IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF BLOCKS OR CUBICAL OR OTHER SHAPED PIECES OF COAL, SUGAR, CLAY, PEAT, MANURE, AND OTHER MATERIALS, AND IN MACHINERY THEREFOR.
Year: 1872

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Leander Wolcott Boynton, of the City and State
of New York, United States of America, now of No. 8, Southampton
Buildings, London, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE
MANUFACTURE OF BLOCKS OR CUBICAL OR OTHER SHAPED PIECES OF COAL,
SUGAR, CLAY, PEAT, MANURE, AND OTHER MATERIALS, AND IN MACHINERY
THEREFOR.'
"
Sealed the 28th March 1878, and dated the 3rd October 1872.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Leander Wolcott
Boynton at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his
Petition, on the 3rd October 1872.
I, LEANDER WOLCOTT BOYNTON, of the Oity and State of New York,
United States of America, now of No. 8, Southampton Buildings,
London, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "In-
PROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF BLOCKS OR CUBICAL OR OTHER SHAPED PIECES
OF COAL, SUGAR, CLAY, PEAT, MANURE, AND OTHER MATERIALS, AND IN MACHINERY
THEREFOR," to be as follows:-
My said Invention relates to the manufacture of compressed blocks or
Jt
pieces of various materials, and to machinery for forming the same.

page_text: will be found a very efficient and economical means for manufacturing
compressed blocks or pieces of coal dust to be used for fuel; also for
forming cubes or cubical picces of sugar, thereby obviating the necessity
for moulding the same into loaves and afterwards reducing it by breaking
or cutting to lumps of the required size; also for making bricks and
other articles of clay, for compressing manure into blocks or cakes of
convenient size, and for other similar purposes.
When my said machine is to be used for forming cubes of sugar I
construct the same as follows:-A drum or cylinder of cast iron or other
suitable material is mounted upon a horizontal shaft, which is fitted to
turn in suitable bearings formed or fixed upon upright side frames. The
shell of this cylinder is perforated with square or other shaped holcs,
which form the dies wherein the sugar or other material is compressed
and shaped. At their inner ends the said holes are closed by sliding
plungers or pistons, which are operated by cams arranged at the
ends of the said cylinder to move in and out of the said holes. In
contact with the aforesaid cylinder, and preferably above the same, is
another cylinder or drum, whose periphery is furnished with projections
which correspond in size and position with the holes in the first-men-
tioned cylinder. The two cylinders are geared together in such a
manner that as they rotate cach row of projections will enter a row of
holes, and the cams are so arranged that at the time the holes are
closed at their outer ends by the said projections the plungers are forced
into the holes, and the compression of the sugar or other material is
thereby effected.
Over the first cylinder I fix a hopper, into which the sugar or other
material is first placed. This hopper is furnished with a series of
revolving mixers, which constantly agitate the mass in the hopper and
ensure its passing properly down to the holes in the said cylinder. The
said hopper is arranged in such a position that as cach row of holes is
brought under it by the revolution of the cylinder the plungers thereof
are drawn back or inward to their full extent, so that the holes are filled
with the sugar or other material to be compressed. Then as the said
cylinder revolves these holes meet the projections on the other cylinder,
the compression takes place, and the cylinder, still revolving, carries the
said holes around to the position at which it is desired to eject the com-
pressed blocks or pieces. The cams are so formed that as the cylinder
revolves the plungers are gradually forced forward until the said blocks

page_text: or pieces are delivered, the plungers then gradually returning to leave
the holes vacant for the reception of a fresh quantity. The plungers
are provided with antifriction rollers arranged to travel upon the cams
that force the said plungers into the holes. In combination with these
forcing cams I arrange other cams, which are adjustable and are con-
nected with screws in such a manner that by turning the said screws I
can adjust the cams to vary the quantity of sugar or other substance
admitted into the dies, and the compression of the same.
In making cubes or blocks of sugar it is desirable to keep the surfaces
of the cylinders perfectly clean, and for this purpose I arrange on the
under side of each cylinder a shallow tray containing water, through
which the cylinder revolves. And in combination with these con-
trivances I employ a rotary or other fan or blower to dry the surface of
the die cylinder as it emerges from the water.
I also arrange in combination with the said cylinder an endless tra-
velling apron, upon which the contents of the dies are ejected. The said
apron may be of any length found most convenient for the delivery of
the compressed sugar or other material. It is driven by a chain or belt
from the shaft of one of the cylinders.
I modify the construction of my said Invention as follows:-I dispense
with the cylinder carrying the projections for closing the outer ends of
the dies or holes, and use in its place a segment plate fitted closely to tho
periphery of the drum which carries the dics, and extending around.
about one-fourth part of its circumference. Or I sometimes provide
each of the said dics with a hinged door or valve, and arrange around
the drum a series of antifriction rollers, which close the said doors when,
the dies are filled and while the compression is being exerted therein,
but allow them to open as the dies come to the position at which their
contents are to be discharged. When these modifications are adopted I
prefer to fix the said drum on a vertical shaft. The dies have apertures
on the upper side for the admission of the material to be conipressed and
shaped, these feed apertures being closed by sliding doors operated by
cams somewhat similar to those which operate the compressing plungers.
The upper side of the drum is formed with V shaped channels to conduct
the material to the feed apertures of the dies. These last-described
modifications of my Invention are more especially designed for forming
large blocks of compressed coal dust, and for compressing bricks,
manure, and the like.

page_text: .
It is necessary that the coal dust or other similar material to be made
into blocks should be mixed with some adhesive substance. I prefer to
use peat or clay, or a mixture of both; and I also use the same or other
suitable substances to form a coating for the compressed blocks or pieces
of manure. The clay, peat, or other substance is dissolved in sufficient 5
water to make a thin paste, into which the said blocks are discharged
from the dies. When dry it forms a protective coating or covering,
which preserves the manure and prevents any offensive smell there-
from.
.
For mixing the coal with the peat, clay, or other substance I use a 1
hollow drum, open on one side and containing a set of rotating beaters.
These beaters are formed of small tubes or hollow rods fixed on a central
hollow shaft. At one side of the drum is arranged a driving shaft, which
is geared in connection with the aforesaid drum by one set of wheels,
and with the hollow shaft by another set of wheels. It is moreover 1
provided with a clutch or other suitable contrivance for putting it into
or out of gear with the said drum. The material to be treated is intro-
duced into the drum through the open side, and the beaters revolve and
thoroughly pulverize and mix the same. Steam is admitted through the
hollow shaft and beaters to facilitate the operation. When the same has 2
been continued for a sufficient time the drum is put in gear with the
driving shaft, and thereby turned over to bring its open side down,
thereby discharging its contents.
In making compressed blocks of peat to be used as fuel I provide an
apparatus consisting of a hopper with two or more sets of revolving 2
mixers, and two or more plain drums placed below the said mixers.
Below this apparatus I arrange one end of an endless travelling apron,
whose other end is arranged just above the hopper of the dic cylinder.
The peat is pulverized and mixed as it passes through the said apparatus,
and falls therefrom upon the endless apron, whereby it is conducted to 3

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said Leander Wolcott Boynton in the Great Seal Patent
Office on the 3rd April 1873.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, LEANDER
WOLCOTT BOYNTON, of the City and State of New York, United States
of America, now of No. 8, Southampton Buildings, London, send
greeting.
"
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Third day of October, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-two, in the thirty-sixth
year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and
grant unto me, the said Leander Wolcott Boynton, Her special licence
that I, the said Leander Wolcott Boynton, my executors, administrators,
and assigns, or such others as I, the said Leander Wolcott Boynton, my
executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any time agree with,
and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter during the
term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise,
and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland,
the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS
IN THE MANUFACTURE OF BLOCKS OR CUBICAL OR OTHER SHAPED PIECES OF COAL,
Sugar, Clay, Peat, Manure, and OTHER MATERIALS, AND IN MACHINERY THERE-
FOB," upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said Leander
Wolcott Boynton, my executors or. administrators, by an instrument
in writing under my, or their, or one of their hands and seals, should
particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and
in what manner the same was to be performed, and cause the same to
be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar months next
and immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Leander Wolcott Boynton, do
hereby declare the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the
same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in
and by the following statement, reference being had to the accompanying
Drawing forming a part of this Specification.
My said Invention relates to the manufacture of compressed blocks or
pieces of various materials, and to machinery for forming the same. It
will be found a very efficient and economical means for manufacturing

page_text: compressed blocks or pieces of peat, coal dust, and other like substances
to be used for fuel; also for forming cubes or cubical pieces of sugar,
thereby obviating the necessity for moulding the same into loaves and
afterwards reducing it by breaking or cutting to lumps of the required
size; also for making bricks and other articles of clay, for compressing
manuro into blocks or cakes of convenient size, and for other similar
purposes.

page_text: Figure 13 is a longitudinal section of a machine or apparatus to be
used in connection with my improved compressing machine for mixing
coal dust with peat, clay, or other adhesive substances.
"
Figure 14 is a side elevation of a machine or apparatus to be used in
connection with my improved compressing machine for breaking, pul-
verizing, and mixing peat before forming it into blocks or pieces.
Liko letters indicate the same parts throughout the Drawing.
The compressing machine has a strong framing A of cast iron or other
suitable material conveniently constructed to carry the operative parts of
the said machine. A drum or cylinder a of cast iron or other suitable
metal is mounted upon a horizontal shaft b, which is fitted to turn in
bearings 6' formed or fixed upon the upright side frames A. The shell
of this cylinder is perforated with square or other shaped holes, in which
are inserted the dies c wherein the peat, clay, sugar, or other material is
compressed and shaped. These dies may be formed as shewn in
Figures 5 and 6, or may be in the form of long cells, the material com-
pressed being divided into blocks of the required size by wires stretched
across the said dies. At their inner ends the said dies are closed by
sliding plungers or pistons d, which are operated by cams e arranged at
the ends of the cylinder a to move in and out of the said dies. In
contact with the aforesaid cylinder a, and preferably above the same, as
shewn in Figure 1, is another cylinder or drum f, whose periphery is
furnished with projections f", which correspond in size and position with
the holes in the first-mentioned cylinder a. The two cylinders a, f, are
geared together by toothed wheels or otherwise in such a manner that
as they rotate each row of projections f¹ will enter a row of dies, and the
cams e are so arranged that at the time the holes are closed at their
outer ends by the said projections, the plungers d are forced inward, and
the compression of the sugar or other material is thereby effected.
•
Over the first cylinder a I fix a hopper g, into which the peat, coal
dust, sugar, or other material is first placed. This hopper is furnished
with a series of revolving mixers g¹, which constantly agitate the mass
in the hopper and ensure its passing properly down to the dies in the
cylinder a. The said hopper is arranged in such a position that before
each row of dies is brought under it by the revolution of the cylinder a,
the plungers of such row of dies are drawn back or inward to their full
extent, so that the said dies are filled with the peat, sugar, or other

page_text: material to be compressed. Then as the said cylinder revolves theso
dies meet the corresponding row of projections f¹ in the other cylinder f,
then compression takes place, and the cylinder a, still revolving, carrys
the said dies around to the position at which it is desired to deliver the
compressed blocks or pieces. The cams e are so formed that as the
cylinder a revolves, the plungers d are gradually forced outward until
the said blocks or pieces are ejected from the dies, the said plungers then
gradually returning to leave the dies vacant for the reception of a fresh
quantity of sugar or other material. The plungers d are provided with
antifriction rollers d³, arranged to travel upon the cams e that force the 1
said plungers into their holes. The construction and arrangement of
these pistons or plungers is clearly illustrated in Figures 8 and 9. & is
a bar, to which the said plungers are attached by screws &³. The ends
of these bars are formed to carry the aforesaid antifriction rollers &³, that
are fitted to turn freely thereon. In combination with the forcing cams e 1
I arrange other cams h, which are adjustable and are connected with
screws ½³ in such a manner that by moving the said screws I can adjust
the cams to vary the quantity of the material admitted into the dies, and
the compression of the same.
In making cubes or blocks of sugar it is desirable to keep the surfaces
of the cylinders perfectly clean, and for this purpose I arrange on the
under side of each cylinder a shallow tray containing water, through
which the cylinder revolves. And in combination with these con-
trivances I employ a rotary or other fan or blower to dry the surface of
the die cylinder as it emerges from the water.
In treating some substances in a machine, constructed as shown in
Figure 1, the compression would not be continued long enough to produce
the desired result. I therefore use, instead of the drum or cylinder f,
with the projections f', an endless chain provided with similar projections,
and passing around suitable chain wheels or pulleys properly arranged to
keep the said projections in the required position with regard to the die
cylinder.
I arrange in combination with the cylinder a an endless travelling
apron h³, upon which the contents of the dies are ejected. The said
apron may be of any length found most convenient for the delivery of
the compressed material. It may be driven by a chain or belt from the
shaft of one of the cylinders or by other suitable means.

page_text: In the modification of my improved compressing machine illustrated
in Figures 2 and 3, I dispense with the cylinder f, carrying the pro-
jections f, for closing the outer ends of the dies or holes, and use in its
place a segment plate i, fitted closely to the periphery of the die cylinder
or drum a, and extending around about one-fourth part of its circum-
ference, as shewn.
In Figures 10 and 11 the dic cylinder is mounted on a vertical shaft,
and has a similar segment plate at its periphery.
Or I may further modify the said machine, as shewn in Figure 12.
In this arrangement also the die cylinder a is mounted on a vertical
shaft. Each of the dies is provided with a hinged door or valvej, and I
place around the drum a a series of antifriction rollers k, which close the
said doors when the dies are filled and while the compression is being
exerted therein, but allow them to open as the dies come to the position
at which their contents are to be discharged. The dies have apertures /
on the upper side of the cylinder for the admission of the material to be
compressed and shaped, these feed apertures being closed by sliding
doors A, operated by cams somewhat similar to those which operate the
compressing plungers. The upper side of the cylinder is formed with
V shaped channels to conduct the material to the feed apertures 1 of
the dies. These last-described modifications of my Invention are more
especially designed for forming large blocks of compressed coal dust, and
for forming bricks, blocks of manure, and the like.
In the manufacture of blocks of coal dust or other similar material it
is necessary that the same should be first mixed with some adhesive
substance. For this purpose I prefer to use peat or clay, or a mixture
of both; and I also use the same or other suitable substances to form a
coating for the compressed blocks or pieces of manure. For this last-
mentioned purpose the clay, peat, or other substance is dissolved in
sufficient water to make a thin paste, into which the blocks of manuro
are discharged from the dies. When dry this paste forms a protective
coating or covering, which preserves the manure and prevents any
offensive smell therefrom.
For mixing the coal dust with the peat, clay, or other adhesive sub-
stance I use the apparatus shown in Figure 13. This apparatus has a
hollow drum o open on one side and containing a set of rotating
:

page_text: beaters 2. These beaters are formed of small tubes or hollow rods fixed
on a central hollow shaft q. At one side of the drum is arranged a
driving shaft r, which is geared in connection with the aforesaid drum o
by one set of wheels o³, o³, and with the hollow shaft q by another set of
wheels q', q. The said driving shaft is moreover provided with a clutch
or other suitable contrivance for putting it into or out of gear with the
said drum. The material to be treated is introduced into the drum o
through the open side at o³, the shaft q is put in gear with the driving
shaft, and the beaters p revolve and thoroughly pulverize and mix the
same. Steam or hot air is admitted through the hollow shaft and
beaters p during the operation of mixing. When this operation has
been continued for a sufficient time the drum o is put in gear with the
said driving shaft, and thereby turned over to bring its open side o³ down,
and its contents are discharged into any suitable receptacle. It is then
readjusted to receive a fresh chargo.
C
In-making compressed blocks of peat to be used as fuel I use the
apparatus or machine illustrated in Figure 14. This apparatus has a
strong frame B of cast iron or other material. On this frame is secured
a hopper ", in which are placed two sets of revolving mixers 7; 8, 81, 83,
are plain or smooth cylinders or drums placed below the said mixers, and
caused to rotate together by suitable wheel gearing; is a plate for
closing the space between the two cylinders s, 8³; u, u³, are clearers.
The journals of the cylinders 8', 8', are supported in adjustable block 8³, 8*.
Behind these blocks I place india-rubber cushions &³, 8, which keep the
said cylinders or drums in contact or nearly so with the cylinder 8, but
permit them to recede therefrom if any substance too hard to be crushed
passes between the said cylinders. The latter are freed from adhering
portions of the peat or other material by the clearers u, u'. During tho
pulverizing and mixing operation I heat the said cylinders with steam or
hot air to facilitate and accelerate the same. Below this apparatus I
arrange one end of an endless travelling apron r, whose other end is just
above the hopper of the die cylinder, as shewn in Figure 1. The peat or
other substance to be treated is fed into the hopper r, in which it is
broken, pulverized, and mixed by the action of the revolving mixers r¹.
It passes from the said hopper between the two drums 8, 8, into the 3
space w, and thence between the two drums 8, 8, to the travelling
apron v, whereby it is conducted to the hopper, from which it passes to
the compressing mechanism, whereby it is formed and pressed into

page_text: blocks or pieces of the required size and is delivered to the apron, and by
the latter conducted away to any convenient part of the building or
other place where provision is made for its reception.
Having thus fully described my said Invention, and the manner of
performing the same, I wish it understood that I claim,-
First. In a machine for compressing the herein-named or other
materials and forming the same into blocks or pieces of any desired
shape and size, the die cylinder, the plungers, and the upper cylinder or
endless chain, constructed, combined, and operating together, as herein
set forth, and as illustrated in Figure 1 of the Drawing.
Second. The cams for operating the said plungers, constructed,
arranged, and operating in the particular manner specified, so that the
plungers and the projections on the said upper cylinder co-operate in the
manner set forth and for the purpose specified.
Third. The hopper fitted with the revolving fillers, and so arranged in
relation to the 'die cylinder and plungers that the latter are drawn back
before each row of holes or dies comes under the said hopper, as set forth
and for the purpose specified.
Fourth. The combination of the said forcing cams with other cams
adjusted by screws or other contrivances to vary the quantity of material
admitted into the said dies, and the compression thereof, as herein set
forth.
Fifth. In a machine for compressing sugar or other like substances
the combination of the aforesaid contrivances with the clearing trays and
fan or blower, and also with the travelling apron, as herein set forth, and
for the purposes specified.
Sixth. In combination with the said die cylinder, the use of a seg-
ment plate instead of the upper cylinder, as herein set forth, and for the
purpose specified.
Seventh. In combination with the said die cylinder, the use of the
hinged doors or valves and series of antifriction rollers for opening the
said doors, as herein set forth, and for the purpose specified.
Eighth. The compressing machine, with its parts constructed, com-
bined, and operating as illustrated in Figure 10 of the Drawing.

page_text: Ninth. The compressing machine, with its parts combined and ope-
rating as illustrated in Figure 12 of the said Drawing.
Tenth. Covering the compressed blocks of manure or other substance
with a coating or envelope of clay or other material, for the purpose
specified.
Eleventh. The introduction of steam into the mixing apparatus, con-
structed and operating as herein described, during the operation of
breaking, pulverizing, and mixing, for the purposes specified.
Twelfth. The machine or apparatus for mixing the coal dust with
peat, clay, or other suitable substances, constructed and operating as
herein set forth.
Thirteenth. The machine or apparatus for pulverizing and mixing the
peat, constructed as herein set forth, and provided with an endless apron
arranged in combination with the aforesaid die cylinder, and operating
as herein specified.
In witness whereof, I, the said Leander Wolcott Boynton, have
hereunto set my hand and scal, this Twenty-seventh day of
March, in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and
seventy-three.
ATUMAI