it to dry,
the mass being merely roughly disintegrated. In this condition the clay is
allowed to remain until it is wanted or is ready for use, being kept free from
the action of rain and frost; and to improve this preparatory treatment, hot-
air flues or pipes are passed through the clay house, such flues or pipes being
in communication with the waste heat discharge flues of neighbouring brick
kilns or furnaces, or other sources of heat.
By adopting this system of primary preparation, bricks may be made both
in winter and summer, and in fact, regardless of the external atmospheric
temperature or the time of year.
When the bricks are to be made, the clay is removed in lumps from the
house and deposited in pans, in which are grinding or reducing stones or
rollers. The pan or reducing chamber of this apparatus is made of larger
diameter than the circle described by the revolving stones or rolle:s, and this
external portion is perforated or formed so as to act as a sieve or cleanser, and
it is fitted up with shovels or directing guides, so that as the reducing action
proceeds, these directing pieces sweep the clay both within the range of action
of the rollers, and upon the sieve portion of the reducing base. The effect of
this arrangement is that the lumps of clay are kept within the sphere of
action of the rollers until wholly reduced, whilst at the same time the particles
as reduced are passed through the circumferential sieve. As the reduced clay
passes through the sieve or separator, it is received into a suitable duct or
ducts setatan inclination with the horizontal line, and made to revolveslowly,
so as to turn the particles of clay over and over. As the clay falls into the
upper end of the duct, it is met by a current of steam, such as can be obtained
from the waste pipe ofa high-pressure steam engine, or from other convenient
source: This injected steam both aids the downward discharge of the clay
and softens and swells or opens it up, so as to render it more easily workable.
At the lower end of the duet is a grating or sieve for taking out any further
stones or foreign particles, whilst the good reduced clay is deposited in a
receiving hopper, in which are slowly revolving sweepers or sets of arms for
discharging the clay through the open bottom of the vessel. This routine
completes the preparation of the clay for the actual moulding. Beneath the
hopper or receiver there is placed a horizontal rotatory moulding table set
upon a vertical spindle. The moulds are formed or set at regular intervals
asunder in the horizontal face of the rim of this table, which face bears up
against the open bottom of the hopper or receiving vessel. The moulding

page_text: table has a continuous rotary step-by-step motion, and as each mould; passes
beneath the clay hopper, it is filled with clay, and it then passes on in its
revolution until it reaches the pressing or actual moulding apparatus. Each
mould is made considerably deeper than the depth or thickness of a brick,
and it is open through the table; a cheek being formed inside its bottom for
holding a pressing moulding piece which fits the mould. This pressing piece
is moveable, and it is continued downwards in the form of a ram or cylindrical
bar. As each mould, thus fitted, comes to the pressing point, it passes beneath
an overhanging stationary pressing head covering the mould. Immediately
beneath, there is a hydrostatic pressing ram, so arranged, that on its rising, it
forces up
the pressing moulding piece. The lower end of the cylinder of this
ram is connected by a pipe with a large hydrostatic ram chamber fitted with
pumps to be worked by the steam engine or other power continuously. In
this way, there is always a reserve or reservoir of hydrostatic power, and as
each filled mould comes to the place, a cam or other movement is made. to
open the communication between the large hydrostaticcylinder and thesmaller
cylinder, and in this way the pressing piece of the mould. is. pushed up, and
the clay in the mould is thus compressed into a finished brick. The same or
other self-acting action then lets offthe water from the pressing ram cylinder,
and both the ram and the pressing moulding piece fall. But, prior-to the
descent of the latter; its bottom end comes upon and in contact with the top
of a stationary inclined piece, which presses up the pressing moulding piece
still further, so as to lift the newly moulded brick up to the surface of the
moulding table, when a self-acting sweeper or cam piece sweeps off the brick
on to an endless travelling band, which carries it away to be burned, after
this, the presser descends in readiness for a new charge of clay. Instead of
using hydrostatic pressure, the moulding force may be imparted to the clay
presser by a cam or other pressing apparatus. Each mould is heated by
steam, which may be made to envelope the mould in any convenient way, and
thus give the bricks a better discharge and better face.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said William Wilson in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 18th
February 1860.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I WILLIAM
WILSON, of Glasgow, in the County of Lanark, North Britain, Brick Maker,
send greeting.

page_text: WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Eighteenth day of August, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-nine, in the twenty-third year of Her
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me,the
said William Wilson, Her special license that I, the said William Wilson, my
executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said William
Wilson, my executors, administrators, or assigns, should at any time agree
with, and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter during the
term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and
vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel
Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANU-
FACTURE OR PRODUCTION OF BRICKS, TILES, AND OTHER ARTICLES OF EARTHENWARE,
AND IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS EMPLOYED THEREIN," upon the condition
(amongst others) that I, the said William Wilson, by an instrument in
writing under my hand and seal, should particularly describe and ascertain
the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same was to be
performed, and cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office
within six calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said
Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said William Wilson, do hereby declare the
nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be per-
formed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement, reference being had to the accompanying Drawings and to the
letters and figures marked thereon, that is to say :-
My said Invention relates to the manufacture or production of bricks,
tiles, and other articles of earthenware, according to a novel system or
principle, as regards the primary preparation and subsequent treatment of the
clay used in the manufacture, and to the arrangement and construction of
the preparing and moulding machinery used in the actual preparing and
moulding or shaping processes. According to this system the clay pit or field
whence the raw material is to be obtained is covered over with a temporary
roof or house, so as to defend it from the weather. The top or useless crust
of the clay stratum being removed, the clay itself is dug up in blocks and
turned over to allow it to dry, the mass being merely roughly disintegrated.
In this condition the clay is allowed to remain until it is wanted or is ready
for use, being kept free from the action of rain and frost; and to improve
this preparatory treatment, hot-air flues or pipes are passed through the clay
house, such flues or pipes being in communication with the waste heat
discharge flues of neighbouring brick kilns or furnaces, or other sources of

page_text: heat. By adopting this system of primary preparation bricks may be made
both in winter and summer, and in fact regardless of the external atmospheric
temperature or the time of year. When the bricks are to be made the
clay is removed in lumps from the house and deposited in pans, in which are
grinding or reducing stones or rollers. The pan or reducing chamber of this
apparatus is made of larger diameter than the circle described by the
revolving stones or rollers, and this external portion is perforated or formed
so as to act as a sieve or cleanser; and it is fitted up with shovels or directing
guides, so that as the reducing action proceeds these directing pieces sweep
the clay both within the range of action of the rollers and upon the sieve
portion of the reducing base. The effect of this arrangement is, that the
lumps of clay are kept within the sphere of action of the rollers until wholly
reduced, whilst at the same time the particles as reduced are passed through
the circumferential sieve. As the reduced clay passes through the sieve or
separator it is received into a suitable duct or ducts set at an inclination
with the horizontal line, and made to revolve slowly so as to turn the particles
of clay over and over. As the clay falls into the upper end of the duct it is
met by a current of steam such as can be obtained from the waste water of a
high-pressure steam engine or from other convenient source. This injected
steam both aids the downward discharge of the clay and softens and swells
or opens it up so as to render it more easily workable. At the lower end of the
duct is a grating or sieve, for taking out any further stones or foreign
particles, whilst the good reduced clay is deposited in a receiving hopper in
which are slowly revolving sweepers or sets of arms for discharging the clay
through the open bottom of the vessel. This routine completes the prepara-
tion of the clay for the actual moulding. Beneath the hopper or receiver
there is placed a horizontal rotatory moulding table set upon a vertical spindle.
The moulds are formed or set at regular intervals asunder, in the horizontal
face of the rim of this table, which face bears up against the open bottom of
the hopper or receiving vessel. The moulding table has a continuance rotatory
step-by-step motion, and as each mould passes beneath the clay hopper it is
filled with clay, and it then passes on in its revolution until it reaches the
pressing or actual moulding apparatus. Each mould is made considerably
deeper than the depth or thickness of a brick, and it is open through the
table, a check being formed inside its bottom for holding a pressing moulding
piece which fits the mould. This pressing piece is moveable and it is
continued downwards in the form of a ram or cylindrical bar. As each mould
thus fitted comes to the pressing point, it passes beneath an overhanging
stationary pressing head covering the mould. Immediately beneath there is

page_text: a bydrostatic pressing ram so arranged that on its rising it forces up the
pressing moulding piece. The lower end of the cylinder of this ram is
connected by a pipe with a large hydrostatic ram chamber fitted with pumps
to be worked by the steam engine. or other power continuously. In this way
there is always a reserve or reservoir of hydrostatic power, and as. each filled
mould comes to the place, a cam or other movement is made to open the
communication between the large hydrostatic cylinder, and the smaller
cylinder, and in this way the pressing piece of the mould is pushed up, and
the clay in the mould is thus compressed into a finished brick. The same or
other self-acting action then lets off the water from the pressing ram cylinder
and both the ram, and the pressing moulding piece fall. But prior to the
descent of the latter its bottom end comes upon, and in contact with the top
of a stationary inclined piece which presses up the pressing moulding piece
still further so as to lift the nearly moulded brick up to the surface of the
moulding table, when a self-acting sweeper or cain piece sweeps off the brick
on to an endless travelling band which carries it away to be burnt. After this
the presser descends in readiness for a new charge of clay. Instead of using
hydrostatic pressure, the-moulding force may be imparted to the clay presser
by a cam or other pressing apparatus. Each mould is heated by steam, which
may be made to envelope the mould in any convenient way, and thus give the
bricks a better discharge and better face.
And in order that my said Invention of "Improvements in the Manu-
facture or Production of Bricks, Tiles, and other Articles of Earthenware, and
in the Machinery or Apparatus employed therein, may be properly understood,
I shall now proceed to describe the several Figures on the illustrative Sheets
of Drawings which I have hereunto appended for the purpose of showing
certain modifications under which my improvements may be judiciously carried
out in practice, that is to say :-
Figure 1 on Sheet 1 of the accompanying Drawings is an elevation of the
machinery or apparatus for reducing the clay, and separating therefrom stones
and other impurities; Figure 2 is a transverse sectional plau corresponding
to Figure 1. The Figures delineated on Sheet 2 of the accompanying
Drawings represent one modification of my improved brick-making or
moulding machinery. Figure 1 on the said Sheet is an elevation of the
machine; Figure 2 is an end view; Figure 3 is a transverse horizontal
section of the apparatus; and Figure 4 is a plan corresponding to Figures:1
and 2. On Sheet 3 is represented a modification of the brick-making
machinery, in which the parts are arranged so as to produce pressure on both
sides of the brick. Figure 1 is an elevation of the arrangement partially in

page_text: section, and Figure 2 is an end view of the same; Figure 3 is a sectional
elevation of a portion of the details of another modification for moulding
bricks by means of hydrostatic pressure; Figure 4 is an end view of the
same; and Figure 5 a plan.
Referring to the reducing machine delineated in Figures 1 and 2 on
Sheet 1 of the accompanying Drawings, the moving parts of the machine are,
by preference, arranged between the two columns A, which serve to support
the transverse joist or beam B, forming a part of the details of the building
in which the machinery is placed. From the beam B is suspended the
bracket C, the back part of which extends out laterally, and carries a pedestal
bearing, which partly supports the horizontal shaft D; this shaft extends out
through the bracket, and serves, if required, to drive a series of the clay
reducing mills. To the shaft D is fitted the pinion E, which is indicated by
dotted lines; the pinion runs loosely on the shaft, but by means of a coupling
can be made to revolve therewith at pleasure. The pinion E gears with the
large bevel spur wheel F on the upper part of the vertical shaft G, the lower
end of which is carried in a footstep bearing on the ground or floor of the
building, and the upper extremity in a collar bearing, which is bolted to the
front of the bracket C. To the lower part of the shaft G is keyed the cast-
iron disc H, which rotates with the motion of the shaft, and to the upper face
of this disc is bolted the radially diverging ribs of the sieve I; the upper ends
of these ribs are fastened to a wooden ring, which forms the top of the sieve.
The sifting or separating portion of the sieve is formed of rings of stout wire,
which are fastened to the radial ribs. The clay to be prepared for the manu-
facture of bricks is thrown into the open space enclosed by the sieve I, and is
ground therein by means of edge runners. To the columns A are fixed the
bearings of the shaft J, the central part of which is curved so as to pass clear
of the vertical shaft G. The extremities of the shaft Jare fitted so as to be
free to move upwards, the projecting parts of the bearings forming guides for
this purpose. On the shaft J are fitted, to run loosely, the two grinding
rollers or edge runners K, the peripheries of which rest on the disc H. As
the disc H revolves with the shaft G, the lumps of dry clay are carried round
beneath the edge runners K, which crush them, the end arrangement of the
runners admitting of their rising over stones or other obstacles that may occur
To one of the columns A is bolted the curved arm L, which terminates in two
curved arms, one extending towards the centre of the disc H, and the other
over the margin of the sieve I. The inner arm has affixed to it a piece of iron
or other material M, which serves as a sweeper to keep the clay out towards
the sieve, so as to be within the range of the rollers K. The outer branch of

page_text: the arm L has attached to it a plate N, which forms an inclined plane
travelling over the sieve I, and as the sieve rotates, the pulverised clay is
carried up the inclined plane, and rubbed through the interstices of the sieve
by the action of this plate. A second curved arm O is bolted to the opposite
column A, to the outer arm of which is attached the plate P, which acts in
manner similar to the inclined plane N. The extremity of the outer arm is
prolonged beyond the end of the inclined plane P, and to this.prolongation is
attached the divider Q, which forms a sort of fork or rake, the prongs resting
on the disc H. This divider serves to separate the lumps of clay into smaller
masses, so that they are more quickly operated ou by the edge runners K.
The inner branch of the arm O has a snug formed on it, which serves to
connect it to the central shaft G by means of the link R, one end of which is
screwed and passed through the snug. A nut is adapted to this screwed
extremity, so as to admit of the adjustment of the arm O, and so regulate its
flexibility. The reduced clay, as it passes through the interstices of the sieve I,
falls on to the disc H. from which it is swept by the inclined plate S, and
carried by it into the hopper T beneath. The shoot or hopper Tcommunicates
with the inclined cylinder U; this cylinder is, by preference, formed of iron,
but it may also be made of wooden staves, and a slow rotatory movement is
imparted to it by means of chain wheels fitted to its exterior, and driven by
endless chains or other equivalent mechanical arrangement. In order to afford
free ingress and egress for the clay to and from the inclined rotatory cylinder,
it is preferred to support it at each end by an external wheel or pulley running
upon guide pulleys. As the particles of clay are turned over by the rotatory
action of the cylindrical duct U, they are moistened by a current of steam;
for this purpose the used steam from a bigh-pressure engine which passes
away by the waste pipe may be conveniently and economically made use of,
being conveyed into the duct U by means of a pipe. The effect of the steam
on the clay is that it softens it and renders it mellow and better adapted for
working in the moulding machine. From the duct-U, the prepared clay
passes either into the receiving hopper of the moulding machine, or into a
receptacle at the bottom of the cylindrical duct, from whence it may be carried
up by means of an endless elevator, to supply the moulding machine. A fixed
scraper is or may be fitted in the interior of the inclined cylinder U, for the
purpose of preventing the adhesion of the clay to the surface of the cylinder.
The clay may be treated in the cylinder, either by steam alone or with the
addition of a shower or spray of water, in order to condense the steam and
furnish the necessary amount of moisture to the clay. Or, instead of thus
using water internally, the outer surface of the cylinder may be kept cool by

page_text: water or otherwise, so as to afford the necessary moisture from the surface
condensation of the injected steam.
One modification of my improved automatic brick-making or moulding
machine is delineated in the several Figures on Sheet 2 of the accompanying
Drawings. The details of the machine are arranged and constructed on the
cast-iron sole plate A, which is bolted down to a foundation of masonry.
Through sockets cast in the sole plate are passed the lower ends of the
columns B, which are secured by cotters passed through them on the under
side of the sole plate. The two pairs of columns B are arranged at the
opposite ends of the sole plate A, and serve to support the main beam C, which
extends across the centre of the machine; the height of this beam is accurately.
adjusted by means of the jam nuts, which are fitted to the upper extremities
of the columns B. Parallel to the columns B, and extending across the sole
plate are the pedestal bearings D, in which is carried the main driving shaft E
of the machine. The extremities of the shaft extend out beyond the machine,
one end being provided with a coupling, for the convenience of connecting it
to a primary shaft, and of throwing the machine into or out of gear, as
required. The shaft E communicates an intermittent motion alternately to
the moulding table or rotating series of brick moulds, and to the apparatus
by means of which the compression of the clay is effected. The first of these
movements, namely, that of giving an inter mittent or step-by-step motion to
the mould table, is effected by means of a segmental or semicircular wheel F.
The segmental wheel F actuates the bevel spur wheel G, which is keyed to
the horizontal shaft H, carried in pedestal bearings bolted to the sole plate A.
The shaft H extends outwards in an angular direction, and has keyed to its
extremity the bevel spur wheel I. This wheel I gives motion to the pinion J,
fast on the vertical shaft K. The lower extremity of this shaft is carried in a
footstep bearing, arranged on the outer pedestal bearing of the shaft H, whilst
its upper end works in a coller bearing bolted to the upper part of a radially
projecting bracket piece, which is carried by the beam B. Above the pinion J
is fitted the bevel spur wheel L., which is in gear with the pinion M on the
horizontal screw shaft N. The bearings of this shaft are carried in the
columns O, which are bolted down to the scle plate and to the rectangular
metal frame or box P. This frame forms the lower part of the feeding
hopper Q, which will be presently referred to. It is connected by bracket
pieces P¹ to the main beam C, as is more particularly shown in the Plan,
Figure 4 on Sheet 2 of the accompanying Drawings. The screw shaft N
gives motion to the worm wheel R, the several segments of which are attached
to the wheel or ring S, which forms the lower part of the moulding apparatus.

page_text: The wheel S is keyed to the central vertical shaft T, the lower end of which
is carried in a footstep bearing U, which is bolted down to the sole plate A,
and made open in the centre to admit of the shaft E passing through it. Both
extremities of the shaft T work in stuffing boxes, one arranged in the foot-
step U, and the upper one in the beam C, which forms the collar bearing for
the shaft. The details connected with this portion of the machine are clearly
shown in the partially sectional elevation of the machine delineated in
Figure 1 on Sheet 3 of the accompanying Drawings. The shaft T is made
hollow for the purpose of conveying a current of steam or hot water to the
moulding apparatus, and of serving as a channel to carry off the steam or
water of condensation after it has circulated round the moulds and mould
plungers. The moulding apparatus consists of the wheel S, which is keyed
to the shaft T. This wheel is constructed with a deep hollow rim, in which is
made a series of apertures V, each one corresponding to the shape and size of
a brick.
These openings are enclosed by the metal frames W, so that the
steam or hot water admitted to the rim of the wheel circulates round them
and imparts heat thereto. On the rim of the wheel S is fitted the mould
table X, which is attached to the wheel S by means of bolts and nuts securing
the suugs formed on the peripheries of the two parts S and X. The mould
table consists of a ring of metal having a deep hollow rim, in which are the
apertures Y, corresponding to those in the rim of the wheel S; thus, when
the mould table X is bolted to the wheel S, it forms practically one deep
hollow rimmed wheel, having in it a series of rectangular openings to receive
the prepared clay and mould the brick. The steam or hot water for heating
the moulds, for the purpose of facilitating the discharge of the bricks therefrom
in a smooth and perfect state, is admitted by the pipe Z to the upper part of
the shaft T, and passes down by the tubular passage a, along the hollow arm
of the wheel S to the rim, and, after circulating round the moulds, the waste
steam and water of condensation passes off by the passage b, and down the
shaft to the cock c. The mould table X is planed smooth on the upper
surface, and it moves round in contact with the lower edge of the frame P,
on which the hopper Q is fitted. The clay as it is supplied to the hopper
falls into the moulds Y as they pass in succession under the opening in the
frame P, but is prevented from falling through the moulds by the moveable
mould plungers d. These plungers are of metal, and made to fit the moulds,
but so as to rise and fall easily therein, the top of the plunger forming a
smooth flat plate. The lower face of each plunger is slightly curved in the
direction of its length, in order that it may glide more easily over the inclined
planes, which will presently be referred to. On the outer side of each plunger

page_text: at the lower part is a laterally-disposed pin e, which traverses in the groove of
a guide during a certain portion of the circuit of the plunger. A transverse
section of one of the plungers is shown in the upper left-hand moulding
aperture V, in the horizontal section, Figure 3, on Sheet 2 of the accom
panying Drawings. Whilst the moulds are passing under the hopper, the
plungers are at the lowest part of their descent, to admit of the necessary
quantity of disintegrated clay being filled into the mould; in this position the
plunger of the full mould rests upon the metal ring f, which is bolted to the
vertical parts of the framing.
As the worm wheel R is moved round, the plunger d, which is next to be
operated upon may, if necessary, be carried up an incline to the level of the
top of the compressing apparatus, as is shown in Figure 2 on Sheet 2. This
compressing apparatus consists of a hydrostatic press, the ram of which is
carried up by mechanical means to effect the compression of the clay. On
the shaft E is a cam g, the upward motion of which raises the ram h; this
ram is a block of metal which moves up and down between the vertical
guides i. These guides are substantial cast-iron standards arranged on each
side of the rain, and bolted down to the sole plate. The cam g rotates in the
space between the lower face of the ram h and the strap i; the pressure of
the cam on this part in its downward movement serving to facilitate and
ensure the proper descent of the ram. The plunger j of the ram is a cylin-
drical mass of iron, which fits a corresponding cavity in the ram h. The
plunger has on the back or inner part of its periphery a laterally projecting
pin k; this pin moves in a vertical groove made in the face of the horizontal
bar, which is bolted to the ring f; this groove is carried down a portion only
of the bar 1, so that when the pin descends to the bottom of the groove,
the further descent of the plunger is arrested. The space in the ram / below
the plunger j is filled with oil, water, or other fluid; the chamber commu-
nicates by means of the diagonal passage m with the small cistern or reser.
voir n, formed in the front part of the ram. The flow of water through the
passage m is controlled by the valve o, the spindle of which is kept down by
the lever p; the free extremity of this lever has a hole in it, through which is
passed the spindle of the spring balance q. By screwing the nut of the spring
balance up or down, the pressure necessary to lift the valve o may be regu-
lated to any extent within the range of the balance.
A second passage r
opens up from the reservoir n to the lower part of the chamber of the ram;
the flow of the water through this passage is controlled by the inwardly opening
valve s, shown in Figure 1, Sheet 3. With this arrangement, the upward
motion of the ram h and its plunger j, acting on the mould plunger d,

page_text: forcibly compresses the clay contained within the mould into a solid smooth
and well-formed brick, the pressure acting upwards against the under side of
the transverse beam or crosshead C, the formation of the bricks being carried
on simultaneously at the opposite ends of the sole plate A. Under the
ordinary and regular working of the machine, the pink, in the plunger j
when it comes to the bottom of the groove in the bar l, prevents the further
descent of the plunger, and the consequent escape of the oil, water, or other
fluid beneath it. Should, however, any obstacle occur in the mould, which
would otherwise prevent the rising of the ram / to its full extent, or cause the
breakage of some portion of the machine, in this case the plunger is pressed
down with a force which overcomes the resistance of the spring balance, and
the water or other fluid then lifts the valve o, and escapes into the reservoir n.
The result of the arrangement is, that the descent of the plunger allows the
ram to rise to its full extent, and all chance of injury to the moving parts is
avoided. Upon the ram descending, the pin k being stopped by the bar
upholds the plunger j, and thus removes its pressure from the water beneath
it; on this taking place the valve s is raised by the pressure of the water in
the reservoir n, which fills the chamber of the ram, and thus restores the
parts to their normal condition. The compression of each brick takes place
during the pause in the rotation of the worm wheel R, caused by the inter-
mittent action of the segmental wheel F. The moment the pressing of the
brick is effected the wheel is again put in motion, and the mould plunger is
carried by its onward traverse partly up the inclined plate t, which is bolted
to the horizontal face of the ring. This step in the movement of the worm
wheel R, serving to bring another filled mould in the table X over the
pressing ram. Thus, as the bricks are successively formed, the progressive
movement of the series carries the mould plungers d up the inclined planet,
gradually lifting the plungers, and forcing the bricks up through themoulding
apertures in the table X. On the plungers d arriving at the highest part of
the incline t, the under surfaces of the bricks are then level with the face of
the table X, from whence they are removed by coming in contact with the
angularly-arranged plate or board u, which shifts them on to an endless
travelling belt. In lieu of this mode of taking away the bricks, they may, if
preferred, be removed by attendant boys as fast as the come to the surface of
the table X. After passing the highest part of the incline t, the pin e on
each of the plungers d enters a downwardly inclined groove in the guide v,
which guides the plunger of the now empty mould down to the level surface
of the ring f, bringing the mould again beneath the hopper Q, and in readiness
to receive another supply of clay.

page_text: In this modification of my improvements the pressure on the brick is com-
municated wholly from below, but in Figures 1 and 2 on Sheet 3 of the
accompanying Drawings is shown an arrangement in which the pressure is
applied on both the upper and lower faces of the brick. The principal details
of this arrangement correspond to the modification herein-before described,
and are marked with similar letters of reference. The ends of the shaft E
are prolonged outwards beyond the columns B, the ends being carried in
pedestal bearings w, which are fitted up in addition to the bearings D in
order to resist the increased strain on the shaft. Between the bearings wand
the columns Bare the cams x on the shaft E, which are set in the opposite
direction to the cams g which raise the rams h. The cams w are connected
by means of the vertical rods y to the extremities of the crosshead, to
which the cams w communicate a vertical reciprocatory movement. The
crosshead is guided in its traverse by the prolongations of the columns B,
which passthrough apertures made for the purpose in the crosshead. To the
under faces of the beam is attached at each end a plunger 1, which on the
descent of the crosshead passes through a corresponding opening in the
beam C. Simultaneously with the upward movement of the rams h to com-
press the clay, the crosshead descends, and the plungers I bear upon the
upper surface of the clay, and it is forcibly squeezed into a solid mass of
uniform density throughout.
z
On Sheet 3 is shown an arrangement of hydrostatic apparatus in which
the pressure on the clay may be wholly effected by hydrostatic power, or in
combination with a mechanical pressure from above, as herein-before described.
The shaft Eis carried in the pedestal bearings w, which are arranged outside
the columns B, the shaft passes through an arched cavity made in the lower
part of the stationary ram h, which is bolted down to the sole plate A. The
upper part of the hollow in the ram is fitted with a brass bush i, against
which the shaft E works. In the chamber of the ram h, is fitted the plunger j
which is moved upwards therein by the pressure of water, and caused to
descend by mechanica! means. The chamber of the ram communicates by
means of the pipe 2, with a hydrostatic cylinder containing a reservoir or
column of water which is kept full by pumps or other means, the column of
water being compressed by means of a ram or piston which is loaded to the
extent or amount of pressure to be given to the brick or other article. This
portion of the apparatus thus forms the actuating ram which gives motion to
the plunger j. The upper part of the plungerj, has connected to it the cross-
head 3, the extremities of which are fast to the vertical link pieces 4; the
outer one of these link pieces has laterally projecting snugs 5, formed on it at

page_text: the upper and lower parts. Through these snugs the columns B pass, which
thus serve as a guide to the crosshead and link pieces. In the open part of
the pieces 4, the scroll cams 6 work; these cams are formed on the
shaft E, and rotate in unison with it. Upon the filled mould being brought
over the plungerj bythe intermittent motion oftheworm wheelas herein-before
described, or other analogous contrivance the plunger is liberated by the scroll
cams 6 passing the upwardly projecting part of the link pieces, as shown in
Figure 1, so that the plunger is forced suddenly upwards by the pressure of
water acting on its lower face, the hydrostatic pressure being obtained from
the adjacent loaded ram, and the upward motion of the plunger jeffects the com-
pression of the brick or other article. The rotation of the shaft E then causes the
scroll canis 6 by their rotatory movement to depress the link pieces 4, and
thus cause the descent of the plunger j, the water in the chamber of the ram
being driven back through the pipe 2 into the primary actuating ram. Whilst
the plunger of the ram is being depressed the moulding table is moved round
so as to bring another mould forward in readiness for repeating the com-
pressing operation upon the clay, which takes place when the link pieces
return to the position shown in Figure 4. The several modifications of
inoulding and compressing machineryor apparatus are specially designed for
the manufacture of bricks, and no particular reference has been made to the
manufacture of tiles, because the said machinery or apparatus may, with
minor modifications be readily adapted to the production of these and other
generally similar articles.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of my said
Invention, and the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried
into effect, I would observe, in conclusion, that what I consider novel and
original, and therefore claim as the Invention secured to me by the herein-
before in part recited Letters Patent, is,-
First,the general arrangement and construction of machineryor apparatus
for moulding and compressing bricks, tiles, and similar articles of earthenware,
as herein-before described and shown in the accompanying Drawings.
Second, the system or mode of drying or partially drying the clay for
making bricks and other articles from, preparatory to reducing and sifting it,
the said drying process being effected by means of flues carried through the
clay and heated by means of waste heat from kilus, furnaces, or other similar
sources of supply, as herein-before described.
Third, the system or mode of reducing the clay for the manufacture of
bricks and other articles, and of separating therefrom stones and other
impurities by means of the machinery or apparatus arranged for the purpose,

page_text: and herein-before described and delineated on Sheet 1 of the accompanying
Drawings.
Fourth, the system or mode of preparing the clay for the brick or other
similar articles by subjecting it to a current of steam or a stream of water
caused to fall in spray or a finely divided state,brought into contact with it as
the clay traverses along an enclosed space which may be a cylinder slowly
rotating, as herein-before described and partially shown in Sheet 1 of the
accompanying Drawings.
Fifth, the system or mode of manufacturing bricks, tiles, and other generally
similar articles of earthenware by means of machinery or apparatus, in which
the pressure upon the clay is obtained by the combined agency of gearing or
purely mechanical and hydrostatic means.
Sixth, the application to and use in clay moulding machinery, where con-
siderable pressure is required, of a pre-adjusted hydrostatic ram or apparatus
for controlling the amount of pressure given, and so avoiding the fracture
of the machinery or apparatus upon the occurrence of any accidental
obstruction.
Seventh, the system or mode of moulding bricks and other generally similar
articles of clay in which the pressure is produced by gearing or purely
mechanical and hydrostatic means in two opposite directions by the agency
of the machinery or apparatus delineated in Figures 1 and 2 on Sheet 3 of
the accompanying Drawings and herein-before described or any equivalent
therefor.
Eighth, the system or mode of moulding bricks and other generally similar
articles of earthenware by means of an arrangement of hydrostatic apparatus
as delineated in Figures 3, 4, and 5, on Sheet 3 of the accompanying
Drawings,in which the pressure upon the clay is effected by the motion of a
ram deriving its force from another loaded hydrostatic ram,as herein-before
described.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Wilson, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Seventeenth day of February,One thousand eight
hundred and sixty
WILL WILSON. (L.s.)