IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF BRICKS, TILES, SLABS, AND OTHER LIKE ARTICLES, AND IN THE MATERIALS AND MACHINERY OR APPARATUS EMPLOYED THEREIN
Year: 1868

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Thomas West Walker, of Poole, in the County
of Dorset, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE
OF BRICKS, TILES, SLABS, AND OTHER LIKE ARTICLES, AND IN THE MATERIALS
AND MACHINERY OR APPARATUS EMPLOYED THEREIN."
Sealed the 31st July 1868, and dated the 5th February, 1868.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Thomas West Walker
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition,
on the 5th February 1868.
I, THOMAS WEST WALKER, of Poole, in the County of Dorset, do
hereby declare the nature of my said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
THE MANUFACTURE OF BRICKS. TILES, SLABS, AND OTHER LIKE ARTICLES, AND
IN THE MATERIALS AND MACHINERY OR APPARATUS EMPLOYED THEREIN," to be
as follows, that is to say:-
This Invention relates to a peculiar construction, arrangement, and
combination of machinery or apparatus for moulding and compressing
plain or ornamental bricks, tiles, slabs, and other like articles composed
of plastic or of semi-dried material; also to a peculiar composition or
Price I

page_text: compound from which tiles, slabs, and other similar articles may be
manufactured; also to an improved manufacture of ornamental tile.
The improved moulding and compressing machine consists of a fixed
bed plate having a smooth surface, upon which the material to be
moulded or compressed is placed between two upright plates or wipers
which travel over the surface of the bed plate; the front wiper moves
to and fro in contact with the surface of the bed plate and has no
vertical movement, whilst the back plate or wiper has not only a hori-
zontal motion in contact with the surface of the bed plate but also a
vertical movement in order that it may be elevated slightly above the
bed plate. Both plates or wipers are provided with means for lubricating
them and facilitates their passage over the bed plate. After the
material has been placed on the bed plates the back wiper is caused to
descend by its own gravity, it being attached to a chain passing over
a pulley on each side, such chains being connected to a pair of horizontal
sliding rods, which rods on being moved inwards allows the wiper to
descend, and when drawn outwards accomplish the elevation of the
said wiper. Beneath these two sliding rods are two other rods, which
are so connected with the upper pair that they will commence to move
inwards after the the upper rods have made a portion of their traverse.
To the inner ends of the lower rods is connected the front wiper, and
consequently it follows that by the time the back wiper has descended on
to the bed plate the front wiper commences to move towards the back
of the machine in company with the back wiper. The object of the
horizontal movement of the two wipers is two-fold, namely, to bring
the fresh material in a proper position under a vertical plunger, herein-
after referred to, which is accomplished by the front wiper, and to
remove the moulded articles out of the way, which is effected by the
back wiper. This latter wiper is elevated in order that it may pass
clear over the fresh material on the bed plate in its return movement,
it being elevated again before the wipers commence to return. The
to-and-fro horizontal motion of the wipers is produced by the aid of a
counterweight in conjunction with a chain connected to a cross bar on
the outer ends of the upper pair of sliding rods, such chain passing over
a wheel or segment on a rocking shaft situate underneath the bed plate.
This shaft is actuated by a pair of vertical sliding rods connected to
the crosshead of the plunger, such rods acting upon short lever arms
keyed on to each end of the rocking shaft. The lower ends of the two
vertical rods each carry a hinged catch so arranged as to act upon the

page_text: lever arms only, whilst the cross head and plunger are rising.
The
plunger works in connection with a moulding box or frame, the latter
being made to descend and enclose the clay before the the plunger comes
into action, as described in the Specification of a Patent granted to me
on the 17th day of December 1860, No. 3101. In order that the plunger
may fit the frame perfectly air-tight during its descent, and be slack or
free when rising, I so dispose the packing that the pressure or descent
of the plunger itself shall cause it to expand and fit tightly inside the
frame, but shall contract again when the plunger rises. In order to
effect the instantaneous stoppage of the machine when required I
propose to combine with the strap shifter a break, which simultaneously
with the shifting of the driving strap from the fast to the loose pulley
shall be applied to the periphery of a fly wheel on the driving shaft,
which is bevelled for that purpose. In order to allow of the escape of
the superfluous clay or material I form what I call "spirt" holes either
in the bed plate or in the frame, which holes are closed just before the
final pressure is applied.
My improved composition or compound for the manufacture of plain
or ornamental tiles and slabs consists of a mixture of burnt, ground, or
pulverised clay or other suitable earthy matter with any of the well-
known "frits," and with starch or other suitable glutinous material,
the whole being reduced to a plastic state by the addition of water
thereto and ground together or not as required.
I produce ornamental tiles by punching or stamping one or more
openings through the tile, and filling in such opening or openings after
the tile has been burnt with mosaic work or ornamental devices or
patterns otherwise obtained.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said Thomas West Walker in the Great Seal Patent
Office on the 5th August 1868.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, THOMAS
WEST WALKER, of Poole, in the County of Dorset, send greeting.
WHEREAS 'Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Fifth day of February, in the year

page_text: of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-eight, in the thirty-
first year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors,
give and grant unto me, the said Thomas West Walker, Her special
license that I, the said Thomas West Walker, my executors, adminis-
trators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said Thomas West Walker,
my executors, administrators, or assigns, should at any time agree
with, and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter
during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make,
use, exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF BRICKS, TILES, SLABS, AND OTHER
LIKE ARTICLES, AND IN THE MATERIALS AND MACHINERY OR APPARATUS EMPLOYED
THEREIN," upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said Thomas
West Walker, my executors or administrators, 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 Thomas West Walker, do hereby
declare the nature of my 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 accompanying
Drawings, and to the letters and figures marked thereon, that is to
say:
.
My said Invention relates to a peculiar construction, arrangement,
and combination of machinery or apparatus for moulding and com-
pressing plain or ornamental bricks, tiles, slabs, and other like articles
composed of plastic or of semi-dried material; also to a peculiar
composition or compound from which tiles, slabs, and other similar
articles may be manufactured; also to an improved manufacture of
ornamental tile.
The improved moulding and compressing machine consists of a
fixed bed plate having a smooth surface, upon which the material to
be moulded and compressed is placed in front of an upright plate or
wiper carried by two horizontal sliding rods and travelling to and fro
in contact with the surface of the bed plate; this plate or wiper is
provided with means for lubricating it and facilitating its passage over

page_text: and in contact with the bed plate. After the material has been placed
on the bed plate and in front of the said wiper the rods to which the
wiper is connected commence to move inwards, and consequently the
wiper moves towards the back of the machine, pushing the piece of
clay before it so as to bring the fresh material in a proper position
under a vertical plunger herein-after referred to, such piece of fresh
material pushing the previously moulded article out of the way and
presenting it to the attendant, who removes it from the machine. The
to-and-fro horizontal motion of the said wiper is produced by the aid of
a counterweight in conjunction with a chain connected to a cross bar
on the outer ends of the pair of sliding rods, such chain passing over
a wheel or segment on a rocking shaft situate underneath the bed plate.
This shaft is actuated by a pair of vertical sliding rods connected to
the cross head which gives motion to the plunger, such rods acting upon
short lever arms keyed on to each end of the rocking shaft. The lower
ends of the two vertical rods each carry a hinged catch so arranged
as to act upon the lever arms only whilst the cross head and plunger are
rising. The plunger works in connection with a moulding box or
frame, which descends and encloses the clay before the plunger begins
to act thereon, as described in the Specification of a Patent granted
to me, bearing date the Seventeenth day of December, One thousand
eight hundred and sixty, No. 3101. In order that the plunger may fit
the moulding box or frame perfectly air-tight during its descent, and
be comparatively slack or free when rising, I so dispose the packing
of the plunger that the resistance which the plunger encounters on
coming in contact with and compressing the clay causes the packing
to expand and fit tightly inside the moulding box or frame but allowing
such packing to contract again when the pressure is removed by the
rising of the plunger. In order to effect the instantaneous stoppage
of the machine when required I propose to combine with the strap
shifter a break which simultaneously with the shifting of the driving
strap from the fast to the loose pulley shall be applied to the bevelled
periphery of a fly wheel keyed on to the driving shaft. The superfluous
clay or material escapes through spirt" holes made in the bed plate
of the machine.
"
My improved composition or compound for the manufacture of plain
or ornamental tiles and slabs consists of ground or pulverized clay or
other suitable earthy matter, which is subsequently burned and mixed
with any of the well-known "frits" and with starch or other suitable

page_text: glutinous material, the whole being reduced to a plastic state by the
addition of water thereto, and ground together or not as required.
I produce ornamental tiles by punching or stamping one or more
openings through the tile, and filling in such opening or openings
after the tile has been burnt or at the time of laying with mosaic work
or ornamental devices or patterns otherwise obtained.
And in order that my said Invention may be fully understood I
shall now proceed more particularly to describe the same, and for that
purpose shall refer to the several Figures on the annexed Sheet of
Drawings, the same letters of reference indicating corresponding parts in
all the Figures.
Figure 1 of my Drawings represents a side elevation partly in section
of my improved machine for moulding and compressing bricks, tiles,
slabs, and other like articles; Figure 2 is a corresponding front elevation
of the same, also partly in section; Figure 3 is a sectional plan of the
machine taken along the line 1, 2, in Figure 1; Figure 4 represents
an enlarged sectional detail of the mould box and plunger in their
highest position; Figure 5 is a similar view shewing the mould
box and plunger in the act of compressing and moulding a brick;
and Figure 6 is a plan showing the arrangement of the expanding
packing.
A is the foundation plate upon which the moulding and com-
pressing machine stands, and B, B, are four upright pillars or supports
fitted at their lower ends into sockets cast on the foundation plate, and
at their upper ends into similar sockets cast on the top plate C, which
they serve to carry, whilst they also support the working table or bed
plate D. This table has a smooth surface to which are bolted the
bearings E, E, for the reception of the horizontal sliding rods F, F,
which carry the upright feeding plate or wiper G; this wiper G when
in its normal position remains near the feeding edge of the table, as
shown in Figure 1, being drawn back and maintained in that position
by a counterweight attached to the cord H, which passes over the
pulley I carried between uprights K. A spring buffer L is fitted to
the uprights K in order to deaden the shock of the return of the sliding
frame. The inward or feeding movement of the wiper G is effected by
the chain M in connection with a cross bar N attached to and coupling
together the front ends of the sliding rods F.
This chain passes
over and is secured to a quadrant O fast on a rocking shaft P

page_text: which works on bearings at Q underneath the table. The rocking
motion of this shaft is imparted to it by hinged or jointed tappits R
carried by the vertical sliding rods S, which are secured to each
end of and serve also to guide the main cross head T, which
transmits motion to the plunger U herein-after more particularly
referred to. The cross head T derives its vertical motion from a
connecting rod V and crank W on the crank shaft X working in the
bearings Y, Y, bolted to the top plate C. As the hinged tappits R
rise they come in contact with the under sides of two short arms Z
keyed one on each end of the rocking shaft P, and cause such shaft,
with the quadrant O, to turn partly and draw the sliding frame and
wiper G inwards, so as to bring the fresh piece of clay immediately
under the plunger and moulding box or frame a herein-after described.
The crank shaft X has keyed upon it a worm wheel b, which receives
motion from a worm c fast on the driving shaft d; this shaft
works in suitable bearings bolted to the top plate, and carries at one
end a fly wheel e, having a slightly bevelled edge, and at the opposite
end a pair of fast and loose driving pullies f, f¹. A sliding bar g
working in suitable guides on the surface of the top plate carries at
one end a fork or strap shifter h, and at the opposite end a block of
wood of a wedge shape, which when the bar g is slid longitudinally
in its guides by a lever handle (not shown in my Drawings) so as to
shift the strap on to the loose pulley f' is brought into forcible contact
with the slightly bevelled periphery of the fly wheel, and effects
thereby the immediate stoppage of the machine. A small oil reservoir k
in connection with a piece of felt or thick flannel secured to the
wiper G serves to lubricate the surface of the table over which it
reciprocates.
The mould box or frame a is made to suit the shape and dimensions
of the brick or other article to be produced, and is connected by
adjustable rods 1, 2, to the main cross head T; these rods are free to
slide through lugs 1, 1, formed on each end of the mould box, and
have enlarged heads formed on their lower extremities, so as to lift
the box when they rise. m, m, are helical springs which surround
the rods and bear at their lower ends upon the lugs of the mould
box, and at their upper ends against adjustable nuts n, n, on the
rods. By this arrangement when the cross head has descended suffi-
ciently far to bring the under bevelled edge of the mould box firmly
down upon the table the springs by yielding allow the cross head to

page_text: descend a little farther for the purpose herein-after explained, during
which additional descent the rods l, l, slide down through the lugs
(see Figure 5). If preferred the rods may be rigidly secured to the
mould box, and have a slight play through the cross head. As the
mould box is required to bear a considerable lateral strain during the
compression of the clay therein it should be made very strong, and
may for safety be hooped with wrought-iron bands, as shown in my
Drawings. Inside the mould box or frame a there is accurately
fitted a plunger or piston U, composed of two metal parts p and q.
The lower part q, which forms the pressing face, and which may be
left either perfectly plain or have letters or a trade mark or any
ornamental design engraved thereon, fits partly inside a cavity in the
upper plate p, to which it is held by screws. A portion of the lower
plate is bevilled, and between this bevilled part and a projecting
ledge on the part p are fitted four strips of vulcanized india-rubber 7,
which are mitred at the ends so as to fit together and form a rectangle
(see Figure 6); outside these four strips of india-rubber are fitted other
four strips of stout leather s, also mitred at the angles. The outer
surfaces of the leather strips are flush with the outer edges of the
metal plates p and q, and fit the interior of the mould box or frame
accurately. The under plate q is not rigidly secured to the plate p,
but is free to approach it still closer when subjected to the resistance
of the clay beneath it, which is confined by the surrounding walls of
the mould box or frame. To allow of this play of the face plate q a
clearance of about th of an inch is left between the upper edges of
the leather packing and the under face of the plate p. As the india-
rubber strips are closely confined between the two plates it follows
that when the lower one q is forced towards the upper one the india:
rubber will be caused to expand outwards and press the leather packing
more forcibly against the inner sides of the mould box, such lateral
expansion being further assisted by the incline or bevel on the under
plate q, consequently so long as the plunger meets with no great
resistance or is in the act of rising in the mould box the packing
will fit easily although with accuracy; but so soon as the lower
plate encounters resistance in an upward direction then the packing
expands under the action of such resistance, and fits the interior of
the mould box still more tightly to prevent any possible escape of
clay between the box and the plunger. To the top of the upper
plate p there is secured a hollow cylinder t, which is attached by

page_text: screws to the smaller cross head u, such cross head being made to
slide with some amount of friction along the fixed guide rods v, v,
by the aid of clip pieces or split collars w, w, which are tightened
together by screws and caused to grip the rods with any desired
amount of friction. The cross head u carrying the plunger is con-
nected with the main cross head T by the large headed pin or
bolt x, which is secured firmly to the said cross head T, whilst
its expanded head y works inside of but cannot escape from
the hollow cylinder t. It will thus be seen that the cross head u
with the plunger U will not commence to descend until the main
cross head T has descended sufficiently far to bring the head of the
pin or bolt x down to the bottom of the hollow cylinder and in
contact with the top plate p of the plunger. During this part of
the descent of the cross head T the mould box or frame is carried
down towards the table, such movement virtually bringing the plunger,
the under face of which had been previously flush with the bottom
of the box (see Figure 4), near to the upper edge thereof, so as to
leave an open mouthed cavity for the reception of the clay. In this
condition the plunger and box complete their descent together until
the box which encloses the clay deposited beneath it encounters the
surface of the table and can descend no further (see Figure 5); as
the crank however has not yet completed its stroke the plunger
descends a short distance within the stationary box, and by that means
compresses the clay therein, any excess of clay escaping down through
the " spirt "holes y', y', (see Figure 3). It is during this compression
of the clay that the packing of the plunger is caused to expand, as
herein-before described. So soon as the crank has turned the bottom
dead centre and begins to rise again, the pressure of the plunger is
relaxed, the heads of the rods lift the mould box causing it to slide
up the plunger until the newly compressed article is expelled from
the box, and the under face of the plunger is flush with the bottom
of the said box, in which condition the plunger and box will complete
their upward movement together, the head of the pin or bolt having
reached the upper end of the cylinder. The mould box or frame and
plunger are lubricated by keeping the upper portion of the box above
the top of the plunger well supplied with oil. As the plunger is
required to remain stationary during the commencement of the descent
of the mould box, it is requisite that the friction of the cross head u
which carries the plunger shall be sufficiently great to resist the

page_text: acture of Isles,
combined action of the dead weight of the plunger and the friction
of the sides of the mould box against it. By the time the plunger and
mould box have arrived at the limit of their upward movement a
fresh piece of clay which has been placed immediately in front of
the plate or wiper G on the table by the attendant is pushed forward
and moves the previously compressed article from under the plunger
and mould box, whilst it assumes the proper position for being moulded
and compressed at the next stroke of the crank, and so on.
Although have described a plunger with self-acting expanding
packing as being applied to a certain form or arrangement of moulding
and compressing machinery, it is obvious that the said peculiar self-
acting expanding packing may be equally applied to other machines
for compressing and moulding bricks, tiles, or other like articles
wherein a piston or plunger working within a mould box or frame
is employed.
In preparing my peculiar composition for the manufacture of plain
or ornamental tiles or slabs, I take about four parts by weight of burnt
clay dust or powder, and I mix therewith about one part by weight
of ground or powdered "frit;" I then add to the mass as much potatoe
or other starch or glutinous material in a semi-fluid state
cause the mass to adhere together when dry. When required for use
sufficient water is added to reduce the dry mass to a plastic state
or condition.
"
as will
The frit" I prefer to use consists of fourteen parts by weight of
white lead, thirteen parts by weight of "Cornish stone,'
five parts
by weight of soda of commerce, two parts by weight of borax, and
two parts by weight of nitre; these ingredients of the "frit" are fused
in the kiln and then reduced to powder by grinding. I may here
observe that I do not confine or restrict myself to the exact proportions
of the ingredients in my composition herein given, as they may be
varied according to circumstances; but the proportions I have mentioned
will be found to answer well in practice.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of my
said Invention, and the manner in which the same is or may be used
or carried into effect, I would observe in conclusion that what I consider
to be novel and original, and therefore claim as the Invention secured
to me by the herein-before in part recited Letters Patent is,-

page_text: First. The general construction, arrangement, and combination of
machinery or apparatus for the manufacture of bricks, tiles, slabs,
and other like articles, as herein-before described and illustrated by
my Drawings.
Second. The combination with the pistons or plungers of machines
for compressing bricks, tiles, slabs, and other like articles of a self-
acting expanding packing, arranged and operating substantially as
herein-before described.
Third. The moulding and compressing of bricks, tiles, slabs, and
other like articles on a bed plate or table by the aid of a mould
box or frame and piston or plunger, substantially as herein-before
described.
Fourth. The peculiar composition or compound for the manufacture
of plain or ornamental tiles and slabs, as herein-before described.
Fifth. The production or manufacture of ornamental tiles by
punching or perforating holes or openings through such tiles, according
to any desired pattern, and filling in such perforations at the time
of laying the said tiles with mosaic work, or with other tiles of a
more or less ornamental character, as herein-before described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Thomas West Walker, have to
this my Specification set my hand and seal, the Thirtieth day
of July, One thousand eight hundred and sixty-eight.
THOMAS WEST WALKER. (L.S.)