Improvements in Match Machines.
Year: 1898

page_text: Date of Application, 5th July, 1898-Accepted, 27th Aug., 1898
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Match Machines.
I, WILLIAM EDWARD COOK, a Subject of the Queen of Great Britain, residing
at 94, Ford Street, Ogdensburg, County of St. Lawrence, State of New York,
United States of America, Manufacturer of Matches, do hereby declare the nature
of this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particu-
larly described and ascertained in and by the following statement:-
My invention relates to improvements in match making machines and it con-
sists in providing a machine with a cutter-head and dies mounted thereon, adapted
to cut splints upon both sides of the cutter-head, and means for reciprocating the
cutter-head.
It also consists in providing a machine with a reciprocating cutter adapted
to cut the splints upon both sides of the cutter-head and feed mechanism whereby
blocks of wood may be fed from opposite sides of the cutter, so as to converge
toward the cutter-head.
It also consists in providing a carrier for receiving the match splints cut by
the machine, said carrier comprising outside slats and intermediate slats, and
means for expanding the intermediate slats for gripping the splints in the
conveyor.
My invention further consists in certain other novel constructions, combinations
and arrangements of parts, as will be hereinafter described and claimed.
In the accompanying drawings,
Fig. 1. represents an end elevation of a match machine constructed in accord-
ance with my invention, the cutter-head and the means for operating the same
being shown therein.
Fig. 2 represents a side elevation of the said match machine, parts being broken
away in order to show the machine upon a large scale.
Fig. 3 represents a top plan view of the match machine, the central parts of
the frame being broken away.
Fig. 4 represents a detail sectional view through a portion of the match
machine, the means for centering and holding the conveyor for receiving the
match splints being shown in side elevation.
Fig. 5 represents a detail horizontal section through the frame of the machine
showing the manner of operating the cams for holding the chain in proper position.
Fig. 6 represents a detail elevation of the discharge end of the machine, illus-
trating the belt or conveyor for receiving the discharged matches.
Fig. 7 represents a top plan view of my improved cutter.
Fig. 8 represents a cutter made in one piece.
Fig. represents a detail perspective view of a portion of the cutter-head
showing the cutters mounted thereon.
Figs. 10 and 11 are detail sections and elevations illustrating the construction
of the splint guide used upon my match machine.
Fig. 12 is a top plan view of a portion of my conveyor chain showing the central
expanding portion in its closed position.

page_text: Fig. 13 represents a detail plan view of one section of the chain, the central
portion being expanded for gripping the splint.
Fig. 14 represents a transverse vertical section through a portion of the chain
showing one of the binding loops used thereon.
Fig. 15 represents a detail side elevation of one of the links for connecting the
sections of the chains.
Fig. 16 represents an end view of a section of the chain.
Fig. 17 is a plan view of a different form of chain or conveyor.
Fig. 18 shows a section of the same with the central portion expanded to grip
the match splints.
Fig. 19 represents a form of carrier employing an expanding 'central portion
operated by means of arms or levers which connect the parts.
Fig. 20 represents a detail plan view of one section of the same, the central
portion being expanded.
Fig. 21 represents side elevations of the inner faces of the expanding portion
of the chain, showing the recesses in which the arms are pivoted.
Fig. 22 shows an elevation of one of the gripping faces of the conveyor chain,
which is roughened to better grip the match splints.
Fig. 23 represents another manner of constructing the carrier chain, the parts
being open to receive the splints.
Fig. 24 represents a similar view, the parts being closed to grip the match
splints.
Figs. 25 and 26 represent still another way of forming the expanding portion
of the match splint carrier.
Figs. 27 and 28 represent end views of the form of carrier illustrated in
Figs. 23 and 24, the gripping portion being respectively open and closed.
Fig. 29 represents a fragmentary plan view of a portion of the machine illus-
trating the way in which the feed troughs may be mounted so as to feed from
opposite sides of the machine to the opposite sides of the cutter, and
Fig. 30 represents a detail sectional view through the plunger for ejecting the
matches from the carrier chain at the rear end of the machine.
My invention comprises improvements in match machines, which employ re-
ciprocating cutters for cutting match splints from blocks of wood, the said cutters
carrying the match splints to a conveyor chain by which they may be carried to
the usual heating and parafining mechanisms, by which they are prepared to
receive their heads of igniting composition, which may be applied in any usual
and well-known manner. The carriers, then after passing through the usual drying
frame, return the completed matches to the rear end of the splint cutting
machine where they are ejected and removed for packing and distribution.
have conceived of the idea of mounting cutters upon a reciprocating cutter-head in
such a manner that they will be capable of cutting two rows of splints at a time,
one row being cut upon each side of the cutter-head. This practically doubles
the efficiency of a machine of this character, it being able to cut twice the usual
number of splints at each movement of the cutter.
I
In carrying out the various improvements and novel features of my invention,
I'mount upon one end of a frame 1, a cutter-head as 2 carrying cutters as 3 upon its
upper end. The cutter-head 2 is adapted to reciprocate in suitable guides as 4
mounted upon the frame 1. The cutter-head is connected by means of a pitman 5
with a crank as 6 formed upon a shaft 7, which is mounted in the lower part of
the frame 1. The shaft 7 extends to one side of the frame 1 and may be con-
nected with any suitable source of power by any well-known means. As shown
in the drawings, I preferably employ fast and loose pulleys as 8 and 9 respectively,
which may be connected by means of a belt with the power machinery. One
end of the shaft 7 may be supported in an exterior bearing as 10 and carries
outside the frame 1, a bevel gear as 11, which meshes with a corresponding bevel
gear as 12 upon a horizontal shaft 13 mounted in suitable bearings upon the side
of the machine. The shaft 13 is also connected by means of bevel gearing with

page_text: a vertical shaft as 14 which extends upwardly to a point near the top of the
frame. The shaft 14 is also connected near its upper end with a horizontal short
shaft as 15 by bevel gearing, the said shaft 15 carrying upon its rear end a gear
wheel as 16. The gear wheel 16 meshes with a corresponding gear wheel 17
mounted upon another horizontal shaft as 18 mounted in suitable bearings upon
the top of the frame 1. The forward end of the shaft 18 carries a pair of chain
operating cams as 19, 19 and upon its rear end a large gear wheel 20. Inter-
mediate gears as 21, 22 are interposed between the said gear wheel 20 and a
similar gear wheel 23 carried by a shaft 24 similar to the shaft 18. Cams 25, 25
are also mounted upon the front end of the shaft 24, the said cams being arranged
opposite the cams 19 and adapted to co-operate with the same in feeding the splint
carrier in the match machine.
A carrier chain for receiving and carrying match splints as 26 is adapted to
travel through the machine and is preferably constructed as will be hereinafter
more fully described. In order to cut the splints and carry them to the said
chain, the cutters 3 are secured to the upper edge of the cutter-head 2 which
receives a reciprocating movement through the mechanism heretofore described.
Feed troughs as 27 and 28 are mounted upon the frame 1 and extend upon either
side of the cutter-head 2, the said troughs being preferably arranged upon angles
to the line of cut. Blocks of wood are fed forward in the said troughs by means
of feed rollers as 29 and 30. The upper feed roller 29 is provided exteriorly of
the trough with a ratchet wheel as 31 which is adapted to be engaged by means
of a dog or pawl as 32 carried between the arms 33, which are pivoted upon the
shaft of the said roller 29. The arms 35 are connected to a pitman as 34, the lower
end of which carries an anti-friction wheel as 35 adapted to travel in a cam
path as 36 formed in the face of a disc as 37 which is mounted near the base of
the frame 1. The shaft 38 which carries the discs 37 may be connected with the
working parts of the match machine or any other suitable source of power for
operating the same in conjunction with the movement of the match machine.
The cam path 36 is so formed that the blocks of wood will be fed forward between
each downward stroke of the cutter, but will remain stationary, while the cutters
are passing through the said blocks of wood. The cutter 3 is preferably composed
of a series of cutter blocks as 39 which are provided upon their opposite ends with
hollow cylindrical cutting portions as 40 which are adapted to overhang each
side of the cutter-head 2. The cutter blocks 39 may be secured to the upper edge
of the cutter-head 2 in any suitable manner as by screws as shown in Fig. 9 of
the drawings. The cutter blocks are arranged side by side along the upper edge
of the cutter-head 2 forming one continuous row of cutting edges upon each side
of the cutter-head. While I prefer to form the cutters in this manner, yet it will
be apparent that the cutters could all be formed upon a single piece as 41 shown
in Fig. 6 of the drawings, without departing in the least from the spirit of my
invention. As will be clearly seen from Fig. 2 of the drawings when the cutter
descends the overhanging cutting edges upon each side of the cutter-head will
engage the blocks of wood in the feed troughs and cut two rows of splints simul-
taneously. Upon the cutter ascending again, it will carry the splints upwardly
and insert them into the carrier chain which is adapted to grip and hold the
same, as will be hereinafter fully described. In using a cutter of this construction.
I find it very desirable to employ a guide mechanism for assisting in guiding the
splints into the carrier chain. For this purpose a guide bar as 42 is mounted
in the frame 1 above the cutter 3 and is carried by means of vertical rods as 43, 43
which extend downwardly through guides 44 secured to the frame 1. The lower
ends of the rods 43 are each pivotally secured to a link as 45 which connects
them with a pin or rod as 46 carried by one end of a lever 47. Each lever 47
is fulcrumed as at 48 in the frame 1 and carries at its other end an anti-friction
roller 49 adapted to travel in the cam path 50 formed in the face of a disc as 51.
The discs 51 are mounted upon a cross shaft 52 which finds suitable bearings in
the frame 1 and carries at one end a bevel gearing 53 which meshes with a bevel

page_text: As
gearing 54 secured to the shaft 14, thus receiving its motive power from the
gearing of the machine. The cam path 50 is so constructed that when the cutter 3
descends the guide 42 will descend at the same speed until the said guide has
descended a short distance between the blocks of wood and the splints being cut,
when it will remain stationary until the cutter has completed its downward
stroke. Upon the cutter beginning to rise, the cam path 50 will so actuate the
guide 42 that it will also rise at the same speed as the cutter and continue to so
rise until within a short distance of the carrier chain, as will be seen in. Fig. 2
of the drawings. The cam path at this point being concentric again with the
shaft 52, the guide will be held stationary until the splints have been gripped
in the carrier chain, when the anti-friction roller 49 will engage a sharp angle
in the can path 50 which will quickly retract the guide 42 so that it will clear
the match splints and permit the same to be fed forward by the carrier chain.
By means of this guide, the splints can be held the proper distance apart and
be guided accurately into the spaces in the carrier chain which receive them.
The peculiar manner of cutting the match splints and the way of feeding the
blocks so as to cut two rows at a time necessitates the construction of a carrier
chain to correspond and receive the said splints as they are presented by the
cutter. I preferably construct a carrier chain which is composed of suitable slats
held together by links and intermediate spreading portions interposed between
the said slats, which may be expanded to grip the splints in the carrier.
shown in Figs. 12 and 13 of the drawings the carrier consists preferably of
sections formed of outside slats 55 and interior expanding slate 56, 56. These
slats are adapted to be held in place by means of links as 57, which are preferably
countersunk in the said slats so as to offer no obstruction to the movement of the
chain. The ends of the outer slats are provided with journal extensions as 58, 58
which engage apertures 59 formed in connecting links 60. The connecting
links 60 connect the sections of the chain together so as to form an endless chain.
As shown in Fig. 16 the outer slats 55 are bevelled on their outer edges so that
the flexibility of the carrier chain may not be hindered in any way. The links
are preferably provided with offset portions at each end, whereby each link fits
into the end of the next adjoining link, as will be clearly seen in Figs. 12 and 13
of the drawings. The links 60 are also provided with a central slot as 61 through
which the ends of wedge bars as 62 extend, the said wedge bars being formed
with a series of wedges 63 adapted to engage corresponding notches formed upon
the inner faces of the inner slats 56 as at 64. It will be seen that when the wedge
bars 62 are in their outer positions as shown in Fig. 12 of the drawings, that
the wedges 63 will fit in the notches formed in the inner bars 56 and the bars 56
will therefor be permitted to come close together and form wide spaces between
themselves and the outer slats 55. When the cutter rises with the two rows of
match splints, the upper ends of the splints will be carried into the spaces between
the inner and outer slats. When the wedge pieces are then forced in by any
suitable means, the inclined surfaces of the wedges will force the inner slats apart
so as to keep the upper ends of the splints between them and the outer slats as
clearly seen in Fig. 13 of the drawings. The wedges are preferably forced
sufficiently far to bring the short faces 64 into engagement with the inner faces
of the slats 56, so that the said slats cannot accidentally come together again. This
idea of providing a carrier chain with sections having an expanding center portion
for gripping the match splints forms an important feature of my invention and
can be made to operate perfectly in conjunction with the cutter to receive the
match splints therefrom. One great advantage in the use of this kind of a
chain may be noted in that it prevents the necessity of the cutters having to force
the match splints into the carrier chain.
In a chain of this character it is necessary to provide a means for expanding
the central portion of the chain at the proper time to clamp the match splints
when they are brought up by the cutter. I have devised a simple means of accom-
plishing this object, which is illustrated in detail in Fig. 4 of the drawings in

page_text: which plungers as 65 are mounted in the frame 1, their outer ends being guided
in bearings 66, while their inner ends are provided with guide loops or slots as 67,
which surround the cam shafts 18 and 24. Anti-friction rollers as 68 are secured
to the plungers 65, which are adapted to engage cam paths as 69 formed in the
face of one of the cam 19 and 25. The cam paths are so timed with respect to
the movement of the cutter that when the splints have been brought up between
the open slats of the carrier, the plungers 65 will be forced forward against the
ends of the wedge bars 62 so as to force them inwardly and cause their wedges
to spread apart or expand the inner slats against the ends of the match splints.
The plungers are immediately retracted by the shape of the cam paths 69 so that
the chain can be fed forward. It will be noted that two wedge bars 62 are employed
between each set of inner slats 56 and that the wedges upon the said bars are
arranged so that when the bars are forced toward each other they will operate to
spread the central slats. The cams 19 and 25 are provided with flanges having
inclined portions and straight portions as clearly seen in Fig. 3 of the drawings
and are so constructed that the flanges engage three sections of the carrier chain
at a time, the central section being held stationary at the time of receiving the
match splints. It is advisable I find to center the slat which is receiving its charge
of matches exactly over the cutter and for this purpose I form a frame as 69" upon
the upper part of the frame 1, the said frame 69 carrying a cross shaft 70 which
extends from one side of the machine to the other. Cam discs as 71 are mounted
upon the said shaft 70 and provided upon their outer faces with cam paths as 72
which engage anti-friction rollers 73 secured to vertical bolts 74. The bolts 74
are each provided with a guide slot as 75 which surrounds the shaft 70 and the
upper end of each of the bolts passes through a guiding opening formed in a cross
bar as 76. The bolts 74 thence have a vertical movement and are each provided
with downwardly extending projections as 77 mounted upon each side of their
lower ends and bevelled on their inner faces as at 78. These bevelled faces are
adapted to fit upon each side of a section, of the carrier chain when the bolts 74
descend. By this construction when the chain pauses to receive the charge of
splints, the cam path 72 actuates the bolts 74 so as to force them downwardly,
the projections 77 embracing the section of the chain which is to receive the
splints and centering the same perfectly over the cutter. Upon the splints being
gripped by the chain, the bolts 74 are raised and the chain permitted to pass
onward. The shaft 70 is preferably connected by means of suitable gearing with
the vertical shaft 14 in order to receive its actuating power.
After the chain receives its charge of match splints, it carries them on through
the usual mechanism for heating, parafining and heading the same, after which
they are dried, the splint carrier returning to the rear end of the cutting machine
where it descends vertically between the actuating cams 79, 79 mounted upon the
rear end of the machine 1. Here the sections of the chain are again given an
intermittent movement by the flanges of the cam 79. A platen as 80 is mounted
in suitable bearings in the frame opposite these cams and may be connected with
the other mechanism of the machine for receiving a reciprocating movement.
The said platen is provided with a pair of projecting plates as 81 which are so
spaced as to coincide with the two rows of match splints in the carrier. When
each carrier is momentarily held stationary by the cam 79, the platen 80 is
moved forward, the plates 81 engaging the ends of the matches and ejecting them
from the said carrier when the platen is retracted. The matches are preferably
ejected upon a moving apron as 82 which travels about suitable pulleys, one of
said pulleys being connected with a gear wheel as 83 which meshes with the gear
wheel 20 and receives movement therefrom. As the matches are ejected upon
the apron, it carries them to one side where they may be collected or packed in
boxes by any suitable or well-known manner. The chain emptied of its splints
then passes downwardly and about rollers or pulleys as 84, thence upwardly again
into the frame 1 and over pulleys 85 which brings the chain again upon a plane
with the feeding cams 19 and 25. Before passing to the cutter, it is necessary

page_text: to open the slats in the carrier again and for this purpose the wedge bars 62 are
provided with studs as 86 which engage guides as 87 mounted upon a frame 88
secured to the main frame 1. The guides 87 are set at an angle so that as the
studs 86 impinge upon them and travel along the sides of the guide, the wedge
bars will be retracted and the slats permitted to open again. The sections of
the chain are thus made ready to receive a new charge of match splints from the
cutter.
While I prefer to use the form of chain above described, yet it will be apparent
that other forms of chain having expanding centers may be employed without
departing from the spirit of my invention. As shown in Figs. 17 and 18 of the
drawings, the chain may be composed of outside slats 89 and inside slats 90.
Instead of using a wedge bar, the inside slats 90 may be provided with a series
of wedge faces which interlock and engage each other as at 91. It will thus be
apparent that by forcing the slats 90 laterally one from each side of the machine
that the wedge faces will be forced to ride up upon each other, so as to separate
the slats 90 and bring them against the splints as before described. The same
mechanism may be employed for operating the slats 90 as heretofore described.
Practically the same result may be accomplished by arranging the slats as
illustrated in Figs. 19, 20 and 21 of the drawings. In this construction the
outside slats 92 as usual, are employed and inner slats 93 are used, which are
pivotally connected to arms as 94, the said arms being in turn pivotally mounted
upon pusher or wedge bars 95. These bars are preferably made two in number
in each section of the slat and when forced inwardly spread the toggle joints
formed by the arins 94 so that the inner slats 93 are caused to impinge upon the
ends of the splints, as will be seen by examining Fig. 20. As seen in Fig. 21
the arms 94 are preferably pivoted in slots as 96 formed in the wedge bars 95 and
their outer ends are preferably pivoted in recesses as 97 formed in the inner faces
of the slats 93. The outer slats in all the constructions shown may be made with
smooth inner faces but it is often desirable to employ a serrated surface as 98
shown in Fig. 22 of the drawings, whereby the matches may be more firmly held
in place in the carrier chain. As seen in Figs. 23 and 24 the central binding
portion of each chain section may be made of a pivoted bar as 99 pivoted at its
ends in links 100, the said pivoted bar being adapted to revolve between the outer
slats 101 as seen in these figures. As seen in Figs. 27 and 28 the relative
positions of the rotating bar 99 is such that the splints may be inserted and
gripped as in the other bars heretofore described.
In Figs. 25 and 26 another simple form of arranging the spreading bars is
illustrated. In these figures the outer slats 102 enclose between them two inner
spreading slats 103 which are connected at suitable intervals by means of links
as 104. The links give the two bars a parallel movement with respect to each
other but when the bars are forced laterally in opposite directions, the links 104
will cause the slats 103 to spread and impinge upon the ends of the match splints
as shown in Fig. 26 of the drawing.
I find it desirable to interpose stops between the slats of the carrier chains.
As seen in Figs. 12 and 13 short studs or stops as 107 are secured to the slats
so as to limit the outer movement of the expanding portions of the chain. I find
that this is very useful when the cutter is not working well from any cause, as
where the blocks of wood are not fed evenly so that one or two or a few matches,
for instance, would be inserted in the chain instead of the full row. The inner
slats would be caused to bend or expand unevenly and perhaps drop the splints.
By the use of these studs or stops 107 the chain will grip one splint with as even
a pressure as if the whole row of splints were inserted in the chain.
It will be apparent from the description of these different arrangements of slats
and carrier chain sections that the underlying principle is practically the same
in each of them, namely the spreading of the central portion of each slat so as to
crowd the match splints between the inner and outer slats.

page_text: While the feed troughs for feeding the blocks of wood to the machine may be
arranged as shown in Fig. 3 of the drawings so as to enter from one side of the
machine to opposite sides of the cutter, yet it will be apparent that I may arrange
the troughs as shown in Fig. 29 of the drawings, so that the wood may be fed
in from opposite sides of the machine to opposite sides of the cutter. As shown
in said Fig. 29 troughs 105 enter the machine from opposite sides preferably upon
the same angle and feed the blocks of wood as 106 to the double cutter. These
blocks of wood are fed forward in the troughs in the same manner as above
described in connection with Fig. 3. The cams and the slat operating mechanism
of course, need not be changed. This construction is clearly within the spirit
of my invention.
It will be evident upon considering the description of this machine that I am
enabled to produce a match splint cutting machine which embodies a decided
advance in the art and one which is capable of practically double the capacity
of the ordinary machines in use because of the arrangement of the cutters so as
to cut upon opposite sides of the cutter-head. A carrier chain also constructed
in accordance with my invention is capable of the best results especially as match
splints do not have to be forced between the slats of the carrier and yet the said
splints are firmly clamped therein and carried through the various processes usual
to such machines.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed,, I declare that what
I claim is:-
L
1. In a match machine, the combination with a cross or cutter-head, of dies or
cutters secured thereon so as to be capable of cutting splints upon each side of
the said cutter-head, and means for reciprocating the cutter-head, substantially
as described.
2. In a match machine, the combination with a reciprocating cutter-head, of a
series of dies mounted thereon forming a continuous cutter upon each side of
the cutter-head, whereby splints may be cut upon each side of the cutter-head
simultaneously, and means for reciprocating the cutter-head, substantially as
described.
3. In a match machine, the combination with a reciprocating cutter-head, of
a cutter mounted thereon having cutting edges overhanging each side of the cutter-
head, and means for feeding blocks of wood to each side of the cutter, whereby
two rows of splints may be cut simultaneously, substantially as described.
4. In a match machine, the combination with a reciprocating cutter-head, of
a cutter mounted thercon, the said cutter having cutting edges upon each side of
the cutter-head, feed troughs leading to each side of the cutter-head, the con-
struction being such that when blocks of wood are fed forward through the same,
the cutter will cut two rows of splints simultaneously, substantially as described.
5. In a match machine, the combination with a reciprocating cutter-head, of
a cutter mounted thereon adapted to cut upon each side of the said cutter-head,
feed troughs upon opposite sides of the cutter-head and converging to a common
line, whereby blocks are fed simultaneously to each side of the cutter-head, and
means for reciprocating the cutter-head for cutting two rows of splints upon each
side of the same, substantially as described.
6. In a match machine, the combination with a reciprocating cutter-head, of
a cutter adapted to cut two rows of splints mounted thereon, a carrier chain for
receiving the said splints, and a guide adapted to pass between the rows of splints
for guiding them gradually into the carrier chain, substantially as described.
7. In a match machine, the combination with a reciprocating cutter-head, of
a cutter mounted thereon having cutting edges extending above each side of the
cutter-head, means for feeding blocks of wood to each side of the cutter, whereby
two rows of splints may be cut at each stroke, a guide adapted to direct splints,

page_text: and means for operating the guide so as to have the proper movement with rela-
tion to the cutter, substantially as described.
8. In a match machine, the combination with a reciprocating cutter adapted
to cut two rows of match splints, of a guide adapted to engage the splints for
directing them to a carrier chain, cams connected with the operating mechanism
of the machine, and means connecting the said cams with the said guide whereby
the guide will be caused to operate in conjunction with the cutter upon the splints,
substantially as described.
9. In a match machine, the combination with a reciprocating cutter-head, of
a cutter adapted to cut splints upon the opposite sides of the said cutter-head,
a guide adapted to be interposed between the said splints comprising a guide bar
supporting rods, levers connected with said rods, and discs having cam paths
formed in their faces for engaging the said levers, whereby the movement of the
splint guide is regulated according to the movement of the cutter, substantially
as described.
10. In a match machine, the combination with a reciprocating cutter-head, of
a cutter mounted thereon a guide adapted to co-operate with the cutter for direct-
ing the match splints, rods carrying the said guide, levers connecting the said
rods, discs connected with the operating mechanism of the machine having cam
paths formed in their faces, and levers connecting the said cam paths with the
guide supporting rods, the shape of the said cam paths being such that the guide
will be caused to accommodate itself to the movement of the cutter and will be
quickly withdrawn from between the match splints, to permit of the chain being
fed forward, substantially as described.
11. In a match machine, the combination with a reciprocating cutter-head, of
a carrier chain adapted to receive the said splints, means for feeding the carrier
chain forward, and means for centering each section of the carrier chain immedi-
ately over the cutter to receive its charge of match splints, substantially as
described.
12. In a match machine, the combination with a reciprocating cutter, of a
carrier chain adapted to receive splints therefrom, means for centering each section
of the carrier chain over the cutter, comprising reciprocating bolts, and cams for
operating the said reciprocating bolts, substantially as described.
13. In a match machine, the combination with a reciprocating cutter, of a
carrier chain for receiving the splints therefrom, a centering mechanism adapted
to hold each section of the carrier over the cutter, comprising reciprocating bolts
adapted to be guided upon the frame of the machine, discs for operating the said
bolts, said discs having cam paths formed in their faces, and anti-friction rollers
secured to said bolts for engaging the said cam paths, substantially as described.
14. In a match making machine, the combination with a reciprocating cutter,
of a carrier chain for receiving splints therefrom, means for centering each section
of the carrier chain over the cutter comprising reciprocating bolts, means for
reciprocating said bolts in conjunction with the movement of the cutter, and
bevelled projections mounted upon the said bolts adapted to embrace each section
of the chain between them successively as the bolts are lowered, substantially
as described.
15. In a match making machine, the combination with a cutter, of a match
splint carrier adapted to receive splints from the said cutter, said carrier com-
prising sections of slats, intermediate slats in each section, and means for expand-
ing the same for gripping the splints in the carrier chain, substantially as
described.
16. In a match making machine, the combination with a cutter, of a carrier
chain for receiving splints therefrom, the said carrier chain comprising sections
formed of exterior and interior slats, links for binding the said slats to form
sections, and links for connecting the sections to form a continuous chain, and
wedge bars interposed between the interior slats, the construction being such

page_text: that when the wedge bars are forced inwardly, they will expand the inner slats
against the ends of the match splints, substantially as described.
17. In a match machine, the combination with a cutter, of a carrier chain
adapted to receive splints from the same, the said chain comprising sections formed
of outside and inside slats, wedge bars interposed between the inner slats having
bevelled faces formed thereon, corresponding bevelled faces being formed upon
the inner slats, the construction being such that when the wedge bars are forced
inwardly, the wedge faces will cause the inner slats to separate and grip the
match splints between them and the outer slats, substantially as described.
18. In a match machine, the combination with a cutter, of a match splint
carrier for receiving the splints therefrom, comprising sections formed of outer
and inner slats, wedge bars interposed between the inner slats having wedges
formed thereon, the said wedges having bevelled faces and flat faces, the inner
slats being provided with corresponding notches formed in their inner faces, the
construction being such that when the wedge bars are forced inwardly, the outer
bars will be separate by the bevelled faces but will be held in their open position
by the flat faces, substantially as described.
19. In a match machine, the combination with a cutter, of a match splint carrier
adapted to receive splints therefrom, means for feeding the said carrier forward
by an intermittent movement, the said carrier comprising sections formed of
fixed slats and inner expanding slats, and means for operating the inner expand-
ing slats, substantially as described.
20. In a match machine, the combination with a cutter, of a carrier chain for
receiving splints comprising sections formed of fixed slats and expanding slats,
cams for feeding the chain, cam paths formed on the faces of the said cams, and
bolts adapted to engage the said cam paths, the construction being such that the
bolts will be intermittently forced inwardly to spread the expanding portion of
the chain, substantially as described.
21. In a match machine, the combination with a cutter, of a carrier for receiving
splints therefrom, the said carrier comprising fixed and expanding slats, means
for spreading the expanding slats comprising bolts adapted to be moved longi-
tudinally with respect to the frame of the machine, and feed cams for feeding the
chain forward, the said feeding cams being provided with cam paths in their
faces, and anti-friction rollers upon the said bolts engaging the said cam paths,
the construction being such that when each carrier section has received its charge
of matches, the bolts will be thrust forward to spread the expanding portion of
the chain for gripping the splints, substantially as described.
22. In a match machine, the combination with a reciprocating cutter, of a
carrier chain adapted to receive splints from the said cutter, said carrier chain
comprising fixed and expanding slats, the said expanding slats being arranged
between the fixed slats, the construction being such that two rows of splints may
be received in each section of the chain and clamped therein at one operation,
substantially as described.
23. In a match machine, the combination with a cutter, of a carrier chain
mounted thereon adapted to receive splints from the cutter, said carrier chain
comprising fixed slats and expanding slats, means for expanding the said slats
for gripping the splints, and means for opening the slats after the completed
matches have been discharged from the carrier, whereby they are ready for a
new charge of splints, substantially as described.
24. In a match machine, the combination with a reciprocating cutter, of a
carrier chain for receiving splints therefrom, said chain comprising fixed slats
and expanding slats, wedge bars for spreading the expanding slats, means for
operating the said wedge bars to grip the splints, and studs mounted upon the
said wedge bars, and guides mounted in the frame, the construction being such
that when the studs upon the wedge bars engage the said guides, the wedge bars
will be operated so as to open the chain, substantially as described.
R

page_text: 25. In a match machine, the combination with a cutter, of a carrier chain
adapted to receive two rows of match splints at a time, means for ejecting the
completed matches from the chain comprising a plunger having plates mounted
thereon, the said plates being spaced so as to coincide with the two rows of splints
for ejecting them from the chain, and means for reciprocating the said plunger,
substantially as described.
26. In a match machine, the combination with a cutter, of a carrier for receiving
match splints, the said carrier comprising outer and inner slats, the inner slats
being provided with a series of wedge faces adapted to correspond with each
other, the construction being such that when the inner slats are moved longi-
tudinally with respect to each other, they will be spread apart so as to grip, the
splints between them and the outer slats, substantially as described.
27. In a match machine, the combination with a cutter, of a carrier chain for
receiving splints therefrom, the said chain comprising sections formed of outer and
inner slats, wedge bars interposed between the inner slats and connected thereto
by means of pivoted arms, the construction being such that when the wedge bars
are forced inwardly, the wedge bars will act as toggles and force the inner slats
toward the outer slats for gripping the match splints, substantially as described.
28. In a match machine, the combination with a cutter, of a carrier chain for
receiving the splints therefrom, the said carrier chain comprising outer slats and
an inner slat, the said inner slat being pivotally mounted in the links of the
chain, the construction being such that when the inner slat is rotated in one
direction, the section will be open to receive the charge of match splints and
when it is rotated in the opposite direction, it will bind or grip the match splints
between itself and the outer slats, substantially as described.
29. In a match machine, the combination with a cutter, of a carrier chain com-
prising outer slats and inner slats, the inner slats being connected by means of
pivoted links, the construction being such that when the inner slats are moved
longitudinally with respect to each other, the links will cause them to spread
apart and grip the splints between them and the outer slats, substantially as
described.
30. In a match machine, the combination with a reciprocating cutter, of feed
troughs for feeding blocks of wood to the said cutter, feed rollers mounted in the
said troughs, ratchets mounted upon one of the said rollers, and levers carrying
said ratchets, means for operating the said levers connected with the operating
mechanism of the machine, the construction being such that the blocks of wood
will be fed forward intermittently, substantially as described.
31. In a match machine, the combination with a cutter, of feed troughs for
feeding blocks of wood to the said cutter, feed rollers mounted in the said troughs,
one of said rollers being provided with a ratchet, a pawl for engaging the said
ratchet, an arm carrying said pawl, and a link connecting said arm with a cam,
the construction being such that the cam will operate to feed the blocks of wood
forward intermittently, substantially as described.
32. In a match machine, the combination with a cutter, of feed troughs, for
feeding blocks of wood to the said cutter, rollers for feeding the blocks of wood
in the said troughs, one of said rollers being provided with a ratchet mechanism,
a pawl connected with said ratchet mechanism and provided with anti-friction
rollers engaging a cam path formed in the face of a disc, and means for rotating
the said disc, the construction being such that the feed roller will be operated
to feed the blocks of wood forward intermittently, substantially as described.
33. In a match making machine, the combination with a cutter-head, of cutters
mounted thereon adapted to cut splints upon each side of the cutter-head, troughs
for feeding blocks of wood from each side of the machine to each side of the
cutter, the construction being such that upon every stroke of the cutter, two
rows of match splints will be cut, substantially as described.
34. In a match machine, the combination with a cutter, of a carrier chain for
receiving splints therefrom, said chain comprising a series of sections formed of

page_text: exterior and interior slats, the exterior slats being provided with limiting studs
for making even spaces between them, and the inner slats, the inner slats being
adapted to expand to grip the splints between them and the outer slats, substantially
as described.
WM. P. THOMPSON & Co.,
Of 6, Lord Street, Liverpool,
Agents for the Applicant.