Improvements in or relating to Machines for Pressing and Forming Saggars or other Earthenware Articles.
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application, 13th Nov., 1899
Complete Specification Left, 13th Aug., 1900-Accepted, 15th Sept., 1500
Improvements in or relating to Machines for Pressing and Forming
Saggars or other Earthenware Articles.
I, JOSEPHI PULLAN GUY, of Armley House, Burslem, in the County of Stafford,
Managing Director of The Patent Hydraulic Saggar Brick and Marl Company
Limited, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:
This invention relates to machinery or apparatus for pressing and forming
saggars or other earthenware articles such as machinery of the character for which
I have received the grant of various patents of earlier date particularly Patent
No. 17068 of 1890.
Firstly my improvements relate to the method and means for or in connection
with the actuation of the machine by means of hydraulic power.
According to my present invention the ram head or table is supported and
operated by a main ram or rams centrally disposed thereunder as well as by an
auxiliary ram or rams advantageously two auxiliary rams of very much smaller
size than, and arranged on opposite sides, of, the main ram; the water supply, the
valves or equivalent and the connections leading from the water supply to the
rams respectively being such that at the starting of the press (the said ram head
or table being down to its lowest point of descent) on operating the valve or
valves water under pressure is admitted to the two small auxiliary rams while
at the same time waste water or water not under pressure (or only under slight
pressure) from another water supply is admitted to the large main ram until
the ram head has been raised into position to begin the pressing operation in
the mould whereupon said valves are operated (either automatically or by the
attendant) in suchwise that water under pressure is now admitted to the large
or main ram or rams while as regards the small auxiliary rams same may
continue to have water under pressure supplied thereto until the pressing opera-
tion is completed or said water under pressure may be cut off from the auxiliary
rams and waste water or water not under pressure (or only under slight pressure)
may be admitted to the auxiliary rams while the main ram is being operated by
the water under pressure during the actual pressing operation.
Thus I effect considerable economy in the amount of water under pressure
required for operating the press by means of the aforesaid small auxiliary rams
to do the light work--the main ram approximately only taking the water under
pressure during the actual pressing operation.
A further improvement in connection with this part of the machine is as
follows:-
"
"
"
Besides the aforesaid main and auxiliary lifting rams I employ 2 or other
uitable number of additional rams arranged to act as pull-down or pull-
back" rams. these pull-back rams being connected in any suitable manner to
the aforesaid ram head or table the connection and arrangement of these pull-
back rams being advantageously as follows
The pull-back rams are arranged on opposite sides of the main ram (between

page_text: the aforesaid auxiliary lifting rams) each pull-back ram or plunger being forced
downwards and extending some distance below the ram cylinder the lower end
of each said pull-back rau having a cross-head or T or equivalent fixed or formed
thereon the lower end of two or other suitable number of connecting rods being
bolted or otherwise suitably secured to each said pull-back ram cross-head while
the upper end of said connecting rods are connected to the aforesaid ram head
or table the said connecting rods being mounted in suchwise as thus to pass
clear of the pull back ram cylinder or cylinders (the water supply valves or
equivalent and connections from the water supply to the said pull-back rams
being such that the water in the said pull-back cylinders in kept at a constant
pressure and the exhaust water in the said pull-back cylindei is forced back
through the exhaust valve on to the main pressure by the greater pressure
generated by the larger lifting or auxiliary rams described above) and as soon
as the pressing operation is complete and it is desired to lower the main ram
head thereupon the valves leading to the pull-back rams are opened (either
automatically or by the attendant) and thereby the main ram is forced down
during which descent the exhaust valves are opened from the lifting rams.
The water supply valves and connections leading to both the lifting rams and
pull-back rams may be arranged as follows:-
Small valves leading to the auxiliary lifting rams are first opened to lift the
ram or table until the clay on the die comes in contact with the mould: then
pressure is applied through the main ram by opening a large valve.
Previous to the opening of the large valve to pressure and while the auxiliary
lifting rams are in motion the water is supplied to the large main ram cylinder
from a tank fixed above the machine this water running by gravity and suction
through the exhaust of the said large valve into the said main cylinder--this
large valve being always open to exhaust when the machine is at rest.
With regard to the pull-back rams (which latter may together advantageously
have an area only equal or thereabouts to one of the small auxiliary lifting rams)
the aforesaid small valves (leading to the auxiliary lifting rams) when the
machine is at rest being open to pressure on the said small pull-back rams and
the same valves to exhaust on the auxiliary lifting rams so that when the machine
is started by reversing the lever of the said small valve or valves pressure is
shut off from the pull-back rams and applied to the auxiliary lifting rams and
thereby the water is forced out of the cylinders of the pull-back rams and the
tuble is lifted into the pressing position and the main valve is opened and the
pressure applied to the large main ram and the pressing operation is completed
as already explained.
The pressure having been shut off by both the large and small valves from
the (three) lifting rams and in the act of reversing is opened to the pull-back
rams whereupon the table descends to the lowermost position again.
Many advantages are gained by using the auxiliary lifting rams a great saving
of power being obtained as the main pressure is only applied during the last
few inches of travel.
Further improvements according to the present invention are as follows:-
The vertical posts or pillars (two or more) on the upper end of which is
supported the heavy cross-head carrying the moulds are according to this part
of the present invention arranged and adapted to permit the crosshead to be
raised and lowered thereon advantageously by means of the screw-thread cut or
formed in the upper end of each said pillar on which are screwed large nuts or
equivalent both above and below the cross-head which is thereby supported
between said nuts and by means of the latter can be raised or lowered so us to be
thus exactly adjusted according to the height of the saggar or whole earthenware
article to be made.
The ends of the crosshead may be recessed so as to partly encircle the screwed
pillars or posts or same may be provided with holes adapted to fit over the screwed
part of said pillars,

page_text: In this crosshead four or other suitable number of adjusting screws are mounted
to serve as supports and adjusting screws for the moving stripper head or smaller
cross head or frame (which is mounted above the main crosshead) which is
raised and lowered by suitable rods connected to the ram or ram head this smaller
crosshead or movable frame being also connected to the stripper ring working
between the inner and outer mould-the connecting rods from the ram to said
movable frame being connected to the latter advantageously by means of a spring,
within a collar on the said movable frame, interposed between said frame and
a washer or nut or equivalent on the upper end of each said connecting rod
whereby a flexible connection is thus made between said rods and said movable
frame the travel of said springs being thus regulated.
The top frame for supporting the stripper ring may be made in the form of a
square frame supplemented by two cross bars the frame and the cross bars being
adjustable in relation to each other so that the same stripper rods may be used
with moulds of different sizes or shapes within the compass of the machine;
when in its bottom position this frame may rest upon four planed blocks which
are cast on the press head for the purpose.
The ram head or plunger is provided with removable plate or adjustable top
or acting surface thereon as aforesaid so that by changing such surface or altering
the position thereof thereby the thickness of the bottom of the hollow earthen-
ware article can be varied for instance the rain-head or plunger may be provided
with a suitable number of slots advantageously with four T-slots which are
provided with T-headed bolts for securing the said removable plate forming the
bottom die (ie. the acting surface of the ram head) in position and are with
equal ease adjusted for a die of any size or shape within the compass of the
muchine.
This bottom die is formed arranged or mounted on the rain head or plunger
in any suitable manner and advantageously in suchwise that the said ram head
will overlap the bottom edge of the outer mould so that when the pressing
operation is taking place the said plunger or die thereon cannot enter within the
outer mould beyond a certain distance and is then prevented from further enter-
ing said mould that is the movement of the one within the other is limited by
reason of my improved construction--but I do not confine myself to using this
lust-named improvement with any or all of the other improvements and vice-
versa.
A further improvement relates to means for getting off the made article from
the ram head or plunger or table thereon after said article has been pressed and
brought out of the mould.
For this purpose I arrange a band or device the inside vertical wall of which
corresponds in shape or thereabouts to the outside of the made article to be
removed for instance I may use a strip of sheet metal bent or formed to fit about
half way round the made article such device being carried on or adapted to slide
in a horizontal plane just across the top of the ram head or plunger or table
thereon when the latter is down for instance sume may be mounted on two
vertical rods adapted to slide transversely in the frame of the machine so that
when the made article is brought out of the mould thereupon the operator by
means of suitable handles grasps said device (or same may be otherwise operated→
mechanically if desired) and moves some horizontally and thereby draws the made
article smoothly off the table on to the saggar shord or other suitable removable
table or support by which same can be carried away-the said device being
advantageously returned into its normal position by means of a powerful spring
or otherwise as desired.
In the case of quarries or other articles such removing device would be adapted
and arranged to either conform to the shape of the article or otherwise engage and
remove same without injury thereto in any desired manner.
This removing device may be arranged to act as a medium for oiling the table
for instance same or part of same may at each operation receive a fresh charge

page_text: of oil from a suitable trough or vessel and also suitable means may be provided
for oiling the stripper or other parts of the machine where the clay comes in
contact with same.
This removing device may for some cases for instance in making hollow
earthenware articles such as saggars be provided with a stamping instrument or
projecting edge or edges for instance a sort of knife edge at each end which
will operate in advance of the removing device to free the clay from the edges
of the die or table on the plunger so as to thus facilitate the removal of the made
article from said die or table.
To prevent the wad clay being knocked off the top rim of the saggars (made
in this machine) when placed on each other the bottom of the saggar may be
flanged out in the following manner riz.-The outer mould is recessed in the
bottom part to give a greater circumference in the bottom of the saggar.
Dated this 19th dor of Navambau 190a
TONGUE & BIRKBECK,
Southampton Buildings, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant.
Improvements in or relating to Machines for Pressing and Forming
Saggars or other Earthenware Articles.
I, JOSEPH PULLAN GUY, of Armley House, Burslem, in the County of Stafford,
Managing Director of The Patent Hydraulic Saggar Brick and Marl Company
Limited, 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:-
This invention relates to machinery or apparatus for pressing and forming
saggars or other earthenware articles such as machinery of the character for which
I have received the grant of various patents of earlier date particularly Patent
No. 17008 of 1890.
Firstly my improvements relate to the method and means for or in connection
with the actuation of the machine by means of hydraulic power.
According to my present invention the ram head or table is operated by a
main ram or rams arranged thereunder as well as by an auxiliary ram or rams
advantageously two auxiliary rams of very much smaller size than and
arranged on opposite sides of, the main ram; the water supply, the
valves or equivalent and the connections leading from the water supply to the
rams respectively being such that at the starting of the press (the said ram head
or table being down to its lowest point of descent) on operating the valve or
valves water under pressure is admitted to the two small auxiliary rams while
at the same time waste water or water not under pressure (or only under slight
pressure) from another water supply is admitted to the large main ram until
the ram head has been raised into position to begin the pressing operation in
the mould whereupon said valves are operated (either automatically or by the
attendant) in suchwise that water under pressure is now admitted to the large
or main ram or rams while as regards the small auxiliary rams same may
continue to have water under pressure supplied thereto until the pressing opera-
tion is completed or said water under pressure may be cut off from the auxiliary
rams and waste water or water not under pressure (or only under slight pressure)
may be admitted to the auxiliary rams while the main ram is being operated by
the water under pressure during the actual pressing operation.

page_text: Thus I effect considerable economy in the amount of water under pressure
required for operating the press by means of the aforesaid small auxiliary rams
to do the light work-the main ram approximately only taking the water under
pressure during the actual pressing operation.
A further improvement in connection with this part of the machine is as
follows:-
"
or "
pull-
Besides the aforesaid main and auxiliary lifting rams I employ two or other
suitable number of additional rams arranged to act as "pull-down
back"
rams, these pull-back rams being connected in any suitable manner to
the aforesaid ram head or table the connection and arrangement of these pull-
buck rams being advantageously as follows:-
The pull-back rams are arranged on opposite sides of the main ram (between
the aforesaid auxiliary lifting rams) cach pull-back ram or plunger being forced
downwards and extending some distance below the ram cylinder the lower end
of each said pull-back ram having a cross-hend or Ț or equivalent fixed or formed
thereon the lower end of two or other suitable number of connecting rods being
bolted or otherwise suitably secured to each said pull-back ram cross-head while
the upper end of said connecting rods are connected to the aforesaid ram head
or table the said connecting rods being mounted in suchwise as thus to pass
clear of the pull back ram cylinder or cylinders (the water supply valves or
equivalent and connections from the water supply to the said pull-back rams
being such that the water in the said pull-back cylinders in kept at a constant
pressure and the exhaust water in the said pull-back cylinder is forced back
through the exhaust valve on to the main pressure by the greater pressure
generated by the larger lifting or auxiliary rams described above) and as soon
as the pressing operation is complete and it is desired to lower the main ram
head thereupon the valves leading to the pull-back rams are opened (either
automatically or by the attendant) and thereby the main ram is forced down
during which descent the exhaust valves are opened from the lifting rams.
The water supply valves and connections leading to both the lifting rams and
pull-back rams may be arranged as follows:--
Small valves leading to the auxiliary lifting rams are first opened to lift the
ram or table until the clay on the die comes in contact with the mould; then
pressure is applied through the main ram by opening the valve thereto.
Previous to the opening of the main ram valve lo pressure and while the auxiliary
lifting rams are in motion the water is supplied to the large main ram cylinder
from a tank fixed above the machine this water running by gravity and suction
through the exhaust of the said main ram valve into the said main cylinder--this
main ram valve being always open to exhaust when the machine is at rest.
With regard to the pull-back rams (which latter may together advantageously
have an area only equal or thereabouts to one of the small auxiliary lifting rams)
the aforesaid small valves (leading to the auxiliary lifting rams) when the
machine is at rest being open to pressure on the said small pull-back rums and
the same valves to exhaust on the auxiliary lifting rams so that when the machine
is started by reversing the lever of the said small valve or valves pressure is
shut off from the pull-back roms and applied to the auxiliary lifting rams and
thereby the water is forced out of the cylinders of the pull-back rams and the
table is lifted into the pressing position and the main valve is opened and the
pressure applied to the large main ram and the pressing operation is completed
as already explained.
The pressure
having been shut off by the aforesaid valves from
the (three) lifting rams and in the act of reversing is opened to the pull-back
rams whereupon the table descends to the lowermost position again.
Many advantages are gained by using the auxiliary lifting rams a great saving
of power being obtained as the main pressure is only applied during the last
few inches of travel.
Further improvements according to the present invention are as follows:

page_text: The vertical posts or pillars (two or more) on the upper end of which is
supported the heavy cross-head carrying the moulds are according to this part
of the present invention arranged and adapted to permit the cross-head to be
raised and lowered thereon advantageously by menus of the screw-thread cut or
formed in the upper end of each said pillar on which are screwed large nuts or
quivalent both above and below the cross-head which is thereby supported
between said nuts and by means of the latter can be raised or lowered so as to be
thus exactly adjusted according to the height of the saggar or other earthenware
article to be made.
The ends of the crosshead may be recessed so as to partly encircle the screwed
pillars or posts or same may be provided with holes adapted to fit over the screwed
part of said pillars.
In this crosshead four or other suitable number of adjusting screws are mounted
to serve as supports and adjusting screws for the moving stripper head or smaller
cross head or frame (which is mounted above the main cross-head) which is
raised and lowered by suitable rods connected to the ram or ram head this smaller
cross-hend or movable frame being also connected to the stripper ring working
between the inner and outer moulds--the connecting rods from the ram to raid
movable frame being connected to the latter advantageously by means of a spring,
within a collar on the said movable frame, interposed between said frame and
a washer or nut or equivalent on the upper end of each said connecting rod
whereby a flexible connection is thus made between said rods and said movable
frame the travel of said springs being thus regulated.
The top frame for supporting the stripper ring may be made in the form of a
square frame supplemented by two cross bars the frame and the cross bars being
adjustable in relation to each other so that the same stripper rods may be used
with moulds of different sizes or shapes within the compass of the machine;
when in its bottom position this frame may rest upon four planed blocks which
are cast on the press head for the purpose.
The ram-head or plunger is provided with removable plate or adjustable top
or acting surface thereon as aforesaid so that by changing such surface or altering
the position thereof thereby the thickness of the bottom of the hollow earthen-
ware article can be varied for instance the ram-head or plunger may be provided
with a suitable number of slots advantageously with four T-slots which are
provided with T-headed bolts for securing the said removable plate forming the
bottom die (ie. the acting surface of the ran-head) in position and are with
equal ease adjusted for a die of any size or shape within the compass of the
machine.
This bottom die is formed arranged or mounted on the ram-head or plunger
in any suitable manner and advantageously in suchwise that the said ram-head
will overlap the bottom edge of the outer mould so that when the pressing
operation is taking place the said plunger or die thereon cannot enter within the
outer mould beyond a certain distance and is then prevented from further enter-
ing said mould that is the movement of the one within the other is limited by
reason of my improved construction- but I do not confine myself to using this
Inst-named improvement with any or all of the other improvements and vice-
Versu.
And in order that my present invention may be easily understood and readily
carried into practice I will proceed to describe same with reference to the drawings
hereunto annexed:
Fig. 1 is a side view in elevation of a muchine for pressing saggars according
to my present invention.
Fig. 2 is side view in elevation of satne machine at right angles to Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 is a plan thereof.
Fig. 4 is a horizontal cross-sectional view on line 44 Fig. 2.
Fig. is local" vertical sectional view on an enlarged scale-showing the
main ram with the two auxiliary lifting-rams as aforesaid.

page_text: Fig. is a similar "local" vertical sectional view (at right angles to Fig. 5
and on same enlarged scale) through the main ram and the two aforesaid "pull-
back" rams.
Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts.
a is the main ram in the main ram cylinder and are the small or
auxiliary lifting rams (in the auxiliary ram cylinders '); which operate the
plunger or ram-head z.
care the pull-down or pull-back rams in the pull-back ram cylinders el c¹.
The outer end (i.e. lower end) of each ram has a T-head or yoke d thereon
to which latter are attached the connecting rods which at their upper ends
are attached at to the ram-head or table z.
The main ram cylinder a and the said two auxiliary ram cylinders b' and the
said two pull-back ram cylinders c' are all arranged and mounted in any suitable
frame or support for instance such as the frame shown in the drawings.
Thus it will readily be seen that upon admission of water under pressure to the
rams bb and also upon admission of water (under little or no pressure) under the
main rama thereby the two auxiliary lifting rums will lift the table and
main rama together until meeting with sufficient resistance to stop their lifting
further whereupon water under high or sufficient pressure is admitted under the
main rama and thereby the pressing operation is finished and thereupon by
operating suitable valve or valves in the aforesaid manner the water can now
escape from the ram cylinders a' and b' and water under suitable pressure is
admitted to the cylinders c¹ of the pull back rams which latter are thereby
forced downwardly and consequently pull down or pull back the table by the
aforesaid connections d' d
The aforesaid main frame r carries the stout vertical pillars y the upper
ends yy of which are screw-threaded and carry thereon the large screw nuts y
upon which latter is supported the heavy cross-head by means of the ends or
extensions thereon through which latter the screwed portions y' of the Baid
pillars y puss loosely-the said cross head being held down and fixed in position
by means of screw nuts y³.
61
This cross-head carries thereon the moulding chamber f of any suitable or
desired description for instance such moulding chamber may consist of an inner
and outer part with a stripper" adapted to travel in the space between said
inner and outer moulds as described in my aforesaid Patent No. 17068 of 1890.
This cross-heade is provided with lugs which act as guides for the connecting
rods which pass freely through said lugs or guides and at their lower ends
are fixed to the table or otherwise suitably connected thereto while at their
upper ends same are connected to the slotted horizontally disposed frame h
through the medium of the flange nut or washer and spring g³ so that a small
amount of play or give can take place between the flange nut or washer g' and
the said frame h.
This frame is slotted longitudinally at h (see Fig. 3) and carries thereon the
cross-bars which latter are adjustable and can be fixed at any position in the
slots of the frame h.
These adjustable cross-bars i are slotted lengthwise at (see Fig. 3) so that
the downwardly extending rods or connections & can be adjusted and fixed in any
desired position in said slots these said rods or connections k at their lower
end are fixed to and carry the "stripper” (not shown) operating between the
inner and outer moulds as aforesaid.
This arrangement permits different sizes and shapes of the mould to be
employed since the rods & operating the "stripper" in said moulding chamber f
can be adjusted to any desired position to suit any size or shape of the latter.
The said slotted frame h can be adjusted vertically on the rods g on which
same is supported by means of the nuts on said rods g.
is the made article which has been moulded in the moulding cliamber f
A further improvement relates to means for getting off the made article te from

page_text: to
be
or table
after said article
strip
of
such
the ram-head or plunger
thereou
has been pressed
and brought out of the mould.
For this purpose I arrange a band or device (not shown) the inside vertical wall
of which corresponds in shape or thereabouts to the outside of the made article
removed for instance I may use a
sheet metal bent or formed to fit
about half-way round the made article device being carried on or adapted to
slide in a horizontal plane just across the top of the ram-hend or plunger
or table thereon) when the latter is down for instance same may be mounted
on two vertical rods adapted to slide transversely in the frame of the machine 60
that when the made article is brought out of the mould thereupon the operator
by means of suitable handles on said rods grasps said device and moves same
horizontally (or same may be otherwise operated-mechanically if desired) and
thereby draws the made article smoothly off the table on to any suitable remov-
able plate shord or support by which same can be carried away- the said remov
ing device being advantageously returned into its normal position by hand or
by means of a powerful spring or otherwise as desired.
In the case of quarries or other articles such removing device (not shown)
would be adapted and arranged to either conform to the shape of the article or
otherwise
same without injury thereto in any desired
manner.
engage and remove
This removing device may be arranged to act as a medium for oiling the table
for instance same or part of some may at each operation receive a fresh charge
of oil from a suitable trough or vessel (not shown). Also suitable means may be pro-
vided for oiling the stripper or other parts of the machine where the clay comes in
contact with same.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that
what I claim is:
1. In a machine for pressing and forming saggars or other earthenware
articles the combination with a reciprocatory ram-head or plunger, of a main
ram and two or more small auxiliary lifting rams adapted to operate said ram-
head or plunger, substantially as and for the purposes hereinbefore described.
2. In a machine for pressing and forming saggars or other earthenware
articles--the combination with a reciprocatory ram-head or plunger of a main
ram and two or more small auxiliary lifting rams adapted to operate said ram-
head or plunger to force same towards the moulding chamber and two or more
pull-back rams adapted to force said ram-head or plunger away from said mould-
ing chamber substantially as and for the purposes hereinbefore described.
3. In a machine for pressing and forming saggars or other earthenware
articles the combination with a reciprocatory ram-head or plunger, of a main
ram and two or more small auxiliary lifting rams adapted to operate said ram-
head or plunger, an adjustable cross-head carrying the moulding chamber vertically
over said plunger, and means for vertically adjusting said cross-head upon its
supports, substantially as and for the purposes hereinbefore set forth.
4. In a machine for pressing and forming saggars or other earthenware
articles the combination with a reciprocatory ram-head or plunger, of a main
ram and two or more small auxiliary lifting rams adapted to operate said ram-
head or plunger to force same towards the moulding chamber and two or more
bull-back rams adapted to force said ram-head or plunger away from said mould-
ing chamber, an adjustable cross-head carrying the moulding chamber vertically
over said plunger, and means for vertically adjusting said cross head upon its
supports substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
5. In a machine for pressing and forming Ɛaggars Or other earthenware
articles the combination with a "stripper or means for forcing the made
article out of the mould of a slotted frame such as horizontally mounted on
supports such as g connected to the ram-head, slotted cross-bars such as i
"
I

page_text: mounted and adapted to be adjusted in said slotted frame and connecting rods
carrying said stripper and adapted to be adjusted and fixed in any desired position
in the slots in said slotted cross-bars'i, substantially in the manner and for the
purposes hereinbefore described.
6. In a machino of the character described, the combination with a recipro-
catory ram-head or plunger of a band or device adapted to be reciprocated in a
horizontal plane across the path of travel of said plunger when the latter is down
to thereby remove the made article off said plunger substantially as and for the
purposes set forth.
7. A machine for pressing and forming saggars or other earthenware articles,
having the several parts thereof constructed combined and arranged to act sub-
stantially in the manner hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings
hereunto annexod.
800A
TONGUE & BIRKBECK,
Birkbeck Bank Chambers, Chancery Lane, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant.