DODD'S CARRIER FOR HORIZONTAL TILE MACHINE.
The Dodd Carrier is shown in Figs. 163 to 165, and by its use tile of different diameters may be carried by the same set of supporting bars, instead of being compelled to change the bars for others having a concavity formed to suit the periphery of every different size of tile manufactured. This result is ac complished by forming the concavity in the carrier-bar upon as great a radius as the largest tile to be made upon the machine, and bridging the space between the ends of the bar with a strap of flexible material, upon which the tile is received.
Fig. 163 is a perspective view of a carrier complete, having its carrier-bars provided with flexible straps. Fig. 164 is a cross-section of a carrier showing the position assumed by the flexible strap when carrying a tile. Fig. 165 is a perspective view of one of the bars and straps, with a section of the carrier belt.
In constructing this machine the carrier-frame A is formed in the usual manner of two side pieces connected by cross-bars a, and supported upon short legs b; or by any other suitable means. Above the cross-bars a, which connect the two sides of the frame, is placed a series of rollers c, which support the endless carrier-belt or belts B. To this belt are secured by
screws or other proper means the carrier-bars C. These bars have a cavity or hollow in the side opposite that which is attached to the carrier-belt, and bridging this cavity is the flex ible strap D, secured at each end to the carrier-bars C by means of screws e or other proper fastening devices. These straps D may be formed of leather, rubber belting, canvas, or any other material possessing sufficient strength and flexibility, it being necessary that they should give a firm support to the tile, and at the same time conform readily to its shape. In at taching the straps D to the carrier-bars it is preferable to allow the strap to drop or sag a little, as is clearly shown in Fig. 165 of the drawings, as it is thereby caused to conform more readily to the shape of the tile.
Tne frame provided with carrier-belt and carrier-bars having a concave receiving surface to receive the tile as it comes from the forming-dies is old, but the combination of the carrier-bars and a flexible bridging strap arranged to receive the tile as it issues from the forming-die is a new idea.