US2252314A - Control valve for drop hammers - Google Patents

Description

CONTROL VALVE FOR DROP HAMMERS Filed Sept. 21, 1938 s Sheets-Sheet .1

INVENTOR. WILLIAM w. CRILEY HIS ATTORNEY.

12, 1941. w w, CRILEY 2,252,314

CONTROL VALVE FOR DROP HAMMERS Filed Sept. 21, l938 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. WILLIAM W. CRI LEY HIS ATTORNEY.

Aug. 12,1941. w. w. CRILEY 2,252,314

7 CONTROL VALVE FOR DROP HAMMERS Filed Sept. 21, 1938 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. WILLIAM W. CRILEY HIS ATTORN Aug.'12, 1941. w w, CRILEY 2,252,314

' CONTROL VALVE FOR DROP HAMMERS s She ets-Sheet 4 Filed Sept. 2]., 1938 Fig.5

- INVENTQR.

WILLIAM W. CRILEY HIS ATTORNEY.

Aug. 12, 1941. w. w. CRILEY CONTROL VALVE FOR DROP HAMMERS Filed Sept. 21, 1938 6 Sheets-Sheeti INVENTOR. WILLIAM w. CRILEY H l S ATTORNEY.

Aug. 12, 1941. w. w. CRILEY CONTROL VALVE FOR DROP HAMMERS Filed Sept. 21,-1938' 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR. WILLIAM W. CRILEY HIS ATTORNEY.

Patented Aug. 12, 1941 UNITED STATESPATENT OFFICE CONTROL VALVE FOR DROP HAMMERS William W. Criley, Cleveland, Ohio Application September 21, 1938, Serial No. 231,032

19 Claims. (CL 78-29) This invention relates to animproved control valve and associate-d operating mechanism for controlling the operations of rod or board drop hammers.

This type of drop hammers generally comprises an upright frame in which a ram having an upwardly extending lift member is guided for vertical movement, a forming-die being carried on the base of the frame, the complementary die being carried on the ram. The lift member is received between the peripheries of continuously driven lift rolls which are arranged at the top of the frame and moved by a fluidpressure-operated roll closing piston and cylinder assembly relatively toward each other for embracing and frictionally, drivingly engaging the lift member to lift the ram when fluid under pressure is admitted to the assembly, suitable means being provided in the roll-closing-assembly for moving the rolls relatively apart and out of engagement with the left member for releasing the ram and permitting it to fall when the pressure fluid in the assembly is released.

The principal objects of the present invention are to provide a simple, compact andeffi cient control valve for admitting and releasing pressure fluid to and from the roll-closing-piston and cylinder assembly for effecting engagement and disengagement of the lift rolls and the lift member of the ram, and to provide an improved operating mechanism for the valve.

correlative objects are to provide a control valve and operating mechanism of this character which may be adjusted by an operator of the hammer from the floor level for instantly preselecting and varying the desired ram stroke, for adjusting the minimum stroke and therelation between the height of the ram and closure of the lift rolls so as to accommodate diesof various heights, and which valve and mechanism is operative for automatically repeating any preadjusted cycle of operation of the hammer While permitting instant stroke variation at all times during the preadjusted cycle of operation.

Another object is to provide a control valve of this character having a movable valve member which is moved and controlled by the rain for repeating the preadjustedcycle of operation; an exhaust member adjustably movable, relative to the valve member and independently of that movement of the valve member occasioned by the ram, by an operator at the Working floor level, for controlling the length of stroke of the ram; an inlet member adjustably the engagement of the lift rolls and lift member in relation to the height of the ram.

A more specific object is to provide a control valve mechanism for admitting and releasing fluid under pressure'to and from the roll-closing and opening assembly and which comprises a piston having an inlet port, a cylinder port and an exhaust port with a passage connecting the ports, the piston being moved and controlled by the ram as the ram is lifted and lowered, an exhaust valve sleeve having an exhaust port cooperable with the exhaust port of the piston in one relative position of the sleeve and piston, the exhaust sleeve being adjustable to different positions by a foot treadle under the control of the operator for adjusting the stroke of the ram, and an intake sleeve having an inlet port and a cylinder port respective to the inlet port and cylinder port of the piston and arranged to be moved to different positions relative to' the piston by an operator at the operating floor level for adjusting the-relation between the position of the ram relative to the engagement of the rolls with the lift member, so as to adjust the ram for operation in connection with the differ-- ent heights of dies. 7

Other objects are to provide a control valve and operating mechanism for effecting the hammer operations and adjustments more fully described hereinafter.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a front elevation of a rod drop hammer with the control valve and valve operating mechanism of the present invention installed;

Fig. 2' is an enlarged front elevation of a preferred embodiment of the control valve embodying the principles of the present invention, showing the relative position of the valve members for initiating engagement of the lift rolls and lift rod of the ram; 'Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional View of the valve mechanism illustrated in Fig. 2, showing the operative relation of the valve members after completion of a full stroke and release of the operating treadle;

Fig. 4 is a horizontal sectional view of the valve mechanism illustrated in Fig. 2, and is taken on the line 44 in Fig. 2;

'- Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of a portion of the valve mechanism illustrated in Figs. 2 to 4, inclusive, and is taken on a plane indicated by the line 55 of Fig. 4, and showing the relation of certain valve portions for bleeding the lift roll closing cylinder;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged, somewhat diagrammatic, rear elevation of the upper part of the hammer showing the relative position of the control valve members, operating mechanism, and clamp releasing means preparatory to release of the clamps and with the ram in fully raised position;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged front elevation of the roll-operating piston and cylinder assembly of the hammer illustrated in Fig. 1;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary end elevation of a portion of the hammer illustrated in Fig. I, viewed from the right in Fig. l, as indicated by the line 8-8 of Fig. 1; and

Fig. 9 is a diagrammatic illustration of the hammer, control valve, and control mechanism, showing the cooperative relation thereof.

Referring to the drawings, the particular hammer shown for purposes of illustration comprises an upright rigid frame composed of upright columns I which are supported on a base 2 on which is carried a forming die 3. Mounted in suitable guides for vertical reciprocation between the columns I is a ram 4 on which is carried a die 5 which cooperates with the die 3. Connected to the ram 4 is a lift member which, for purposes of illustration, is shown as a rod 6, though any of the well known types of rods or boards may be used. The rod 5 extends vertically through an opening in the top of the frame and passes between the peripheries of suitable continuously driven lift rolls I. The lift rolls I are rotatable on shafts 8, respectively, mounted in bearings 9. The bearings 9 are supported in eccentric housing I arranged so that, upon oscillation of the housings III about their respec tive eccentric axes, the rolls supported thereby are moved toward and away from the path of the rod 6.

In the form illustrated in Figs. 1 and 9, the housing I0 of the left-hand roll I is rotated to predetermined adjusted positions by a suitable rod I I connected to the frame of the machine. as indicated at I2, the adjustment of the rotated position of the eccentric housing III being effected by the setting of suitable nuts 13 which are in threaded engagement with the rod I2.

The housing III of the right-hand roll in Fig. 1 is connected to a suitable piston I4 operating in a cyinder I to which fluid under pressure may be admitted through a suitable port I5. The piston and cylinder assembly is arranged so that upon admission of fluid under pressure into the cylinder I5, the piston It operates to rotate the associated eccentric housing II! for moving the right-hand roll I toward the left-hand roll and path of the rod 6 so as to effect frictional engagement of both rolls 1 with the lift rod 6 for lifting the ram.

Return springs I'I cooperate with the piston I4 of the assembly for rotating the associated housing It in the opposite direction so as to effect disengagement of the rolls from the rod 6 upon release of the fluid pressure in the cylinder I5, thereby releasing the rod 5 and permitting the ram 4 to fall.

In order to hold the ram in a predetermined lifted idle position, suitable clamps I8 are provided and arranged for clamping engagement with the rod 6. The clamps |8 are mounted for sliding movement relatively toward and away from each other and the path of the rod 6. In order to move the clamps, each clamp is provided with an eccentric shaft I9 carried in a suitable bearing sleeve. Each shaft I9 is arranged so that, upon oscillation, it moves its associated clamp relatively toward and away from the path of the rod 6. In the form illustrated, the shaft I9 of the right-hand clamp IS in Fig. 1 is rotated to predetermined adjusted position by means of a clamp-adjusting lever 20 which is anchored adjustably to the frame of the hammer by a suitable rod 2|, as indicated at 22 in Fig. 1, in the same manner as the connection between the rod II and the frame.

In order to move the left-hand clamp in Fig. 1 relatively toward and away from the righthand clamp for effecting clamping engagement of the clamps with the rod 6 and release of the clamps from the rod, a clamp operating lever 23 in the form of an extension on a rock lever 68, later to be described, is provided. The clamp operating lever 23 is arranged to rock with the roll-releasing-lever so that when the lever 23 is rotated or rocked in a counter-clockwise direction in Fig. 1, it releases its associated clamp I8 from the rod 6, and when rocked in the opposite direction, effects engagement of its associated clamp I8 with the rod 6.

Referring next to the preferred illustrative embodiment of the control valve and operating mechanism therefor, the control valve, as better illustrated in Figs. 2, 3, 4 and 9, comprises a main valve member in the form of a piston 30 having a group of circumferentially spaced fiuid inlet ports 3|, a group of circumferentiallyspaced-cylinder ports 32, and a group of circumferentially spaced exhaust ports 33. these groups of ports being spaced axially of the piston from each other and being connected by a suitable passage 34.

An inlet valve member in the form of a valve sleeve 35 is arranged to accommodate the piston for axial movement and is provided with a fluid inlet port 36 and a cylinder port 31 spaced axially of the sleeve 35 for each other. The inlet port 38 is arranged for connection with a source of fluid under pressure through a suitable hose or flexible conduit 38. A conduit 39 connects the cylinder port 31 of the sleeve 35 with the cylinder I5 of the roll-closing-piston and cylinder assembly.

In addition to the piston 30 and inlet sleeve 35, the valve includes an exhaust member in the form of a sleeve 40 which has a group of circumferentially spaced exhaust ports 44. The groups of ports 3I and 32 of the piston 30 are arranged for registration, respectively, with the ports 36 and 31 of the sleeve 35 when the sleeve 35 and the piston 30 are in predetermined positions with respect to each other. The exhaust ports 44 of the exhaust sleeve 40 are arranged for registration with ports 33 of the piston 30 when the piston and exhaust sleeve 40 are in predetermined position with respect to each other.

The piston is movable axially relatively to the sleeves 35 and 40 in a predetermined relation to the movement of the ram. The means for effecting this movement of the piston to different positions, upon movement of the ram to different positions, comprises a wiper 45 having a wiping surface 46 and being pivotally mounted on the frame of the hammer, as illustrated in Fig. 1. The .wiper surface 46 is arranged to engage acam surfacev 41 on the ram 4. The Wiper 45 has an extension 48 extending from the opposite side of the pivot fromthe surface 46. .The extension 48, in turn, is connected to a valve operatingrod 49.which, in turn, is connected to a valve lever 58.

In the form illustrated, the lever is generally L-shaped, comprising a generally horizontally extending portion 5| and an upright portion 52, theformerof which portions is connected to the rod 49. The latter portion 52 of the lever 50 is provided at its upper end with suitable yoke arms which accommodate one end of the piston 38 therebetween, the portion 52 being connected to the piston 38 by a suitable pin 53. The combined weights of the portion 52 of the lever 58, of the rod 49, and of the extension 48 of the wiper normally urge the piston 38 to the right in Figs. 1 and 9, and urge the surface 46 of the wiper against the cam surface4l and hold it in yieldable engagement therewith.

Referring to Figs. 1, 3, 4 and 9, it is apparent that .as the ram is lifted, the cam surface 41 engages the surface 46 of the wiper 45 for rocking the wiper. 45 in a counterclockwise direction so that the extension 48 is swung upwardly and lifts the portion 5| of the lever 58 to the position il lustrated in Fig. 3, thereby moving the piston 38 to the left. Conversely, as the ram lowers, the surface 46 of the wiper 45 is yieldably held in engagement with the cam surface 41 and is permitted by the cam surface to move in a clockwise direction under the control of the cam surface 41. N This return movement occasioned by lowering of the ram permits the lever 58 to rock in a clockwise direction under the influence of gravity, thereby moving the piston 38 to the right from the position shownin Fig. 3 to the position shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 9. Consequently, the movement ofthe wiper 45 and therefore the piston 38 is in a predetermined relation to the vertical position of the ram 4.

The exhaust sleeve 48 is connected to one end of a rockable stroke adjusting lever 68 which is pivotally mounted on the frame of the hammer, as illustrated. The stroke adjusting lever 66 comprises an upright portion 6| and two generally horizontally extending portions 62 and 63, the portions 62 and 63 providing, in addition to other functions, a counterweight for urging the lever 66 to rotate in a clockwise direction in Figs.

1, 2, 3 and 9, thereby moving the sleeve 48 to the right or relatively toward the sleeve 35.

A fixed stop 64 for the bottom of the lever portion 63 is provided on the frame for limiting the extreme right-hand position of the sleeve 48.

Pivotally mounted between its ends on the frame of the hammer is a treadle lever 65, having a treadle 66 at one end, and being connected at the other end by a suitable rod. 61 to the rock lever 68. The lever 68 is pivoted to the frame of the hammer, as indicated at 68, and, as heretofore mentioned, is provided with an. extension in the form of a clamp-operating-lever 23. The remainder of the lever 68 is arranged to engage the under side of the portion 62 of the strokeadjus-ting-lever 68 for lifting the portion 62 of the stroke-adjusting-lever in a predetermined proportion to the amount of depression of the treadle 66, thereby swinging the stroke-adjusting-lever in a counter-e10ckwise-direction, and thus to the left, in Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 9. By virtue of this, arrangement, the exhaust sleeve 48 is ,movedrelatively away from the sleeve 35 in a direct proportional relationship tothe depression of the treadle 66, this movement being independent of any movement of the piston. By virtue of the counterweighting portions 62 and 63, the lever 60 normally urges the exhaust sleeve 48 to the right in Figs. 1, 2 and 9 and consequently, upon release of the treadle, the exhaust sleeve 48 moves toward the sleeve 35 untilit reaches a minimum stroke position, later to be described.

The inlet sleeve 35 is arranged for movement axially of the piston independently of any movement of the piston and of the exhaust sleeve 40, so as to adjust the relation between the ports of the sleeve 35 and the ports 3| and 32 of the piston. In order to move the sleeve 35 to different adjusted positions, a timer lever 10, in the form of a rock lever, is provided. The lever 18 is pivoted to the frame between its ends and is connected at one end to a suitable rod 1 l which, in turn, is connected to a latching quadrant lever 12. Thus, by shifting the quadrant lever 12 to different positions, the sleeve 35 may be moved relatively toward and away from the sleeve 48.

As heretofore described, the sleeve 4|] is urged toward the sleeve 35 by the lever 6| and its counterweighting portions 62. and 63. Thus, if the lever 68 is lowered away from the portion 62, the sleeve 46 would be moved toward the sleeve 35. In order to limit the movement of the sleeve 40 to a predetermined minimum stroke position, as hereinbefore mentioned, a minimum stroke adjusting lever 15 is provided. The lever 15 is pivoted between its ends to the frame of the hammer, as indicated at 16. vOne end of the lever 15 is positioned for engagement with the portion 63 of the stroke adjusting lever 68 when the stroke adjusting lever 66, having been freed by the lever 68, has moved toward the sleeve 35. By adjusting the position of the lever .15, therefore, the distance to which the sleeve 48 can return toward sleeve 35 is adjusted, thus presetting the minimum stroke position of the ram.

The opposite end of the lever 15 is connected to the rod 11 which is adjustably anchored to the frame of the hammer by means of nuts 18 which are in threaded engagement with the end of the rod 11. By adjusting the nuts 18, the minimum stroke-adjusting-lever 15 can be moved into and held in predetermined adjusted positions.

For purposes later to be described more fully, the inlet sleeve 35 has an auxiliary bleeder port 79 which communicates with a suitable bore 88. Mounted within the bore 86 is a valve guiding plug 8| having a passage 82 which is in communication at one end with the bore 86 and at the other end with the outside atmosphere. Slidably mounted within the passage 82 is the stem 83 of a spring-seated poppet Valve 84, the round stem 83 being grooved lengthwise so as to permit the escape of fluid between the stem 83 and wall of the passage 82 when the valve 84 is unseated. The lower end of the stem 83 extends outwardly beyond the plug 8| in position for engagement with a suitable lifting abutment 85 on the lever 18. The abutment 85 is positioned to engage the valve stem and open the valve 84 when the lever 16 is swung in a clockwise direction to the extreme right-hand-position illustrated in Fig. 5.

FuZl-str0ke-opcration treadle 66.

lease the clamp, whereupon the ram 4 descends, permitting the wiper to swing inwardly toward thejpathf of the ram. This action of the wiper 45. permitsthe rod'49 to descend by gravity, operating the lever 50 and moving the piston 30 to the right. This operation continues until the ram has completed its stroke and the mechanism is in the position illustrated in Figs. 2 and 9. In Fig. 9; the ram has completed its work stroke so that the cam surface 4'! of the ram has permitted the wiper 45 to swing inwardly .toward the path of the ram and thus shift the lever 50 so as to dispose the piston 30 into a position wherein its inlet port 3| and its cylinder port 32 are in registry with the ports 36 and 31, respectively, of the inlet sleeve 35. The treadle 66; is being held in fully depressed position by the operator so that the clamps l8 are released from the rod 6. and the lever 68 is held in a position wherein it has) swung the lever 61 to dispose. the exhaust sleeve 40. in closing relation to the ports 33. and at its extreme distance away from the sleeve. 35. When the position of the piston 30, referred to above, is reached, fluid under pressure is, admitted through the conduit 38, the valve sleeve 35, the piston 30 and the conduit 39 into the cylinder Hi. Thereupon, th cylinder is operated by the pressure fluid and moves the driven lift rolls 1 into firm engagement with the rod 6. of the ram, thereby lifting the ram. As the ram rises, the cam surface 41 moves the wiper 4.5 outwardly from the path of the ram, and thus, through the medium of the lever 50,.slides. the piston 30 to the left in Figs. 2, 4 and 9. This movement of the piston first moves the port 3.! out of registry with the port 36, thus discontinuing the supply of air to the cylinder IS, the exhaust port 33 of the piston meanwhile remaining closed by the exhaust sleeve 40'. This movement of the piston continues until the exhaust port 33 of the piston is in registry with the exhaust port 44 of the exhaust sleeve, whereupon the air in the cylinder I5 is relieved through the ports 31,, 32, the passage 34 of the piston 30, .and the exhaust ports 33 and 44. Thereupon, the springs l1 operate to disengage the rolls 1 from the rod 6 and permit the ram to fall on its work stroke. Assuming the treadle is held in the same position, the ram 4 will continue to. repeat strokes of the same length.

Stroke variation during operation If a shorter stroke is desired, the treadle 66 is moved to a less depressed position, whereupon the lever 60, due to the effect of the counterweight portions 62 and 63 in lowering of the right-hand end of the lever 68,, rocks in a clockwise-direction in Figs. 2, 4 and 9, thereby decreasing the distance between the inlet sleeve 35 and the exhaust sleeve 40. Consequently, the distance which the piston 30 must travel, as the ram rises, to the left for effecting registry of the ports 33 and 44 is decreased and the release of the rod 6 by the rolls 1 occurs before the ram has been lifted to its full-stroke position. Therefore, by shifting the exhaust sleeve 40 nearer to the sleeve 35, the stroke of the ram is decreased, and by shifting the exhaust sleeve 40 to a position farther from the sleeve 35, the stroke is increased, this increase being substantially proportional to the degree of depression of the Minimum stroke It is desired, however, that a predetermined but adjustable minimum stroke operation be provided for a given ram operation, this minimum stroke varying in accordance with the particu lar character of the work'to be performed. Obviously, if the treadle 66. is fully released, permitting th lever 68 to swing downwardly at its right end in Fig. 9, to an extreme lowered position, the sleeve 40 would move to the right until the portion 63 of the lever 60 would engage the stop 64. In order to reduce the return movement of the exhaust sleeve 40 toward the sleeve 35 and thus control the minimum distance the piston 36 must travel for releasing the ram, the minimum stroke-adjusting-lever 15 is adjusted to the desired position, and by its engagement with the lever portion 63 limits the adjusted minimum stroke position to which the sleeve 4|] can return toward the sleeve 35. This, in turn, adjusts the minimum stroke of the ram.

Adjustment for dz'fierent die heights In many instances, it is desirable to adjust the point at which the rolls engage the rod for lifting the ram so that this engagement will occur while the ram is moving upwardly on its rebound. This point of engagement varies in accordance with the height of the particular dies associated with the hammer. Consequently, the point of engagement must be shifted in accordance with said dies to provide the proper starting position and take advantage of the rebound of the ram.

Assuming that the dies 3 and 5, illustrated in Fig. 1, are minimum size dies and that the lowest position of the ram is there shown, and it is de sired to use dies of greater height, it is necessary under such circumstances to admit air to the cylinder l5 before the ram has reached the position illustrated in Fig. 1. In effect, it is necessary because of the time required to build up pressure in the operating cylinder, to open the valve during the descent of the ram when it is in a position which is relatively raised in relation to the position shown in Fig. 1. For this purpose, the sleeve 35 is shifted by means of the quadrant lever 12, the rod H, and the rock lever 10 to the left in Figs. 1 and 9, thus moving the inlet sleeve 35 closer to the exhaust sleeve 40 and placing it in a position wherein the distance the piston 36 must return to the right in Figs. 1 and 9 for causing registry of the ports 3| and 36 with the ports 32 and 31, respectively, is not as great as in full stroke position. Thus, the starting position of the ram is controlled.

Since the piston 30 is movable relative to the sleeves 35 and 40 by the ram, and the sleeves 35 and 46 are movable relatively to the piston independently of the movement of the ram and are also movable independently of each other, the ramis adapted to meet conditions requiring any number of lengths of stroke, heights of die and minimum stroke conditions. Any change in the operation can readily be effected by an operator of the'hammer standing on the working floor level because the treadle 66, the adjustments indicated at l2, 13, 2| and 22, the quadrant lever '12, the rod 11 and nut I8 are readily accessible to the operator at the floor level.

Occasionally misplaced material in the dies or improper adjustment of the guides causes the ram to jam so that it cannot be lifted by the rolls 1. It is also desirable in order to avoid accidents to have the ram remain in the lowered position when adjustments of diesare being made and when the hammer is standing idle. Under the first condition, failure of the rolls to lift the ram would prevent the wiper from moving the piston 30 to exhaust position, wherefore pressure fluid would continue to be admitted to the cylinder l5, and the rolls would continue rotating in engagement with the rod 6 and develop destructive frictional heat. Means must be provided, therefore, whereby the operator can quickly release the fluid pressure from the cylinder l 7 upon the happening of such a contingency. Such means can also serve to enable the ram to remain in lowered position, as for enabling die adjustments, as mentioned above. This release of the fluid from the cylinder I5 is effected by shifting the quadrant lever 12 to its extreme upward position, thus moving the sleeve 35 to the right in Fig. 9 to a position such as shown in Fig. 5 wherein the inlet ports 36 and 3! are out of registry, while the cylinder ports 31 and 32 are in registry. The same movement opens the poppet valve 84, thus, in the event the rolls are in ram raising position but fail to raise the ram, releasing the air from the cylinder l5 through the ports 31, 32 and passage 82, and permitting the springs I! to move the lift roll I out of engagement with the rod 6. Further, it should be noted that the movement of the lever 68 by the treadle 6B first releases the clamps l8 before it engages the portion 62 of the lever 60, so .that the valve relationship is not changed during that portion of treadle' movementidevoted to opening the clamps.

I claim: g

1. In a drop hammer including a ram, a lift member-thereon, driven lift rolls movable into and out of engagement with the lift member for lifting the ram and permitting the ram to fall, respectively, a fluid pressure piston and cylinder assemblyfor effecting engagement of the rolls withthe lift member when fluid under pressure is admitted to the cylinder, and means for effecting disengagement of the rolls and lift member when the fluid is released from the cylinder, a control valve for controlling the admission, of fluid under pressure to the cylinder and for releasing the fluid from the cylinder, respectively, said control valve comprising, an inlet valve member having an inlet port and a cylinderport, a piston movable relatively to the inlet valve member and having an inlet port and a cylinder port arranged for registry with the inlet port'and cylinder port of the inlet valve member respectively when the members are in a predetermined relative position, said piston having an exhaust port connected with its inlet port and cylinder port an exhaust valve member movable relative to the piston member and having an exhaust port arranged for registry with the exhaust port of the piston member when the exhaust valve member and piston member are moved into a predetermined relation to each other, means operatively connecting the piston member and ram for moving the piston relatively to both other members in predetermined relation to the height of theram, and means under the control of an operator for moving the exhaust valve member to different positions relative to the piston member independently of the aforesaid movement of the pistonmember 2. In a drop hammer including a ram, a lift member thereon, driven lift rolls movableinto and out of engagement with the lift member:for lifting the ram and permitting the ram to fall, respectively, a fluid pressure piston and cylinder assembly for effecting engagement of the rolls with the lift member when fluid under pressure is admitted to the cylinder, and means for effecting disengagement of the rolls and lift member whenthe fluid is released from. the cylinder, a

control valve for controlling the admission of fluid under pressure to the cylinder and forreleasing'the fluid from the cylinder, respectively, said control valve comprising an inlet valve member having an inlet port and a cylinder port, a piston movable relatively to the inlet valve member and having an inlet port and a cylinder port arranged for registry with the inlet port and cylinder'port of the inlet valve member respectively when the'members are in a predetermined relative position, said piston having an exhaust port connected with its inlet port and cylinder port, an exhaust valve member movable relative to the piston member and having an exhaust port ar ranged for registry with the exhaust port of the piston member when the exhaust valve member and piston member are moved into a predeterminedrelation to each other, means operatively connecting the piston member and ram for'mov ing the piston relatively to both other members in predetermined relation to the height of the rain, and means under the control of an operator for moving the inlet valve member to different positions relative to the piston member independently of the aforesaid movement of the piston member.

3..) In a drop hammer including a ram, a lift member thereon, driven lift rolls movable into andout of engagement with the lift member for lifting the ram and permitting'the ram to'fall, respectively, a, fluid presure piston and cylinder assembly for effecting engagement of the rolls with the lift member when fluid under pressure is admitted to the cylinder, and means for effecting disengagement of the rolls and lift member when the fluid isreleased from the cylinder, a control valve for controlling the admission of fluid under pressure to the cylinder and for releasing the fluid from the cylinder, respectively, said valve comprising an inlet valve member arranged for connection to a source of fluid under pressure, a piston'membermovable relatively to the inlet valve member, one of said members being connected for admitting fluid under pressure tosaid piston and cylinder assembly when the members are in a predetermined reltive position, an exhaust valve member movable relative to the piston member and operative when the exhaust valve member and piston member are moved into a'predetermined relation to each other to release fluid pressure from said piston and cylinder assembly, means operative by the ram for effecting relative movement of the piston member and exhaust valve member in predetermined relation to the positions of the ram, and means under the control of an operator for effecting relative movement of the exhaust valve member and the piston member independently of the aforesaid positions of the ram 4. In a drop hammer including a ram, a lift member thereon, driving lift rolls movable into and out of engagement with the lift member for lifting the ram and permitting the ram to fall, respectively, a fluid pressure piston and cylinder assembly for effecting engagement of the rolls with the liftmember when fluid under pressure is admitted to the cylinder, and means for effecting disengagement of the rolls and lift member when the fluid is'released from the cylinder, a control valve for controlling the admission of fluid under pressure to the cylinder and for releasing the fluidfrom the cylinder, respectively, said valve comprising a movable inlet valve member, a movable piston member, a movable exhaust valve member, said members being operativeto admit fluid under pressure to'and to release said fluid from said assembly when the members are in predetermined relation to each other, means controlled by the ram and operative for moving the piston member relative to both other members in predetermined relationto' the height of the ram, said exhaust valve member being urged toward a normal minimum ram stroke position, a lever for moving the exhaust valve member from minimum stroke position to other adjusted positions relative to the piston member for controlling the cooperation of the piston and exhaust member to release the rolls from the rod, a treadle under the control of an operator of the hammer and operable to move the lever for increasing the ram stroke in a direct proportion to the degree of depression of the treadle, and adjustable means engageable with said lever and limiting the amount of return of the exhaust valve member toward minimum stroke position for predetermining the minimum stroke of the ram.

5; In a drop "hammer including a ram, a lift member thereon, driving lift rolls movable into and out of engagement with the member for lifting the ram and permitting the ram to fall, respectively, a fluid pressure piston and cylinder assembly for effecting'engagement of the rolls with the lift member when fluid under pressure is admitted to the cylinder, "and means for effectingdisengagement of the rolls and lift member when the fluid is released from the cylinder, a control valve for controlling the admission of fluid under pressure to the cylinder and for releasing the fluid from the cylinder, respectively,

said valve comprising a movable inlet valve member, a movable piston member, an-exhaust valve member, said members being operative to admit fluid under pressure to and to release said fluid from said-assembly when the members are in predetermined relation to each other, mean controlled by the ram and operative for moving the piston member'relative to both other members in predetermined relation to the height of the ram, timing means under the control of an operator of the hammer for moving the inlet valve member to different adjusted positions relative to the piston member for controlling the point at which the rolls are engaged with the rod, and bleeder valve means operatively associated with the inlet valve member arranged to be opened by said timing means when the timing means is moved to one position wherein it has moved the inlet valve member to a position for preventing admission of fiuid under pressure to said assembly.

6. In a drop hammer including an upright frame arranged to extend above an operating floor level of the hammer, a ram, a lift member thereon, driving lift rolls at the upper portion of the frame and movable into. and out of engagement with the lift member for lifting the ram and permitting the ram to fall, respectively, a fluid pressure piston and cylinder assembly at the upper portion ofthe frame for effecting engagement of the rolls with the lift member when fluid under pressure is admitted to the cylinder, and means for effecting disengagement of the rolls and lift member when the fluid is released from the cylinder, a control valve at the upper portion of the frame for controlling the admission of fluid under pressure to the cylinder and for releasing the fluid from the cylinder, respectively, said valve comprising a movable inlet valve member, a movable piston member, an exhaust valve member, said members being operative to admit fluid under pressure to and to release said fluid from said assembly when the members are in predetermined relation to each other, means operative in a predetermined relation to the height of the ram for moving the piston member relative to both other members in predetermined relation to the height of the ram, and timing means under the control of an operator of the hammer at the said operating floor level of the hammer for moving the inlet valve member to different adjusted positions relative to the piston member for controlling the point at which the rolls are engaged with the rod.

7. In a drop hammer including a ram, a lift member thereon, driving lift rolls movable into and out of engagement with the lift member for lifting the ram and permitting the ram to fall, respectively, a fluid pressure piston and cylinder assembly for effecting engagement of the rolls with the lift member when fluid under pressure is admitted to the cylinder, and means for effecting disengagement of the rolls and lift member when the fluid is released from the cylinder, a control valve for controlling the admission of fluid under pressure to the cylinder and for releasing the fluid from the cylinder, respectively, said valve comprising a movable piston member, a movable inlet valve member, a movable exhaust valve member, said members being operative to admit fluid under pressure to and to release said fluid from said assembly when the members are in predetermined relation to each other, wiper means under the control of the ram and operated by the ram as the ram is lifted for moving the piston member in one direction toward a position wherein it is cooperated with the exhaust member for releasing fluid from the assembly, said wiper means normally urging the piston member in the opposite direction to another position wherein the piston member and inlet member are cooperated to admit fluid to said assembly, a treadle under the control of an operator of the hammer and operable for moving the exhaust member in said directions independently of the movement of the piston member whereby the piston member movement required for exhaust is varied and the stroke of the ram is controlled, said inlet valve member being movable in said directions independently of the movement of the other members for controlling the position wherein the piston member and inlet member cooperate to admit fluid to the assembly when the piston member is moved by the wiper means, whereby the piston member movement for admitting air to said assembly is varied and the starting position of the ram on its lift stroke is controlled.

8. In a friction lift drop hammer having friction means controlled by fluid to cause lifting of the hammer, and valve mechanism including a plurality of valve elements to control the fluid; characterized in that one valve element is adjustable to control the point of engagement of the friction lift means in relation to the position of the ram and another valve element is readily adjustable to control the point of disengagement of the friction lifting means atvariable heights of ram travel for all settings of the first valve element.

9. In a drop hammer machine in which friction lift means is controlled in respect to the lifting and release of the hammer by fluid pressure operated means, a valve for such fluid, hammer-operated control means for the valve, constructed and arranged to adjust the valve to effect admission of fluid from a source of supply to the pressureoperated means when the hammer is at one position and to adjust the valve to effect exhaust of such fluid from the pressure operated means when the hammer is at another position, and a plurality of operator-controlled means on the machine respectively connected to the valve and operating thereon respectively in a manner to, vary the valving relationships, whereby to change the positions of the hammer at which the latter operates through the valve to effect admission and exhaust of fluid with respect to the fluid pressure operated means.

10. In a drop hammer mechanism having friction lift means to raise the hammer and fluid pressure operated means including cylinder and piston elements and mechanism connecting one ofthe' elements to said lift means to render the latter operative to effect lifting when the cylinder is supplied with fluid under pressure, a valve for such fluid comprising a main valve member having an inlet port, an exhaust port and a port for controlling fluid passage to the cylinder, said ports intercommunicating, an exhaust member movable relative tothe main member and operative .to open said exhaust port in one relative position of the main and exhaust members, means actuated by'the hammer mechanism consequent upon raising of the hammer to a predetermined position to move the main valve member in relation to the exhaust member in a manner to render the exhaust port operative to'release fluid pressure in the cylinder, an inlet member movable relative to the main valve member and operative in one relative position of the inlet member and main valve member to admit fluid under pressure tothe inlet port of the main valve member, and manually operable means on said mechanism adapted and arranged to move the inlet memberand exhaust member independently of each other relativeto the main valve member for varying the valving relationships effected by the hammer-mechanism-actuated movement of the main valve member.

11. In a drop hammer machine having a fluid pressure operated mechanism for controlling the operation of the'hammer, a valve comprising a main valvemember, an exhaust member and an inlet membenthe main valve member being connected with the pressure operated mechanism tosupply thereto fluid under pressure from the inlet of the inlet member, each of said members "being movable relative to the other members and each member being movable from a predetermined position independently of the other members, said members being operative in onerelative position with respect to each other to admit fluid under pressure to said mechanism and beng'operative in another relative position to release the fluid pressure from said mechanism, meansconnected to the hammer for operation thereby to adjust one of the members, and independently operable manually adjustable means on the machine and connected respectively to the other two members for adjusting the same.

12. In a drop hammer machine wherein 1ifting of the hammer is effected by friction lift means which is rendered operative to effect lifting by fluid operated means when the latter is supplied with pressure fluid and inoperative upon discontinuance of such supply, a main valve member having an inlet port, an exhaust port and a discharge port, the latter for controlling passage of fluid to said fluid operated means, said ports intercommunicating, an exhaust member movable relative to the main member and operative to open the exhaust port in one relative position of the members, an inlet member movable relative to the main valve member and operative when moved to one position relative to themain valve member to admit fluid to said inlet port and to connect said discharge port with the fluid operated means, all of said members being movable independently of each other, mechanism operatively connected to one of said members and to a portion of the hammer and so constructed and arranged that the hammer, in a, predetermined raised position of it, moves the member to which said mechanism is connected so as to control automatically the point at which the friction lift means is rendered inoperative, and separate operator-controlled means connected to others of said members, respectively, one means operating to vary the point at which the friction lift means is rendered inoperative, and the other operating to vary :the point in relation to the descent of the hammer at which the friction lift'means is rendered operative.

13. In a drop hammer machine having friction lift means and fluid pressure operated piston and cylinder mechanism to initiate operation of said means, a control valve comprising a pistonhaving an inlet port, an exhaust port and a passage connecting the ports, a valve sleeve for the piston and movable relative thereto and having an inlet port adapted for connection with a source of fluid under pressure and a cylinder port adapted for connection to the cylinder of said fluid pressure operated mechanism, the inlet port and cylinder port of thesleeve being arranged for registry with the inlet port and'cylinder port, respectively, of the piston when the piston and sleeve are moved relative to each other into one position and to be offset from the inlet port and cylinder port'of the piston respectively when the piston and sleeve are moved relative to each other into a different position, an exhaust sleeve for the piston and movable relatively to the piston and to the valve sleeve and having an exhaust port arranged to be placed in registry with and to be offsetfrom the exhaust port of the piston when the exhaust sleeve and piston are moved relative to each other and into and out of predetermined positions respectively, and valve adjusting means on the machine connected respectively to the piston, valve sleeve and exhaust sleeve to effect relative movement thereof as aforesaid.

14. In a drop hammer machine having friction lift means to raise the hammer and fluid pressure operated means which, when supplied with fluid pressure, renders the lift means operative, means to render the lift means inoperative consequent upon cessation of fluid supply, a valve for such fluid comprising a valve member constructed and arranged to control admis-, sion of fluid from a source of supply to the pressure operated means and having an exhaust port for releasing fluid supplied to the pressure operated means, an exhaust member movable relative to the valve member and operative to open said exhaust port in one relative position of the members, means normally operated by the hammer in a predetermined raised position of it to move the first mentioned valve member relative to the exhaust member in a manner to render the exhaust port operative to release fluid pressure from said fluid pressure operated means, and operator-controlled means on said hammer machine settable during continued operation of the hammer, said last named means being con-' structed and arranged to move the exhaust member relative to the valve member independently of the aforesaid movement of the valve member, to vary the raised position in, which the hammer effects release of fluid pressure as aforesaid.

15. In a drop hammer machine having friction lift means to raise the hammer and fluid pressure operated means which, when supplied with fluid pressure, renders the lift means operative, means to render the lift means inoperative consequent upon cessation of fluid supply, a valve for such fluid comprising relatively movable valve members constructed and arranged to control admission of fluid from a source of supply to the pressure operated means, one of the members having a fluid passage communicating with the pressure operated means and communicable with the source of supply, and another having means to block and unblock the passage, one of the valve members being an exhaust valve member which is operative to release fluid from the pressure operated means, means connected with one of the valve members and normally operated by the hammer in a predetermined raised position of it to render the exhaust valve member operative to release fluid pressure from said fluid pressure operated means, and operator-controlled means on said hammer machine connected with another valve member and constructed and arranged to move the same to cause unblocking of said fluid passage at different descended'positions of the hammer.

16f In a friction lift drop hammer having friction means controlled by fluid to cause lifting of the hammer and a control valve for such fluid, manually operable means adjustable during continued operation of the hammer and connected to the valve and acting on the valve in a lowered position of the hammer to pro-set the point of operative engagement of the friction means with the hammer, a stroke length control mechanism capable of being operated by a treadle and connected with the valve and acting thereon to adjust the valve in a manner to vary, in relation to the raising of the hammer, the point of operative disengagement of the friction means with the hammer, and a valve control mechanism operated by the hammer on each stroke thereof, said valve control mechanism being connected to the f valve and operating the same in a manner to cause repeated hammerstrokes of such lengths as predetermined by the position of the stroke length control mechanism and said manually operable means.

17. In a friction lift drop hammer having friction means controlled by fluid to cause lifting of the hammer and a control valve for such fluid, manually operable means adjustable during continued operation of the hammer and connected to the valve and acting on the valve in a lowered position of the hammer to pre-set the point of operative engagement of the friction means with the hammer, a treadle mechanism connected With the valve and acting thereon to adjust the valve in a manner to vary in relation to the raising of the hammer the point of operative disengagement of the friction means with the hammer and a wiper mechanism operated by the hammer on each stroke thereof, said wiper mechanism being connected to the valve and operating the same in a manner to cause repeated hammer strokes of such lengths as predetermined by the position of the treadle mechanism and said manually operable means.

18. In a friction lift drop hammer having friction means controlled by fluid to cause lifting of the hammer and a valve mechanism to control the fluid, a wiper mechanism having a single wiper member arranged to be operatively engaged and disengaged by a portion of the hammer during each stroke thereof, said Wiper mechanism being connected to the valve mechanism in a manner to adjust and readjust the same solely consequent upon operation of the hammer on said single wiper member to cause successive operative engagement and disengagement of the friction means with the hammer thereby causing automatic repetition of strokes of predetermined length, and means readily adjustable by an operator and connected with 'the valve mechanism to control the same during continued operation of the hammer in a manner to change the point of travel upwardly of the hammer at which the wiper causes operative disengagement of the friction means and hammer, whereby to vary the length of hammer stroke.

19. In a friction lift drop hammer having friction means controlled by fluid to cause lifting of the hammer and a valve mechanism to control the fluid, a wiper mechanism having a single wiper member arranged to be operatively en gaged and disengaged by a portion of the hammer during each stroke thereof, said wiper mechanism being connected to the valve mechanism in a manner to adjust and readjust the same solely consequent upon operation of the hammer on said single wiper member to cause successive operative engagement and disengagement of the friction means with the hammer thereby causing automatic repetition of strokes of predetermined length, and means readily adjustable by an operator and connected with the valve mechanism to control the same during continued operation of the hammer in a manner to change the point of travel of the hammer at which the wiper causes operative engagement of the friction means andhammer, whereby to adjust the beginning of strokes in relation to the work.

WILLIAM W. CRILEY.

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