An Improved Apparatus for Moulding and Pressing Semi-dry Bricks.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 4th Mar., 1890
Complete Specification Left, 18th Nov., 1890-Accepted, 20th Dec., 1890
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Apparatus for Moulding and Pressing Semi-dry
Bricks.
We, JOSHUA NAYLOR, and HARRY WILLIAMS, of Richmond, in the Colony of
Victoria, Engineers, do hereby declare the nature of our invention for "AN
IMPROVED APPARATUS FOR MOULDING AND PRESSING SEMI-DRY BRICKS to
be as follows:-
Our objects are,
"
Firstly. To provide a machine at once simple in construction, not liable to
break down, and capable of doing a considerable quantity of good work, points
which are of great importance, especially where skilled labour is not easily
obtainable.
Secondly. To produce a machine which will run at a high rate of speed for the
purpose of effectually pressing or consolidating the particles of clay together, and
which will turn out a greater number of bricks in a given time.
Thirdly. To counter-balance the pressure which is applied to mould and press
bricks during each revolution of the driving shaft, in order to avoid as much as
possible the friction of the several working parts.
The principal parts of the apparatus herein described consist of,
Firstly, a pug mill.
Secondly, a sliding table (having two or four moulds formed therein) which is
arranged beneath the pug mill to constitute a moulding machine.
Thirdly, a press having two or four moulds or dies.
Fourthly, mechanism for advancing the bricks from the moulding machine to the
press and delivering them upon sliding rollers. By these means the operations of
pugging, moulding, pressing and delivering are accomplished in due order.
It is by reason of the compact combination of the various parts that the wear and
tear are reduced to a minimum.
The following is a brief description of our apparatus,—
The pug mill consists of a vertical cylinder, the lower end of which is fitted
with a tapered or conical mouth provided with an adjustable circle plate to allow
the clay to be cut off from the pug mill and moulds in table. In the axis of this
cylinder is arranged a spindle driven by mitre gear wheels from the pug mill
driving shaft hereinafter described. Said spindle is carried by two bearings, one
projected from the top portion of cylinder, the other supported by a yoke arranged
over the upper portion of machine frame.
Four or more steel arms or blades are secured to said spindle, to force the clay
fed to the cylinder downwardly into the moulds in sliding table. This table slides
in V guideways formed in a bed block and has two or four moulds, and is
reciprocated by a connecting rod intervening between one of its ends and a vertical
crank shaft carried by three bearings which are projected suitable distances apart
from one side of machine.
Said connecting rod passes through an oscillating eye piece fitted between two
cheeks formed at one end of sliding table. Two collars are secured (a few inches
apart) upon the aforesaid rod, to allow the table to remain stationary at
half
every
revolution of the crank shaft. When the table is thus momentarily stopped, plungers
ascend and displace the bricks formed within the moulds.
At the side of machine, near the back portion, is a horizontal shaft, upon which
is a fast pulley, a loose pulley, a fly wheel, and also a pinion wheel which meshes
with a spur wheel carried by a shaft termed the intermediate shaft provided with
two pinion wheels which gear with corresponding spur wheels, one of these spur

page_text: wheels is fixed upon a shaft (termed the pug mill driving shaft), the other being made
fast to a shaft which communicates motion to the press arranged at, and forming
part of the front of machine.
To said pug mill driving shaft is secured a bevel pinion to mesh with a
corresponding pinion fixed to the before mentioned vertical crank shaft. Two
mitre wheels meshing with each other communicate motion from said crank shaft
to a horizontal cam shaft arranged beneath the traversing table. There are two
cams affixed to said cam shaft, two for each pair of uplifting plungers which ascend
within the moulds in table. Above the press "is a horizontal overhead shaft, to
which are secured two eccentric sheaves embraced by straps. These straps
are connected to four plungers, two of which are for each pair of moulds or dies of
the press.
Two upper cross heads form part of the plungers, one for each pair of the
latter, and are connected by four vertical rods or bolts with two lower cross heads
carrying each two uplifting plungers which ascend within the moulds of press. Said
cross heads are each fitted with faced sides, which fit into adjustable guideways
secured to frame of machine.
Beneath each of the two lower cross heads carrying the uplifting plungers is
arranged a box in which are four recesses containing each a volute or helical
spring for the purpose of resisting the downward action of the plungers above
the press.
Each of the boxes is fitted with a cap or cover to protect as well as to confine
the springs within the recesses.
The mechanism for pushing the bricks from the sliding table to the moulds
of the press consists of two sliding blocks worked upon the face of sliding table
and actuated by two lever arms, two crank arms and connecting rod, to which
latter motion is imparted by a cranked disc secured upon one end of the cam shafts.
After a pair of bricks has been moulded in the table, they are pushed alternately to
the press thence to two or three rollers (carried by brackets) working at an
inclination to the upper face of press.
Dated this 4th day of March 1890
S. S. BROMHEAD,
97, Newgate Street, London, E.C., Patent Agent.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Apparatus for Moulding and Pressing Semi-dry
Bricks.
JOSHUA NAYLOR, and HARRY WILLIAMS, both of Richmond, in the Colony of
Victoria, Engineers, do hereby declare the nature of our invention for "AN
IMPROVED APPARATUS FOR MOULDING AND PRESSING SEMI-DRY BRICKS," and
in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement:-
Our objects are,
Firstly. To provide a machine at once simple in construction, not liable to
break down, and capable of doing a considerable quantity of good work, points
which are of great importance, especially where skilled labour is not easily
obtainable.
Secondly. To produce a machine which will run at a high rate of speed for the
purpose of effectually pressing or consolidating the particles of clay together, and
which will turn out a greater number of bricks in a given time.
br
Thirdly. To counter-balance the pressure which is applied to mould and press
icks during each revolution of the driving shaft, in order to avoid as much as
ssible the friction of the several parts.
poThe principal parts of the apparatus herein described consist of,
Wirstl
nuo mill

page_text: Secondly, a sliding table (having two or four moulds formed theremy when
arranged beneath the pug mill to constitute a moulding machine.
Thirdly, a press having two or four moulds or dies.
Fourthly, mechanism for advancing the bricks from the moulding machine to
the press and delivering them upon discharge rollers. By these means the
operations of pugging, moulding, pressing and delivering are accomplished in
due order.
It is by reason of the compact combination of the various parts that the wear and
tear are reduced to a minimum.
The nature of our invention, and the manner in which it is to be performed, will
be readily understood on reference to the three accompanying sheets of drawings
(shewn to the scale of one inch to the foot,) and to the following explanation
thereof.
Figure 1, is a side elevation of the apparatus illustrating it without the driving
gear.
Figure 2, is a sectional elevation of apparatus taken through the pug mill, sliding
table, and press, shewing the form of moulds in each of the two last mentioned
parts.
Figure 3, represents a rear elevation of apparatus without the driving gear.
Figure 4, is a front elevation illustrating the press. The driving gear, and the
crank which works the sliding table, are not shewn.
Figure 5, is a plan of machine in its complete form.
Figure 6, represents an inverted plan of the lower end of pug mill cylinder.
Figure 7, is a detail view of the lower portion of pug mill, shewing it provided
with an adjustable circle plate and screws.
Figure 8, illustrates a separate view of the mechanism for advancing and delivering
the moulded bricks (up-lifted from the moulds in the sliding table to and from the
press.
Figure 9, is a section through the sliding table shewing the four moulds as also
the relative positions of the plungers therein with the cams, as the table remains
momentarily stationary at one end of its stroke, to allow two of the moulds to receive
a charge of clay from the pug mill.
Figure 10, is a detail plan of one of two boxes containing each four volute or
helical springs arranged beneath the uplifting plungers in the dies of press.
Figure 11, is a plan view illustrating the form of guide used for steadying the
down pressing and uplifting plungers of press.
Figures 12 and 13 are elevations of the rod which connects with one end of
sliding table, and with a vertical crank shaft.
Similar letters of reference indicate similar or corresponding parts where they
occur in the several views.
The drawings shew the frame of apparatus consisting principally of two sides
which are alike in construction, and a central wall or partition. These sides and
the partition are each secured to a foundation plate by means of two bolts similar
to (a) and (a) Figures 1 and 2. Said plate consists of two parts (a¹) and (a²).
rigidly secured to a substantial foundation by four bolts passed through a corre-
sponding number of ears or lugs. The sides are put together in four parts (a³) (a)
(b) and (2) the former two of which act as sides of the moulding machine, and
the latter (b) and (61) form the sides of press. The partition or wall (62) acts as a
central support for the overhead cam shaft of press, and also as a medium to carry
the pug mill cylinder hereinafter described.
The flanges horizontally formed upon each of the side frames are planed upon their
lower faces to bed truly upon similarly planed raised surfaces or seatings projected
from the upper surface of each of the two parts (a') and (a²) of bed plate. The
faces of the vertically formed flanges are also planed and bolted together to connect
the moulding machine with the press. There are 6 flanged openings (five being
shewn) (3) (4) (6) (c) (c') and (c) formed in each of the two sides of apparatus.
These should correspond with one another when said sides are set upon, and bolted

page_text: to the faced seatings of the foundation plate. The openings marked (6³) and (6³)
are made in order to reduce the weight of cach side,. whilst (64) and (6) admit the
pillow blocks in which the outer ends of two horizontal rocking shafts carrying the
delivering mechanism are supported. Through the opening (c), passes a connecting
rod which imparts a reciprocating motion to the sliding table of the moulding
machine. The remaining openings (c¹) and (e), likewise those corresponding
therewith, receive the muts upon the bolts which hold the sides and partition of
machine to the foundation plate. The sixth opening allows a shaft carrying two
cams and a mitre wheel and a cranked disc to pass through the sides (3) and (4)
of machine. The partition (2), has formed upon it two T-shaped flanges, the
faces of which are planed to allow corresponding feet (²) and (c) projected from
the pug mill cylinder, to be bolted thereto. At the rear portion of machine frame
is a tubular column (c³) formed with flanged faced ends, its lower end is bolted to a
faced seating upon the foundation plate. Upon the upper end of said column rests
one end of a yoke, in the crest of which is formed a socket bearing to carry the upper
end of the pug mill shaft. (c) is a T-shaped cross piece, the ends of which are
flanged and faced, and bolted to the side frames (a³) and (a).
(d) represents the aforesaid yoke, which is extended across the upper portion of
apparatus. Its rear end is bolted to the cross piece (c), and the front end to the
bracket (d) formed upon the partition. (d2) is a bridge, the rear end of which is
secured to the cross piece (c), the front being bolted to the bracket (3), formed
upon the pug mill cylinder. (d) is a pillow block secured to said bridge, to
support one end of the pug mill driving shaft hereinafter described, the
other end of this shaft is carried by a pillow block (e) bolted to the side
frame (a³).
There are three bearings ways formed in the same plane, one in each of the
sides (b) and (¹), and also one in the partition (62) of press. These ways are
bored parallel with the planed or faced seatings upon the foundation plate, and each
is fitted with a pair of cylindrically formed brasses, in which revolves a shaft termed
the overhead shaft.
There are two vertical cores formed in each of the side frames (b) and (b')
likewise two in the central wall or partition.
These cores receive bolts which retain in position the caps (e¹) (e) and (e¹)
of the brasses of the bearings ways beforementioned, and assist in holding the two
sides (b) and (b) as also the wall (62) firmly upon the foundation plate.
(e) represents the pug mill cylinder, the upper portion of which is flared
outwardly. To its lower flanged end is bolted a slightly conically shaped flanged
mouth (3) provided with an adjustable circle plate (e) which is carried by
four set screws similar to (f) tapped into ears or lugs projected from said
mouth and plate.
The circle plate (4) can be so adjusted as to nearly touch the face of the sliding
table, so that the clay will be cut off sharply from the moulds in the latter and the
pug mill.
Said cylinder is made in two halves, which are secured together by the bolts
similar to (f). In its axis is arranged a shaft (ƒ³) which revolves in two bearings
one carried by the bracket (2) projected from the central wall (62), and the other
supported by the socket (73) formed in the yoke (d).
The inner circumference of cylinder is fitted with a number of steel strips which
form corrugations as at (f) (Fig. 2) to prevent the clay revolving whilst being
forced downwardly.
Six or more steel blades similar to one lettered (g) are secured to said shaft (f³),
having each a reduced end. These ends are of a hexagon shape and fitted into
similar eyes formed across the axis of the shaft (³).
Two lower blades such as (g¹) termed spreaders, are of a greater area in order to
present more pressing surface to the clay whilst being forced into the moulds of
the sliding table (g). In the body of this table there are four moulds similar
to (3) Fig. 1, and upon its underside are two V guides which slide in correspondingly

page_text: shaped guide-ways formed in the bed (1) carrying said table. This bed is
supported by six legs, the feet of which are bolted to raised seatings upon the
foundation plate. The sliding table (2) is reciprocated by a connecting rod ()
which slides in an oscillating piece (4). This piece consists of a head (having a
bushed eye) with two reduced ends turned cylindrically true, and fitted into
sockets formed one in each of the cheeks (2) and (4) projected from one end of
table (2). A recess is also formed in this end to allow of the sliding motion of the
rod (4) connecting with the crank shaft hereinafter described.
(3) and (4) are two steel collars set (64 in. apart) the former one is shrunk upon
the rod (h) and the latter screwed upon the reduced end of said rod to allow the table to
stop momentarily at each end of the stroke. (i) is the crank shaft carried by the two
pillow blocks (1) and (1) bolted to the side frame (a³), its lower end is supported by
a footstep bearing (2) secured to the foundation plate. (3) is the driving shaft
carried by the pillow block (j) and the bracket bearing (*) which is secured upon
the side frame (a), the pillow block is bolted upon the wooden frame (j). Said
shaft is provided with a fast pulley (2) as also with a loose one (3), a fly wheel (*),
a pinion wheel (k), the latter gearing with a spur wheel (k) upon the intermediate
shaft (2). This shaft (2) is carried by two pillow blocks (3) and (4) bolted to
the side frames (a³) and (a). One of its ends is extended beyond one side of
machine and is supported by the pillow block (1) secured to wooden frame (j). Said
intermediate shaft carries two pinion wheels (¹) and (2), the former (¹) meshes
with the spur wheel (3) carried by the horizontal shaft (1) termed the pug mill
driving shaft the latter (12) gears with the spur wheel (m) upon the overhead
shaft (m) of press. (1) is the pug mill driving shaft, upon the inner end of which
is arranged the mitre gear wheel (m²) to mesh with a corresponding wheel (m³)
secured to the vertical shaft (5) of pug mill. The bevel gear pinion wheel (m²)
upon the outer end of shaft (14) meshes with the bevel gear wheel (n) carried by
the vertical crank shaft arranged at one side of machine. Two mitre wheels (n)
and (2) meshing with each other, communicate motion from said crank shaft to a
horizontal shaft (n³) arranged beneath the sliding table. Two pillow blocks, similar
to () are secured to the foundation plate to carry said shaft, and there is also a
bearing (o) formed in one of the. legs of the bed (g) for the same purpose.
(o) and (o) are two cams made fast to said shaft (n³), one for each pair of
uplifting plungers which work in the moulds of sliding table.
The mechanism for advancing the bricks from the moulding machine to the
press, and from the latter to delivering rollers, consists of a crank disc (2) keyed
to cam shaft (n³). (03) is a crank pin secured in said disc. (o) and (p) are two.
rocking shafts. (p) a crank arm, and (2) a rod connected to the pin (03) and the
crank arm ('), one end of which is secured to shaft (p).
The rocking shafts (0%) and (p) are supported by bearings similar to (p³) and (p³),
two for each shaft.
rocking shafts (org)
(p) and (p) are two lever arms keyed one to each of the
and (p). (g) and (g) are two links jointed to said lever arms. The other ends of
the links are connected respectively by means of pins to the knuckle joints (91)
and (g) which are extended from sliding blocks (2) and (2), provided each with
two eyes one in each side to engage four guide rods lettered (q³), two for each
sliding block. They are held rigidly (in the position shewn) by the bars (9)
and (4) extended across, and secured by bolts to the flanges of the side frames (a³)
and (a). (r) (r) and (1) are three mitre wheels, the first secured to the shaft (01),
the second to the shaft (p), the third being carried by a short spindle which is
turned cylindrically true, and fitted into the bearing provided in the bracket (1)
projected from the bed block () beforementioned.
To the overhead shaft (m) of press are affixed two eccentrics similar to the one
marked () (Fig. 2) set at opposite angles and embraced by the straps (3) and (3),
to which are connected four plungers lettered (1), two for each pair of moulds
formed in the tables (s) and (s) of press.
These tables are held rigidly in position by bolts passed through two flanges

page_text: formed upon each table, and also through lugs or ribbed flanges lettered (s'),
projected from the sides (6) and (61) and partition (12) of press.
The four down pressing plungers of the press (each lettered (14)) are bored and
faced to oscillate freely upon a pin such as (s2) (Figure 2) having square ends
rigidly secured in, and across a recess formed in each of the upper cross heads (53)
and (3). The four uplifting plungers (each lettered (s)) are carried by the two
lower cross heads (t) and (t) (two plungers upon each of the latter) which are
connected with the upper cross heads (3) and (3) by four bolts lettered (t').
(12) (12) (2) and (2) are four cast iron dies having recessed ends to allow them to
be connected by screws to the aforesaid upper cross heads (53) and (s³).
Four dies similar to (t³) are bolted one to each of the plungers of the lower cross
heads and are similar in form to those upon the down pressing plungers.
Two guideways similar to (14) and (*) are bolted to each of the two sides of press,
and two to each side of the partition to steady the four cross heads (5³) (5³) (1)
and (t). One strip of each pair of guideways may be adjusted by means of two set
screws such as (u), Figure 11.
The pressing surface of each of the dies herein described is fitted with a
rectangular shaped plate (such as (u')) Figures 2 and 4 secured by two screws.
These plates carry cach a brass plate (u) which is secured thereto by countersunk
set screws, and form the frog in the faces of the bricks.
A rectangular shaped chest is formed in the body of each die, into which
steam is admitted for the purpose of heating the moulds, by which means a better
finish or skin is given to the bricks.
The steam chests in each pair of down pressing dies, communicate with each other
and also with the chests in the dies of the uplifting plungers by bent tubes of small
diameter, a flexible tube forming the connection between each set of dies.
(u³) and (u³) are square boxes provided each with four recesses such as (u)
(Figures 2 and 10) to receive four volute or helical springs sim... to the one
lettered (v). Each of the springs is made to resist pressure of 5 tons.
(¹) and (v) are two caps which rest upon said springs, and stand clear of the
boxes one inch and three eighths each time the dies are not employed in compressing
the clay. By the use of these springs the bricks in the moulds of the press table
are compressed without any jar or vibration.
The boxes have each two lugs at the bottom edges to allow them to be bolted to
faced seatings upon the foundation plate of machine.
(v2) and (2) are two inclined discharge tables carrying each three rollers similar
to (3). The ends of each of the latter are fitted into recesses or bearings formed
in the arms or brackets secured to, and projected from the tables of the press.
The following figures represent the pitches, diameters, number and width of
teeth of the various pinion and spur wheels, mitre and bevel gear pinions of our
apparatus.
Pinion wheel (k) upon driving shaft (1³)
-
diameter (p. 1.) –
pitch
.width of teeth
number of teeth
8 inches
2
4
12
وو
"

page_text: high rate of speed without disastrous results, nor could the output of bricks with the
sliding moulds be more than one for every stroke of each mould.
Now in our machine four bricks are moulded and pressed during each stroke of
the sliding table, and each revolution of the driving shaft (3), consequently,
33,000 bricks can be pressed per diem of 10 hours, with the employment of an engine
of 10 horse power.
The various pillow blocks herein described are provided with cylindrically
formed brasses, and caps, and are bedded upon faced seatings in their respective
positions.
The foundation plate, frame of machine, sliding table and its bed, pug mill
cylinder, column (c³), cross heads and guide ways are made entirely of cast iron,
the different shafts are of rolled steel, and the faces upon the dies and moulds are
of shear steel, the springs of spring steel, the eccentrics and plungers as also the
blades of pug mill, are of cast steel, whilst, the various bolts, arms, the crank disc,
and levers are of wrought iron.
The clay from which the bricks are manufactured requires in general, no previous
preparation beyond that given by the ordinary crushing rollers, and, in some cases
may be put into the machine direct from the pit, unless it contains stones, when it
is passed through a pair of rollers.
The operation of pugging, moulding, pressing and delivering is as follows:-The
clay when introduced into the cylinder (²) is forced downwardly by the blades (g)
and the spreaders (g¹) into the two pairs of moulds in sliding table. Each pair of
these moulds is charged alternately, that is to say, whilst the table is momentarily
stopped at each end of its stroke. The table is then reciprocated by the crank
shaft (i) imparting motion to the rod (), the collar (3) then engages the oscilla-
ting eye piece (h¹). The moulds remain charged until the table reaches the
termination of its outer stroke where it remains momentarily stopped until the other
collar (4) engages the eye piece (¹) to return the table to its instroke. During
the foregoing stoppage of the table at the outstroke, the shaft (n³) lifts the cam (o¹),
which consequently raises two plungers (05) and (0") as shewn at Fig. 9, thereby
lifting the two moulded bricks level with the surface of the sliding table, from which
position they are pushed forwardly by the sliding block (92) towards the press, to
be moved into the moulds in the press table (s) by the two bricks subsequently
moulded and uplifted from the said moulds (93) and (93) in table (92) and pushed by
the same sliding block (2).
During this operation of uplifting the bricks and delivering them to the press the
other two moulds (93) and (93) are charged with clay by the pug mill. The table
is then reciprocated to its instroke position, by reason of the crank imparting motion
to the rod which brings the collar (4) into contact with the eye piece (¹), then
the shaft (n) lifts the cam (o'), which acting upon the plungers (05) and (05), the
bricks are uplifted and advanced towards the press in a manner similar to that
previously described in connection with the beforementioned moulds at the outstroke
end of sliding table. These moulds being again charged, the table is reciprocated
as before stated to the outstroke, when the moulded bricks are uplifted, and
advanced by sliding block (72) of the delivering mechanism, which pushes the two
bricks previously formed into two moulds of press and between the dies (2) and (2)
(3) and (3) where they are effectually pressed. The bricks are uplifted from the
moulds of the press to the surface of its table and pushed on the rollers (v³) of
discharge table by two subsequently formed bricks. The filling of the other moulds (93)
and (3) is performed in a precisely similar manner, then the table is reciprocated,
and the bricks are discharged therefrom and afterwards moved to the press by the
sliding block (92) of the delivery mechanism and discharged upon the rollers (v³) of
table (s) by the forward movement of two subsequently formed bricks.
As the dies and plungers for each pair of moulds in press descend, the lower cross
heads bear upon the caps (1) and (v) whereby the springs (v) within the boxes (u³)
and (3) are depressed, this forming a solid bed for the cross heads during each
compession.

page_text: Having particularly described and explained the nature of our said invention
and the manner in which the same is to be performed, what we desire to secure by
Letters Patent is,―
Firstly. In an apparatus such as herein described the combination and arrange-
ment of a sliding table (92) having two or four moulds formed therein, with a press
having a corresponding number of moulds, and also with a pug mill, substantially as
herein described and as illustrated in our drawings.
Secondly. The combination and arrangement of a crank shaft (i) vertically
arranged at one side of moulding machine to actuate the sliding table (9³) by means
of a rod (h) with the collars (3) and (4) to alternately engage the eye piece (h¹)
at one end of said table substantially as herein described and as illustrated in our
drawings.
Thirdly. The combination and general arrangement of the two rocking shafts (o)
and (p) (worked by crank disc) geared to work alternately the levers (p) and (p)
provided with links (9) and (9) and sliding blocks (12) and (92) guided each by two
rods, whereby the moulded bricks are advanced from the sliding table to the press
and thence to the rollers of discharge tables, substantially as herein described and
as illustrated in our drawings.
Dated this 18th day of November 1890.
S. S. BROMHEAD,
97, Newgate Street, London, E.C., Patent Agent.
S. S. BROMHEAD,
97, Newgate Street, London, E.C., Patent Agent.