GB241545A - Improved process for moulding articles of paper pulp or the like & apparatus therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

241,545. Foy, F. Oct. 15, 1924, [Convention date]. Moulding pulp.-Articles are compressed and dried, while on the mould, by the action of heated mercury or other suitable liquid. Fig. 2 shows one form of machine in which a mould 8 is suspended from a two-way cock 7 carried by a hollow spindle 6 connected by flexible tubes 10, 11 to vacuum and pressure respectively. The spindle 6 is mounted on levers 3 and is operable by a handle 12 so as to be lowered into a pulp vat 1, where the material is deposited on the mould by suction, and to be turned to co-operate with a press. The press comprises a table 26 supported on an hydraulic ram 25 through a ball-and-socket 27, and a head 20 turning on a vertical pivot 21 and furnished with adjustable members 23 to clamp the mould to the table. Mercury is contained in a receptacle 29, fitted with a steam coil 32 or other heating-means, which is connected to the table 26 by a flexible tube 30 and is adapted to be raised by a chain 39 operable through a handle 38 to cause the heated mercury to flow into contact with the pulp within the mould. Alternatively, the mercury may be driven from the container 29 by the distension of an inserted hollow member. To economize. the mercury, the table 26 may carry a distensible filling-member 47, Fig. 6, supported by a perforated support, the member being expanded by compressed air &c. admitted through an opening 50. For complex articles, divided moulds are employed, the mould sections 16, Fig. 5, being secured within a perforated chamber 15 within the mould 14 by a hinged cover 17 apertured at 18 for the admission of the pulp.