US1313867A - Piston-controlling mechanism - Google Patents

Description

H. H. MERCER.

PISTON CONTROLLING MECHANISM.

APPLICATION FILED FEH..I4| 191-6.

Patented Aug. 19, 1919.

, UNITED STATES PArEN OFFICE.

HENRY H. MERCER, 0F CLAREMONT, NEW HAMPSHIRE, ASSIGNOR TO SULLIVAN MACHINERY COMPANY, A QORPORATION OF MASSACHUSETTS.

PISTON-CONTROLLING MECHANISM.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented All. 19, 1919.

Application filed February 14, 1916. Serial No. 78,259.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, HENRY H. MERCER, a citizen of the United States, residing at Claremont, in. the county of Sullivan and State of New Hampshire, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Piston-Controlling Mechanism, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact specification.

My invention relates to piston controlling mechanism, and more especially to controlling mechanism of the type usedin fluid-pressure operated channeling machines. I

It has among its objects to control the operation of a fluid-pressure operated piston in an improved manner whereby the same may be readily adapted to use in work of widely different character. More specifically, my invention has among its objects to provide improved means for controlling the operation of a reciprocating piston in such a manner that when the same is applied to use in a machine for channeling stone, the same machine may be used either on very hard or very soft stone. A further and still more specific object of my invention is to provide improved controlling mechanism for the cut-off and reverse valves of a fluid-pressure operated channeler, the said controlling mechanism being connected to the erosshead of the channeler through im )roved adjustable connections and itself ad ustable so that the character of the blow delivered by the channeler gang may be regulated as desired to adapt the machine to operateupon extremely hard or very soft stone, or stone of an intermediate character.

In the accompanying drawings I have, for purposes of illustration, shown one embodiment which my invention may assume in practice, the same being illustrated as applied to a common form of duplex channeler shown, for instance, in the Mercer and Champagne Patent Number 1,131,256,

issued March 9th, 1915, although it is not limited to use in'such a construction, or in fact to any duplex machine, being equally adapted to use in connection with a single machine of the channeler or other type employing a reciprocating piston.

In these drawings Figure 1 isa vertical partial sectional view of the duplex channeler mentioned, equipped with my improvement, the valves and their connecting ports for convenience being shown all in the same plane.

Fig. 2 is a partial sectional view taken on line 22 of Fig. 1, showing one of the eccentric pins and its adjusting member used for controlling the cut-off and reverse valves. 1

Fig. 3 is an end elevation of the construction shown in Fig. 2, the pin adjusting member being removed to facilitate illustration. i

Figs. 4;, 5, and 6, are detail views showing the improved cooperating d\vell-adjusting mechanism for the reverse valve, the same being illustrated in a plurality of positions.

Fig. 7 is a partial sectional view taken on line 77 of Fig. 1, showing the dwelladjusting means and its retaining clip.

Fig. 8 is a sectional view taken on line 88 of Fig. 7.

As in the construction described in the patent mentioned above, a channeler engine or motor is shown in these drawings, including a frame 1 provided with a plurality of cylinders 2, disposed side by side, and having pistons 3 operating within the same and connected to crossheads 4, the pistons reciprocating alternately in the cylinders in such a manner as alternately to raise and lower channeler gangs 5 which are connected to the lower ends of the crosshcads, one only of these gangs being shown. This alternate operation of the motor pistons 3, and therefore of the channeler gangs ,5, is brought about in the manner described in the above mentioned patent, through the provision of a pair of vertically reeiproeable, reverse valves 6, disposed in oppositely located, spaced, air or steam inlets 7, and, though to avoid undue repetition of reference numerals the latter have only been applied to the left hand 'mcchanism, Fig. 1, each having a plurality of ports 8 and 9 cooperating successively with the ports of a central, distributing valve 10 (which in this connection may be considered as sta tionary) in such a manner as to control the operation of main valves 11. As shown, the reverse valves 6, themselves, are, while only the left hand mechanism, Fig. 1, is so inclicated, also controlled by cut-oil valves 12, which have the lower ends of their stems 13 pivotally connected to the crossheads i with the tops and bottoms of the reverse valve 6.

'By-this construction, as in the case of the patented construction mentioned above,

when the parts are in the position shown in Fig. 1, with the left-hand cut-E valve and reverse valve lowered and the right-hand valve in reverse position, a portion of the air or steam will pass from the left hand inlet 7 through .the port 8sof the left hand reverse valve 6 and a passage 19 to the bottom of the left hand main valve 11, holding the latter open and permitting the main volume of the pressure fluid to pass from the left hand inlet 7 through passages 20 and 21, controlled by the left hand cut-off and main valves respectively, to a point beneath the left hand piston3; another small stream of fluid at the same time passing from the same reverse valve port 8 through a passage 22 to the top of the right hand main valve 11 and holding the same down so that the main volume of the pressure fluid will be permitted to pass from, the right hand inlet 7 through passage 23 and 24 controlled by the right handcut ofl' and main valves respectively, to a point above the right hand piston 3. Obviously, as the pistons 3are thus operated, since the crossheads' 4 are connected to the pistons, and the cut-olfvalves are actuated through their connections to the crossheads, this action of the parts will be-reversed, and the action of the cut-off-valves 12,*the'reverse valve 6, and the main valve '11, will likewise be reversed, passages 25 and 26 then being employed for the passage of the valve actuating fluid which opens passages 27, 2 8 and 29, 30 for the piston operating fluid. It is also obvious that in this operation the exhaust from the upper ends of the cylinder will pass out to the atmosphere through the passages 31, and that the exhaust from the lower ends of the cylinders will pass out to the atmosphere through the passages 32, these sets of passages being controlled'by suitably operated exhaust throttling valves 33 and. 34, respectively, so that as the work varies, the exhaust may be varied and the pistons may be cushioned against striking the upper or lower ends of the cylinders, all in a wellknown manner; 4 r r In my improved construction, I provide improved connections whereby the action of each cut-off valve 12 and reverse valve 6 may be controlled in such a manner asto vary the character of the blow struck by the gangs 5, and to adapt the machine to de-' liver quick, light blows when working u on hard stone or longer, heavier blowsw on working upon soft stone. These improved given a half-turn in either direction, while connections include an adjustable pin 35 having end portions 36 and 37 of different diameter journaled in spaced sleeves 38 and 39 .formed on the lever 15 at one side of the usual pivotal connection 17 of that lever to the frame 1. (See Fig. 2.) As shown in that figure, this pin 35 is provided between its end portions 36 and 37 with an eccentric portion 40 which acts as a journal for the lower end of the link 14, the latter in turn being connected through a pivotal connection 41 to an, adjustable socket member 42, hereinafter described, and carried on the lower end of the cut-ofi valve stem 13. Through such aconstruction it will be noted that the. pin 35 may be rotated in its bearings in such a manner as to vary the position of its eccentric portion 40, and, therefore, the time and amount of movement of the link 14, cut-off valve 12, and the reverse valve 6, in relation to the movement of the piston 3jin the cylinder. It will also be noted that this pin is provided with a plurality of oppositelyedisposed lugs 43 at its front end, and, at its rear end, with a coil spring 44,.held in position by a washer and pinnconnection 45, the lugs 43 being receivable, incorrespondingly shaped notches 46, in the sleeve 39 when in the, position shown, or when the pin is the spring 44 always acts to holdthe lugs seated in these notches, Obviously, any

suitable ,means may be provided for withdrawing the pin 35 and turning it to effect any desired adjustmentofthe eccentric .40, as, for instance, a grip portionf47, prefer- V ably'forme'd integral with the pin, ora supplementary handle 48 inserted through a suitable opening in the grip portion4Z. It is, ofcourse, also obviousthat in the use of the invention, the eccentric 40 may bejadjustableinto any number of positions desired to give the delicacy of adjustment sought, more notches 46 being provided as wanted. j

Cooperating with the improved means, just described, for varying the run of the cut-off valve, and therefore the action of the same, the reverse valve vand the channeler gang, I have provided improved means for varying the dwell of the reversevalves, this means including means for rotating the stem 13 of such cut-ofl' valve, and the'provision of improvements in the reverse valveactuatingshoulder members 18 carriedfon the stems 13. As illustrated .in Figs-f1, 4, 5, and 6, these shoulder members areiste pedand so disposed on the stems 13 as to b'ea ove and below the reverse valves 6. Each one of these shoulder members is lprovided zin my improved construction,:witha pluralityv shown herein, for purposes of illustration,

at 50, 51, and 52, although any'desired num i ber may be used. By the use of such a construction, the dwell, or period of inaction, of a reverse valve may be varied by simply rotating its corresponding cut-off valve stem in its socket member 42. The effect of this rotation is clearly shown in Figs. 4, 5, and 6, wherein it will be noted that in Fig. 4 the stem 13 is shown rotated into such a position that the reverse valve 6 will be engaged by the surfaces 50, and therefore have a relatively long dwell, while in Fig. 5 the stem-is so rotated that the reverse valve will be engaged by the surfaces 51 and have a shorter dwell; and that'in Fig. 6 the reverse valve will be engaged by the surfaces 52 and have no dwell whatsoever. As shown in the illustrative embodiment of my invention illustrated herein, this stem 13 is made rotatable to enable this adjustment, by providing the lower end of the same with non-spiral or annular grooves 53 engaging corresponding grooves 1n a bushing 54 carried by the socket 42, and hereinafter described. Further, it will be noted that this valve stem 13 is provided with three grooves 55, 56, and 57 at a point adjacent to its lower end, arranged in the form of a triangle, and each having a corresponding, but smaller, roove 58, 59, and 60, extending parallel thereto, on the opposite side of the stem. It will also be noted that a removable spring clip 61 is provided on a pin 62 formed on the socket member 42, the clip having spring arms 63 and 64 engageable with the surfaces 55, and 58, etc. Obviously, on rotating the stem 13 into any desired position by the use of the fingers or inserting a suitable pin in an opening 65 in the valve stem, the dwell of a reverse valve 6 may beregulated as desired, and by means of the member 61, the stem will be held in any adjusted position. It is of course also ,obvious that, in practice, the various surfaces 55', 56, and 57 should be suitably marked so that the runner may be able to tell at a glance the dwell which is being given the reverse valve.

Cotiperating with these two controlling means for the reverse valves, and acting as a means for taking up any irregularities arising from wear or imperfect construction, and to time the operation of the valves 12 and 6, I have provided improved adjustable means for varying the effective length of the connection between the eut-ofl valve stem 13 and its link 14. This means is preferably disposed immediately below the grooves 55, 56, and 57, on the valve stem 13, and includes the bushing 54 adjustable with respect to the socket member 42, the bushing in question being threaded at 66 to the socket, so that its position, and therefore the efi'ective length of the connection, may be varied as desired. It will be noted, however, that since thisbushing 54 is not threaded to the lower end of the valve stem 13 but connected by a freely rotatable connection, the latter may be rotated freely relative to the member 54 to vary the dwell of the reverse valve 6, without in any way varying the effective length of the cut-off valve stem and its connections. It will also be noted that, in order to enable facility of assembly, this bushing 54 is split as shown at 67 in rig. 7 and that in order to enable a greater range of adjustment to be obtained, the socket member 42 is likewise split, the parts of the same being clamped together by a nut and bolt connection 68, and releasable upon manipulation of the latter to permit the vertical adjustment of the stem 13 in the bushing 54, any large adjustment preferably being obtained by moving the valve stem 13 up or down one or more notches and then rotating the bushing 54 to give the desired accuracy of adjustment.

In the operation of my improved mechanism, when it is desired to operate the ma chine on very hard stone, each eccentric 40 is so adjusted as to actuate its cut-off and reverse valves more quickly, and each valve stem 13 is so rotated as to give no dwell to its reverse valve, the pistons then being given a relatively short, quick movement to opposite sides of the center line of the cylinder, and actuating the gangs to strike the rock with a light, quick stroke. When, however, the charaeter of the stone changes and becomes very soft, as is often the case after the out has been made to a certain depth, the eccentric 40 is then adjusted in such a manner as to actuate its cut-off and reverse valves less quickly, and the stem is rotated in such a manner as to impart the desired degree of dwell to its reverse valve, the pistons then having a longer stroke in the cylinder and actuating the gang to strike the rock a heavier and more powerful blow. It has also been found that in stone conditions intermediate those mentioned above, the desired blow may be obtained by simply adjusting the dwell of the reverse valves. It will, of course, be understood that in the operation of the machine, the upper and lower exhaust controlling valves 33 and 34 respectively, cooperate with the controlling mechanism herein described, the same acting to cushion the piston at the upper and lower limits of'its travel or to assist in establishing the length of piston travel desired, at the same time that they prevent breakage of the cylinder heads.

In practice it has been found that with my improved construction of controlling mechanism, a machine of a given construction is enabled to operate on hard stone such as the hard surface stone encountered in the limestone region, and later, by a simple adjustment of the controlling mechanism, herein described, operate upon the softer underposition thereof. I

fcoop erat stone, thereby meeting a condition which has heretofore caused great difliculty, It has also been found that by my improved construction greater elasticity of blow is obtained in operating upon hard stone, and that'the POLWGI' obtainable as the depth of out increases is materially augmented. Obviously, also, by the use of my improved and simplified form; of controlling mochanism, an ordinary runnermay readily adjust the machine with great facility, all of the parts being readilyaccessible and read ily adjusted. I I I .Vvhile I have inthis application specifically described one embodiment which my invention may I assumein practice, it is, of course, to zbe -understood that this form of the invention 'isused only forpurposes of illustration, and that the embodiment there: of shown herein may be modified and the invention itself embodied in other forms and applied to single gang: ,channelers and other machines employing a similar piston, without departing from its spirit, it being my, intention to include all such modifications within the scope of the appended claims. I, I I I WV hat I claim asnewand desire to secure by Letters Patentis I I 1. In combination, a fluid inlet, piston mechanism, operative connections between thesameincluding a"reverse valve, and means adjustable by'a single operation for regulatingthedwell; of said reverse valve in:eachpositi-onthereof, 4 t I I I: I In gcombination, wa fluid iinlet, fluid pressure operated percussive tool Imecha nism, operative connections-between the same including a reverse valve, and means adjustable by asingle operation. for varying the dwell of said reverse'valv e in each 3.,Ingconrbination, a fluid inlet, fluid pressure operated; piston mechanisnn operative' connections between the same including a reverse'valve, means for varying the time of operation of said reverse valve, and ing means, for regulating, the dwell of said reverse valve. i I .7: t

4L. In combinatiOn, a. fluid inlet, fluid pressure opera-ted piston mec l1 anism;,.oper ative A connections between the same includingra reverse valve and a cut-off valve, and meanson said cut-off valve and adjustable by manipulation of said cut-ofl" valve for varying the dwell of said reverse valve.

5. In combination, a fluid :inlet, fluid pressure operated piston mechanism, o perative connections between the samein-cludinga cut-off valvehavinga stem and a reverse valve, and means carried by said outjoif valve stem: and adjustable by manipulareverse valve, I ,6. Incomhmation, a fluid inlet, a cut-off tion thereof for. varying the dwell, of said adjustment thereof for regulating the dwell I I of said reverse valve. I 7. In c-omb1nat1on,a fluid inlet, mechanism including a valve controlling the same,

spaced adjustable stepped shoulder members carried by' said. valve, a ,fluid' outlet, and a reverse valve controlling the same and cngageable alternately with and actuated by said shoulder members. V

8. In combination, a fluid inlet, a cut-off:

valve controlling the same, a stepped shoulder memberon said cut-off valve, a distributing valve, a reverse valve controlling the latter and engageable with and actuated by said shoulder member, and means for rotating said. cut-off valve and stepped'shoulder member. v i

9. In combination, a fiuidinlet, mecha nism including arvalve for controlling-the flow of fluid therethrough, meansforfregulatingthetime of operation of said valve, and; supplementary means for adjusting the dwell ofsaidvalvef V 10. In combination, a fluid pressure op-i erated motor,'a valve therefonja movable and adjustable I connection between said motor and valve, and a pluralityoffmeans operable upon adjustmentofOne of tlifesame and controllable by adjustment ofsaid connection for varying the dwell of said valve.

11. In combination, a fluid inlet, a piston mechanism, operative connections between the same inoludinga reverse.valve,an ad justable connection between said piston and reverse; valve, and {means comprising I a plurality of members-,operable. as akunit to vary thedwellofsanl reverse valve. a a

12. In combination, a fluid inlet, a fluid pressure operatedpiston mechanism, operative' mechanism between the same including a cut-ofl valveandva reverse valve, stepped reverse valve actuating .means carried by said cut-ofl' valve, and meansfor adjusting said steppedmeans intoa plurality of positions to cause the same tozengagesaid reverse valve at difl'erent times,

I 13, In combination, a .tool, a driving motor therefor, a valve for controlling said motor, a valve actuating mechanism con nec ted between said tool and valveincluding a cut-off valve having a rotatable stem, and means on said stem and adjustable bylrotation thereof for varying the dwell of vsaid first mentioned valve.

, 14- In combination, a frame, a fluid pressure operated motor thereon, a controlling valve for said motor, a rotatable valve actuating member, dwell varying means carried on said member, adjustable by rotation thereof, and engageable with said valve, and

an operative connection between said member and said motor.

15. In combination, a frame, a fluid pres sure operated motor thereon, a controlling valve for said motor, a rotatable valve actuating member, dwell varying means on said member, adjustable by rotation thereof, and engageable with said valve, an operative connection between said 'member and said motor, and an eccentric in said operative connection for controlling the movement of said member.

16. In a channeling machine, a fluid inlet, a fluid pressure motor connected thereto, main and cut-oif valves controlling the connection of said motor to said inlet, a reverse valve, means for varying the dwell of said reverse valve, and independently adjustable means for varying the run of said cut-olf valve.

17. In combination, a fluid inlet, piston mechanism, operative connections between the same including a reverse valve, a connection between said piston and reverse valve, cooperating means for varying the dwell of said reverse valve, and cooperating means for varying the length of said connection.

18. In combination, a tool, a driving motor therefor, a motor controlling valve, a valve actuating connection between said valve and tool, means carried by said connection for varying the time of operation of said valve, means for varying the dwell thereof, and supplementary means for varying the effective length of said connection.

19. In combinatioma distributing valve, a reverse valve controlling the flow of fluid therethrough, means for regulating the time of operation of said reverse valve, supplementary means for adjusting the dwell of said reverse valve, and supplementary means controlling the adjustment of said regulating means.

20. In combination, a frame, a fluid pressure operated motor thereon, a valve for said motor, a valve actuating member pivotally connected to said frame and engageable with said valve, rotatable means on said member for varying the dwell of said valve, means for varying the effective length of said member, and means operatively connecting said member to said motor.

21. In combination, a valve stem having a notched end, a correspondingly notched member receiving the same, a threaded member receiving said last mentioned member, both of said members being split, and a means for clampin said members upon the notched end of said valve stem.

22. In combination, a valve stem having a plurality of surfaces thereon, a socket member in which said valve stem is rotatably mounted, and a clip carried by said socket member having spring arms engageable with certain of the surfaces on' said valve stem.

23. In combination, a cylinder, a piston movable therein, fluid passages for conducting fluid to and from said cylinder, a valve controlling the entry of fluid to said cylinder, an adjustable valve controlling connection between said valve and piston, a valve stem for said last named valve, means controllable by adjustment of said stem for varying the dwell of said valve, and cooperating means for controlling the exhaust from said cylinder.

24:. In combination, a motor, a fluid pres sure operated distributing valve therefor, a cut-off valve, a reversing valve operated by said cut-off valve for controlling said distributing valve, and mechanism operated by said motor for actuating said cut-off valve, said mechanism including an adjustable eccentric for varying the movements of said cut-ofi valve and means for varying the time of operation thereof.

25. In combination, a motor, a fluid pressure operated distributing valve therefor, a cut-off valve, a reversing valve operated by said cut-off valve for controlling said distributing valve, and mechanism operated by said motor for actuating said cut-off valve, said mechanism including means for varying the movements of said cut-off valve and means for regulating the dwell of said reverse valve.

26. In combination, a motor, a fluid pressure operated distributing valve therefor, a cut-off valve, a reversing valve operated by said cut-off valve for controlling said distributing valve, and mechanism operated by said motor for actuating said cut-off valve, said mechanism including a single adjustable element for causing the actuation of said cut-off valve by said mechanism to be varied both as to the travel and the time of ope 'ation thereof.

27. In combination, a motor, a fluid pressure operated distributing valve therefor, a cut-off valve, a reversing VttlWi operated by said cut-off valve for controlling said distributing valve, and mechanism operated by said motor for actuating said cut-oif valve, said mechanism including a single adjustable element for causing the actuation of said cut-off valve by said mechanism to be varied both as to the travel and the time of operation thereof and means adjustable by a single operation for regulating the dwell of said reverse valve in each position thereof.

28. In combination, a casing havin a fluid inlet, a cut-off valve therefor, a fliiid pressure operated piston operatively connected to said inlet, a reverse valve, a casing therefor, an operative connection between said piston and said valves, and means in said connection and operable from the exfor said valves,-means carried by said cut-ofi valve and operable from the exterior of said casing for varying the dwell of said reverse 10 valve, and means for regulating the time of operation of said cut-off valve. In testimony whereof I aflix my signature.

HENRY H. MERCER.

terior of said casing for varying the run of said out-off valve and the dwell of said reverse valve.

29. In combination,- a fluid inlet, a fluid pressure operated piston mechanism, operative connections between the same including a cut-ofi' valve and a reverse valve, a casing Gopies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents,

Washington, D. G.

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