An Improved Mode of and Apparatus for Moulding and Pressing Bricks, Tiles, and other articles, whether Flat or Cupped.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 13th May, 1890
Complete Specification Left. 13th Feb.. 1891-Accepted. 21st Mar., 1891
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Mode of and Apparatus for Moulding and Pressing
Bricks, Tiles, and other articles, whether Flat or Cupped.
I, WILLIAM WEST, of 18, Albion Street, Leeds, in the County of York,
Tailor and Draper, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
The principle object of the invention is to enable cleaner corners and a cleaner
surface or surfaces to be left on the moulded articles. The invention also, amongst
other matters, deals with the difficulties which are encountered in getting the dies
to part from the moulded material, without damaging the edges or surface or
surfaces by drawing portions away with them. Suppose, for example, it is wished
to mould a tile-I use a cential die, smaller than the tile, fixing it on a suitable
head with its face pointing downwards. This die I surround with one or more
sleeves (of any desired transverse section) which fit around or over the central die
and one another. The outermost sleeve being shaped to the outline of the tile,
whatever such may be.
In making embossed tiles the dividing lines between the die and the sleeve-
dies may with advantage be made to coincide where practicable with the ornamen-
tation.
To the sleeve or sleeves I give, say by gravity, or by springs, a power of
advancing downwards one along the other through suitable distances which may be
regulated by a series of stops. A contrary stronger pressure against these sleeve-
dies will raise them against an upper stop, when they will all present a level or
other defined face.
Below these dies I arrange an outer mould of the shape of the outermost die
(i.e. the shape of the tile) and I mount it on a suitably guided frame which works
up & down in a true line with the dies overhead. The base of this outer mould
is a separate piece, fitted with a central spindle, suitably guided below, and it is so
arranged that it can advance into the interior of the mould and so effect the
ejection of the contents. When this base rests in its lowest position in the mould
it does so on a mitred edge, so that the whole bottom is airtight as long as the
base is held down on its valve-like seat; otherwise the bottom of the mould is
open.
Supposing now the proper weight of material to be placed in the mould and
the whole advanced to a pre-arranged point against the overhead dies. It will
follow-seeing that the outermost sleeve-die fits into the mould-that a tile will
now have been pressed into shape.
My apparatus is so arranged that as the mould recedes the outermost sleeve
travels down for some little distance along with it, and thus the whole surface of
the dies does not seek to leave the pressed surface at one and the same time; by
this means the air is the better enabled to enter between the dies and the moulded
article and the tendency to tear away the edges or surface of the article is thus
lessened. Whilst the mould is descending I arrange that the ejecting base shall be
firmly held down so as to be quite airtight on its valve-like seat in order to ensure
the withdrawal of the tile from off the die faces by the vacuum below. The
holding down of this base is accomplished by making it or its spindle advance at
the far end of the stroke against a stop governed by a spring or by gravity, and
the recoil of this during the corresponding part of the return stroke effects the
desired object.
When the mould has descended sufficiently the ejecting base is raised and the
tile is pushed out ready for the attendant to take away.

page_text: In some cases it may be found advisable to apply heat to the ejecting base to
facilitate the parting of the tile from off it.
The machinery for advancing the mould against the overhead dies is of secondary
importance as it can be accomplished by a variety of means.
A satisfactory way because simpler than using an hydraulic or other press, and
less costly than using a revolving table with multiple moulds, is got by using a
base-plate from out of which spring two steel or wrought iron straining posts. At
the top of these posts is fixed an adjustable stationary crosshead on which is
mounted the central die which carries the sleeve-dies. These posts also form
the guides for the lower frame which carries the mould.
The upper ends of a set of toggle levers are attached to this moving frame
whilst their lower ends are connected below with the base plate. A connecting
rod actuated by a suitably geared crank moves the toggle levers in and out of
line with the guide posts, and thus the main parts of the press and its movements
are obtained.
As the lower crosshead descends, the ejecting spindle comes in contact with a
stop which effects the ejection.
In some cases air may with advantage be supplied through the central die and
in any case the sleeves should have ventilating holes made in them.
In moulding bricks, with a recessed face: make or prefer to make the central
die to suit the recessed part, and the sleeve to suit the flat part that projects and
reaches therefrom to the edges.
In some cases a modification of the upper sleeve arrangement may be fitted to
the ejector to ensure a better release of the article from off its face.
In moulding a cupped article, say such as a saucer or plate I make the central
lie deal with the central flat whilst a sleeve or sleeves deals with the remainder.
The use of a heated ejector would prevent the formation of any vacuum
prejudicial to the removal of the moulded article from off it.
The relative positions of the dies & ejector may be reversed.
Dated this 19th dow of Mov 1900
WILLIAM SNOWDON,
9, Old Bank Chambers, Leeds, Yorks, Agent for the Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Mode of and Apparatus for Moulding and Pressing
Bricks, Tiles, and other articles, whether Flat or Cupped.
I, WILLIAM WEST, of 18, Albion Street, Leeds, in the County of York,
Tailor & Draper, do hereby declare the nature of this invention, and in what manner
the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and
by the following statement :-
(1) The principle object of the invention is to enable cleaner corners and a
cleaner surface, or surfaces, to be left on the moulded articles. The invention also
amongst other matters, deals with the difficulties which are encountered in getting
the dies to part from the moulded material, without damaging the edges or surface,
or surfaces, by drawing portions_away with them. Suppose, for example, it is
wished to mould a (floor) tile :-I use a central die, smaller than the tile, fixing it
on a suitable head with its face pointing downwards. This die I surround with
one or more sleeves (of any desired transverse section) which fit around or over
the central die and one another. The outermost sleeve being shaped to the outline
of the tile, whatever such may be.
(2) In making embossed tiles the dividing lines between the die and the sleeve-
dies may with advantage be made to coincide, where practicable, with the
ornamentation.
(3) To the sleeve, or sleeves, I give, say by gravity, or by springs, a power of

page_text: advancing downwards, one along the other, through suitable distances which may
be regulated by a series of stops. A contrary stronger pressure against these
sleeve-dies will raise them against an upper stop, when they will all present a level
or other defined face.
(4) Below these dies I arrange an outer mould of the shape of the outermost
die (ie. the shape of the tile) and I mount it on a suitably guided frame which
works up and down in a true line with the dies overhead. The base of this outer
mould is a separate piece, fitted with a central spindle suitably guided below, and
it is so arranged that it can advance into the interior of the mould and so effect
the ejection of the contents. When this base rests in its lowest position in the
mould it does so on a mitred edge, so that the whole bottom is airtight as long as
the base is held down on its valve-like seat; otherwise the bottom of the mould is
open.
(5) Supposing now the proper weight of material to be placed in the mould-and
It will
the whole advanced to a pre-arranged point against the overhead dies.
follow-seeing that the outermost sleeve-dic, fits into the mould-that a tile will
now have been pressed into shape.
(6) My apparatus is so arranged that as the mould recedes the outermost sleeve
travels down for some little distance along with it, and thus the whole surface of
the dies does not seek to leave the pressed surface at one and the same time; by
this means the air is the better enabled to enter between the dies and the moulded
article, and the tendency to tear away the edges or surface of the article is thus
lessened. Whilst the mould is descending 1 arrange that the ejecting base shall
be firmly held down so as to be quite airtight on its valve-like seat in order to
ensure the withdrawal of the tile from off the die faces by the vacuum below.
The holding down of this base is accomplished by making it or its spindle advance
at the far end of the stroke against a stop governed by a spring or by gravity, and
the recoil of this during the corresponding part of the return stroke effects the
desired object.
(7) When the mould has descended sufficiently the ejecting base is raised and
the tile is pushed out ready for the attendant to take away.
(8) In some cases it may be found advisable to apply heat to the ejecting base to
facilitate the parting of the tile from off it.
(9) The machinery for advancing the mould against the overhead dies is of
secondary importance as it can be accomplished by a variety of means.
(10) A satisfactory way because simpler than using an hydraulic or other press,
and less costly than using a revolving table with multiple moulds, is got by using
a base-plate from out of which spring two steel or wrought iron straining posts.
At the top of these posts is fixed an adjustable stationary crosshead on which is
mounted the central die, which carries the sleeve-dies. These posts also form the
guides for the lower frame which carries the mould.
(11) The upper ends of a set of toggle levers are attached to this moving frame
whilst their lower ends are connected below with the base-plate. A connecting
rod actuated by a suitably geared crank moves the toggle levers in and out of line
with the guide posts, and thus the main parts of the press and its movements are
obtained.
(12) As the lower crosshead descends, the ejecting spindle.comes in contact with
a stop which effects the ejection.
(13) In some cases air may with advantage be supplied through the central die
and in any case the sleeves should have ventilating holes made in them.
(14) In moulding bricks, with a recessed face, I make or prefer to make the
central die to suit the recessed part, and the sleeve to suit the flat part that projects
and reaches therefrom to.the edges.
(15) In some cases a modification of the upper sleeve arrangement may be fitted
to the ejector to ensure a better. release of the article from off its face.
(16) In moulding a.cupped, article, say such as a saucer, or plate, I make the

page_text: central die deal with the central flat whilst a sleeve, or sleeves, deals with the
remainder.
(17) The use of a heated ejector would tend to prevent the formation of any
vacuum prejudicial to the removal of the moulded article from off it.
(18) The relative positions of the dies ejector may be reversed.
In order more fully to explain my invention I have annexed three sheets of
drawings, on which the same letters refer to the same parts, or their equivalents, in
all the figures.
Fig. 1 is a sectional elevation of a compound sleeve &c. suited for pressing a
floor tile, the various parts being shown in the positions occupied when the pressure
is on.
Fig. 2 is a corresponding elevation of the same compound sleeve shown in the
positions taken up after the tile has been withdrawn out of contact.
Fig. 3, shows, in plan, how compound sleeves may be arranged to suit different
outlines as referred to in Paragraph 2.
Fig. 4 shows, in half sectional elevation, a compound sleeve arranged in a
modified form, viz. by making the outer sleeve the fixture and causing the inner
sleeves to slide therein and upon one another.
Fig. 5 shows a panelled brick under pressure, in sectional elevation, and
Fig. 6 correspondingly shows the same with the pressure removed.
Fig. 7 shows a saucer under pressure, in sectional elevation, and
Fig. 8 correspondingly shows it when ejected.
Fig. 9 shows, in side sectional elevation, a general arrangement of the main parts
of a machine suited for giving the pressure required, and for withdrawing and
ejecting the moulded article; that shown being a panelled brick in end view.
A is the central die, B is the crosshead, and C1, C2, and C³, represent three
sleeves (there may be any number), all referred to in Paragraph 1.
Referring to Paragraph 3, D', D2, and D³ are springs for actuating the different
sleeves, and d', d², and d³ are the corresponding stops for them. When pressure
is applied to the faces of the sleeves they fall back against the crosshead B,
and against one another. The manner in which the sleeves move is clearly seen
by inspecting Fig. 1, and Fig. 2. In Fig. 4 the sleeves are pushed outward by
the springs shown; when pressure is applied to their faces they fall back against
the stepped stops d', d², and d³.
Referring to Paragraph 4, E is the outer mould, F the guided frame, G the
ejecting base resting on a valve-like seat, and G' the ejecting spindle.
Paragraph 5 is explained by Fig. 1, which shows a tile under pressure.
Paragraph 6 The first part will be explained by inspecting the lower_parts
of Fig. 2 and Fig. 4. The remainder will be understood by inspecting Fig. 9.
where H represents an adjustable rod which extends upwards from the counter-
balanced ejecting lever, K, and brings it in touch with one of the sleeves C.
Hence, when the outer mould &c. is withdrawn from the dies the springs of the
descending sleeves, acting through these rods H, hold the ejecting base down on
its airtight seat, for the requisite period.
Referring to Paragraph 7, the ejecting base may be raised, see Fig. 9, by the
counterbalanced lever K, which is coupled to the said base, striking the toe of the
tappet L, attached to the lower toggle lever; as soon as this release is given
the counterweight carries the moulded article to the desired height out of the
mould, a chain M being provided for the purpose of regulating this height.
The heat referred to in Paragraph 8, may be got by introducing steam through
the spindle G' into the space G2, Figs. 1 and 7 & 8.
O is the base plate and P, P, are the straining posts referred to in Paragraph 10
(B being the head or stationary crosshead, previously referred to, which carries
the die A. &c.).
Qand Q' are the upper and lower toggle levers and R is the connecting rod
which pulls them in and out of line with the posts P, P, all referred to in

page_text: Faragraph 11,
The lower toggle. Joint has its bearing, in the bracket 1, WHICH
is held in its place by the post P, P, which run through to the top of the machine
and thus deal with all the heavy strains.
The toe of the tappet L is arranged to give way upwards if the lever K gets
below it at any time.
The air referred to in Paragraph 13 may be admitted by valves S as shown in
Figs. 1, 2, 5, and 6.
All sleeves should have holes in them, after the manner shown in Figs. 1
and 4.
Paragraphs 14 and 15 are fully explained by Figs. 5 and 6, in which a spring-
actuated sleeve arrangement is applied both to the upper, and the lower ejecting
die. Where there is room for them further sleeves could be arranged in like
manner.
".
Paragraph 16 is met by Figs. 7 and 8, in which the manner of dealing with a
saucer is set out.
Plates, saucers, &c., are practically flat articles and therefore are specially difficult
to deal with when they have to be ejected on account of their thinness and the
extent of their bases which cling to the ejector. A central die A with one or more
sleeves, C', deals with the upper surface (the one sleeve shown might be divided
at the dotted line into two, C', and C2, Fig. 7, right hand side; or part of the
flat might be dealt with by another sleeve). In cases in which it is thought
desirable to revolve the central die I fit it with a sliding key arrangement, and by
that means revolve the sleeve also, as shown. In Fig. 7, A¹ is the guiding mandrel
surrounding the central shaft A, and A³ the key. The shaft should be revolved by
a belt-driven worm and worm-wheel. In order to facilitate the parting of the
article from the base I introduce an inner ejecting disc C4 (see Fig. 7) or a disc
and one or more outer sleeves (according to the size of the article) may be intro-
duced as shown at C4, and C5, on the right hand side only of Fig. 7. These are
pressed up by springs of a light character, and of such a length as not to thrust
their head-pieces too far out.. When outer sleeves are, arranged the steam space
at G2, has of course to be given up. The modus operandi is as follows:-On the
lower cupped moulds is placed a proper quantity of material; these then advance
against the top dies, and press the article into shape. On withdrawing the lower
moulds the article remains pressed thereon-the springs not having strength to
re-assert themselves and force it off. When however the counterweighted lever K,
touching the tappet L, gets released, the ejector rises with considerable speed and
being brought up suddenly by the chain M the shock assists the springs to release
the article which is then held up as shown in Fig. 8.
A similar action to this last explained assists the springs in the ejecting base in
Fig. 5.
Although I have laid stress on the value of the valve-like seat at the foot of the
ejector it must be noted that in certain cases its value may be nil; for instance, the
weight of the panelled brick and the friction in the mould will prevent its being
pulled upwards by any vacuum; again, in the saucer shaped dies, in Fig. 7, the
seat becomes practically a common stop, because at the rounded edge of the article,
air might be drawn from the top.
I
may state that innumerable arrangements of compound sleeves could be arranged
both in the dies and in the moulds or ejecting bases, and the illustrations must be
taken as examples only.
The general arrangements and many of the details of the machine shown in my
Complete Specification 6704 May 1st 1890 apply equally to this present machinery,
but it must be understood that I here claim nothing already covered by those
claims which were however for a different purpose-that is, for moulding hollow
vessels.
When a sleeve is revolved the downward pressure laid thereon should be applied
through rollers.

page_text: Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
(1) The use, in pressing bricks, flat tiles, or other articles whether flat or cupped,
of compound sleeve dies, fitted with springs and regulating stops, whether arranged
in or around the die itself, or in the ejecting base, with the object and for the
purpose set forth.
(2) The general arrangements of compound sleeves shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 4,
substantially as described, with the object and for the purpose set forth.
(3) The combination of parts forming the brick-press moulds, viz., a central
panel die, with a rectangular outer sleeve, pressing against a lower central ejecting
die, fitted with an outer sleeve-or when pressing against a solid ejecting base-
with the object and for the purpose set forth.
(4) The mode of dealing with a circular article, whether flat or cupped, say, for
example, saucer-shaped, after the manner shown in Figs. 7 and 8, consisting of
pressing material against a compound die, or against a simple one revolved, so that
the article is left on lower mould; after which the ejecting base is raised rapidly
against a stop which results in the blow releasing the springs of one or more con-
centric parts of the ejecting base, which, then, raising themselves, hold out the
pressed article so that it can be removed therefrom.
(5) The combination of a heated ejecting plate and a central delivering disc
actuated by a light spring substantially as described and shown in Fig. 8 with the
object and for the purpose set forth.
(6) The general arrangement of parts shown in side view in Fig. 9, when applied
to pressing flat articles, or articles having the characteristics of flat ones, consisting
.. of a moving frame F, toggle levers Q base plate O, straining and guide posts P,
counterweighted ejecting lever K and tappet L substantially as described.
Dated this 19th day of February 1801
WM.
SNOWDON,
9, Old Bank Chambers, Leeds, Yorks, Agent for the Applicant.