US2582645A - Tile perforating machine - Google Patents

Description

la n. 15, 1952 Filed March 9, 1949 E. C. MILLIKEN El AL TILE PERFORATING MACHINE 5 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR. We. m. BYM 4% @914 In MY-M 1952 E. c. MILLI KEN ETAL 2,532,645

TILEPERFORATNG MACHINE I Filed March 9, 1949 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 E. C. MILLIKEN E'I'AL TILE PERFORATING MACHINE;

Jan. 15, 1952 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed March 9, 1949 IN VEN TOR. 6M 0. W

J 1952 E. c. MILHKEN arm. 2, 8

TILE PERFORATING MACHINE 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed March 9, 1949 v ATTdK/UfYS x Y V S 1952 E. c. MILLIKEN ETAL 2, ,6

TILE PERFORATING MACHINE Filed March 9, 1949 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 IN V EN TOR.

6M6. W BY 14 4. M

MMM@IM consequence to cause distortion of Patented Jan. 15, 1952 PATENT I OFFICE TILE-"PERFORATINGYMACHINE Y Edward;.,C.,- Millil:en, Bowerston, and Jay M. Roth, Uhrichsville, Ohio, assignors to The Bower'st'oiifShale Company, Bowerston, Ohio, a

corporation of Ohio 1 Application Marin-9, 1949,- Serial No. 30,454

it 15 Claims.

This invention relates to the manufacture of drain tiles of the type havingopenings or perforations in the periphery thereof to facilitate the admission .of drainage Water into theQtiles.

The principal objective of theinvention been to provide an automatic perforating a p paratus which is adapted to operate. upon the tile while the clay thereof is in aplastic condition, or prior to the time that it is fired; Heretofore, it has been conventional .to perforate drain tiles by inserting them, one after another, in a jig oriixture which is equipped with manually operated punches capable of. producing, the openings desired. This method of 'pr'oduction is slow and. exceedmgly'laborious, 'and as fresult, the cost of such tiles haslimi'tedthe utilization which their improved efficiency would othervvise command.

This invention is based upon the conceptiof operating upon the clay'of the tile as it is issued from an extrusion machine, st'eamlpr'ess. or. the like, and in an automatic or semieautom'atic manner whereby holes may be provided in'pr'e determined positions in one or more le i thsipf tile, either before or after they are severed from one another. The invention is disclosed particularly to the. perforation of claywhileit is in the form of an advancing column or cylinder, as issued from an extrusion machine. The column, after perforation, may then be severed into individual tile lengths bearing perforations in ,desired locations, suchthat manual labor incidental to the perforating step is avoided completely. a More specifically, one of the primary problems to which the-invention is-addressed is that of moving apunch or perforator element'transversely through the wall of a clay cylinderand then retracting the punch, while-the.,cylinder,'is advancingaxially, in suchmanner that a clean perforation is produced without distortionlof the perforation because of themovement of the clay while it is being worked upon. In this re spect. the invention contemplates apowendriven punch and means for movingit at a rapidrate both into and out of the clay'wail beforethe linear advancement of the clay wallis of sufficient the hole or perforation. To meet this requirement oneof'the features of the invention is the utilization ofa motionmultiplying toggle mechanism operated by a driver and so constructed and arranged that movement of the-driver in one direction is "effec- .t. ve t a s o h the adva cementjandretrace 1 (c1. za-zt.)

, 2 tionof theperforator to and from thework. In this manner time delays incidental, to motion reversal of the driver are avoided. Once the driver has moved in one direction to advance and retract the punch, the next successive movementthereof, in an opposite direction, is effective to again advance and retract the punch thereby producing a succeeding perforation It is desirable, for best drainage purposes, to provide a plurality of perforations longitudinal ly of a drain tile at spaced intervals. However, a typical extrusion machine employed to produce clay tile or sewer pipe operates continuously, discharging an advancing column or cylinder of clay, which is then severed into suitable lengths, To avoid the necessity of manually feeding individual pieces of clay tile to a perforating machine, a preferred embodiment of the invention is constructed to operate upon the clay as it advances from the extruding machine or press, but in timed relationship to the apparatus by whichthe column is subsequently severed into individual pieces. To meet this objective the invention contemplates a tile fabricating assembly including a machine for producing a cylinder of tile, either continuously or intermittently, an automatic perforator for producing holes at spaced intervals in thecylinder of clay, a devicefor severing the tile into one or more individual pieces, and a synchronizing control device which is effective for coordinatingthe points at which the holes appear in relation to the points at which the tile is severed.

The apparatus of the invention is adapted for use either in conjunctionwith a conventional tile clay extruding machine or, in the alternative, with a stream press by which lengths of clay, of more or less indiscriminate length, intermittently are formed and then are severed. Clay cylindersmay be perforated as desired by this improvement at virtually no extra cost, and, as an incident to the formation of the clay into its cylindrical form. Therefore, the invention enables perforated .tilesto be manufactured at a cost which is sufficiently low to enable their full utilization. I

From the foregoing description of the principles of the invention, and the following detailed description of the drawings in which typical embodiments of the improvements are disclosed, those skilled in the art readily will comprehend various modifications to which the invention is susceptible within the meaning of the claims.

In the drawings:

. .Figure. 11 isa generalediagrammatic view i11us- 3 trating the perforating apparatus mounted upon the discharge end of an auger mill and arranged to perforate and discharge the extruded clay column upon a, cutting machine.

Figure 2 is an enlarged end view of the perforating assembly, looking toward the discharge end of the auger mill, illustrating the general arrangement of the apparatus and the means for mounting it upon the extrusion die.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on line 33, Figure 2, further detailingthe extrusion die and mounting structure for the perfo rating assembly.

Figure 4 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view taken on line 4-4, Figure 2, detailing one of the perforator units.

Figure 5 is a longitudinal sectional viewtaken on line 5-5, Figure 4, further detailing the unit.

Figure 6 is a fragmentary sectional view'similar to Figure 5, illustrating the reversing valve apparatus in a position opposite'to that shown in Figure 5.-

Fig'ure 7 is 'a cross sectional view taken on line 1'i, Figure 4, detailing the valve ports and-passageways of the reversing valve.

Figure 8 is a cross section taken on lined-8, Figure 4, detailing the construction of the spring loaded trunnion block forth'e perforator plunger.

Figure 9 is a diagrammatic viewillustrating the toggle linkage in an intermediate position during an operating strokeof the perforator unit.

Figure 10 is a diagrammatic view similar to Figuref9, showing the'linkage at the completion of an operating stroke.

' Figure 11 is a top plan view illustrating the timer unit.

Figure 12 is an end view projected from Figure 11, further illustrating the timer.

Figure 13 is a developed view illustrating the arrangement of timing gear teeth by which the with a portion of a horizontal de a-iring machine or auger mill 20, which discharges upon an automatic cutting machine 2 L'both being-commercial products which need not be disclosed in detail. In general, the deairing machine embodies means for feeding clay or other'plastic'material undersufficient pressure to eliminate voids or air bubbles and its discharge end, indicated generally at 22, constitutes an extruder "having a nozzle-or die for shaping the outside diameter of the extruded tube and an internal die or bell for forming the inside diameter, as hereinafter disclosed with reference to Figure 3.

The de-airing machine extrudes a continuous plastic clay column or tube which advances'directly from the discharge end 22, in a horizontal plane to the automatic cutter 2|. The latter, while not disclosed detaiLgenerally constitutes an endless conveyor 23, arranged so that the'moving column of clay resting upon it and advancing =-by extrusion pressure, will drive it forwardlyand Y 4 advance the column. If necessary, the cutting machine can be equipped with a sensitive friction driving device in instances where the column of clay is too light to operate it. There is provided a rotary cutter near the discharge end of the conveyor, which, in the present instance, includes a number of radial cutters in the form of U-shape'd -frames, each having a cutter wire or rod stretched tautly across its open end adapt ed to pass through the plastic clay column to cut it- :into tile or ,pipe lengths. The rotary speed of the cutter is correlated with the lineal feed of the clay column so that the wires pass through theco'l uin-n-at riglrt". angles, forming square ends.

The'cuttersare'spaced according to the required tile l'engthand the rotary cutter is rotated in timed relationship With the advance of the column I as shown, the perforating operation is performed by a perforatorassembly, indicated general'lyat 25, mounted directly 'upon the extrusion nozzle. As-disclosed, this assembly constitutes a grouper four perioratorunits extending in angula'r relationship around the'lower portion of the column; and the operate simultaneously to punch'holes in circumferential rows-spaced longitudinally along the column. The longitudinal spacing of the holes is regulated by a timer 26. connected to one of "the shafts of conveyor 23, the timer including electrical switches which are closed intermittently in timed relationship with the lineal advance of thecolumn to energize'the perforators'periodically; I I

The perforator are-operated in the present instance by air cylinders, controlled by electricallyoperated valves, interconnected with the timer. Thus, the extruded clay-column drives the conveyor by frictional engagement, and'the timer, being in driving connection with the conveyor, causes the "holes .to be 'spaced uniformly according 'to the advance of the column. The perforator and cutter thusa're synchronized so that thecolumnfirs't is perforated then out to length at' prescribed points between the perforations." After the cutting operation, the individual -lengths removed from the conveyor either hand .o'rby suitable conveying apparatus for further processing or firing.

Extruding and perforating apparatus nsillustrated in Figures 'z and'--3, the discharge end H'of-the auger machine constitute a cylinder "21 having an external extrusion die 28 secured to its open end by screws 29. For this pur- "pose die '28 includes a flange 30 seated upon the "end of thecyli-nder "21, the die having an internal converging bore-'31 ,-'communicating with the cylinder. The inner face of the dieZB includes support studs '32 extending rearwardly into cylinder '21, providing means formountinga spider, generally i'ndica'tedat 33', which supports the internal die or hell, indicatedgenerally at '34. Spider 33 includes threeradially extending arms time for each of the 'studs 32, and acentrally located stud as projecting forwardly through the hereof-die 28-. The respective spiderarms 35 are secured to the studs fl byme-a ns of screws 31. Upon the outer end 'of 'stu'd 36 there is provided a counterturned screwthreaded stud 3B, providinga shoulder against which the internal die '34 is seated. For this purpose, die 34 includes an end 'wallll having a centralizedbore fitted upon stud 38, the end wall being seated against shoulder -40 and clamped in position by the nut '42 screwthreaded upon the stud 38. The internal bore 3i of die 28 andthe external diameter of die 34 are concentric .with each other, the diameter of the internalwdie 34 being substantially smaller than the bore3l to provide the space 43 which determines the wall thickness of the extrusion. Spider33 is so arranged thatits arms 35 assembly is..secured to a mountingplate 6| by screws 62 passing throughthe plate into the cylinder headsand plate 6| is mounted in spaced relationship, to mounting plate 56 by screws 63 do not materially interfere with the passage of the clay which is expressed under high pressure through the cylinder. 21, through the annular space 43 to form the cylindrical column.

It will be noted in Figure 3 that a portion of the internal die 34 extends beyond the end. of the external die'ZBL The extended portion of .the die includes a groove 44 in which is placed a ring 45 of non-metallic material,.for example, a fibrous composition 'such as brake lining material. This ring provides a backing for the perforator punches which are located radially in alignment Withring 45 to prevent damage to thecutting edges of the punches.- These punches periodically punch through. the wall of the plastic column and immediately retract, the internal .die 34 thus dc,- fining' the inside diameter of the extrusion and also. supporting it .duringv the perforating operation.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the perforating apparatus is mounted directly .upon the outer end of the die 28.by means of a face plate 46 which is secured to the die by the screws 41. In the present disclosure, there is provided a set of four perforator units, each indicated generally at .48 although it will be apparent that the number of perforators isoptional andmay be varied according to the. requirements of the work. As shown, each perforator unit extends radially with respect'to the center of the. extrusion die assembly as viewed in Figure 2, so as to locate the perforations at-spaced radial points around the lower circumference of the extruded cylinder. As disclosed,'the perforator units are located in longitudinal alignment with each other, although in certain instances it may be desirable to stagger the units with respect to each other according to the type of perforating operation'required.

Per orator unit As detailedin Figures 4 and 5, each perforator unit constitutes an elongated base plate 50, one end of which is secured to the face plate 46 by means of screws (Figure 3). This unit is powered by a cylinder 52 having a piston 53 and piston rod 54, connected to apunch 55 by means of toggle linkage 56. In the present disclosure, the piston is operated by air pressure, although it can be hydraulically energized ifrdesired. The cylinder assembly is constructed and, arranged so that the perforator punch 55 executesa forward and return stroke at one stroke of the piston in either direction. As hereinafter disclosed, the timer 26 energizes alternately a pair of solenoids mounted within a control valveunit forming a part, of cylinder 52, havingsuitable ports and passageways toadmit air pressure alternately to the oppositeends ofcylinder 52,-depending upon which of the solenoids is energized. Thus, when one solenoid is energized, the piston rod assumes its fully extended position and when the other is energized, the rod is fully retracted. J i

As shown in Figure 3, cylinder 58 includes cylinder heads 5! and 58 secured upon its opposite ends by draw bolts 59 passing through the respective heads and drawing the heads firmly against the ends of the cylinder. Gaskets 6066 are disposed between the respective cylinder heads to provide an air tight seal. Thecylinder passing through spacers 64. I V l The piston constitutes a pair of oppositely facingVcup-shaped members. 65 formed from rubber or other resilient material secured upon the end of piston rod 52 by the clamping nut 66. The cup members are interposed between metal washers 61 and the vassembly is seatedagainst the piston rod shoulder 68.. The cylinder head includes apackingqor seal ring 69 embracing the piston rod, the ring being formed of a resilient material similarv to ,the piston cups. As hereinafter described, the valve structureis arranged toconduct air pressure to either end of the cylinder to cause reciprocation of the piston. I

The toggle assembly 56 constitutes a bellcrank leverlll pivotally mounted as at H upon bearing blocks 12 securedby screws 13 to the base plate 50. The bellcrank lever is connected to the end of the piston rod 54 by means of spaced links 'I 4,'!4 pivotally connected to the bellcrank lever by a pivot pin 15, locked in place by cotter pins 'l616. Spacers TI1'| are placed between the links and the short arm of the bellcrank lever. The opposite ends of the links are connected to the piston rod bymeans of a spacer block .18 screwthreaded upon the end of the piston rod and locked in position by a nut 19. A pivot pin passes through the links and block, also being I locked by cotter pins 'l6-16.

The long ,arm 8| of the bellcrank lever 10 is bifurcated asat 82 and is pivotally connected by a pin 83 toa link 84, the armand link constituting a toggle joint; The opposite end of link 84 is pivotally connected as at 85 to a plunger 86 which carries the perforator punch 55. Plunger 86 is slidably mounted in a bore formed in a trunnion block 81, pivotally mounted as at 88 between bearing vblocks 8989 (Figure 8). These blocks are secured by screws 98 to base plate 50 Trunnion block 81 normally is seated upon the base plate 50 by a compression spring 9| having one end seatedupon the block 81 and its opposite endbearing against a U-shaped bracket 92 secured :by screws 93 to the tops of blocks 89-89. It will be noted that spring 9! is located in advance of pivot, point 88, yieldably pressing the trunnion block and plunger assembly against the base plate but permitting the assembly to be pivoted tothe left, against the spring, as viewed in Figured. This permitsthe punch 55 to follow the moving column of clay during a punching operation to prevent distortion of the perforation, asqmight occur should the punch be confinedto a-flxed path of travel.

The outer end of plunger 86 is provided with a screw-threaded bore to receive the screw-'- threaded shank 940i punch 55, providing longitudinal adjustment, a lock nut 95 being threaded ontheshank to lock the punch in adjusted position in the plunger. The shank 94 is somewhat larger in diameter than the operating end of the punch, and is provided with wrench flats 96 on opposite sides to facilitate adjustment. The operating end of the punch is tubular so that the displaced slugs of clay may pass through the punch and the shank 94 is provided with a lateral opening 91, having an angular end wall 98 to guide the. slugs laterally and discharge .them. The punch is adjusted so that on its outward limit of travel, its end makes contact with the non-metallic facing 45 to perforate the aperture cleanlytopreventinj-ury to the punch and provide a slight degree of .yieldabili ty"precludingexcess'ive stressing eftheapparatus. v 7

--As above noted, theftogg'le Joint assembly 56 is arranged to advanceand retnaot the punch- 55 uponone stroke of the pistonrod 4. shown in Figure 9-, during the' forward'strohe' of the rod, long-arm 81 of :bellcranklever mswings in an are about it s-pivot pin ll and-itscooperating link $4, being pivoted as at 83 to arm 81, will exertendwise pressure upon the plunger 6, link SWbeing pivotal-1y joined as at ii5-to the plunger. This movernent forces the plunger and punch Iorw 1fl1y until thepivotpins 11,63 and 85mm in ii-ne'with each other, at whioh time the end of 'th'e 'p'un ch will he in contact the-facin 4-5. At this point-the piston rod has-advanced approximately of "its forward stroke and as the piston rod movement continues, the arm and link 31 and 84 pass beyond dead 'center'to the position shown in Figure which-issubstantia lly opposite to-that-of Figure- 3, thus bringing the punch back to i-ts retracted position with the piston rod-fully extended. The basep'late is slotted as at 99' to provide clearance for thetoggle links when they assume this position. When-air is'admitted-"into the opposite end of the cylinder, the "piston -rod54- will beretraeted, causingthe toggle-"linkage again-to advance and retract the punch through a repeat cycle.

Value structure As shown in Figures4-through '7, the reversing valve unit is a commercial product but a generalized description is believed I necessary in 'order to d-isclose the function of the-apparatus. The valve'unit' constitutes two sections, a solenoid housing 1-00, and an intermediate'block lefw hich is disposed between housing fll'll and-cylinder head 5 'Gaskets lfiz are interposed between the meeting faces of these 'units'andthey arecIamped together by' draw bo1ts-59 which extend therethrough, nuts H33 being engaged-upon 'the opposite ends of'the-draw bol-ts. 'Ihesolenoid housing wfl' i-ncludes an -i-nternal bore [04 having a pair --of I cylindrical solenoid uni-ts l-fldand IB5a mounted in the opposite ends thereof, the solenoid units having end flanges 1H6 which are clamped'by the end closurecaps 'Ill'L-Hll; -A sleeve IB8is slidably sustained within bore 1 04, the opposite ends of the sleeve being telescoped partially over the ends of-the solenoid units 1'05 =and -|-05a,'the sleeve being adapted to shift 'longitudinally by magnetic fiux -as-the solenoid units are energized. I V

Thesolenoids areenerg-ized alternately by current conducted from the timer to the insulated terminal screws l 69-4 6 9, one for each solenoid unit. "'Theeircuit for each solenoid is established from the screw I llQ-tothe-solenoid'by a fiat-spring cl lfl secur'ed to the solenoid and bearing against the head ll! of the screw, which also includes nuts-113 for securing the leads to the outer end thereof, The circuit through the solenoid'units is completedfbygrounding the opposite ends of the-solenoid windings (see diagram), the opposite side of the control circuit being grounded to the apparatus for this purpose.

As shown, the housing-I00 includes an intake passageway l M, and its opposite face, which'engages housing"|l-'l,' is provided with a recess! for slidablyreceiving a reversing slide valve element H1. Air pressure is conducted from the intake p'assageway to the recess H5 by means of a circumferential groove I 18 formed in sleeve 108.

Slidewalve 1 this mechanically connected tosleeve 1081103 :a" spur :INengaged in the groove Hid-[so that the'valve is shit ted unitarily with the sleeve. The valve block iszinrfacial contact with the intermediate block 511F131, being spring. loaded by means :of the compression spring I24. toi-iprovide an air tight seal between the face of the-housing It! and the'slide valve. It will be' noted thatthereiis provided a clearance 1.22 between the back Wall'of'recess 11:5 am the valve block to :provide .passage :of air drain the groove 1118' to the recessp V r "ns shown-rzin Figure :5,,i-intermediate block 18:! is provided :adioiningj' pairs of valve ports, theports of one;pair:'heing-indicated'at1Z3 and 112s and sthes'otherrlpair at t25rand I26. The individual inner ports 1.24am I25 each communicate' with a respective passageway 1,21 and 128, which vlead to the *exhaustnozzles i529 :andfll30 respectively "(Figure '7). The individual louter ports 1'23 and 126' communicatewieth a respective passageway 'l3l andfl32 formed in the cylinder head 51. It'will be noted. that pasageway 1'32 opens directly into the cylinder while passageway I3I extends at an angle through the cylinder head to a tube I33, extendingto' the opposite end of thewcylind'er. The cylinder head 58 at the opposite end includes-a right angular passageway 13 extending from the end of tube 1 33 to the interior of the cylinder.

The bearing .face of: the slide valve element H1 is: provided 'with a pair :of recesses 51:35 and L36 which .are arranged .:to I interconnect either the pair .of ports I23 and 1'24. or 1125 and I26, depending upon the position of" the valve zelement. Whencthe slide valve-is in'thei-position shown in Figure -14, ports 1123 and zlfid'zare .connected'together through'the recess l-35xand the outer port 126 "is'exposed so that .:air pressure may pass throughgroove Hi8, recess 115 through sport I26 directly into cylinder 52 tocause forward motion of. the piston. 'As shown, it is assumed that the valve has beenlshifted but "that the piston strokerhas notyeteommenced. As the piston moves forwardly the air is exhausted from the forward end of the cylinder through the passageway l34 in the forward cylinder head58, back through tube 133, angular passageway {3! of cylinderhea-d lfl to valve port 123,10 recess 1'35 of slide :element lfl. lrom recess I35 the air passes t'o the port l'24to-passage 'I-28 and is exhausted into the atmos here through the exhaust nozzle I30.

- When the opposite solenoid is energized to reverse the operationp the slide valve element moves to the: position showni n Figure -6, uncovering port 123 130 admit air pressure into the angular passageway I31 to tube'l 33-so as to supplyair pressure tothe opposite end of the cylinder, causingthe- =piston ito move rearwardly. Air is exhausted from the rearward portion of the cy1inder through-the passageway 32,'port 126 to the recess "I 36"of the-va;lveslide block. The air passes through recess 136 to pert-m passageway 1'27 and is exhausted; through the exhaust nozzle I29. It'will be apparent that-when solenoid unit I05is energized, the piston will move forwardly and when unit I05a' is energized; the piston will be retracted.

The valve and cylinder structure is such that the perforating ofieration is performed at a relatively high rate of speed in proportion to the lineal'trave'l of the clay column, minimizing the tendency of the punch to follow the column. The slight deflection-which is required to compensate 9.. for the advance of the column is permitted by the compression spring 9| as previously described. Since the punching operation is completed .during a single stroke without reversal of the piston, a rapid forward and return punch stroke results. The toggle linkage provides high initial velocity constantly decreasing as the punch penetrates the clay wall, with a momentary dwell period as the linkage passes its neutral axis before withdrawal of the punch. The linkage develops increasing leverage as the punch penetrates, and resistance increases, with a high pressure dwell against the die facing 45, resulting in clean, well formed perforations.

Timing apparatus As shown in Figures 1, 11 and 12, the timer is mounted upon the frame of the cutting machine 2I by means of a mounting plate I31 and is driven by a gear I38, keyed upon the shaft I40 of the conveyor 23 so as to .drive the timer in synchronism with the lineal travel of the clay column. In detail, the timer mechanism includes a gear I4I loosely journalled upon a shaft I42 fixed to the mounting plate I31. Gear I includes a coupling collar I43, telescopically engaging the hub I 44 of a two cycle timing gear I45, the hub I44 being connected to sleeve I43 by means of a set screw I46 so that gears MI and I 45 rotate as a unit.

Adjoining the timing gear I45 there is provided a switch mounting arm I41 which includes a split collar I48 frictionally engaged upon shaft I42, the collar being locked upon the shaft by means of the bolt I50. The end of shaft I42 may be screwthreaded to receive a nut I5I for adjustin the parts longitudinally with respect to the shaft to provide proper running clearances. Upon the extended switch mounting arm I41 there is mounted a. pair of micro-switches I52 and I52a each including an actuating plunger I54. These switches preferably are mounted upon an angle bracket I55 by means of screws I56. The angle bracket is secured to the arm by means of screws I51, the arm preferably being slotted as at I58 to permit the switches to be adjusted laterally with respect to the timing gear I45. The assembly is locked in adjusted position by means of nuts I60 engaged upon the screws I51. The switches are positioned so that the plungers I54 are depressed by the teeth of gear I45 as the gear rotates.

As shown in Figure 11, the plungers I54I54 of the micro-switches are in alignment with the end portions of gear I45 and normally both plungers would intermittently be depressed in unison by the gear teeth as the gear rotates. In order to provide alternate operation of the microswitches, the endwise portion of alternate teeth is cut away as indicated at I6I, so that successive gear teeth alternately depress the plungers of switches I 52 and I52a. The ratio between the gears I38 and MI is such that'gear MI and timer gear I45 make revolution for. each tile length, or in other words, one complete revolution of gear I45 constitutes two cycles of operation.

In the arrangement disclosed, the timing gear is provided with fourteen teeth (Figures 12 and 13) so as to provide seven perforations for each length of tile as shown in Figure 15. It will be noted that two entire teeth on diametrically opposite sides of gear I4 are removed as indicated at I62 to provide an inactive period at the beginning and end of the cycle to space the perforations properly from the ends of the tile as shown,

bearing in mind that the lengths are severed after being perforated. In order to synchronize the timer with the cutter and locate the perforations with respect to the tile column, the microswitches may be adjusted radially with respect to the timing gear I45. This is accomplished by loosening the clamp screw I50 and rotating the switch mounting arm I41 with respect to the timing gear.

In the present disclosure, the two cycle timing gear I45 is driven at the same speed as shaft I40 of the conveyor by gears I38 and MI, to perform two complete perforating cycles for each revolution of conveyor shaft. The tile lengths'subsequently are severed at the interruption between the groups of perforations, which interruptions represent the end of the timer cycles, as above noted. I

The tile length is thus determined by the gear ratio between the conveyor shaft and timer, which groups the perforations according to length, based upon the spacing of the radial arms of cutter 2 I. If the length is to be changed, suitable changes in the cutter are made and the ratio between the conveyor and timer correspondingly is changed by substituting gears I38 and I4I' for other gears bearing the necessary ratio to each other. It will be noted also that the spacing between the individual perforations is determined by the teeth of gear I45, correlated to the lineal advance of the tile column. The spacing can be altered by installing a timer gear having a different pitch, thus providing a diiferent number of perforations per tile length, at correspondingly different spacing, the overall length of the tiles remaining the same.

Operation The control circuit for the apparatus is disclosed diagrammatically in Figure 14'. As shown, the micro-switches I52 and I52a are of the normally open type, so arranged that a circuit is established through the switches when the respective plungers I54 are depressed. As shown, the circuit is energized by the power lines I63 and I64 which may lead from a transformer or other power source, depending upon the design of the electrical components. As disclosed, line I63 is connected in common to both micro-switchesand line I64 is grounded to the machine. 'Microswitch I52 is connected in common to the winding of solenoids I05 by line I61 and micro-switch I52a is connected in common to all of the windings of solenoids I05a. The opposite ends of the windings are grounded so as to complete the circuit to the power line I64.

. Since the micro-switches are closed alternately, it will be apparent that all of the solenoid units I05 or I05a will be energized simultaneously to operate the perforator units in unison, the piston 01' each being advanced when one switch is energized and retracted when the other is energized. It will be observed that additional perforating units may be applied as required by the particular job, and, if desired, certain perforations may be omitted by disconnecting the lines I61 and I68 from the respective binding posts I09 of cer-.- tain of the solenoid units.

Modified apparatus As disclosed in Figure 16, theperforating apparatus may be applied to a machine in which the soft clay tile length is stationarily supported, while the perforating machine moves longitudinally relative to the tile. This type. ofoperation may be combined with steam operated presses amassewhich, are :in com-monuse in the tilerindust fy; whichzessentially constitute a steam, cylinder operating intermittently to extrude length-of tile eripipe; 'Ihemodifiedtarrangementmay be con- :structed to-operate' directly in conjunction with such presses or it may be arranged to perforate :the tile sections at stations :remotefrom thepressi. Asishowmthe arrangement embodiesastationary mandrel I80, arranged vertically to receive -and tsupportflthe tile sections, either directlyas they arewextruded, or slipped thereon as, a separate operation. Alongside thee mandrel its, there r-is provided a vertical bracket 18], providingvslide hearings |.8i!-ll82 for a vertical slide rod 183. Secured to the slide rod is-a horizontal mounting "plate; 1:84 :upon "which is mounted a group of perforator .units- 458 having plungers: directed radially toward the mandrel in the mannerprcviouslyldisclosed; Thersliderod 83. and perforatingassembly may be. reciprocated vertically: by

V anyap'propriat'e, means, the example disclosedrbe- 'ing;.a-:crank;,i85 zconnected1to the upper endof the rod bya-link 186, the crankhaving a throw sufiiciently long to reciprocate the assembly :for the} length of the tile, indicated at i81 perfcratingunits 418. are identically the sameas previouslydescribed; each including a: cylinder havingisa. pair of; solenoid operatedvalvesxaconnected to respective switches 152 andnl52a'. In therpresent'finstance however, the timing, unit 25 issomitted ;and:the switch plungers! 514 areactuatedidirectlycbyymeans or; skids or buttons m8 meuntedaupon :bracketi i811 and arranged inzalten natemositions'solasfto energize :theswit'ches alternately theimanner .as' previously described; Thus, the circumferentialrows :of' perforations will be located in alignment with the skids I88. The apparatus may be caused to operate both during its ascending stroke and descending stroke, or during one strokeconly. In the .former instance thetile may be placed upon the mandrel when the perfor'ator assembly is'at its upper limit of travel, and the operation performed during descent as illustrated. When the assembly reaches its'lowe'r limit of travel, thetilemay be removed and a subsequent one placed-upon the mandrel for perforation during the ascending stroke. s I

Having "described ourinvention reclaim! 1'. In anapparatus for perforating a continuousitube formed of plastic material, a perforator unit including a reciprocable perforatorpunch constructed and arranged to perforate'the tube substantially 'at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the tube, means for continuously a dvancing thetube longitudinally relative to the perforator: punch; power means arranged intermittently to actuate the punch to advance and retract the. same toform perforations along the continuously advancing tube in spaced groups means driving connection with the advancing tube for severing the con'tinuous tube-between the groups of'perforations to form individual lengths oTtubing:and-'timer means' in driving connection with theseveringmeans 'constructed' 'and ar-- ranged toenergize thesaid-power means intimed relationship with the advancement of the-tube.

2. In an apparatus for perforating a continuous tube formedpf plastic material,- an extruder having,,.,an internal and external die, arranged to express acontinuous tube of material, the said internal die being constructed and arranged to define the inside diameter of the tube and to form a. backing for supporting the. tube Wall against collapse during the perforating-operation,

The:

12 a perforating .mechanism-.m0tmted;on the external' dieand including a punch adaptedto advance and retract rapidlythrough the moving tube of material, theend of the punch being adapted to bottom against said internal die.

3. Inj an apparatus for perforating a contin- 110115 tube formed; of plastic material, an ex? trader having an internal and external die .arrangedto express a continuous tubeofmaterial, the internal die extending. outwardly beyondthe external die; av perforating mechanism mounted onthe external die and includinga punch adaptedrtoadvance and retract rapidly through the moving tube of material, Ethe internal die bein arranged to support the tubewall against collapse during the perforating operation, the end 'of the punch being .adapted-Ztodwell against said internaldie, the internal die having a :band of non-metallic material to vprotect the ensofthe punch.

4. perforating unit constituting a base, .a cylinder: mounted on: the base having a piston sli'dazbly sustained therein, means :for admitting fluid pressureinto theoppositeends of ther'cylinder alternately to actuate the piston; a perforator plungerisiidably :mountedrrelativeto the base, and toggle iinkage connecting the, :p'erforator plunger to the piston to recipro'catecthe plunger.

5. .A- perforating unit constituting abase,"a cylinder mounted on thebase having a piston slidablysustainedrtherein, :areversi'ng valvexassociated with the cylinder and arrangedto admit fiuiclapressure into the io'ppositeiends of the cylinder (alternately, means .for actuating said value, a perforator plunger slida'bl'y mounted relative to the base, and toggle linkage connecting-the peri'orator plunger to the :piston to reciprocate the plunger, th'e'togglelinkage being constructed and-arranged to advance and retract therpunch through a complete cycle upon :onestrokelof the piston inleithereirecti'on.

6, A perforating unit adapted to be mounted upon an 'extruder to 'form .a series of 'perforations" in a tube vas the tube is expressed". from the extrude-r comprising, .a base secured: to the extruderj 'a cylinder mounted on'the base having a piston slidably sustained therein, meansaxfor admitting fluid pressureainto the opposite :ends of the cylinder alternately to actuate the piston, a perforator plunger slidably'mounted relative to the base, and toggle linkage connecting the perforator plunger to the piston to reciprocate the'plunger, the toggle linkage being constructed and arranged to advance and retract the punch through acomplete cycle upon one stroke of the piston in either direction, the extruder having an internal die for-defining the inside diameter ofthe tube,the'plunger being arranged to bottom against the internal die at the: forward; limit oiplunger advancement.

'7.*In= an apparatus for perforating a continuous tube formed of plastic materiaL an extrus'ion die forextr-uding' the tube, aplurality-ef :perforator units mounted in angular positionsre'lative to 'sai'd die, said-'perforator units each including an actuating cylinder and piston and a perforating punch directed radially toward thetube, the punch being; connected to the piston by means of toggle linkage, and-being adapted: to execute a complete stroke for one reciprocation of the piston, said cylinders each having 'anelectrically operated reversing valve, and a timer a sQ sociated with, the extrusion apparatus andv in electrical connection with "said reversing valves operable to actuate said valves simultaneously in alternate directions at timed intervals to form circumferential rows of apertures at spaced points along the advancingtube.

8. A perforator unit adapted to be mounted upon an extruder to form a series of perforations in a tube as the same is expressed from the extruder comprising, a base secured to theextruder', an actuating cylinder mounted upon the base, a piston including a piston rod slidably sustained within the cylinder with the piston rod extending through one end thereof, means for admitting fluid pressure into the opposite ends of the cylinder alternately to actuate the piston, a bellcrank lever pivotally mounted upon the base, a link connecting the end of said piston rod to one arm of the bellcrank lever, a perforator plunger slidably mounted in a mounting eleme'ntyieldably secured to the base, a link connecting the opposite arm of the bellcrank lever to said plunger, said bellcrank lever and last mentioned link being constructed and arranged to advance and retract the perforator plunger through a complete cycle of operation during one stroke of the piston in either direction, the yieldable mounting element adapting the plunger to deflect angularly to follow the advancing tube during the perforating cycle of the plunger.

9. A perforator unit adapted to be mounted upon an extruder to form a series of perforations in a tube as the same advances from the extruder comprising, a base secured to the extruder, a cylinder mounted upon the base, a piston having a piston rod slidably sustained within the cylinder and extending through one end thereof, means for admitting fluid pressure into the opposite ends of the cylinder alternately to advance and retract the piston rod, a tubular perforator plunger, a trunnion block pivotally mounted on the base and adapted slidably to sustain the perforator plunger, yieldable means operable to maintain the trunnion block and plunger substantially at right angles to the axis of the advancing tube, toggle linkage connecting the perforator plunger to the end of said piston rod, the toggle linkage being constructed and arranged to advance and retract the perforator plunger through a complete cycle of operation during a single stroke of the piston rod in either direction, the trunnion block adapting the plunger to deflect angularly to follow the advancing tube during the perforating cycle of the plunger.

10. An apparatus for perforating a tube formed of plastic material comprising, a base, a cylinder and piston unit mounted on the base, a perforator plunger operatively connected to the cylinder and piston unit and arranged to perforate the tube, a reversing valve for said cylinder, a pair of electrical components for alternately actuating the reversing valve, timer means including a pair of switches in electrical connection individually with said electrical components and arranged to actuate said switches and electrical components alternately to cause forward and reverse actuation of the piston and cylinder unit to reciprocate the perforator plunger, means for effecting a relative movement between perforator apparatus and tube in a direction longitudinally of the tube to space the perforations along the tube.

11. An apparatus for perforating a tube formed of plastic material comprising, a plurality of perforator units radially mounted with respect to the axis of the tube, each of said units having a base, a plunger directed toward the tube, a cylinder and piston unit mounted on the base and connected tothe plunger, a reversing valve for admitting fluid to the cylinder and piston unit to reciprocate the same, a pair of electrical components for alternately actuating the reversing valve, timer means including a pair of switches, one for each of said electrical components, each switch being in'electrical connection in common with the respective electricalco'mponents'of all of the perforator units to cause simultaneous op--' eration thereof, 'said'timer' means being arranged to actuate the switches and electrical components alternately to cause forward and reverse actuation of the piston and cylinder unit to reciprocate the plungers of all of said units simultaneously, and means for effecting a relative movement between the perforating apparatus and tube in a direction longitudinally of the tube. 12. An apparatusfor perforating 'a tube comprising, a'mandrel for supporting a tube, a plu rality of perforator units radially'riiouiited-with respect to the axis of thernandrel, each of said units havinga-base, a plunger directed toward the mandrel and adapted to penetrate a tube placed thereon, a cylinder unit mounted on the base and connected to the plunger, an electrically operated reversing valve for admitting fluid pressure alternately to the opposite ends of the cylinder unit, a support member for slidably mounting the perforating apparatus, a plurality of switch actuating skids mounted upon the support member, a pair of switches mounted on the apparatus engageable alternately with said skids, said switches being in electrical connection in common with the electrically operated reversing valves of all the cylinder units to cause simultaneous forward and reverse reciprocation of the plungers, and means for feeding the perforating apparatus longitudinally with respect to the tube.

13. A perforating unit adapted to form a series of perforations radially with respect to the longitudinal axis of a tube comprising a base plate, a plurality of cylinders mounted upon the base plate, each cylinder including a piston slidably sustained therein, the said cylinders and pistons being radially disposed with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tube, means for admitting fluid pressure into the opposite ends of the cylinders alternately to actuate the pistons simultaneously, a respective perforator plunger for each of said cylinders slidably mounted upon the said base plate and radially disposed with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tube, and respective toggle linkages connecting each of the perforator plungers to the said pistons to reciprocate the plungers.

14. A device for producing lateral holes in a moving length of plastic tile, said device comprising, a power motor having a lineally movable driving member, a source of power for the motor, a device for controlling application of power from the said source to the motor, a slidable perforator plunger, and. a toggle linkage connecting the perforator plunger with the driving member of the motor, the toggle linkage being constructed and arranged to advance and retract 15 ing-wi-thoutcausing substantial distortion of the hole produced I by the perforator plun e l.

15. An apparatus for producing" lateral. holes a plastic tile section comprising, a stationary mandrel for receiving the plastic tile section, a 5

holepunching unit including; a powermotor having a. lineally movable driving member, a source of power for'the motor, a device for controlling applicationof power from thesaid source to the motor, a slidable-p1unger-, having a perforator at one'end thereof, a toggle linkage connecting the other end of the perforator plunger with the driving member'- of; the'motor, the saidtoggle linkage: being. constructed and arranged torapidly advance andretract the perforatorplunger through a complete cycle .upon lineal movement efthe driving member in one direction in response to actuation of said control device, and the said mandrel constituting a support surface for the tile upon which the perforator may bottom itself at the; end of its advancement and before its retraction EDWARD C, MILLIKEN.

JAY M. ROTH.

7 REFERENl'JES. CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number I Name Date 284,794 Allen" Sept. 11', 1883 537,808 Mills et a1 Apr. 16; 1895 658,534 Stripe- Sept. 25,1900

1,408,877 Funk Mar. 7-, 1922 1,445,740 Baumgartner Feb. 2 8, 1923 1,828,793 Van Burenv Oct. 27, 193-1 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 55,747 Norway 0013-7, 1935

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