IMPROVEMENTS IN MOULDING OR SHAPING METALS
Year: 1857

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, we, MATTHEW
ANDREW MUIR, of Glasgow, in the County of Lanark, North Britain,
Machinist, and JAMES MILWHAM, of the same Place, Machinist, send
greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Second day of February, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and fifty-seven, in the twentieth year of Her reign,
did, for Herself, Her heirs, and successors, give and grant unto the said
Matthew Andrew Muir and James McIlwham Her special license that we,
the said Matthew Andrew Muir and James McIlwham, or the survivor of us,
or the executors, administrators, or assigns of such survivor, 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
MOULDING OR SHAPING METALS," upon the condition (amongst others) that we,
the said Matthew Andrew Muir and James McIlwham, by an instrument in
writing under our hands and seals, should particularly describe and ascertain
the nature of such Invention, and in what manner the same was to be per-
formed, and cause the same to be filed at the Great Seal Patent Office within
six calendar months next, and immediately after the date of the said Letters

page_text: Patent And whereas we, the said Matthew Andrew Muir and James
McIlwham, in pursuance of the said condition in the said Letters Patent
contained, did, by a Specification, being an instrument in writing under our hand
seal, particularly describe and ascertain the nature of our said Invention, and
in what manner the same is to be performed, and did cause the same instru-
ment to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office on the First day of August,
in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-seven: And
whereas since the filing of the said Specification we have been advised that
the meaning thereof, so far as the same relates to that part of the Invention in
which the turning the moulding boxes and plates is described, does not
accurately describe the actual method pursued, and also that portions of the
claims in our said Specification contained may be deemed to extend to
processes or operations which we did not intend to claim, and we are therefore
desirous of restricting the said claims, and of making the several alterations
in the said Specification by means of the Disclaimer and Alterations herein-
after contained, so as to make it describe more clearly the nature and objects
of our said Invention, and include those things only to which it was intended to
apply:
⚫ NOW KNOW YE, THEREFORE, that we, the said Matthew Andrew Muir
and James McIlwham, by and with the leave of Her said Majesty's Solicitor-
General, do hereby disclaim and make the several alterations comprised in the
said Specification, and the claims therein contained as herein-after altered;
and by and with the leave aforesaid, and for the reasons aforesaid, and also
for the purpose of causing the said Specification and this present Alteration
and Disclaimer to be more easily understood, we do hereby alter the same
Specification so that the same shall, with the aid of the Drawings therein
mentioned, particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said Inven-
tion, and the manner in which it is to be performed, in and by the words,
letters, and figures following: :-
"Our said Invention relates in some degree to an Invention of 'Improve-
"ments in Moulding or Shaping Metals,' for which Matthew Andrew Muir
" and James McIlwham have already applied for British Letters Patent, and
"it mainly consists of an improved arrangement for turning the platforms or
"carrying plates on which patterns of various kinds for castings in iron and
other metals are or may be placed for conducting the operation of moulding
"or shaping metals by attaching those plates to the mould boxes which are turned
"in the manner now to be described."
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"In the Provisional Specification of the other Invention herein-before
referred to, mention is made of a fixed open frame, carrying vertically

page_text: 56
65
C
traversing spindes with T or cross heads, on which is placed a platform'
capable of turning upon end studs or pivots in bearings in such T heads.
"The same general arrangement, as far as these details are concerned, is or
inay be adopted in working out the present Invention, with the exception
"that in this present Invention the platform or plate, although capable of
being turned or reversed with every facility, does not carry any end studs or
"pivots. The T head of each vertical spindle supporting the plate has three
eyes upon it, all in the same horizontal line, and at equal distances asunder.
"These three eyes are all either tapped, with a quick screw thread or fitted
"cach with a corresponding nut, the screwed apertures in either case being
"made transversely through the T head. All these six screwed holes, that
is, three in each T head, are fitted in correspondingly screwed short spindles,
liaving their outer overhanging ends geared together by spur pinions or by
"other convenient mechanism, so as to work in concert. The central screw
spindle on each side is fitted with a winch handle, or connected with any
"other suitable movement, so that the moulder on turning the two central
spindles in concert or together, turns at the same time the four external
spindles in the reverse direction. The whole of the spindles are formed
with reduced plain stud ends, those of the two central spindles corresponding
"with holes or recesses bored in the two opposite ends of the moulding box,
"whilst those of the other four similarly correspond with holes or recesses
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"
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"
6
bored in the two opposite ends of the carrying platform or plate. When
"the plate is required to be stationary for ramming, it is securely held by
screwing forward the four outside screw spindles, so as to bring their ends
to enter the four holes in the thickness of the. plate. In this way the plate
"is steadily and firmly held at four points, the relation of the screwed spindles
being such that at this time the ends of the two central spindles are clear
"out of the central holes in the plate moulding box. The plate or reversing
$
platform carries patterns on each side of it, so that each side is equally
"available for moulding upon. If the apparatus is employed for moulding
"
"
"
railway chairs, each side of the plate has attached to it two chair patterns
disposed parallel side by side. When the moulding box is placed upon the
plate and surrounding the two patterns on that side, it is latched down by
"suitable adjustable holders, one at each side, and the ramming with sand
then takes place. When this operation is completed, the moulder reverses
"the two handles of the central spindles, causing the stud ends of the two
"central screwed spindles to advance and enter their holes in the ends of the
moulding box just prior to the escaping of the corresponding ends of the
four outer sustaining screwed spindles from their holes in the plate. When
"

page_text: 66
"
"the two central spindles are thus screwed up, they form a most secure
sustaining centre for the plate with its patterns-and moulding box, which
having the plate and patterns attached to it, and-the-whole may now be turned
"over as well for the release below of the box just rammed as for the bringing
66 up of the reverse side of the plate for the deposit of a mould box thereon,
"and the subsequent ramming action, the plate, of course, being first steadied
and held by the four external screwed spindles, as before. Each mould box
" is fitted with suitable guiding parts, to insure its being placed exactly at the
"same part every time, so that the central spindles are certain to come in
right.
"
"
6
"The latching or holding together of the mould boxes and plate is effected
by two loose transverse stud pins passed through the plate at each end, each
"end of the stud pins having a holding collar picce or head upon it. The
plate is double or in two pieces set parallel to each other with a narrow
space between, and it is in this space that the actuating rods or links of the
"latches work. These rods pass directly through the duplex plate from side
"to side, and each is intermediately jointed to a short arm or lever set upon its
corresponding stud latch. At the proper part on each end of the mould
"box there is cast on a short snug or flange piece, and it is on these projections
"that the latches hold. A flat is cut on the side of each latch head,
so that when this flat is turned towards the projection the latch releases
its hold.
"
"
"
"These improvements may obviously be carried out under various modifi-
"cations, and they may either be worked in conjunction with or independent
"of the previous improvements, for which Matthew Andrew Muir and James
"M'Ilwham have already made application for British Letters Patent.
"And in order that our said Invention may be properly understood, we will
"now proceed to describe the several illustrative Figures on the explanatory
"Sheets of Drawings which we have hereunto appended, for the purpose of
showing certain modifications under which our improvements may be
judiciously carried out in practice.
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6
"
"In Sheet 1 of our illustrative Drawings, Figure 1 is a side elevation of
"one modification of our improved arrangement for forming the moulds of
railway chairs; Figure 2 is a plan of the arrangement corresponding to
Figure 1; Figure 3 is a side elevation of an arrangement somewhat
modified from that shown in Figures 1 and 2; Figure 4 is a plan corre-
sponding to Figure 3; Figure 5 is an end view; and Figure 6 is a plan of a
barrow or carriage for removing the castings as they are made.
"
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66
"Figure 7, Sheet 2, is a side elevation of one modification of an arrangement

page_text: <<
"of machinery or apparatus for moulding a railway chair and sleeper com-
"bined; Figure 8 is a plan corresponding to Figure 7; Figure 9 is a side
elevation, and Figure 10 an end view of an arrangement for lifting and
"reversing the upper flask or box containing the core mould; Figure 11 is a
"side elevation of another modification of a barrow or carriage for removing
"the castings; and Figure 12 is an end view corresponding to Figure 11;
Figure 13 is a side view of a portion of the pattern of a railway chair and
"sleeper combined; Figure 14 is a plan of the same; Figure 15 is a side
"view of a core resting piece; Figure 16 is a plan of the same; Figure 17 is a
"plan of the core piece; Figure 18, an end view of the same; Figure 19 is
"a side elevation of a railway chair pattern; Figure 20 is a sectional elevation
of the same, taken at right angles to Figure 19; Figure 21 is a plan
"corresponding to Figure 19; Figure 22 is a plan of the core resting piece;
Figure 23 is a plan of the core piece itself; and Figure 24 is a side elevation
"and plan of another core resting piece. The whole of these details, Figures 13
to 24, are on an enlarged scale, so as to secure superior clearness of the
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"several parts.
"The mechanical arrangements for moulding or sliaping metals in Figures 1
"to 4 of Sheet 1 of our illustrative Drawings are modifications of the
machinery or apparatus described in the Specification of British Letters
"Patent granted to us, the said Matthew Andrew Muir and James
"M'Ilwham, and bearing date on or about the Fifteenth day of January One
"thousand eight hundred and fifty-seven.
"In the arrangement of the machinery or apparatus here referred to for
"making or forming the moulds of railway chairs, the moulding plate to which
"tlie chair patterns are fixed turns upon end studs or pivots. In the present
" modifications the arrangement of this part of the machinery is altogether
"different, and is intended to afford additional facility and increased dispatch
in forming the moulds. The moulding machine is supported upon a
rectangular cast-iron base. A, the upper side of which is level with the
moulding shop floor. On each side of the base A is a boss B, in which a
"vertical spindle C works up and down. The lower part of each of the
traversing spindles is attached by means of a link to the levers D and E.
"These levers are fast to the transverse shaft F, which is supported in bracket
bearings projecting from the sides of the base A. The lever D is formed
"into a handle, by means of which the moulder raises the spindle C and the
moulding plate which is attached thereto. The lever. E is also prolonged
"backwards from the machine.and carries a counterweight, which serves to
"assist the operator in raising the moulding plate and moulding "box. The

page_text: 66
upper end of each of the traversing spindles C forms a T piece, to which is
"bolted a parallel picce of metal G, having three eyes or bosses made in it.
"These eyes are tapped with an internal screw thread, in which the screwed
spindles of three pinions work. The centre pinion H gears with the two
"side pinions I, and motion is given to the centre pinion by means of a handle
"
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"
"
"
"
J fitted upon the outer end of its spindle. The inner end of the spindle of
"cach of the pinions H passes through the centre eye of the journal piece G,
"and across the opening K in the moulding platė L. This is the case when
"the spindles of the pinions H are screwed inwards; but when the handles J
"are turned in the contrary direction, the ends of these spindles are with-
"drawn and the apertures K left unobstructed. The inner ends of the spindles
"of the pinions I are each formed into a pin which passes into or between
"the parts of the moulding plate, which in this modification is a double plate,
"the space between forming a recess to receive the ends of the pinion spindles.
"When the pinions H and I are put in motion, their screwed spindles act in
opposite directions, so that as the spindle M of the pinion H is screwed
inwards, the spindles N of the pinions are withdrawn. The teeth of the
pinions H are made sufficiently broad to admit of the to-and-fro traverse of the
"spindles without getting out of gear. The effect of this arrangement of the
26 spindles M and N is, that when the central spindles M are screwed outwards,
"the moulding plate L will be firmly held at four points by the ends of the
spindles N entering the holes in the moulding plate, or the recesses formed
"between its upper and lower plates. When the spindles M are screwed
"inwards their inner ends pass through snugs on the flask or moulding sand
"box, as will be presently described. These points form axes on which the
"flasks and moulding plate are free to turn so as to reverse their position.
The patterns from which the mould is formed are fixed to the moulding
plate L. In the present modification for casting railway chairs, two patterns O
are fixed side by side with the pattern of the "gate
P for the passage
"of the molten metal between them. A pair of patterns arranged in a
"manner similar to those upon the upper side of the moulding plate
"are secured to its opposite side, so that the operator forms his moulds
"from each pair of patterns alternately. The flask or moulding box is-seeured
"te and the moulding plate are held together by means of the catches Q and
"R, of which there are four to each moulding plate, two for holding the
"flask upon one side of the moulding plate, and two for retaining it upon
"the opposite side. These catches Q and R each consist of a screw which
passes through the moulding plate or plates, and having a collar fitted to it
ff on each side of the moulding plate L. The screwed spindle of the catches
64

page_text: "is furnished with a handle upon cach side of the moulding plate, so that
"the moulder can release the flask upon the under side of the moulding
66
plate without moving his hands below the plate. The two catches Q,
"shown in Figure 2, of Sheet 1, of our illustrative Drawings, serve to retain
"the "flask" upon the upper side of the moulding plate, and a portion of the
"collars is cut away to admit of the "flask" passing between them. Upon*
"turning the handles of the catches round a quarter of a revolution, the
"collar of the catch passes over the flange or projecting rim of the flask, and'
"fastens it firmly to the moulding plate. The handles of the catches R are
"shown in the reverse position as if holding the flask beneath the moulding
plate, as shown in Figure 1 of our illustrative Drawings. The snugs s on
"the edges of the moulding plate are made to receive pins fitted in cor-
"responding snugs on the flask, so that when these parts are brought
"together the moulding box is in its proper position, and when the catches
<
"C
are turned no error can arise from displacement. On each side of the
"moulding box is a snug, which passes through one of the openings K in
"the moulding plate L, and when the spindles M. are screwed inwards, their
"ends pass through the apertures in the snugs of the flask and serve as
"
pivots, on which the flasks and moulding plate turn. Prior to the flask or
"moulding box being secured to the moulding plate L for the purpose of
66
forming the mould, the spindles N are screwed inwards by the winch
"handle J to hold the moulding plate in a horizontal position. The catches
"Qor R upon the upper side of the table are then turned, so as to fasten
"the flask to the plate L, and a metal core piece, the face of which is
"moistened with mineral naphtha, is next placed between the jaws of cach
chair pattern; the flask is then rammed up with sand, the moulder then
depresses the lever D, which raises the moulding plate and flask, and
"whilst in this position the winch handles J are turned, so as to release the
plate from the retaining ends of the spindles.N. As the spindles N recede,
"the spindles M advance, and passing through the snugs on the flask form
"the axes on which the flasks and-moulding-plate turn. The flask and
"having the moulding plate are attached to it is turned round, and brought
"into the position shown in Figure 1, Sheet 1, of our illustrative Drawings,
"in which the Bask-T-and-moulding-plate I-are-upheld-by-the-spindles M.-A
"small-carriage-U is next wheeled-under the flask, which-is-then-lowered-on-to-it
"by-raising-the-lever D, and the-flash-is-released-from-the-moulding-plate-by
turning the catches.-The-carriage-and-flask-are-wheeled away by an-assistant;
and The moulder clears away the sand that may have fallen beneath the
66
"

page_text: "machine by means of a scraper, which he pushes from him towards the
"front of the machine by the handles V. He next turns the winch handles
"
"
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J, so as to withdraw the spindles M, and cause the spindles N to fix the
moulding plate in a horizontal position ready for moulding from the pair of
patterns now on the upper side of the moulding plate. A small carriage. U
"is next wheeled under the flask, which is then lowered on to it by raising the
"lever D, and the flask is released from the moulding plate by turning the
"catches. The carriage and flask are wheeled away by an assistant.
65
"In the modification of the mould-making machinery or apparatus, shown
"in Figures 3 and 4 of Sheet 1 of our illustrative Drawings, the general
arrangement of the parts and the mode of operating with the machine is
"the same as that herein-before described in reference to Figures 1 and 2 of
"our Drawings. But in this modification the means employed for actuating
"the retaining spindles of the moulding plate and the axial spindles of the
"flask end-moulding-plate are different. Instead of using screwed spindles
"actuated by spur pinions, the spindles are caused to advance or recede by
means of a simple lever arrangement. The spindles move to and fro in a
journal piece similar to that shown at G, Figures 1 and 2. The spindles
"are plain rods of metal, and their outer ends are jointed to the double
"levers W, the inner ends of the spindles X passing into holes in the
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66
"
moulding plate or into recesses between its upper and lower plates, whilst
"the inner ends of the spindles Y pass through the snugs of the flask, when
"the spindles X are withdrawn, and serve as the supporting axes of the
"flask and-moulding plate, as herein-before described in reference to the
screw spindles M and N, in Figures 1 and 2. The levers W are jointed
"at their centres, on each side of which they are fixed to the T piece of the
66
vertically traversing spindles C by bolts and nuts. These attachments form
"the fulcra of the .levers W, which are fastened by pins to the spindles X
"and Y. The free ends of the lever W are formed into handles, placed
so as to be within a convenient distance for the operator. When the
moulding plate is to be fixed in a horizontal position, the moulder draws
the handles of the levers W towards the centre of the machine; this has the
effect of withdrawing the central spindles Y from the openings in the
moulding plate flash, and forcing the ends of the spindles X into the holes
" or recesses in the moulding plate. By pressing the handles of the levers
W outwards, the contrary effect is produced, and the weight of the flask
having the and moulding plate attached to it, is now borne by the centre of
"axial spindles Y. The other parts of this modification of our mould
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61

page_text: "making machinery being the same as those shown in Figures 1 and 2 of
"our Drawings, and herein-before described, it will be unnecessary to repeat'
"the same.
"The modification of a barrow or carriage for removing the castings, and'
"shown in Figures 4 and 5 of Sheet 1 of our Drawings, consists of a framing
"supported upon three wheels. This framing is connected together by longi-*
"tudinal tie rods, on which rests an iron plate Z forming the platform of
"the carriage. This platform rests upon the longitudinal tie rods of the
framing, and is kept in its place by pins, which project from its under side,
"and form a saddle or fork. These forks rest upon the tie rods, and allow
"of the iron plate Z, on which the castings are placed, being tilted over on
"either side, so as to throw the castings off. The upright plates forming the
"ends of the barrow are fastened to the vertical stays which are bolted to
"the main framing. The fore wheel of the barrow is supported in the
"forked end of an upright spindle to which the handle for drawing the barrel
"is attached. By turning the handle to the right or left, the fore wheel is
"likewise turned, and the barrow is thus very readily guided in its course.
"Another modification of our improvements in machinery or apparatus for
making moulds suitable for casting is shown in Sheet 2 of our illustrative
Drawings, in which Figure 7 is a side elevation, and Figure 8 a plan, of an
"arrangement of machinery for forming the moulds of railway chairs and
sleepers combined in one casting. In this modification the sleeper is of a
hemispherical form, the chair for the rails being disposed diametrically, as
shown in the plan view, Figure 8, of our Drawings.
CC
"
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"The general features of the machine for this kind of mould-making
"resemble the modifications of our improvements herein-before described.
The base A of the machine is a rectangular iron casting, open upon one
"side towards the recess in which the moulder stands. The hollow standards
Bare bolted to the upper side of the base A, and serve as guides for the
The traversing spindles are connected
66
" traverse of the vertical spindles C.
"
by links and levers to the transverse shaft D in a manner corresponding to
that shown in Figures 1 and 2 of our Drawings. The shaft D has fast
"to it a segmental rack E, which is actuated by a spur pinion F carried in a
bracket bearing, which is bolted to the side of the base A. The action.
"of the transverse shaft D in raising the traversing spindles C is assisted by
"the counterweight G attached to the outer end of the lever H. A pawl
or detent I, which falls into the teeth of the segmental rack E, scrves to
retain the traversing spindles C at any required height. The pattern J
43
"

page_text: "forins the moulding plate, and it is made with journals, which fit into the
"
«
"
journal piece K on the upper ends of the traversing spindles.
"The pattern is retained in a horizontal position by the stud spindles L,
".which are actuated by the hand levers M; these levers are bolted to snugs,
"which are cast on the journal piece K of the traversing spindles C, the
snugs forming the fulcra of the levers. The free ends of the levers are
formed into handles, to enable the moulder to move the retaining spindles L
" to and fro as required. The pattern J being placed in the machine, it is
"held in a horizontal position by the retaining spindles L, which enter holes
"made for the purpose in the side of the pattern. A flask or moulding box,
"similar to that shown at N, Figure 7, is placed on the pattern, and held in
"its proper position by the stud pins O on its edge, which stud pins pass
through the snugs P on the edge of the pattern J. The moulder after
placing a core and sustaining piece for the same between the jaws of the
"pattern, rams up the mould box with sand, upon which he places a plate to
"retain the mould therein. The pattern and flask are now raised on the
traversing spindles by actuating the pinion F and segmental rack E; the
"whole is held stationary by the pawl whilst the retaining spindles M are
"withdrawn. The pattern is now turned over, so as to reverse its position,
"and it is lowered on to a low carriage Q, as shown in Figure 7 of our
Drawings; the upper mould box in which the core is formed is then placed
"in the machine, being supported upon journals projecting from its side
"similar to those made on the pattern, and is rammed up with sand and
"lowered on to a carriage.
"
"
"
"
"To place the upper flask or moulding box upon the lower one, it is
necessary to turn it over and lower it on to the bottom flask, and this
" is done by means means of the machine shown in Figures 9 and 10 of our
Sheet of Drawings. This machine consists of an arrangement for raising
"the flask, admitting of its being turned upon its axes and held in a horizontal
position whilst it is being lowered on to the bottom flask. Two vertical
"standards R support the transverse shafts S and T; these shafts carry the
"pulleys over which the central chains U and steadying chains U¹ pass.
66
"
The shafts S and T are driven by means of a spur wheel V and pinion W
"actuated by a winch handle X, which is put in motion by the moulder's
"assistant. A pawl or detent Y prevents the wheel V from rotating. When
"
a weight is on the chains and the handle X let go, the upper flask is
"wheeled under the hoisting machine, and the chains U are hooked on to the
projecting journals. When raised to the proper height the hook of
"the steadying chain U' is released and the flask is turned over, and the
"

page_text: chain U is again hooked to the flask, which is then lowered on to the
"bottom flask, which in the meantime has been wheeled under the hoisting
"machine. The mould is now ready for the molten metal to be poured in to
"form the sleeper and railway chair. The upper and lower mould boxes are
"held together and retained in their proper position by means of the pins O,
"which are fastened into and project above the snugs on the lower flask, and
pass through the corresponding snugs on the upper flask.
The barrow or carriage shown in Figures 11 and 12 of Sheet 2 of our
Drawings is modified in its construction from that shown in Figure 5 and 6,
"Sheet 1. This barrow is supported upon four wheels, and it has a different
"form of handle to that before described, which facilitates the tilting of the
barrow upon the hinder wheels in order to throw the castings off the
"platform a.
In this modification the platform a and end plate bare secured
"to the framing, as the tilting is effected from the end to which the handle c'
"is attached. A supplementary handle d projecting from the under side of
"the handle c enables the workman to raise the end of the barrow higher
than he could do by means of the handle c when throwing off the castings.
"This arrangement also facilitates the turning of the barrow when its path
"through the workshop is a tortuous one, as the operator can easily lift up
"the lever handle c and throw the weight upon the hind pair of wheels,'
leaving the front ones clear.
CE
.
"In the Specification of British Letters Patent granted to the said
"Matthew Andrew Muir, and bearing date on or about the Twenty-fourth
day of April, One thousand eight hundred and fifty-five, is described a
"system or mode of moulding railway chairs, in which the metal cores for
"C
66
CE
66
forming the space between the jaws of the chair are supported on resting
pieces or "saddle pieces" as they are therein termed. In moulding railway
chairs, according to the present improvements, we make use of these core
"resting pieces, but they are slightly modified to suit the particular mechanical
arrangements herein-before described.
**
"
6
+4
2
Figure 13 is a side view of the upper portion of the pattern of a railway
sleeper and chair corresponding to Figure 7; Figure 14 is a plan of the
same; Figure 15 is a side view of a core rest; Figure 16 is a plan of the
same; Figure 17 is a plan of a core piece; and Figure 18, an end view of
"the same.
$5
"In the modification shown in Figures 13 and 14 of our illustrative
Drawings, a portion of the space between the jaws of the pattern is filled
66 up with a projecting core piece or "print" e. This print form a part of
"the pattern itself,.so that, when the mould is formed, a cavity or recess is

page_text: 66
<<
left in the sand, which corresponds to the shape of the "print" or pro-
jecting portion e of the pattern. The overhanging parts of the jaws are
"moulded by means of the slip pieces f, g; these pieces are left in the sand
"when the mould is inverted, and are then withdrawn.
<
"
"
"The moulder, prior to ramming up the flask with sand, places a moveable
." core rest or saddle piece over the part e, forming the print of the
pattern. This "core rest" is precisely similar in the office it performs to
"the "saddle pieces" or "core supporters" described in the Specification
herein-before referred to. The core rest is shown separately in Figures 15
"and 16; it consists of a rectangular-shaped piece of metal, open at the
"bottom and one of its sides. The plate i forms the bottom of the rest when
the mould is inverted, as shown in Figure 16, and the corner pieces j
"surround the ends of the print e and core piece when it is in its place.
"When the flask containing the mould is inverted, and the pattern with-
"drawn therefrom, the core rest is left imbedded in the sand. In the cavity
or recess left in the moulded sand by the print c of the pattern, a core
piece is placed, which is then supported by the core rest i, and practically
"forms a portion of the mould. The core rest h protects the sand from the
pressure of the core piece; and prevents it from being broken down, and the
mould thereby injured.
Figures 19, 20, and 21 of our Drawings show this part of our improve-
"ments applied to the moulding of railway chairs of the ordinary kind. The
""print" forms a part of the pattern. The core rest m is shown in section
"in Figure. 19, and in dotted lines in Figure 21, and in its place on the
'print" in Figure 20 of the pattern, and is also shown in plan in Figure 22.
"The core piece n, which is placed in the cavity of the mould when the pattern
"is withdrawn, is shown separately in plan in Figure 23; an improved form
66 co
of the core rest is shown in side view and plan in Figure 24. In this form
"of core rest the projecting parts o of the core rest m are dispensed with; the
"sides of the rest are also made more tapering, so that, in forming the mould
" for the core rest, the pattern of this improved form is much more easily
"withdrawn from the mould, and the manufacture of these coro rests greatly
" facilitated.
"And although we have herein-before described our system of alternately
"acting spindles or supports for the flasks and moulding plates when used in
forming moulds for casting chairs alone, we wish it to be clearly understood
"that the same system is applicable in forming moulds to be used for casting
"chairs and sleepers combined, that is to say, the system of working wherein
a pair of central spindles or holders, and two or other pairs of external

page_text: C
spindles or holders act in alternate directions in concert for the purpose
of alternately holding fair and firm the flask, and allowing the moulding plate
to turn the flask-or-moulding-plate of the combined-chair-and-sleeper.
"
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of our said
Invention, and the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried
into effect, we may observe, in conclusion, that we do not confine or restrict
ourselves to the precise details or arrangements which we have had occasion
to describe or refer to, as many variations may be made therefrom without
deviating from the principles or main features of our Invention; but what
we consider to be novel and original, and therefore claim as the Invention
"secured to us by the herein-before in part recited Letters Patent, is,-
$6
First, the general arrangement and construction of machinery or apparatus
"for making moulds for casting, as herein-before described.
CC
"Second, the system or mode of supporting and holding the moulding plate
or pattern in a horizontal position, by means of screwed spindles acting in
"concert, but in reverse directions, with a pair of central screwed spindles,
"as herein-before described.
"Third, the system or mode of supporting the flask or moulding box, by
"means of moveable screwed spindles which pass through snugs or holes on
"the flask, and at-the same time serve to support the moulding-plate-or-pattern,
"which is then free to turn upon these moveable axes, as herein-before
"described.
"
CE
"
CC
"Fourth, the system or mode of supporting and holding the moulding plate
or pattern in a horizontal position by means of moveable spindles or pins
ȧcting in concert, but in reverse directions, with a pair of central spindles or
pins, as herein-before described.
"Fifth, the system or mode of supporting the flask or moulding box by
means of moveable spindles or pins, which pass through snugs or holes on
"the flask, and-at-the-same-time-serve-to-support-the-moulding-pate or pattern,
"which is then free to turn upon these moveable axes, as herein-before
described.
66
"Sixth, the-system-or-mode of forming the moulds for easting-railway-chaire
"And sleepers-in-one-easting, by-means of the machinery or apparatus, as herein-
"before-deseribed.
"Seventh, the system or mode of forming the moulds for casting railway
"chairs and sleepers in one casting, wherein the flasks or-moulding-plates
"and patterns of such moulds are alternately held by central pins or holders
"and external ones, as hercin-before described.
"Eighth, the arrangement and construction of the machinery or apparatus

page_text: declare that the above-written Disclaimer and Memorandum of Alteration are
not, nor is either of them, nor is any part thereof respectively intended to
extend the exclusive right granted by the said Letters Patent, and that these
Presents shall not extend the said exclusive right in any way whatsoever.
In witness whereof, we, the said Matthew Andrew Muir and James
McIlwham, have hereunto set our hands and seals, this Fifth day of
April, One thousand eight hundred and fifty-eight.
I hereby certify, that I have this day given leave to the within-named
Matthew Andrew Muir and James McIlwham to file in the Great Seal Patent 3
Office, with the Specification to which the same relates, the above-written
Disclaimer and Memorandum of Alteration.

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Matthew Andrew Muir, of Glasgow, in the County
of Lanark, North Britain, Machinist, and James McIlwham, of the same
Place Machinist for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN MOULDING OR
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Matthew Andrew Muir
and James McIlwham at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents,
with their Petition, on the 2nd February 1857.
We, MATTHEW ANDREW MUIR, of Glasgow, in the County of Lanark, North
Britain, Machinist, and JAMES MILWHAM, of the same Place, Machinist,
do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
MOULDING OR SHAPING METALS," to be as follows, that is to say:
This Invention relates in some degree to an Invention for "improvements
in moulding or shaping metals," for which Matthew Andrew Muir and James
McIlwham have already applied for British Letters Patent, and it mainly
consists of an improved arrangement for turning the platforms or carrying
plates on which patterns of various kinds for castings in iron and other metal are
or may be placed for conducting the operation of moulding or shaping metals.
In the Provisional Specification of the other Invention herein-before referred
to mention is made of a fixed open frame carrying vertically. traversing spindles
with T or cross-heads on which is placed a platform capable of turning upon
end studs or pivots in bearings in such T heads. The same general arrange-

page_text: ment, as far as these details are concerned, is or may be adopted in working
out the present Invention, with the exception, that in this present Invention
the platform or plate, although capable of being turned or reversed with every
facility, does not carry any end studs or pivots.
The T head of each vertical spindle supporting the plato-has three eyes
upon it, all in the same horizontal line and at equal distances asunder. These
three eyes are all either tapped with a quick screw thread or fitted each with
a corresponding nut, the screwed apertures in either case being made trans-
versely through the T head. All these six screwed holes, that is, three in
each T head, are fitted with corresponding short screwed spindles, having their
outer overhanging ends geared together by spur pinions or by other convenient
mechanism so as to work in concert.--
The central screw spindle on each side is fitted with a winch handle, or con-
"nected with any other suitable movement, so that the moulder on turning the
"two central spindles in concert or together turns at the same time the four
'external spindles'in the reverse direction.. The whole of the spindles, are
formed with reduced plain stud ends, those of the two central spindles corres-
ponding with holes, or recesses bored in the two opposite ends of the moulding
box, whilst those of the other four similarly correspond with holes or recesses
bored in the two opposite ends of the carrying platform or plate.
"
7
When the plate is required to be stationary for ramming, it is securely held
by screwing forward the four outside screw. spindles, so as to bring their ends
to enter the four holes in the thickness of the plate; in this way.tho plate is
steadily and firmly held at the four points, the relation of the screwed spindles
being such that at this time the ends of the two central spindles are clear out
of the central holes in the plate. The plate or reversing platform carries
patterns on each side of it, so that each side is equally available for moulding
upon. If the apparatus is employed for moulding railway chairs, each side of
the plate has attached to it two chair patterns disposed "parallel side by side.
When the moulding box is placed upon the plate and surrounding the two
patterns on that side, it is lashed down by suitable adjustable holders, ond at
each side, and the ramming with sand then takes place. When this operation
is completed, the moulder reverses the two handles of the central spindles,
causing the stud ends of the two central screwed spindles to advance and enter
their holes in the ends of the moulding box just prior to the escaping of the
corresponding ends of the four outer sustaining screwed spindles from their
holes in the plate When the two central spindles are thus screwed up they
form a most secure sustaining centre for the plate with its patterns and inould-
ing box, and the whole may now be turned over as well for the release below

page_text: of the box-just rammed; as for the bringing.up of the reverse side of the plate
for the deposit of a mould, box thereon .and the subsequent ramming .action,
the plate of, course, being first steadied and held by the four external, screwed
spindles, as; before. Each mould box is fitted with suitable guiding parts to
insure its being placed exactly, at the same part every time; so. that the central
spindles, are certain to come in right. The latching or holding of the mould
boxes is effected by two loose, transverse stud pins passed through the plate at
each end, each end of the stud pins having a holding collar piece or head
upon it.
...The plate is double, or, in two pieces set parallel to each other with a narrow
space between, and it is in this space that the actuating rods or links of the
latches work...These rods pass directly through the duplex plate from side
to side, and each is intermediately jointed, to a short arm or lever set, upon its
corresponding stud latch:. At the proper part on each end of the mould box
their is cast on a short snug or flange piece, and it is on these projections that
the latches hold.
A flat is cut, on the side of each latch head, so that when this flat is turned
towards the projection. the latch releases its hold.
These improveinents may obviously be carried out under various modifica
tions, and they may either be worked in conjunction with or independent of
the previous improvements for which Matthew Andrew. Muir and James
McIlwham have already made application for British Letters Patent.
The whole of these improvements or most of them are especially-available
for being used or worked, in conjunction with the several improvements.or
some of them described in the Specification of British Letters Patent obtained
by Matthew, Andrew Muir -on.or about the Twenty-fourth day of April, One
thousand, eight hundred and fifty-five, for "improvements in the manufacture
or moulding of railway chairs," and it is intended that such. previous Inven
tion shall or may be, used, or worked. in conjunction with the present improve
ments herein-before described...
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Matthew Andrew Muir and James McIlwham in the Great
Seal Patent Office on the 1st August 1857.
1.47 635
..
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, we, MATTHEW
ANDREW MUIR; of Glasgow, in the County of Lanark, North. Britain, Machinist,
and JAMES MILWHAM, of the same Place, Machinist, send greeting..

page_text: WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letter's
Patent, bearing date the Second day of February, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-seven, in the twentieth year of Her
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto us,
the 'said Matthew Andrew Muir and James McIlwham, Her special license that
we, the said Matthew Andrew Muir and James McIlwham, our executors,
administrators, and assign's, or such others as we, the said Matthew Andrew
Muir and James McIlwham, our executors, administrators, or assigns, should
at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times.
thereafter during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make,"
use, exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Ireland, the Channel Islands; and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS
IN MOULDING OR SHAPING METALS," upon the condition (amongst others) that
we, the said Matthew Andrew Muir and James McIlwham, by an instrument
in writing under our hands and seals, should particularly describe and ascer-
tain 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 we, the said Matthew Andrew Muir and James
McIlwham, do hereby declare the nature of our said Invention, and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascer-
tained in and by the following statement in writing, reference being had to
the accompanying Drawings, and to the letters and figures marked thereon,
that is to say:
Our said Invention-relates in some degree to an Invention of "improvements
in moulding or shaping metals," för which Matthew Andrew Muir and James
McIlwham have already applied for British Letters Patent, and it mainly
consists of an improved arrangement for turning the platforms or carrying
plates on which patterns of various kinds for castings in iron and other metals
are or may be placed for conducting the operation of moulding or shaping
metals.
In the Provisional Specification of the other Invention.herein-before.referred
to mention is made of a fixed open frame, carrying vertically traversing
spindles with T or cross heads on which is placed a platform capable of
turning upon end studs or pivots in bearings in such T heads.. The same
general arrangement, as far as these details are concerned, is or may be
may"
adopted in working out the present Invention, with the exception that in this
present Invention the platform or plate, although capable of being turned

page_text: or reversed with every facility, does not carry any end studs or pivots.. The
T head of each vertical spindle supporting the plate has three eyes upon it, all,
in the same horizontal line, and at equal distances asunder.. These three eyes
are all either tapped with a. quick screw thread or fitted each with a, corre-.
sponding nut, the screwed apertures.in either case being made transversely.
through the T head. All these six screwed holes, that is, three in each T head,
are fitted in. correspondingly screwed. short spindles, having their outer.
overhanging ends geared together by spur pinions or by. other convenient,
mechanism so as to work in concert. The central screw spindle on each side
is fitted with a winch handle,, or connected with any other suitable movement,
so that the moulder on turning the two central spindles in concert or together..
turns at the same time the four external spindles in the reverse direction.,
The whole of the spindles are formed with reduced plain stud ends, those of,
the two central spindles corresponding with holes or recesses bored in the two
opposite ends of the moulding box, whilst those of the other four similarly,
correspond with holes or recesses bored in the two opposite ends of the carrying;
platform or plate. When the plate is required to be stationary for ramming, it
is securely held by screwing forward the four outside screw spindles, so as to
bring their ends to enter the four holes in the thickness of the plate... In this,
way the plate is steadily and firmly held at four points, the relation of the
screwed spindles being such that at this time the ends of the two central,
spindles are clear out of the central holes in the plate. The plate or reversing,
platform carries patterns on each side of it, so that each side is equally available
for moulding upon. If the apparatus is employed for moulding railway chairs,.
each side of the plate has attached to it two chair patterns disposed parallel,
side by side. When the moulding box is placed upon the plate and surrounding
the two patterns on that side, it is latched down by suitable adjustable holders,,
one at each side, and the ramming with sand then takes place. When this
operation is completed, the moulder reverses the two handles of the central
spindles, causing the stud ends of the two central screwed spindles to advance
and enter their holes in the ends of the moulding box just prior to the escaping
of the corresponding ends of the four outer sustaining screwed spindles from their
holes in the plate. When the two central spindles are thus screwed up they
form a most secure sustaining centre for the plate with its patterns and mould-
ing box, and the whole may now be turned over as well for the release below.
of the box just rammed as for the bringing up of the reverse side of the plate
for the deposit of a mould box thereon and the subsequent ramming action,
the plate of course being first steadied and held by the four external screwed
spindles, as before. Each. mould, box. is fitted with suitable guiding parts
·

page_text: to insure its being placed 'exactly at the same part every time, so that tho
central spindles are certain to come in right.
The latching or holding of tlie mould boxes is effected by two loose trans-
verse stud pin's passed through the plate at each end, each end of the stud pins
having a holding collar piece or head upon it. The plate is double, or in two 5
pieces set parallel to each other with a narrow space between; and it is in this
space that the actuating rods or links of the latches work. These rods pass
directly through the duplex plate from side to side, and each is intermediately
jointed to a short-arm or lever set upon its corresponding stud latch. At the
proper part on each end of the mould box there is cast on a short snug or flange
piece, and it is on these projections that the latches hold.A flat is cut on the
side of each lätch head, so that when this flat is turned towards the projection
the latch releases 'its hold:
G
"
... .
These improvements may obviously be carried out under various modifi-
'cations, and they may either be worked in conjunction with or independent of
the previous improvements, for which Matthew Andrew Muir and Jamos-
Mellwham have already made application for British Letters Patent
And in order that our said Invention'may be properly understood. we will
now proceed to describe the several 'illustrative Figures on the explanatory
Sheets of Drawings, which we have hereunto appended for the purpose of
showing 'certain modifications under which our improvements 'may be judi
ciously carried out in practice.i
In Sheet 1' of our illustrative Drawings, Figure 1 is a side elevation of one
modification of our inproved 'arrangement for forming the moulds'of railway
chairs; Figure 2 is a plan of the arrangement, corresponding to Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a side elevation of an arrangement 'somewhat modified from-that
shown in Figures 1 and 2; Figure 4 is a plan, corresponding to Figure 3;
Figure 5 is an end view; and Figure 6 is a plan of a barrow or carriage for
reinoving the castings as they are made.
:
Figure 7; Sheet 2; is a 'side elevation of one modification of an arrange-
ment of machinery or apparatus" for "moulding a railway chair and sleeper
combined; Figure 8-is is a plan, corresponding to Figure 7. Figure 9 is a
side elevation and Figure 10 an end view, of an arrangement for lifting and
reversing the upper flask or box containing the core mould. Figure 11 is a
side elevation of another modification of a barrow or carriage for removing
the castings; and Figure 12" is an 'end view, corresponding to Figure 11!
Figure 13 is a side view of a portion of the pattern of a railway chair-and
sleeper combined. Figure 14" is a plan of the same; Figure 15 is a sidė
view of a 'core resting piece. Figure 16 is a plan of the saine; Figure 17 is

page_text: a plan of the core piece; Figure 18 an end, view of the same. Figure.19 is
a side elevation of a railway chair pattern; Figure 20.is a sectional.elevation
of the same, taken at right angles to Figure 19; Figure, 21 is a plan, corre
sponding to .Figure-19. Figure 22-is-a plan, of thecore-resting piece.
Figure 23 is a plan of the core piece itself; and Figure 24 is a side elevation
and plan of another core resting piece. The whole of these details, Figures
13: to 24, are on an enlarged scale, so as to secure superior clearness of, the
several parts.
The mechanical arrangements for moulding or, shaping metals, in Figures
1. to 4 of Sheet 1 of our illustrative Drawings are modifications of, tho
machinery or apparatus described in the Specification of British Letters
Patent granted to us, the said Matthew Andrew. Muir and James Mcllwham,
and bearing date on or about the Fifteenth day of January, One, thousand.
eight-hundred and fifty-seven.
$
I w
In the arrangement of the machinery or apparatus here referred to for
making or forming the moulds. of railway chairs, the moulding plate.to which.
the chair patterns are fixed turns upon end studs or pivots. In the present
modifications the arrangement of this part of the machinery is altogether.
different, and is intended to afford additional facility and increased dispatch in
forming the moulds. The moulding machine is supported upon a rectangular
cast-iron base A, the upper side of which is level with the moulding shop
floor. On each side of the base A is a boss B, in which a vertical spindle C
works up and down. The lower part of each of the traversing spindles is
attached by means of a link to the levers. D. and E. These levers are fast to
the transverse shaft F; which is supported, in bracket bearings projecting from
the sides of the base A. The lever D is formed into a handle, by means of
which the moulder raises the spindle C and the moulding plate which is.
attached thereto. The lever E is also prolonged backwards from the machine,
and carries a counterweight, which serves to assist the operator in raising, the
moulding plate and moulding box. The upper end of each of the traversing,
spindles C forms a T-piece, to which is bolted a parallel piece of metal G,
having three eyes or bosses made in it: These eyes are tapped with an
internal screw thread, in which the screwed, spindles of three pinions work.
The centre pinion H gears with the two side,pinions I, and motion is given
to the centre pinion by means of a handle J fitted upon the outer end of its,
spindle. The inner end of the spindle of each of the pinions II passes through.
tho centre eye of the journal piece G, and across the opening in the
moulding plate L.This is the case when the spindles of the pinions, Hare
screwed inwards, but when the handles J, are turned, in the contrary direction
:

page_text: the ends of these spindles are withdrawn and the apertures K. left unobstructed
The inner ends of the spindles of the pinions I are each formed into a pin,
which passes into or between the parts of the moulding plate, which in this
modification is a double plate, the space between forming a recess to receive
the ends of the pinion spindles. When the pinions Hand I are put in
motion their screwed spindles act in opposite directions, so that as the spindle
M of the pinion II is screwed inwards the spindles N. of the pinions are
withdrawn. The teeth of the pinions H are made sufficiently broad to admit
of the to-and-fro traverse of the spindles without getting out of gear. The
effect of this arrangement of the spindles M and N is, that when the central
spindles M are screwed outwards' the moulding plate L will be firmly held at
four points by the ends of the spindles N entering the holes in the moulding
plate, or the recesses formed: between-its- upper and lower plates. When
the spindles M are screwed inwards their inner ends pass through. snugs
on the flask or moulding sand box, as will be presently described. These
points form axes, on which the flasks and moulding plate are free to turn,
so as to reverse their position. The patterns from which the mould.. is
formed are fixed, to the moulding plate L. In the present modification
for casting railway chairs, two patterns. O are fixed side by side with the
pattern of the "gate." P, for the passage of the molten metal between
them. A pair of patterns arranged in a manner similar to those upon
the upper side of the moulding plate are secured to its opposite side, so
that the operator forms his moulds from each pair of patterns alternately.
The flaskor moulding box is secured to the moulding plate by means of
the catches Q and R, of which there are four to each moulding plate,
two for holding the flask upon one side of the moulding plate, and two for.
retaining it upon the opposite side. These catches Q and R each consist of
a screw, which passes through the moulding plate or plates, and having, a
collar fitted to it on each side of the moulding plate L. The screwed spindle
of the catches is furnished with a handle upon cach side of the moulding plate,
so that the moulder can release the flask upon the under side of the moulding.
plate without. moving his hands below the plate. The two catches. Q.
shown in Figure 2 of Sheet 1 of our illustrative Drawings, serve to retain
the "flask" upon the upper side of the moulding plate, and a portion:
of the collars is cut away to admit of the "flask passing between them.. Upon
turning the handles of the catches round a quarter of a revolution the collar of.
.the catch passes over the flange or projecting: rim of. the flask and fastens it:
firmly to the moulding plate. The handles of the catches. R are shown in the
reverse position, as if holding the flask beneath the moulding plate, as shown in:
.

page_text: Figure 1 of our illustrative Drawings. The snugs S on the edges of the
moulding. plate are made to receive pins fitted in corresponding snugs on the
flask, so that when these parts are brought together the moulding box is in its
proper position, and when the catches are turned no error can arise from dis-
placement. On each side of the moulding box is a snug, which passes through
one of the openings K in the moulding plate L, and when the spindles M'arc
screwed inwards their ends pass through the apertures in the snugs of the flask,
and serve as pivots, on which the flasks and moulding plate turn. Prior to the
flask or moulding box being secured to the moulding plate L, for the purpose
of forming the mould, the spindles N are screwed inwards by the winch hanille
J to hold the moulding plate in a horizontal position.. The catches Qor R
upon the upper side of the table are then turned so as to fasten the flask to the
plate L, and a metal core piece, the face of which is moistened with mineral
naphtha, is next placed between the jaws of each chair pattern; the flask is
then rammed up with sand; the moulder then depresses the lever D, which
raises the moulding plate and flask, and whilst in this position the winch hanilles
J are turned, so as to release the plate from the retaining ends of the spindles.
N. As the spindles N.recede the spindles M advance, and passing through the
snugs on the flask form the axes on which the flask, and moulding plate turn.
The flask and moulding plate are turned round and brought into the position:
shown in Figure 1, Sheet 1, of our illustrative Drawings, in which the flask T
and moulding plate L are upheld by the spindles M. A small carriage U is.
next wheeled under the flask, which is then lowered on to it by raising the
lever D, and the flask is released from the moulding plate by turning the catches.:
The carriage and flask are wheeled away by an assistant, and the moulder.
clears away the sand that may have fallen beneath the machine-by means of a
scraper, which he pushes from him towards the front of the machine by the.
handles V. He next turns the winch handles J, so as to withdraw the spindles.
M, and cause the spindles N to fix the moulding plate in a horizontal position.
ready for moulding from the pair of patterns now on the upper side of the
moulding plate.
.
.
i
In the modification of the mould-making machinery or apparatus, shown in:
Figures 3 and 4 of Sheet 1 of our illustrative Drawings, the general arrange-
ment of the parts and the mode of operating with the machine is the same as
that herein-before described in reference to Figures 1 and 2 of our Drawings.
But in this modification the means employed for actuating the retaining
spindles of the moulding plate and the axial spindles of the flask and moulding
plate are different. Instead of using screwed spindles actuated by spur pinions,
the spindles are caused to advance or recede by means of a simple lever

page_text: arrangement. The spindles move to and fro in a journal piece, similar to that
shown at G, Figures 1 and 2. The spindles are plain rods. of metal, and their
outer ends are jointed to the double levers W, the inner ends of the spindles X
passing into holes holes in the moulding plate, or into recesses between.its.upper
and lower plates, whilst the inner ends of the spindles Y pass through the sungs
of the flask; when the spindles X are withdrawn, and serve as the supporting
axes of the flask and moulding plate, as hereiii-before described' in reference to
the screw. Spindles M and N'in Figures 1 and 2. The levers W are jointed
at their centres, on each side of which they are fixed' to the T-piece of the
vertically-traversing spindles C; by bolts and nuts. These attacliments förm
élie fulèra of the levers W, which are fastened by pins to the spindles X and Y.
The free ends of the levers W 'are formed into handles, placed so as ito. bo
within a convenient distance for 'the operator. When the moulding plate is to
be fixed in a horizontal position the moulder draws the handles of the levers W
towards the centre of the machine; this has 'the effect of withdrawing the
central'spindles Y from the openings in the moulding plate, and forcing the
ends of the spindles X into the holes or recesses in the moulding' plate. By
pressing the handles of the levers W outwards the contrary effect is produced,
and the weight of the flask and moulding plate is now borne by the centre or
axial spindles Y The other parts of this modification of our mould-making
imachinery being the same as those shown in Figures 1 and 2 of our Drawings,
and herein-before described, it will be unnecessary to repeat the same.
The modification of a barrow or carriage 'for removing the castings, and
shown in Figures 4 and 5 of Sheet of our Drawings; consists of a framing
supported upon three wheels. This framing is connected' together by longi-
tudinal tie rods, on which 'rests" an iron plate Z, forming the platform of the
carriage: This platform rests upon the longitudinal tie rods of the framing,
and is kept in its place by pins, which project froin its under side and form a
saddle or fork. These forks, rest upon the tie rods, and allow of the iron plate
Z, on which the castings are placed, being tilted over on either side, so as to
throw the castings off. The upright plates forming the ends of the barrow are
fastened to the vertical stays, which are bolted to the main framing. The fore
wheel of the barrow is supported in the forked end of an upright spindle, to
which the handle for drawing the barrow is attached. By turning the handle
to the right or left the fore wheel is likewise turned, and the barrow is 'thus
very readily guided in its course.
Anotlier' modification of our improvements in machinery or apparatus..for.
making moulds suitable for casting is shown in Sheet 2 of our illustrativo
Drawings, in which Figure 7 is a side elevation, and Figure: S. a plan, of an

page_text: arrangement of machinery for forming the moulds of railway chairs and sleepers.
combined in one casting. In this modification the sleeper is 'of a hemispherical
form; the chair for the rails being disposed diametrically, as shown in the plan
view, Figure 8, of our Drawings. The general features of the machine for this
kind of mould making resemble the modifications' of our improvements herein-
before described: The base A of the machine is a rectangular iron casting,
open upon one side towards the recess in which the moulder stands. The hollow
standards B are bolted to the upper side of the base A, and serve as guides for
the traverse of the vertical spindles C. The traversing spindles are connected
by links and levers to the transverse shaft D, in a manner corresponding to
that shown in Figures 1 and 2 of our Drawings. The shaft D'has fast to it a
segmental rack E, which is actuated by a spur pinion F, carried in a bracket
bearing, which is bolted to the side of the base A The action of the transverse
shaft D'in raising the traversing' spindles C is assisted by the counterweiglit G
attached to the outer end of the lever H. A pawl'or detent I; which falls into
the teeth of the segmental rack E, serves to retain the traversing spindles Cat:
any required height." The pattern J forms the moulding plate, and it is made
with journals, which fit into the journal piece K on the upper ends of tlie
traversing spindles..
The pattern.is retained in a horizontal position by the strid spindles L
which are actuated by the hand levers-M; 'these levers' are bolted to snugs,
which are cast on the journal piece-K of the traversing spindles C, the snugs
forming the fulcra of the levers. The free ends of the levers are formed into
liandles, to enable the moulder to move the retaining spindles to and fro as
required. The pattern J being placed in the machine, it is held in a horizontál
position by the retaining spindles L; which enter holes mado for the purpose in
the side of the pattern.
Å flask or moulding box, similar to that shown at N; Figure 7, is placed on
the pattern; and held in its 'proper position by the stud 'pins O on' its' edge,
which stud pins pass through the snugs P on the edge of the pattern J. The
moulder, after placing a core aid' sustaining piece for 'the same between the:
jaws of 'the pattern, rams up the mould box with sand, upon which he places:
a plate to retain the mould therein. -
"
1
The pattern and flask are now raised on the traversing spindles by actuating!
the pinion and segmental rack'E. The whole is held stationary by the:
pawl whilst the retaining spindles M are withdrawn. The pattern is now?
turned over so as to reverse its position, and it is lowered on to a low carriage
Q. as shown in Figure 7 of our Drawings. The upper mould-box, in which
the core is forined; is. then- placed-in-the-machine, being supported upon-

page_text: journals projecting from its side, similar to those made on the pattern,.and.is,
rammed up with sand and lowered on to a carriage.
To place the upper flask or moulding box upon the lower one, it is neces-
sary to turn it over and lower it on to the bottom flask, and. this is done by
means of the machine shown in Figures 9 and 10 of our Sheet of Drawings.
This machine consists of an arrangement for raising the flask, admitting of. its
being turned upon its axes, and held in a horizontal position. whilst it is being
lowered on to the bottom flask. Two vertical standards R support the trans-
verse shafts S and T; these shafts carry the pulleys, over. which the central.
chains U and steadying chain U pass. The shafts S and T are driven by
means, of a spur wheel V.and pinion W, actuated by a winch handle X, which
is. put in motion by the moulder's assistant.. A pawl or detent Y prevents the
wheel V from rotating. When a weight is on the chains and the handle X
let go, the upper flask is wheeled under the hoisting machine, and the
chains U are hooked on to the projecting journals.. When raised to the
proper height, the hook of the steadying chain U' is released and the flask is.
turned over, and the chain U¹ is again hooked to the flask, which is then,
lowered on to the bottom flask, which in the meantime has been. wheeled.
under the hoisting machine. The mould is now ready for the molten metal,
to be poured in to form the sleeper and railway chair. The upper and lower
nould boxes are held together. and retained in their proper position by means
of the pins O, which are. fastened into and project. above the snugs on the
lower flask, and pass through the corresponding snugs on the upper flask.
The barrow or carriage, shown in Figures 11 and 12 of Sheet 2 of our
Drawings, is modified in its construction from that shown in Figures 5 and 6,
Sheet 1. This barrow is supported upon four wheels, and it has a different form
of handle to that before described, which facilitates the tilting of the barrow
upon, the hinder wheels in order to throw the castings off the platform a..
In this modification the platform a and end plate bare secured to the framing,
as the tilting is. effected from the end to which the handle c is attached. A
supplementary handle d, projecting from the under side of the handle c, enables.
the workman to raise the end of the barrow higher than he could do by means
of the handle c when throwing off the castings. This arrangement also
facilitates the turning of the barrow when its path through the workshop, is
a tortuous one, as the operator can easily lift up the lever handle c and.
throw the weight upon the hind pair of wheels, leaving the front ones.
clear..
In the Specification of British Letters Patent granted to the said Matthew:
Andrew Muir,, and bearing date on or about the Twenty-fourth, day of April,

page_text: One thousand eight hundred and fifty-five, is described' a system or mode of
moulding railway chairs, in which the metal cores for forming the space
between the jaws of the chair are supported on resting pieces, or
pieces," as they are therein termed.
"saddle
In moulding railway chairs according to the present improvements, we
make use of these core resting pieces, but they are slightly modified to suit
the particular mechanical arrangements herein-before described.
Figure 13 is a side view of the upper portion of the pattern of a railway.
sleeper and chair, corresponding to Figure 7; Figure 14 is a plan of the
same. Figure 15 is a side view of a core rest; Figure 16 is a plan of the
same. Figure 17 is a plan of a core piece, and Figure 18 an end' view of
the same.
In the modification, shown in Figures 13 and 14 of our illustrative Drawings,
a portion of the space between the jaws of the pattern is filled up with a pro-
jecting core piece or "print" e. This print forms a part of the pattern itself, so
that when the mould is formed a cavity or recess is left in the sand which
corresponds to the shape of the "print" or projecting portion e of the pattern?
The overhanging parts of the jaws are moulded by means of the slip pieces f, g
these pieces are left in the sand when the mould is inverted; and are then
withdrawn.
5
:
The moulder, prior to ramming up the flask with sand, places a moveable
core rest or saddle piece over the part e forming the print of the pattern.
This "
core rest t" is precisely similar in the office it performs to the "saddle
pieces" or "core supporters," described in the Specification herein-before
referred to. The core rest is shown separately in Figures 15 and 10; it
consists of a rectangular-shaped piece of metal, open at the bottom and one of
its sides. The plate i forms the bottom of the rest when the mould is inverted,
as shown in Figure 16, and the corner pieces 7 surround the ends of the
print e and core piece when it is in its place. When the flask containing the
mould is inverted and the pattern withdrawn therefrom the core rest his left
imbedded in the sand. In the cavity or recess left in the moulded sand by
the print of the pattern, a core piece k is placed, which is then supported by
the core rest i, and practically forms a portion of the mould. The core rest
protects the sand from the pressure of the core piece, and prevents it from
being broken down, and the mould thereby injured.
Figures 19, 20, and 21 of our Drawings show this part of our improvements
applied to the moulding of railway chairs of the ordinary kind. The "print"
forms a part of the pattern; the core rest m is shown in section in Figure 19,
and in dotted lines in Figure 21, and in its place on the "print," in Figuro

page_text: 20 of the pattern, and is;also shown in plan in. Figure 22. The core piece n,
which is placed in the cavity of the mould when the pattern is withdrawn, is
shown separately in plan. in Figure 23. an, improved form of the core rest is
shown in side view and plan in Figure 24. In this form of core rest the pro-
jecting parts o of the core rest m are dispensed with; the sides of the rest
are also, made more tapering, so that in forming the mould for the core rest
the pattern of this improved form is much more easily withdrawn from the
mould, and the manufacture of these core rests greatly facilitated...
And although we have herein-before described our system of alternately
acting spindles or supports for the flasks and moulding, plates when used in
forming moulds for, casting chairs alone, we, wish. it to be clearly, understood
that the same system is applicable in forming moulds to be used for casting
chairs and sleepers combined, that is to say, the system of working wherein a
pair of central spindles or holders and two or other pairs of external spindles
or holders act in alternate directions in concert, for the purpose of alternately
holding fair and firm.and allowing to turn the flask or moulding plate of the
combined chair.and sleeper.
Having, now described and particularly, ascertained the nature of our said
Invention, and the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried
into effect, we may observe, in conclusion, that we do not confine or restrict
ourselves to the precise details or arrangements which we have had occasion to
describe or refer to, as many variations may be made therefrom without
deviating from the principles or, main features of our Invention; but, what
we consider to be novel and original, and therefore claim as the Invention
secured to us.by the herein-before in part recited Letters Patent, is,
:
First, the general arrangement and construction of machinery, or apparatus
for making moulds for casting, as herein-before described.
Second, the system or mode of supporting and holding the moulding plate
or pattern in, a horizontal position, by means of screwed spindles acting. in
concert but in reverse directions with a pair of central. screwed spindles, as
herein-before described...
Third, the system or mode of supporting the flask or moulding box by means
of moveable screwed spindles, which pass through snugs or holes on the flask
and at the same time serve to support the moulding plate or pattern, which is
then free to turn upon these moveable axes, as herein-before described.
Fourth, the system or mode of supporting and holding the moulding plate
or. pattern in a horizontal position, by means of moveable spindles or pins
acting in concert but in reverse directions with a pair of central spindles or
pins, as herein-before-described.
:
.

page_text: Fifth, the system or mode of supporting the flask or moulding box, by
means of moveable spindles or pins, which pass through snugs or holes on the
flask and at the same time serve to support the moulding plate or pattern,
which is then frco to turn upon these moveable axes, as herein-before
described.
Sixth, the system or mode of forming the moulds for casting railway chairs.
and sleepers in one casting, by micans of the machinery or apparatus, as herein-
before described.
Seventh, the system or mode of forming the moulds for casting railway
chairs and sleepers in one casting, wherein the flasks or moulding plates of
such moulds are alternately held by central pins or holders and external ones,
as herein-beforo described.
Eighth, the arrangement and construction of the machinery or apparatus
for hoisting and holding the flasks or moulding boxes, as hercin-before
described.
Ninth, the arrangement and construction of barrows or carriages for
removing the castings, as herein-before described.
Tenth, the system or mode of making the patterns for railway chairs with a
projecting piece between the jaws of the chair, which projecting piece forms a
print or cavity in the mould in which is placed a metal core piece, as herein-
before described.
Eleventh, the application and use of core rests for supporting the core picces
when used in conjunction with the system or mode of forming moulds for
railway chairs, as herein-before described.
In witness whereof, we, the said Matthew Andrew Muir and James
McIlwham, have hereunto set our hands and seals, this Thirty-first
day of July, in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and
fifty-seven
MATTHEW A. MUIR. (L.S.)
JAMES MILWHAM.
(L.S.)
MATTHEW A. MUIR. (L.S.)
JAMES MCILWHAM.
(L.S.)