IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR WELDING CHAIN AND OTHER LINKS
Year: 1875

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Robert Lake, of the Firm of Haseltine,
Lake, & Co., Patent Agents, Southampton Buildings, London, for
the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR WELDING CHAIN
AND OTHER LINKS."-A communication from abroad by "The Pitts-
burgh Chain and Car Link Manufacturing Company, Incorporated,"
of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania United States of America
1
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Robert Lake
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition,
on the 24th August 1875.
I, WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co.,
Patent Agents, Southampton Buildings, London, do hereby declare the
nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR
WELDING CHAIN and other Links," a communication, to be as follows:-
The first part of my Invention relates to a series of dies for welding
chain links, whereby the link is first welded in a set of welding dies and
O afterwards finished in finishing dies. This part of my Invention relates;
À

page_text: especially to the first of these series of dies, and consists in the novel
form given to the curved or arch-shaped section of their cavities, whereby
the excess or surplus of metal which the lapping of the scarfed ends of
the link provides at the section of the link where the weld is to be
formed can be utilized in the most advantageous manner in strengthening
the link at its welded section, and in so forming the weld that all the
slag shall be worked off, and the scarf so worked 'up as to be entirely
hid, or nearly so.
One die has the inner wall of its groove higher than the outer wall,
the other dic having the outer wall of its groove extended beyond its
inner wall. The said dies for welding links are arranged in combination
with suitable finishing dies. The dies may have their cavities of a semi-
oblique, elliptical, or semi-obvoate or other contour, and in part to the
section of the link welded through their joint action a print of any
desired form.
The second part of my Invention relates to the peculiar construction
of the cylindrical sleeve or die box and its steel packing, in which the
stationary die is secured, and in which the movable die travels. The
said cylindrical_die box has its upper wall extending to such an elevation
as to cause said box to act as a guide bearing for the traveling die
throughout its entire movement. The said die box also has detachable
steel packing. In combination with the said die box, the plunger, and
the stationary and movable welding .dies I use a traveling female cap
die and stationary horn die.
The third part of my Invention relates to a traveling tongue or frog,
which works through a vertical central opening formed in the stationary
die. This tongue is so arranged that after the link to be welded is
properly placed and adjusted in the cavity of the stationary die the
tongue or frog can readily be thrust or driven up through the stationary
die, and in such relative position to the cavity of the die as to cause it
to provide an inner bearing for the link, which serves to steady the
same on the die, and to retain it in such position as to ensure the most
direct and effective action of the dies during the process of welding.
When the process of welding is completed, so far as the first of the
series of dies is designed to effect the same, the said tongue is withdrawn,
and the link being thus freed of its inner bearing can readily be
removed, and the face of the die left unobstructed for the insertion of a
fresh link.

page_text: In combination with the traveling dies I use a stop arm having
bearing pins or shoulders, a plunger, a cam wheel, a lever with an
inclined bearing and operating mechanism, and a spring, the whole
constructed and arranged to operate to control the said traveling dies as
required. The said traveling tongue and stop arm are arranged in com-
bination with a bed plate having a spring and a lever, these parts being
connected and arranged to be operated simultaneously through the
movement of the said lever. The said lever and the arm having a
shoe bearing is arranged in combination with a cam wheel on the motor
shaft.
Some of the advantages due to the above described arrangement of a
traveling tongue or frog, especially such as relate to the increased
facility with which the welded link can be removed, may be had by so
securing the die as to allow of its having a rocking or tilting movement.
For this purpose a die is secured by horizontal pivoted or axial bearings
in a stationary die box in such a manner as to allow of its being tilted
or rocked forward. In combination with a stationary dic secured in a
slceve or cylindrical die box I employ a traveling die secured in a frame
or gate, and a cam wheel. The rocking die, the arms, a bell-crank lever
and pinion, a ratchet arm, and link are so constructed and arranged
that through the action of a treadle they are thrown into gear to
operate the dice, and in combination with the above a spring is so
arranged that when the ratchet arm is disengaged the die which had
previously been tilted forward shall be automatically returned. I com-
bine a spring stop arm with the said bell-crank lever and its operating
mechanism, and the cam wheel and gate, the whole being so constructed
and arranged that the traveling die is operated and held as required. I
combine a spring bed plate and spring, the gate having a base board, an
arm, and the bell-crank lever and its operating mechanism with a
pivoted stop arm having a shoulder and a lever having a bearing pin,
a spring, and treadle, the whole being so constructed and arranged as
to act to render the different parts of the mechanism operative or
inoperative as required.
The fourth part of my Invention relates to the arrangement of a stop
arm or plate in connection with the plunger or hammer arm that carries.
the traveling die, whereby the movement of the said die can instantly
be arrested when occasion requires, and as is necessary in order to
properly place the link on the stationary die for welding, and for its
A 2

page_text: removal after the process is finished without interrupting or checking
the speed of the motor that is driving the operating mechanism.
The fifth part of my Invention relates to the arrangement of a spring
, in connection with the stop arm and the plunger or hammer arm that
carries the traveling die in such manner that when the stop arm is
moved to such a position as to cause it to arrest the movement of the
plunger or hammer arm the spring should be so elevated as to free it
from contact with the said plunger or hammer arm, while on the other
hand the movement that frees the stop arm from contact with the
plunger or hammer arm shall draw down the spring to such a position
as to cause its utmost tension if desired to be exerted in adding force
and tensity to the downward blow of the movable die. The said spring
is secured to a suitable bearing in combination with a stirrup, bearing
lever, another spring and treadle, and with a cam, the stop arm having
a shoulder, a lever with springs, a stirrup, and treadle.
In combination with the swage die I use a rotating die, a movable die,
a hinged hammer arm, a longitudinal shaft and cam wheel. The said
hinged hammer arm has a vertical slot at its head, and the stirrup
bearing bas a slot.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
-
filed by the said William Robert Lake in the Great Seal Patent
Office on the 24th February 1876.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, WILLIAM
ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Twenty-fourth day of August, in the
year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-five, in the
thirty-ninth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors,
give and grant unto me, the said William Robert Lake, Her special
licence that I, the said William Robert Lake, my executors, admini-
strators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said William Robert
Lake, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any time
agree with and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter

page_text: 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 MACHINERY FOR WELDING CHAIN AND OTHER LINKS," a com-
munication to me from abroad by The Pittsburgh Chain and Car Link
Manufacturing Company, (Incorporated;) of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,
United States of America, upon the condition (amongst others) that I,
the said William Robert Lake, my executors or administrators, by an
instrument in writing under my, or their, or one of their hands and
seals, should particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the
said Invention, and in what manner the same was to be performed,
and cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within
six calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said
Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said William Robert Lake, 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, reference being had to the accom-
panying Drawings forming a part of this Specification :--
The first part of my Invention relates to a series of dies for welding
chain links, whereby the link is first welded in a set of welding dies and
afterwards finished in finishing dies. This part of my Invention relates
especially to the first of these scries of dies, and consists in the novel
form given to the curved or arch-shaped section of their cavities,
whereby the excess or surplus of metal which the lapping of the scarfed
ends of the link provides at the section of the link where the weld is to
be formed can be utilized in the most advantageous manner in
strengthening the link at its welded section, and in so forming the weld
that all the slag shall be worked off, and the scarf so worked up as to be
entirely hid or nearly so.
The second part of my Invention relates to the pecular construction
of the cylindrical sleeve or die box and its steel packing in which the
stationary die is secured, and in which the movable die travels.
The third part of my Invention relates to a traveling tongue or frog
which works through a vertical central opening formed in the stationary
die. This tongue is so arranged that after the link to be welded is
properly placed and adjusted in the cavity of the stationary die the

page_text: tongue or frog can readily be thrust or driven up through the stationary
die, and in such relative position to the cavity of the die as to cause it
to provide an inner bearing for the link, which serves to steady the
same on the dic and to retain it in such position as to ensure the most
direct and effective action of the dies during the process of welding.
When the process of welding is completed so far as the first of the scries
of dies is designed to effect the same, the said tongue is withdrawn, and
the link being thus freed of its inner bearing can readily be removed
and the face of the die left unobstructed for the insertion of a fresh
⚫ link.
Some of the advantages due to the above described arrangement of a
traveling tongue or frog, especially such as relate to the increased
facility with which the welded link can be removed, may be had
by so securing the die as to allow of its having a rocking or tilting
movement.
The fourth part of my Invention relates to the arrangement of a stop
arm or plate in connection with the plunger or hammer arm that carries
the traveling die, whereby the movement of the said die can instantly
be arrested when occasion requires, and as necessary, in order to
properly place the link on the stationary die for welding and for its
removal after the process is finished without interrupting or checking
the speed of the motor that is driving the operating mechanism.
The fifth part of my Invention relates to the arrangement of a spring
in connection with the stop arm and the plunger or hammer that
carries the traveling die in such a manner that when the stop arm is
moved to such a position as to cause it to arrest the movement of the
plunger or hammer arm the spring shall be so elevated as to free it from
contact with the said plunger or hammer arm, while on the other hand
the movement that frees the stop arm from contact with the plunger or
hammer arm shall draw down the spring to such position as to cause its
utmost tension, if desired, to be exerted in adding force and intensity
to the downward blow of the movable die.

page_text: Figures 19 and 21 are side views illustrating modifications of my
Invention; Figures 20, 22, and 24 are front views of the same.
Figure 23 is a side view of Figure 22.
Figure 25 is a side view of Figure 24.
I will now proceed to describe the different arrangements of the dies,
or more particularly the form or contour of their cavities which con-
stitute the first part of my Invention; the first of these arrangements is
shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, and the form of print which they form is
illustrated in Figure 4.
In these Figures A represents the stationary die; and B, the movable
or traveling die. The cavities cut in the faces of these dies A and B
are counterparts of each other. The head or curved section C of the
cavity in cach of the dies instead of being a perfect are of a circle at its
vertical cross section x, x, is a flaring spreading flattened groove and is
semi-oval in form, and is of such contour that the two curved sections of
the cavities will when brought together or caused to register enclose an
oval opening, and which will weld the link through their joint action,
iniparting to said welded section a form of print such as clearly shown
at E, Figure 4.
It will readily be seen that this form of cavity in connection with the
fact that the walled groove or cavity which the curved or are sections
C, C, form is greater than the diameter of the blank that the spreading or
distributing of the surplus or excess which the lapping of the scarfed
ends of the link furnishes is provided for, and which through the
hammering and pounding action of the die B is so reduced or distributed
as in no manner to injure the fibres of the iron; on the contrary the
excess of metal serves to strengthen the welded section of the link by
working in more stock at that section, and also in working up the scarf.
From the curved sections C of the cavities extend parallel grooved
sections D, D, as clearly shown in Figure 1, and which in connection with
the cavities C when the dies A, B, are brought together are designed to
encircle or enclose the unwelded section of the link and also a portion

page_text: of the parallel sides or arms of the bent blank.
These cavities C, D, D,
are so cut or arranged on the face of each die as to surround or leave
centre elevations d. These elevations are designed to secure and retain
the link during the process of welding, and so as to ensure the proper
action of the dies; the curved recess or cavity in each die being a flaring
or spreading groove, and which in connection with the receding section
of the head of the centre elevation d forms a semi-oval curve, which
is wider than the diameter of the bar or blank out of which the link is
formed. The bottom of this groove is somewhat flattened, as shown in
Figure 3; as this portion performs the greater portion of forging and
welding the link; not so however with the sections D, D, of the cavities;
these are true curves at their lower section, or of such other form as to
conform exactly to the contour of the blank.
Figure 5 represents a vertical sectional view of the second modi-
fication of the dies, and in which the only feature of the Invention
consists in giving to the inner pin wall d' of the cavities C³, of the
stationary die A', a higher elevation, as shown at c', than that of its
outer wall c, and to the outer wall c of the cavity C¹ of the movable
or traveling die B'a higher elevation than its inner wall c¹, so that when
the dies A¹, B³, are brought together over the section of the link which
is welded through their joint action, they shall develop a weld of an
oblate, oval, or cylindrical form, as shown at E', Figure 6, the lateral
pins e, e, Figure 6, which are inevitably developed through the action.
of the dies shall not be on a line with the centre of the welded section
of the link, but on the contrary the lower surface of the outer fin and
the upper surface of the inner fin are on a line with the centre of the
welded section of the link, and which greatly facilitates the detaching
of the link from the stationary die A' after the welding has been
effected; with the exception of the difference just alluded to the cavities
of the dies A', B', are constructed on the same principle as are those of
the dies A, B. The dies A2, B2, Figure 7, and which are a modification
of the dies A, B, provide, owing to the form of the curved sections
C³, C², of their cavities, and of which Figure 7 is a vertical cross section,
a most admirable means of working up the excess of metal which the
lapping scarfed ends of the link, Figure 8, furnishes, and which as is
well known to all familiar with the welding of metals through the
action of dies is most difficult, because if this excess is not properly
worked up a breaking or tearing of the fibre of the iron, and consequent
.

page_text: weakening of the blank results. This is almost universally the case,
and is the cause of so many breaks occurring at the point of welding.
The stationary die A³ of this set is formed with a cavity C2 at its curved
section of a deep semi-elliptic form, and the cavity C of the movable
die B is of a concave form, the dies through their joint action imparting
to the scarfed lapping ends of the blank during the process of welding
a form of print, such as is shown at E, Figure 7, and which welds the
open sections of the link as it were by a rolling, spreading, or expanding
of the excess of stock, and which is in no manner destructive of the
fibre of the iron. These dies A2, B2, having imparted to the link
the form of print shown at E², it is worked down or reduced in finishing
dies X, X', Figure 9, bringing it to the shape in cross section of the
rest of the blank, and their cavities are shaped accordingly.
In Figures 10 and 11 are shown another modification of the dies, and
in which their cavities are of a yet different form. A³ is the stationary
die, and B³ the movable die. The cavities C³, C³, of these dies are of a
semi-oblique elliptical contour, so that the form of print which they
impart to the section of the link welded through their joint action is
an oblique ellipse as clearly shown at E³, Figure 12. The general form
or outline of these cavities is shown in Figure 10. In the die A.³ the
cavity C³ is formed by so cutting away the face of the die as to leave the
deepest swelling section of its curve outside of a curvilineal line drawn
through its centre, while in the die B³ the cavity C³ is exactly the
reverse, that is, the deepest swelling section C³ of its curve is inside of a
curvilineal centre. These cavities through their joint action impart the
form of an oblique ellipse to the welded section of the link, as shown in
Figure 12. The link having been thus welded through the action of
the dies A³, B, and the welded section of the link having the form of
print shown at E³, Figure 12, it is now subjected to the action of
finishing dies, and which reduce its oblique swell to the desired form.
The dies A, B, Figures 13 and 14, are designed to weld a blank
which has previously been bent into a U shape, and having its ends
properly scarfed. The cavities of these dies A*, B*, are of such contour
that the sections of their parallel or horizontal grooves D*, D*, are of
uniform diameter throughout, while the cavities at their arched or
curved sections C, C', are scooped or cupped out at their upper and
lower surfaces respectively. So while the horizontal diameter of a cross
section of the curved portion is uniform with the diameter of the parallel

page_text: portions the vertical diameter is considerably increased; with these dies
the welding of the link may be effected as with the dies herein-before
described, that is, through the pounding or hammering action of the
movable die; but I prefer to work them on the principle of the dies
which are used in effecting a butt weld, that is, the dies are brought
together and secured, and the U shaped blank is inserted in the parallel
grooves D', D'. Power is now applied so as to cause the ends of the
blank to enter the curved sections Ct, C, of the cavities, and to fill the
same and assume its form, leaving a print corresponding with the same
in outline, and which is shown at E, Figure 15. The scarfed ends of
the link being formed on the opposite surfaces of the blanks will not
meet, as in the butt weld, but will so pass as to leave their points on
opposite sides, and thus their wedge-shaped faces will readily pass each
other, and being at a welding heat become firmly united, and I thus
work off the slag, work up the scarf, and leave the excess or surplus of
metal upset through the cross section of the weld, not immediately only
at the centre but gradually distributed from the centre along the blank,
as clearly shown at E, Figure 15; and thus, as in connection with the
other dies, an excess of metal is so distributed as to provide an increased
degree of strength at the welded section of the link. The link being
thus welded is reduced to the desired form through the action of finishing
dies.
In Figure 16 are represented the last of the series of dies which are
constructed on the same general principle as are the dies A, B, Figures 1,
2, and 3. In this Figure 16 A represents the stationary die, and B³ the
movable die, and whose cavities C³ are counterparts of each other, and
are of such outline as will give to the welded section of the link an
obovate contour in cross section, as shown by the form of the print E³,
Figure 17, the thicker portion being at the inside of the link. These
cavities C³, C³, are of a semi-obovate form at the centre of their curved
portion, and gradually approaching the original form of the blank until
at the juncture of their curved and straight portion they arc of said
original form.
Having now described the dies which constitute the first part of my
Invention I will now proceed to describe the other portions of my
Invention, and in connection with which for welding chain and carriage
coupling links either of the sets of dies A, B, A¹, B¹, A², B², A³, B³, or
A, B, can most advantageously be used; the remaining set A*, B*,

page_text: operate more advantageously when arranged to be worked as are the
clamping dies in an ordinary bolt and rivet machine, and the blank
driven in, as is the case when an ordinary weld is made. Either of the
sets of dies being selected the stationary die, we will say, A³, is secured
in a cylindrical die box F, Figures 18, 19, and 20, a section of the front
being cut away to provide suitable access to the stationary die for the
insertion and removal of the link. The wall of this die box F extends
to such an elevation as to provide a cylindrical guide bearing for the
traveling die throughout its entire movement, which ensures the
most positive and direct registering of the cavities of the dies during the
process of welding, and serves as a sleeve bearing to force the spread of
the excess of metal toward the front of the die, and thus aids in spreading
the excess of metal from the centre of the weld toward the body of the
link. This dic box F is secured to a support Z provided in connection
with a suitable frame Z'.
F, Figure 20, is a curved steel packing that is fastened in the die box,
and extends from the upper section of the same down to a point below.
the face of the stationary die, thus filling the entire section of the dic
box through which the traveling die operates. This packing F¹ is to
be so secured as to be detachable at pleasure, and which permits dies of
different sizes being used by increasing or diminishing the thickness of
the packing or the replacement of the same, when through frictional
contact it becomes so worn as no longer to insure the true action of the
dies. G is a plunger which works through a suitable bearing Z³ at the
upper section of the frame, and in suitable vertical guide bearings g, I,
secured to the die box T, Figure 19, or to a cross bar Z³ of the machine,
Figure 20. To this plunger by a collar, or any other suitable means
is secured the movable or traveling die. This plunger through its
bearing G, as clearly shown in Figure 18, is operated by means of
a cam wheel H secured to a vertical revolving shaft H³, which is
provided with a bevil gear wheel H² at its lower section arranged to
mesh with the tecth of a bevil pinion H³ secured to a motor shaft H',
Figures 18 and 19. This bearing G of the plunger projects out
also in front of the die box, as shown in Figure 18, and has secured
to it a female cap die J, which operates, in connection with a horn
die J¹ secured to the die box F; these dies J, J', are designed to
operate as finishing dies to reduce to proper form the section of the link,
which has been welded through the action of either of the sets of dies
.

page_text: herein-before described. And thus it will be seen that the welding of
one link and the finishing of another can be carried on at the same time,
the plunger G imparting a simultaneous movement to the movable
welding die B', and the traveling cap or finishing die J.
K is a traveling tongue or frog which works through a vertical central
opening a in the stationary die A³, and over which passes when the
movable die B³ falls, its central slot a Figure 19. This tongue or frog
after the link to be welded has been properly placed and arranged in the
cavity of the stationary die is driven up through said die, and provides
an inner wall bearing for the link during the process of welding, serving
to steady and retain the same in a proper position for the action of the
movable or hammer die. So soon as the welding is effected the tongue
or frog K is returned or withdrawn and leaves the link free, and also
greatly facilitates the labor of removing the same. This traveling
tongue K is secured by means of a link connection to a pivoted
lever K secured in suitable bearings, as shown in Figure 19. To the
opposite end of this lever is pivoted the lever L, which through its
connecting arm or lever M, and the treadle lever M', and treadle M³,
operates not only the tongue K but the stop arm N and the bed
plate carrying the spring O'. N is the stop arm which slides
horizontally through mortices cut in the sides of the framework of the
machine. N1 is a plate spring which is secured to the side of the
frame. The free end of this spring rests against the projecting end of
the stop arm N, and its tension is constantly employed in driving the
stop arm to such position as to cause its vertical bearing shoulder n to
engage with a bearing n¹ on the rear surface of the plunger G, as shown
in Figure 18; and when in such position the stop arm arrests the
movement of the plunger and the traveling dies as it holds the plunger
bearing G free from all contact with the face of the cam wheel H; but
when the spring N¹ drives the stop arm to such position as to cause the
shoulder n to arrest the movement of the plunger, it drives its horizontal
bearing pin n, Figure 19, against the base of the inclined bearing L
formed at the upper surface of the lever L, and which inclined bearing
will when said lever L is so drawn down so as to overcome the tension
of the spring N¹ so press against the bearing pin n as to drive the stop
arm to such a position as to cause its bearing shoulder n to be so moved
as to free it from contact with the bearing n¹ on the plunger. The
plunger being thus released its bearing G³ is instantly brought in

page_text: contact with the cam wheel, and its uninterrupted movement secured so
long as the lever L is drawn down; but the instant said lever is relieved
from pressure, the spring N¹ will automatically drive back the stop
arm N so as to cause it again to arrest the movement of the plunger,
and the movable dies being thus silenced every facility for the insertion
and removal of the link is provided for.
The spring bed plate O is secured in suitable bearings O, as clearly
shown in Figure 19, and at its opposite section it is connected through
a stirrup bearing O³ with the lever L, and which lever terminating in a
screw thread 1, and in connection with jam nuts & provides an adjustable
bearing or attachment for the lever in connection with the bed plate O.
The spring O', which in the Drawing is represented as of the torsion
class, is so arranged that its lateral lever arms o, o, are in position when
the bed plate is drawn down to act directly on the upper surface of the
plunger, and which causes the plunger in being elevated to so press
against said lever arms that the power of the spring shall be accumulated
in such manner as to be expended or exerted in adding force and power
to the downward movement of the plunger.
By reference to Figures 18 and 19 the operation of the mechanism
just described will readily be understood. The several features being
in the position shown, the shoulder n of the stop arm N engaging with
the bearing n of the plunger, the latter is silent, the spring O* has
elevated the bed plate O, and the spring M³ so pushed up the treadle
lever M¹ and the arm M as to leave the lever L in the position shown,
the traveling tongue K being withdrawn the link to be welded can
readily be placed within the cavity of the stationary die A, and the one
to be finished can be placed on the horn die J¹. Now simply by
depressing the lever M², so as to cause the treadle lever M' to act on
the arm M to draw down the lever L, all the mechanism is instantly
rendered operative, and through a simultaneous movement, that is, the
drawing down of the lever L, causes its inclined section L' to so press
against the bearing n² on the stop arm N as to move the same to such
position as to cause it to release the plunger. At the same time through
the lever Land its connections with the bed plate O it is drawn down
so as to render the spring O' operative on the plunger, while through
the pivoted lever K' and the connecting link % the tongue K is driven
up through the dic, so as to provide an inner bearing for the link during
the process of its being welded. The instant however the pressure on.

page_text: the treadle M is removed the springs N¹, M³, O*, return the different
features of the mechanism to the positions shown in Figures 18 and 19.
The arm M terminates in a shoe-shaped bearing m, as clearly shown in
Figure 18, and which when the arm is drawn down engages with a cam
wheel on the motor shaft H', and which performs a double function;
it so draws down the arm M that through the lever L at the instant
the plunger is released the utmost force of the spring O' shall be exerted
thereon, and the cam so presses on the bearing m as to relieve the
operator from exercising much of the force which he would otherwise
be required to exert in pressing and holding down the treadle M².
In Figure 20 a modification is shown. Instead of a single treadle M³
there is a double treadle M², M*; instead of the connecting link k of the
traveling tongue K being connected to the pivoted lever K¹ it is attached
to the treadle M', and the lever K' is attached to both treadles M², M*.
The arm M is attached to the arm L through crank levers L³, L³, and
at its opposite section is attached to the treadle M. The lever L is
connected to the bed plate O, and passing through a mortised slot in
the sliding stop arm N operates the same and draws down the spring bed
plate so as to operate the spring through a simultaneous movement.
Through the alternate action of the treadles the different portions of
the mechanism are rendered silent or operative precisely as occasion
requires, and simultaneously, as herein-before fully described.
I will now proceed to describe a modification of the mechanism for
operating my improved dies. In Figure 21 the lower die A° instead of
being provided with a traveling tongue or frog K, as in Figures 18, 19,
and 20, it is formed with a stationary one, and the ready release of the
link after being welded is provided for by securing the die in the die
box F by means of pivot axial bearings f, f, and which permits of the
die being rocked or tilted forward so as to free the link from its bearings
within the sleeve. This die Aº is provided with a bearing or tilting
plate F, which is connected by an arm F3 with a bell-crank lever P,
which fits loosely on the motor shaft Hs on which is keyed the cam
wheel H. To this bell-crank lever P is secured a ratchet pinion p
whose teeth are designed to mesh with the ratchet rack p¹ on the
arm P¹, and which works through a suitable bearing at the rear of
the dic box, and whose slotted section at its lower surface is secured
in a pivot link bearing P2 attached to the bed piece of the frame. This
arm P¹ is connected to the bell-crank lever P by means of a link P³;

page_text: P is a spring attached to the bell-crank lever P, and whose opposite
section is secured to an inclined upright Z'. The tension of this spring
is constantly employed in drawing the bell-crank lever to such position
as to disengage the ratchet wheel 2 on the arm P¹ from the pinion p,
and to leave the stop arm N free to spring forward and arrest the
movement of the gate or frame that carries the movable die. The
tension of this spring P' is overcome by depressing the treadle M³,
which is connected with the pivot link bearing P² of the arm P'. The
gate that carries the traveling die consists of an upper bearing plate G³
and vertical parallel bearing arms G', G', clearly shown in Figure 22,
and a base plate G³. On this base plate G³ rest the lateral lever arms
0, 0, of the torsion spring O', and which is attached to the upright Z*;
O is an arm attached to the bell-crank lever P, and which terminates
in a screw thread at its upper section, and passing through an opening
in the bed plate O it is secured to the same, and its relative bearings
adjusted by means of jam nuts o¹, o¹; N is a stop arm, and is con-
structed of a spring rod or plate, and at its upper section terminates
in a wedge-shaped bearing head or shoulder n. At its lower sections
it is bent so as to provide an elbow-shaped bearing N2, by means of
which it is secured to the bed plate frame. This spring stop arm is
relatively so arranged on the bed plate that when not pushed back
from its normal position by the toe p² on the bell-crank lever its bearing
shoulder n is in position to catch under the base plate G of the
gate or frame that carries the traveling plunger die, and arrest its
movement.
The operation of the mechanism just described will readily be under-
stood. The mechanism all being in position, as shewn in Figure 21,
power is applied to the motor shaft H³, and the cam wheel H is
revolved; but as the stop arm N holds the base plate G³ free from
contact with the cam, no. movement as yet is imparted to the plunger
die. The link to be welded is now placed on the die Aº, the inner
surface of its open section resting against the rear surface of the frog K.
So soon as it is properly placed in position on the die the operator
depresses the treadle M5 which causes the ratchet rack p¹ to gear with
the pinion p, and the arm P¹ to so pull up the arm P³ as to move the
bell-crank lever P, causing its toc p² to push out the stop arm N, and
the frame or gate being now free falls with its base plate G in position
to be operated on by the cam wheel H°; but this movement of the

page_text: bell-crank lever P which has pushed out the stop arm N through
the arms F, F, has pushed up the die A° so as to leave the link secured
thereon in true position to be acted on by the plunger die, and this
movement of the bell-crank lever P has also so drawn down the bed
plate O through the arm O2 as to cause the elevation of the gate to so
press on the lateral lever arms o, o, of the spring O¹ as to accumulate
its tension in such manner as to augment the force of the downward
movement of the plunger die. So soon as the link is properly welded
the treadle is relieved of pressure, when the spring P will instantly
return all the mechanism to the position shown in Figure 21, and in
which the tilting forward of the die has so freed the link from all its
freezing bearing within the die box as to permit of its ready
removal.
€6
"
In Figures 22 and 23 is shewn a different modification of the operating
mechanism from that just described and illustrated in Figure 21. A' is
secured in a cylindrical sleeve or die box F suitably supported, and the
plunger or hammer die is secured in a traveling gate, consisting of the
upper bearing plate G³ and vertical bearing arms G, G. The base
plate G of the gate or frame is dispensed with and the stop arm N is
pivoted to the base support of the die box F, and at such relative
position that its bearing shoulder 12 shall engage with one of the vertical
arms G of the gate. The stop arm N at its lower section terminates in
a forked head or prongs n³, n³, and which fit over a bearing pin n¹ on a
horizontal treadle lever Q, and which works in suitable bearings Q¹, Q²,
its rear section being slotted, as shown at q, and working over a bearing
pin q' of the bearing Q¹. To this lever at its forward section is secured
a treadle Q³, and its rear section is secured to the lateral lever arm of the
torsion spring Q. H' is a cam wheel, and is keyed to a vertical
revolving shaft H³, which shaft is secured so as to work in suitable
bearings on the frame attached to the die box, and through an opening
in the bed plate O, as clearly shown in Figure 23. The bed plate O is
hinged to a suitable standard O', and has attached on its under surface
the torsion spring O¹, the same being so arranged that its lateral lever
arms o, o, shall act when desired on the upper surface of the traveling or
plunger die.
The bed plate O is connected with the treadle lever Q by
a stirrup bearing O*. The operation of the mechanism just described
will readily be understood. The link to be welded is placed in position
on the stationary dic, and power is applied to the shaft H³, but the cam

page_text: wheel revolves without imparting any motion to the traveling die, so
long as the stop arm N is in the position shown in Figure 23. The
treadle Q³ is now depressed, and the forward prong n³ being pressed by
the pin n pushes the stop arm N to such position as to free its shoulder n
from contact with the arm G', and thus the gate or frame falls to such
position as to be acted on by the cam wheel H', and which imparts
motion to the traveling die. But this drawing forward of the lever Q
has through the stirrup bearing O so drawn down the bed plate O as to
leave the spring O' in such position that its full power and tension shall
be exerted in augmenting the force of the downward blow of the plunger
die. So soon as the link is properly welded the operator releives
the treadle Q of pressure, when the spring Q will return all the
mechanism connected with the lever Q to the position shown in
Figure 23, and the traveling die being silenced the welded link can
readily be withdrawn and another to be welded inserted.
In Figures 24 and 25 are shown the stop arm and power spring
arranged in connection with a hinged hammer arm, the same being
brought into action and released through mechanism in all respects
precisely similar to that shown in Figures 22 and 23. The hammer arm
causes a narrow-faced swage die, and which in connection with the fact
that the lower dic is so secured as to permit of its having a rotating
movement, provides a most admirable arrangement for many kinds of
welding, and an arrangement of dies well adapted for dressing or
trimming down to proper form a link welded through the action of
either of the sets of dies herein-before described.
In Figures 24 and 25 on a suitable platform supported on the bed
piece of the frame is secured the bearing plate R, and on which rests
and rotates the die A³. This die is provided with a vertical annular
groove, which fits over a vertical axial pin attached to the centre of
the bearing plate R. This die As is provided with a plate Aº,
which performs a double.function; it serves as a handle to turn the
dies, and also in connection with the pin a³ as a bearing to steady the
link on the die A³ during the process of being welded. From this plate R
extends a vertical stirrup bearing R', which encloses the lateral surfaces
of the die As, as also the plane in which the movable die B³ and the
hammer arm S travel. The die B is a narrow faced swage die, and is
secured to the hammer arm S, which extends longitudinally across
the frame, and is secured by a suitable axial bearings in a support Si
B

page_text: at the rear of the machine. To the same axial bearing & is secured the
bed plate, which rests immediately over the hammer arm S, the
lateral lever arms o, o, of the spring O' resting immediately over that
section of the arm, to the under surface of which the die B is attached.
The support S¹ is attached to the platform, and further strengthened by
means of a stirrup brace S³, the forward sections of which are attached
to the bearing plate R; T is the motor shaft, to which is keyed the
cam wheel T¹, which wheel operates the hammer arm S; N is a
stop arm, is pivoted to the stirrup R¹, its bearing pin n passing and
working in a horizontal slot formed in the stirrup. When the stop
arm N is moved, so as to cause the pin n to enter the vertical slot r¹ in
the hammer arm, the latter is left free to be operated by the cam
wheel T. The remaining operating mechanism, being identical with
that shown and fully described in connection with the device illustrated
in Figure 23, needs no further description here. The link to be welded or
dressed is placed on the die A8, and its opposite section secured over the
pin a' on the arm Aº. The power that has imparted motion to
the cam wheel T does not impart any movement to the hammer arms
until the treadle Q³ is so depressed as to draw the lever Q forward,
which so moves the stop arm N as to cause its pin n to enter the
vertical slot of the hammer arm S, when the latter will instantly
drop to a position to permit of its being acted on by the cam wheel T..
During the movements of the die B³ the die A³ may be rotated so as to
bring different sections of the metal in position to be acted on by the
die B³, and through its swage action welded or dressed down, as the
case may be. The die B³ continues to be operated by the cam so long as
the bearing pin n remains in the slot r³, but the instant the pressure is
removed from the treadle Q³ the spring Q' through the lever Q so moves
the stop arm N as to leave its bearing pin n in position to catch under the
bearing plate of the movable die, as shown in Figures 24 and 25, which
instantly causes it to arrest the movement of the hammer arm.
The device just described is most admirably adapted for welding pipes
or straight blanks.
Having thus fully described the said Invention as communicated to
me by my foreign correspondents, and the manner of performing the
same, I wish it understood that I claim,-
First. The dies A, B, having the curved sections C of their cavities of
the form shown to allow of the lateral spread of the metal in welding

page_text: he whole combined, constructed, and arranged as shown in Figure 25,
o operate as above described.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Robert Lake, have here-
unto set my hand and seal, this Twenty-fourth day of February,
in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-
six.
Witness,
ROWLAND GEO. BROWN,
8, Southampton Buildgs.,
London.
W. ROBT. LAKE. (L.S.).