IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF ENCAUSTIC TILES AND OTHER LIKE ARTICLES, AND IN THE MACHINERY OR APPARATUS EMPLOYED THEREIN
Year: 1876

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Henry Ridgway, of Hanley, Stoke-upon-Trent,
for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF ENCAUSTIC
TILES AND OTHER LIKE ARTICLES, AND IN THE MACHINERY OR APPARATUS
EMPLOYED THEREIN."
Sealed the 13th April 1877, and dated the 19th October 1876.
"
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Henry Ridgway at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 19th October 1876.
WILLIAM HENRY RIDGWAY, of Hanley, Stoke-upon-Trent. IMPROVEMENTS IN
THE MANUFACTURE OF ENCAUSTIC TILES AND OTHER LIKE ARTICLES, AND IN THE
MACHINERY OR APPARATUS EMPLOYED THEREIN."
"
This Invention relates to the construction and working of the tile presses and
the plates used in inlaying tiles and other articles where recesses are left in the
plates for the different colours of the inlay dust, which is first condensed, and then
punched into the ground or body of the tile.
As my Invention resembles in some degree the "jacquard" plan of determining
a pattern by means of perforated cards or plates I propose to designate it
jacquard" encaustic. By its use any pattern arranged in round spots, squares, or
other shapes from the size of a knitting needle and upwards can be worked. The
saine plate will transpose into many different patterns, the transposition being
effected by means of the "studded "jacquard" plate herein-after described.
In carrying out my Invention I employ apparatus consisting of the following
parts, viz.
4th. A studded "jacquard" plate.
1st. The bed plate. On a block of hard wood or other suitable material is screwed
a stout piece of metal (by preference brass), into which are inserted two or more
guide pins, which guide the working plate, set plate, and studded "jacquard" plates
truly into their places. In the bed plate are also inserted a number of metal studs,
which project from the face of the bed plate a distance equal to the depth of
"inlay" required. The heads of the metal studs rest on strong springs so as to
yield when pressure is put upon the working plate to condense the dust in the
recesses.

page_text: 2nd. The set plate consists of a plate of brass or other suitable metal the same
size as the bed plate, and in thickness equal to the depth of "inlay" required.
The set plate has a hole through its centre slightly larger than the tile required,
and is also drilled to allow the spring studs to pass through.
3rd. The working plate. A piece of metal (by preference steel or rolled brass) say,
about inch thick is fitted to enter the mould to the depth of, say, about 4 inch, the
remainder of the metal being left as a flange to rest upon the spring studs in the
bed plate. The working plate is drilled full of holes in regular lines or to any
pattern desired. In order to produce a species of oilcloth pattern the holes are
drilled in regular rows all over the plate, & each hole has a steel wire fitted into
it flush with the faces of the plate.
4th. The studded "jacquard" plate is formed of 2 stout metal plates, by pre-
ference brass), one only of which is drilled to the pattern required, whilst the other
plate is screwed or rivetted on to the drilled plates & holds down the projecting
studs. The studs consist of pins of metal (by preference brass or steel) driven
tightly into their respective holes and projecting from the face of the plate,
according to the depth of the "inlay" required.
"
On the
Whatever description of working plate is used the operation is carried out in the
following manner-The "set" plate is put in its place on the "bed" plate; the
working plate follows; the studded "jacquard" plate being then pressed down by
a lever or screw forces the steel pins of the pattern down through the hole in the
set" plate and on to the "bed" plate. The "set" plate is then removed and the
working plate replaced on the spring studs of the "bed plate. The "working"
plate is then charged with the different colours required; a plate, say for example,
of thin sheet zinc is laid on the face and pressure applied to condense the dust in
the holes. The "working" plate being cleaned off is now ready for inlaying the
tile, which is made in a press of peculiar construction, the tile being pressed by a
Jeft-handed screw of the usual pitch working from below. The mould being charged
with dust the "working" plate is pressed down on the top of the "dust.'
"working" plate is placed a block of hard wood, for example, faced with sheet zinc,
which together with the "working" plate is pinched down to the mould by a
holding down down plate and screw of fine pitch. Pressure being applied by the screw
below the tile is made and lifted out of the mould with the working plate on the
top by the same screw, the top screw being first slackened and the block removed.
In order to make patterns in squares or mosaics as the square pins touch one
another and will not remain in their places by friction like the round pins the set
plate is modified in such a manner that every square not required to descend to
form a recess is for the time being supported on a peg of brass, steel, or other
suitable material inserted into the set plate, the squares being however otherwise
worked in a similar manner to the round spots.
tr
The press employed for making "jacquard" encaustic I propose to designate the
"bridge" press, as the casting (carrying the lower left-hand threaded screw and nut,
also the top screw of fine pitch with its nut and holding-down plate) is supported on
two upright standards, leaving a clear space for the working of the handle of the
lower screw, thus forming a bridge.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said William Henry Ridgway in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 19th
April 1877.
WILLIAM HENRY RIDGWAY, of Hanley, Stoke-upon-Trent. "IMPROVEMENTS IN
THE MANUFACTURE OF ENCAUSTIC TILES AND OTHER LIKE ARTICLES, AND IN THE
MACHINERY OR APPARATUS EMPLOYED THEREIN."
My said Invention relates to the construction and working of the tile presses and
the plates used in inlaying tiles and other articles where recesses are left in the

page_text: plates for the different colours of the inlay dust, which is first condensed therein
and then punched into the ground or body of the tile.
As my said Invention resembles in some degree the "jacquard" plan of deter-
mining a pattern by means of perforated cards or plates I propose to designate it
jacquard encaustic." By its use any pattern arranged in round spots, squares,
or other shapes, from the size of a knitting needle and upwards can be worked.
The same plate will transpose into many different patterns, the transposition being
effected by means of the studded jacquard plate herein-after described.
In carrying out my said Invention' employ apparatus consisting of the following
parts, videlicit,—
Th
Fifth. A press (which I designate a "bridge" press).
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 the accompanying Drawings represents a side elevation of the bed
plate constructed according to one modification; and Figure 2 is a corresponding
plan of the same.
Figure 3 represents a side elevation of the set plate constructed according to one
modification; and Figure 4 is a corresponding plan of the same.
Figure 5 represents a side clevation of one modification of working plate; and
Figure 6 is a corresponding plan of the same.
Figure 7 represents a side elevation of a studded jacquard plate to be employed
in the formation of one portion of the pattern when two colours are to be worked
into the tile; and Figure 8 is a plan of the same, corresponding to Figure 7.
Figure 9 represents a plan of a studded jacquard plate to be employed in forming
the other portion of the pattern.
Figure 10 represents a front elevation of a press constructed according to my
said Invention, with the mould and its appurtenances shewn in position.
Figures 11 and 12 are sectional views illustrating the operation of preparing the
pattern and charging the same with colour.
Figure 13 represents a side elevation of a bed plate constructed according to
another modification; and Figure 14 is a corresponding plan of the same.
Figures 15 and 17 are sections, and Figures 16 and 18 are corresponding plans,
illustrating modifications of the set plate.
Figure 19 represents a side elevation of a working plate adapted for use with the
arrangements of set plate shewn in Figures 15, 16, 17, and 18; and Figure 20 is a
corresponding plan of the same.
Figures 21, 22, and 23, represent various designs of ties produced by the aid of
my apparatus and illustrate some of the changes which can be made with a single
working plate.
Figures 24, 25, 26, and 27 represent examples of other designs, all of which may
be produced by the use of one and the same working plate.
Referring to Figures 1 and 2, which illustrate one arrangement of bed plate, on
a block A of hard wood or other suitable material is screwed a stout piece of
metal B (by preference brass), into which are inserted two or more guide pins C,
which guide the working plate, set plate, and studded "jacquard" plates truly into
their places.
In the block A are also inserted a number of metal studs D, which pass through
the plate B and project from the face thereof a distance equal to the depth of
"inlay" required. The heads a of the metal studs D rest on strong springs E, 80
as to yield when pressure is applied to the working plate, as herein-after more fully
described for the purpose of condensing the dust in the recess. The use of the

page_text: spring studs enables the inlay to be made of any reasonable depon query
the tile if required), whereby considerable advantage is obtained.
The set plate, as illustrated by Figures 3 and 4, consists of a plate F of brass or
other suitable metal of the same size as the bed plate B, and in thickness equal to
the depth of "inlay" required. The set plate has an aperture b through its centre i
slightly larger than the tile required, into which drop the pins with which the
working plate is provided, as herein-after explained; and is also drilled with holes c, d,
to admit of the passage of the guide pins C and the spring studs D of the bed plate.
Figures 5 and 6 illustrate one arrangement of the working plate; G is a
piece of metal (by preference steel or rolled brass), say, about 3/4 inch thick,
which is fitted to enter the mould to the depth of, say, about inch, the remainder
of the metal at e, e, being left as a flange to rest upon the spring studs D in the
bed plate B. The plate G is drilled full of holes, either in regular lines, as shewn,
or to any pattern desired. In order to produce a species of oil cloth pattern the
holes are drilled in regular rows all over the plate, as shewn in the Drawing; each
hole has a steel wire e¹ fitted therein flush with the faces of the plate. Holes f, f,
are also provided for the passage of the guide pins C of the bed plate B.
The studded "jacquard" plates, which are illustrated by Figures 7 and 8, and
Figure 9, are each formed of two stout metal plates H, I, by preference brass; one
of which, vilelicit, that H, is drilled to the pattern required, whilst the other plate I
is screwed or rivetted on to the drilled plate H and holds down the projecting
stud g. These studs consist of pins of metal (by preference brass or steel) driven
tightly into their respective holes and projecting from the face of the plate, as
shewn, according to the depth of the "inlay "required.
Figure 10 represents the improved press which may be employed in the manu-
facture of the tiles. It consists of two strong standards K, K, to which is bolted the
bridge piece L, the latter supporting the two pillars M, M, surmounted by the cross
bar N, through which works the right-hand screw O of a slow pitch, whilst through
the bridge piece L itself works the main screw P, having its threads in the reverse
direction of those of the screw O and of a relatively quick pitch. The screw O
carries the holding down plate Q and is operated by the handle R; and the main
screw P, which is actuated by the handle S, is provided with a screwed extremity h;
to which the bottom plunger T of the inould U is attached, such screwed extremity
being fitted to the main screw P in such a manner as to admit of the latter turning,
whilst the plunger is simply free to slide in the mould. The degree of elevation
of the bottom plunger T in the mould U, and consequently the thickness of the
tile produced is regulated by the introduction of metal washers or packing between
the lower extremity of the screw P and the top of the frame V, as shewn at i, such
frame constituting a support for the screw when in its lowest position. By con-
structing the press in the manner herein-before described with the standards K, K,
and bridge piece L the operations of pressing are facilitated, as a clear space is left
for the working of the handle S of the main screw P between the standards K, K,
which are arranged at a sufficient distance apart for the purpose. The press thus
constructed, with the bridge piece connecting the standards, I designate a "bridge
press.
"
In preparing a tile of the pattern shewn in Figure 21 for example I proceed in
the following manner, reference being had to Figures 11 and 12 of the Drawings:-
The set plate F is placed upon the bed plate B, see Figure 11, the guide pins C
and the spring studs D of the bed plate B being introduced into their respective
holes c, d, of the plate F. Upon the set plate F is then placed the working plate G
which is followed by one of the jacquard plates, say, for example, that Figure 8, the
two plates being used in succession where two colors are required in addition to the
ground, as indicated by the variations in the tinting in Figure 21. The plates
having been thus combined together in the manner shewn in Figure 11 they are in-
troduced into a press of any suitable construction, and pressure is applied to the
studded jacquard plate H, I, whereby the projecting studs or pins g with which i
is provided are caused to act upon the corresponding pins e¹ of the working plate C

page_text: and force them down through the aperture h in the set plate F until they come into
contact with the bed plate B. The jacquard plate H, I, and the working plate G
are then withdrawn in order to admit of the removal of the set plate F, which
having been effected the working plate G with the number acted upon of its pins e¹
protruding is replaced on the spring studs D of the bed plate B as shewn in Figure
12. The working plate is then charged with the requisite color and a plate W, say,
for example, of thin sheet zinc, is laid on the face and pressure applied to condense
the dust in the holes at c². The plate W is then removed and the operation herein-
before described with reference to Figure 11 is repeated, using the other jacquard
plate, say, for example, that shewn in Figure 9, in order to complete the pattern,
after which the operation herein-before described with reference to Figure 12 is
repeated, the holes vacated by the second operation being charged with the other
color required. The working plate G having been cleaned off is now ready for in-
laying the tile, which is made by preference by the aid of the improved press herein-
before described and illustrated in Figure 10 of my Drawings.
This part of the operation will be most clearly understood by reference to Figures
10, in which a tile U is represented in the course of manufacture. The mould U
having been first charged with dust the working plate G in an inverted position
(that is to say with the charged holes e directed towards the mould and the pro-
truding pins el projecting upwards therefrom) is placed upon the top of the dust and
pressed down thereon. Over the working plate G is placed a block W¹, say, for
example, of hard wood faced with sheet zinc, which together with the working plate
is pressed down to the mould U by the holding down plate Q, by the act of
operating by the aid of the handle R, the screw O whereby the pins el are depressed
and caused to force the studs of color condensed in the holes at e2 into the tile in
course of formation. Pressure being then applied below by operating the screw P,
by the act of turning the handle S the tile is completed, and the holding down plate
Q having been elevated by turning the screw O in the reverse direction and the
block W₁ removed, the tile Ut is ejected from the mould U by continuing the motion
of the screw P, after which the preceding operations may be repeated in the pro-
duction of another tile, and so on in succession. In a similar manner the designs
shewn in Figures 22 and 23, and other variations may be produced by the employ-
ment of jacquard plates of a suitable construction in the composing of the pattern
of the working plate.
When patterns in squares or mosaics are required, such, for example, as that
shewn in Figure 24, the modification of set plate shewn in Figures 15, 16, 17, and
18, and the modification of working plate illustrated in Figures 19 and 20 are
adopted. With these plates may also be used the modified form of bed plate shewn
in Figures 13 and 14, in which angle blocks C¹ are substituted for the pins C for
guiding the plates into their places, but the same may also be employed with the
arrangement of set plate and working plate illustrated respectively by Figures
3 and 4, and Figures 5 and 6, or the bed plate shewn in Figures 1 and 2 may be
used in combination with the set plates, Figures 15, 16, 17, and 18, and the working
plate, Figures 19 and 20, suitable modifications being made in the counterpart plates
to adapt the one to the other.
Referring to Figures 15, 16, and 17, when patterns in squares are to be produced
the set plate is so constructed that every square e¹ of the working plate G, Figures
19 and 20, not required to descend to form a recess is for the time being supported
on a peg of brass, steel, or other suitable material inserted into the set plate. This
provision is necessary as the squares e¹ being in contact with any intervening solid
portion of the plate will not remain in their places by friction like the round pins
in the working plate, Figures 5 and 6.
When this arrangement is adopted and two colors have to be worked, two set
plates, as for example, those shown in Figures 15 and 16, and Figures 17 and 18,
are required to be employed in succession in composing the pattern of the working
plate, the operation being performed by the aid of studded jacquard plates similar
in their general construction to those shown in Figures 7 and 8, and in Figure 9,

page_text: .
but modified to adapt them to the variation in the pattern to be produced. In
Figures 15 and 16, and Figures 17 and 18 respectively, the pegs k are shewn of
different heights, it being found necessary or desirable in practice to make the pegs
which are to support the squares e¹ during the second portion of the operation of
composing the pattern at a slightly lower elevation from the surface than those of
the other set plate in order to ensure a firm support upon the surface / for the
squares depressed by the first portion of the operation as the squares last mentioned
are liable to be partially repelled during the compression of the dust in the recesses,
and the height of their support requires to be adjusted accordingly.
Figures 25, 26, and 27 illustrate examples of variations of the pattern, Figure 24,
which may be produced by transposing the squares e¹ of the same working plate G,
the jacquard plates and set plates being modified accordingly to adapt them to the
particular pattern required.
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,-
First. The combination of the bed plate fitted with spring studs, the non-elastic
set plate, the working plate, composed of or containing multiple pieces or studs
capable of depression so as to leave recesses for the reception of the color to be in-
laid and the studded jacquard plates for operating upon the multiple pieces or studs
of the working plate for the purpose of producing the required pattern, all
substantially as herein-before described and illustrated by the accompanying
Drawings.
Secondly. The production of encaustic tiles and other like articles, substantially
in the manner and by the means herein-before described.
Thirdly. The employment of a bed plate fitted with spring studs, substantially as
and for the purposes herein-before described.
Fourthly. The peculiar construction of press, consisting of a holding down plate
operated by an upper screw, and a plunger operated by a lower screw, the framing
of the upper screw being supported on standards having an intervening space for
facilitating the manipulation of the operating handle of the lower screw, substantially
as herein-before described and illustrated by Figure 10 of my Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Henry Ridgway, have to this my
Specification, set my hand and seal, the Sixteenth day of April, One
thousand eight hundred and seventy-seven.
WILLIAM HENRY RIDGWAY. (L.S.)