CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF BUTTONS FROM HORN OR HOOP AND OTHER MATTERS REQUIRING SIMILAR PRESSURE, AND IN THE MANUFACTURE OF OTHER ARTICLES IN DIES FROM HORN OR HOOF AND OTHER MATTERS REQUIRING SIMILAR PRESSURE
Year: 1845

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, WILLIAM
TUDOR MABLEY, of West Lambrook, in the County of Somerset, Engineer,
send greeting.
WHEREAS Her present most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent under the Great Seal of Great Britain, bearing date at West-
minster, the Eleventh day of January; in the eighth year of Her reign, did,
for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the said
William Tudor Mabley, Her especial licence, full power, sole privilege and
authority, that I, the said William Tudor Mabley, my exors, admors, and
assigns, or such others as I, the said William Tudor Mabley, my exors,
admors, or assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others, from
time to time and at all times during the term of years therein expressed,
should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within England,
Wales; and the Town of Berwick-upon Tweed, my Invention of "CERTAIN
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF BUTTONS FROM HORN OR HOOP AND
OTHER MATTERS REQUIRING SIMILAR PRESSURE, AND IN THE MANUFACTURE OF
OTHER ARTICLES IN DIES FROM HORN OR HOOF AND OTHER MATTERS REQUIRING
SIMILAR PRESSURE;" in which said Letters Patent is contained a proviso

page_text: that I, the said William Tudor Mabley, shall cause a particular descrip-
tion of the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same
is to be performed, to be inrolled in Her said Majesty's High Court
of Chancery within six calendar months next and immediately after the
date of the said in part recited Letters Patent, as in and by the same,
reference being thereunto had, will more fully and at large appear.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the said
William Tudor Mabley, do hereby declare that the nature of my said Invention,
and the manner in which the same is to be performed, are fully described and
ascertained in and by the following statement thereof, reference being had
to the Drawings hereunto annexed, and to the figures and letters marked
thereon, that is to say :-
In the manufacture of buttons and other articles from horn or hoof it has
been usual heretofore so to employ dies (which when the horn or hoof has
been placed therein) that they are placed in screw presses in order to cause
the parts of the dies to be pressed together, and the requisite pressure having
been obtained, the dies remain in the press till the same are cooled, by which
means of working it is necessary to have many presses, which can only be used
at distant intervals, owing to the time necessary for the cooling of the dies,
which renders the process expensive and slow. Now the objects of my Inven-
tion are,
First, the so constructing or arranging dies to be used for the purpose of
pressing horn, hoof, or other materials (requiring similar pressure) in manu-
facturing buttons that they shall be capable of being held together after they
have been removed from the press.
Secondly, my Invention has for its object improvements in arranging or
constructing apparatus or machinery to be used for the purpose of pressing or
shaping horn, hoof, or other materials requiring similar pressure; and,
Thirdly, my Invention has for its object improvements in cooling such dies
as shall have been used in a heated state for the purpose of pressing buttons or
other articles made from horn, hoof, or other materials requiring similar
pressure.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.
Figures 1 to 13 show means of constructing or arranging dies according to
the first part of my Invention. a, Figure 1, represents an edge view of a bot-
tom die plate, such as is ordinarily used for the purpose of pressing or shaping
buttons, with my improvements applied thereto. Figure 2 represents a top view
of the same. 6, Figure 3, is an edge view of the top die plate, and Figure 4

page_text: a top view of the same. The bottom die plate is furnished with the ordinary
registering pins c, c, and also a third pin, d, of sufficient length to project above
the top plate when the dies are pressed together, the pin d having a slot e
formed through it. The horn, hoof, or other material requiring similar pres-
sure, intended to be pressed into buttons, having been prepared and cut into
discs, is placed between the die plates a, b, in the usual manner, after which
a key or cotter f is placed in the slot e, as shewn in Figure 5, which represents
the two die plates together, and ready to receive the necessary pressure, which
may now be given by any suitable apparatus. This having been effected, and
the die plates brought closely together, the key or cotter f is to be driven into
the slot of the pin d, as shewn in Figures 6 and 7. By this means the two
die plates will be held closely together, and may be removed immediately from
the pressing machine or apparatus, instead of being allowed to remain under
the pressure to cool, as in the ordinary mode of pressing horn or hoof or
other materials into buttons. When the dies shall bave remained together a
sufficient time, the pin or cotter f may be removed, and the plates separated.
Figures 8 and 9 shew a side elevation and an end view of a modification of
this plan of holding the die plates together. In this instance they are placed in a
portable metal frame 9, 9, which has ears projecting upwards at h, h, through
which the key or cotter f passes. The plates are to be separated by removing
the cotter as before, and lifting them out of the frame g, g.
.
Figures 10 and 11 shew a sectional elevation and top view of another mode
by which the die plates may be held together. To the bottom die plate are
attached two arms i, i, which arms are capable of turning on centre pins k, k,
into the position shewn by dots in Figure 10. The arms i, i, when the two
plates are placed together, extend upwards through slots formed in the top die
plate, and their upper ends are provided with screw nuts l, l. Suitable pres-
sure having been given by any convenient means, the nuts 1, 1, are to be tight-
ened on to the top die plate, when that and the under one will be secured
firmly together. In order to separate the plates the nuts 1, 1, are to be
loosened upwards, and the arms i, i, turned into the position shewn by dots in
Figure 10..
Figures 12. and 13 shew an elevation and a top view of another example.of
this part of my Invention. In the under die plate are formed two screw holes
m, m, in which are placed two pins n, n, one of which is shewn detached. in
two views at Figure 14. The upper part of these pins pass through slots o, o,
formed in the upper die plate. When the die plates, by means of the
sure, have been brought together, the pins n, n, are to be turned round into the
position shewn in Fig. 15, and they will then be securely held together.
pres-

page_text: When it is desired to separate the die plates, the pins n, n, are to be turned into
the position shewn in Figure 13. With regard to the operation of pressing
with my improved dies, I would observe that they may, if desired, be used
in conjunction with the common hand-screw press, in which case a mortice
must be made in the follower to receive the pin d and key or cotter f, or a
mortice made in bottom of the press, and the dies placed in upside down, or a
false top or bottom applied, and in this case the key or cotter may be driven
in by hand or by a treadle.
I will now proceed to describe the means I prefer to obtain pressure, when
operating with my improved dies, and which means constitute the second part of
my Invention. Figure 16 represents a side elevation of the machine complete.
Figures 17 is a front view of the same. Figure 18 is a sectional elevation
taken through the middle of the machine, in all of which Figures similar
letters and numbers denote like parts. The framework of the machine is
shewn at a, a, securely bolted to a bottom or bed plate b, b. c, c, are the levers
of a toggle joint, the lower end of which is connected to a follower or plunger d,
which is capable of moving up and down in the guide piece e, e.
The upper
end of the toggle joint levers is connected by means of a pin joint h to a bolt f,
which bolt passes through and is capable of sliding in the top part of the
framework of the machine. The upper part of the bolt f is covered by a cap g,
which cap rests upon the framework of the machine.
Above the cap ga
strong spring h¹, h', is placed, the ends of which pass through mortices formed
in projections of the frame a, a, and are capable of being set down by means of
the screws i, i. A shaft k, k, turns in suitable bearings attached to the frame-
work of the machine, and upon which is affixed a cam l, which as it revolves
operates upon a roller adapted to the centre of the toggle joint levers, and by
thus straightening them causes the plunger or follower to descend. A similar
cam m is placed on another shaft at the other side of the machine, and receives
rotatory motion by means of a pair of toothed wheels n, n. This latter cam m,
as it rotates, acts upon a roller o, adapted to the centre of the toggle joint,
and thereby causes it to return to its bent position, and raise the plunger or
follower. Upon the bottom plate b, b, is placed a sliding piece p, p, which is
kept in its proper position by means of guides q, q. To the extremity of this
sliding piece is attached (by a joint) a link r, which at its other end is con-
nected to a vibratory lever s, s. This lever turns upon a centre pin t, supported
by the frame of the machine, and its upper end is provided with a roller u,
which works against a cam v, mounted upon the shaft k, k.
turning upon a centre w¹. Its upper end is provided with a
which a cam y. y, affixed to the shaft k, k, is caused to operate.
w, w, is a lever
roller x, against
The lower end.

page_text: of the lever w passes through a slot formed in a boltz, which bolt is capable
of sliding backwards and forwards in a socket formed in the framework of the
machine. To the outward extremity of the bolt z, a cord (1) is attached,
which cord passes over a guide pulley (2), and carries at its other end a
weight (3), by which means the boltz has always a tendency to slide towards
the machine, and keep the roller on the upper end of the lever w, w, in con-
tact with the cam y, y. Rotatory motion is communicated to the machine as
follows:-At the upper part of the machine is mounted a shaft (4), upon one
end of which are affixed the usual fast and loose pullies, and at the other end
thereof a fly wheel and a pinion (5) taking into a wheel (6) affixed to the cam
shaft k, k. The die plates intended to be pressed having been filled and
heated as usual, are placed upon the sliding piece, as shewn in Figure 18. They
are in this instance of the construction of those shewn in Figures 1 to 7
inclusive, and there is a recess formed in the sliding piece to receive the pin d
and key or cotter f, as shewn in the sectional plan view, Figure 19. The dies
being thus situated, and the machine caused to revolve, the cam 7, by operating
upon the roller, will straighten the levers of the toggle joint, and cause the
plunger or follower d to descend, simultaneously with which motion the cam v will
operate upon the vibrating lever w, and draw the sliding piece p, p, backwards,
and convey the die plates under the plunger or follower, which will imme-
diately commence to press the dies. The levers of the toggle joint having been
thus straightened sufficiently to bring the die plates closely together, the
cam y, y, will have brought a cavity on its surface, not seen in the Drawing,
opposite the roller of the lever u, by which it will be allowed by the action of
the weight to turn upon the centre pin, and permit the sliding bolt z to shoot
forward towards the centre of the machine, in doing which it will strike the
larger end of the key or wedge, and drive it through the pin into the position.
shewn in Figure 6, and thus secure the die plate tightly together. After which
the sliding bolt will be immediately withdrawn by the action of the cam y. The
follower will then rise by the operation of the cam m, and the sliding piece p
will be carried forward into its former position by the cam v. The die plat. s can
then be removed, and another pair placed in the machine, and operated upon in
like manner. In order to allow for the expansion of the machine caused by
the heat necessarily communicated to it by the dies, or for any other irregu-
larity of pressing, the spring h¹ is placed upon the upper part of the machine.
It will be perceived, on inspecting the Drawing, that the force of the spring is.
carried by the cap which bears upon the frame of the machine, there being a
slight space between the top of the toggle joint bolt and the inside of the cap g;
but directly the machine begins to press by the action of the cam, the toggle

page_text: joint rises, and the spring h¹ becomes the resisting point, which must always be
of sufficient power to give the required pressure. By this means, in order to
make sure of the die plates being brought closely together, the cam / may be
so formed as to cause the plunger or follower to descend a little lower than
necessary, as in such case the spring h' will give way, and allow the upper part
of the toggle joint to rise, and thus compensate for the extra motion. Instead
of the spring h', the upper end of the toggle joint may be loaded by means of
weighted levers, or an hydraulic apparatus may be applied, similar to that
shewn in Figure 20, in which (7) is a piston, forming a continuation of the
upper part of the toggle joint. This piston passes into a cylinder (8), and
is packed therein by leather packing after the manner of the ram of an
ordinary hydraulic press. The
upper part of the cylinder is filled with
water or other fluid, as shewn in the Drawing, and on the top thereof is
placed a loaded safety valve of the ordinary construction. On the machine
being put in motion, the piston (7) will press against the surface of the
fluid in the cylinder (8); and when the plunger or follower d has descended
so as to bring the die plates closely together, the piston (7) will ascend;
raise the safety valve, and allow a portion of the fluid to escape, the place of
which (on the descent of the piston) will be supplied by the pipe (9) from
any convenient reservoir above, which pipe is supplied with a valve (10), in
order to prevent the escape of the fluid from the cylinder. In this case,
however, in order to insure the descent of the upper part of the toggle joint, a
stop piece should be affixed to the under part, as at 11, Figure 17. By this
the bottom link will be prevented from moving through more than its proper
relative space, and the top link will be compelled by the cam m to return
to its proper starting position. The upper part of the toggle joint is provided.
with a slot 12× into which a pin (12) is introduced, and maintained in its
position by means of a screw (13), by which arrangement the toggle joint:
is prevented from turning round, but allowed to slide vertically.
Figure 21 in the accompanying Drawings represents a sectional view of
machinery or apparatus upon the hydrostatic principle. (11) (11) is a cylin-
der, and (12) a ram of the ordinary construction of hydraulic presses, and:
(13) is the pump for working the same, which pump is put in motion by.
rotatory power through the agency of a cam (14) affixed to a shaft (15), sc
that on. the descent of the pump rod the ram will be caused to rise, and on
the ascent thereof.fall into its former position, there being no valve at the foot
of the pump (18), as is the case in ordinary hydraulic presses. (16) is a
sliding bolt answering to the bolt z of the former machine, for the purpose of:
driving in the key or cotter when the die. plates are pressed together. This.

page_text: sliding bolt moves in guides (17) (17), and carries at its extremity a roller
(18), which acts against a cam (19) affixed to the shaft (15). The top part of
the ram is provided with a sliding piece (20), whereon to place the die plates,
'as in the former machine, and which, as in the former instance, has a socket
formed on the upper surface thereof to admit the pin d and cotter f. In this
case, however, the sliding piece is supposed to be drawn out from beneath
the press by hand, in order to feed the machine, which operation having been
performed and motion communicated to the shaft by means of the rigger
band, the plunger of the pump will descend, and the ram (12) will rise,
pressing the die plates against the press head (21), and when they are by
these means brought close together the point (22) of the cam will have
arrived in contact with the roller (18) on the sliding bolt (16), which will
then be allowed to shoot forward, and drive the key or cotter into the pin d,
thus confining the die plates together. The cam (19) will then immediately
withdraw the sliding bolt (16), and the rising of the pump plunger will allow
the ram to fall. The sliding piece may then be withdrawn, the die plates
removed, and another pair placed on the press, as before. In order to prevent
injury to the machine (when the ram shall be forced sufficiently up to bring
the die plates closely together, although the pump may not have finished its
stroke), a safety valve (23) is placed upon the pump pipe, loaded sufficiently to
press the material in the dies, which safety valve will, under these circum-
stances, open, and allow a portion of the water to escape; but as there must
always be the same quantity of water in order to force the ram to a certain
height, the deficiency caused by the escape is supplied by means of a pipe
(24) leading from a reservoir above, and provided with a valve which prevents
the water from returning through such pipe.
:
I will now describe the third part of my Invention. Figure 22 is a vertical
section and Figure 23 a horizontal section of one of my improved cooling
apparatus. (25) (25) is a box of wood or other material through which
an endless chain (26) is carried, such chain passing over two rollers (27) (27)
to any convenient part: (but I prefer the centre) of the box, where a channel
(28) is affixed, which leads to a fan or other exhausting or blowing apparatus
placed in any convenient situation. . One of the rollers (27) is caused to
revolve slowly by any convenient driving apparatus, and the die plates to bé
cooled are placed upon the travelling chain (26), by which means they will
be conveyed through the.. box (28), and the air being exhausted. therefrom
through the channel a rapid current of cold air will pass over them in their
progress, and cool them to the required temperature, which may be regulated
by altering the length of the box, or by varying the speed at which the

page_text: .
endless chain travels. It will be obvious that the same effect may be produced
either by exhausting or by forcing the air through the channel. The die
plates may also be cooled after they come from a press, by placing them on an
endless chain similar to that last described, and to which motion is to be
communicated in any convenient way, the upper side of the chain passing in
contact with a metal chamber through which a current of cold water is
continually flowing, it being admitted through a pipe at the one end and dis-
charged at the other part.
Having thus described the nature of my said Invention, and the manner in
which the same is to be performed, I wish it to be understood that I make
no claim to the parts of the machinery or apparatus separately; and although
I have only shewn and spoken of the die plates as applicable for making
buttons, it will be evident that the dies in the plates may be formed suitable
for making other articles from horn or hoof or other material requiring
similar pressure; and I would state that I do not confine myself to the details
shewn, provided the peculiar character of either part of my Invention be
retained. But what I claim is,―
First, the manufacture of buttons and other articles from horn, hoof, or
other matters requiring a similar pressure, by so forming or constructing die
plates that they may be capable of being held together after they shall have
been removed from the machine or apparatus by which they were pressed
together.
Secondly, I claim the mode of arranging machinery referred to above at
Figures 16 to 19 inclusive for the manufacture of buttons and other articles
from horn, hoof, or other substance requiring like pressure. I also claim the
means of arranging hydraulic presses for the purpose of pressing buttons and
other articles made of horn, hoof, or other materials requiring like pressure.
And I also claim the means of applying hydraulic apparatus, Figure 20, for
preventing injury to presses, as herein described; and,
Thirdly, I claim the means of cooling dies used in the manufacture of
buttons and other articles from horn, hoof, or other materials, by currents of
air obtained by exhausting or propelling apparatus. And I also claim the
cooling of dies as aforesaid by causing them to travel over a chamber through
which a stream of water is allowed to pass.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Tudor Mabley, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, this Eleventh day of July, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and forty-five.
W TUDOR (L.S.) MABLEY.

page_text: AND BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the Eleventh day of July, in the
year of our Lord 1845, the aforesaid William Tudor Mabley came before
our said Lady the Queen in Her Chancery, and acknowledged the Speci-
fication aforesaid, and all and every thing therein contained and specified, in
form above written. And also the Specification aforesaid was stamped
according to the tenor of the Statute made for that purpose.
Enrolled the Eleventh day of July, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and forty-five.