IMPROVE- MENTS IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR BENDING METAL PLATES OR SHEETS, FLAT, ANGLE, AND OTHER SECTIONAL BARS
Year: 1874

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Robert Robinson, of Preston, in the County of
Lancaster, Tool Maker and Engineer, for the Invention of "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR BENDING METAL PLATES OR SHEETS,
FLAT, ANGLE, AND OTHER SECTIONAL BARS."
Sealed the 29th January 1875, and dated the 5th August 1874.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Robert Robinson at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on
the 5th August 1874.
I, ROBERT ROBINSON, of Preston, in the County of Lancaster, Tool
Maker and Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention
for "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR BENDING METAL PLATES OR
SHEETS, FLAT, ANGLE, AND OTHER SECTIONAL BARS," to be as follows:-
This Invention relates to that class of machines for bending metal
plates or bars of iron or other metal in which the plate or bar to be
bent is passed between three rollers working in a position parallel to

page_text: each other, the proximity of one of the said rollers relatively to the
other two determining the amount of curve to be produced. These rollers
revolve in bearings fitted into the two supporting frames or standards at
each end of the machine, and when occasion requires that a plate or bar
should receive such an amount of curve as to form a tube or hoop it will
be evident that the roller, usually the upper one, around which the plato
or bar has folded itself will have to be removed from its working
position in order that the tubo or hoop may be withdrawn from upon
it,
thus necessitating the removal of certain parts of the machine, in some
instances requiring the removal bodily of the upper portion of one of the
supporting frames or standards, and in others requiring the withdrawal
of the top roller itself through the supporting frame or standard before
the tube or hoop can be removed.
All the various plans hitherto known to me for the removal of a tube,
hoop, or ring from such machines take up much unnecessary time, and
in the case of a heavy machine the assistance of several hands has to be
called into requisition.
One object of this Invention is to provide an expeditious means of
effecting the withdrawal of a tube or hoop from the top roller of
machines of the class referred to, in such a manner that the constructive
parts of the machine shall not require disturbing during the operation.
A second part of this Invention has for its object an improved method
of imparting motion to the two screws by which the back roller of a
plate bending machine is raised and lowered, it being an essential
requisite that provision should be had for raising or lowering either of
the two ends of a back roller separately, or as is frequently required for
operating them simultaneously.
In the first part of my Invention my improvements consist in pro-
viding the top roller with a novel arrangement of end bearings or
journals which admit of its being moved radially upon an axis formed
by one of its bearings sufficiently to allow of the withdrawal of a tubo
or hoop formed upon it. In plate bending machines of the ordinary
construction the ends of the upper roller are usually carried in bushes
or journal boxes mounted to slide in grooves formed in the respective
supporting frames or standards at each end of the machine, and which
are capable of being moved vertically, being generally provided with a
screw for the purpose of lifting and lowering them,

page_text: By my Invention I construct the journal box carrying the top roller
at that end of the machine next. the driving gear in two parts, arranged
to swivel in the frame end or standard, both in a vertical and horizontal
direction. I form the main journal box of a metal cylinder made flat
on two opposite sides, the two rounded sides fitting into a groove in the
standard, the said groove having its interior hollowed or bored out to
correspond. This arrangement allows the main journal box to be rotated
or swivelled in a direction horizontal to the rollers. To the interior
of this swivelling journal box is fitted a second or inner box or bush in
which the roller end is carried. This inner bush is of similar con-
struction to the main journal box, but is so fitted to the latter that it
will turn or swivel in a direction vertical to the rollers. At the other
end of the roller, or that furthest from the driving gear, I make use of
the ordinary journal box sliding in a groove in the frame end or
standard, but by my Invention I fit to this journal box an inner busli
of rectangular form, in which the roller end revolves in such a manner
that it may be withdrawn from off the roller end or neck endwise.
:
Through one side of the main journal box and also at the inner side
of the frame end or standard I cut out sufficient metal to form a passage,
through which the end or neck of the roller may freely pass when moved
radially, the frame having additional strength given to it in the casting
around the groove or passage in order to compensate for the amount of
metal cut out.
In a second arrangement. I make the inner, bushing of cylindrical
form, and so fitted that it may, be freely revolved when desired in the
interior of the main journal box. A portion of one side of this inner
bushing is cut out to correspond with the opening in the main journal
box; and in the frame end so as to allow of the roller being swung out
of the bearing in a horizontal direction. When the roller is in working
position this inner bushing will be turned round by suitable means
provided for the purpose in order to close up the opening or passage cut
out of one side of the main journal box, as already described.
At the gearing end of the machine the end or neck of the top roller is
by my Invention continued or elongated so as to form an arm. Upon
the extremity of this arm is fitted a friction pulley, which has placed
over it and securely affixed to and supported by the upper.framework of
the machine a horizontal stay or resistance bar,, this arrangement.being

page_text: designed to afford a means of sustaining the roller in a horizontal
position when moved radially from within its bearing or bush at its
opposite end.
I have heard that plans have been devised or suggested by which the
top roller of a plate bending machine might be made capable of a
radial motion with a view to facilitating the removal of a tube or hoop
formed upon it, but in the methods which have been named to me the
apparatus employed for the purpose of counterpoising the weight of the
suspended roller would be cumbersome and unwieldly, as they require
the addition of external appliances in the shape of weights, levers, &c.,
each time the roller would have to be moved, whereas by my improve-
ments the whole arrangement for the radial motion of the roller and the
means of sustaining it in a horizontal position are self-contained within
the machine and take up no additional space, and at the same time
admit of the operation of moving the roller and returning it to its
working position in a heavy machine with comparatively little
expenditure of strength and in a few moments of time.
Besides the method I have already described for sustaining the top roller
in position when moved out of its end bearing other equivalent means
may be employed which are easily adaptable to my improved construction
of plate bending machine, as for instance, the end of the clongation or
arm may be held down from below by means of an endless chain
passing over friction pulleys one on the end of the arm and the other
upon a cross shaft secured to the framework or bed of the machine; or
instead of an endless chain a single chain, rod, or other suitable cqui-
valent may be employed.
In the second part of my Invention the back roller is carried at its
two ends in bearings or journal boxes sliding vertically in grooves in
the two standards or frame ends of the machine, each of the said
journal boxes resting upon a screw placed vertically beneath them, and
in my improved arrangements these screws are caused to rise and fall
by means of worm wheels which, also constitute the nuts, and which
engage with two worms affixed to and operated by a cross shaft running
lengthwise to the machine. I make this shaft in two lengths, the inner
ends being in close continguity to each other, provided at each of the
outer ends or extremities with a wheel or handle, by moans of which
either portion of the shaft may be turned separately or together. When

page_text: it is desired to raise or lower one or both ends of the roller I connect the
two inner ends of this shaft by means of a long bush or coupling con-
structed to slide easily on the shaft, having a key about two-thirds of
the length of the coupling fastened in its interior, which slides into a
corresponding keyway or groove cut into the two respective ends of the
shaft, but made of so much greater length on one of the shaft ends than
upon the other that the coupling may be slided so far lengthwise that
the key may pass beyond the end of the shaft which has the shorter
keyway or groove. By this arrangement it will be seen that the
coupling or uncoupling of the two ends of the shaft may be readily
effected, thereby affording an expeditious means of operating the screws,
either together or separately by simply sliding the long bush or coupling
backwards or forwards upon the shaft, and turning one or both of the
wheels or handles.
"
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said Robert Robinson in the Great Seal Patent Office
on the 4th February 1875.
•
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, ROBERT
KOBINSON, of Preston, in the County of Lancaster, Tool Maker and
Engineer, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Fifth day of August, in the year
of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-four, in the
thirty-cighth year of Her reigu, did, for Herself, Her heirs and
successors, give and grant unto me, the said Robert Robinson, Her
special license that I, the said Robert Robinson, my executors, admini-
strators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said Robert Robinson,
my executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any time agree
with, and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter
during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make,
usc, exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for
“IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR BENDING METAL PLATES OR
Sheets, Flat, ANGLE, AND OTHER SECTIONAL BARS," upon the condition

page_text: (amongst others) that I, the said Robert Robinson, my executors or
administrators, by an instrument in writing under my, or their, or one
of their hands and seals, should particularly describe and ascertain the
nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same was to
bo performed, and cause the samo to be filed in the Great Seal Patent
Office within six calendar months next and immediately after the date of
the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Robert Robinson, do hereby declare
the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement thereof, and the Sheet of Drawings therein referred
to (that is to say) :—
This Invention relates to that class of machines for bending metal
plates or bars of iron, or other metal in which the plate or bar to be
bent is passed between three rollers working in a position parallel to
each other, the proximity of one of tho said rollers relatively to the
other two determining the amount of curve to be produced. These
rollers revolve in bearings fitted into the two supporting frames or
standards at cach end of the machine, and when occasion requires that a
plate or bar should receive such an amount of curve as to form a tubo
or hoop, it will be evident that the roller, usually the upper one, around
which the plate or bar has folded itself will have to be removed from its
working position, in order that the tube or hoop may be withdrawn
from upon it, thus necessitating the removal of certain parts of the
machine, in some instances requiring the removal bodily of the upper
portion of one of the supporting frames or standards, and in others
requiring the withdrawal of the top roller itself through the supporting
frame or standard before the tube or hoop can be removed.
All the various plans hitherto known to me for the removal of a tube,
hoop, or ring from such machines tako up much unnecessary time, and
in the case of a heavy machine the assistance of several hands has to be
called into requisition.
One object of this Invention is to provide an expeditious means of
effecting the withdrawal of a tube or hoop from the top roller of
machines of the class referred to, in such a manner that the con-
structive parts of the machine shall not require disturbing during the
operation.
i

page_text: A second part of this Invention has for its object an improved method
of imparting motion to the two screws, by which the back roller of a
plate bending machine is raised and lowered, it being an essential
requisite that provision should be had for raising or lowering either of
the two ends of a back roller separately, or, as is frequently required, for
operating them simultaneously.
In the first part of my Invention my improvements consist in
providing the top roller with a novel arrangement of end bearings or
journals which admit of its being moved radially upon an axis formed
by one of its bearings sufficiently to allow of the withdrawal of a tube or
hoop formed upon it. In plate bending machines of the ordinary
construction the ends of the upper roller are usually carried in bushes
or journal boxes mounted to slide in grooves formed in the respectivo
supporting frames or standards at each end of the machine, and which
are capable of being moved vertically, being generally provided with a
screw for the purpose of lifting and lowering them.
.
By my Invention I construct the journal box carrying the top roller
at that end of the machine next the driving gear in two parts arranged
to swivel in the frame end on standards both in a vertical and horizontal
direction. I form the main journal box of a metal cylinder made flat on
two opposite sides, the two round sides fitting into a groove in the
standard, the said groove having its interior hollowed or bored out to
correspond. This arrangement allows the main journal box to be
rotated or swivelled in a direction horizontal to the rollers. To the
interior of this swivelling journal box is fitted a second or inner box or
bush in which the roller end is carried. This inner bush is of similar
construction to the main journal box, but is so fitted to the latter that
it will turn or swivel in a direction vertical to the rollers. At the other
end of the roller or that furthest from the driving gear, I make use of
the ordinary journal box sliding in a groove in the frame end or standard;
but by my Invention I fit to this journal box an inner bush of rectangular
form in which the roller cnd revolves in such a manner that it may be
withdrawn from off the roller end or neck endwise.
Through one side of the main journal box and also at the inner side of
the frame end or standard I cut out sufficient metal to form a passage
through which the end or neck of the roller may freely pass when

page_text: moved radially. The frame having additional strength given to it in
the casting around the groove or passage in order to compensate for the
amount of metal cut out.
In a second arrangement I make the inner bushing of cylindrical form
and so fitted that it may be freely revolved when desired in the interior
of the main journal box. A portion of one side of this inner bushing is
cut out to correspond with the opening in the main journal box, and in
the frame end so as to allow of the roller being swung out of the bearing
in a horizontal direction. When the roller is in working position this
inner bushing will be turned round by suitable means provided for the
purpose, in order to close up the opening or passage cut out of one side
of the main journal box, as already described.
At the gearing end of the machine the end or neck of the top roller
is by my Invention continued or elongated so as to form an arm. Upon
the extremity of this arm is fitted a friction pulley, which has placed
over it and securely affixed to and supported by the upper framework of
the machine a horizontal stay or resistance bar, this arrangement being
designed to afford a means of sustaining the roller in a horizontal
position when moved radially from within its bearing or bush at its
opposite end.
I have heard that plans have been devised or suggested by which tho
top roller of a plate bending machine might be made capable of a radial
motion with a view to facilitating the removal of a tube or hoop formed
upon it, but in the methods which have been named to me the apparatus
employed for the purpose of counterpoising the weight of the suspended
roller would be cumbersome and unwieldy, as they require the addition
of external appliances in the shape of weights, levers, &c., each time
the roller would have to be moved, whereas by my improvements the
whole arrangement for the radial motion of the roller and the means of
sustaining it in a horizontal position are self-contained within the
machine and take up no additional space, and at the same time admit of
the operation of moving the roller and returning it to its working
position in a heavy machine with comparatively little expendituro of
strength and in a few moments of time.
Besides the method I have already described for sustaining the top

page_text: means may be employed, which are easily adaptable to my improved
construction of plate bending machine, as for instance the end of the
elongation or arm may be held down from below by means of an endless
chain passing over friction pulleys, one on the end of the arm and the
other upon a cross shaft secured to the framework or bed of the machine,
or instead of an endless chain a single chain, rod, or other suitable
equivalent may be employed.
In the second part of my Invention the back roller is carried at its
two ends in bearings or journal boxes, sliding vertically in grooves in
the two standards or frame ends of the machine, each of the said journal
boxes resting upon a screw placed vertically beneath them, and in my
improved arrangements these screws are caused to rise and fall by means
of worm wheels, which also constitute the nuts, and which engage with
two worms affixed to and operated by a cross shaft running lengthwise
to the machine. I make this shaft in two lengths, the inner ends being
in close contiguity to cach other, provided at each of the outer ends or
extremities with a wheel or handle, by means of which either portion of
the shaft may be turned separately or both together when it is desired to
raise or lower one or both ends of the roller. I connect the two inner
ends of this shaft by means of a long bush or coupling constructed to slide
easily on the shaft, having a key about two-thirds the length of the
coupling fastened in its interior, which slides in a corresponding key-way
or groove cut into the two respective ends of the shaft, but made of so
much greater length on one of the shaft ends than upon the other that
the coupling may be slided so far lengthwise that the key may pass beyond
the end of the shaft which has the shorter key-way or groove. By this
arrangement it will be seen that the coupling or uncoupling of the two
ends of the shaft may bo readily effected, thereby affording an expeditious
means of operating the screws either together or separately by simply
sliding the long bush or coupling backwards or forwards upon the shaft
and turning one or both of the wheels or handles.
In the accompanying Sheet of Drawings Fig. 1 is a side elevation of
a machine embodying my improvements; Fig. 2 is a plan of the same
partly in section; Fig. 3 is an end elevation..
Figs. 4. 5. 6. and 7 are respectively a top view, a sectional plan, a

page_text: gearing end of the machine in which the top roller works, illustrating
the arrangements whereby I am enabled to move radially or swivel
the top roller in two directions, namely, horizontally and vertically.
Fig. 8 is a longitudinal section of the improved coupling I employ
for the shaft which works the back roller screws. This view shews 5
the position of the coupling relatively to the shaft when the latter is
coupled.
Fig. 11 is a top view of the arrangement for operating the back roller
screws, of which an end view is shown in Fig. 3.
The same letters of reference are applied to like parts in all the
views.
A is the top roller; B, the back roller; C, C, are the standards or 1
frame ends, in which the ends or necks of the rollers are supported in
journal boxes mounted to slide vertically in the grooves g, g¹, g².
a, a, aro screws for raising or lowering the top roller; b, the main
journal box arranged to move radially in a horizontal direction; and c,
the second or inner box or bush in which the roller neck d is carried. ¿
This box or bush c is so constructed as to move radially in a vertical
direction. Details of this journal box are shewn in Figs. 4, 5, 6, and 7.
e is the end of the top roller farthest from the driving gear; f, the
ordinary journal box sliding in the groove g¹; h, an inner bush of
rectangular form, in which the roller end e works; i, a handle for the
purpose of pulling out or withdrawing endwise the bush or box ; j', an
opening in the side of the main journal box; and, the passage formed
at the side of the frame end or standard, through which the end or
pivote of the roller A may freely pass when moved radially; k shows
the mode of strengthening the frame to compensate for the metal a
removed to allow of the passage of the roller end e; and k¹ is a
strengthening piece of similar purpose formed upon the outer end of tho
main journal box f; is a platform, on which the inner bush & slides,
and is supported when withdrawn endwise so as to allow of the roller A

page_text: being swung round, suitable provision being made to arrest the inner
bush when moved outwards sufficiently to allow the rollor end to.
pass.
At the gearing end of the machine m denotes the extremity of the
elongation or arm of the top roller A upon which is fitted a friction
pulley n. Abovo it is shown the resistance bar or horizontal stay o,
which is to be securely affixed to the framework of the machine by
strong screw bolts, or in any other suitable manner, as will be readily.
understood. p, p, are geared wheels for the purpose of giving motion.
to the top and lower rollers; and q is another geared wheel driven off
the main driving shaft r, or with extra gearing power, as may be
required.
When a tube or hoop has to be taken off the roller A tho said roller is
raised by means of the screws a, a, into the position indicated by the
dotted lines in Fig. 1, when the wheels p, p, will be out of gear, and the
friction pulley n will be pressing hard against the resistance bar o. The
bush having been pulled off the roller and or pivot e endwise by means
of the handle the roller A may be moved round, and the bush hand
the roller A respectively will then assume the positions indicated by thọ
dotted lines in Fig. 2.
'
8, 8, (Figs. 3 and 11) are the vertical screws upon which are the
journal boxes supporting the back roller B sliding in the groove g²;
t, t, are the worm wheels, which also constitute the nuts actuating the
screws. 8, 8; 2, t, the worms affixed to and operated by the cross
shaft v, v', provided at each outer extremity with a wheel wo... The
shaft, ', is in two portions connected by my improved coupling, of
which the details are shown in Figs. 8, 9, and 10. The cross shaft v, v¹,
runs in suitable bearings in each of the frame ends or standards. In
Fig. 3 one of the actuating wheels is omitted that the arrangement
of screw and worm.wheel may be seen more clearly. v, c', are the two
lengths of shafting of the apparatus for operating the back roller
screws; they nearly meet at *; x is the coupling; y, the key-in the
interior of the coupling; s, the keyway or groove formed in the two
inner ends of the shaft v, v', in which the key y-slides. Fig. 8 shows the
two lengths of shafting coupled. By sliding the coupling & along the
shaft from the position shewn in Fig. 8 to that shewn in Fig. 9 the two
lengths of shafting will become uncoupled, thus affording facilities for
.

page_text: operating either one or both portions of the shaft, and with them the
screws supporting the back roller, in order that the scrows may be
actuated either separately or simultaneously.
The grooves A*, in the rollers (shewn in Fig. 1) are designed for
bending flat and other sectional bars, the mode of using the samo being 5
well understood in the trade no further description is here needed.
The arrangement herein-before described for moving the top roller
may with slight modifications be applied to either of the two other
rollers.
Having described the nature of my said Invention, and explained the 1
manner in which I prefer to carry it into practical effect, I would have
it understood that I do not limit myself to the precise arrangement
shown in the Drawing, so long as the distinctive character of my
Invention bo retained; but what I consider to be novel and original, and
therefore claim as the Invention secured to me by the hercin-before in 1
part recited Letters Patent is as follows:-
G
First. The mode of supporting the roller when moved out of its end
bearing in a horizontal position by causing the swivelling journal box
to act as a fulcrum in conjunction with a horizontal stay or resistanco
bar or other equivalent means for sustaining the weight transmitted to 2
the extremity of an arm or elongation of the neck of the said roller,
whether such equivalent means be placed above or below such arm,
substantially as described for the purposo specified.
Secondly. The construction of swivelling journal box shewn in and
described with reference to Figures 4, 5, 6, and 7, for the purpose 2
specified.

page_text: Lastly. The combination of parts constituting the improved machine
for bending metal plates or sheets and bars, constructed, arranged, and
operating as herein-before described, and shewn in the Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said Robert Robinson, have hereunto.
set my hand and seal, this Third day of February, in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-five.
Witness,
YATES W. BOOTH,
Patent Agent,
Preston.
ROBERT ROBINSON. (L.S.)