IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR TRUSSING BARRELS, KEGS, AND SIMILAR VESSELS
Year: 1879

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Bristow Hunt, of Serle Street, Lincoln's Inn, in the County
of Middlesex, Gentleman, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY
OR APPARATUS FOR TRUSSING BARRELS, KEGS, AND SIMILAR VESSELS." A
communication from abroad by Henry Urban Palmer, of Brooklyn, State of
New York, in the United States of America, Manufacturer.
Sealed the 12th December 1879, and dated the 14th June 1879.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Bristow Hunt at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 14th June 1879.
BRISTOW HUNT, of Serle Street, Lincoln's Inn, in the County of Middlesex,
Gentleman. "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR TRUSSING
BARRELS, KEGS, AND SIMILAR VESSELS." (A communication from abroad by Henry
Urban Paliner, of Brooklyn, State of New York, in the United States of America,
Manufacturer.)
In the production of wooden barrels, kegs, and the like, the staves composing their
bodies are first set up in cylindrical form and temporarily supported by iron hoops.
In this primary stage the staves project beyond the hoops at either end, and are but
loosely held in their embrace, and consequently are not drawn closely together, thus
having open joints and but little strength. To draw the staves together and thus
tightly compress their seanis or joints, and at the same time to make even or level
their ends, is the object of the present Invention.
In one form of inachine for performing these operations, which will firstly be
described (afterwards explaining modifications thereof) the several parts of the
machine are supported by a rectangular base-frame consisting of side rails and end
rails, which rest by means of posts upon or form part of the usual bed plate.
At opposite ends of the said base frame, mechanisms having the same construction
and mode of operation are mounted, which mechanisms actuate the trussing devices
as will be presently explained. The said mechanisms consist of a worm-wheel fast
upon a cross-shaft which is mounted in sliding boxes, the position of which with
relation to certain supporting brackets is determined by adjusting screws. The
cross-shaft also carries fast upon it a grooved cam, in the groove of which runs a
friction-roll or stud carried at the end of a piston-rod. This piston-rod is made
square, or of any other sectional form, which will secure precision of its movements,

page_text: and slides in a correspondingly shaped bearing provided in a bracket. The
trussing-head is fast upon the outer end of this piston-rod, and it is centred and
guided by means of arms which project from its sides near the bottom, and run in
guide-ways which may have the form of bearing-blocks cast with or otherwiso
attached to the side frames.
The trussing-head may be circular or of any other shape, and may be provided
with other means for properly securing it in a true position during its reciprocations,
which are imparted to it by the following means.
A shaft extending longitudinally through the machine, and running in proper
journal-bearings fixed to the frame-work, carries at one end a friction-clutch formed
by loose pullies which may be belted to run in opposite directions, either of which
pullies may be carried into contact with an angularly rimmed disk which is fust
upon the shaft by means of a sliding rod. The shaft may thus be revolved in either
direction at the will of the attendant, but any other construction of friction-clutch
may of course be employed. A worm fast upon the shaft engages with and rotates
the said worm-wheel, which in turn revolves the said grooved cam, through which is
imparted a reciprocating motion to the trussing-head. The groove in the cam is of
such a curve that it will impart a slow and powerful movement to the trussing head,
gradually decreasing in speed as the extreme end of the forward stroke of the piston
rod is approached, that is, while the friction-roll is passing from one point to
another of the groove, and the reverse of this moveinent as the head is caused to
recede. Also, that the movements of the said head will be rapid while the friction
roll or stud is passing from one point to another of the groove in being thrust
forward or carried backward in its reciprocations. And, further, that while the
friction-roll is passing from one point to another, which is at the end of its rearward
stroke, the trussing-head will be nearly at rest, thus giving ample time for the
removal and introduction of a barrel-body between the trussing-heads which are at
opposite ends of the machine. The one head is thus rapidly brought toward and
carried away from the centre of the machine, and at the extreme forward end of its
stroke moves slowly forward and back. This head is provided with end hoop
trussing-arms projecting toward the centre of the machine, which arms are held
rigidly in the head so far as their longitudinal movement with respect thereto is
concerned, but are adjustable radially in slots therein, in which slots they may be
secured at any point by bolts or any other approved means for fastening them.
These trussing-arms may be cut away on their inner faces to form seats or
shoulders, if that form is desired, but simple projecting plates are quite effective.
The head also carries a ring hung to it by rods so as to be capable of sliding thereon,
it being seated upon springs against which sleeves at the rear of the ring bear.
Any other construction or arrangement of its spring-seating may be used as leaf-
springs or rubber-sleeves.
Body or bilge hoop trussing-arms, which, like the end hoop trussing-arins, may
have shoulders provided on their inner faces, are fastened to the ring by bolts
extending through it, and the arms are secured in place by nuts. Any other mode
of securing them may however be adopted. Thus constructed these trussing-arms
may slightly reciprocate or play longitudinally independently of the movements of
the trussing-head by reason of the elasticity of the springs which sustain their
supporting ring. They may also have a slight vertical movement to adjust them to
operate upon different sizes of barrels by providing their shanks on the ring with
adjusting slots for their fastening bolts to be moved in.
In order to properly support the open end of the barrel there is provided an end
sustainer, which consists of a properly shaped plate provided with rings which
afford bearings to slide upon longitudinal guide-rods properly fixed to the frame-
work. This plate carries a number of radially adjustable segment-arms which have
wedge shaped faces which enter the mouth of the barrel and preserve its form; the
plate also operates to level the barrel end, as will be presently explained. The
plate is perforated centrally to admit the free passage of the said piston-rod, and
has radial slots through which protrude the said trussing arms, and it is cut away

page_text: at proper points to escape the said rods. It is reciprocated independently of the
trussing-head by means of driving-rods arranged on opposite sides of the machine
which rods are supported in boxes or bearings carried by brackets.
These rods are acted upon to move the plate forward by means of face-cams
which are fast upon the said cross-shaft, its return movement being effected by
means of the said ring, which in moving rearward engages or bears against the face
of the said plate.
While the above description extends only to the mechanisms at one end of the
machine it is to be observed that those at the opposite end are duplications of them,
being like them in construction and mode of operation, as before described.
The operation is as follows:-The end loop trussing-arms, the body or bilge hoop
trussing-arms, and the adjustable segment-arms of the end-sustainer, all boing
properly adjusted radially to suit the size of barrel; the machine is set in operation
by imparting the proper motion to the longitudinal-shaft, as before explained.
When the said trussing-heads and plates are retiring from the centre, a barrel-body
which has been set up by hand with the staves which compose it, held in place by
the body or bilge hoops and the end hoops, is rested upon proper supports in the
centre of the machine.
The said face-cams then operate to quickly move the said plates forward to enter
the segment-arms into the ends of the barrel-body to support the same, and to
press the said plates against the ends of the staves to even and level them. This
movement of the plates and arms is accomplished just immediately before the
trussing-heads are moved forward far enough to drive the hoops, so that the end-
sustainer and leveller is carried into place before any exterior pressure is exerted
upon the barrel-body. As the trussing-heads move forward and approach each
other some of the trussing-arms engage the end hoops, and others in like manner
bear against the bilge or body hoops. As the said heads advance to and reach
their greatest extent of forward motion the said hoops are forced onto the barrel-
body to their appropriate positions, and the stave-ends impinging against the inner
faces of the plates while sustained in proper place by the segment-arms are driven
lengthwise until they are perfectly evened or levelled. The end hoops are forced
onto the barrel-body so as to expose about 1 inches of the stave-ends, and the
bilge hoops are forced toward the centre until their resistance overcomes the power
of the said springs, whereupon the said rings recede, carrying with them the body
trussing-arms, and of course leaving the bilge hoops in the positions to which they
have been driven. The power of these springs may be regulated by adjustments,
as is well understood, and thus the position of the bilge hoops be determined.
The range of motion of the trussing-heads is fixed by the adjustable bearings of
the cross-shaft which carry their actuating cams, and thus different lengths of
barrels may be trussed in the same machine. But this adjustment may be better
accomplished by forming the ends of the piston-rods and the driving-rods with
screw threads, so that by providing them with nuts to bear in opposite sides of the
trussing-head and plate, the said heads and plates may be conveniently and
properly adjusted.
If froin any cause it is desired to stop the inward stroke of the said heads and
plates their actuating mechanism may be reversed by the above referred to sliding-
rod. When their return movement releases a barrel-body from their embrace it
may be removed and be chamfered, crozed, provided with permanent hoops, and
headed by appropriate means.
The barrel end-sustainers and the mechanisms for supporting and moving them
may be omitted.
The trussing-heads may each be driven by crank-arms pivoted to their sides, one
crank-arm being pivoted at an excentric point upon the outer face of the worm-
wheel on the said longitudinal shaft, and the other to a crank-wheel hung at a
proper point upon the cross-shaft.
The various mechanisms composing the improved vertical trussing-machine
are all supported by a suitable framework. The upper trussing-head reciprocates

page_text: in suitable guide-ways provided in the said frame and is guided by a vertical
shaft.
The lower trussing-head is adjustable vertically to fixed positions by means of
screw rods which turn in sockets therein, and engage the threaded hubs of two
wheels which are geared together and are supported from the base-plate by hollow
standards, the said wheels being seated upon vulcanized rubber-springs which, in
case too great a strain is exerted upon the trussing-hoops, will yield enough to allow
the head to move slightly and the upper trussing-head to complete its movement
and still hold the lower head rigidly enough to admit the trussing-hoops being
driven with sufficient force. This lower trussing-head is provided with a spring
seated plate which furnishes an even and smooth supporting table upon which
to rest the barrel as it is introduced into the machine when there is no force
applied to its trussing-hoops. This plate is perforated to admit the passage of the
lower trussing-arms, and is held in place by centreing rods which are spring-seated
in hollow lugs.
The upper trussing-head is automatically reciprocated vertically by means of rods
on opposite sides of the machine, and which connect at their upper ends with
opposite sides of the said upper head and at their lower ends with cranks, one of
which is constituted by a worm-wheel which derives motion from a main fast and
loose pulley-carrying-shaft by means of a worm.
This trussing-head is provided with truss-hoop driving-arms which are constructed
so as to automatically move radially as will now be explained. Each of the said
arms is pivoted to the upper trussing-head and provided with a segment-rack,
which segment racks gear into rack-bars, one of which is double-faced, and its upper
member gears with a pinion, which in turn engages a rack-bar (bent to escape the
said vertical shaft) attached to the other rack-bar, which arrangement is such that
as the pinion is revolved it reciprocates the rack-bars to rock one trussing-arın, and
reciprocates the other rack-bar to rock another trussing-arm, the result being that
both trussing-arms are simultaneously moved outwards.
The shaft carrying the said pinion turns in bearings in the upper trussing-head
and is provided at one end with an arm carrying a weight, and at its opposite end
with a pinion. This pinion is engaged by a short rack bar which embraces a
reciprocating rod and plays thereon between adjustable stops. This rod is guided
in a socket in the base-plate, and an eye-plate extending from the frame, and it is
held in its highest position by means of a lever carrying a weight, the forked end
of which embraces the said rod and bears against its enlarged head. The rod is
reciprocated by means of an arm projecting from the upper trussing-head which
embraces the said rod at a point between the two arms of the said short rack-bar
as will presently appear.
The other trussing-arms are pivoted in the upper trussing-head, their shanks
being extended and turned centrally to form levers which have elongated slots in
them so that they may slide over a pivot by which they are connected to a recipro-
cating rod carrying at its upper end a weight. This rod is guided in proper eyes
and is provided with a stop which engages a lever carrying a weight, which lever is
pivoted to an arm projecting from the top of the frame.
The operation of the devices thus far described is as follows:-When the upper
trussing-head is in its lowest position the said reciprocating rod and its stops are in a
like position, the trussing-arms being in their driving positions on the barrel-body.
A movement of the upper trussing-head upward carries its projecting arm up to the
extent of play it has between the arms of the said short rack-bar, whereby the
pinions (the shaft carrying which is seated in bearings in the upper trussing-head)
aided by one of the falling weights will be rotated to move the said trussing-arms
outward away from the barrel-body, one of the said pinions having thus traversed
the short rack-bar. As the upward movement of the said head continues its arm
striking the upper arm of the said rack-bar carries it, the pinion's weight, and trussing-
arms bodily with it, the said devices remaining in their positions, and the trussing-
arms being thus moved clear of the barrel-end. The reciprocating rod thus relieved

page_text: of the holding action of the lower arm of the short rack-bar on its stop is carried
upward by the action of its weight until the said rod is arrested by its collar
coming into contact with the said eye-plate, at which time the trussed barrel is
removed and a new one introduced.
As the upper trussing-head makes its downward movement it causes the said
pinion to rotate in the opposite direction, thus raising the said weighted-arm and
swinging the trussing-arms inwardly or into their operative positions, the projecting
arm during this movement traversing the distance between the arms of the short
rack-bar, and the reciprocating rod, being held stationary in its highest position by
its weight.
When the projecting arm engages the lower arm of the short rack-bar it carries
the said reciprocating rod downward with it, while the trussing-arms are simul-
taneously actuated to drive the truss-hoops onto the barrel.
The other trussing-arms are moved simultaneously with the arms just reforred to
by the movements of the upper trussing-head as follows:-
As the said head rises it carries the said reciprocating weighted rod upward so
that its said stop or collar shall be above the highest point of the upward movement
of the forked end of the said weighted lever, thereby allowing the weight to depress
the said rod and swing the said trussing-arms outward. In its downward move-
ment the said trussing-head carries the said rod with it, and when the stop thereon
engages the forked end of the said lover, and the weight thereof thus counteracts
the force of the rod-weight, thereby arresting the downward movement of the said
rod and causing the said levers to so move as to rock the trussing-arms inwardly
or into their driving position.
The lower truss-hoop driving-arms are also operated by similar means.
The upper trussing-head carries a projecting arm which plays upon a rod upon
which the arms of a rack-bar guided in an extension of the lower trussing-head also
play. This rod is also guided in the extension of the head and in a suitable recess
in the base-plate of the machine, and carries at its upper end a weight, and is
provided with adjustable collars. The rack-bar last mentioned gears into a pinion
which turns in a shaft having bearings in the lower head, and carrying at one end
a pinion which engages with a double rack-bar which rocks one trussing-arm and
actuates a rack-bar which forms a continuation of the rack-bar which rocks another
trussing-arm, the said trussing-arins having segments which engage the said rack-
bars.
The shaft carrying the said pinions is also provided at one end with a weighted
lever.
It will be seen that when the upper trussing-head is down the said weight and
rod with its connections will also be in their lowermost positions, the rack wh
arms being forced down by one of the said adjustable collars, thus raising a weighted
lever and swinging the trussing-arms inwardly to the position in which they stand
when the trussing operation is effected.
A projecting arm being thus carried down and followed by the other of the said
adjustable collars allows the weight to hold the rod in its lowermost position when
by means of its collar it sustains the weighted lever in its raised position and the
double racks and trussing-arms. An upward movement of the upper trussing-
head will cause the projecting arm to lift the weight by forcing one collar against
it, thereby raising the other collar upwards from the rack-bar with arms, and
allowing the weighted lever to fall to its lowermost position, whereby the shaft is
rocked as well as one pinion; the rack with arms is moved upward, and the double
racks are reciprocated to move the trussing hoop driving-arms outwardly.
The other trussing-arms or hoop-drivers may be moved outwardly by similar
means or by devices like those operating some of the arms above described.
Both the upper and lower truss-hoop driving-arms are thus simultaneously
operated or opened laterally to provide for the introduction of the barrel, and when
the barrel body has been introduced into the machine the said truss-hoop driving-
arms are automatically and simultaneously closed toward the said barrel-body to

page_text: einbrace the same, engage the truss-hoops thereon, and drive the same. The ends
of the barrel are at the same time levelled by the upper trussing-head, which has a
plane surface engaging the ends of the staves, and pressing them end wise against
the spring-seated plate carried by the lower trussing-head.
When the upper trussing-head again moves upward the trussed barrel is removed
and a new barrel-body is introduced as before described.
The trussing-hoop driving-arms thus far described operate upon the bilge hoops;
the end hoops are driven by trussing-arms fixed directly to the upper trussing-head,
similar ones being provided upon the lower head, but arranged to protrude through
recesses in the said spring-seated-plate.
The trussing-arms are peculiarly constructed; they consist of driving-heads arranged
to turn on threaded sleeves which are arranged to slide on spindles upon which they
are retained by enlarged heads. These sleeves are seated upon springs encircling
the spindles and resting upon shoulders. The trussing-arms are thus rendered
adjustable to suit the size of barrel-body operated upon, and are rendered elastic, so
as not to injure the same by exerting too great a pressure thereon. These arms are
also arranged so as to be adjustable radially in grooves in the trussing-heads,
wherein they may be fixed in any desired position by set-screws. The trussing-
arms (fixed directly to the trussing-heads) may be made adjustable radially in a
similar manner.
While the improved mechanisms have been described as adapted to truss barrels,
it will be readily understood that by constructing them of dimensions suited thereto
they may truss kegs, well-buckets, or similar vessels constructed of staves and
hoops.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Bristow Hunt in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 13th December
1879.
BRISTOW HUNT, of Serle Street, Lincoln's Inn, in the County of Middlesex,
Gentleman. "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR TRUSSING
BARRELS, KEGS, AND SIMILAR VESSELS." (A communication from abroad by Henry
Urban Palmer, of Brooklyn, State of New York, in the United States of America,
Manufacturer.)
In the production of wooden barrels, kegs, and the like, the staves composing their
bodies are first set up in cylindrical form, and temporarily supported by iron hoops,
as in Figure 8 of the accompanying Drawings. In this primary stage the staves
project beyond the hoops at either end, and are but loosely held in their embrace,
and consequently are not drawn closely together, thus having open joints and but
little strength.
To draw the staves together, and thus tightly compress their seams or joints, and
at the same time even or level their ends, is the object of the present Invention.
One form of machine for performing these operations is illustrated in Figures 1
to 7, and will be now described; various modifications thereof, which are illustrated
in the remaining Figures, will be subsequently herein described.
Figure 1 is a side elevation, partly in section; Figure 2, a plan view; and
Figure 3, an end elevation of the machine; while Figure 4 is a transverse sectional
elevation, taken at a central point, and looking toward one end of the machine.
Figure 5 illustrates the sliding bearings for the transverse shafts; Figures 6 and 7
represent a part of one end of the machine by a sectional elevation and plan,
showing particularly the attachments to the driving-shaft whereby the movement
is controlled; and Figure 8 represents a barrel-body as set up by hand, and tem-
porarily sustained in form by trussing-hoops.
Figures 9 to 16 illustrate a vertically arranged trussing-machine, Figure 9
being a side elevation, Figure 10 a front elevation, Figures 11 and 12 sectional
clevations of the trussing-heads, Figure 13 an elevation of part of the upper trussing-
hend, Figure 14 an elevation of a part of the lower trussing-head, and Figures 15
and 16 side elevations of parts of the mechanisms.
The several parts of the machine are supported by a rectangular base-frame
consisting of side-rails A and end rails E, which rest by means of posts upon or
form part of the usual bed-plate.
At opposite ends of the said base-frame mechanisms having the same construction
and mode of operation are mounted, which mechanisms actuate the trussing-devices,
as will be presently explained.
The said mechanisms consist of a worm-wheel G, fast upon a cross shaft a, which
is mounted in sliding boxes I, 11, (see Figures 2 and 5), the position of which
with relation to the supporting-brackets H is determined by adjusting screws d.
The shaft a also carries fast upon it a grooved cam k, in the groove e of which runs
a friction-roll or stud i, carried at the end of a piston-rod L, which is made square
or of any other sectional form which will secure precision of its movements, and
slides in a correspondingly shaped bearing provided in a bracket M. The trussing-
head J is fast upon the outer end of this piston-rod, and it is centred and guided
by means of arms V which project from its sides and near the bottom, and run in
guide-ways P which may have the form of bearing-blocks, cast with or otherwise
attached to the side-frames.
The trussing-head J may be circular or of any other shape, and may be provided
with other means for properly securing it in a true position during its reciproca-
tions, which are imparted to it by the following means:-
A shaft S extending longitudinally through the machine, and running in proper
journal-bearings O, fixed to the frame-work, carries at one end a friction-clutch,
which is shewn in Figures 6 and 7 as formed by loose pullies Q, R, which may be

page_text: belted to run in opposite directions, either of which pullies may be carried into
contact with an angularly-rimmed disk U, which is fast upon the shaft S by means
of a sliding rod T. This shaft may thus be revolved in either direction at the will
of the attendant, but any other construction of friction-clutch may of course bo
employed. A worm W, fast upon the shaft S, engages with and rotates the worm-
wheel G, which in turn revolves the cam K, through which is imparted a recipro-
enting motion to the trussing-head J. The groove E in the cam K is of such a
curve that it will impart a slow and powerful movement to the trussing-head J,
gradually decreasing in speed as the extreme end of the forward stroke of the piston-
rod L is approached, that is, while the friction-roll or stud i is passing from the
point 4 to that 5 of the groove e; and the reverse of this movement as the head is
caused to recede, that is, while the friction-roll or stud is passing from the point 5
to that 1. Also that the movements of the said head will be rapid while the
friction-roll or stud is passing from the point 3 to that 4, or from the point 1 to
that 2 of the groove e in being thrust forward or carried backward in its recipro-
cations. And further, that while the friction-roll is passing from the point 2 to
that 3, which is at the end of its rearward stroke, the trussing-head will be nearly
at rest, thus giving ample time for the removal and introduction of a barrel-body
between the trussing-heads J, which are at opposite ends of the machine. The
head J is thus rapidly brought toward and carried away from the centre of the
machine, and at the extreme forward end of its stroke moves slowly forward and
back. This head J is provided with end hoop trussing-arms 7, projecting toward
the centre of the machine, which arms are held rigidly in the head J so far as their
longitudinal movement with respect thereto is concerned, but are adjustable radially
in slots therein, in which slots they may be secured at any point by bolts a¹, or any
other approved means for fastening thein. These trussing-arms r may be cut
away on their inner faces to form seats or shoulders, if that form is desired,
but simple projecting plates are quite effective. The head J also carries a ring X,
hung to it by rods N so as to be capable of sliding thereon, it being seated upon
springs Z, against which sleeves N' at the rear of the ring X bear. Any other
construction or arrangement of its spring-seating may be used, as leaf-springs or
rubber-sleeves.
Body or bilge hoop trussing-arms Y, which like the end hoop trussing-arms
may have shoulders provided on their inner faces, are fastened to the ring X by
bolts 7 extending through it, and the arms Y are secured in place by nuts 6; any
other mode of securing them may however be adopted. Thus constructed these
trussing-arms Y may slightly reciprocate or play longitudinally independently of
the movements of the trussing-head J, by reason of the elasticity of the springs Z
which sustain their supporting ring X. They may also have a slight vertical move-
ment to adjust them to operate upon different sizes of barrels by providing their
shanks or the ring X with adjusting slots for their fastening bolts to be moved in.
In order to properly support the open end of the barrel there is provided an end-
sustainer, which consists of a properly shaped plate F provided with rings D, which
afford bearings to slide upon longitudinal guide-rods D', D², properly fixed to the
framework. This plate F carries a number of radially adjustable segment-arms B,
which have wedge-shaped faces which enter the mouth of the barrel and preserve
its form; the plate F also operates to level the barrel end, as will be presently
explained. This plate is perforated centrally to admit the free passage of the piston-
rod L, and has radial slots through which protrude the trussing-arms 7, and it is
cut away at proper points to escape the rods N. It is reciprocated independently
of the trussing-head J by means of driving-rods C, arranged on opposite sides
of the machine, which rods are supported in boxes or bearings O₁ carried by
brackets.
These rods are acted upon to move the plate F forward by means of face-cams C¹³
and C', which are fast upon the shaft a, its return movement being effected by
means of the ring X, which in moving rearward engages or bears against the face
of the plate E

page_text: While the above description extends only to the mechanisms at one end of the
machine it is to be observed that those at the opposite end are duplications of
them, being like them in construction and mode of operation, as before described.
The operation is as follows:-
The end hoop trussing-arms r, the body or bilge hoop trussing-arms Y, and the
arms B of the end-sustainer, all being properly adjusted radially to suit the size of
barrel, the machine is set in operation by imparting the proper motion to the
shaft S, as before explained. When the trussing-heads J and plates F are retiring
from the centre, a barrel-body, which has been set up by hand, with the staves
which compose it held in place by the body or bilge hoops 9 and the end hoops 10,
is rested upon proper supports in the centre of the machine, as the skids E' (Figure 2),
or the guides H² (Figure 1), or any other proper support.
The cams C3, C4, then operate to quickly move the plates F forward to enter the
segment arms B into the ends of the barrel-body to support the same, and to press
the said plates against the ends of the staves to even and level them. This move-
ment of the plates F and arms B is accomplished just immediately before the
trussing-heads J are moved forward far enough to drive the hoops, so that the end-
sustainer and leveller is carried into place before any exterior pressure is exerted
upon the barrel-body. As the trussing-heads J move forward and approach cach
other, the trussing-arms engage the end hoops 10, and the trussing-arms Y, in
like manner, bear against the bilge or body hoops 9. As the said heads advance to
and reach their greatest extent of forward motion, the said hoops are forced onto
the barrel-body to their appropriate positions, and the stave ends impinging against
the inner faces of the plates F, while sustained in proper place by the segment-
arms B, are driven lengthwise until they are perfectly evened or levelled. The end
hoops are forced onto the barrel-body so as to expose about 1 inches of the stave
ends, and the bilge hoops are forced towards the centre until their resistance over-
comes the power of the springs Z, whereupon the rings X recede, carrying with
them the arms Y, and of course leaving the bilge hoops in the positions to which
they have been driven. The power of these springs may be regulated by adjust-
ments, as is well understood, and thus the position of the bilge hoops be determined.
The range of motion of the trussing-heads is fixed by the adjustable bearings of
the shafts a which carry their actuating cams, and thus different lengths of barrels
may be trussed in the same machine. But this adjustinent may be better accom-
plished by forming the ends of the piston-rods L and the rods C with screw-threads,
so that by providing them with nuts, as n¹, n³, n³, n, to bear on opposite sides of
the head J and plate F the said heads and plates may be conveniently and properly
adjusted. If from any cause it is desired to stop the inward stroke of the heads J
and plates F their actuating mechanism may be reversed by the rod T, as is
apparent. When their return movement releases a barrel-body from their embrace,
it may be removed and be chamfered, crozed, provided with permanent hoops, and
headed by appropriate means.
The barrel end-sustainers and the mechanisms for supporting and moving them
may be omitted.
The trussing-heads may each be driven by crank-arms pivoted to their sides, one
crank-arm being pivoted at an excentric point upon the outer face of the worm-
wheel W and the other to a crank-wheel hung at a proper point upon the shaft a.
The various mechanisms composing the improved vertical trussing machine are
all supported by a suitable frame-work A. The upper trussing-head J2 reciprocates
in suitable guide-ways provided in the said frame and is guided by a vertical
shaft Js.
The lower trussing-head J' is adjustable vertically to fixed positions by means of
screw-rods E which turn in sockets therein, and engage the threaded hubs of two
wheels Es, which are geared together and are supported from the base-plate by
hollow standards, the said wheels being seated upon vulcanized-rubber springs
W, W2, which, in case too great a strain is exerted upon the trussing-hoops, will
yield enough to allow the head J¹ to move slightly, and the upper trussing-head J³

page_text: to complete its movement, and still hold the head J¹ rigidly enough to admit the
trussing-hoops being driven with sufficient force. This lower trussing-head is pro-
vided with a spring-seated-plate X' which furnishes an even and smooth supporting
table upon which to rest the barrel as it is introduced into the machine when there
is no force applied to its trussing-hoops. This plate is perforated to admit the
passage of the lower trussing-arms, and is held in place by centreing-rods which
are spring-seated in hollow lugs Y2
The upper trussing-head J is automatically reciprocated vertically by means of
rods D³, D', on opposite sides of the machine, and which connect at their upper ends
with opposite sides of the head J and at their lower ends with cranks F, F, the
former, F, being constituted by a worm-wheel G which derives motion from a
main fast and loose pulley, carrying shaft K¹ by means of a worm G³.
This trussing-head J is provided with truss-hoop driving-arms L¹, L², L³, LA,
which are constructed so as to automatically move radially, as will now be
explained. Each of the said arms is pivoted to the trussing-head J2 and provided
with a segment-rack (see Figure 11), which segment-racks gear into rack-bars c¹, c.
The rack-bar c is double faced, and its upper member gears with a pinion S³,
which in turn engages a rack-bar c (bent to escape the shaft J³) attached to the
rack-bar which arrangement is such that as the pinion S3 is revolved it recipro-
cates the rack-bars c', c, to rock the arm L2, and reciprocates the rack-bar c¹ to rock
the arm L', the result being that both trussing-arms L³, L', are simultaneously
moved outwards.
The shaft S³ carrying the pinion S³ turns in bearings in the trussing-head J³, and
it is provided at one end with an arm carrying a weight W³, and at its opposite end
with a pinion c³. This pinion c³ is engaged by a short rack-bar R' which embraces
a reciprocating rod R2 and plays thereon between adjustable stops L³, L. This
rod R³ is guided in a socket in the base-plate and an eye-plate m³ extending from
the frame A, and it is held in its highest position (Figure 16) by means of a lever
carrying a weight W, the forked end of which embraces the said rod R2 and bears
against its enlarged head m². The rod R³ is reciprocated by means of an arm M¹
projecting from the trussing-head J2, which embraces the said rod at a point
between the two arms of the rack-bar R¹, as will presently appear.
The other trussing-arms L³, L, are pivoted in the trussing-head J* (Figure 13),
their shanks being extended and turned centrally to form lovers m, n, which have
elongated slots in them, so that they may slide over a pivot by which they are
connected to a reciprocating rod K³ carrying at its upper end a weight K*. This
rod K³ is guided in proper eyes, and is provided with a stop S₁ which engages a
lever O' carrying a weight 0%, which lever is pivoted to an arin O³ projecting from
the top of the frame A.
The operation of the devices thus far described is as follows:-When the trussing-
head J' is in its lowest position (as in diagram A) the rod R² and its stops L³, Lº,
are in a like position, the trussing-arms L, L³, being in their driving positions on
the barrel-body. A movement of the head J upward carries its projecting arm M
up to the extent of play it has between the arms of the rack-bar R¹, whereby the
pinions & and S³ (the shaft carrying which is seated in bearings in the head J")
aided by the falling weight W will be rotated to move the said trussing-arms
L³, L³, outward away from the barrel-body (as in diagram B), the pinion c² having
thus traversed the rack bar R¹. As the upward movement of the head J* continues
its arm M¹ striking the upper arm of the rack-bar R¹ carries it, the pinions c², S³,
weight W³, and trussing-arms L', L2, bodily with it, the said devices remaining in
their respective positions (shown in diagram B), and the trussing-arms being thus
moved clear of the barrel end. The rod R³ thus relieved of the holding action of
the lower arm of the rack-bar R' on its stop L° is carried upward by the action of
its weight W' until the said rod is arrested by its collar L³ coming into contact
with the plate ms, the mechanisin then standing as in diagram C, at which time
the trussed barrel-body is removed and a new one introduced.
As the trussing-head J makes its downward movement it causes the pinions

page_text: c3, S3, to rotate in the opposite direction, thus raising the weighted arm W³ and
swinging the trussing-arms L, L³, inwardly or into their operative positions, the
arın M during this movement traversing the distance between the arms of the
rack-bar R' and the rod R3, being held stationary in its highest position by its
weight W, as in diagram D.
When the arm M₁ engages the lower arm of the rack-bar R' it carries the said
rod R2 downward with it, while the trussing-arms L³, L³, are simultaneously
actuated to drive the truss-hoops onto the barrel, the parts again assuming the
position shown in diagram A.
The trussing-arms L³, L³, are moved simultaneously with the arms L', L², by the
movement of the trussing head J as follows:-As the said head rises it carries the
weighted rod K³ upward, so that its said stop or collar S' shall be above the highest
point of the upward movement of the forked end of the weighted lever O¹, thereby
allowing the weight K* to depross the rod K³, and swing the trussing-arms L³, L³,
outward, as shown by the dotted lines in Figure 13. In its downward movement
the trussing-head J2 carries the rod K³ with it, and the stop S' thereon engages
the forked end of the lever O', and the weight O' thus counteracts the force of the
weight K, thereby arresting the downward movement of the rod K³, and causing
the lovers m, n, to so move as to rock the trussing-arms L³, LA, inwardly or into
their driving position.
The lower truss-hoop driving-arms Z1, Z2, Z3, Z, are also operated by similar
means.
The trussing-head J³ carries a projecting arm T', which plays upon a rod N³,
upon which the arms of a rack-bar 0 guided in an extension of the trussing-
head Jalso play. This rod N" is also guided in the extension of the head J', and
in a suitable recess in the base-plate of the machine, and carrios at its upper end a
weight N³, and is provided with adjustable collars N, N³. The rack-bar O' gears
into a pinion Q' which turns on a shaft Q3, having bearings in the head J¹, and
carrying at one end a pinion S', which engages with a double rack-bar e', which
rocks the trussing-arm Z¹, and actuates a rack-bar e², which forms a continuation of
the rack-bare, which rocks the trussing-arm Z2, the said trussing-arms having
segments which engage the said rack-bars e¹, e³.
The shaft Q carrying the pinions Q¹ and S+ is also provided at one end with a
weighted lever P'.
It will be seen that when the trussing-head J is down the weight Ns and rod N³
with its connections will also be in their lowermost positions, the rack O' being
forced down by the collar No, thus raising the weighted lever P, and swinging the
trussing-arms Z, Z2, inwardly to the position in which they stand when the trussing
operation is effected.
The arm T being thus carried down and followed by the collar N' allows the
weight N³ to hold the rod in its lowermost position, when by means of its collar N+
it sustains the weighted lever P' in its raised position (shown in dotted lines,
Figure 13), and the racks e¹, e³, and trussing-arins Z', Z, in the positions shown in
Figure 12. An upward movement of the trussing-head J will cause the projecting
arm to lift the weight N3 by forcing the collar N against it, thereby raising
the collar No upwards from the rack-bar O, and allowing the weighted lever P* to
fall to its lowermost position, as in Figure 15, whereby the shaft Q2 is rockod us
well as the pinion St, the rack Of is moved upward, and the racks e¹, e³, are reci-
procated to move the trussing-hoop driving-arms Z1, Z2, outwardly.
The trussing-arms or hoop-drivers Z3, Z, may be moved outwardly by similar
means, or by devices like those operating the arms L³, L*.
Both the upper and lower truss-hoop driving-arms are thus simultaneously
operated or opened laterally to provide for the introduction of the barrel, and when
the barrel-body has been introduced into the machine the said truss-hoop driving-
arms are automatically and simultaneously closed toward the said barrel-body to
embrace the same, engage the truss-hoops thereon, and drive the same. The ends
of the barrel are at the same time levelled by the trussing-head J2, which has a

page_text: plane surface engaging the ends of the staves, and pressing then endwise against
the plate X carried by the trussing-head J. When the trussing-head J2 again
moves upward the trussed barrel is removed, and a new barrel-body is introduced,
as before described.
The trussing-hoop driving-arms thus far described operate upon the bilge hoops;
the end hoops are driven by trussing-arms o, o, fixed directly to the trussing-head J,
similar ones being provided upon the head J, but arranged to protrude through
recesses in the plate X'.
The trussing-arms L, L, L, L, and Z1, Z2, Z3, Z, are peculiarly constructed;
they consist of driving heads X arranged to turn on threaded sleeves X', which are
arranged to slide on spindles X, upon which they are retained by enlarged
heads These sleeves are seated upon springs encircling the spindles ³,
and resting upon shoulders. The trussing-arms are thus rendered adjustable
to suit the size of barrel-body operated upon, and are rendered elastic so as
not to injure the same by exerting too great a pressure thereon. These arms
are also arranged so as to be adjustable radially in grooves in the trussing-heads
wherein they may be fixed in any desired position by set-screws V, Figure 13.
The trussing-arms o, o, may be made adjustable radially in a similar manner.
While the improved mechanisms have been described as adapted to truss barrels
it will be readily understood that by constructing them of dimensions suited
thereto, they may truss kegs, well-buckets, and similar vessels constructed of
staves and hoops.
Having now described the nature and object of the said Invention, together with
the manner in which the same is to be or may be performed or carried into practical
effect, I would remark in conclusion that I claim as the Invention communicated
to me by the above nained Henry Urban Palmer,-
1. In a barrel trussing machino, the combination of two reciprocating trussing-
heads provided with trussing-arms, which heads are moved toward and from each
other for simultaneously and uniformly actuating the said trussing-arms by a driving
shaft and intermediate connecting mechanism.
2. In a barrel trussing machine the combination with an opposing trussing-head
of a reciprocating trussing-head and a levelling-plate, the latter being fixed against
the barrel end before the trussing-arms carried by the trussing-heads complete their
action on the trussing-hoops, and then remaining stationary until the said hoops
are driven home.
3. The application and use of the elastically-seated bilge-hoop trussing-arms.
4. In a barrel trussing machine, the combination of two reciprocating trussing-
beads provided with trussing-arms, a driving shaft, and two cams driven by the
latter to simultaneously and uniformly actuate the trussing-heads.
5. The combination of the worm W, worm-wheel C, trussing-head J, levelling-
plate F, and cam C³.
6. The combination of the head J, arms Y, ring X, and springs Z.
7. The use of reciprocating trussing-heads so connected with their prime-movers
that they shall approach each other with a rapid movement, which shall decrease
to a slow motion of great power at the end of their strokes.
8. The application and use of trussing-arms adjustable radially in their carrying
heads.
9. The end-sustainer consisting of the reciprocating segment-arms B.
10. An upper reciprocating trussing-head, as J, provided with two or more
trussing-arms in combination with a lower trussing-head as J', provided with two
or more trussing-arms and with devices for adjusting the said arms automatically,
and operated by the movements of the head Jº.
11. In a barrel trussing machine, the within described spring-seated supporting-
plate for holding the barrel-body when no power is being applied to it or its hoops,
which plate, during the trussing-operation, acts as an evener.
12. The pivot trussing-arms L³, L, in combination with the weighted rod K³
and weighted lever O'.
'

page_text: 13. The reciprocating trussing-head J provided with an arm T' and the weighted
rod N having adjustable collars N4, N³, in combination with the trussing-head J",
having an arm connecting it with the rod N2 and with the rack and pinion move-
ment, substantially as described, whereby the lower trussing-arms are moved.
14. The trussing-head J, its arm m', the weighted rod R2 having adjustablo
collars L, L, and the weighted lever W* in combination with the rack R',
pinion c², weighted lever W, double rack-bar c¹, and the rack and pinion move-
ments for operating the trussing-arms L¹, L².
15. The trussing-head J' carrying the lower trussing-arms, and provided with
screws E and geared wheels E³ for adjusting the head vertically.
16. The trussing-arms composed of the spindles x², driving heads x, sleeves x',
and springs a
17. The combination of the geared wheels E³, screws E², head J¹, and
springs W, W²
Each and all substantially as hereinbefore described and as illustrated on the
accompanying Sheets of Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said Bristow Hunt, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Thirteenth day of December, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and seventy-nine.
BRISTOW HINT (1.5)
BRISTOW HUNT (L.S.)