Improvements in Brick Making Machines.
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 7th July, 1891-Accepted, 3rd Oct, '1891
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Brick Making Machines.
I, BRUCE CLARK WHITE, of No. 326, Dearborn' Street" Chicago, State of
Illinois, United States of America Manufacturer, do hereby declare the nature of
this invention and in what manner, the same is to be performed, to. be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement:-
This invention relates to that class of machines for making bricks in which the
clay to form the bricks is compressed within a mold by means of two opposing
plungers which are moved toward each other in compressing the brick, and are also
moved within the mold during the act of compressing the brick in such a manner
as to give the brick smoothed or polished. edges.
This invention more particularly embraces improvements in the machine illustrated
in a prior British Patent No. 8563% and U.S. Patent No. 429,296, granted June 3,
1890, to myself and James A. Boyd.
In the accompanying drawings illustrating my invention:-
Figure 1 is a central vertical section of aimachine embodying my invention.
Figure 2 is a vertical cross-section thereof, taken upon line 2-2 of Figure. 1.
Figure 3 is a detail plan section taken upon line 3-3 of Figure 1.
Figure 4 is a detail side elevation illustrating the parts shown in Figure 3.
Figure 5 is a detail side elevation of one of the parts shown in Figure 4.
Figure 6 is a detail section taken upon line 6-6 of Figure 1.
Figure 7 is a plan section taken upon line 7-7 of Figure 1.
Figures 8, 9, and 10 are detail views of parts shown in Figures 6 and 7.
Figures 11, 12 and 13 are detail sections of the mold table and, plungers,
illustrating the operation of the parts which actuate the lower plunger.
Figure 14 is a detail section taken.upon line 14-14 of Figure 1, illustrating the
feeding devices for the clay.
Figure 15 is a side view of the hopper for supplying the clay to the molds,
showing a somewhat different form of hopper, embodying the main features of the
invention.
Figure 16 is a sectional view taken upon line 16-16 of Figure 15.
Figure 17 is a plan section taken upon line 17-17 of Figure 15.showing the
joint between one of the connecting rods and oscillating arms, by which the feed-box
is moved.
Figure 18 is a side elevation of the joint shown in Figure 17.
The main frame of the machine herein illustrated as, embodying my invention,
consists of two heavy vertical frame-plates A. A arranged parallel with each other
at. opposite sides of the machine, and attached to a massive,..horizontal base-
casting A. The said frame-plates A A are constructed to form two vertical guide
standards A2 A2 to support the bearings for the vertically movable parts of the
machine, said frame-plates being connected with each other at the top of the frame
by means of a horizontal cross-girt A³.
B is a mold table which is located at a convenient distance above the base-
casting A', and is arranged horizontally between and bolted at its ends to the
vertical guide standards A' A' of the frame. Within said mold-tables are located
molds CCC.which in the machine shown are three in number. Horizontal
extensions of said mold-table at the front and rear of the molds for the purpose of
supporting the feeding devices for the clay and the finished bricks, are formed by
means of a horizontal plate B' at the front of the molds by a second.. horizontal
plate B located at the rear of the mold table, and sustained. by attachment to the
frame plates A A in the manner illustrated.
DDD are a series of plungers constructed to slide in, the, upper parts of the

page_text: '
molds CCC, and attached to a horizontal cross-head D' located above the mold-
table B. EEE are other plungers sliding in the bottom parts of the molds and
mounted; upon a cross-head located beneath the mold-table. FF are two heavy
vertical bars which are mounted to slide vertically in the guide-standards AA of
the frame. Said bars F F are secured at their lower ends to the cross-head E¹,
and extend upwardly through the ends of the mold table to points near the upper
ends of the guide standards A² A².
G G are toggle arms which are pivoted respectively to the upper ends of the
slide bars and the upper cross-head. The upper toggle arm is connected with the
slide bars by means of a heavy pivot pin G, and the lower toggle arm G is con-
structed to enter a recess in the upper surface of the cross-head D', and is pivotally
connected with the latter by means of a pivot pin G³ inserted through the bearing
apertures in opposite ends of said cross-lead, and in the lower end of said toggle
arm.
The toggle arms G G are pivotally connected with each other by means of a
heavy pin G inserted through the overlapping forked ends of said toggle arms.
H is a heavy beam, arranged horizontally, and connected with the middle joint of
the toggle arms by means of the pin G, which passes through the ends of said
beam. I is a heavy crank shaft mounted in bearings in the frame plates A A, and
located approximately in the same horizontal plane with the pivot pin G. Said
crank shaft is located at some distance to the rear of the toggle arms, and is
provided with a heavy crank pin 1, with which the beam H is engaged. The
rotation of the crank shaft acts upon the toggle arms through the medium of the
beam H to alternately straighten and flex the said toggle arms. J is a pin or
shaft arranged horizontally and secured at its ends in the frame plates A A, the
middle part of said pin extending beneath the beam H. Upon said shaft is
mounted a rocking arm J (Figure 8) preferably provided with a long cylindrical
bearing at its lower end to engage the said pin J. The upper end of the arm
adapted to engage a convex bearing surface formed upon the beam H, preferably
at a point near that end of the beam which is engaged with the toggles GG'. Said
rocking arm J serves as a fulcrum or point of support for the beam, so that the
latter operates, as it is moved by the crank, to raise and lower the toggle arms,
the slide bars, the upper and lower cross-head, and the upper and lower plungers.
K is a heavy drive wheel fixed to the shaft I outside of the frame plate A. Said
drive wheel is provided with peripheral cogs which engage pinion mounted
upon the frame, and having attached to it a belt-pulley K, over which is placed a
driving-belt for transmitting power to the machine.
is
L is a sliding feed-box which rests and slides upon the top of the mold table at
the rear of the molds. Said feed-box consists of a horizontal plate or casting
provided at its end adjacent to the molds with rectangular openings I corre-
sponding in number with the molds C C C, and of the suitable dimensions to contain
the quantity of clay required for filling the molds. Said openings are closed at
their bottoms by the mold table, except when the feed-box is moved forward to
bring said openings over the molds.
M is a feed-hopper, located at the rear of the molds and over the sliding feed-
box L which latter has a horizontal reciprocatory motion, through a distance
sufficient to carry the openings lll alternately over the molds, and under the feed-
hopper. The feed-box is provided at the rear of the openings with a horizontal
top surface which supports the material within the hopper during the time the feed-
box is being moved to carry the clay to the molds. N is a rock-shaft mounted
at its ends in the frame plates A. A, and provided with an upwardly extending
arm N', which engages with a cam K³ upon the wheel K. Said rock-shaft N
is also provided with two depending arms N' N, which are connected by
pitmans N3 N³ with the opposite sides of the feed-box in the manner clearly
shown in the drawing Figure 14.
The ends of the pivot G2 which connect the upper toggle G with the vertical
bars F F are extended outwardly beyond said bars, and upon the ends of said pivots

page_text: re placed two blocks O O having flat lower faces adapted to engage transverse
orizontal stops or ledges O' O', on the guide standards A2 A2, below said blocks O O.
The lower surfaces of the blocks OO are preferably provided with cushious o o of
ubber. Said stops operate to limit the downward movement of the lower cross-
cad, and to sustain the weight of the cross-heads and plungers, and connected
arts, except when the same are supported by the rocking arm J acting on the
cam H.
The construction and operation of the main parts of the machine above described
substantially the same as that of the corresponding parts of the machine shown
n said prior Patent, No. 429,296, the compression of the brick being produced by
he action of the toggle arms operating through the medium of the slide bars F F,
nd the upper and lower cross-heads, while the vertical position of the cross-heads
during the compression of the brick is determined by the action of the beam H and
rocking-arm, except when the said cross-heads are sustained by said stops O' O¹
upon the frame. As shown in said Patent No. 429,296, two swinging arms are
employed to form a fulcrum or support for the beam H, said arms being adapted
to engage bearing pins extending through the beam. As herein shown, only a
single rocking arm is used and said arm and adjacent parts of the beam are
made as follows:-Said beam H is made of a considerable depth vertically, and, in
its under surface, is provided with a deep recess H' extending upwardly to the top
of the beam, and within which the upper end of the arm J is located. The convex
bearing surface is located in the upper part of this recess, and said bearing surface
is preferably formed upon a bearing block H2, made separate from the beam, and
held in place by bolts in the manner illustrated. is a guide rod which enters
and slides in a longitudinal guide passage j, in the arm J. Said rod is provided
at its upper end with a cross-piece or head, having cylindric bearing surfaces at
its ends, which are engaged with its bearing recesses, formed between the
block and the beam, the said rod J being adapted to swing upon an axis
concentric with the bearing surface by the turning of the said cross-piece in the
said bearing recesses. The bearing block H2 is provided with a central slot
for the passage of the guide rod in the manner illustrated. In the operation of the
beam the latter is at one point in its movement lifted above or free from the rocking
arm, and the object of the guide rod J is to maintain the said rocking arm in
proper position to re-engage the bearing surface during the time the beam is
lifted free from the arm. Such lifting of the beam will occur during the time that
the crank pin is in the upper part of its throw, when the beam is near the termina-
tion of its forward or outward movement, and the upper toggle G is thrown
outwardly by the beam in such a manner as to temporarily sustain the outer end
of the beam, the upper pivot of the said toggle being at this time supported by
the stops O'O' The several parts are preferably located so that the beam will
be re-engaged with the arm during the downward movement of the crank pin,
and when the beam is at the extreme limit of its throw away from the toggles, and
the latter are straight, it following from this construction that the bodily vertical
movement of the toggles and the plungers within the molds will not begin until ·
about the time the toggles are straightened out.
To facilitate the oiling of the bearing surface and other adjacent parts, an oil
passage extends through the beam from the top surface thereof to the cross-
head j, so that oil may be fed directly to said cross-head, and will flow downwardly
from the latter along the rod J to the bearing surfaces between the end of the
rocking arm and the block 2, and will also lubricate the bearing surfaces of the
said rod J and the arm. The guide passage is preferably made to extend through
said arm to the pin J, so that oil fed through said bearing passage will reach the
said pin J and lubricate the latter also. The rod J is preferably provided with
longitudinal grooves which serve both to convey the oil downwardly to the
pin J, and also as a means of admitting air to the guide passage beneath the lower
end of the said rod during the operation of the machine.
The machine shown in the drawings embraces also improved features of

page_text: construction in means for actuating the lower plungers; as follows:-The said lower
plungers EE instead of being positively-orrigidly attached to the lower. cross-
head, are vertically movable with relation to said lower cross-head; and are sustained-
from the cross-lead by means of springs or equivalent weights, engaging the cross-
head and pressing upwardly against-the plungers. By this construction, thesaid
lower plungers in icertain positions of the cross-head are adapted to be moved
vertically within the mold, independently of the position of the lower cross-head.
Said plungers are however, provided with bearing surfaces or shoulders-adapted
for contact with the lower cross-head in the upward movement of the latter, so that
the plungers will be positively lifted in compressing the brick.
'
In the particular construction of those parts illustrated in the drawing, the
plungers E consist of rectangular castings E, to the upper surfaces of which are
secured flat plates, e e, forming the working faces of the plungers, and the lower.
surfaces of which are adapted for contact with the top surface of the lower cross-
head. The plungers are further provided with depending stems or rods E³, which,
are secured at their upper ends in the castings E, and which pass downwardly,
through the cross-head E: The said stems are conveniently secured in the
castings by being inserted therein at their upper ends, and held by means of
vertical set screws e which pass through the upper part of the castings and enter
the upper ends of the stems. The lower cross-head E¹ is shown as made hollow,
or of box form; and is provided in its upper horizontal part with openings e", made
considerably larger than the stems E³, and at its lower part with guide passages e
within which the said stems fit and slide. PPP are coiled springs surrounding..
the stems E E E³ within the hollow lower cross-heads, said springs, being
arranged to bear against the lower wall of the cross-head at their lower ends, and
against collars or nuts p p p secured upon the stems near the upper ends of the
latter Said nuts p p p are adjustably secured upon the stems so that they may
be moved end wise thereon, said rings for this purpose being conveniently engaged.
with screw threads upon the said stems in the manner illustrated. Q is a rocking
lever located adjacent and connected with the lower ends of the several stems E³ E³ E³,
the connecting means shown consisting of a pivot pin P passing horizontally
through the said dever, and through bearing apertures formed in eyes 'pon
the lower ends of the said .stems: Said lever Q is forked or branched at its end
adjacent to the plunger stems; so as to form two arms q, the ends of which are
provided with rings or bearing hubs which enter between the lower ends of
the-plunger stems; and are made of sufficient, length to fill the spaces between.
the eyes at the lower ends of said stem. By this construction a continuous..
bearing is formed for the pivot pin P, and a suitably strong and rigid connection
between the several plunger stems and the said lever is afforded. Said lever Q
has sliding connections at a point between its ends with a vertically arranged rod R.
which is connected at its upper end with the lower cross-head E', and is provided
with an abutting surface or shoulder adapted for engagement with the said lever.
The rod R is connected with the lower part of the cross-head E' by means of.
a horizontal pivot arranged parallel with the pivot pin PI so that the lower end
of said rod is free to swing toward and from said pivot pin P. The sliding,
engagement between the lower part of the rod R and the lever Q is preferably.
afforded by means of a winging guide Q', which is located between the arms
and has bearings. at its ends in said arms so that the guide may turn upon an axis
parallel with that of the pivot pin P. Said guide Q' is provided with a bearing
aperture through which passes the lower end of the said rod R. The abutting
surface or shoulder of the rod is arranged for contact with the top of the swinging
guide Q, said shoulder is preferably made adjustable, by means of a nut engaging
a screw thread upon the rod, a second or jamb nut being placed above the said
nut to hold therlatter from shifting when properly adjusted.
At its outer end; or that remote from the plunger, the lever Q is engaged with a
vertically movable or adjustable block S which may be moved or shifted in its
vertical position, to change the point of pivotal support or fulcrum of the lever Q

page_text: the adjusting device illustrated consisting of a screw.shaft.S' passing through the
threaded aperture in the block, S and adapted to rotate but not to move endwise, in
the machine frame; so that said screw shaft serves both as a means of support of,
and for adjusting, the said block S.-.
As herein shown, the block S is provided at its opposite sides with recesses & s
which are engaged by the forked ends or prongs q3q3 of the said lever Q, as clearly
seen in Figure 4. The screw shaft S is mounted in a bearing s in the base
casting of the machine and is held from vertical movement by the shoulder s2,
above the bearing, and by a collar below. said bearing. Said screw shaft is
provided at its upper end with a hand wheel S which is located in front of the
mold table, in a position convenient to be grasped and turned by the operator, for
adjusting the position of the block.
PP are stops' attached to the lower end of the external plunger stems E³. E³.
and adapted for contact with the lower surface of the base casting A', in such..
manner as to limit the upward movement of the plungers within the moulds; said
stops PP being adapted to yield in case of excessive strain, so as to prevent
breakage of the parts. For this purpose said stops are formed by, means of metal.
blocks attached to stems p² p² which pass through tubular guides p³ ³ made integral
with the lower ends of said stems E3 E3 in the manner clearly shown in the
drawing, Figure 5. Between the upper ends of said sleeves p³ and said stops 12 are
located cushions or washers pt of rubber or other elastic substance, and the plates.
are held in place by nuts placed on the stems 2 below the sleeves p³. Said nuts
will commonly be, tightened. so as to compress the washers to a considerable.
extent, thereby maintaining saidi washers. under a considerable pressure and.
preventing the yielding of the same except under excessive strain.
·
"
The parts above described are so arranged that the lower plungers may be
sustained either by their engagement with the top of the lower crosshead, as shown.
in Figures 1, 2, 12 and 13, or by means of the springs P as shown in Figure 11. The,
said springs, P P P are of such strength or stiffness that they will sustain the
plungers at all times except when there is a considerable downward pressure
brought upon the same by the action of the upper plungers. The parts are so
disposed furthermore that when the cross-head E is at the lower limit of its move-
ment, said cross-head will be free from the. lower plungers, and the latter will be.
held up solely by, the action of the springs, the expansion of which at this time will
be limited by the lever Q which is held movably at its outer end, and the upward
movement of which at its inner end under the action of the springs. is limited by,
contact of said lever with the shoulder of the rod R. The mold is filled when the
lower cross-head is at the lower limit of its movement, and it follows that the
position of the lower plungers within the mold at the time of filling is determined.
by the position of the shoulder on the rod R, and of the adjustable fulcrum block S
of the lever Q. It follows that when the lower cross-head is at the lowermost
limit of its movement, the lower plunger will be supported in this position by the
springs, and that by shifting the fulcrum block S, the position of the said lower
plungers at the time of filling, may be changed as desired. Such position of the lower
plungers obviously determines the quantity of clay which is fed to the mold by the
feed-hox, and it follows that by changing the vertical. position of the fulcrum
block S, or that of the stop on the rod R, at a time when the lower cross-head is
at the extreme limit of its travel downwardly, the lower plungers may be adjusted
within the molds so that the latter will receive the quantity of clay found
desirable or necessary, by reason of the quality and condition of the clay, or other
circumstances.
1
When the upper plungers descend into the molds after the latter have been
filled with clay, the approach of the upper plungers toward the lower plungers will
cause the said lower plungers to recede, the same being sustained at this time solely
by the springs. The lower plungers will not begin to move downwardly, however,
until the pressure on the clay exceeds the sustaining power of the springs and the
latter may be made of such strength as to affect materially the compression of the ;

page_text: clay, before the plungers begin to descend. The plungers continue to move down-
wardly, until they strike and rest upon the lower cross-head. The parts are
desirably so arranged that the lower plungers will stop near the bottoms of the
molds, as clearly shown in Figure 12, which illustrates the position of the parts
when the lower plungers have reached the downward limit of their movement. It
will of course be seen that as soon as the plungers begin to move downwardly the
inner end of the lever Q will be thrust downwardly with the plunger stems so as to
carry the lever away from the stop or shoulder; said lever being in contact with
the shoulder only when the plungers are lifted free from the lower cross-head by
the action of the springs.
The upward movement of the lower cross-head for the purpose of compressing the
brick begins immediately after the lower plungers have come to a bearing upon the
lower cross-head. At this time the upper plungers will be prevented from further
descent by the contact of the upper cross-head with the stops O'O', and the
operation of pressing the brick will be completed by the lower plungers, which are
then caused to rise by the further straightening of the toggles. The lower plungers
are lifted to bring their upper surfaces flush with the top of the mold table, by the
action of the beam H. and arm as hereinbefore described, the upward movement
of the lower cross-head being arranged to cease, when the lower plungers reach the
top of the mold. The upper plungers will usually be lifted free of the pressed
brick about the time the lower plungers reach the top of the mold, and inasmuch as
the springs are then still acting against the lower plungers, the latter might be
thrown upwardly above the top of the mold, were it not for the stops P2 P3, which
strike the bottom of the base casting A, and thus limit the upward movement of
the plunger stems, or plungers at this time.
The movements of the beam H and of the toggles must be so adjusted as to
bring the lower plungers flush with the top of the mold table, or nearly so, but, if
during the adjustment of the parts, or by accident, the parts were so adjusted as to
lift the lower plungers too far, and thus carry them above the mold table, the
contact of the stops P2 P3 with the base casting would result in the breakage of the
machine, were it not for the presence of the spring washers or cushions p' p, above
referred to, which spring washers or cushions are adapted to yield under the
circumstances mentioned, and thus avoid the breaking of the machine.
The position of the several parts when the lower plungers have nearly reached
the upward limit of their movement is shown in Figure 13, from which it will be
seen that the stops 1 P2 are about to come in contact with the bottom surface of
the base casting A', and the lower plungers are at the same distance from the top
of the mold table as the said stops are from the bottom of the base casting. At
this time, the lower cross-head, having nearly reached the upward limit of its
movement, the rod R has been drawn upwardly so as to carry the shoulder
considerable distance from the opposing part of the lever Q.
a
When springs are applied between the lower plungers and the lower cross-
heads to sustain said plungers level with the top of the table, and stops are
employed to hold the plungers from rising above the table, as above described, it is
obviously not essential that the lower cross-head should remain immovable at the
upward limit of its movement, but said lower cross-head may immediately begin to
descend. It follows that by the use of the springs arranged and operated as
described, any special construction in the actuating device of the machine for giving
the necessary dwell to the lower plungers at this time may be omitted. By the use
of springs for sustaining the lower plungers in the manner described, therefore, the
rocking arm J and beam H or other device which is without provision for giving a
dwell to the lower cross-head at the upward limit of its movement, may be employed
for actuating said lower cross-head.
One important feature of my invention is embraced in the springs for sustaining
the lower plungers, in connection with the lever pivoted to the lower plungers, and
to an adjustable support upon the frame, and adapted to engage the lower cross-head
in a stop on the same, so that the upward movement of the lower-plungers at the

page_text: time of filling the molds, may be limited or controlled for changing the capacity of
the molds, without adjustment of the cross-head or other main parts of the machine.
This same general result is obtained by the construction set forth in said prior
Patent No. 429,296, wherein a weight or equivalent spring is shown as employed to
lift the lower plungers, and is broadly therein claimed in connection with a stop for
limiting the upward movement of the plungers. The device shown in this
application has the advantage of being much more simple and durable in construc-
tion while it is at the same time capable of being more easily and quickly
adjusted.
It is to be understood, however, that as far as the operation of the lever Q is
concerned, a counter-balance weight may be employed in place of the spring P to
provide a means of lifting the lower plungers relatively to the lower cross-head, in
the same general manner set forth in said prior Patent No. 429,296, but I prefer.
however, to employ the spring or springs for this purpose for obvious reasons of
economy and simplicity of construction.
I have herein shown the block S as sustained upon and moved by a screw shaft,
but it is entirely obvious that as far as the operation of the main parts of the
machine are concerned, said block may be adjustably sustained upon the frame in
any one of many different ways which will readily suggest themselves to a
mechanic.
The machine herein shown embodies improvements in the construction of the
hopper M through the medium of which the clay is fed to the feed-box Las
follows-T is a ring which surrounds and slides upon the lower end or mouth of
the hopper M, and which is adapted to rest upon the top surface of the feed-box.
In similar machines as heretofore made, the. hopper has been rigidly attached, to
the machine frame, and arranged to bear directly upon the top of the feed-box, but
this construction is found to have the disadvantage that the clay, which is liable to
adhere to the top surface of the feed-box is pressed down or compacted against said
surface by the rubbing on the clay of the unyielding lower surface of the hopper,
so that the feed-box is liable to become covered in a short time with a very firm
and compact layer of clay, which by contact with the lower surface of the hopper,
prevents the proper operation of the parts. By the employment of the ring T,
which is adapted to slide freely vertically on the hopper, I avoid the objections
stated, it being found in practice that if the surface or edge of the-hopper in contact
with the feed-box is adapted to yield freely upward, so as to prevent any compacting
of the clay in a hard mass or layer on the top surface of the feed-box, any clay
which may adhere to the said top surface of the feed-box will be scraped therefrom
in passing beneath the said yielding ring.
The ring T may rest by gravity only against the feed-box, but it may be found
desirable that said ring, should operate with a pressure greater or less than that
afforded by its weight, and I have therefore shown in the drawing, springs applied
to said ring, and so arranged that they may act either to make the ring press
against the feed-box, with a pressure less than that which would be due to its weight
alone, or with a pressure greater than that which would be afforded by its weight.
In the particular arrangement of the said part shown in the drawings T T are
vertical rods secured at their upper ends to the wall of the hopper above the ring T,
and passing through lugs ton said ring. The said walls of the hopper being
outwardly inclined in the machine shown (Figure 14), the rods T T are secured
at their upper ends in the projections cast upon the said walls, in the manner
illustrated. Coiled springs surround the rods T' T' above the lugs 1, and
bear against said lugs and against the adjustable collars or nuts upon the rods,
and other coiled springs are placed around the said rods, below the said lugs t,
and bear at their upper ends against said lugs, and at their lower ends against the
adjustable collars or nuts on the lower parts of said rods. In a construction
of this kind, by adjusting the nuts 2 or 4, the ring T may be made to bear
downwardly upon the, feed-box with the pressure found to be most desirable in the
operation of the parts.
i

page_text: '
:
T
The results obtained by the use of the vertically movable or upwardly yielding
ring T may be obtained by making the entire 'hopper vertically movable; it being
cobvious that the part of: the feed ducts or spouts which is adjacent to the feed-box
may be made to yield upwardly, and to act with a desired pressure, by making
cmore or less of the said duct or spouts movable,as may be found convenient
or desirable. If, for instance, the lower part of the hopper only-is movable it is
necessary to make a sliding or telescopic joint between the said movable or yielding
parts and the body of the hopper, but if the entire hopper is movable; the latter
may be moved with reference to the supply chutes M³, which latter being usually
made of canvas; require no special provision for allowing such upward movement
of the hopper. It will of course be understood that when the entire hopper is made
vertically yielding or movable, the same may either rest with its entire weight upon
the feed-box, or if found necessary or desirable, a part of its weight may be carried
by supporting springs in the same manner as herein before described in connection
with the ring T. When the entire hopper is vertically movable; it will not usually
be necessary to employ springs to press the hopper downwardly, inasmuch as the
weight of the hopper will be so great as to render such springs' unnecessary.
Figure 15 of the accompanying drawings, I have shown a construction of the kind
above last referred to, wherein the hopper M is provided at its opposite sides with
outwardly projecting horizontal arms M2 M², which engage with two vertically
arranged slotted guide arms M3 M³ on the rear part 3 of the mold table.
Springs m m'are placed between the arms' M³ M; and the lower ends of the slots
in the guide arms M3 M³, so that said springs act upwardly in a manner to take
part of the weight of the hopper from the feed-box. To provide means for
adjusting the tension of said springs, set screws m' m² are inserted through the
arms M M³, so as to bear upwardly against the followers m² m² placed in the
guide slots of said arms beneath said springs m m in the manner illustrated in
Figures 15 and 16.
In
It will of course be understood that equivalent counter-balance weights may be
employed in place of the springs for lifting the ring T or the entire hopper when
the latter is made vertically movable.
As commonly heretofore.constructed, the mold table of a brick machine having
a reciprocatory feed-box of the kind herein shown has been 'provided with guides
for the feed-box constructed to hold the latter from displacement sidewise in its
reciprocatory movement, and as novel construction in these parts; the top of the
mold table on which the feed-box moves is made perfectly flat or horizontal, and
the feed-box is held in position solely by the pitmans or connecting rods' N³ N³,
which unite the oscillating arms N2 N2 with the opposite sides of the feed-box, said
.rods being connected with the oscillating arms, and the feed-box by pivotal
connections constructed to rigidly hold the connecting rods parallel to the feed-box,
and means being provided for adjusting the length of the connecting rods so that
the sides of the feed-box may be adjusted accurately parallel to the sides of the
mold table, and the feed-box thereby caused to move in a straight line without the
use of any guides on the mold table which have been found objectionable by reason
of the liability of clay to accumulate thereon, and lift the box from its seat. The
particular device herein shown for attaching the connecting bars N3N3 with the
arms N2 N2 embody certain features of novelty which are herein claimed and are
made as follows, (Figures 17 and 18):-
U U are blocks swivelled to the arms N2 N3, by means of stems u u, upon the
blocks which pass through bearing apertures in said arms, and are arranged parallel
with the shaft N, so that the block may swing in vertical planes. Said blocks are
provided with notches u¹ into which the end portions of the rods N³ Ns are inserted,
said rods being provided with muts n n on opposite sides of the blocks U U. By
shifting said nuts upon the rods, the length of the same may be varied for the
purpose of adjusting the feed-box so that it will move accurately parallel with the
sides of the mold table. In order to avoid the possibility of the connecting rods
being accidentally disconnected from the blocks U, each of said blocks is provided

page_text: n its outer face with a recess u³ (Figure 17), into which the nut a enters, so that
he said rod cannot be lifted out of the notch ', until the nut has been turned back
clear of the face of the block. The connecting rods N N' are preferably connected
with the feed-box by means of the pivot rod N passing through the said walls or
Hanges of the feed-box, and projecting outside of the same sufficient distance to
engage the transverse bearing apertures formed in the ends of said connecting rods,
In the manner illustrated.
When the feed-box is connected with the arms N' N2 in the manner described,
said feed-box may be readily and quickly disconnected from the arms by loosening
the nuts n on the connecting rods, lifting the latter free from the swiveled
blocks U U, and then slipping the forward ends of said connecting rods from the
pivot rod N¹.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is
1-In combination with a mold and upper and lower plungers working therein,
of means for actuating the plungers embracing toggle arms connected with
the opposite plungers, a crank shaft, a beam connected with the crank shaft and
with the middle joint of the toggle arms, and a shifting fulcrum for the beam,
consisting of a pivotally supported arm upon the frame adapted to engage at its
upper end with a curved bearing surface on the beam whereby the part of the
beam engaged with said arm is caused to move in the arc of a circle during the
forward movement of the beam, the lower plunger being yieldingly connected with
the actuating devices, whereby the lower plunger may be allowed to dwell at, the
upper limit of its movement, independently of the said actuating devices, sub-
stantially as described.
2: The combination with a mold and plungers working therein, of means for
actuating the plungers embracing toggle arms connected with the opposite plungers,
a crank shaft, a beam connected with the said crank shaft and with the middle
joint of the toggle arms, and a shifting fulcrum for the beam comprising a pivotally
supported arm upon the frame adapted to engage at its upper end with a bearing
surface on the beam, and a sliding connection between the said beam and the arm
for holding the arm in position to re-engage said bearing surface of the beam,
substantially as described.
3: The combination with a mold and plungers working therein, of means for
actuating the plungers embracing toggle arms connected with the opposite plungers,
a crank shaft, a beam connected with the said crank shaft, and with the middle
joint of the toggle arms, and a pivotally supported arm upon, the frame acting as
a fulcrum for the beam, said beam being provided with an upwardly extending
recess, and having in the upper part of said recess a bearing surface to engage the
upper end of said arm, substantially as described.
4-The combination with a mold and plungers working therein, of means for
actuating plungers embracing toggle arms connected with the opposite, plungers,
a crank shaft, a beam connected with the said crank shaft and with the middle
joint of the toggle arms, said beam being provided with an upwardly extending
recess, a pivotally supported arm upon the frame forming a shifting fulcrum for
the beam, and a removable bearing block upon the beam, having a convex. bearing
surface for engagement with the upper end of the said arm, substantially as described.
5: The combination with a mold of upper and lower plungers sliding therein,
means for actuating the lower plunger having yielding connection therewith, and
means for limiting the upward movement of the said lower plunger, relative to the
parts which actuate the same, comprising a lever pivotally connected with the lower
plunger, and an adjustable fulcrum for the said lever, said lever being adapted
for contact with one of the parts which is moved to give movement, to the said
lower plunger, so as to limit the upward movement of the plunger at the time of
filling the mold, substantially as described.
B

page_text: '
6-The combination with a mold of upper and lower plungers sliding therein
and means for actuating the lower plunger, comprising a cross-head, engaged with
and supporting the lower plunger, and having sliding connection therewith, a spring
or counterbalance weight, serving to sustain the lower plunger yieldingly on the
lower cross-head, and a lever pivotally connected with the lower plunger, and with
the machine frame, said lever being adapted for contact with a part of or upon the
lower cross-head so as to limit the upward movement of the lower plunger at the
time of filling the mold, substantially as described.
7: The combination with a mold of upper and lower plungers sliding therein,
and means for actuating the lower plunger, comprising a cross-head engaged with,
and supporting the lower plunger, and having sliding connection therewith; a
spring or counter-balance weight serving to sustain the lower plunger yieldingly
on the lower cross-head, a lever pivotally connected with the lower plunger, and
an adjustable fulcrum for the lever; said lever being adapted for contact with, or
a part of the lower cross-head, so as to limit the upward movement of the plunger
at the time of filling the mold, substantially as described.
8: The combination with a mold, of upper and lower plungers sliding therein,
and means for actuating the lower plunger comprising a cross-head engaged with
and supporting the lower plunger, and having sliding connection therewith, a spring
or counter-balance weight serving to sustain the lower plunger yieldingly on the
lower cross-head, a lever pivotally connected with the lower plunger, and with the
machine frame, and a guide rod engaging the lower cross-head, and the said lever,
and provided with a stop or shoulder to limit the approach of the lever toward the
cross-head, and acting to limit the upward movement of the plunger, at the time
of filling the mold, substantially as described.
9: The combination with a mold, of upper and lower plungers sliding therein,
and means for actuating the lower plungers, comprising a cross-head engaged with
and supporting the lower plunger, and having sliding connection therewith, a
spring or counter-balance weight serving to sustain the lower plunger yieldingly
on the lower cross-head, a lever pivotally connected with the lower plunger and
with the machine frame, and a guide rod pivoted to the cross-head and having
sliding engagement with the lever, and provided with an adjustable stop or shoulder
to engage the said lever, substantially as described.
10 The combination with a mold of upper and lower plungers sliding therein,
and means for actuating the lower plunger, comprising a cross-head, having sliding
connection therewith, a spring or counter-balance weight serving to sustain the
lower plunger yieldingly on the lower cross-head; a lever pivotally connected
with the lower plunger, a vertically movable block forming a fulcrum for the lever,
and a screw shaft on the machine frame engaged with said block for moving the
same, substantially as described.
11: The combination with a mold of upper and lower plungers sliding therein
and means for actuating the lower plungers, comprising a cross-head having sliding
connection therewith, a spring or counter-balance weight serving to sustain the
lower plunger yieldingly on the lower cross-head, a lever pivotally connected with
the lower plunger, a vertically movable block forming a fulcrum for said lever, a
vertical screw shaft engaging the said block, and a guide rod pivoted to the lower
cross-head, said rod being provided with a stop or shoulder for limiting the move-
ment of the lever toward the cross-head, substantially as described.
12 The combination with a mold of upper and lower plungers sliding therein
and means for actuating the lower plungers comprising a cross-head, a vertical
stem or plunger having sliding engagement with the cross-head, a spring surrounding
the said stem, and bearing against the said cross-head, an adjustable nut or collar
on the said stem, bearing against the upper end of the spring, and a lever pivotally
connected with the plunger and with the machine frame, said lever being
adapted for contact with a part of or upon the lower cross-head, substantially as
13 The combination with a mold of upper and lower plungers sliding therein,
described.
:-
!

page_text: and means for actuating the lower plungers, comprising a cross-head engaged with
the lower plunger, and having sliding connection therewith, a spring or counter-
balance weight serving to sustain the lower plunger yieldingly on the lower
cross-head, means for limiting the upward movement of the lower plunger under
the action of said spring or counter-balance weight at the time of filling the mold,
embracing a cushioned stop connected with the lower plunger, and acting against
a part of the machine frame to prevent the lower plunger from rising above the
mold table, substantially as described.
14: The combination with a mold of upper and lower plungers sliding therein,
and means for actuating the lower plunger comprising a cross-head engaged with
and supporting the lower plunger, and having sliding connection therewith, a
spring or counter-balance weight serving to sustain the lower plunger yieldingly
on the lower cross-head, and a lever pivotally connected with the lower plunger
and with the machine frame, and adapted for contact with a part of or upon the
said cross-hend so as to limit the upward movement of the lower plunger at the
time of filling the mold, and a cushioned stop connected with the lower plunger,
and adapted for contact with a part of the machine frame to prevent the lower
plunger from rising above the mold table, substantially as described.
15: The combination with a mold of upper and lower plungers sliding therein,
a lower cross-head engaged with and supporting the lower plunger, a stem upon
the lower plunger passing downwardly through the lower cross-head, a spring
serving to sustain the lower plunger yieldingly on the lower cross-head, said stem
being provided at its lower end with laterally extending arms or brackets, stops
for engagement with the frame mounted in said brackets, and having sliding
connection therewith, and cushions and spring washers inserted between the stops
and the brackets, substantially as described.
16: The combination with the mold and feed-box of means for supplying the
clay to the feed-box embracing a passage or tubular enclosure having its part
which is in contact with the feed-box movable freely toward and from the feed-
box whereby gravity tends to hold the said movable part in contact with the
feed-box, substantially as described.
17 The combination with a mold and reciprocating feed-box, of a hopper
resting in contact with the feed-box, the part of said feed-duct or hopper which
is in immediate contact with the feed-box being movable freely toward and from
the feed-box, whereby gravity tends to hold the said hopper in contact with the
feed-box, substantially as described.
18The combination with a mold and reciprocating feed-box, of a feed-duct
or hopper resting in contact with the feed-box, that part of the said feed-duct
or hopper which is in immediate contact with the feed-box being adapted to
yield or move toward or from the feed-box, and a spring or springs applied to
control the pressure of said movable part, against the feed-box, substantially as
described.
19 The combination with a mold and reciprocating feed-box, of a feed-duct
or hopper resting in contact with the feed-box, that part of the said feed-duct
or hopper which is in immediate contact with the feed-box being adapted to yield or
move toward and from the feed-box, a spring or springs applied to control the
pressure of said movable part against the feed-box; and means for adjusting the
tension of said spring or springs.
20 The combination with a mold and reciprocating feed-box of a stationary
hopper, and a movable ring surrounding the discharge opening of the hopper, and
bearing against the feed-box, substantially as described.
21: The combination with a mold and reciprocating feed-box, of a stationary
hopper, and a movable ring surrounding the discharge opening of the hopper, and
bearing against the feed-box, and springs applied to control the pressure of the
said ring against the feed-box, substantially as described.
22: The combination with a mold and reciprocating feed-box, of a stationary
feed-hopper, a sliding ring surrounding the exit opening of the hopper, vertical

page_text: guide rods engaging the ring, springs surrounding the said guide rods above and
below, and adapted to act both upwardly and downwardly on the ring, and adjust-
able collars or nuts on said guide rods for adjusting the tension of the springs,
substantially as described.
23 The combination with a mold and stationary feed-hopper, of a recipro-
cating feed-box, a mold table provided with a flat guide surface sustaining the
feed-box, oscillating arms for actuating the feed-box, and connecting rods uniting
the feed-box to the said arms, said connecting rods being joined to the oscillating
arms and to the feed-box by pivotal connections constructed to rigidly hold the
connecting rods parallel with the feed-box, and means for separately adjusting the
lengths of said connecting rods, substantially as described.
:-
24 The combination with a mold and stationary feed-hopper, of a recipro-
cating feed-box, oscillating arms by which the feed-box is actuated, blocks
swiveled upon said oscillating arms, and provided with notches and connecting rods
pivoted to the feed-box and inserted in said notches and provided with nuts on
opposite sides of the blocks, whereby the length of the rods may be adjusted,
substantially as described.
25 The combination with a mold and a stationary feed-hopper, of a recipro-
cating feed-box, oscillating arms by which the feed-box is actuated, blocks swiveled
upon said oscillating arms, and provided with notches and connecting rods pivoted
to the feed-box, and inserted in said notches, and which latter are provided with
depressions or recesses into which said nuts enter to hold the rods from disengage-
ment with the blocks, substantially as described.
Dated. Chicago. Ill.. U.S.A.. May 27 1891.
BRUCE CLARK WHITE.
Haseltine, Lake & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, Agents for the Applicant.