March 15, 1955 A G, BUTLER 2,703,916

APPARATUS FOR WIBRATING CONCRETE PIPE FORMS

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APPARATUS FOR WIBRATING CONCRETE PIPE FORMS
Filed Nov. 6, 1950 3. Sheets-Sheet 3

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United States Patent Office 2,703,916
Patented Mar. 15, 1955
1. 2
In making centrifugal pipe the form 11 is mounted
on wheels 15 and 16, often referred to as trunnions in
2,703,916 the art. The wheels 15 are idler wheels journaled in
suitable bases 18. The wheels 16 are mounted on a drive
APPARATUS FOR VIBRATING CONCRETE shaft 20 journaled in bases 21. The wheels 16 are driven
PPE FORMS in any suitable manner as by means of a chain 22 which
Adolf G. Butler, Hawthorne, Calif., assignor to American passes around a sprocket wheel 23 on the shaft. The
Pipe and Construction Co., a corporation of Delaware chain, can be driven by a motor (not shown). The end
rings 3 are provided with flanges 13' for retaining the
Application November 6, 1950, Serial No. 194,357 10 form on the wheels.
With the above-described structure it will be apparent
5 Claims. (C. 25-30) that the form 1 can be rotated at desired speeds. In the
making of pipe the concrete mix is introduced into the
form when the same is rotating and through the action of
This invention has to do with the making of what is 15 centrifugal force this mix forms a relatively compact con
called centrifugally spun concrete pipe. Such pipe is crete wall, such as that shown at 25 (Fig. 2), against the
made by introducing a concrete mixture into a form and inner surface of the form.
rotating the form at a speed sufficient to retain the con In order to provide means for compacting the mix
crete in the form and compact it. against the wall of the form and for enabling the use of
In order to obtain extremely high-strength concrete 20 relatively dry mixes which cannot be properly compacted
pipe the concrete mixture, or mix, as it is called, should by centrifugal force alone, I provide means for vibrating
be relatively dry. Such mixes are difficult to properly the form as the same rotates. The means for vibrating
compact by centrifugal force alone. I am aware that the form comprises essentially the provision of vibrator
efforts have been made to assist the centrifugal action by wheels 30 having interrupted peripheral faces which are
employing a roller operating against the inner Surface of 25 forced into contact with the rotating form. The form
the mix and by employing means for vibrating the form. is provided with tracks or reinforcement bands 31 against
My invention is concerned chiefly with means for vibrat which the vibrator wheels operate. In the particular em
ing the form. bodiment of the invention illustrated in Figs. 1-5 three
It is an object of this invention to provide improved such wheels 30 and three such bands 31 are shown. The
apparatus for compacting the concrete in the making of 30 outer two wheels 30 are mounted on one side of the
centrifugally spun concrete pipe and to produce an center line or axis of the pipe form being rotated and
improved product. the center wheel is mounted on the opposite side as is
It is a particular object of the invention to provide a best shown in Fig. 2. The wheels are mounted on beams
novel method and apparatus for imparting high velocity 34 which can be supported upon any suitable foundation.
vibrations to a pipe form as the same is rotated in the 35 Referring to Figs. 3-5 for the details of construction
making of centrifugally cast pipe. of the wheel assemblies, each wheel is rotatably mounted
A further object is to provide apparatus for setting up in a bracket 35, which includes a bifurcated portion 36
desired vibrations in a rotating pipe form which permits provided with a pin 37. The vibrator wheel is mounted
access to the interior of the pipe form for the purpose of on the pin with a suitable roller bearing 38 between the
40 parts. The brackets 35 are provided with an elongated
filling the same and employing rolling, troweling, and
other equipment therein. tubular section 40 which is internally grooved to receive
Another object is to provide novel apparatus for mount the splines 41 on a torsion bar 42. The ends 40' of the
ing a vibration-inducing wheel to yieldably hold the same section 40 are rotatably received in pillow blocks 45
in engagement with the periphery of the pipe form. secured to a beam 34 which may be of H-shape in cross
45 section, except that in the region of the vibrator wheel
A still further object is to provide apparatus for in
ducing vibrations in a rotating pipe from one end thereof assemblies it is shown provided with a bottom plate 34.
to the other. The other end of the torsion bar 42 is splined at 47
Yet another object is to provide means for variably to a sleeve 48 which is received in a pillow block 49, also
vibrating a pipe form during rotation thereof. mounted on the beam 34. The outer end of the torsion
50 bar carries an arm or lever 51 which is connected to a
These and other objects will be apparent from the
drawings and the following description. fluid ram 52 through the medium of a snubber 54. The
Referring to the drawings: ram is pivotally mounted at 55 upon an anchor mem
Fig. 1 is a fragmentary and elevational view of appa ber 56.
ratus for carrying out the invention; The snubber shown comprises a bar 58 pivotally
55 mounted
Fig. 2 is a fragmentary sectional plan view of the ap on arm 51 and vulcanized in a body of rubber
paratus of Fig. 1; or the like 59. The latter is vulcanized in a cylindrical
Fig. 3 is an enlarged section on line 3-3 of Fig. 1; casing 60 to which is attached a yoke 61 connected to
Fig. 4 is a fragmentary section on line 4-4 of Fig. 3; the piston of the ram.
Fig. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view on line 5-5 60 The ram 52 may be of conventional construction hav
of Fig. 3;
Fig. 6 is a side elevational view, partly broken away, ing a fluid inlet connection 63 and a piston therein, the
piston rod of which is shown extending at 64. When
showing another form of apparatus embodying the in pressure fluid is admitted to the piston this is effective to
vention; force the vibrator wheel into engagement with the band
Fig. 7 is a section on line 7-7 of Fig. 6; 3 on the form.
Fig. 8 is a side elevational view, partly broken away, 65 Each vibrator wheel has a peripheral surface which is
showing another form of apparatus embodying the in interrupted by a plurality of concave recesses 65 spaced
vention; and circumferentially by short peripheral sections 66 of the
Fig. 9 is an end elevational view on line 9-9 of Fig. 8. wheel. In the form of the invention illustrated each
More particularly describing the invention, referring 70 wheel presents a scalloped peripheral face to the pipe
first to Figs. 1-5, there is shown a metal pipe form, gen form.
erally indicated by 11, which is generally cylindrical in It will be apparent that, when the form 11 is rotated
shape, having a main cylindrical wall or shell 12 and end at relatively high speed and the rams 52 are operated
rings 13 thereon. In the conventional concrete pipe form to force the vibrator wheels into engagement with the
the shell 12 is split longitudinally and bolted together for 75 bands 31 on the form, by reason of the interrupted faces
the making of the pipe so that once the pipe has been of the wheels engaging the form, the form as a whole
formed and set sufficiently, the form may be parted to will be subjected to vibrations of a frequency dependent
remove the pipe. Conventionally the end rings 13 are upon the speed of rotation of the form and the number
detachably mounted on the shell 12. However, since this of recesses in the vibrator wheels. I find that if I ad
forms no part of the invention, these details of construc 80 just these factors so as to produce vibrations of the order
tion have not been shown. of between 10,000 and 20,000 cycles per minute, ex
 2,708,916
3
cellent results are obtained. It will be apparent that mixes can be properly compacted and that a superior.
the peripheral portion of the vibrator wheels themselves product can be produced. Also, it is possible to use lower
will necessarily have to be formed of a relatively hard Speeds of rotation of the form with the consequent ad
material and these surfaces may be of hardened steel, vantages thereof.
for example. Although the invention has been particularly shown
I may employ any number of vibrator wheels. Where and described, it is contemplated that various changes
more than one wheel is used, each wheel may have the and modifications can be made without departing from
same number of recesses therein as shown in the draw the scope thereof as indicated by the following claims.
ings in which case the vibrations induced will be of sub I claim:
stantially the same frequency as if only one vibrator 0 1. In apparatus for casting concrete pipe including a
wheel were used, but of greater intensity. However, I cylindrical form and means for supporting and rotating
can produce other frequencies of vibration in the form the form about its axis, means for vibrating said form
by using two or more vibrator wheels having different during rotation thereof, comprising a wheel having an
numbers of recesses therein. By so doing I can also interrupted peripheral surface, means supporting the
produce a plurality of and variable vibration frequencies 5 wheel for rotation, and means for constantly resiliently
in the form and also certain “beat' frequencies all of urging said wheel against the periphery of the form.
which may be desirable to effect compacting of the con 2. In apparatus for casting concrete pipe including a
crete mix since the individual different component par cylindrical form and means for supporting and rotating
ticles of the mix may be assumed to be most affected by the form about its axis, means for vibrating said form
different frequencies. Thus I also contemplate a method 20 during rotation thereof, comprising a wheel having an
of forming concrete pipe which includes subjecting the interrupted peripheral surface, a support, a bracket piv
rotating form to variable frequencies of vibration and a otally mounted on said support, means on the bracket
plurality of frequencies of vibration as well as combin rotatably supporting said wheel, a torsion bar connected
ing different frequency vibrations to produce “beats.” to said bracket on its pivotal axis, an arm on said bar
In Figs. 6 and 7 I show another form of apparatus for axially spaced from the bracket, and a fluid ram anchored
inducing vibrations in the pipe form which entails the at one end and connected to said arm at the other end.
use of wheels or rollers having interrupted peripheral 3. Means for vibrating a pipe form as set forth in claim
faces. Referring to these figures, 80 generally indicates 2 in which shock-absorbing means is interposed between
a foundation upon which are rotatively supported the said arm and ram.
idler wheels 81 and drive wheels 82 for supporting the 30 4. In apparatus for casting concrete pipe including a
pipe form 11. In this form of the invention I show cylindrical form and means for supporting and rotating
two vibrating wheel assemblies 84. These assemblies the form about its axis, means for vibrating said form
each include a supporting column 85 at the upper end of during rotation thereof, comprising a support, a wheel
which there is pivotally mounted a vibrator wheel arm 35
carrying member pivotally mounted on the support for
86. The arm includes a rigid or base section 87 and a movement toward and away from the periphery of the
leaf spring section 88 at the outer end of which the vi form, a wheel having a regularly interrupted peripheral
brator wheel, here indicated by 89, is journaled as be surface for contact with a peripheral surface of the form
tween the uprights 90. - carried by said member, a fluid-operated ram operatively
For the purpose of yieldably forcing the vibrator 40
connected to said wheel-carrying member for urging the
wheel into engagement with the band 31 on the periphery same in a direction to bring said wheel into peripheral
of the pipe form I provide a piston and cylinder mech engagement with said form, and resilient means interposed
anism or ram 92 which is pivotally mounted on the base between said wheel and said ram.
at 93, the piston 94 of which is pivotally connected at 5. In apparatus for casting concrete pipe including a
95 to the arm 86. cylindrical form and means for supporting and rotating
the form about its axis, means for vibrating said form
In Figs. 8 and 9 Ishow another means for vibrating during
a pipe form. Referring to these figures, I show a pipe carrying rotation thereof, comprising a support, a wheel
form 101, similar to the form 11 previously described, member pivotally mounted on the support for
supported upon suitable wheels or trunnions 102 and : form,novement toward and away from the periphery of the
103. In this form of the invention I provide a vibrator 50 Surfacea for
wheel having a regularly interrupted peripheral
contact with a peripheral surface of the form
means, generally indicated by 105 at one end of the pipe carried by said
form. This is accomplished by providing an end ring tively connectedmember, and a fluid-operated ram opera
to said wheel-carrying member for urg
106 with a spider mounting 107 in the center of which
is mounted the vibrator mechanism, such as an eccen ing the same in a direction
with saidto form,
bring said
said wheel into pe
trically weighted shaft 109 driven by a motor. The mo 55 ripheral engagement wheel-carrying
tor may be an air motor as is conventionally used in member including a leaf spring section between said wheel
driving vibrators and the air supply conduit 111 to the and E. point of pivotal mounting of said wheel-carrying
motor may be connected to a suitable source of com: enter.
pressed air through the medium of a conventional joint References Cited in the file of this patent
which will permit of rotation of the pipe form without 60
fouling the air hose or conduit 111. UNITED STATES PATENTS
It will be apparent that with the form of the inven 1,786,586 Walter ----------------- Dec. 30, 1930
tion as shown in Figs. 8 and 9 the vibrator is located on
the axis of the form and serves to transmit vibrations 1,954,904 Walter ----------------- Apr. 17, 1934
through the special end ring to and throughout the form 1965,732 Bisterfeld -------------- July 10, 1934
It will also be apparent that one end of the form is left 2,042,395 Halkyard -------------- May 26, 1936
open, thereby permitting the introduction of the concrete 2,283,735 Hume ----------------- May 19, 1942
into the formand the use of suitable leveling, trowel 2,293,962 Baily ----------------- Aug. 25, 1942
ing or other equipment within the form. - 2,309,033 Baily ------------------ Jan. 19, 1943
By vibrating the pipe form as the same rotates by any 70
2,321,277 Boyle ------------------ June 8, 1943
of the means shown herein, I find that relatively dry 2,342,801 Guerci---------------- Feb. 29, 1944

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