IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND MODE OF WORKING HYDROSTATIC PRESSES AND HYDRAULIC MACHINERY.
Year: 1868

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Robert Luthy, of Bolton, in the County of
Lancaster, Engineer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE
CONSTRUCTION AND MODE OF WORKING HYDROSTATIC PRESSES AND HYDRAULIC
MACHINERY.
Sealed the 20th November 1868, and dated the 30th May 1868.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Robert Luthy at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
30th May 1868.
I, ROBERT LUTHY, of Bolton, in the County of Lancaster, Engineer,
do hereby declare the nature of the said invention for
"IMPROVEMENTS.
IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND MODE OF WORKING HYDROSTATIC, PRESSES
HYDRAULIC MACHINERY," to be as follows:-
AND'
Chapter I-My Invention consists in the arrangement of hydraulic
cylinders and rams, and in the mode of working the same in hydraulic
presses with long stroke, such as used for baling cotton, wool, flax, and,
similar substances; where it is desirable that the first and longer part of-
the stroke to which the material under operation offers but small resist-
ance should be performed at a greater speed, and where it is a great.
object to reduce the weight of the different parts of the presses as much

page_text: as possible, in order to facilitate their conveyance in countries in which
the means of transport are limited.
My present improvements partly refer to an Invention for which
Letters Patent were granted to me on the Tenth day of January One
thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, No. 87.
Before I proceed to describe my present Invention I wish it to be
understood that oil or other suitable fluids may be used for working the
presses instead of water, that any suitable material, such as iron, steel, or
brass or other metal, may be used in the construction of the different
parts mentioned. I now propose to perform the first and longer part of
the stroke by a speed ram or rams of smaller diameter, and the last part
of the stroke where great pressure is required by a power ram or rams
of larger diameter but of such length only as is necessary for this latter
part of the stroke.
I
According to my former Invention I placed the power cylinders on a
platform or follower mounted on the top of the speed ram or directly on
the latter, so that they had to travel through the first part of the stroke,
and were then supported by pillars to resist the final pressure.
now give the first part of the stroke again with a speed ram or rams of
smaller diameter attached to the press plate or follower, and support
their cylinders on the bed plate or foot block of the press. The power
ram or rams act upon a second follower or table through which the
speed ram passes, the power cylinders being also supported on the foot
block, and stationary. To transmit the pressure from the power rams
to the press plate or upper follower, pillars are attached to the latter,
passing freely through the second follower or table and through the
foot block. When the first part of the stroke is completed and the
pillars have cleared the second follower, the openings in the latter will
be covered by plates made to slide over them by levers and weights or
other suitable arrangement. The water is then admitted to the power
cylinders and the compression of the material completed. The valves
for the admission of the water to the power cylinders can be so arranged
that they are opened by the automatic action of the weights and levers
sliding the plates on the second follower. In this arrangement the
length of stroke of the speed rams is equal to the total lift of the upper
follower, and the final pressure is given by the combined action of all
the rams.
In some cases I support the speed cylinders on the second
follower, in which case they are moved during the action of the power

page_text: rams. The stroke of the speed rams is thus reduced, but the final com-
pression is given by the power rams only. Where it is thought desirable
the cylinders may be inverted, and motion given to them whilst their
rams are fixed. The above arrangement of speed and power cylinders
and mode of working is also applicable to presses working downwards or
horizontally.
Chapter II. My Invention consists also in the arrangement of boxes
for baling presses, and has for its object the saving of time in charging
the presses. For this purpose I connect two boxes which are mounted
on tram wheels, and set such a distance apart as to allow sufficient room
between them for the operation of lashing or binding the bales. The
boxes are connected by a stage reaching from one to the other, and also
projecting on each side to cover the opening in the filling or lashing floor
necessary for traversing the boxes. The stage may either be supported
by the boxes only, or it may be provided with rollers at the ends, which
run on separate beams or on the lashing floor. The boxes are also
provided with loose grooved lashing plates, and are moved in and out of
the press either by hand, by wheelwork gearing into the tram wheels, by
rack and pinion motion, a small hydraulic ram direct, or through chains
and pulleys in order to reduce its stroke, or by other suitable means.
The boxes are fitted with suitable doors for lashing, or a box formed of
fast and hinged sides or doors may be attached to the press head, and so
serve for both boxes. The boxes are filled atternately on each side of
the press. The weighing and filling in of the material can thus be
carried on on two sides, and the press can be kept constantly at work.
Chapter III. My Invention also consists in partially or totally
relieving stop valves of the pressure on them, or also loading valves
by means of a plunger exposed to the fluid under pressure; this plunger
I place in the same arial line with the valve spindle and connect it with
the latter by means of traverse pieces and straps or screws outside the
body of the valve box. The valve spindle and plunger are packed in
the usual way. If the plunger has the same area as the valve, the
fluid under pressure being between the two and tending to move them
in opposite directions, then only the friction of the packings has to be
overcome in opening or shutting the valve; by giving the plunger
either a greater or smaller area the valve will be respectively loaded
or partially relieved of the pressure on it. The valve and plunger can
be moved direct by hand, by screw, levers, cams, or a small ram. In

page_text: valves for directing the course of the fluid in two directions alternately
I place two valves in a line having the inlet between their seats, and
connect them in the same manner as the plunger and valve above
described, and set the valves so much apart that one is open whilst
the other is on its seat. In this case the sectional area of the valve
spindle must be equal to the effective area of the valve exposed to the
pressure when on its seat.
Chapter IV. My Invention also consists in constructing hydraulic
double-acting balanced slide valves in the following manner-The valve
box is provided with three cavities and passages, the inlet at one end,
the outlet at the other end, and the branch leading the water to and
from the press or other apparatus between the two former passages.
The cavities are connected by a passage going in a straight line through
the valve box; each end of the passage is closed by a nut, through
which a plunger passes. The two plungers are connected outside the
valve box by traverse pieces and straps or small connecting rods, and
are packed inside the nuts in the usual way by leather washers or
collars leather collars or washers are also placed between the central
cavity and the outer cavities, and are of the same size as the outer
packings so as to allow the plungers to enter. These inner packings
are held in their places by the outer nuts through a ring or short hollow
cylinder placed between the outer and inner packings; these rings or
cylinders are provided with openings in their sides to correspond with
the inlet and outlet in the valve box. I make the passage from the
inlet to the central and outlet cavities of larger diameter than the
plungers, and insert loose washers bored to fit the rams and to support
the inner packings. This offers two advantages, it allows of an easier
passage for the fluid to and from the press, and even where water is
used it is necessary to make only the nuts and washers in which the
plungers work of brass or such material as does not corrode by the action
of the water, whilst the valve box may be made of iron or steel which
is a cheaper and stronger material. The rams are set such a distance
apart that they both reach a little inside the inner packings when
they are in their central position, so that there may be no communi
cation between the central cavity leading to the press and the inlet and
outlet cavities. When the rams are moved to one side there will be a
free passage of the full sectional area of the ram from the inlet to the
central cavity, and when they are moved to the other side there will be

page_text: a similar passage between the central cavity and the outlet cavity.
These valves can be worked direct by hand, levers, or screws, or other
suitable arrangement. In valves of large size where the friction in the
packings is considerable I employ a smaller or auxiliary valve of similar
construction, having its passages and cavities in communication with
the corresponding cavities of the large or main valve and open the
auxiliary valve before the main valve so as to relieve the latter of the
pressure whilst it is being opened or shut. Both valves may have one
common valve box.
Chapter V-My Invention also consists in the construction of com-
pound balanced hydraulic slide valves particularly applicable to the
distribution of the water in double-acting hydraulic engines.
Here I
connect two valves, each with three cavities similar to the one described
in Chapter IV. The water is admitted to the central cavity of the first
or admission valve, whose outer cavities are respectively in connection
with the front and back of the motive cylinder, by passages or pipes.
These outer cavities of the admission valve or the passages to the cylinder
are also in communication with the outer cavities of the second or
exhaust valve, whose central cavity is in communication with the exhaust
pipe; the ram slides of both valves are connected by a rocking lever and
links worked by cams, eccentrics, or other suitable contrivances. The
two slides are thus made to move in opposite directions, and each end
of the cylinder is thus brought alternately in communication with the
inlet and outlet passages. By connecting the outer cavities of the inlet
valve with the opposite outer cavities of the outlet valve the slides may
be moved simultaneously in the same direction to produce the desired
effect. In some cases I place a double-acting valve at each end of the
cylinder and connect their ram slides in a direct line. In this case the
outer cavities of the two valves nearest each other are connected, and
the outer cavities furthest apart are also in communication with each
other, one set being the inlet the other the outlet.
Chapter VI. My Invention also consists in the mode of loading safety
valves for hydraulic machinery; commonly hydraulic safety valves are
loaded by weights or by levers and weights. Where very high pressure
is used heavy weights or long levers or both combined have to be used,
or the area of the valve has to be made very small in proportion to the
quantity of water which has to escape during a certain time. The inertia
of these levers and weights is so great that when a sudden resistance

page_text: presents itself to the water a breakage of the cylinders, pipes, or other
parts of the machinery generally takes place before the safety valve.is
in action, and when the valve is open and the resistance is removed the
valve itself is brought on to its seat with such force as in time to damage
both. Now in order to be able to construct safety valves of sufficiently
large area and to dispense with heavy masses I partially load the same
by the pressure of the water itself acting on a plunger connected with
the valve, either direct, being a continuation of the same, or by means
of cross pieces and links outside the valve box, in a similar manner as
described in Chapter III., or when not placed in a line with the safety
valve by means of a crosshead and straps connected with a lever at a
point between the fulcrum of the latter and the safety valve, the lever
being weighted only to make up for the difference in the load on the
safety valve. In some cases I place the safety valve and the loading
plunger side by side, both pressing against a lever whose fulcrum is
placed between the two, and nearer the loading plunger when both are
of the same size. The lever is prolonged on the safety valve side, and a
weight attached to it to regulate the load on the safety valve.
Chapter VII. My Invention also consists in the combination of the
balanced slide valve described in Chapter V., the safety valve described
in Chapter VI., and a suction valve or clack. This combination of valves
I use in connection with the compound hydraulic presses for which
Letters Patent have been granted to me on the Tenth January One
thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, No. 87, and as described in
Chapter I. I construct the valve box large enough to contain the slide
valve with its three chambers, the outside ones of which are the inlet
and outlet chambers. The central chamber is in direct communication
with the speed cylinder of the press and also with a fourth chamber
communicating with the power cylinder. The passage between the latter
chamber and the central chamber of the slide valve is fitted with a valve
similar in construction to the safety valve described in the foregoing
chapter. When the side valve is opened the water will at once act on
the speed ram, and when it meets with a certain pressure the loaded
valve will be raised and the water admitted to the power cylinder, whose
ram will give the final compression to the material under operation. In
order to keep the loaded valve open whilst the water is being discharged
from both cylinders I apply a cam and tumbler weight, which are held
up by a catch whilst the slide valve is closed, and which disengage

page_text: themselves and fall into such a position that the cam will raise and
support the lever on the loaded valve as soon as this valve gets partially
raised by the water. In compound presses where the power rams are
moved during the action of the speed rams the space vacated by the
former has to be filled with water from a cistern or from the discharge
pipe; and in order that the water under pressure may not escape into
the suction pipe I place a suction valve or clack in the box containing
the slide valve, or in a separate suction valve box connected with the
chamber of the loaded valve. The passages below the suction valve scat
are always in communication with the suction pipe, which may at the
same time form part of the discharge pipe or the discharge chamber of
the slide valve box, whilst the passage above the clack is always in
communication with the power cylinder and the chamber and passages
above the seat of the loaded valve.
Chapter VIII. My Invention also consists in an arrangement of
pumps, valves, and cylinders, and mode of working the same, particu-
larly applicable in machinery intended for forging, shearing, punching,
moulding, and embossing metals or other substances. To actuate the
ram of the pump I employ a cylinder fitted with a piston or ram placed
in a line with the pump, and worked by steam or hydraulic power. As
the power is only required to act in one direction the piston may be
fitted on one side with a trunk to reduce the area on which the steam
or water acts for giving the return stroke. The steam or water may be
admitted and released alternately on both sides of the piston by valves
actuated by hand or by a self-acting arrangement, or it may be con-
stantly acting on the differential area of the piston and trunk, and
be admitted and released alternately on the other side only. When
hydraulic power is used I prefer the motive cylinder to be fitted with
a ram, and to effect the return stroke by a ram of smaller diameter
working in a cylinder placed back to back and in a line with the motive
cylinder. The two rams are connected by crossheads and straps outside
their cylinders, or by a rod passing through the cylinder bottoms; the
water is constantly admitted to the smaller or return cylinder. The ram
pump is provided with a suction valve and a delivery valve and a passage
leading from the suction valve box to the press cylinder. In this passage
I place a stop valve, which when closed will cause the water from the
pump to pass through the delivery valve to the press cylinder, and as the
water then cannot return to the pump the press ram will have an inter-

page_text: mittent progressive motion at each stroke of the pump. The water is
discharged from the press cylinder through an outlet valve; the ram,
which may be made with a differential area, or may be connected with
a small return ram in a similar manner, as described above for the
motive cylinder, is brought back to its original or any intermediate
position by the pressure of the water from the pump, or from an accu-
mulator. I sometimes employ a special hydraulic receiver or accumulator
to work the return cylinders for the motive ram and the press ram.
Balance weights or springs may also be used for bringing back the rams
after each stroke. When the stop valve in the passage leading from the
suction valve box to the press cylinder is opened the water will be moved
forward and backward by the pump ram, and a reciprocating motion will
be imparted to the press ram. Instead of using two separate stop valves,
as mentioned, I prefer to use a double-acting hydraulic slide valve con-
structed as described in Chapter IV. I place one of the outer chambers
in communication with the suction valve box or pump, the central
chamber with the delivery valve box and press cylinder, and the other
outer chamber with the discharge pipe. The three positions of the slide
valve correspond with the forward, the reciprocating, and the return
motion of the press ram. The press cylinder is connected to the foot
framing carrying the anvil or die by side framing or pillars. The press
ram carries a hammer face or die. The anvil or other die may rest on a
ram working in a hydraulic cylinder, so that it can be raised or lowered
to regulate the distance between the dies, for which purpose I sometimes
employ a special ram, pump, or ram worked by a screw, and force or
withdraw a certain quantity of water into or from the press cylinder or
the anvil cylinder.
Chapter IX.-My Invention also consists in the application of elastic
substances for preventing shocks arising from sudden stoppages or
changes in the motion of the water in hydraulic machinery. I propose
to place a quantity of cork, india-rubber, or other elastic substances
which are capable of changing their volume to a certain extent when
under pressure into the ends of hydraulic cylinders, or into separate
receivers communicating with the cylinders, similar to the air vessels
in pumping machinery. For hydraulic engines I propose to prepare the
cylinder covers to receive discs of the elastic substance.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent
filed by the said Robert Luthy in the Great Seal Patent Office
on the 27th November 1868.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME. I, ROBERT
LUTHY, of Bolton, in the County of Lancaster, Engineer, send
greeting.
WHERFAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Thirtieth day of May, in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-eight, in the thirty-
first year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give
and grant unto me, the said Robert Luthy, Her special licence that
I, the said Robert Luthy, my executors, administrators, and assigns,
or such others as I, the said Robert Luthy, my executors, adminis-
trators, 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 CON-
STRUCTION AND MODE OF WORKING HYDROSTATIC PRESSES AND HYDRAULIC
MACHINERY," upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said Robert
Luthy, 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 Robert Luthy, 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:-
Chapter I. My Invention consists in the arrangement of hydraulic
cylinders and rams, and in the mode of working the same in hydraulic
presses with long stroke, such as used for baling cotton, wool, hay, and
similar substances, where it is desirable that the first and longer part
of the stroke to which the material under operation offers but small
resistance should be performed at a greater speed, and where it is a great
:

page_text: object to reduce the weights of the different parts of the presses as much
as possible, in order to facilitate their conveyance in countries in which
the means of transport are limited.
My present improvements partly refer to an Invention for which
Letters Patent were granted to me on the 10th day of January 1863,
No. 87.
Before I proceed to describe my present Invention I wish it to be
understood that I shall call the cylinders and rams for performing the
first part of the stroke speed cylinders and speed rams, and the
cylinders and rams for giving the last part of the stroke and final
pressure power cylinders and power rams, that oil or other suitable
fluids may be used for working the presses instead of water, that any
suitable material may be used in the construction of the different
parts mentioned, although I may point out the one I should at present
prefer. I now propose to perform the first and longer part of the
stroke by a speed ram or rams of smaller diameter, and the last part
of the stroke where great pressure is required by a power ram or rams
of larger diameter but of such length only as is necessary for this latter
part of the stroke.
According to my former Invention I place the power cylinders on
a platform or follower mounted on the top of the speed ram or directly
on the latter, so that they had to travel through the first part of the
stroke, and were then supported by pillars to resist the final pressure.
I now give the first part of the stroke again with a speed ram or
rams of smaller diameter attached to the press plate or follower, and
support their cylinders on the bed plate or foot block of the press.
The power ram or rams act upon a second follower or table through
which the speed ram passes, the power cylinders being also supported
on the foot block, and stationary. To transmit the pressure from the
power rams to the press plate or upper follower, pillars are attached
to the latter, passing freely through the second follower or table and
through the foot block. When the first part of the stroke is completed
and the pillars have cleared the second follower, the openings in the
latter will be covered by plates made to slide over them by levers and
weights or other suitable arrangement. The water is then admitted to
the power cylinders and the compression of the material completed.
The valve or valves for the admission of the water to the power cylinders
can be so arranged that they are opened by the automatic action of the

page_text: weights and levers sliding the plates on the second follower. In this
arrangement the length of stroke of the speed rams is equal to the total
lift of the upper follower, and the final pressure is given by the combined
action of all the rams. In some cases I support the speed cylinders on
the second follower, in which case they are moved during the action
of the power rams. The stroke of the speed rams is thus reduced, but
the final compression is given by the power rams only; where it is
thought desirable the cylinders may be inverted and motion given to
them whilst their rams are fixed. The above arrangement of speed and
power cylinders and mode of working is also applicable to presses
working downwards or horizontally.
Chapter II. My Invention consists also in the arrangement of boxes
for baling presses, and has for its object the saving of time in charging
the presses. For this purpose I connect two boxes which are mounted
on tram wheels, and set such a distance apart as to allow sufficient room
between them for the operation of lashing or binding the bales. The
boxes are connected by a stage reaching from one to the other, and
also projecting on each side to cover the opening in the filling or lashing
floor necessary for traversing the boxes. The stage may either be
supported by the boxes only, or it may be provided with rollers at the
ends, which run on separate beams or on the lashing floor. The boxes
are also provided with loose grooved lashing plates, and are moved in
and out of the press either by hand, by wheelwork gearing into the
tram wheels, by rack and pinion motion, a small hydraulic ram direct,
or through chains and pulleys in order to reduce its stroke, or by other
suitable means. The boxes are fitted with suitable doors for lashing,
or a box formed of fast and hinged sides or doors may be attached to
the press head, and so serve for both boxes. The boxes are filled
alternately on each side of the press. The weighing and filling in
of the material can thus be carried on on two sides, and the press can be
kept constantly at work.
Chapter III. My Invention also consists in partially or totally reliev-
ing stop valves of the pressure on them, or also loading valves by means
of a plunger exposed to the fluid under pressure; this plunger I place in
the same axial line with the valve spindle and connect it with the latter
by means of traverse pieces and straps or screws outside the body of
the valve box. In some cases I connect the valve and the plunger
inside the valve box by a shank of smaller diameter screwed into both

page_text: or forming part of one alone or of both. This shank or connecting piece
may be made of steel requiring less sectional area to withstand the
tension, in order to keep the diameter of the valve as small as possible
for a given area for the passage of the fluid. The valve spindle and
plunger are packed in the usual way. If the plunger has the same
area as the valve, the fluid under pressure being between the two and
tending to move them in opposite directions, then only the friction of
the packings has to be overcome in opening or shutting the valve;
by giving the plunger either a greater or smaller area, the valve will
be respectively loaded or partially relieved of the pressure on it. The
valve and plunger can be moved direct by hand, by screw, levers, cams, or
a small ram. In valves for directing the course of the fluid in two
directions alternately I place two valves in a line having the inlet
between their seats, and connect them in the same manner as the
plunger and valve above described, and set the valves so much apart that
one is open whilst the other is on its seat. In this case the sectional area
of the valve spindle must be equal to the effective area of the valve
exposed to the pressure whilst on its seat.
Chapter IV. My Invention also consists in constructing hydraulic
double-acting balanced slide valves in the following manner:-The
valve box is provided with three cavities and passages, the inlet at one
end, the outlet at the other end, and the branch leading the water to
and from the press or other apparatus between the two former passages.
The cavities are connected by a passage going in a straight line through
the valve box; each end of this passage is closed by a nut, through
which a plunger passes. The two plungers are connected outside the
valve box by traverse pieces and straps or small connecting rods, and
are packed inside the nuts in the usual way by leather washers or collars;
leather collars or washers are also placed between the central cavity
and the outer cavities, and are of the same size as the outer packings
so as to allow the plunger to enter. These inner packings are held in
their places by the outer nuts through a ring or short hollow cylinder
placed between the outer and inner packings; these rings or cylinders
are provided with openings in their sides to correspond with the inlet
and outlet in the valve box. I make the passage from the inlet to
central and outlet cavities of larger diameter than the plungers and
insert loose washers bored to fit the rams and to support the inner
packings. This offers two advantages, it allows of an easier passage

page_text: for the fluid to and from the press, and even where water is used it is
necessary to make only the nuts and washers in which the plungers
work of brass or such material as does not corrode by the action of the
water, whilst the valve box may be made of iron or steel which is a
cheaper and stronger material. The rams are set such a distance apart
that they both reach a little inside the inner packings when they are
in their central position, so that there may be no communication between
the central cavity leading to the press and the inlet and outlet cavities.
When the rams are moved to one side there will be a free passage of the
full sectional area of the ram from the inlet to the central cavity, and when
they are moved to the other side there will be a similar passage between
the central cavity and the outlet cavity. Instead of connecting the two
plungers outside the valve box by straps I connect them in some cases
by a shank or connecting piece inside the valve box, in a way similar as
described in Chapter III. These valves can be worked direct by hand,
levers, or screws, or other suitable arrangement. In valves of large size
where the friction in the packings is considerable I employ a smaller or
auxiliary valve of similar construction, having its passages and cavities
in communication with the corresponding cavities of the large or main
valve, and open the auxiliary valve before the main valve so as to relieve
the latter of the pressure whilst it is being opened or shut. Both valves
may have one common valve box; large valves may also be worked by a
small hydraulic ram, the motion of which is governed by a small valve
of similar construction as the large valve.
Chapter V-My Invention also consists in the construction of com-
pound balanced hydraulic slide valves particularly applicable to the
distribution of the water in double-acting hydraulic engines. Herc
I connect two valves, each with three cavities similar to the one
described in Chapter IV. The water is admitted to the central cavity
of the first or admission valve, whose outer cavities are respectively in
connection with the front and back of the motive cylinder, by passages
or pipes. These outer cavities of the admission valve or the passages
to the cylinder are also in communication with the outer cavities of the
second or exhaust valve, whose central cavity is in communication with
the exhaust pipe. The ram slides of both valves are connected by a
rocking lever and links worked by cams, eccentrics, or other suitable
contrivances. The two slides are thus made to move in opposite
directions, and each end of the cylinder is thus brought alternately

page_text: in communication with the inlet and outlet passages. By connecting
the outer cavities of the inlet valve with the opposite outer cavities of
the outlet valve, the slides may be moved simultaneously in the same
direction to produce the desired effect. In some cases I place a
double-acting valve at each end of the cylinder and connect their
ram slides in a direct line. In this case the outer cavities of the
two valves nearest each other are connected, and the outer cavities
furthest apart are also in communication with each other, one set
being the inlet the other the outlet. Sometimes I arrange the inlet
and outlet chambers for a four-way valve in a direct line in one
valve box. In this case I divide the valve box by leather collars
and distance pieces into five chambers, namely, the central or inlet
chamber, the two chambers respectively in connection with the front
and the back of the motive cylinder, one at each side of the central
chamber, and the two outlet chambers, one at each end of the series.
The outlet chambers may be connected by passages leading into one
outlet branch. The arrangement may also be reversed, the outer
chambers being for the inlet and the central chamber for the outlet,
the intermediate ones remaining the same. The communication between
the chambers is closed by three plungers which are connected by shanks
of smaller diameter. The central plunger closes the passage between
the central chamber and the chambers at each side of it, the outer
plungers close the passages between the two last-mentioned and the
two extreme chambers. One of the outer plungers passes through a
stuffing box to the exterior of the valve box when it is intended to move
the plungers by a screw or lever arrangement. The other outer plunger
is provided with a collar at the end to limit the length of stroke. This
valve, like all the others, may also be worked by a small hydraulic ram.
I can also arrange valves containing a greater or smaller number of
chambers for the distribution of the fluid in different directions
successively or simultaneously, and shall describe some in connection
with special hydraulic apparatus in another part of this Specification.
Chapter VI-My Invention also consists in the mode of loading
safety valves for hydraulic machinery; commonly hydraulic safety
valves are loaded by levers and weights. Where very high pressure
is used heavy weights or long levers or both combined have to be
used, or the area of the valve has to be made very small in proportion
to the quantity of water which has to escape during a certain time.

page_text: The inertia of these levers and weights is so great that when a sudden
resistance presents itself to the water a breakage of the cylinders, pipes,
or other parts of the machinery generally takes place before the safety
valve is in action, and when the valve is open and the resistance is
removed the valve itself is brought into its seat with such force as in
time to damage both. Now in order to be able to construct safety valves
of sufficiently large area and to dispense with heavy masses I partially
load the same by the pressure of the water itself acting on a plunger
connected with the valve; either direct, being a continuation of the same,
or by means of cross pieces and links in a similar manner as described
In Chapter III., or when not placed in a line with the safety valve by
means of a crosshead and straps connected with a lever at a point
between the fulcrum of the latter and the safety valve, the lever being
weighted only to make up for the difference in the load on the safety
valve. In some cases I place the safety valve and the loading plunger
side by side, both pressing against a lever whose fulcrum is placed
between the two, and nearer the loading plunger when both are of the
same size. The lever is prolonged on the safety valve side, and a weight
attached to it to regulate the load on the safety valve.
Chapter VII. My Invention also consists in the combination of the
balanced slide valve described in Chapter V., the safety valve described
in Chapter VI., and a suction valve or clack. This combination of
valves I use in connection with the compound hydraulic presses for
which Letters Patent have been granted to me on the 10th day of
January 1863, No. 87, and as described in Chapter I. I construct the
valve box large enough to contain the slide valve with its three
chambers, the outside ones of which are the inlet and outlet chambers.
The central chamber is in direct communication with the speed cylinder
of the press and also with a fourth chamber communicating with the
power cylinder. The passage between the latter chamber and the
central chamber of the slide valve is fitted with a valve similar in
construction to the safety valve described in the foregoing chapter.
When the slide valve is opened the water will at once act on the
speed ram, and when it meets with a certain pressure the loaded valve
will be raised and the water admitted to the power cylinder, whose ram
will give the final compression to the material under operation. In
order to keep the loaded valve open whilst the water is being discharged
from both cylinders I apply a cam and tumbler weight, which are held

page_text: up by a catch whilst the slide valve is closed, and which disengage
themselves and fall into such a position that the cam will raise and support
the lever on the safety valve as soon as this valve gets partially raised by
the water. In compound presses where the power rams are moved during
the action of the speed rams the space vacated by the former has to be
filled up with water from a cistern or from the discharge pipe; and in
order that the water under pressure may not escape into the suction
pipe I place a suction valve or clack in the box containing the slide
valve, or in a separate suction valve box connected with the chamber
of the loaded valve. The passages below the suction valve seat are
always in communication with the suction pipe, which may at the
same time form part of the discharge pipe or the discharge chamber
of the slide valve box, whilst the passage above the clack is always in
communication with the power cylinder and the chamber and passages
above the seat of the loaded valve.
Chapter VIII-My Invention also consists in an arrangement of
pumps, valves, and cylinders, and mode of working the same, particu-
larly applicable to machinery intended for forging, shearing, punching,
moulding, and embossing metals and other substances. To actuate the
ram of the pump I employ a cylinder fitted with a piston or ram
placed in a line with the pump, and worked by steam or hydraulic
power. As the power is only required to act in one direction the
piston may be fitted on one side with a trunk to reduce the area on
which the steam or water acts for giving the return stroke. The steam
or water may be admitted and released alternately on both sides of the
piston by valves actuated by hand or by a self-acting arrangement,
or it may be constantly acting on the differential area of the piston and
trunk, and be admitted and released alternately on the other side only.
When hydraulic power is used I prefer the motive cylinder to be fitted
with a ram, and to effect the return stroke by a ram of smaller
diameter working in a cylinder placed back to back and in a line
with the motive cylinder. The two rams are connected by crossheads
and straps outside their cylinders, or by a rod passing through the
cylinder bottoms; the water is constantly admitted to the smaller or
return cylinder. The ram pump is provided with a suction valve and
a delivery valve and a passage leading from the suction valve box or
from the space in the pump barrel to the press cylinder. In this
passage I place a stop valve, which when closed will cause the water

page_text: from the pump to pass through the delivery valve to the press cylinder,
and as the water then cannot return to the pump the press ram will
have an intermittant progressive motion at each stroke of the pump.
The water is discharged from the press cylinder through an outlet valve;
the ram, which may be made with a differential area or may be con-
nected with a small return ram in a similar manner as described
above for the motive cylinder, is brought back to its original or any
intermediate position by the pressure of the water from the pump or
from an accumulator. I sometimes employ a special hydraulic receiver
or accumulator to work the return cylinders for the motive ram and
the press ram; or steam or water from the boiler may be used for
this purpose. Balance weights or springs may also be used for bringing
back the rams after each stroke. When the stop valve in the passage
leading from the suction valve box to the press cylinder is opened the
water will be moved forward and backward by the pump ram, and a
reciprocating motion will be imparted to the press ram. Instead of
using two separate stop valves as mentioned I prefer to use a double-
acting hydraulic slide valve, constructed as described in Chapter IV.
I place one of the outer chambers in communication with the suction
valve box or space in the pump barrel, the central chamber with the
delivery valve box and press cylinder, and the other outer chamber with
the discharge pipe. The three positions of the slide valve correspond
with the forward, the reciprocating, and the return motion of the
press ram.
Chapter IX. My Invention also consists in the application of elastic
substances for preventing shocks arising from sudden stoppages or
changes in the motion of the water in hydraulic machinery. I propose
to place a quantity of cork, india-rubber, or other elastic substances
which are capable of changing their volume to a certain extent when
under pressure into the ends of hydraulic cylinders or into separate
receivers communicating with the cylinders, similar to the air vessels in
pumping machinery. For hydraulic engines I propose to prepare the
cylinder covers to receive discs of the elastic substance.
In order that my Invention may be fully understood and readily
carried into effect I will now proceed to describe the same, reference
being had to the two accompanying Sheets of Drawings, and to the
figures and letters marked thereon.

page_text: DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS ON SHEET I.
Figure 1. represents the front elevation of a cotton caling press
constructed according to my improvements as described in Chapter I.,
with the front plates of the box removed, and Figure II. represents
the side elevation of the same, with the box removed entirely.
a is the foot block supporting the speed cylinder and the power
cylinder c, which are in this case made of steel to reduce their dimen-
sions and weight. The speed ram d by which the first compression is
given to the cotton is attached to the press plate e and passes freely
through the follower f; to the press plate e are also attached the pillars g,
which also pass through the follower f, and are supported by the sliding
plates, which are brought over the openings in the follower when
the pillars have cleared the latter and before the water is admitted to
the power cylinders e to give the final compression through their rams i,
which are attached to the follower f. The sliding plates are brought
over the openings by an automatic apparatus consisting of a weight
at the end of a lever
with which the plates
moving the rocking shaft m with the levers #,
are connected by links. A hand lever o is also
fixed to the rocking shaft for withdrawing the plates when the speed
ram is to be lowered. The distribution valve p, which will be described
in detail with reference to Figure XVI., is worked by a handle and
screw q.
Figure III. represents the mode of using two boxes in connection
with one press, as described in Chapter II. a and b are the boxes or
trunks which receive the cotton in its loose state. They are connected
by the stage e and girders d resting on tram wheels e which run on rails.
Shorter stages and g are fixed to the boxes to partly cover the openings
in the lashing and filling floor. The boxes are moved in and out of the
press p by turning the hand wheel h, giving motion to a pinion working
into a spur wheel connected with the tram wheel e. The Drawing, in
full lines, shews the box a in the press, and the box outside ready for
being filled. The Drawing, in dotted lines, shews the position of the
boxes when moved to the other side, the box being in the press, and
the box a ready for being filled.
Figure IV. represents the front elevation of a mitre stop valve con-
structed as described in Chapter 111. Figure V. is a side elevation of
the same in section. The water enters the valve box A through the

page_text: pipe a. bis the valve spindle, the pressure on which is counteracted by
the pressure on the plunger c. The valve spindle and the plunger are
connected by the crossheads e and f, the straps g, and pins h. The
crosshead e is provided with a lug for connecting a screw or lever by
which the valve is moved. The valve spindle and plunger are packed
with leather washers, secured by the hollow nuts i. is the pipe leading
the water from the valve box to the press, or it may also be the outlet pipe.
Figure VI. shews a stop valve, in which the valve plunger b closes the
passage by being inserted into a leather collar placed in the valve box A,
with its open edges towards the inlet chamber a, and supported by a
loose ring resting on a projecting edge in the valve box. A similar
collar makes the joint between the inlet chamber and the exterior of the
valve. A distance ring or ferrule is placed between the two collars,
and the whole are pressed together by the gland or nut, through which
the valve spindle passes. The balance plunger c is also packed with a
leather collar, and the two plungers b and c are connected in a similar
manner, as shewn in Figure IV.
Figure VII. shews a valve for directing the course of the water in two
directions alternately, as described in the last part of Chapter III. The
inlet chamber a is between the seats of the two valve spindles b and c,
which are connected, as shewn in Figure IV.
Figure VIII. represents a double-acting slide valve constructed
as described in Chapter IV. A is the valve box with the inlet
branch a, the outlet branch b, and the branch c leading to the
press. The valve box is divided by four leather collars into three
The
cavities respectively in communication with the three branches.
inner leather collars are supported by rings resting on projecting
edges of the valve box; the rings or short hollow cylinders d and e
keep the inner and outer leather collars at a proper distance, and
have openings in their sides corresponding with the passages
and b. The leather collars and rings d and e are secured by the
hollow nuts and g, through which the plungers and i pass.
The plungers are connected, as shewn in Figure IV. The plungers are
shewn in their central position, there being no communication between
the inlet and outlet passages and the central chamber. By moving the
plungers towards the inlet passage a the water will be admitted to the
press, and by moving them towards the outlet passage b the water will
be discharged from the press,

page_text: Figure IX. shews a double-acting valve in which the plungers h and i
are connected by a shank or reduced part, which may be made in one
piece with the plungers, or screwed into one or both of them. a is the
inlet; b, the outlet; and c, the branch leading to the press. The valve
box is closed on the outlet side, and the leather collars and rings can be
removed from the other side when the gland is taken away. The
plunger is provided with a collar on one end to prevent it from being
withdrawn too far, and its course in the other direction is limited by the
bottom of the valve box.
Figure X. represents a compound balanced hydraulic slide valve for
distributing the water in double-acting hydraulic engines, and is con-
structed as described in Chapter V. The water enters from the inlet
pipe a into the inlet chamber A, from whence it is admitted through
the passage to the front of the motive cylinder when the plunge dis
withdrawn from the inner leather collar or through the passage c to the
back of the motive cylinder, when the plunger e is withdrawn. The
plungers d and e are connected by straps, as shewn in Figure IV. The
water is discharged from the front of the cylinder by withdrawing the
plunger and from the back of the cylinder by withdrawing the
plunger y, a communication being established between the passages b
and c alternately and the outlet chamber H and the outlet pipe h. The
exhaust plungers and are connected in a similar manner as the
admission plungers d and e. The two sets of plungers are also connected
by the rocking lever i and links I, and are worked through the rod m by
an eccentric, cam, or other contrivance.
Figure XI. represents the cylinder and valves of an hydraulic engine
as described in Chapter V. and also in Chapter IX. A is the motive
cylinder fitted with a piston. The cylinder bottom band the cover e
are recessed on the inside and contain buffers and e of cork, india-
rubber, or other clastic substance for preventing shocks, as described in
Chapter IX. ƒ and g are double-acting slide valves constructed as
described in Chapter IV. and similar to the one shewn in Figure VIII.,
and all their plungers are connected by the straps h, and are moved by
the eccentric rod i. The water enters the inlet chamber of each valve
through the supply pipes, and is discharged from the outlet chambers
through the water pipe l.
Figure XII. represents a four-way valve constructed as described in
Chapter V. The valve box A is a hollow cylinder closed at the bottom

page_text: and bored out as far as the projecting edge a, on which the brass ring b
carrying the leather collar m rests. The box has four branches, the inlet
branch in the centre, the branches and e (shewn in dotted lines)
communicating with the front and back of the motive cylinder at each
side of c, and the outer passages ƒ and g leading from the ends of the
valve box into one outlet branch ; between each two of these branches
or passages a leather collar is placed in the box, and these collars i, k, l,
and m, are secured in their places by the brass cylinders or distance
pieces o, p, q, and 7, which are turned at their ends to fit the leather
collars. The three plungers s, t, and , are connected by the shanks
and w.
The plungers are shewn in their lowest position, leaving a com-
munication between the inlet passage c and the passage d, and also
between the outlet passage g and the passage e.
In this position the
plunger u rests on the bottom of the valve box. When the plungers
are withdrawn until the collar at the bottom of the plunger u rests
against the ring communication is established between the inlet
passage and the branch e, and also between the outlet passage f
and the branch d. When the plungers are in their central position
all communication between the inlet and outlet passages and the
passages d and e is cut off. The leather collars and distance rings
are held down by the gland y, and packing is introduced between the
latter and the ring o to prevent leakage.
Figure XIII. represents an improved safety valve constructed as
described in Chapter VI. A is the valve box with the inlet a and the
waste pipe b. The valve spindle c and the loading plunger à are con-
nected by the shank e. The sectional area of the plunger d is less than the
area of the valve exposed to the pressure of the water when the valve is
on its seat. The valve is loaded by a lever and weight g according to the
pressure on the difference in the areas of the valve and the plunger only.
Figure XIV. represents another safety valve constructed as described
in Chapter VI. The letters refer to similar parts as in Figure XIII.
Here the plungers are placed side by side and both are pressed against
the crosshead of the lever f, whose fulcrum is between them and
nearer to the plunger d. The effective area of the valve c is equal to
the sectional area of the plunger d. The greatest part of the pressure
on the valve c is counteracted by the pressure on the plunger a through
the crosshead i, and the difference is made up by the weight g.
Figure XV. represents a compound press and combination of valves,

page_text: as described in Chapter VII. A is the power cylinder cast in one piece
with the speed cylinder B. The speed ram C presses against the power
Fan D. The lower portion of the valve box E contains a double-acting
slide valve with its inlet plunger a and outlet plunger b, which are
connected by straps and worked by the lever ; the upper part of the
valve box contains a loaded valve similar in construction to the safety
valve shewn in Figure XIV. e is the valve spindle; d, the loading
plunger; is the lever with its crosshead i and fulcrum loaded with
the weight g. The water is admitted through the inlet pipe to the
inlet chamber of the valve box, and when the plunger a is withdrawn
it will pass through the central chamber e, through the passage
communicating with the chamber m and the pipe into the speed
cylinder, and the speed ram will give the first compression by raising the
power ram. The space vacated by the latter in the power cylinder is
filled with water supplied through a pipe o which is connected with the
waste pipe and a valve box g containing a clack valve. When the
resistance of the material under operation becomes so great that the
pressure on the valve c raises the same the tumbler weight and
the levers, which have been held up by the pin t in a notch on the
under side of the lever f, will fall and the cam will bold the lever
and valve up. The water from the inlet chamber then passes through
the passages into the chamber, and through the pipe wand the valve
box I into the power cylinder, when the pressure on both rams will
give the final compression. To discharge the water from the cylinders
the slide valve is brought into the position shewn in the Drawing to
open the communication between the pipes and w and the waste
pipe p. When the rams are lowered the tumbler weight is brought into
the position shewn in Drawing.
Figure XVI. represents a compound press with a four-chambered slide
valve. A is the power cylinder; B, the speed cylinder; C, the speed
ram; and D, the power ram. The valve box E is divided into four
chambers. The supply pipe a admits the water into the inlet chamber b,
the second chamber c is in communication with the pipe a leading to
the speed cylinder, the third chamber e is in communication with the
pipe leading to the power cylinder, and the fourth chamber
with
the discharge pipe h. The four plungers i, k, l, m, are connected by
the shanks n, 0, p. The leather collars q, r, s, t, are secured by the
gland u, the distance pieces », w, x, and the ring y. When the plungers
I

page_text: are in the position, as shewn in full lines, the plunger shuts off the
supply from the chamber c, and the plungers and m being withdrawn
from the leather collars s and t, the water from both cylinders is let off
through the pipe, and the cams are descending. When the plungers
are moved into their central position, will have cleared the collar 7,
will be in the collar s, but m will still be clear of the collar t. The water
is thus admitted from the chamber into the chamber c and through the
pipe d into the speed cylinder, and the speed ram will rise and move the
power ram. The space vacated by the power ram will be filled with
water from the discharge pipe through the chambers g and e and the
pipe. When the plungers are moved into their lowest position, as
shown in dotted lines, the plunger will be clear above collar, the
plunger clear below collar s, and the plunger m in the collar t. The
pressure is thus admitted to both cylinders, and the two rams will
complete the compression of the material in the press, whilst the com-
munication between the chamber e and the outlet chamber g is cut off.
The valve p, shewn in Figure II., and mentioned in Chapter L., is of the
same construction as the valve shewn in Figure XVI., but there are two
branches leading from the chamber e to the two power cylinders.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS ON SHEET II.
Figure I. represents a hydraulic punching machine. The framing A
and the cylinder and valve box B are cast in one piece. The cylinder is
bored to three different diameters, and fitted with the rams a and b,
which are in one piece, and the piston d which is connected with the
ram by the picce c, and has a rod e passing through the gland. The
reduced part of the ram a passes through the ring y screwed to the
under side of the cylinder to stop the progress of the ram a when the
punch fixed in has punched the plate under operation. The rod e is
smaller and the piston is larger in diameter than the plunger b. The
slide valve is of similar construction as the one shewn in Figure XVI. on
Sheet I. The rams s are connected by links to the hand levert working
on the stud u. The water is led from the accumulator or pump through
the pipe into the inlet chamber, which is in communication with the
space between the plunger band the piston d, and the pressure acting
on the differential area of the two constantly tends to raise the rams.
The second valve chamber is in communication with the space p above
the piston d, the third chamber communicates with the spacer of the

page_text: power cylinder, and n is the discharge chamber with which the waste
pipe o is connected. When the valve is in the position shewn in the
Drawing, the water under pressure is admitted to space q, the spaces ?
and are open to the outlet, and the rams are up. When the valve is
brought into its central position the communications between chambers!
and m is cut off and the water enters from chamber through chamber
into the space 2, and acting on the differential area of ram band rod e
will bring the rams down until the punch rests on the plate. The space
vacated by the ram a is filled with water from the waste pipe. When
the valve is brought into its lowest position the communication between
the chamber m and the outlet chamber a is cut off, and the pressure
being admitted to the power ram a the plate under operation will be
punched through.
Figure II. represents a forging press constructed as described in
Chapter VIII.
A is the steam cylinder fitted with the piston B and
the trunk C, into which is fixed the pump ram D working in the
barrel E surrounded by the pump tank. F is the steam pipe with the
branch F leading to the return cylinder R of the press; G is the
exhaust pipe into which a branch G from the three-way valve H leads.
The slide valve of the steam cylinder is worked by hand or by a self-
acting arrangement through the lever I. a is the suction valve of the
pump E, and is the delivery valve; c and d are the plungers of a
slide valve whose central chamber e is in communication with the
delivery valve box and with the pipe g leading to the power cylinder K
of the press. The lower chamber of the slide valve box is in direct
communication with the pump barrel and the upper chamber with the
outlet pipe leading to the pump tank; the plungers c and d are con-
nected and actuated by the hand lever . A handle is also placed
in a convenient position to set the three-way valve H.
The power
cylinder K forming the head block of the press is connected with the
foot framing L by pillars M. Q is the anvil, and P the hammer head.
The power ram N and the return ram S are connected by the
crossheads O and T and the rods U. To bring the hammer quickly
unto the piece to be forged the valve H is set so that the return cylinde
is in communication with the exhaust pipe G. The power cylinder will
fill itself by drawing water through the pipe g from the pump tank in
whatever position the slide valve c, d, may be. The valve 1 is then
set again so as to admit the pressure to the return cylinder R, and

page_text: the side valve must be either in the central position, as shewn in
Drawing, to move the power ram forward at each stroke of the pump,
cr it must be in the lowest position, in which case a reciprocating
motion will be imparted to the power ram as the water will be worked
forward and backward by the pump, a free passage being established
between the chamber e, the lower chamber in the valve box, and the
pump barrel.
When the plungers c, d, are brought into their highest
position the water from the power cylinder will return through the
pipe g, chamber e, and upper chamber in the valve box, and through
the pipe to the pump tank, and the press rams will rise. It will be
understood that the slide valve box can be made in a separate piece
and placed at a convenient distance from the pump or press.
Having now described the nature of my said Invention, and the
manner in which the same may be carried into effect, I wish it to be
understood that I do not confine or limit myself to the precise details
and arrangements as shewn and described, as the same may be modified
according to the purposes for which they are to be applied, but what I
do claim as the Invention to be secured to me by the herein-before in
part recited Letters Patent is,—
Firstly. The arrangement of cylinders and rams and the mode of
working the same in hydraulic presses with long stroke, as described in
Chapter I. and shewn in Figures I. and II. on Sheet I.
Secondly. The mode of connecting two baling boxes and working
the same, substantially as described in Chapter II. and shewn in
Figure III.
Thirdly. The application of a plunger connected with stop valves in
the manner and for the purpose substantially as described in Chapter III.
and shewn in Figures IV., V., VI., and VII.
Fourthly. The construction of single-acting, double-acting, and
compound hydraulic slide valves in which the passages are closed by
plain cylindrical plungers only, which are connected and made to slide
through stationary leather collars supported by Ioose washers and
distance pieces, the only rubbing surfaces being the inner edges of the
leather collars and glands and the outer surface of the plungers,
substantially as described in Chapters IV., V., VII., and VIII., and
shewn in Figures VI., VIII., IX., X., XI., XII., XV., and XVI. on
Sheet I., and Figures I, and II, on Sheet II.

page_text: Fifthly. The arrangement of slide valves and mode of working the
same when applied to double-acting hydraulic engines, substantially
as described in Chapter V. and shewn in Figures X., XI., and XII.
Sixthly. Loading safety valves in the manner and for the purpose as
described in Chapter VI. and shewn in Figures XIII., XIV., and XV.
Seventhly. The combination of slide valves, safety valve, and suction
valve for working compound presses in the manner described in
Chapter VII. and shewn in Figure XV.
Eighthly. The application of a slide valve or stop valves to the pump
and cylinders of forging and other presses in order to change the action
of the press ram in the manner and for the purpose substantially as
described in Chapter VIII. and shewn in Figure II. on Sheet II.
Ninthly. The application of elastic substances in hydraulic machinery
in the manner and for the purpose as described in Chapter IX. and
shewn in Figure XI.
In witness whereof, I, the said Robert Luthy, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Twenty-seventh day of November, in the
year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-eight.
ROBERT LUTHY. (L.S.)