1851 Great Exhibition: Official Catalogue: Class VI.: B. Hick and Son
218. HICK, B., and SON, Bolton — Designers and Manufacturers.
Model of exhibitors' improved compound hydraulic press. This model shows the arrangement of an improved press, now at work on the premises of the exhibitors at Bolton, having four cylinders of such area as in the aggregate to be equal to 2,500 tons pressure. Among the various advantages attributed to this plan, are, that the four cylinders may be worked together or two at a time ; and much better castings are obtained in consequence of the diminished weight, each of the cylinders weighing only two tons (about eight tons for the four), whereas one cylinder equal in power would weigh 20 tons. The model pumps and apparatus attached are equal in power to a single press with cylinder six inch diameter. Accompanying this model are several blocks of iron, eight inch diameter, which have been punched cold by the large press. The pressure necessary for such an operation, being, for iron, 1.5 in. thick, 700 tons; 2 in. thick, 950 tons; 2.5 in. thick, 1,250 tons; 3 in. thick, 600 tons, and 3.5 in. thick, 2,050 tons. Fig. 1 represents this machine.
[The hydrostatic press was invented by the late Mr. Joseph Bramah, A.D. 1796. Motion is communicated to the ram by injecting water (or other fluid capable of sufficient resistance) into the cylinder, within which the ram moves. The amount of force given to the ram depends upon the proportion between the area of the plunger of the injecting pump and that of the ram, and the force can be indefinitely increased, either by extending these proportions or by increasing the leverage of the pump handle. These machines are most valuable for lifting great weights, testing the strength of girders, and packing compressible goods into a small space, etc.— S. C.]
Two-horse high-pressure non-condensing oscillating engine of very simple construction, the steam being admitted to the top and bottom of cylinder by its own movement from side to side, the ordinary valve motion and eccentric being dispensed with. This engine is almost incapable of disarrangement.
Fig. 2 represents this engine.
Portable smiths' hearth, with fan attached, for the use of ship-builders and others.
Smiths' hearth (of another description) for artillery purposes, adapted for fixing upon the back of a horse or mule, its weight being only about 180 pounds.
Improved ball safety-valve, invented by the late Mr. Hick: it consists of a brass globe or sphere filled with lead, and merely resting over and closing a circular orifice, having no joints or levers connected with it; it will always blow off steam at a given pressure, thus preventing the possibility of accident from over-pressure.
Wheat-cleaning machine. This machine consists of two conical cylinders, formed of a series of files which are placed vertically, and are secured at top and bottom by means of cast-iron rings; a space is left between the inner and outer cylinders, which can be increased or diminished as required, the inner cylinder revolves rapidly upon its axis. The object of the machine is to separate and remove the smut and other impurities from the grain, which it accomplishes in the most effectual manner, and will clean about 200 bushels per hour.
Model of exhibitors' patent open-ended three cylinder locomotive engine with a tender.
Radial drilling machine (full size). This will drill holes up to 4 in. diameter, and extending over a circle 11 ft. 6 in. diameter; the jeb can be raised or lowered at pleasure, by means of a square threaded screw cut upon the upright spindle, and moves freely round with its spindle on a series of small rollers placed under the rising block or nut.
Models of a pair of condensing steam-engines of 120 horse power each; the models are made on the scale 1.25 in. to the foot.
In addition to the above, the exhibitors have sent an engine of six-horse power, together with a considerable amount of mill-gearing and framework, supported upon a number of ornamental columns. This mill-gearing and steam-engine give motion to the machinery contributed by Messrs. Hibbert, Platt, and Sons, of Hartford New Iron Works, Oldham.
Improved mandrils.