Casting Metals.
Year: 1886

page_text: Casting Metals.
I, MATTHEW ROBERT MOORE, of Indianapolis, in the County of Marion, and
State of Indiana, one of the United States of America, Engineer, 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 :—
In making sand molds difficulties are encountered in effecting a uniform com
pression of the earthy material when the pattern is of such form as to be much
higher in one part of the containing box, technically half-flask, than in another.
The sand being applied in such quantities as to fill a flask and also to fill a
receptacle above it, which I term a sand-box, the different depths of the loose
earthy material in different parts of the flask require a correspondingly increased
descent of the compressing instrument or agent over those parts of the flask where
the pattern is absent, or where, if present, it is thin or low.
My improved machine compresses the properly dampened molding sand around
the patterns by a modification of the method for which British Letters Patent were
granted to me, numbered 10,436, bearing date July 22nd, 1884, and U.S. Letters
Patent, numbered 302,349, same date, since reissued, and Canadian Letters Patent,.
numbered 19,996, dated August 4th, 1884. By my present improvement the
machine acts on the sand through instrumentalities more analogous to the rammers
of the hand workman, but preferably without percussion.
I will describe several forms of my invention. With all of them my machino
corresponds in its working principles to the machine described in that patent but
differs in important points..
The accompanying drawings represent what I consider the best means of
carrying out the invention.
-
Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the entire machine on a small scale.
Fig. 2 is a vertical section through a flask and platen. The figures show the
group of rammers in the act of completing the compression of sand in a flask.
Fig. 3 is a plan view of the top or platen.
Fig. 4 is a plan view of the same seen from below. In one portion, the upper
right hand quarter, the heads or acting faces are removed, to better show the piston
rods which connect them with the pistons.

page_text: a
Fig. 11 is a plan view seen from below, and
Fig. 12 is a perspective view.
In this modification, the rammers apply closely and tightly together, and present
a practically continuous surface to receive the pressure of the air, or other fluid,
directly on their ends.
Fig. 13 is a vertical section showing means for attaining the same general effect
by gravity. In this the sections, into which the surface pressing on the sand in
the flask is divided, are the lower ends of a group of sufficiently long parallel bars,
the weight of which presses on the sand with sufficient force when the flask is
moved up to the required extent. It is important with this as with the form of
the mechanism shown in Figs. 6, 7, 8 and 9 to give a large amount of vertical
motion.
Referring to figures 1 to 5 inclusive, a series of vertical parallel rammers,
consisting of bars capable of endwise movement, are severally provided at the
bottom each with a head adapted to effect a proper ramming of the sand, and at
the top with a piston which fits closely in an enclosing cylinder with suitable
connections for admitting steam, air or other fluid, under pressure.
Means being
provided for lifting the rammers after each operation, the pressure of the fluid on
the several pistons forces all down together, the several pistons and their con-
nections descending to different extents according as the sand below them shall
differ in its resistance, which will depend on the form and size of the pattern being
molded.
I provide means for guiding the parallel bars, which I will term piston rods,
and for defending the delicate parts of the apparatus against the entrance of sand
and dust.
The friction of the sand against the inner surface of the flask offers a resistance
to the descent of the rammers along the edge. This is still further increased at the
corners. I off-set this inequality in the resistance at the edges and corners, and in
general induce a stronger sinking of the rammers wherever desired, by employing
cylinders and pistons which are of a correspondingly greater area, so that con-
siderably more force of the steam or air is applied on a rammer at one point than
at another, while the sand acted on by such rammers is the same.
Another feature contributing to this end is the employment of rammer-heads of
different areas, and arranging them at proportionally different distances apart
between centres, so that a given piston acts on less sand where the depressing or
ramming force is required to be greatest.
A number of cylindrical cavities, g, are bored in the deep massive platen G. On
the upper surface is tightly fitted a rigid head G¹ secured by bolts. I provide
pipes controlled by cocks F¹, and communicating with a single main pipe D,
through which steam, compressed air or other fluid under pressure, is received aud

page_text: anowed to act in the several cynnders, 9, and to be discharged at will, the whole
controlled by a single valve, D', operated by the attendant.
M are pistons fitting tightly and easily in the several cylinders g. Each is
connected by a piston-rod M¹ with a rammer-head M, which latter may be of
wood or other material adapted to act properly on the sand under .the pressure
received from the piston. I prefer that the rammer-head M' be of soft vulcanized
rubber, with the sides perpendicular, and the lower faces slightly rounded.
His a bottom plate bolted or otherwise secured in the position represented, and
adapted to perform the double functions of guides for the piston rods M¹ and
stuffing-boxes to serve in case water shall from any cause reach the space below the
pistons. A notch or other aperture is made in the base of each cylinder, which
allows the water falling in one cylinder to circulate into the next. The whole
series of the cylinders are thus connected at the bottom. N. is a rubber hose which
conducts away the water, and prevents its accumulating so as to induce mischief.
I are spiral springs abutting against the bottom plate H, and lifting on the
several pistons M.
Larger cylinders and corresponding larger pistons are used at the corners and
along the edges, and also in all positions where for any reason extra resistance is
to be overcome or an extra degree of compression of the sand is to be induced.
In case my machine shall be made for molding always similar castings of one size,
I can use larger or smaller cylinders g and their contained pistons M in the centre
or in any other position in the group so as with the steam or other fluid of uniform
pressure to modify the separate forcing means for each rammer to give any required
variation in the force with which the several rammers M' are depressed. In general,
larger cylinders and pistons are employed where the rammers should be urged
down with more force, and they are set closer together so that each may expend its
force on a smaller quantity of sand.
Fig. 4 shows some of the rammers removed from a portion of the lower face of
the platen.
It will be observed that the bottom plate H is made in sections fitted tightly
together, and each secured to the casting G by a single bolt. This provides a
convenient and ready means for removing a piston which needs attention without
disturbing any other except three immediately adjacent.
This form of the machine is operated by presenting the flasks successively under
the rammers, M, and turning the valve D¹.
The action of the air at a sufficient pressure on the upper face of the several
pistons M causes the whole set of rammers to descend upon the sand in the flask
to the varying extents required until a given amount of resistance is experienced
by each of the several rammer-heads. This leaves the sand uniformly compressed.
The action is somewhat analogous to that of the ordinary hand-rammer, skillfully
wielded by the molder, but much more rapid because the whole flask may be
rammed at once, and superior in effect, because the result is attained by uniform
pressure throughout the mass, instead of by percussion, which latter compresses
the upper portions more than those below,
I prefer to face the rammers with rubber or other soft and elastic material, which
by spreading laterally under pressure tends to prevent the intrusion of sand into
the joints between the rammers, and also to lessen the injury to the patterns
should the rammers come into contact with them.
I believe the invention may be best worked by admitting the steam or other
fluid to all the pistons, and employing always flasks of uniform size, but by closing
certain of the cocks F', and leaving others open, I can throw out of use certain
rammers, as required. Thus by shutting the connections to all the exterior cylinders,
I can leave the machine in condition to ram a flask which is of much less area than
that for which all the rammers should be used.
The modification shown in figures 6, 7, 8 and 9 differs from the foregoing in that
the yielding parts are simply urged downward by the elastic force of helical springs.

page_text: .
.
The
pressure required to pack the sand may be produced by any convenient means;
operating either to force the platen against the sand or the sand against the platen,
the springs permitting the rammers to which they are attached to yield or move
back under the pressure whenever it equals the tension of the springs, which is
adjustable. This affords a ready means of regulating the compression of the body
of sand in the flask to the requirements of each case, independent of variations in
its thickness or of irregularities of patterns.
In figures 6 to 9, the letters of reference correspond with each other, and partially
with those in the preceding figures. The outer part or frame of the platen A is of
box-like shape, and is provided with lugs or projections, as b, for properly attaching
it to the other parts of a sand-molding machine. Into the open side of this frame,
which is to face the flask and sand; a number of prismoidal sections or rammers c
are fitted. These rammers are of such size and shape as collectively to fit the
opening of the frame, and mutually to fit each other, so as completely to fill the
opening. The drawing shows them of square section, but they may be triangular,
quadrilateral, or. hexagonal if either of these shapes better suit the conditions.
They may be of any suitable material; but I prefer them of metal, and-made
hollow to economize metal and space. prefer also to face them with rubber d.
From each rammer projects a stem e, which is threaded and carries a nut f. The
steins extend through holes in the box-like frame A: The holes are larger than the
stems; and are threaded to receive the hollow backing bolts g, through which the
stems pass.
Surrounding each of the stems e is a helical spring h, whose ends abut against
the rammer c, and a washer h¹, which surrounds the stem and receives the thrust
of the backing-bolt g. By means of these backing-bolts and of the stem nuts f, the
tension of the springs h may be varied, and the faces of the rammers brought even
with each other, or adjusted to such superficial contour as may be desired.
The operation of this improved platen will easily be understood by reference to
figure 9. I employ a sand-box, I, above a flask of sand containing a pattern K
resting upon a movable table L. Stout distance-pieces M join the platen A to a
yoke or base piece N, from which a toggle-joint O extends back to the table L,
and is intended to represent any means of applying force whereby the platen A
and table L may be made to approach each other with the requisite force and
promptness:
When the rammers bear upon the sand, whether the platen A moves toward the
table L or the table moves toward the platen, the sand will be compressed, and
condensation of its volume will take place until resistance to further compression
equals the tension of the springs. Each rammer, as the sand beneath it reaches
this condition, will yield, and no further compacting will take place there. Thus
the degree of compression may be regulated by means of the adjustinents provided
for the springs, and the whole surface of the flask subjected to a perfectly' con-
trollable pressure, independent of varying thicknesses of sand and pattern; and of
the extent of motion and intensity of force producing the pressure.
A further modification is shown in figures 10, 11 and 12. In this the action is
induced by fluid pressure as in the form first described, but with differences in the
details. I make the containing frame A of box-like shape, provided with suitable
lugs or projections, a¹, so that it may be secured, as in figure 9. The letters in
these figures 10 to 12 correspond with each other.
D are the rammers, which must be of such size, shape andi number as will
enable them collectively to fill the interior of A with such accuracy as to form a
fluid-tight joint with each other, and be capable of moving, freely and easily upon
each other when in contact. They are of metal or other suitable material, and
are made hollow to provide places for returning springs E which are confined by
means of screw-plugs d which close the openings of the raminers.!
The interior of the box A is provided with a recess adapted to contain packing C,
which is held in place by the frame B, which is fastened to A by means of flush-headed

page_text: bolts or screws. Small holes Cadmit fluid from the interior of the box to the
outside of the recess behind the packing, which, when the pressure is applied,
forces the packing inward against the rammers, holding them in contact with
each other.
Each spring E rests upon a washer e¹ through which extends a bolt or rod E'
which extends likewise through holes drilled through the plug or top of the
rammer, and through the top of the box frame A, where it is threaded and
provided with a nut e. By means of these nuts the rods are drawn up, and the
springs made to bear against the tops of the rammers, and the rammers thus held
up against the top of the box-frame. Sufficient tension is given the springs by
screwing up the nuts to cause the rammers to spring back into position when
forced down. A gasket placed under each nut es prevents leakage around the rods
through the holes in the frame through which they extend. A threaded orifice a
in the top of A is made to receive a pipe or hose for supplying fluid under pressure,
and for allowing the same to escape, the inflow and outlet being controlled by
means of a suitable cock or valve (not shown), but which may be similar to the
valve D¹ used with the first described form of the invention (see Fig. 5).
Fluid under pressure may be admitted through a' which, pressing on the tops
of the rammers and overcoming the tension of the springs, will force the rammers
down against the sand, compressing and packing it upon and about any pattern
which may be contained in the flask. In this form of the invention, as in that
first described, each rammer will continue to descend until the increasing resistance
due mainly to the density of the sand is equal to the pressure and momentum
impelling the rammer, when further compression will cease. The result may be
modified by giving some of the springs greater tension than others. Upon
releasing the fluid, the springs withdraw the rammers, and the flask may be
removed.
I have devised a modification of the means for supplying the sand and effecting
the compression thereof, and of mechanism for operating the pattern slide or slides,
and also for operating a silhouette plate, which is shown in figure 13. The inde-
pendently yielding pressers act by means of their weight only, and two or more
stationary molding benches are served by means of a sand-hopper and a platen so
connected, and revolving horizontally, that they may be brought over each of the
molding benches in succession.
In figure 13, A represents a foundation or bed-plate, which is made hollow for a
purpose hereafter to be mentioned, and serves as a base for the molding benches
I, I, supporting flasks for the two parts of a mold, or for different molds, as may
be desired.
In the centre of the bed-plate A is fixed a strong column, C, carrying at its top
an anti-friction bearing, whereon revolves a yoke D, which supports on one side,
the left side as shown in the figure, the platen E, and on the opposite side, the
right side, the sand-hopper F. The yoke D is adjustable vertically by means of
the nuts c, c, on the threaded portion of the column C to accommodate flasks
of various heights. The end of the yoke D, which carries the platen, has the form
of a flat plate of the shape and superficial dimensions of the flasks to be molded.
It has a stiffening flange surrounding its lower surface, and is pierced with holes
to receive and support the rods or rammers of which the platen is composed. The
other end has an open frame to surround and support the sand-hopper F, which
latter is made in such shape that its upper end is directly over the column C, so
that it can receive sand from a central conveyor or an elevator G, and discharge
at different points while the hopper revolves around the column. The outer ends
of the yoke D have lugs from which depend long bolts, d, supporting the guide-
frame H, which loosely surrounds the column C, and has openings through which
the lower ends of the sand-hopper and platen extend. The bottom of the hopper F
has a gate, f, to control the discharge of sand into the flasks. The platen E is a
group of independently movable vertical rods or rammers e, of such length that

page_text: they are capable, by their weight alone, of exerting sufficient pressure upon the
sand in a flask to properly pack it against a pattern. I prefer to make them of
iron, about two inches square, though they may be of various materials and
dimensions. Their length will, of course, depend upon the material used and the
pressure required, which last will vary with the circumstances, and especially with
the character of the sand used. The number and arrangement of the rammers is
such that they will loosely fill the flasks to be molded. They are held in loose
embrace by the guide-frame H; which allows them to slide freely up and down
within it. Their upper ends are in the form of small round rods which move
loosely through holes in the yoke D. These ends are threaded, and receive nuts
which rest upon the upper surface of D, and so support the rammers. Those
rammers, which come near the outside or near cross-bars in the flask, or in any
other situation requiring for any reason greater pressure than the rest of the flask;
have their thicker or square portions made longer than that portion of the others,
which makes them heavier in proportion to the greater pressure required.
If a flask of sand be pressed upwards against the bottom of these rammers, the
sand will be compressed under the weight of each rammer until it acquires
sufficient bardness to support the rammer, when no further packing will take
place, but the rammer will be lifted and carried up by the sand. If the flask be
pressed upward until all the rammers are lifted and then lowered, it will be found
that the sand has been packed to a uniform density, notwithstanding variations in
the depth of the sand caused by the irregular thicknesses of the patterns.
The hopper and platen are brought over each of the molding benches I¹, I', in
succession by revolving the yoke D upon the column C. Two benches are shown,
but as they operate independently, there might be one only, or any other number
as desired.
A description of one will apply to all. The top of each bench is a flat
plate having an opening through it a little larger than the inside, but not so large
as the outside, of the flask to be used, so that a flask placed upon it over the
opening will be supported. Plate I' is supported by columns or fixed upright bars
projecting from the base plate A. These columns serve also as guides for the
silhouette frame K, which has lugs k, embracing and fitted to slide upon them.
Surrounding the columns beneath the lugs k, k, are spiral springs L, which rest
upon nuts N, upon threaded portions of the columns. The lugs k, resting upon
these springs, support the silhouette frame K. Upon the top of this frame is
fastened the silhouette or "stripping plate," k¹, belonging to the pattern to be
molded from. The springs L, should be so adjusted by means of the nuts N, that
the surface of the silhouette will be on a level with, or a very little below, the
surface of the. bench top I, the silhouette and top of the frame K being of such size
as to pass easily through the opening in 11. The frame K has holes in its upper
side, outside of the silhouette, into which the flask steady-pins are inserted.
Directly beneath the molding bench is a projection M of the base A, which is
turned smooth, and provided with a packing ring, m, so that it forms a piston or
plunger for the cylindrical cap O, which surmounts it. The top of this cap forms a
support to which the pattern plate P, bearing the patterns p, is secured. Q are
lugs on the sides of cap O, which embrace and slide upon studs S, projecting
downward from the lugs of the silhouette frame, their motion being limited by the
nuts R. The hollow base A serves as a réservoir for fluid under pressure, which
may be either aeriform or liquid, supplied by compressing pumps, or otherwise.
A tree-way cock or valve V is so arranged as to admit the fluid pressure through
the piston or plunger M beneath the cap O, and raise it, and to discharge the same
into a pipe, not shown, which conveys it away. The valve is operated by means
of the handle T*. Two of the columns are extended above the bench tops I¹, 13,
and carry uuts Z, which each support bearings of a sand-box X, the attachments
being such as to permit the sand-box to be turned from the horizontal to a vertical
position, as shown by the dotted lines. The nuts Z support the sand-box at the
height of the flask above the bench tops I, I; but do not prevent it being carried

page_text: up higher; the flask rises with the sand-box resting upon it, as the bearings slide
upon the columns.
A counter-weight, W¹, is attached to the sand-box which
balances it in either position. The sand-box holds the extra sand to be compressed
into the flask.
The operation of the machine may be described as follows:
Let the molding bench I'; with the parts K, ¹, L, O, P, and S and R be in the
position shown on the left side of the drawing, but with the platen swung aside,
the sand-box raised into the vertical position and the flask removed. The operator,
by means of the handle T2, opens the valve V₁, and allows the fluid pressure to flow
under and raise the cap O. The springs L, being relieved of the weight of O and
the patterns, expand and carry up the silhouette frame K, until the surface of the
silhouette reaches the level of the bench top I. The fluid continuing to flow, the
cap O bearing the pattern-plate P slides upward on the studs S until the patterns'p
are projected through the silhouette K, and the plate P strikes against its under
side. The valve is then closed, retaining the fluid admitted to O, so that the parts
remain in the position reached. A flask Y is placed upon I, the steady-pins
centering it properly. The sand-box X is let down on the top of the flask, and the
sand-hopper F swung around over it. The parts will then be in the position
shown on the right side of the figure.
The gate f is then operated, and the flask and sand-box filled with molding sand.
The hopper is swung aside, and any hand-tucking, &c., which may be necessary, is
done. Then the platen E is brought over the sand-box, and the valve V is again
opened to admit more fluid under O, which carries pattern, silhouette, flask and
Band all up against the rammers, which, by their weight, and their yielding,
compress it uniformly.
The valve V is then turned into such a position as to discharge a portion of the
fluid. The flask sinks back on to the top of I. The sand-box is raised, super-
fluous sand struck off from the top of the flask, and the forming basins made about
the gate-sticks which are attached to the pattern. Further discharge of the fluid
allows the cap O with pattern p to sink down to the nuts R', thus drawing the
patterns from the sand which is supported by the silhouette. Upon striking the
nuts R¹, the weight of O, P and p is thrown upon the springs L, which compresses
them, thus drawing down the silhouette and releasing the steady pins, which leaves
the flask resting upon I, ready to be carried away to the casting floor. The
machinery is now in the same position as at the beginning of the operation, which
may be repeated as often as desired. One or more molding benches may be in like
manner operated independently in all respects except as to the services of the
sand-box and presser.
It is obvious that when but one molding bench is used, the platen E and hopper F
need not make a complete revolution around the column C, but may be swung back
and forth as wanted.
-. Various changes may be made in the construction and arrangement of the parts
of the machine. I can vary the effect of the rammers by placing spiral springs
around..their upper ends above the yoke D, to sustain a part of their weight, and
thus lighten their pressure, or put such below the yoke to increase their pressure.
I can make the bodies of the rammers of one shape, and their faces or lower ends
of another, or I can provide each rammer with a shoe of rubber or other elastic
substance if found desirable. I may employ other means of support than that
shown, so that the presser and hopper may be moved back and forth in a right line
instead of a circle. I may substitute for the plunger M a cylinder and a piston
whose rod shall perform the office of the cap O in operating the patterns, or I may
use equivalent mechanical means for producing the vertical. reciprocating motion
required to operate the patterns and perform the pressing. I may arrange the
sand-boxes X to move horizontally from the column C independently of the platen E
and hopper F, either tangentially or radially. I do not confine myself to the
particular construction shown,
. :

page_text: I can also variously. modify the several other forms of the machine without
departing from the principle or sacrificing the advantages of the invention. In
the form first described, I can obtain all the variations required in the compressing
force. by the differences in the sizes of the pistons and cylinders alone, or by the
variation in the area of sand acted on by the rammers alone.
I can, with any of the forms, repeat the action several times on the same flask,
if such be desirable in any case, but I attach importance to the fact that my
invention acts preferably by slow.compression instead of percussion, thus inducing
a uniform condensation throughout the entire depth. Such compression is not
much affected by repetition. A single action alone is sufficient.
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 as my improvements in machines for making sand-molds for casting
metals is:
1. The construction and use of a group of independently movable rammers, in
combination with means for so operating them that they may move to unequal
extents in compressing different parts of the sand, and arranged to serve as herein
specified.
2. A group of independently movable rammers, in combination with means for
operating them to unequal extents in compressing different parts of the sand, and
with provisions for presenting and removing a flask, as herein specified.
3. In combination with a group of separately movable rammers, and provisions
for depressing the same to unequal extents in compressing different parts of the
sand, a series of springs arranged to return the rammers to their places, substantially
as herein specified, and shown in Figure 2.
4. A group of rammers arranged as shown, so that some act on smaller areas of
the sand than others, and for that reason serve with more effect, substantially as
herein specified, and shown in Figure 2.
5. A group of rammers, in combination with actuating pistons of different areas,
so as by that means to act on different parts of the sand with unequal forces, sub-
stantially as herein specified, and shown in Figure 4.
6. The construction and use of a group of independently movable rammers,
arranged to act on unequal areas of the sand, in combination with actuating pistons
having different areas, as herein specified, and shown in Figures 2 and 4.
7. The guides H, arranged as shown, in combination with the pistons M, ram-
mers M³, piston rods M¹, and provisions for admitting and discharging fluid, as
herein specified, and shown in Figure 2.
8. A group of independently movable rammers, in combination with pistons and
cylinders, and with a single cock or valve controlling the admission of fluid to all,
as herein specified, and shown in Figures 1 to 5 inclusive.
9. A group of independently movable rammers, in combination with a corre-
sponding group of pistons and cylinders, and with provisions for admitting steam
or other fluid under pressure, and with provisions for removing water from such
cylinders, as herein specified, and shown in Figure 2.
10. A group of separately movable rammers, in combination with separate
forcing means for each, and with provisions, as the cocks F, for putting certain
rammers out of use at will, substantially as herein specified, and shown. in
Figures 1 and 2.
11. A yielding presser, consisting of the combination of rammers M', piston
rods M¹, pistons M, spiral springs I, cylinders g, and cylinder head G¹, constructed
and operating substantially as herein specified, and shown in Figures 1 to 4
inclusive.
12. A group of separately movable pressers or rammers, in combination with
springs arranged to force down the rammers independently, substantially as herein
specified, and shown in Figures 7 and 8.
14

page_text: group
sponding springs, in combination with each other, and with provisions for indepen-
dently adjusting the forces of the several springs, as herein specified, and shown in
Figures 6, 7 and 8.
14. The springs h, provided with separate and independent means, as g, for
adjusting their tension, in combination with the movable sections or rammers c, and
with the frame or containing piece A, the whole forming a yielding platen, adapted
to be adjustably secured in a machine, and to serve substantially as berein
specified, and shown in Figures 6, 7 and 9.
15. A group of separately movable rammers, in combination with springs
arranged to act independently thereon, and with provisions for presenting flasks
with patterns and sand thereto, and forcibly pressing them together, substantially
as herein specified.
16. A group of separately movable rammers in contact with each other, in
combination with an enclosing casing, and provisions for admitting fluid under
pressure to act upon the whole, substantially as herein specified, and shown in
Figure 10.
17. A group of separately movable rammers in contact with each other, in
combination with an enclosing casing, and with provisions for admitting a fluid
under pressure to actuate them, and with springs to move the rammers in the
opposite direction, substantially as herein specified, and shown in Figure 10.
18. A group of separately movable rammers in contact with each other, an
enclosing casing, provisions for actuating by fluid, and springs, in combination
with each other, and with means, as the nuts e³ for adjusting the force of the
springs, as herein specified, and shown in Figures 10 and 12.
19. A group of separately movable rammers in contact with each other, in
combination with an enclosing casing, and means for admitting fluid under
pressure, and with packing arranged to perform the double functions of keeping
the rammers in contact with each other, and of maintaining a tight joint between
the rammers and the casing, as herein specified, and shown in Figure 10.
20. The combination with the frame A, packed as shown, of the rammers c, in
contact with each other, springs E, and adjusting means, as e², e³, the rammers
being arranged to be operated by fluid pressure, and the whole adapted for joint
operation in making molds for castings, as herein specified, and shown in
Figure 10.
21. A group of bars e, e, arranged to move independently, in combination with
provisions for allowing the same to act, by their gravity in effecting a uniform
compression of molding sand, substantially as herein specified, and shown in
Figure 13.
22. A group of separately movable rammers having different weights arranged
to act by their gravity with varying degrees of force in compressing molding sand,
as herein specified.
23. A group of separately movable rammers, arranged to act independently by
their gravity, in combination with duplicate molding benches, and with provisions
for presenting the said rammers thereto in succession, substantially as herein
specified.
•
24. A group of separately movable rammers carried on a revolving frame, in
combination with a sand-hopper and chute, arranged to serve by alternately
supplying and ramming sand in flasks on one or more molding benches,
substantially as herein specified.
25. A horizontally movable platen made in sections, arranged to act to different
extents, and a horizontally movable sand-hopper, in combination with each other,
and with one or more molding benches or machines with which they may be
operated in succession, substantially as shown and described.
26. A group of separately movable rammers or bars, arranged to act by their
gravity, in combination with means for presenting a flask and pattern with sand

page_text: thereto, and with a silhouette plate matching the pattern, all arranged for joint
operation, substantially as herein specified.
27. The combination of a cylinder, as O, a plunger or piston, as M, and a valve,
as V, with parts E, I, I, K; L, P, Q, R, and S, in connection with flasks and sand
arranged to operate the] patterns and ram the molds by means of fluid pressure,
substantially described, and shown in Figure 13.
28. The combination of a cylinder, as O, a platen, a flask and support, a pattern
or a pattern and silhouette plate, a plunger or piston, as M, and a valve, as V, with a
hollow base plate, as A, serving as a reservoir for fluid under pressure, substantially
as herein specified, and shown in Figure 13.
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