Year: 1888

page_text: I, CHARLES DAKE ROGERS, of 21, Sleven Street, Providence, State of Rhode
Island, United States of America, Superintendent, do hereby declare the nature of
my said Invention and in what manner the same is to be performed to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement:-
In the manufacture of screws known as wood screws, as heretofore commonly
practiced, the heads are formed by forging in a die, upsetting the metal at one end of
a wire of which a screw is to be formed, by the action of what are called "heading-
hammers," two of which are sometimes employed in turn. The heads produced by
the action of such hammers and dies are subsequently shaved to give them the precise
shape and size required and a suitably finished surface, and a slot is cut across the face
of the head to receive the blade of the screw-driver. Dies of two kinds have been
used for the purpose of forging the heads of screws, known respectively as solid dies
and open dies; the former being made of one piece of metal, and the latter of two
symmetrical pieces, each forming one-half of a die. Open dies are held together
when the metal is forged in them, and are opened or separated to release the metal.
The primary object of the inventions I am about to describe is to form finished
heads of a larger size relatively to the wire from which the screw is formed than has
been commonly done heretofore by the operation simply of forging or upsetting, and
without the subsequent operations of shaving and slotting and trimming. These
objects involve the use of solid dies, which present no seam or fissure on the surface
upon which the screw heads are to be formed, the marks of which would show upon
the surface of heads formed in them.
It involves also the use of three or more hammers, which are successively brought
into action, two of which at least must have faces shaped with especial reference to the
form of the head and of the slot to be produced.
The mechanism for locking the several hammers in the position which they must
occupy when acting on the metal forms a part of my inventions herein described.
The necessity for the use of three hammers in forming large heads, or the advantage

page_text: in their use, arises from the fact that the increased amount of metal required can be
obtained only by increasing the length of the part of the wire to be upset, and an
increase in the length renders the wire more liable to "cripple" or bend under the
action of a single hammer, or even of two, in such a manner as to make it impossible
to produce the symmetrical form required, or a sound and strong head.
From the fact that the diameter of the threaded portion of certain rolled screws is
considerably larger than the wire from which it is formed, and as the head should
have a certain relation to the threaded portion of the screw, it has become necessary
or desirable to increase the size of the heads relatively to the wire from which they
are formed.
The machine hereafter described is designed to meet the requirements of the
improved screw referred to.
Though the primary object of these inventions is the making of screw heads of
larger size relatively to the wire employed than has been customary heretofore, they
are applicable to the making of screw heads of ordinary size.
The production of a finished head involves the necessity of carefully, adjusting the
amount of metal to be upset to the size of the cavity between the die and the face of
the finishing hammer when it is closed down upon the die. If the amount is too
small the cavity will not be filled and the head will be imperfect. If the amount is
too large a portion of it will escape from under the hammer and form a fin around the
edge or angle of the head, which must be subsequently removed. An accurate
feeding mechanism is required for this purpose, and such a mechanism forms a part of
my invention.
A solid die has through it a cylindrical hole of the size of the wire to be acted upon,
enlarged into a cavity or mouth, usually conical, forming the die proper, and the
counterpart of the shape of the head to be produced. In upsetting the metal into
this cavity the wire in the cylindrical hole is so expanded as to make its removal a
matter of difficulty when the die cannot be opened. A special device for starting the
wire from this hole after the upsetting has been effected forms another part of my
invention.
It is desirable that the upsetting of the head shall be effected before the piece of
wire which shall form a blank is severed from the coil of which it is a part. To do
this it is necessary to provide a device which shall firmly grasp the wire on the side of
the die opposite to the heading hammers and hold it rigidly against the thrust of such
hammers and then release it to the action of the feeding mechanism. Such a device
forms another part of my inventions.
Although the primary object of these inventions is, as above stated, to produce a
finished head which shall not require to be subsequently shaved or nicked, yet some
or all of them can be usefully employed where heads are produced which are to be
shaved or nicked.
In the accompanying six sheets of drawings, Figure 1, (sheet 1) represents a front
side view, in elevation, of, a machine embodying my improvements, adapted for
making screw-blanks, etc., a portion of the driving mechanism being removed.
Fig. 2 (sheet 2,) is a plan of the complete machine, showing the several parts in
position to commence the first stroke. Fig. 3 is an enlarged plan view of the feeding
mechanism, in partial horizontal section.
Fig. 4 (sheet 3,) is a vertical longitudinal sectional view, taken substantially through
the center of the machine, showing the several connections, etc., as in use, and corre-
sponding to the position shown in Figs. 1 and 2. Fig. 5 is a side view, showing the
mechanism for starting the wire ahead a short distance in the solid die subsequently
to having the head formed thereon, or, in other words, the "starting feed."
Fig. 6 (sheet 4,) is an end view (enlarged) showing means for adjustably securing
the solid die in position in the die holder. Fig. 7 is a vertical sectional view taken
through the center of the die and holder, showing a wire clamped in position to be
headed. Fig. 8 is a vertical sectional view taken through the line xx of Fig. 7,
showing the gripping jaws, etc. Fig. 9 is a horizontal sectional view taken on the
“irregular line m m of Fig. 6, showing the wire in position in the die and extending

page_text: therefrom a proper distance to be upset and headed by the heading-hammers, one of
which is shown in the act of moving forward for the purpose.
Fig. 10 (sheet 5,) is a partial longitudinal vertical sectional view, showing the
devices for automatically and intermittently operating the heading-hammers and
locking them in position: The hammer block is shown as locked, and the several
parts moving forward upon the first stroke to upset the end of the wire extending
from the die. The latter, in its relative position, together with the corresponding.or
first heading hammer, being shown enlarged in said Fig. 9. Fig. 11 is a similar
sectional view showing the metal upset and forming, a partly shaped head on the end
of the wire. The hammer-block, etc., moving rearwardly. The locking-bolt, by
means of such movement, having been withdrawn from the hammer-block preparatory
to bringing the second hammer into position. Fig. 12 is an enlarged sectional view,
showing. the metal upset, corresponding to Fig. 11. Fig. 13 represents the hammer-
block, etc., still moving rearwardly, (some of the minor parts, however, being omitted,)
and nearly at the end of the stroke. The second hammer in the meantime having
been brought into position in line with the wire, and the bolt's locking-lever in the
act of being automatically released. Fig. 14 is a partial side view of the mechanism
just described. The said locking-lever having been tripped, and the bolt advanced
into engagement with the vertically-mounted notched bar-which latter carries the
hammer-holder-thereby retaining the parts in position until the second heading-
hammer engages the wire to further shape the head of the screw-blank.
hammer-block, etc., now entering upon the second forward stroke.
The
Fig. 15 (sheet 6,) corresponds to the position of the several parts as described with.
reference to Fig. 11, the second hammer having made its blow upon the upset metal,
thereby impressing it into the die and nearly filling the same. Fig. 16 is an
enlarged sectional view showing the die with the head therein. Fig. 17 shows the
slotting or third-stroke hammer locked in position advancing to finish the head and
at the same time to impress the screw-driver slot therein. The relative position of the
locking device being substantially the same as just described with reference to
Figs. 10 and 14. Fig. 18 is an enlarged sectional view of the die, showing the
completely formed head therein, as finished and slotted by the third hammer. Fig. 19
is an enlarged side view, showing the device for automatically operating the star-wheel
which elevates the hammers. The position thereof corresponding with that shown in
Fig. 15. Fig. 20 is a top view of the bolt. Fig. 21 is an inverted end view of
the third haminer, showing the die cavity and tongue for forming the screw-driver.
slot. Fig. 22 is a horizontal sectional view showing the cutting-off dies in the act of
severing a finished blank from the end of the wire.
I would state that the right-hand end of the inachine as drawn in Fig. 1, wherein
the wire first enters, is termed the "front end." The side of the machine represented
in said Figure being the "front side," consequently the two main shafts are located
at the rear end of the machine, the cams for operating the feeding mechanism being
located at the rear or back side of the machine.
The following is a detailed description of the present invention :-
In describing the several devices embodied in my improved machine, I will, as far
as practicable, point out as I proceed, the several parts or elements constituting each
novel feature, and the manner of its operation, followed by a description setting forth
their joint operation as a whole.
B, again referring to the drawings, designates the main framing of the machine.
The same comprising the transverse heavy girder-like front and rear portions, united by
two parallel sides. The whole made of iron and resting on legs l. The rear portion is
fitted with upper and lower boxes or main bearings in which are mounted shafts S, s¹,
respectively.
The front portion of said frame is provided with the forward extension B¹, in which
is mounted the feeding mechanism, while still forward of the extension B¹, and
forming the extreme front end of the machine, is secured thereto the straightening
device Y. This latter feature, however, is old, and in common use. Intermediate of
the front and rear portions of the frame B, and in the same horizontal plane with the-

page_text: upper shaft, are formed raised guides or ways, G', uniting with the parallel sides
before referred to. These ways are planed out to receive the cross-head G, which is
adapted to reciprocate freely back and forth therein.
The front end or girder B of the frame is drilled and fitted to receive the wire
guide Z¹, (see Fig. 3, etc.,) the same forming the longitudinal centre of the machine.
It will be seen, now, that a line drawn horizontally would pass through the center
of the following parts, viz.: The straightening device, the feeding. dogs, the
guide Z, the lateral center between the ways, and the transverse centre of the
upper shaft.
This latter-named shaft S, projects beyond the outer face of the bearings and is
provided in front with the loosely-mounted pinion g, having a hub turned to receive
the main driving-pulley w, the pulley and pinion being keyed together to revolve
in unison.
k is a key, having an enlargement at each end, fitted to move endwise in
the shaft, to engage a notch formed in the hub of the wheel, by means of a cam
and connections as usual in stop-motions of this character, and to which I make
no claim.
This arrangement serves to intermittently revolve the upper shaft.
An eccentric F having a "throw
or stroke equal to or exceeding the length of the
screw-blank to be produced is secured to the upper shaft intermediate of the bearings.
(See Fig. 2.) F indicates the strap or connection in halves, and bolted together.
The forward end of the strap is extended laterally and fitted to the cross-head pin h.
F2 being a short connection passing around the pin and keyed to the eccentric-strap.
By means of this construction it will be noticed that the broad surface of the strap
receives the powerful thrust or impact of the work transmitted to the cross-head Ĝ
during the heading operation, etc., while the comparatively light work of withdrawing
-the hammers, etc., is borne by the narrow strap F2.
To the front end of the lower shaft is secured a gear-wheel g³, intergearing with
This shaft also extends some
and having a velocity ratio of 1:4 of the pinion g.
distance beyond the outer faces of the boxes. A disk d, is secured to the shaft S¹.
To the face of the disk is adjustably secured a cam C', the attachment being effected
by a series of bolts c², passing through slotted openings c¹ formed in the disk d and
ears c of the cam. (See Fig. 1.) A similar arrangement being mounted upon the
opposite end of the shaft.
C designates the main cam-connections, (one on each side of the machine,) each
being slotted at s to receive the shaft S¹. A roll 2 is mounted on the back face of
the front connection to engage the inner surface of the cam C'. The said connections
are mounted at an angle, and are adapted each to move back and forth upon the shaft.
The front one working between the hub of the gear wheel and the front face of the
disk's hub; the rear connection at the same time simultaneously working between
the corresponding face of the rear disk and the hub of the "feed"-cam T. The
upper or front end of the connection C is enlarged to form a rectangular head D, in
which is cut a cam-shaped opening D', Fig. 2, to operate the combined pointing and
cutting-off dies. The adjacent ends of the connection are screw-threaded, one right
and the other left hand, the same being united by the correspondingly tapped nutt.
By means of this construction, together with the check-nuts, the length of the
connection may be nicely adjusted.
T, as before stated, designates the main feed-cam, secured to the rear end of the
lower shaft. Its construction being such that the connection T3 is vibrated back and
forth while the cam is making about one-third of a revolution, the feed-block, etc.,
standing stationary during the remainder of the revolution.
Referring to the head Ď of the cam-connection C, it will be seen (Figs. 1 and 2)
that a box or housing e' is secured to each side of the frame B near the front end
thereof. The lower portion of the box is planed out to receive the head, the upper
portion being fitted to receive a plate a, which carries a roll 64, adapted to engage
cam-slot D', the frame B being planed out to also receive the same, a gib serving to
retain it in place. The plate a is fitted with a tool-holder a¹. By means of this
the

page_text: construction, in connection with clamping-screws a², passing through slotted openings
formed in the base of the holder a', and tapped into the plate a, the lateral adjustment
of the holder is effected. The combined pointing and cutting-off dies E are securely
clamped to the inwardly projecting extensions of the holders by bolts. A screw' a³,
passing through the ear a¹0, serving as a means for longitudinally adjusting the dies,
and at the same time receiving the end thrust.
It is evident now, that the revolution of the cams C¹, causes each head D, by means
of its slot D', and the roll b', to accurately and simultaneously move the guided tool-
holders, etc., in opposite end wise directions, partly across the face of the solid head-
forming die Z. The form of the cams is such that the dies advance toward each
other, point and sever the blank from the wire W, and immediately recede to the
stationary or normal position, there remaining idle about two-thirds of a revolution of
the cams.
The front portion B4 of the frame B, uniting the sides, is made very heavy, the
back side thereof being planed out vertically through the center to receive the
rectangular die-block N₁, see also sheet 4. Said block being provided with
the flange f³, which is drilled to receive the holding-down bolts f, the latter being
tapped into the frame. A steel tubular guide Z, is fitted longitudinally of the frame
through the center, the same extending rearwardly to, or nearly to, the die-block N'.
Practically the guide Z. is drilled to the size of wire forming the blanks. An individual
guide being required for each gauge or size of wire used. The front end of said guide
being close up to the dog of the starting feed.
The die-block has an opening formed therein which extends from the lower side up
to and a short distance above the center of the wire. A gripping die N is fitted in
said opening. The upper end of the gripe is provided with the hardened steel block E²,
secured thereto by screws so, a similar block being reversely secured to the upper end
of the opening just described. A pair of blocks constitutes the gripping-dies, which
are drilled or fitted to the wire W. A set being required for each size of wire used.
A plate N2, secured to the forward face of the block, serves to retain the clamp in
position vertically. The enlarged hole n³, readily permits the entrance of various
sizes of wire through the plate N2, to engage the die E.
A bracket is secured to the top of the frame B. Said bracket extends partly over
the die-block n¹, and is drilled to loosely receive the threaded stem of the wedge-
plate 2, the latter being interposed between the block and the main frame, for the
purpose of effecting a very fine longitudinal adjustment between the solid die and the
heading-hammers. A vertically elongated hole f8 is formed in the center of the wedge
plate, into which the end of the tubular guide Z¹ enters.
A rectangular recess f7 is formed in the after face of the die-block, into which is
loosely fitted the solid heading-die Z. The upper and lower sides of the die are
oppositely beveled. A vertical recess opening into the solid space is fitted with a
gib or clamp Z, which latter, by means of its engagement with the set-screw, tapped
into the block N', firmly retains the heading-die Z in position. The lateral adjustment
of the die is effected by the side screws fo. The said heading-die is drilled to receive
the wire W. The outer portion of the hole is conical, as at h, thus producing a die
cavity which gives a corresponding shape to the under side of the finished screw-
head h².
It is obvious that other sizes of wire, as well as other forms of the die-cavity, would
necessarily involve the employment of a corresponding number of dies. It will be
observed that, as the die (Z) used is made in one piece, or solid, the heads of the blanks
formed therein are smooth and uniform in size and appearance, and without the "fins "
resulting from the use of two-part dies, which latter are, so far as I am aware,
generally employed in heading screws.
The means for automatically clamping the wire in position while being headed, and.
subsequently releasing the same preparatory to feeding it to the cutters is as follows:
A cam is secured to the lower shaft ST contiguous to the rear face of the front.
bearings. The shape of the cam being such that the wire held by its action during
about two-thirds of a revolution of the shaft (See Fig. 4). Immediately to the rear

page_text: of the cam is located the cam connection L, its head being in halves and secured
together by bolts n'. The shaft passes freely through the elongated opening s¹. A
truck-roll L is mounted on the front side of the forward portion of said connection
head; a similar roll being mounted on the opposite end, at the rear thereof, which
engages a cam L³, shown dotted, likewise secured to the shaft S¹. This latter cam
forms the counterpart substantially of the cam L' just described. The connection L'
extends towards the front at a slight angle and is jointed at s to the cross-head O, the
downward thrust or pressure being borne by the cross-head which is gibbed over the
thrust-block O', the latter having a slightly beveled under face o' fitting a corresponding
surface formed in the frame B. (Fig. 4). The thrust-block is provided with a screw-
threaded stem o on its front end which passes through an arm or bracket o² secured to
the frame, check-nuts serving to retain the thrust-block in position after the desired
adjustment has been effected.
This adjustment is necessitated by the slight wear in the gripping dies, etc., incidental
to continuous use.
The horizontal movement of the cross-head being, say two inches, while the resulting
vertical travel is only about one-sixteenth of an inch, more or less, as determined by
the position of the thrust-block O'. p indicates a series of anti-friction rollers inter-
posed between the said cross-head and thrust-block by means of which the friction
between the two surfaces is reduced to a minimum.
The cam connection L' is jointed to the cross-head by the pin st, the cross-head and
link M' being fitted into each other at the toggle-joint so as to relieve the pin from
vertical thrust. The lower end of the gripper-block N is in like manner fitted and
jointed at s to the upper end of the said link M. It is evident that as the cross-head
travels back and forth, so relatively, is the gripping-block intermittently slightly with-
drawn from its engagement with the wire, and again advanced to regrasp the same,
the whole forming a very powerful and unyielding retaining device.
I will now more particularly point out and describe the two feeding devices,
the same being so constructed and arranged that the first or short-stroke starting-feed
is employed to start the headed wire from the solid die Z, followed immediately by the
action of the long-stroke or main feeding mechanism. A cam P mounted on the
lower shaft engages a truck-roll mounted at the point formed by the jointing of
the connecting-rod P' and the short arm P2, Fig. 5. The latter being loosely fulcrumed
on a vibrating shaft u mounted in a plate P transversely secured to the underside of
the frame B (near the lower shaft) and connecting the two parallel sides of said frame.
A working lever P³ is pivoted to a stand secured to the front end of the main frame
below the extension B₁. The lower end of said lever being jointed to the connecting-
rod P1, and the upper end of the lever being rounded off as at 3 to engage the base
of the feed-block . 2 indicates an adjusting screw mounted in the feed-block in line
with the wire W, a spring-actuated steel pawl or dog z, Fig. 3, being mounted opposite
to the screw r². The free end of the pawl is beveled off and pointed so as to readily
engage the wire. It is evident that the cam-shaped lug P upon its engagement with
the truck-roll forces the rod P¹ ahead in the arrow-direction thereby at the same time
forcing the feed-block in the opposite or rearward direction. By means of this
latter movement the point of the pawl z is slightly imbedded into the wire and moves
it rearwardly a short distance, the pawl traveling to, or nearly to, the entrance of the
guide Z. The function of this device is to start the headed wire from the solid die Z.
The wire, intermediate of the die and feed-block, being prevented from bending by
the employment of the long guide Z. The other, or main feeding device, is operated
by a cam T secured to the lower shaft and connection T3; the latter is jointed at its
front end to the lower or slotted portion t² of the lever T4 (see Fig. 4), said lever being
securely mounted on the rear end of the horizontal shaft 3, the length of the feed being
regulated by the relative position of the connection T3 to the shaft t³.
The shaft t to which the lever T4 is secured is mounted in bearings. The upper
end of said lever engages the base of a feed-block X constructed and provided with a
spring-pawl z, etc. substantially as just described, with reference to the short-stroke
feeding device. The two feed-cams P and T are relatively so arranged upon the

page_text: shaft S¹ that the former starts the headed wire from the solid die and causes the coil
or mass of wire to move slightly in advance of the cam operating the long-stroke
feeding mechanism. The movement of the wire thus begun by the first feed is uninter-
ruptedly continued and terminated by the second or main feeding device. The slot t²,
as stated, permitting the feed to be adjusted and controlled within its limits. The
feed-blocks in returning to their normal position instantly release the spring-actuated
dogs from the wire preparatory to re-engaging the same at the commencement of
the next stroke.
«
2
The straightening device Y although commonly employed, I will next briefly describe.
The same consists of a frame secured to the front end of the machine, in which
are mounted two series of small grooved rolls or wheels. The said wheels are set
staggering," some of them being adapted to be adjusted laterally by screws, m³,
etc., each wheel revolving freely on its stud or axis. It will be noticed that the
first or outer set of wheels lie horizontally while the rear series are arranged in a
vertical plane. (see Figs. 1, 2, etc.) This arrangement is adapted to reduce all the
bends or
"kinks" while the wire passes between the grooved peripheries of the
several wheels preparatory to being introduced into the dies, etc. by the feed-blocks.
Having thus described the several devices employed for straightening, feeding and
clamping the wire, and the manner of automatically operating the same, I will now
more particularly describe the arrangement for automatically forming a finished head
on the end of the wire projecting from the rear face of the solid die Z. The said
arrangement, as drawn, involves the successive use of three hammers, H², H², H³,
secured to the hammer-head H, the latter being adjustably secured and intermittently
locked to a saddle or holder K which in turn is adjustably inounted in the cross-
head G the said cross-head being as before stated, mounted horizontally in ways G¹
formed in the frame B. The cross-head being adapted to travel back and forth by
means of its connection with the eccentric F. The front end of the cross-head is
planed out at an angle across its vertical face to receive an inclined projection
formed on the rear face of the vertically mounted block I, and is drilled through its
center to receive the tie-bolt i.
The cross-head is also planed transversely across its front end, forming shoulders (7
over which the saddle K is lipped and supported thereby.
A bracket is secured to the top of the cross-head in which is suitably mounted at
an angle the adjusting screw 2, the latter engaging the correspondingly tapped hole
formed in the inclined projection before referred to. The block I has an elongated
hole formed therein through which said tie-bolt freely passes.
K designates the saddle, so termed, the same having its rear face planed out
vertically through the center, to receive the block 1. The opposite or front face
of the saddle is vertically planed out in a dove-tail form through the center to
receive the hammer-head holder K' and the notched vertical bar R, the latter being
adjustably secured to the holder K₁ by means of screws passing through an ear
formed on top thereof and into the upper end of the bar. One of said screws
is tapped into the holder, the other serving as a set screw and being tapped into
the ear and bearing against the upper end of the bar. A pin 12 extends from the
front side of the holder, adapted to engage a lug 13, formed on the front end of
the saddle for the purpose of limiting the downward movement of the hammer-
head. The center bolt i passes through the saddle, its head being counter-bored
therein (see Fig. 4), thereby tieing the several parts together. It is obvious now
that by loosening the nut of the bolt i (the hole therefor in the cross-head being
slightly elongated) and turning the screw in the proper direction that the
saddle with its attached parts is adapted to be nicely adjusted laterally or trans-
versely of the machine.
H, as stated, indicates the 'hammer-head secured by bolts to the front vertical face.
of the holder K¹.
The face of the hammer-head projects sufficiently to receive the three heading
hammers or dies, H1, H2, H³, which are mounted in line above each other at the
center of the machine.

page_text: The head-forming cavities of the three hammers are made progressive, that is to
say, the first-stroke hammer H¹, by means of its die he, (Sheets 5 and 6,) is adapted
to centralize the stock and form the preliminary head on the end of the wire W
resting in the solid die Z, as shown in Figs. 11 and 12. The second-stroke
hammer, H2, is then brought into position and by means of its die h¹, further
compresses and shapes the preliminary head, so as to assume the rounded and
nearly finished form, h', shown in Fig. 16. Finally, the last, or third-stroke
hammer H3, is brought into position and advanced, and by means of its ribbed
cavity or die h³ completely shapes the head h¹ and swages the screw-driver slot or
nick therein, as shown in Fig. 18.
It is obvious that by substituting hammers having other forms of die-cavities or
faces, different styles and shapes of heads may be produced on the end of the
confined wire.
It is also obvious that each blow or stroke of the hammer necessitates one
revolution of the driving shaft S.
I will now point out the mechanical construction and the manner of automatically
operating the several hammers, whereby the latter are each successively brought
into position and locked preparatory to upsetting the wire and forming the head.
Referring to sheets 5 and 6 of the drawings, it will be seen that a U-shaped
frame U is secured by bolts to the under side of the main cross-head G. Said frame
is provided at the front end on its lower side, with depending ears in which a shaft V²,
is mounted to intermittently revolve. Similar ears, located further to the rear, carry
a shorter shaft J2, to which is secured the vertical two-arm lever J¹, its lower end
being jointed to the tripping-plate J. The upper end of the lever passes through a
slot formed in the base of the frame U and engages an opening u, formed in the
locking-plate or bolt U¹ (Fig. 20). The rear end of the frame is provided with small
ears drilled to receive a pin ul. A longitudinal opening is formed in the
frame U, in which the bolt U¹ is adapted to move back and forth. To the top of the
bolt is secured a pin u12, which extends up through a short slotted opening formed in
the metal enclosing the bolt. A spring u³, connects the pin u¹² and the plate U. A
notch or groove u being cut into the upper surface of the bolt at its rear end, into
which a bell-crank spring-acting catch-lever u, loosely mounted on the pin u¹º,
between the ears u¹¹, is, by means of its hook no, adapted to engage. The other
arm us, of the lever rests against the spring u', which acts to ensure the engagement
of the said hook and bolt.
,10
The vertical bar R, as before described, is adjustably secured by screws to the
back of the holder. K', the rear face of said bar being provided near its lower end
with the three notches n, which are of the same pitch or spacing as the three
hammers. These notches are so arranged in the bar with relation to the hammers,
that when engaged or locked by the bolt U¹ the center of a hammer will always stand
in direct line with the center of the solid die Z, etc.
A lug u² secured to the frame B is tapped to receive a screw u¹; the latter serving
to trip or release the lever u from the notch u. Now, it being remembered that the
lever, etc. travels back and forth in unison with the cross-head G, it will be seen that
as the arm u³ comes in contact with the adjustable stationary stop u¹ at or near the
end of its stroke, the hook u is thereby forced from the notch; the spring us at
the same tinie drawing the bolt ahead into a notch n of the bar R.. Immediately
upon the commencement of the next forward stroke the spring u' forces the hook
down upon the bolt (Fig. 17) ready to again re-engage the notch us whenever the
bolt is mechanically withdrawn from the bar R.
Referring again to the plate P4, in which is mounted the vibrating shaft u,
(Fig. 11) it will be seen that the tri-operating cam Po, secured to the hub of the
cam P, is adapted in its revolution to intermittently communicate slight angular
movements to the arm or lever P7 secured to said shaft. A short forked arm P³, P,
is also secured to this shaft directly under the center of the machine. The latter arm
is mounted to form nearly right angles with the arm P7, and works in an enlarged
opening formed in the plate P. A portion of the upper surface of the plate is cut

page_text: down slightly, as at u, to form a step or abutment v³. The forked ends P³ of the
arm P extending in front and forward of said abutment.
J (Fig. 10, &c.) designates a plate which I term a "tripping-plate," jointed at its
front end n to the lower end of the vertical lever J¹. The rear end of said plate is
adapted to engage the shoulder v³, just described. Short lateral pins / project from
each side of the plate near its rear end.
The object of the cam P is to cause the forked ends of the short lever P³, when
bearing against the under side of the pins k, to trip the plate J from the shoulder v³
at the proper time, or in other words, after a hammer has delivered its blow against
the end of the wire at the end of the forward stroke. (The bar R meanwhile being
locked in position by the bolt, and the plate J at the same time engaging the abut-
ment v3.) Then at the commencement of the return stroke, the movement of the
frame U, etc., in conjunction with the (for the time being) stationary plate J, together
with the moving lever J' and its fulcrum, forcibly withdraws the bolt U₁ from its
notch no, until the spring-actuated bell-crank lever u engages the notch nº. At the
same instant, however, or immediately thereafter, the said cam P engages its lever P7,
which by vibrating the shaft u causes the ends Ps of the forked lever to rise against
said pins k, thereby forcing the plate J up from the abutment v³. During the
remainder of the stroke the plate slides rearwardly along the top surface of the
stationary plate P with the bolt still withdrawn, until its retaining or belt-crank
lever ut is tripped by coming in contact with the stop u¹, just prior to the end of the
stroke, thereby allowing the bolt to re-engage another notch n as before.
Upon the return, or the forward stroke, the several parts move in unison, until the
plate J by its gravity again re-engages the shoulder v³. After the blow is delivered
the bolt is then withdrawn as before described.
During the time occupied in making the back-stroke, while the holder K¹, etc. is
is thus unlocked, the mechanism about to be described is brought into action.
The object of this latter device is to automatically place the three heading-hammers
successively in position.
This device is mounted upon the shaft V2 supported by the depending ears formed
on the under side of the frame U at its forward end.
Referring to sheet 6 of the drawings, it will be seen that the said shaft V2 is located
a little to the rear of the notched vertical bar R.
A three-tooth star-wheel V is secured to the shaft directly back of the bar. The
width or face of the wheel and bar being substantially the same.
The three teeth or spurs v¹ of the star-wheel are adapted to engage the lower end
of the bar R to elevate the same by the intermittent angular movement of the shaft
and wheel. A ratchet-tooth wheel V³ is secured to each end of the shaft V². The
front end of the star-wheel 'shaft extends sufficiently to loosely receive a pawl-carrying
lever y (Figs. 4 and 19) which is pivoted at its lower slotted end to a bracket y
secured to the underside of the main framing. The pivot pin y² passing loosely
through said slot of the lever y¹. A pawl V1 is connected to and carried by the upper
end of the lever. Said pawl in connection with the ratchet-wheel V³, etc. serving to
intermittently revolve the shaft. A check-pawl pivoted to the rear side of the
carriage or frame U, and engaging a rear wheel prevents the shaft V2 from moving
in the opposite direction while the several parts are being carried forward. This
ratchet feeding arrangement is clearly shown, enlarged, in Fig. 19 wherein the full
line position corresponds to that shown in Fig. 15. The movement of the frame U in
the back stroke serves, by means of the pawl V and its ratchet wheel, to revolve the
star wheel in the arrow-direction. A. lug v at the same time engaging the lower end
of the bar R and forcing. it upward. At the termination of said back-stroke the
shaft V2 will have been turned one-ninth of a revolution, (see dotted position) thereby
elevating the bar and bringing a hammer in position to engage the end of the wire.
The bar thus elevated and locked is represented in Fig. 17, in the act of traveling
forward, the new stroke having just commenced.
The machine having been constructed, arranged and adjusted substantially as
B

page_text: shown, and hereinbefore described, the gears 9, g¹, having a proportion of 1 to 4
respectively, the revolution thereof would operate the several devices as follows:
The wire, however, is first assumed to be clamped in position and projecting
beyond the solid die Z the proper distance, the hammer holder K¹, etc. at the same
time being supported by the lug and pin 2 at the lowest position, and locked by the
bolt U as in Fig. 10.
Now, in revolving the upper shaft the cross-head G advances in its first forward
stroke, and by means of the corresponding hammer H¹ produces the preliminary
operation on the end of the wire. (See Fig. 12.)
Immediately upon the commencement of the return stroke, and coincident there-
with, (the plate J at the time engaging the shoulder v3 and being stationary) the action
of the lever J withdraws the bolt U¹ from the upper notch n against the tension of
the spring us, and causes its notch us to engage the lever u. Thereupon a lug of the
continuously revolving cam P forces the plate J upward from the shoulder (see
Fig. 11) after which the several mentioned parts travel to the end of the back stroke.
Just prior to the end, however, the lever u, by means of its engagement with the
stop u¹ releases the bolt, thereby permitting the latter (connected with the spring u³)
to enter the middle notch of the vertical bar and lock the same. (Fig. 13 shows the
stop in the act of tripping the lever.) During the said return stroke, while the bar R
is still unlocked, the movement of the frame or carriage U, etc. also carries the pawl-
lever y¹ rearwardly, thereby rotating the star-wheel V one-ninth of a revolution, and
by means of a tooth thereof, elevating the bar, and the attached second-stroke
hammer H into position, or in other words, in line with the center of the machine.
All the foregoing being performed during one revolution of the upper shaft. The
hammer H2, etc., thus locked is represented in Fig. 14 as just entering upon the second
stroke. At the forward end of this stroke the die cavity of the hammer H³ shapes the
head as shown in Fig. 16. The cross-head, etc., next recede to complete the second
stroke. During this movement the bolt Ui is withdrawn as before described.
In Fig. 15 the star-wheel V is represented as in the act of lifting the bar R with
its hammers to the third or highest position.
An enlarged view of said wheel, etc. is shown in Fig. 19, the dotted position
representing the parts at the termination of the second stroke.
The second stroke now being thus completed the several parts then recommence
the forward movement to make the third or finishing stroke, as shown in Fig. 17.
As the eccentric F passes the forward "dead center the third-stroke hammer H3
completely shapes the head and at the same time impresses the nick h² therein by
means of the die cavity h³, as shown in Fig. 18. Just after the hammer H³ leaves the
thus finished headed wire, the action of the lever J', etc., withdraws the bolt from
the lowest notch of the vertical bar R, as before described. At the same time the
star-wheel V is, by means of the lever y¹, etc., vibrated its angular distance (i.e.-one-
ninth of a revolution). The corresponding position being shown in Fig. 11. As the
bolt is withdrawn from the said lowest notch no, the hammer-holder K¹, etc., drops by
gravity until arrested by contact of the pin 2 with the stationary lug ³, see Fig. 11.
By this means the first-stroke hammer H¹ is again brought in-line with the center of
the machine.
Instantly after the head his finished, the cams L, L³, act to force the connection L'
rearwardly, thereby slackening the toggle-jointed link and freeing the wire from the
gripping-jaw N.
Immediately succeeding the removal of the gripe and the withdrawal of the last or
lower hammer H³, the cam P (secured to the shaft S¹), connection P¹, feed-
block, etc., slowly starts the head from the solid die. As soon as the wire is
started from the solid die, the cam T, by means of its connections and main feed
block X, feeds the wire end wise through the tubular guide Z' and between the several
straightening-rolls m." The "feed" being adjusted to correspond to the desired length
of blank to be produced.
The relative arrangement of the feeding and gripping cams being such as to cause

page_text: the gripper or clamp N to rigidly re-engage the wire immediately after the termina-
tion of the feeding operation, and prior to the actual severing of the blank by the
cutters E.
At this time the key k is by means of the action of the clutch mechanism withdrawn
from the driving pulley and pinion, thereby stopping the rotation of the shaft. The
cross-head then being at the end of its third rear stroke. The shaft remaining
stationary during one complete revolution. It is to be borne in mind, however, that
the pulley and pinion, as one, are continuously revolving, although now turning upon
the (for the time being) stationary shaft.
When the pocket formed in the pulley arrives opposite or coincides with the head
of the key, the latter is instantly forced by the action of a partly-concealed spring k³,
Fig. 2, into the pocket, thereby again causing the upper shaft to revolve to head a
new blank.
The lower shaft being continuously revolving while the upper one, as stated,
intermittently turns.
A soon as the clamps have grasped the wire the two powerful side cams C", in
conjunction with the cam-slotted heads D and connected tool-holder frames a, a¹;
commence to force the latter transversely across the frame towards each other, which
movement, by means of the cutters or dies E, adjustably mounted therein, both
points the blank and severs it from the wire at the meeting of the adjacent cutting-
faces c. (See Fig..22.)
The actual severance being accomplished while the cross-head remains stationary.
The cross-head, etc., now advances upon its first stroke to again assist in making a
blank as before, the cutting-dies E, at the same time being retracted to their normal
position. The relation of the several devices to each other then being as represented
in Figs. 1. 2, and 4.
The blanks as finished may be automatically conducted into a suitable receptacle
placed. beneath the machine for the purpose.
By the employment of the tubular guide Z', the wire is prevented from "buckeling"
while being forced from the solid heading die, as might otherwise be the case.
The die and hammers represented in the drawings are adapted to form round-
headed screws, the slot of which lies wholly across the globular portion of the screw heads.
It is obvious, however, that flat-headed screws may be produced by simply changing
the form of the face of the hammers.
Another important advantage resulting from my invention is, that by the
employment of the cams and links, together with the thrust plate and its cross-head,
the <<
grip" or hold upon the wire is sufficient to overcome, without slipping, the
pressure exerted by the heading hammers in forming the head on the end of, the
wire or rod W.
As the groove formed in the die E² of the gripping-clamp is smooth, and of the same
size as the wire, the blanks produced are much superior to those having their
shanks roughened by the indentations of the holding-dies, as usually constructed.
It is obvious that many minor changes may be made in the machine hereinbefore
described, without departing from the spirit of the invention. As for example, a
single cam or projection may be secured to the upper shaft, and the tripping-lever P7
adapted to engage therewith, in lieu of the cam Ps, secured to the lower shaft. The
star wheel may have four lugs v', (although I prefer three,) and the ratchet-wheel, etc.,
adapted to make one-twelfth of a turn at each revolution of the upper shaft; that is,
if the three hammers be used.. It is further obvious, that by a slight change in the
arrangement of the mechanisin, two or more heading-hammers may be employed and
automatically operated.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. In a machine for making screw blanks, a gripping-clamp with its cavity forming
en extension of the evlindrical hole of the canarate solid die which is provided with a

page_text: cavity in which heads are to be formed to grasp and hold the wire in the proper
position in the solid die against the thrust of the heading-hammers in upsetting the
metal to form a head, substantially as set forth and described.
2. In a machine for making screw-blanks, the combination of two intermittent
feeding devices, one of which gripes the wire near the entrance of the supporting tube,
which leads to the gripping-clamp and solid die, and by a short movement starts th
wire in the solid die, and the other of which gripes the wire at a sufficient distance
from the end of the supporting tube to feed forward the length of wire required for
a screw-blank, substantially as set forth and described.
3. In a machine for making screw-blanks, a series of three or more heading-
hammers, mounted in a support. which is provided with means for bringing each
hammer in turn into line with a die in which the head of a blank is to be formed, and
means for locking it in such position until it has been forced against the metal in the
die, substantially as set forth and described.
CHARLES DAKE ROGERS,
Inventor.