IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MOULDING OF BRICKS AND OTHER ARTICLES OF LIKE MATERIALS
Year: 1853

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Francis Porter, of Bessborough Street,
in the County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer, for the Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MOULDING OF BRICKS AND OTHER ARTICLES OF
LIKE MATERIALS."
Sealed the 11th April 1854, and dated the 11th October 1853.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Francis
Porter at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his
Petition, on the 11th October 1853.
I, JOHN FRANCIS PORTER, of Bessborough Street, in the County of
Middlesex, Civil Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of the Inven-
tion for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MOULDING OF BRICKS AND OTHER ARTICLES
OF LIKE MATERIALS " to be as follows:-
It is frequently the case that the efficiency of brick machines is
impaired, and the quality of bricks or other articles much deteriorated,
by the use of crude clay; and it is necessary in most cases to prepare
the clay by passing it through crushing rollers, or by washing it before
entering the brick machine, and even before moulding by hand. The
rollers for crushing are frequently kept close by means of weighted levers,

page_text: which levers, being very imperfectly elastic, in rising and falling rapidly
sometimes fracture with the surge. To remedy this I substitute a
chamber and piston to be operated upon by air or by an elastic strap
in order that the load on lever or otherwise shall be to a great degree
elastic. But as it often happens that such levers are in the way of the
persons working about the machine, and in order to cause the machine
to occupy as little space as possible, I introduce an elastic cushion to bear
directly on bearing of axle of rollers. Besides allowing the machine to
work more quietly, and relieving it from strains through the eleva-
tion and depression of lead weights, the rollers will be pressed together
with greater force in proportion as the material is in larger pieces.
Thus there will be a greater pressure to overcome the increased
resistance, when such is required, and a less pressure when from their
size the pieces ought to be more easily fractured; and this variable
force being by the pressure of an elastic body, the-frame work or gear-
ing of the machine is not so liable to disruption, and anything which
the machine has not power to crush, if of a moderate size, would pass
between the rollers.
And my improvements also consist in filling a mould or moulds with
clay or brick earth by means of a pair of rollers, which force the clay
or other material into the mould, and the shape of the article is so
given that one or two surfaces only remain to be scraped off before the
entire shape of the article is completed; and this scraping is accom-
plished by the movement of the mould or moulds under suitable scrapers
after the filling and compressing of the materials has been effected by
the rollers, by which means bricks and other articles may be moulded
in a comparatively dry state, and require little or no drying before being
placed in the kiln. And when it is desired to make perforated bricks
I use a plate to each mould with projecting pins or cores at the bottom
of the mould, which are drawn out of the brick when moulded.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said John Francis Porter in the Great Seal Patent
Office on the 11th April 1854.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I,
JOHN FRANCIS PORTER, of Bessborough Street, in the County of Mid-
llesex, Civil Engineer, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Eleventh day of October, in the
year of our Lord One thousand cight hundred and fifty-three, in the
seventeenth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and suc-
cessors, give and grant unto me, the said John Francis Porter, Her
special licence that J, the said John Francis Porter, my executors,
adivinistrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said John Francis
Porter, ny executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any time
agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times there-
after 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 Inven-
tion for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MOULDING OF BRICKS AND OTHER ARTICLES
OF LIKE MATERIALS," upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said
John Francis Porter, by an instrument in writing under my hand and
seal, should particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said
Invention, and in what manner the same was to be performed, and
cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six
calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said Letters
Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said John Francis Porter, 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 (that is to say):
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.
In each of the Figures the same letters are used to denote similar

page_text: materials used in the manufacture of bricks or other articles from the
same materials. Figure 2, is a plan of Figure 1. Figure 3, is also
an elevation of rollers, but is sectional through frame and bearing on
the line E, F, on plan. Figure 4, is a plan of Figure 3. Figure 5,
is an end view of disc c¹. Figure 6, is a cross section of india-rubber
cylinder. Figure 6 A, Figure 6 B, are sections of india-rubber cylinder
before having undergone any compression.
One end of
a, a, Figures 1 and 2, are a pair of cylindrical rollers. a', a', are the
axles of the rollers, to which motion is given by the wheel a, and
pinion a. a, a, are cog wheels which connect the rollers with cach
other. a³, a³, a, a, are the bearings of roller axles. a, a, are frames
in which the bearings a, a, may slide when the rollers are forced away
from cach other by the material about to be crushed separating them.
The bearings a, a, are stationary. a, a, are straps of india-rubber.or
other elastic material, one of which is shown on Drawing.
cach strap is fixed to levers a, a, and the other end secured to some
stationary fixing a¹, a¹0. b, is an adjusting screw for the purpose of
straining the strap as, until a sufficient pressure has been thrown on the
axles of rollers through the crank levers a, and pins b'. 6, is a cylinder.
*, is an air-tight piston, working in cylinder b. 6, is a rod, one cud
of which is attached to the piston 6, and the other end to the lever a".
b, is a fixing similar to a¹. The air being wholly or partially exhausteil
from the chamber 6, under the piston a pressure proportional to the
area of piston and degree of exhaustion of the air is by this means
caused to act on the lever a", which, being transmitted to the bearings
a³ of rollers, presses them together in the same manner as the strap
previously described or as ordinary balance weights.
Although I have shown both these arrangements on the same levers
for convenience, they are not intended to be used together, but either
is to be used according to the choice of the workman. 6º, 6, are stops,
which may be conveniently fitted with adjusting screws, in order to
keep the rollers a suitable distance apart, for if they are allowed to be
in close contact with each other the material is with difficulty admitted
between the rollers, unless they be of large diameter.
Figure 3, and Figure 4.-The letters and figures from a to a²,

page_text: referred to in Figures 1, and 2, apply also to Figures 3 and 4
c, c, are cylinders of vulcanized india-rubber, in each of which is a
hole to admit of the tension rod passing through. In this arrange-
ment it is a matter of convenience to take out the core of the india -
rubber cylinder; but in other arrangements of applying the cylinders of
india-rubber to rollers where the tension rods pass on the outside of
cylinders, and not through the core or hole in centre, a similar hole is
advantageous, as it allows the india-rubber to compress more equably.
c, c, c, c, are discs of iron or other material, through which pass the
tension rods, c, and between which is placed the india-rubber cylin-
der. c, c, are tension rods, with adjusting screw and nut with which
to draw together the discs c', c', and so compress the india-rubber
cylinders for the same purpose as explained with respect to strap a³.
,,,, are rods which communicate the pressure arising from the
elasticity of the india-rubber cylinders or other elastic cushion to the
bearings a, a, Figures 3 and 4. c, is a strut or bar placed between
the bearings in order to keep the rollers the required distance apart.
,, are the shafts of pinions a³, a³.
As the use of most sorts of crude clay impairs the efficiency of brick
machines, and deteriorates the quality of bricks or other articles, it is
nsual in most cases to prepare the clay or brick carth by passing it
between crushing rollers, or by washing it before entering the brick
machine, and even before moulding by hand. The rollers for crushing
are frequently kept close by means of weighted levers, which, possessing
very little elasticity, in rising and falling rapidly sometimes fracture
with the surge. To remedy this the elastic strap or chamber and
piston already described may be used. But as it often happens that
levers are in the way of persons working about the machine, and in
order to make the rollers occupy as little space as possible, the elastic
cushion, also described, which may be of vulcanized india-rubber or
other material possessing elasticity, is introduced to press directly on
axle bearing of roller. Besides allowing the machine to work more
quietly, and relieving it from strains through the elevation and depres
sion of dead weight, the rollers will be pressed together with greater
force in proportion as the material to be crushed is in large pieces.

page_text: Thus there will be greater pressure to overcome the increased resistance,
when such is required, and a less pressure when from their size the
pieces ought to be more easily fractured; and this variable force being
given by the pressure of an elastic body, the frame work or gearing of
the machine is not so liable to disruption, and anything which the
machine has not power to crush, if of a moderate size, would pass
between the rollers.
I have found from experiment that a cylinder of vulcanized india-
rubber, Figure 64, and 6", eleven inches in diameter, and eight inches
long, with a hole in centre about two inches in diameter in direction
of its axis, resisted a pressure of about three and three quarter tons, and
was compressed in the same direction from its original length of eight
inches to six inches. By means of the adjusting screw or tension
rod a pressure might be thrown on axles of rollers more or less
agreeable to this, which may be considered as the force of one cushion
pressing upon the rollers when there is no material between them;
and I have also found that, in order to compress the cylinder another
inch, two tons additional weight was required. When india-rubber
cylinders are used they will last longer by being protected from the
effects of the atmosphere by a cover. I make no claim to the parts
separately, but I claim the combination thereof in the manner and
for the purpose shown and described.
Figure 7, is a plan of brick making machine. Figure 8, is an eleva-
tion of the same. Figure 9, is a longitudinal section through the line
A, B, of plan. Figure 10, is a transverse section on the line C, D, of
plan. Figure 11, is a plan of the moving table separated from the
machine, showing the brick moulds. The parts of the machine tinted
grey are all of them stationary during the working of the machine;
those tinted blue have each direct circular motion; those tinted brown
have a reciprocating circular movement; those parts colored pink (car-
mine) or purple have an alternate rectilinear horizontal movement; and
those parts colored red have an alternate vertical movement, as well as
the motion they derive from their connexion with the reciprocating table.
d, is a foundation plate, of iron or other material, upon which the body
of the machine is fixed. d¹, d, are the two side frames, bolted to foun-

page_text: dation plate and to each other, by means of the distance bars d³, d³.
³, d, are slides upon which the table e reciprocates. This table
contains two sets of moulds e¹, e, e, e, of gun metal or other material
to give form to the article to be moulded. But in some cases fewer or
a greater number of moulds might be desirable. 3, is a toothed rack
attached to table c, worked by the pinion e, with suitable shafts,
gearing, and drums et, e, e, e³, e, e¹o. The reciprocating motion may
be obtained by other means, but I have shown this arrangement as one
which is convenient and simple in construction.
I will now describe the manner by which this arrangement may be
worked. e, e, are two pairs of pullies or riggers, one of each pair
being fixed to the shaft e", and the other being allowed to turn on the
shaft freely. One of the straps being crossed, and the other being what
is termed an open strap, cach pair of pullies will consequently revolve
in a contrary direction. As often as it is desired to cause the table e,
to move, both of the straps being running on their loose pullies, one of
the straps is to be moved on to its corresponding fast pulley e³; and
this movement may be effected either by hand or by apparatus attached
to-machinery in motion, which is not necessary further to describe.
And when the table has been moved sufficiently far, so as to bring
one mould or set of moulds e, e¹, under the rollers, and the other
set e², e, into a convenient situation for discharging the bricks or other
articles moulded, the strap may be struck off the fast pulley c³, on to
the loose pulley, by means of a rod or lever or other apparatus which
the table shall strike when it shall have reached the extent of its
required stroke. By this means the table will rest until the other
fast pulley e, is set in action to move the table in a contrary direction.
This return movement having been completed, the table will again be
brought to rest by the same means as described with respect to the
first pair of pulleys. f.f, are a pair of rollers, which turn on their
axles f, f. f is a cogged wheel to give motion to the rollers f.
ffff, are the bearings in which the axles of rollers work.
f is a pinion working into the wheel f". f is the pinion shaft. f are
a pair of drums, fast and loose, for transmitting motion to the rollers.
fare cogged wheels by which the rollers are geared to each other.

page_text: g is a hopper into which the brick carth is put for the purpose of
supplying the rollers. g', g', are chambers, which I prefer to be of
gun metal, or lined with brass, into which the brick earth passes pre-
viously to its reaching the moulds. g, g², g, g², are four rings of iron
or other material, which are fitted against ends of rollers, which rub
against them to prevent the brick carth escaping at the ends of rollers.
These rings are provided with screws to set them up against the rollers
when they have worn. The chambers g',g', although they are separated
by the bar g³, for the better entrance of the earth into the separate
moulds, yet are conveniently made in one casting. The ends of this
chamber join the under side of the rings, so that no brick earth can
escape by the ends of chamber g'. h, h, are two scrapers or more of
iron, which rub against the periphery of the rollers as they revolve.
They are nearly of equal length with the rollers. These are bedded
to top of chamber, and are provided with screws to bring them against
the rollers as occasion may require. By these scrapers and the rings
at ends of chambers all useless escape of brick earth is effectually
prevented, and the material is forced through the chamber into the
moulds as soon as they are brought into communication with the
chamber and rollers. i, i, are pistons which form one surface of the
article. These pistons may be flat or constructed with an indent or
projection. They rest on stops 7, 7, 7, 7, which may be so placed as
to vary the thickness of the article to be moulded when required, and
when once placed the bricks or other articles will all be of equal
thickness. ¹,,,, are plates which connect the pistons with their
frames, .,,,, are guides fixed to table, in which the frames
,, slide vertically in order to discharge the brick or other article.
,, are rollers, turning on their axles , . 2, 2", are inclined planes,
which, when the table is traversed either backward or forward, cause the
pistons i, i, their plates i, i, i, i, their frames 2, 2, and rollers i, 24, to
ascend for the purpose of delivering the bricks or other articles after
having been formed.
Having described the apparatus for forming the bottom and sides
of any moulded article, the remaining surface is formed by means of
the scrapers K, K, which pare off any surplus clay or earth there may

page_text: be on the top as the table containing the moulds is passed under
them.
When it is desired to make perforated bricks, a plate is fixed to
the reciprocating table e, immediately under each mould and under the
pistons i, with any convenient number of pins 1, passing up through
the piston into the moulds e', e. The perforations may be made by
other methods. The pins may be inserted into the mould after the
filling and compression have taken place, and be withdrawn again
before or at the same time when the article moulded is discharged.
The machine will in such cases work as has already been described.
Having described the several parts of the brick machine in detail, I
will further explain the manner of its operation. I take clay or brick
earth, natural, or prepared if necessary, and charge with it the hopper
above the rollers, Figures 7, 8, 9, 10. In some cases it may be proper
to introduce the clay into the hopper by means of a pug mill or appa-
ratus for mixing the material thoroughly after it has been crushed.
By simultaneous revolution the rollers receive the clay or earth from
the hopper, and force it into the moulds already described, and compress
it to any degree consistent with the power applied, and the strength and
capabilities of the machine. The compression obtained by this means
is such that bricks and other articles may be moulded in a compara-
tively dry state, and may require little or no drying before being stacked
or placed in the kiln. The rollers may have either an intermittent or
continuous motion. I have represented them having a continuous
motion. They ought to be kept a suitable distance apart. This
distance may be obtained by trials according to the nature of the earth
and capabilities of the machine. The table containing the moulds is
moved until one mould or set of moulds is brought directly under the
rollers for the purpose of being filled and compressed by the action of
the rollers. The table is then allowed to rest for a short time, until
the compression has been effected; it is then moved back again, and
the brick or other article discharged from the mould or moulds. At
the same time the other mould or set of moulds will be filled and the
material compressed. Another movement of the table will discharge
the article or articles moulded by this operation also. This discharge will

page_text: be assisted by lubricating the moulds with oil or other medium, and
by covering the piston or pallet with fustian.
In the two sections of the machine, Figure 9, and Figure 10, I
have shewn clay in the hopper and chambers, and three of the moulds
filled with it; also a perforated brick discharged from mould and ready
to be removed.
The Drawing, except one of the moulds, Figure 10, shews the parts
to be arranged for making perforated bricks, but the bricks or other
moulded articles may be made without perforations by removing the
parts which make the perforations. Each of the four moulds shewn
in the Drawing is intended to make one brick.
I do not claim the separate parts of the machine, but what I claim
is, the combination of the machine and the filling a mould or moulds
with clay or brick earth by means of a pair of rollers which force the
clay and compress it therein, as herein shown and described.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Francis Porter, have here-
unto set my hand and seal, this Eleventh day of April, in the
year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-four.
Witness,
FRED HARRIS.
JOHN FRANCIS PORTER. (L.S.)