US2531290A - Strip casting machine - Google Patents

Description

Nov. 2l, 1950 A. H. NARROW 2,531,290

STRIP CASTING MACHINE Anfon H. Narrow JNVENTOR.

5 Sheets-Sheet 2 A. H. NARROW STRIP CASTING MACHINE Anfon H. Narrow INVENTOR.

BY MIM 29mm Nov. 2l, 1950 Filed April 12, 1948 mmm. Smm,

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STRIP CASTING MACHINE Nov. 21, 1950 Filed April l2, 1948 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 F/gj Anan H. Narrow JNVENTOR.

A. H. NARROW STRIP CASTING MAQHINE Nw. m, m@

6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed April l2, 1948 Anm/'r H Narrow INVENTOR.

mr., 2, E9 A. H. NARROW 253%2@ STRIP CASTING MACHINE Patented Nov. 2l, 1950 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE STRIP CASTING MACHINE Anton H.. Narrow, Memphis, Tenn.

Y Application April 12, 1948, Serial No. 20,505

2 Claims.

' supply of plastic material, preferably metallic,

in the molten or semi-molten state and, simultaneously, separate a charge of this molten material from the supply, admix a lubricant with the charge while urging a previous charge through l a mold, cool the molten material while a charge thereof is being urged through a mold, thereby forming a continuous strip of solidified material.

Another object of this invention is to intermittently pull the strip from the mold and hold the pulled strip While cutting it to size.

A still further object of this invention is to cut the strip in pre-selected lengths, the cutting being initiated in response to the length of travel of the continuous strip.

A still further object of this invention is to compensate for various widths of continuous strip material While holding it during the cutting operation.

A still further object of this invention is to hold the strip in such a manner while it is being cut and after it has been cut in order to prevent obstructions in the advance of the continuous strip.

Another object of this invention is to intermittently advance the continuous strips at selected speeds and periodically hold the strip at the proper interval for cutting purposes.

Yet another object of this invention is to cut the continuous strip to pre-selective lengths` the cutting means being responsive to the actual length of the molded strip.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved mechanism with no pivot pins in or adjacent the crucible or heating pot, thereby preventing inefliciency in operation resulting from swollen pivots (due to the heat).

Another purpose of this invention is to prime the apparatus by manual means, thereby preventing breakage of the device due to premature mechanical operation (while the plastic material hasfnot yet reached the molten or semi-molten stage).

Another object of this invention is to lubricate the molten or semi-molten plastic material While it is being separated from the supply in charges,

which separation urges a previous charge through a mold in order to form a continuous, unbroken, homogeneous strip.

Another object of this invention is to separate the charges of plastic material from the supply by means of the actuation of a piston, Which pis-V v ton is resiliently loaded on the upstroke, the resiliency being the motive force during the downstroke, which downstroke is the actual power stroke.

Another object of this invention is to provide a smoothly operative device of the nature to be requiring A .merely an electrical outlet for actuation purposes.

described which is self-contained,

Another purpose of this invention is to provide means for regulating the amount of charge whichA is separated from the supply of molten material in order to compensate for leakage around thepiston head, thereby making it possible to sepa- Y Figure 1 is a perspective view of the preferred form of the invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a stripped down plate Whereon several operative portions of the device reside;

Figure 3 is an elevational side View of the invention shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4 is an end View of a mechanism forA adjusting the stroke of the puller;

Figure 5 is a sectional View taken substantially on the line 5 5 of Figure 4 and in the direction y of the arrows;

Figure 6 is an elevational side view of the pre-` ferred form of the invention, portions being broken away in section to illustrate details of construction Figure '7 is a plan view of a pulling mechanism,

which is substantially identical in structure to the locking mechanism;

Figure 8 is a sectional view taken substantially Y on the line 8-8 of Figure 7 and in the direction of the arrows;

Figure 9 is an enlarged sectional view of the crucible used in the invention, illustrating par ticularly the lubricating -means and means for separating charges of molten material from a supply;

Figure 10 is a plan View of the cutter mechin Figure l, a portion of the piston mechanism.

being broken away in order to illustrate certain details;

Figure l5 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of the device shown in Figure 14, showing the cutter mechanism in a secondoperative position; and

Figure 16 is a sectional detail of construction taken substantially on the line Iii-I6 of Figure 9 and inthe'direction of the arrows.

Frame or support A suitable support or frame issupplied as the recipient of various elements of the invention. andi may be made oi'any suitable material' including either^ cast or angle iron braces and' the like.- Four legs i0, l2, It and I6, respectively'. maybe supplied with a "platformv I'associated therewith for accommodating a suitable motor 20. It will be noted at this point that the said motor 2@ may beV or any conventional nature having the usual conductor or lead 22 extending therefrom. ThisV lead may be attachedr to the platform i8" through the medium of a conventional clamp 24 and may have a switchv 25 associated therewith for making and breaking an electrical circuit, thereby rendering the motor 20 operative, when it is found desirable. Also, the said motor 2@ may be attached to the platform i8 by any' suitable means such as bolts, rivets, or the like. It is also within the purview of the present invention to-adjustably mount the motor 2Q, since it has a pulley 28 associated therewith with a groove belt 3i) entrained about the pulley. In cases wherein the tension of the belt til .is to be adjusted, thismay be effected bymov'ement of the motor.

The support or frame includes a substantially flat top 33 having an aperture 3d therein, Viewing Figures 1 and 14, it will be seen that the top 32,is substantially planar and unobstructed for the' maior portion thereof and said recess 34 is formed as a well for accommodation of a crucible or meltingpot (see Fig. 9).

A stripped downv plate 38 (Figure 2) is attached to one side of the top 32 vby means of suitable bolts or the like passing through the apertures provided at the proper positions on this plate. Various cutouts and recesses are supplied in this plate 38 in order to accommodate variousv mechani'sms forming a portion of the present inven tion.

Suitable side supports 42, t4, and 4G are interconnected with the legs and also serve the purpose of a recipient for various mechanisms in the invention.

Heating system The crucible 36 is adapted to receive plastic (preferably metallic) stock which is melted to a certain stage oi iluidity which is considered molten. The degree of fluidity requisite in the efficient operation of the. invention may be ascertaned by the operator of the device. The material must not be heated to a state wherein the viscosity is substantially zero, and yet the material must be heated enough in order to permit free iiow of the same through various conduits. In order to eiect this heating, many means may be employed. However, the preferable means is by utility of a gas manifold with various conduits associated therewith.

An inlet conduit i8 which is connected to a suitable gas source is attached to-the frame or support leg i6 by any suitable means, such as a pipe clamp 5E?. This inlet conduit 48 has a plurality of branch conduits associated therewith, one. of whichl is seen at 52. This branch conduit has a valve generally indicated at 54 therein which is of the manual operational type. A conventional burner- 58 is connected therewith and extends beneath the melting pot or crucible 36. Of course, suitable regulatable air inlet valve means for mixture control may be supplied, as is seen' at 60.

A` pair of conventional valves'62 and Myrespectively, are communicated with the inlet pipe 48 and have tubes G5 and 68, respectively, communicated therewith. These tubes terminate ad-A jacent the mold cell and' valve mechanism'ior maintaining the cell and mechanism in a relative- 1y hot condition in order to-allow freel ow'of molten material therethrough.

Means for separating charges of material from the supply lfifrespectively, be formed of any suitablematerial such as angle iron or the like and rigid@ ly associated with the said plate 38 by means of conventional bolts, rivets, or evenY welded if it -isfound desirable. As is seen in Figure 3, a through passage is supplied between the said rails 'i0 and 'I2 in order to accommodate a reciprocatingv rodv 7A. This rod is biiurcated at one .end thereof, forming a pair of divergent arms i6 andY i8.- At the point of inception of the divergency, a notch 88 is formed for accommodation of a rocker. arm It will be noted thatthe external dimensions 82. of the rocker arm 82 are substantially identical to the internal dimensions of the notchl 89 wherein a hrm seating mayftake place.

A. boss 84 is-formed integral with an extenpiston rod 88 therethrough. The said shoe 9'2 may include a plate SB which is attached to the'. main center block thereof by means of adjustable.

threaded elements or bolts S8. These bolts, of

course, penetrate the said plate Sie and terminate in thecenter block for firmly clamping this mechanism in the selected adjusted position relative to the longitudinal axis of the rails 'l5 and 12.

A conventional spring 50B orv any other suit-'j able equivalent resilient biasing means encircles the said piston rod 88 bearingV on the said' ex.

tension 94 and the said boss 84. When the said OfA 5 rocker arm 82 is manipulated, it is now apparentthat the boss 84 reciprocates for storing potential energy in the spring |00. On the upstroke of the boss 84, the potential energy is stored in the said spring |00 and on the downstroke it is the actual energy stored within the spring that supplies the motive force of the piston rod 88. By adjustment of the shoe 92, the amount of force stored in the spring may be regulated in order to arrive at the most eiective speed of downstroke of the piston rod and also .in order to arrive at the most smoothly operative'condition of the apparatus.

Referring now to Figure 9, it will be seen that the Ysaid piston rod 88 has a piston head |02 secured thereto with grooves |04 formed therein. The said piston rod and piston reciprocate in cycles of operation, urging the piston head |02 in a cylinder |06. This cylinder |06 is supplied in a relatively heavy block |08 which is secured within the crucible 36.

A bracket ||0 (see Fig. 14) is secured to an edge of the frame or support extending over the aperture 34. A stay bolt |2 extends through the bracket H0 and rests upon the edge of the block |08 for support purposes.

The said block |08 is supplied with a pair of apertures or bores I4 and I6, respectively, which are diametrically placed adjacent the lower portion thereof and which communicate with the said cylinder |06. Noting iirst the said -bore ||6, it will be seen that an elbow I |8 is secured thereto and has a conduit threadedly associated therewith. Of course, if it is found desirable,l

the elbowconduit, and block |08 may be formed asa single unit. this being within thev prerogative of the manufacturer.

One end of the said conduit |20 has its bore internally threaded in order to accommodate the threaded portion |22 of a valve stern |24. This valve stem has a reduced terminal portion cooperative with a valve seat formed at |26 in the said conduit |20. Various inlet channels |28 and |30, respectively, are formed laterally of the bore of the said conduit |20 at a point adjacent the valve seat |26 for inlet purposes. Of course, the opposite terminal of the said valve stem |24 may be ilattened either hexagonally, square, octagonally, or in any other suitable shape for manipulation purposes. By adjustment of this valve stem |24 in the bore of the said conduit |20, the opening at the valve seat |26 is selectively regulated in order to permit a selected amount of molten material to be pulled into the cylinder |06 by the negative pressure or suction created therein upon actuation of the piston head |02 during its upstroke.

A check valve is supplied in the said conduit 20 and may be of the ball type including an enlargement |32 of the said bore of the conduit |20 with a conventional ball valve member |34 freely oating therein. A suitable spider |36 is also supplied in the enlargement of the bore, permitting only a selected length of travel of the ball |34.

An elbow |30 may be threadedly received in the cylinder block |08, communicating with the said bore H4. This elbow has a transverse pipe |40 connected thereto with a conduit |42 operatively connected therewith and with a block |44.

v. The said block |44 has a passage |46 therein, which is in direct communication with the bore of the said pipe or conduit |42.r This passage terminates in an enlargement thereof |48 which has a port |50 directly communicating therewith.

It may now be seen that on thedownstroke of the piston head |02 the plastic material (preferably metallic and in the molten or semi-molten stage) is urged upwardly through the passage |46, thence through the port |50 into a mold |52.

A plug |54 is threadedly received in one end of the enlargement |48 for access to this enlargement. A second port |56 communicates with the said enlargement |48 and is on the opposite side thereof from the said port |50. This last-mentioned port |56 communicates with a valve chamber |56 formed in the said block |44 wherein a ball Valve member |60 resides. This ball is freely Iioatable between the said port |56 and avalve seat |62, which valve seat has a passage |B4 directly communicating therewith.

The said passage |64 has a chamber |66 communicated therewith and a conduit |68, threadedly received in the said block |44, is in communication with the said chamber |66. This conduit |68 terminates adjacent the bottom portion of the crucible or melting pot 36 for receiving molten material therefrom. It will be noted that upon reciprocation of the piston head |02, a charge of material is received from the crucible through the various passages, conduits and valves describedabove. In operation, a certain amount of leakage will occur between the piston head |02 and the cylinder walls. To regulate the inflow ofV plastic material from the crucible in order to separate the desired amount of material, which separation should be substantially similar at all times (in quantity), the conduit |20 with its valve mechanism is supplied. Regulation of the valve stem |24 serves this purpose.

In fabrication of this described portion of the invention, various expedients might be resorted to for feasibility of manufacture, such as the utility of a plug |10 closing the upper portion of the valve chamber 58 after positioning the valve ball member |60 therein.

Lubricating system In operation of the invention, it is necessary to l lubricate certain elements of the invention. This end is accomplished by means of applying lubricant to the molten material before it is separated in charges. The preferred form of lubricating system forms an important part of the present invention and will be described in detail at this time.

A lubricant container |12 having a spout |14 is supplied. This container also has a spider element |10 therein with an internally threaded boss |18 substantially centrally thereof.. A valve stem having a threaded portion |82 is threadedly received in the said internally threaded boss |18. The said valve stem |80 may be supplied with a bent portion |84 at one end thereof and a reduced valve head portion |86 at the opposite end. The said valve head portion is cooperative with one end of the bore in the spout |14 in order to eiiect the proper and desired valving. As is seen` in Figure 9, the lubricant extends through the said spout |14 and progresses to the chamber |66. By proper manipulation of the valve stem |00, thev rate of flow of lubricant is selectively regulated.

Upon actuation of the piston head |02, the molten material is urged through the said conduit |42 and nally through the mold |52 as described above. At the same time, the lubricant from the chamber |66 is intermingled or admixed with the molten material going through the various passages of therblock |44 kwith the molten.

material. It isnoted=atthis point Athat a certain amount of lubricant will seep throughfthe yconduit |42 for lubrication of the piston and cylinder walls.

Cooling system well as the rate of flow. This pipe extends around.- one end portion of a mold cell |82 which accom- The said tube |88- modates the saidmold |52. extending around the mold cell |82 forms a coil |84 which may be welded thereto or otherwise secured,'such as by means of a suitable small Welded bracket' or plate ISS. Obviously, the terminal' of the said mold cell |82, and thereforethe mold |52, is maintained in ay cool condition at this point in order to solidify the-issuing molten material. The previously described burners and burner pipes 65 and B8, respectively, termi# 3 nate adjacent the said block |44 and the mold cell |82l in order to maintain the molten material in the' fluid stage. However, the opposite end of the said mold and mold cell are intentionally cooled for solidifying the material. Thus, in accordance with the particular shape of theY mold aperture |98, various shapes and sizes of strips may be formed.

' In order to ascertain when the molten material is transferred to this stage, which is appropriate for efficient operation of the machine, a well 288 may be rigidly attached to or formed integral with the mold cell |82 and a small quantity of the molten material placed therein as a sample. When this sample attains the proper fluidity, it may be viewed directly in this well or recess.

The terminal of the said water tube |88 may be adjacent a funnel-shaped element 282 which is attached to a drain pipe 284. The said drain pipe 284 may again be iixedly secured to the frame or supporty by means of a conventional bracket 206 which is attached to the cross support 42. The drainage is, of course, received in a suitable trap, which may be supplied in the floor, through a wall, or any other suitable place. Since the water circulating through the cooling system is relatively clean, no special provision may be necessary for filtering or otherwise purifying this water.

Mold cell and adjustable mounting therefor The said mold cell |82 is juxtaposed relative to the sad Crucible 3E and has a slot 288 therein foracccmmodation of a conventional mold |52. In order to form various sized strips of material, the mold cell |52 may be removed in favor of other size molds. Of course, the size is-determined bythe length and Width of the aperture |98. therein. The mold |52 is frozen in the mold cell |82 by means of placing a bit of the molten material inthe aperture 288 and permitting it to freeze by theV action ofthe cooling jacket |84. This of course maintains the mold firmly in position in thecell. How-ever, it is seldom that the mold- !52 is perfectly placed in the mold cell |92 whereby alignment with the necessary-cooperating elements of the apparatus is perfect.

Therefore, a means for al'gning the entire cell |82 with the necessary other elements of the device is supplied. Accordingly, the present inven tion has incorporated therewith-means for adjusting the entire cell |92 after the4 mold |52 or a mold of a different description is placed therein. This means may be seen best in Figures 6 and 15., wherein an arm 2H) extends from the block |44' to one side of the frame or support. The block |44, and consequently the attached or integral mold cell |82, may either be shimmed at the connection of the arm 2| 0 and the side of the support or, if it is found desirable, the bolt. 2|2l may simply threadingly adjust the cell |92. The mold cell |92 may be additionally supported by means of a rod or bracket 2|4 which attaches to the mold cell and to one of the supporting ele.- znents forming a portion of the support.

This feature of the invention is of material im'- portance, since the strip which is formed and cutshould align substantially perfectly with a puller and holder mechanism to be described subsequently.

Motor and drive mechanism Referring primarily to Figures l and 3, a simplified means for actuating various and sundry mechanisms pertinent to the present invention is illustrated. The motor 28 is attached to the platform I8 as described above and the V-groove belt 3|) is actuated thereby. This belt is also entrained about a relatively large pulley 228 which is jour-v naled on a suitable shaft 222, journaled in turn'in the said support. The said shaft 222 has a worm 224 secured thereto which is in engagement with a gear 226. The said gear 226 is in turn journaled on a shaft 228. This last-mentioned shaft has its axis extending transversely of the longitudinal axis of the said shaft 222 for transmission of torque. A cam 238 is fixedly secured to the said shaft 228, engaging a cam follower 231i.v This last-mentioned element 234 is journaled on one end of the said rocker arm 82, the opposite end thereof being fitted in the said notch 8S as described elsewhere in the specification. At a point substantially medially of the length of the rocker arm 82, there is a pivot pin supplied which is journaled in a conventional bracket 238. This bracket may be attached to any suitable portion of the said support, preferably the cross element 42. It is now seen that upon rotation of the shaft 228, the rocker arm 82 will be actuated for supplying reciprocatory movement to the piston rod 88 Also secured to the said shaft 228 is an eccentric 238 having a pitman 24D secured thereto. This pitman has a cam lobe 242 formed thereon which is adapted to engage the cani follower 24:?, for the purpose of actuating a cutter mechanism to be described subsequently.

The opposite end of the said pitman 248 is connected with a linkage which in turn actuates a puller mechanism.

Puller mechanism Attention is now directed primarily to Figures 7 and 8 wherein a puller mechanism is illustrated for use in forming a portion of the present invention. A strip 248 which is formed by receiving the hardened metal or other plastic material from the mold |52 is shown in use in these views ofthe invention. The puller mechanism consists lof a base plate 258 having a relatively stationary block 252 integral therewith. A sliding or locking block 254 is positioned adjacent the said relatively stationary block 252 for cooperation therewith.

The entire mechanism including the base plate i250 is periodically slidable by means of a portion of the structure described previously and by other structure to be described subsequently. As the plate 250 and its pertinent mechanism is slid forward, .the sliding block 254 is clamped toward the' relatively stationary block 252 with the strip of' material 246 therebetween. This pulls the strip 245 froml the mold 52 intermittently. When .the plate 250 is returned, the said sliding block .and stationary block are so arranged as to permit the strip 245 to move therebetween freely. The 'specific structurelfor carrying out this function may besee'ri best in Figure 8 wherein a stub shaft 256 is journaled in the base `plate 250 and the c over 258. This stub shaft 2 5E may have reduced terminals with an enlarged portion therebetween. Thev enlarged portion has an internally threaded .borefor reception of a threaded element or screw 260. An enlargement or ball 252 is formed at one end of the said screw 260 and cooperates with a socket or recess 266 formed in the sai-d sliding block 254.` The said screw 200 is thereby adjustable in the stub shaft 25d-for compensating for various Widths of strips 246 which are cast.

Of course, one end of the said threaded element 200 may be slotted for reception of a screwdriver or the like in adjustment. Other expedients such l as ,forming a knurled knob on the end of this element may be resorted to if it is found desirable.

The longitudinal axis of the said threaded element 260 is maintained 01T center relative to the longitudinal axis of the said plate 25! in order that upon forward movement of the entire plate 260the sliding block 254 will tend to frictionally engage the strip 24S, locking it in place, in carrying the said strip with the entire pulling mecha- IISm.'

In order toy further insure a rm frictional tendency for engagement with the strip 246, a resilient element 268 is secured to the said plate 25o for resiliently biasing the sliding plate 254 in a selected direction. This resilient element 268 may be in the form of a strip having a loop 2410 at one end thereof which encircles a stationary pin 212 either formed integral -With or secured to the said plate 258. A guide post 214 is secured to the upper surface of the said plate 259 for guid ing the said resilient element 268. The opposite end of the said resilient strip 200 may be re-, ceived in a suitable recess in one edge of the said sliding block 254, being normally maintained therein due to the inherent resiliency of the metallic strip 268. Y It will be seen that the stripped down plate 38 is formed with a recess 216 for accommodation of a portion of the puller mechanism. A tie bar 218 extends from the plate 250 and is received Within the said recess 218. Guide plate 282 and the end surface 28| of the plate 250 together with the raised extension 280 are positioned on opposite sides of this tie plate 21B anking the said plate 38 to form a guide for the pullerl mecha- A mandrel-shaped pin including an enlarged section 284 and a relatively reduced section 28E issecured to the said plate `282 for accommodation of the actuating means for the entire pulling assemblage. elements of the present invention are synchronized in movement-the means for actuating the puller assemblyis adjustable in nature in order to compensate for speed differentiations and also to compensate for stroke adjustment of this mechamsm. f

The'saidpitman 240 has a stroke adjuster piv.-

Sinoe' it is essential that all of the oted thereto. This stroke adjustor may be seen best in Figures 4 and 5, as well as in Figure 2. It consists of a housing generally indicated at 290 with diametric pins 2&2 and 294, respectively, extending therefrom. lThese pins are journaled in a suitable bracket 226 which is attached to the plate 38 through the medium of suitable bolts terminating in the threaded apertures 2% and 300 respectively. The said housing includes a cover plate 302 which has an aperture adjacent its terminal portion and it is this aperture wherein a suitable pin pivotally connects the pitman 240 and the vhousing 200. Since the pitman 240 is mounted on the eccentric 238, a denite orbit of travel is provided for this pitman. The end of the pitman being attached to the plate 302 actu ates the plate ina rocking movement.

. A tie rod 304 is pivotally secured to the enlarged portion 284 of the said pin of the puller mechanism and may be maintained in place through the medium of a conventional cotter pin or the like. The opposite end of the actuation rod 304 is pivotally secured in a shoe 306 which slides in the housing 290.

Means for adjusting the shoe 306 in this housing 290 is supplied. The preferable means consists of a screw 308 which is -adjustably received in the housing 200 and more specically through one wall thereof, one end of which may have a knurled knob 310 or -the like thereon. The opposite end of the screw 308 has a reduced portion 3I2 therein for accommodation of a pin 3M. This pin of course is vfreely slidable in the reduction 3I2, while the pin is also rigidly associated with the said shoe 30S. Upon manipulation of the knurled knob 3 I 0, the entire shoe 306 may be raised and lowered within the housing 290, thereby adjusting the longitudinal axis of the actuation rod 304 toward and away from the pivotal axis of the housing 290 which is obviously the axis of the diametric pins 290 and 294.' By this expedient, the stroke yof the puller mechanism is regulated both as to Speed yand length.

In order to maintain the puller mechanism in its desired travel, a small rail 3I6 is secured to the base bar or plate 38 spanning the said recess 218. Of course, the rail 356 is received between the said plates 280 and 282 in reciprocation of the pulling mechanism.

The holding mechanism (see Fig. 14) is identical to the pulling mechanism including the exact structure thereof. O-f course, the holding mechanism does not reciprocate, and therefore .no means is provided for this purpose. It is, however, adjustable by manipulation of its screw or threaded element equivalent to that element 280. 'I'his .compensates for various widths of strip which is molded in the apparatus.

As the pulling mechanism is actuated, the strip 246 is pulled. through the holding mechanism, which permits it to move freely (the strip) therethrough. However, when the pulling mechanism returns in a single cycle of operation, the said holder firmly (frictionally) grips the strip 246, allowing the said pulling mechanism to return withoutapplying a force on the strip 248 in the undesireddirection.

Cutting mechanism A cantilever 318 is secured to the table top or support top 332 by any suitable means such as screws 320 in order to accommodate a sliding bar v324. 'This sliding bar or rod has a stop 326 secured thereto and is adjustable relative to the longitudinal axisl of the said sliding rod or bar 324. The said stop 'may be in the form of a small bracket or the like'having a set screw 328 therein. Of course, the set screw frictionally engages the bar 324, thereby permitting the stop to be placed substantially in any position on the bar. This lstop is adapted to be engaged by the issuing strip 246 after it has been pulled and held as described above. When the strip issues to a position whereby contact with the stop takes place, the

entire bar 324 is urged forward, carrying with it anadjustable cutter mechanism. A screw 338er other suitable pivotal connection is veiected between thesliding bar 3244 and a framing element 3-32 yofthe cutter mechanism.

The specic'structure of the cutter mechanism ,5-

respectively. These slots accommodate bolts 348 L and 358 respectively which are anchored to the body lportion 336. Interposed betWeenthecutter or knife 342 and the body portion 336 is aguide plate 352. This guide plate is formed with slots 354 similar to the said slots 344 and 34,6 and which also have the said bolts 348 and 350 extending therethrough.

The said guide plate 352 is formed with a slot 358 therein for receiving the strip 246 v.therethrough, for subsequent cutting operations. 'Of course, the edge of the cutting blade 342 maybe beveled for more effective shearing or" the strip.

As is seen in Figure 6, thecutting mechanism is then responsive to a predetermined length .of strip 246 which is extruded from the mold As the strip 246 engages .the stop 326, the bar 324 is urged in the cantilever support 3I8, thereby carrying with it the cutting mechanism. Viewing` Figure 1, it is readily appreciated that the cut-l ter 342 is :so positioned as to be contactable with an` actuating hammer 360. This hammer .is constantly moved back and forth until the cutter mechanism is pulled to a position whereby'contact of the hammer 366 and the cutter-342 .-is e15-I fected. At that time, the shearing of the Strip 246 takes place. 1

In order to compensate for various widths .of strip to be cut, the guide plate 352 may bead- The en L justed and maintained in the adjusted position by means of the .shim 362 seen in Figure 13. This shim has a centering plate 364 Asecured thereto by means of a suitable screw or the like .366 :and also has a hole 368 formed therein. This -hole is adapted to encircle vthe vpin 310, which pin is in turn secured rigidly to the main body 336 of the cutter mechanism.

The said slot 358 receives the stripi246 preparatory for shearing. When a very wide strip vis used, the adjustment ofthe guide plate352is'as seen in 'Figure 12. However, when it is desired to cut relatively 'narrow strips, the yshim :362 is removed from the notch 314 and placed on the opposite side of the element 332. Of course, prior to the placement of the shim 332 on the opposite side of this element, the entire plate .352 is slid on'the bolts 348 and 4350 to forma notch-on the opposite side of this element. Then, the width of `the slot358 is reduced effectively dueto a `portion of the main body portion 336fvvhichA overles a portion of the said slot 358. Then, v:

12 itis obvious that a more narrow strip ,may .be `cut without the bending which Would result in a loose t.

The cutter 342 has a post 316 extending ltherefrom and a spring 318 or other equivalent resilient biasing means attached thereto, .A :second post 380 is rigidly attached to the main body 3.36 of the cutter mechanism and also forms van anchorage for the spring 318. Upon movement .in a single direction of the cutter 342 against the normal biasing force of thespring 318, the strip will be sheared and upon release 'of this force which urges the cutter 342, the said cutter will be returned to the inoperative position.

Means for maintaining the Atravel of the .strip in a predetermined path is supplied. Often strips, when cut, will fall in such amanner as to prevent the free issuing of the continuous strip from' the mold adjacent this cutterzmechanism. Therefore, la specially devised bailie has been supplied in association with the vcutter Amechanism for preventing this `inadvertent falling. The baille .382 has a ared shoulder 384 associated therewith which `engages the side -of the issuing strip. As the continuous strip-moves through 1the cutting mechanism, itis guided Vby means .of the bale '382 which is pivoted to the main .body 'portion of the cutter mechanism 336 by a suitable bolt, pin or the like. It is not essential to lmove the baille with the adjustment of the plate 1352, since .the curved or flared portion covers sufficient area :to compensate for various plate 352 adjustments. This baiile simply prevents -cut strips ,fromialli-ng backward to prevent the unobstructed vtravelV of the continuous strip in its issuing movement. Y

In order to guide `the cutting mechanism in its travel, a small bracket 386 is secured to the said plate 38 and is'adap'ted to encircle the `extension 388 of the said main body portion-336. In reciprocation ofthe cutting-means, this guide or bracket '386 maintains the cutting mechanism in the desired travel or orbit. l Y

Means for resiliently yreturning fthe lcutter mechanism to the `'inoperative position after it has sheared the strip 246 fis supplied.l Thismeans may be-seen. best in Figure 6 wher-ein a relatively long spring 390 is illustrated as being secured to the said bracket 2336 and also secured to an adjustable stop 392. 'This last-mentioned stop 392 is secured to `the sliding rod.324 4by any suitable means, As the rod S324 is progressed v4forward through the medium of the'issuing stripi24'6, ithe spring 396 is stretched or deformed, constantly applying fa returning force to the lsaid rod 324. After lthev strip is sheared, there is no force urging the .rod *324. againstuthe normal or inherent resiliency of the Aspring -398 and therefore, this spring returns the `rod and `cutting mechanism to the :inoperative position. f

Referringv .now `to the hammer 136:6 mentioned hereinabove, yattention `is directed primarily to Figures 1 and '3. Here the hammer 360 is shownf as simply a bar connected to a rocker shaft :396. ,This ,rocker shaft is mountedon suitable perches 338 and 488, respectively, which are, in turn, .attached to vthe said support. If it :is found desirable, the, said rockerrshaft 388 may Kbe Li-,shaped with the above `'mentioned cam follower (inthe form 'of-:a rollen) 244 attached thereto. :This'cam follower engagesithe .said cam lobe 2.42 intermittently during the movement of the ,pitman l240 in its cycle offoperation. Y

IIthas beenfound-expedient'to,utilize,a-straight hammer 360 in lieu of the L-shaped rocker shaft 396, with the roller 244 aattachedxlirectly thereto.

i3 Of cours,"ths`"'wuld require a slight alteration as to the shape, position, and size of the cam lobe v242. With the described mechanism, however, it

is readily understood that it is within the purview of the invention to adjustably mount the hammer 360 on the shaft 39S to regulate the stroke of the hammer. This is but an expedient which may be resorted to if it is found desirable.

It is readily appreciated, upon inspection of Figure 3, that the cutter 342 may be moved as described above until the hammer (which is intermittently actuated as described) comes into such a position as to be contacted by this hammer.

Manual priming device A latch keeper 402 is secured to the said support by any suitable means, such as welding, bolting or the like. This latch keeper has a notch 464 formed therein for accommodation of a lever 4%. The said lever 496 is pivoted to a suitable perch 4% which is, in turn, secured to the said support member 42. When it is desired to prime the device, the said lever 496 is actuated about its pivot pin 4 B as an axis for raising and lowering the rocker arm 82. A reduced terminal portion H2 engages the under surface of the said rocker arm 82, lifting the piston rod 88 therewith through the intermediate structure. The device should be manually primed before set into operation in order to test Whether the material in the crucible or melting pot 36 is in the proper stage of fluidity. Further, the invention may be manually primed by actuation of the lever 435 for setting the mold |52 in the mold cell |92.

It will be noted that the arrangement of elements in the present invention is so supplied that the entire device may be set into operation by one individual. The switch may be actuated for the motor 2d from one side of the invention, the heating means rendered operative from the same side and the invention may be primed from that particular side. The mold may be set in place and the various other adjustments such as the regulation of lubricant flow may be easily effected.

Operation A supply of material is placed in the crucible 36 and heated to the desired state of uidity. Of course, the heating occurs by means of the furnace and burner construction as described previously. Manual priming is then the next stage of operation and the mold of the desired size and characteristics is seated in the mold cell. The water supply is permitted to flow through the coil |Q4 in order to cool a portion of the mold and mold cell to form the strip 246.

The piston rod E8 is actuated by the mechanism described and the power stroke of the piston is effected by means of the potential energy stored in the spring it. On the downstroke of the piston, the molten or semi-molten material is forced through the pipe |42 and into the elbow IIS, whence the check valve ball |34 impedes further low through this elbow IIS. The material flowing through the pipe |42 urges the ball check valve element |58 into its associated seat |62, thereby forcing the charge of material to be projected through the mold |52.

On the upstroke oi the piston |132, material is received through the pipe or conduit |68 as well as through the channels |28 and |39. The lubricant is, of course, permitted to dripand/or be sucked into the system through the spout |74.

It is noted that the port |56 is so arranged inthe blockl |44 that the ball |50 will not normally close the said port |5S on the upstroke of the piston |62. In order to compensate for the leakage as described above the regulation of the valve stem |24 may be efiected at this time.

As the resultant strip is formed, it is intermittently pulled by the puller mechanism and held by the holding mechanism. The said strip then proceeds to the cantilever support, whereupon the cutter mechanism, responsive to the length of travel of the;` issuing strip, is rendered operative. When it is desired to cut a predetermined length strip, the stop 326 is slidably adjusted on the actuating rod 324, thereby rendering the response oi the cutting means earlier than when a relatively longer strip is desired.

The length of strip which is desired is sheared at this time and prevented from falling backward to obstruct the free travel of the continuous strip. Of course, as described above, the cutting mechanism is resiliently returned when the pre-selected length of strip is cut.

In pulling the strip 246 from the mold, it is sometimes desirable to stop this operation for a duration. Under such circumstances, the bracket 4|6 forming a latch which is pivoted to lthe base plate 251i of the puller mechanism is pivotally actuated for engagement with the threaded element 260, thereby maintaining it in the inoperative position relative to the sliding block 254.

While there has been described and illustrated but a preferred form of the invention, it is apparent that certain variations may be made without departing from the spirit thereof. Accordingly, limitation is sought oniy in accordance with the scope of the following claims.

Having described the invention, what is claimed as new is:

1. In an apparatus for forming strips of material which includes a support, means carried by said support for intermittently pulling one of the strips including a base plate with means for reciprocating said base plate, a bearing block for the strip secured to said plate, a strip locking block, a pivot carried by said base plate with a member adjustably carried thereby and operatively connected with said locking block and mounting said strip locking block on said plate such a distance from said bearing block as to cause binding of the two blocks with the strip therebetween when moving the locking block with respect to and toward the bearing block by moving said plate forward in a part of a single reciprocatory cycle of operation, and a spring reacting on said base plate and said locking block constantly urging said locking block toward said bearing block.

2. In an apparatus for forming strips of material which includes a support, means carried by said support for intermittently pulling one of the strips including a base plate with means for reciprocating said base plate, a bearing block for the strip secured to said plate, a strip locking block, means adjustable toward said bearing block for slidably mounting said strip locking block on said plate such a distance from said bearing block as to ycause binding of the two blocks with the strip therebetween when moving the locking block with respect to and toward the bearing block by moving said plate forward in a part of a singie reciprocatory cycle of opvblack toward Said bearngblock, andfmeans can `ried.. by VSeial support Vfor holding the .pulledetlfip comprisngaplate secured .to yseid support `with a fixed block securedvthereto, a sliding 101001:` secured to .said last-mentioned plate and cooper ating wthsaid fixed block, and saici'fxed block andsaid sliding block forming jaws for holding the pulled strip. while the pulling means is oper.- ating inthe return .movement in the single cycle of operation.

ANTON H. NARROW.

REFERENCES CIT ED The following references are of record Vin 'the file of this patent:

Numieer 16 UNITED ASTAELJZIS:PA-'IENFIS Y Name Date Pehrson Feb. 24, 1914 Knight Apr. 10,A 1917 Blasted June 22, 1920 Breit July 11, 1922 Elrod Dec. 19, '1922 Dittmann Feb. 13, 1923 Fatupel Aug. 28, 1923 Hedly Dec. 11, 1923 Elrod et a1. Dec. 29, 1925 Hedy Apr. 14, 1'931 Eldred Nov. 1, 1938

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