Apparatus for Automatically Filling Boxes with Matches or the like.
Year: 1897

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Apparatus for Automatically Filling Boxes with Matches or the like.
I, VICTOR CARASSALE, of 70, Rue Miromesnil, Paris, France, Gentleman, do
hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to improvements in apparatus for automatically filling
boxes with matches, and particularly with wax matches. The apparatus is
characterized by the combination and special arrangement of a series of devices
for successively effecting the operations, viz:-
(1) Parcelling out of the matches in predetermined quantities;
(2) Controlling the number of matches in each charge;
(3) Arranging the matches with their heads all one way;
(4) Filling the matches into boxes.
The apparatus essentially comprises one or more boxes or containers, into which
the matches are thrown pell-mell, divided into compartments provided
with hopper bottoms which allow the matches to fall through one by one.
The bottom of the box carries a number of vertical tubes each designed to admit
a limited number only of matches at a time, said tubes opening into other tubes
which admit only one match at a time. On a rapid reciprocating motion being
imparted, the matches fall into the different tubes each lower tube containing
a single match in such manner that a predetermined number of matches corre-
sponding, for example, to the charge for a box will be thus separated from the
mass. The matches thus separated are retained at their lower ends by means of
bars disposed beneath each row of sorting tubes and provided with rectifying
tubes which at a given moment are brought opposite the sorting tubes for the
purpose of delivering the matches with their heads all arranged. Each row of
rectifying tubes delivers its matches upon an endless web which conducts them
to a distributing tube and thence to a box-filling device which conducts the
matches into the box to be filled. Before the matches which have been separated
drop into the rectifying tubes those which follow are retained by separating
slides. A special device is provided whereby the rectifying tubes are prevented
from being brought opposite the sorting tubes except when each of the latter
contains matches.
My improved apparatus is illustrated by way of example in the accompanying
drawings wherein Figure 1 represents a half horizontal section taken on line 1-2
Figure 2. Figure 2 is a cross-section taken on line 3-4 Figure 4, the boxes
being shewn in elevation. Figure 3 is an elevation of the upper part of the
apparatus. Figure 4 is a part plan. Figure 5 is a plan of the several driving
cams. Figures 6 to 10 are detail views of the boxes with the devices for regula-
ting the feed and arranging the match-heads all one way; Figures 6 and 7
shewing the two ends of the boxes in longitudinal section and Figure S a plan
corresponding to Figure 7; Figure 9 a plan of one of the bars carrying the
rectifying tubes by which the matches are laid with their heads all one way,
and Figure 10 a vertical section of the mechanism for operating the feed regu-

page_text: lating and parcelling out. Figures 11 and 12 represent a plan and transverse
section of the frames carrying the devices for parcelling out the matches.
Figures 13, 14, and 15 shew respectively an elevation, end view, and plan of the
controlling or feed-regulating mechanism. Figure 16 is a longitudinal section
and Figure 17 an end view of one of the box-filling devices. Figures 18 and 19
shew modifications of the same. Figures 20 and 21 represent a vertical section
and plan of the mechanism for operating the ring which carries the box-filling
devices. Figure 22 shews a modification of the device for arranging the matches
all in one direction. The same letters and figures of reference indicate the same
parts in all the figures.
My improved apparatus is constructed mainly as follows:-The operating
mechanism is mounted upon a stationary ring a (Figures 1, 2, and 4) supported
upon four pillars 6 braced together at bottom by four radial arms c bolted to the
support of a footstep bearing in which revolves a central shaft e turning at
its upper part in a collar f carried by the four inclined legs g. Upon the four
pillars are supported two arched frames which are braced together at their
upper part by a tie rod i and are each provided with a cross bar h¹. Upon the
upper end of the central shaft e is mounted a cam wheel & connected to said
shaft by six downwardly extending arms by means of which wheel the principal
movements of the operative mechanism are effected. The wheel carries a ring
of teeth which gears with a pinion keyed on the driving shaft n which is
mounted in a bracket a bolted to ring a and is driven from any suitable source
of power by means of pulleys ¹¹.
In order to better understand the order in which the several movements of
the machine are executed I will suppose the shaft to impart a speed of one
revolution in twelve seconds to wheel k. The arched frames h carry two shafts o¹
from which are hung four links o to which is suspended a frame supporting
two hoppers which for the sake of strength are made with double bottoms and
are connected by means of angle iron brackets r and tenons s to frame p (see
Figures 1, 2, 6, 7). The said frame at every revolution of wheel receives an
oscillatory motion during six seconds imparted through a connecting rod 59 and
lever 58 (pivoted in a bracket 591 carried on ring a) by means of the sinuous
groove formed in one half the circumference of cam 57, a vibration which is
equal to about thirteen millimetres being produced which moves hopper q to
the right (Figure 1). At the commencement of the eighth second, or after
traversing an arc of 210°, the cam groove 57 in receding from the centre of the
machine moves the frame fourteen millimetres in the reverse direction. On
the cam attaining the 285th degree, or in about 9 seconds, the small sinu-
osities of the cam produce slight vibrations of frame p while between the 300th
and 330th degree, or during the eleventh second, the frame is moved back
fourteen millimetres to its original position (Figure 5). The effect of these
movements will be afterwards described.
Each box is divided into a certain number of compartments (Figures 4, 6,
7, 8, 10) each provided with a double incline forming a shoot and with a rect-
angular aperture u through which the matches fall, they being guided in their
descent by the two vertical sides and the aperture being small enough to
prevent the whole mass of matches from passing through it. The bottom of the
box q is provided with a number of holes (four, for example, for each com-
partment) which communicate with vertical tubes y of a diameter less than the
length of a match. rare small stems which extend upwards in proximity to
the holes and are also partially surrounded by semi-circular collars . The
vertical tubes y which extend up through the double bottom of the box q are
divided by a horizontal partition 1 and a vertical partition 2 (Figures 6, 7, 10)
into three compartments, an upper one 3 and two lower ones 4 and 5. The parti-
tion 1 has a number of small holes 6, six for example, three for each lower com-
partment (see Figure 8). The height of the compartments 3, 4, 5, is less than
the length of a match. The bottom of the compartments 4, 5, is made concave

page_text: Each exit
and provided with a hole 7.at its lowest point near the wall of tube y. The
holes 6, 7, are made of such diameter as to permit of one match only passing at
a time. Apertures 8, 8 are made in the walls of tubes y y for the introduction of
separating slides 25 (Figures 8, 10, 11) into compartments 4, 5
aperture 7 communicates with a small tube 9 said tubes being carried by bars 10
fixed to cross bars 11 connected to frame p by means of angle irons 12 (Figures 6,
710). The separating slides 25 are carried by four frames 31, 30 (Figures 6,
7, 8, 10, 11, 12) two outer and two inner, and each constituted of two superposed
frames which carry-the frame 31 the cross-bars 29, the frame 30 and the cross
bars 28-which latter in turn carry small bars 26 and the cross
bars 29 carry the small bars 27, the separating slides 25 which are
respectively disposed opposite the openings S of tubes y being fixed
to said bars 26 and 27. There is a frame 30 and 31 to each box and the
frames 31 are connected together on each side by bars 31 and similarly the two
inner frames 30 are connected together by bars 30. The frames 30 and 31 are
supported and guided by blocks 30 secured by screws 3111 to brackets r (Figures 7
and 12). The frames 30 and 31 are also connected together at one side by a
rock lever 32 pivoted at 33 upon a bracket 331 fixed to box q (Figures 8 and 10)
said rock lever by its oscillation on axis 33 producing a movement of about eight
millimetres in opposite directions of the frames 30 and 31 and consequently of
the series of bars 26 and 27 for causing the separating slides to enter the com-
partments 4, 5, about six millimetres and to withdraw them there-
from. This to-and-fro movement of the frames 30, 31 is obtained with the
aid of the connecting rod 44, the vertical movement of which is produced by
the cam 45. The rod 44 carries a horizontal guide 44' in which is received a
friction roller mounted on the end of a lever 43 keved at about the middle of a
shaft 42 turning freely in bearings 421 fixed on box 7 (see Figure 3). Upon
shaft 42 are keyed two lever arms 41 jointed to lugs 411 on frame 31. In this
manner when the rod 44 is raised by cam 45 the arm 41 will thrust the frame 31
towards the left and when the rod 44 descends the frame 31 is moved towards
the right so as to produce a movement of a few millimetres in extent in opposite
directions of the two frames 30 and 31. The guide 44' serves to enable the rod 44
to partake in the oscillatory movements of box q. The movement of frame 31
towards the left.and its retention in this position and consequently the remaining
of the separating slides 25 within the tubes y, is produced while wheel & describes
an arc of 165° or from about the commencement of the seventh to the end of the
twelfth second, which movement corresponds to a slight super-elevation of 165°
of length of the cam 45. The box .tubes and 9, and separating slides 25
constitute the mechanism which serves to parcel out or separate. the matches
into given quantities in the manner hereinafter described. The number of
matches to be separated is determined by the number of small tubes 9 which
each receive one match at a time and where they are momentarily retained by a
bar 13 placed beneath at a distance from hole 7 of tube y, less than the length
of the match.
The device which serves to. control the quantity of matches supplied consists
of a movable frame formed of bars 35 united by three cross bars 34 supported
by plates 341 fixed to frame 2 (see Figures 10, 13, 14, 15). The bars 35 carry
contact pieces or feelers 36 each corresponding to a tube 9. Each of said feelers
is provided with a lug 39 and is carried by a socket 37 capable of sliding on
the bars 35, a small spring 38 placed in the groove of bar 35 fixed at one end
to said bar and at the other end to the socket, constantly tending to return the
latter to its initial position. On the feeler frame being pushed towards the
right at a given moment a distance of from ten to twelve millimetres, the feelers
are brought beneath the tubes 9 and should they meet with a match the spring
yields to this obstacle and the lug 39 is held out of line with tappets 40 on the
bars 13. When the tube 9 does not contain any match the feeler continues its
movement and its lug is arrested in line with the studs the effect produced in

page_text: each case being as hereafter described. A single feeler frame extends beneath
both boxes q the movement of said frame, like that of the separating slides, being
controlled by a vertical rod 49 actuated by a cam 50 (Figures 2, 3, 5, 10). A
lever arm 48 is keyed near the middle of a shaft 47 turning in bearings 471 fixed
to frame and two lever arms 46 on the opposite ends of said shaft are jointed
to lugs 46 fixed to the cross bar 34 of the feeler frame. In this manner when rod 49
is raised by the cam 50 the levers 46 advance the frame of separating slides 25
a distance of from ten to twelve millimetres towards the right and when the
rod 19 descends the frame returns to its original position. This movement is
effected once for every revolution of wheel k from the commencement of the
seventh to the commencement of the ninth second which corresponds to a slight
super-elevation of cam 50 extending through an arc of 60°. The cams 45, 50, are
carried by a ring 51 on the large wheel (Figures 1, 2, and 5).
The device employed for arranging the matches with their heads all one way,
consists of a tube 14 (Figures 6, 7, 10) which is slotted for a certain distance
and slightly curved or bent at an angle at its lower end, said slot extending in
a longitudinal direction on the concave side of the curve and being made of a
width slightly greater than the diameter of the stem of the match but of less width
than the head. The object of the curve or bend of the tube is to cause the match
stem to drop out through the slot before it has traversed the entire length of
the tube. The tubes 14 which are in number equal to that of tubes 9 are carried
by the bars 13 which slide in guides 15 on the two sides of frame p, and in their
normal position the tubes 14 do not coincide with tubes 9. Each tube 14 corre-
sponds to a tappet 40 carried by the bar 13 one end of which latter bears against
a sliding rod 16 acted on by a spring 17 and supported in stirrup pieces 18
carried on a shaft 19 mounted at its opposite ends in the arched frames, Figures 3,
G, 7, 10. The bars 13 are provided towards their right hand end with a tappet 20
(Figure 7) which bears against a lug 21 on a rod 23 acted on by a spiral spring 22
of less force than the spring 17 contained in a socket 24 on frame p. In the
position shewn, the bar 13 is not subject to the thrust of either of the springs 17
or 22 which are retained by their supports. Each bar 13 is also provided with
a cross alot to receive a tappet or bolt 92 (Figure 8) capable of sliding from
one side to the other of said slot and placed between a notched frame 56 carried
by a bar 56 bolted to the arched frames h and a lever 54 keyed on shaft 55 also
carried by the frames h. The levers 54 are operated by a connecting rod 53
actuated by a cam 52 in such manner that said levers are at a given moment
forced to turn towards the left. The connecting rod 53 is guided at its lower
part in a bracket 531 (Figure 1) carried by the trough 70 and it is operated by
a slight super-elevation of cam 52 extending through an arc of about 115° this
movement being performed in almost the same time as the holder 9 moves four-
teen millimetres to the left, or from the commencement of the eighth second
and during a period of rather more than three seconds. Under these conditions
when the box effects its six seconds of oscillatory movement thirteen milli-
metres to the right the bar 13 carried by the frame p moves away from rod 16
and partakes in the same oscillations and when box q moves fourteen millimetres
to the left if no one lug 39 of the feelers is arrested in the line of the tappets 40,
the bar 13 is held in place by the rod 16 through its spring 17 which is stronger
than spring 22 which is thus forced to yield. The tubes 9 are in this case
brought opposite the tubes 14. On the box q moving back towards the right
the spring 22 gradually expands and holds bar 13 in position. On the other
hand should one of the lugs 39 of the feelers be arrested in the line of the
tappets 40 on the feeler frame moving towards the right, and failing the presence
of a match in either of the tubes 9, the lug 39 will carry the corresponding
bar 13 with it in its movement of fourteen millimetres and the tube 9 cannot be
brought opposite to the tube 14. The tappet or bolt 92 will also at same time
be forced to slide from the other side between the teeth of segment 54 which in
rotating towards the left will move the bar two millimetres further, or to an ex-

page_text: tent of sixteen millimetres, allowing the feelers to retire, the bar 13, under
the action of spring 17, returning to position together with segment 54 whose left
hand tooth will force the tappet 92 back to the other side. Beneath each bar 13
is disposed an endless web 60 which passes around pulleys 61 and 62, the former
of which are keyed on a same shaft 63 mounted in the arched frames h and driven
from the central shaft e by means of bevel gearing on an intermediate shaft 64
mounted in a bracket 64 bolted to the trough 70. The pulleys 62 are mounted
on independent adjustable supports so as to permit of regulating the tension of
each web, said supports being carried on a single shaft 621 mounted in bear-
ings 62 on cross bars h¹. The endless webs receive continuous motion at a
speed which is calculated at a speed such that a given point will move from one ex-
tremity to the other in eight seconds. 65 are fences carried by
bars 65 for retaining the matches upon the endless webs. At the end of each
endless web 60 is a funnel 66 placed above a distributing spout leading to a
box-filling device 68. The funnels 66 are carried by the bar 65' which is sup-
ported from the arched frame h. The spouts 67 are carried by a part 69 capable
of sliding on a trough 70 supported on crossbars and serving to receive the
matches which from any cause it is not desired to be supplied to the fillers.
The mechanism for "boxing" the matches comprises the box-filling devices 68
carried on a ring 71 which may run on and be guided by friction rollers upon
the stationary ring a. The revolving ring 71 carries one hundred fillers, corre-
sponding to five times the number (twenty) of the distributing spouts 67. It
consequently receives periodically at every twelve seconds, a movement equal to
one-fifth of a revolution which is transmitted from wheel in the following
manner (see Figures 20 and 21):-The wheel k carries a tappet 72 mounted on
a spring-pressed rod provided with a friction roller 72 and a cam surface 76
mounted on an arm 76. The stationary ring a carries a spring-pressed bolt 74
also provided with a friction roller and a cam 75 extending around about one-
fifth of its circumference and supported upon posts 75. The ring 71 is pro-
vided with five catches 74¹ for successively engaging with the bolt 74 and with
five stops 73 placed equidistant from each other.
In the position of rest the ring 71 is held stationary by bolt 74 and the
tappet 72 under the pressure of its spring will be outside the circle of stops 73.
At each revolution however of wheel the cam 76 strikes the friction roller of
spring bolt 74 and moves it backwards while cam 75 presses back roller 721 and
tappet 72 so as to cause the latter to strike the stop 73 and carry with it in its
rotation the ring 71 for a period of a fifth of a revolution. At this moment the
cam 75 causes the tappet 72 to release the stop 73 and allows the bolt 74 to enter
the next catch presented to it. One fifth of a revolution is thus performed in
24 seconds and the stoppage of ring 71 in 9'6 seconds for every revolution of
wheel. The motion is thus sufficiently slow to prevent any appreciable shock,
the more so as ring 71 constantly receives a certain impulse from a studded
ring 51 hereinafter described. Shocks may also be entirely prevented by pro-
viding the stops 73 with springs.
The box-filling devices 68, whose external form may be varied as regards
the part which receives the boxes to suit the form of the latter, consist essentially
of an inclined channel 77 (Figures 16 and 18) provided at its upper part with
a funnel mouth 78 through which the matches enter and terminated at bottom
by two spring jaws 79, 80, between which the boxes to be filled are placed in an
inclined position, as shewn in Figure 17. The channel 77 is provided at its
lower end with an aperture 81 through which the matches fall into the box.
The jaw 80 of the filler, Figure 16, is divided lengthwise into two parts (see
Figure 17) to admit, as hereinafter described, of the insertion between them of
an ejector for discharging the full boxes as hereinafter described. The fillers GS
are mounted on independent supports fitted to slide upon the ring 71 by which
they are carried and are each spring pressed in the direction of the centre of
the machine. Each support is provided with a lower roller in constant contact

page_text: with a cam ring 51 carried by the arms of the large wheel k, which ring when
the motion of ring 71 is arrested impart a to-and-fro motion to the fillers...
The filled boxes may be removed by hand or by means of a series of twenty extrac-
tors 88 (see Figure 2) which may be placed for example in the third arc of 720.
The extractors are mounted on brackets 88 fixed to ring and are held in posi-
tion by springs and a short cam S9 is provided on wheel which on passing at
cach revolution beneath the roller, carried by the extractor, raises the latter
sufficiently to cause the point of the extractor to pass between the two parts of
the lower jaw of the filler and eject the filled box, the extractor being then
returned to its initial position by a spring. A cam 91 (Figures 1 and 3) carried
by cross bar h holds, during the last two-fifths of a revolution, the extractors
raised off the studs of ring 51 to prevent vibration and permit of the introduc-
tion of a fresh supply of empty boxes.
The following is the working of the apparatus. Under the action of the
oscillatory motion towards the right communicated to boxes q during the first
six seconds the matches which have been thrown therein pell-mell gradually
fall through the apertures u parallel to one another to the bottom of said boxes
whence they pass vertically downwards into the tubes y and from there pass
singly down through the holes 6, 7, into the tubes 9 where they are momentarily
arrested by the bars 13 which at this moment occupy the position shewn in
Figure 7 one end of the match being still engaged in hole 7, owing to the dis-
tance between said hole and bar 13 being less than the length of the match, the
object of this arrangement being to prevent a second match from dropping into
tube 9. The height of the compartments 3, 4, 5, being also less than the length
of a match, only three matches can penetrate at one time into each compart
ment 4, 5, the upper ends of which matches will be still engaged in the holes 6
while the matches in compartment 3 will stand up above the level of the bottom
of box 9. The arrangement of the latter, together with the semi-circular collars
and vertical stems, serve to prevent the descent of too large. a. number of
matches into tubes y at one time, so that they may always move freely, in com-
partments 3. A single hole 6 would be sufficient for each compartment 4 and 5.
but when there are several there will always be a certainty of having a match-in
said compartments ready to fall into tube 9. The matches contained in the
double row of tubes 9, corresponding to each bar 13, constitute the charge for
each box and should be of the exact pre-arranged. number. It only remains
to verify that all the tubes 9 contain a match; to retain those matches which are
contained above in compartments 4 and 5, so as to enable the matches contained
in tubes 9 to be separated and prevent, their. being followed by the others and
to distribute the former matches in complete series, the incomplete series being
retained. These different operations are effected during the second half of the
revolution of wheel k, that is to say during the six last seconds.
It has been before stated that at the commencement of the seventh second the
movement of the separating slide frames 30, 31, causes the separating slides 25
to enter the apertures 8 of compartments 4 and 5 so as to shut off the matches
from holes and prevent them dropping into tubes 9 even supposing the same
to be empty. Nearly at the same time the feeler frame 36 is moved towards
the right and supposing all the tubes..9 contain a match the whole..of the
feelers 36 will be arrested in their course and their lugs will remain out of line
with the tappets on bars 13. It is at the commencement of the eighth second'
that the boxes q move fourteen millimetres to the left and the tubes 9' are brought
over the tubes 14 while at the commencement of the. ninth second the feeler
frame returns to position towards the left and each complete series of matches
passes through said tubes 14 and falls upon the endless web 60, assisted by ia
slight vibratory movement at about the ninth-and-a-half second: At the eleventh
second the, box returns to its original position, the tubes, 9 and 14 no longer
coincide, and during the twelfth second the separating, slides are withdrawn
from tubes y so as to allow a fresh series to drop into the tubes 9. Should a

page_text: match be wanting in a series of tubes 9 the bar 13 will be caused by the lugs 39
to partake in the movement of box q, the tubes 9 will not be brought over the
tubes 14, and the incomplete series of matches will be retained.
It has been seen that the matches, before dropping on to the endless web 60,
pass one at a time through the tubes 14 which are made of such form and have
slits of such width that should a match drop head uppermost into tube 14 its
stem will pass out through the slit as shewn in Figure 7 while its head will be
retained until it escapes at the end of the tube when it falls on to the endless
web close beneath which carries it along to the right with the undipped end
foremost. If, on the contrary, the match passes head downwards through tube 14
the head will still be retained thereby and the stem will fall through the slit
and fall over so as to bring the head uppermost as before. Thus the matches
are in all cases delivered on the endless web with their heads all one way and
remain so until they are introduced into the boxes. Each complete charge of
matenes is delivered in less than eight seconds to the box fillers 68 by means
of the funnels 66 and distributing spouts 67. The to-and-fro movement of the
fillers 68 which occupies 96 seconds during each stoppage of ring 71 produces
the successive introduction of the matches into the boxes (which have been
previously placed between the jaws of the fillers) with all the heads one way.
The to-and-fro motion of the fillers is arrested when wheel 71 has performed one-
fifth of a revolution as it now revolves at the same speed as the wheel and
cam ring 51. Should the filling of the boxes with matches be not concluded
within the first fifth of a revolution it may be continued during the following
periods. During the third fifth of a revolution the filled boxes are pushed out
by means of the extractors as hereinbefore described, this method being more
particularly employed for boxes whose lids are provided with rubber springs.
The empty boxes are introduced into the fillers during the two last fifths of
the revolution when the fillers remain stationary.
For boxes of the type represented in Figure 17 the filler 68 may be provided
with a double flange 82 for holding the lid open. For the well known type of
match box represented at A in Figure 9, the filler would be the same
as that
shewn in Figure 16 except that the jaws are longer, the upper jaw 79 being also
provided with an opening extending entirely across and the edges a, b, of which
are bent up as shewn so that when the box (which is introduced through the
opening) is withdrawn, the bent up edge will force the lid to close.
It is to be understood that the box fillers may be modified to adapt them to
receive different forms of boxes. Thus in the case of boxes having the mouth
at one end, the modified form of filler represented in Figure 18 is employed, the
box being clamped between the flat spring 84 and the jaws 79, 80, and the filler
being provided with a prolongation 83 which forms a channel through which
the matches are introduced into the box. The filler may also be provided with
a division plate 86 having. a longitudinal slit 87 through which the matches
can only pass one by one. This division plate may also be applied to all the
forms of fillers described.
The number of containers q and also of tubes y may be varied according to the
number of matches to be contained in each box and the number of boxes to be
filled at a time.
1
The mechanism for arranging the matches all one way may also be constituted
of straight tubes 14' (Figure 22) each mounted above a kind of trough formed
with inclined sides with sufficient space between them for the passage of the
stem of the match but so that the matches will be retained by their heads. One
side of the trough may be fixed and the other hinged so as to allow on
swinging the side upon its hinge, of the matches falling on to the endless
web.00 which travels at a distance from the troughs less than the length of the
match so that the heel ends of the matches will be carried forward by the band
before the heads are released from the trough and thus ensure the matches all
falling one way. Each row of tubes 14 would correspond to a trough and all

page_text: the hinged sides of the troughs would be connected by a rod receiving motion
from a lever operated by a cam on the wheel k. The matches on dropping into
the trough remain suspended by their heads with their stems inclined to the
direction of movement of the endless web upon which they drop, on the sides
of the troughs being opened.
My improved machine is applicable not only for boxing all kinds of matches
but also any other objects of circular form and I reserve the right of modifying
the accessory parts to suit the nature of each application. I also reserve the
right to dispense with certain of the mechanisms used in the different operations
hereinbefore specified, or to employ them separately or grouped in any desired
manner.
Dated this 26th dor of tunnel 1907
Apparatus for Automatically Filling Boxes with Matches or the like.
I, VICTOR CARASSALE, of 70, Rue Miromesnil, Paris, France, Gentleman, do
hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to
be performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the follow-
ing statement:
This invention relates to improvements in apparatus for automatically filling
boxes with matches, and particularly with wax matches. The apparatus is
characterized by the combination and special arrangement of a series of devices
for successively effecting the following operations viz:-
-
(1) Parcelling out of the matches in predetermined quantities;
(2) Controlling the number of matches in each charge;
(3) Arranging the matches with their heads all one way;
(4) Filling the matches into boxes.
The apparatus essentially comprises one or more boxes or containers, into which
the matches are thrown pelt-mell, the boxes being divided into compartments pro-
vided with hopper bottoms which allow the matches to fall through one by one.
The bottom of the box carries a number of vertical tubes each designed to admit
a limited number only of matches at a time, said tubes opening into other tubes
which admit only one match at a time. On a rapid reciprocating motion being
imparted, the matches fall into the different tubes, each lower tube containing
a single match in such manner that a predetermined number of matches corre-
sponding, for example, to the charge for a box will thus be separated from the
mass. The matches thus separated are retained at their lower ends by means of
bars disposed beneath each row of sorting tubes and provided with rectifying
tubes which at a given moment are brought opposite the sorting tubes for the
purpose of delivering the matches with their heads all arranged. Each row of
rectifying tubes delivers its matches upon an endless web which conducts them
to a distributing tube and thence to a box-filling device which conducts the
matches into the box to be filled. Before the matches which have been separated
drop into the rectifying tubes those which follow are retained by separating
slides. A special device is provided whereby the rectifying tubes are prevented
from being brought opposite the sorting tubes except when each of the latter
contains matches.
My improved apparatus is illustrated by way of example in the drawings
accompanying my Provisional Specification wherein Figure 1 represents a half

page_text: horizontal section taken on line 1-2 Figure 2. Figure 2 is a cross-section
taken on line 3-4 Figure 4, the boxes being shewn in elevation. Figure 3 is
an elevation of the upper part of the apparatus. Figure 4 is a part plan.
Figure 5 is a plan of the several driving cams. Figures 6 to 10 are detail views
of the boxes with the devices for regulating the feed and arranging the match-
heads all one way; Figures 6 and 7 shewing the two ends of the boxes in longi-
tudinal section and Figure 8 a plan corresponding to Figure 7. Figure 9 is a
plan of one of the bars carrying the rectifying tubes by which the matches are
laid with their heads all one way, and Figure 10 is a vertical section of the
mechanism for operating the feed regulating and parcelling out. Figures 11
and 12 represent a plan and transverse section of the frames carrying the devices
for parcelling out the matches. Figures 13, 14, and 15 shew respectively an
elevation, end view, and plan of the controlling or feed-regulating mechanism.
Figure 16 is a longitudinal section and Figure 17 an end view of one of the
box-filling devices. Figures 18 and 19 shew modifications of the same.
Figures 20 and 21 represent a vertical section and plan of the mechanism for
operating the ring which carries the box-filling devices. Figure 22 shews a
modification of the device for arranging the matches all in one direction. The
same letters and figures of reference indicate the same parts in all the figures.
My improved apparatus is constructed mainly as follows: -The operating
mechanism is mounted upon a stationary ring a (Figures 1, 2, and 4) supported
upon four pillars b braced together at bottom by four radial arms c bolted to the
support d of a footstep bearing in which revolves a central shaft e turning at
its upper part in a collar f carried by the four inclined legs g. Upon the four
pillars are supported two arched frames h which are braced together at their
upper part by a tie rod i and are each provided with a cross bar h. Upon the
upper end of the central shaft e is mounted a cam wheel k connected to said
shaft by six downwardly extending arms j by means of which wheel the principal
movements of the operative mechanism are effected. The wheel carries a ring
of teeth which gears with a pinion keyed on the driving shaft n which is
mounted in a bracket n' bolted to ring a and is driven from any suitable source
of power by means of pulleys n¹¹.
In order to better understand the order in which the several movements of
the machine are executed I will suppose the shaft n to impart a speed of one
revolution in twelve seconds to wheel k. The arched frames h carry two shafts o
from which are hung four links o to which is suspended a frame 2 supporting
two hoppers which for the sake of strength are made with double bottoms and
are connected by means of angle iron brackets and tenons & to frame p (sec
Figures 1, 2, 6, 7). The said frame at every revolution of wheel & receives an
oscillatory motion during six seconds imparted through a connecting rod 59 and
lever 58 (pivoted in a bracket 591 carried on ring a) by means of the sinuous
groove formed in one half the circumference of cam 57, a vibration which is
equal to about thirteen millimetres being produced which moves hopper 9 to
the right (Figure 1). At the commencement of the eighth second, or after
traversing an are of 210°, the cam groove 57 in receding from the centre of the
machine moves the frame p fourteen millimetres in the reverse direction. On
the cam attaining the 285th degree, or in about 9 seconds, the small sinu-
osities of the cam produce slight vibrations of frame p while between the 300th
and 330th degrees, or during the eleventh second, the frame p is moved back
fourteen millimetres to its original position (Figure 5). The effect of these
movements will be afterwards described.
Each box q is divided into a certain number of compartments (Figures 4, 6,
7, 8, 10) each provided with a double incline t forming a shoot and with a rect-
angular aperture through which the matches fall, they being guided in their
descent by the two vertical sides, and the aperture being small enough to
prevent the whole mass of matches from passing through it. The bottom of the
þox q is provided with a number of holes (four, for example, for each com-

page_text: I are
partment) which communicate with vertical tubes of a diameter less than the
length of a match. are small stems which extend upwards in proximity to
the holes and are also partially surrounded by semi-circular collars z. The
vertical tubes y which extend up through the double bottom of the box
divided by a horizontal partition 1 and a vertical partition 2 (Figures 6, 7, 10)
into three compartments, an upper one 3 and two lower ones 4 and 5. The parti-
tion 1 has a number of small holes 6, six for example, three for each lower com-
partment (see Figure 8). The height of the compartments 3, 4, 5, is less than
the length of a match. The bottom of the compartments 4, 5, is made concave
and provided with a hole 7 at its lowest point near the wall of tube y. The
holes 6, 7, are made of such diameter as to permit of one match only passing at
a time. Apertures 8, 8, are made in the walls of tubes y y for the introduction of
separating slides 25 (Figures 8, 10, 11) into compartments 4 5. Each exit
aperture 7 communicates with a small tube 9 said tubes being carried by bars 10
fixed to cross bars 11 connected to frame p by means of angle irons 12 (Figures 6,
7, 10). The separating slides 25 are carried by four frames 31, 30 (Figures 6,
7, 8, 10, 11, 12) two outer and two inner, and each constituted of two superposed
frames which carry the frame 31 the cross bars 29 the frame 30 and the cross
bars 28 which latter in turn carry small bars 26 and the cross
bars 29 carry the small bars 27, the separating slides 25 which are
respectively disposed opposite the openings 8 of tubes y, being fixed
to said bars 26 and 27. There is a frame 30 and 31 to each box and the
frames 31 are connected together on each side by bars 311, and similarly the two
inner frames 30 are connected together by bars 30'. The frames 30 and 31 are
supported and guided by blocks 3011 secured by screws 31" to brackets (Figures 7
and 12). The frames 30 and 31 are also connected together at one side by a
rock lever 32 pivoted at 33 upon a bracket 331 fixed to box q (Figures 8 and 10)
said rock lever by its oscillation on axis 33 producing a movement of about eight
niillimetres in opposite directions of the frames 30 and 31 and consequently of
the series of bars 26 and 27 for causing the separating slides to enter the com-
partments 4, 5, to the extent of about six millimetres and to withdraw them
therefrom. This to-and-fro movement of the frames' 30, 31 is obtained with the
aid of the connecting rod 44, the vertical movement of which is produced by
the cam 45. The rod 44 carries a horizontal guide 44 in which is received a
friction roller mounted on the end of a lever 43 keyed at about the middle of a
shaft 42 turning freely in bearings 421 fixed on box q (see Figure 3). Upon
shaft 42 are keyed two lever arms 41 jointed to lugs 411 on frame 31. In this
manner when the rod 44 is raised by cam 45 the arm 41 will thrust the frame 31
towards the left and when the rod 44 descends the frame 31 is moved towards
the right so as to produce a movement of a few millimetres in extent in opposite
directions of the two frames 30 and 31. The guide 44¹ serves to enable the rod 44
to partake in the oscillatory movements of box 7. The movement of frame 31
towards the left and its retention in this position and consequently the remaining
of the separating slides 25 within the tubes. y is produced while wheel k describes
an arc of 165° or from about the commencement of the seventh to the end of the
twelfth second, which movement corresponds to a slight super-elevation of 165°
of length of the cam 45. The box q, tubes y, and 9 and separating slides 25
constitute the mechanism which serves to parcel out or separate the matches
into given quantities in the manner hereinafter described. The number of
matches to be separated is determined by the number of small tubes 9 which
each receive one match at a time and where they are momentarily retained by,a
bar 13 placed beneath at a distance from hole 7 .of tube y, less than the length
of the match.
35
The device which serves to control the quantity of matches supplied consists
of a movable frame formed of bars 35 united by three cross bars 34, supported
by plates 341. fixed to frame p (see Figures:10, 13, 14, 15). The bars: 35 carry
contact pieces or feelers 36 each corresponding to a tube 9: Each of said feelers

page_text: is provided with a lug 39 and is carried by a socket 37 capable of sliding on
the bars 35, a small spring 38 placed in the groove of bar 35 fixed at one end
to said bar and at the other. end to the socket, constantly tending to return the
latter to its initial position. On the feeler frame being pushed towards the
right at a given moment a distance of from ten to twelve millimetres, the feelers
are brought beneath the tubes 9 and should they meet with a match the spring
yields to this obstacle and the lug 39 is held out of line with tappets 40 on the
bars 13. When the tube 9 does not contain any match the feeler continues its
movement and its lug is arrested in line with the studs, the effect produced in
each case being as hereafter described. A single feeler frame extends beneath
both boxes 9 the movement of said frame, like that of the separating slidės, being
controlled by a vertical rod 49 actuated by a cam 50 (Figures 2, 3, 5, 10). A
lever arm 48 is keyed near the middle of a shaft 47 turning in bearings 471 fixed
to frame and two lever arms 46 on the opposite ends of said shaft are jointed
to lugs 461, fixed to the cross bar 34 of the feeler frame. In this manner when rod 49
is raised by the cam 50 the levers 46 advance the frame of separating slides 25
a distance of from ten to twelve millimetres towards the right and when the
rod 49 descends the frame returns to its original position. This movement is
effected once for every revolution of wheel from the commencement of the
seventh to the commencement of the ninth second which corresponds to a slight
super-elevation of cam 30 extending through an are of 60°. The cams 45, 50, are
carried by a ring 51 on the large wheel (Figures 1, 2, and 5).
The device employed for arranging the matches with their heads all one way.
consists of a tube 14 (Figures 6, 7, 10) which is slotted for a certain distance
and slightly curved or bent at an angle at its lower end, said slot extending in
a longitudinal direction on the concave side of the curve and being made of a
width slightly greater than the diameter of the stem of the match but of less width
than the head. The object of the curve or bend of the tube is to cause the match
stem to drop out through the slot before it has traversed the entire length of
the tube. The tubes 14 which are in number equal to that of tubes 9 are carried
by the bars 13 which slide in guides 15 on the two sides of frame p, and in their
normal position the tubes 14 do not coincide with tubes 9. Each tube 14 corre-
sponds to a tappet 40 carried by the bar 13 one end of which latter bears against
a sliding rod 16 acted on by a spring 17 and supported in stirrup pieces 18
carried on a shaft 19 mounted at its opposite ends in the arched frames h, Figures 3,
6, 7, 10. The bars 13 are provided towards their right hand end with a tappet 20
(Figure 7) which bears against a lug 21 on a rod 23 acted on by a spiral spring 22,
of less force than the spring 17, contained in a socket 24 on frame p. In the
position shewn, the bar 13 is not subject to the thrust of either of the springs 17
or 22 which are retained by their supports. Each bar 13 is also provided with
a cross slot to receive a tappet or bolt 92 (Figure 8) capable of sliding from
one side to the other of said slot and placed between a notched frame 56 carried
by a bar 56 bolted to the arched frames h and a lever 54 keyed on shaft 55 also
carried by the frames h. The levers 54 are operated by a connecting rod 53
actuated by a cam 52 in such manner that said levers are at a given moment
forced to turn towards the left. The connecting rod 53 is guided at its lower
part in a bracket 531 (Figure 1) carried by the trough 70 and it is operated by
a slight super-elevation of cam 52 extending through an arc of about 115°, this
movement being performed in almost the same time as the holder 9 moves four-
teen millimetres to the left, or from the commencement of the eighth second
and during a period of rather more than three seconds. Under these conditions
when the box 7 effects its six seconds of oscillatory movement thirteen milli-
metres to the right, the bar 13 carried by the frame 7 moves away from rod 16
and partakes in the same oscillations and when box 7 moves fourteen millimetres
to the left if no one lug 39 of the feelers is arrested in the line of the tappets 40,
the bar 13 is held in place by the rod 16 through its spring 17 which is stronger
than spring 22 which is thus forced to yield. The tubes 9 are in this case

page_text: ex-
brought opposite the tubes 14. On the box a moving back towards the right
the spring 22 gradually expands and holds bar 13 in position. On the other
hand should one of the lugs 39 of the feelers be arrested in the line of the
tappets 40 on the feeler frame moving towards the right, and failing the presence
of a match in either of the tubes 9 the lug 39 will carry the corresponding
bar 13 with it in its movement of fourteen millimetres and the tube 9 cannot be
brought opposite to the tube 14. The tappet or bolt 92 will also at same time
be forced to slide from the other side between the teeth of lever 54 which in
rotating towards the left will move the bar two millimetres further, or to an ex-
tent of sixteen millimetres, allowing the feelers to retire, the bar 13, under
the action of spring 17, returning to position together with lever 54 whose left
hand tooth will force the tappet 92 back to the other side. Beneath each bar 13
is disposed an endless web 60 which passes around pulleys 61 and 62, the former
of which are keyed on a same shaft 63 mounted in the arched frames hand driven
from the central shaft c by means of bevel gearing on an intermediate shaft 04
mounted in a bracket 641 bolted to the trough 70." The pulleys 62 are mounted
on independent adjustable supports so as to permit of regulating the tension of
each web, said supports being carried on a single shaft 621 mounted in bear-
ings 62 on cross bars h¹. The endless webs receive continuous motion at a
speed which is so calculated that a given point will move from one
tremity to the other in eight seconds. 65 are fences carried by
bars 65 for retaining the matches upon the endless webs. At the end of each
endless web 60 is a funnel 66 placed above a distributing spout 67 leading to a
box-filling device 68. The funnels 66 are carried by the bar 65¹ which is sup-
ported from the arched frame h. The spouts 57 are carried by a part 69 capable
of sliding on a trough 70 supported on crossbars h¹ and serving to receive the
matches which from any cause it is not desired to be supplied to the fillers.
The mechanism for "boxing" the matches comprises the box-filling devices 68
carried on a ring 71 which may run on and be guided by friction rollers upon
the stationary ring The revolving ring 71 carries one hundred fillers, corre-
sponding to five times the number (twenty) of the distributing spouts 67. It
consequently receives periodically at every twelve seconds, a movement equal to
one-fifth of a revolution which is transmitted from wheel in the following
manner (see Figures 20 and 21):-The wheel k carries a tappet 72 mounted on
a spring-pressed rod provided with a friction roller 721 and a cam surface 76
mounted on an arm 76. The stationary ring a carries a spring-pressed bolt 74
also provided with a friction roller and a cam 75 extending around about one-
fifth of its circumference and supported upon posts 75. The ring 71 is pro-
vided with five catches 74' for successively engaging with the bolt 74 and with
five stops 73 placed equidistant from each other.
a.
In the position of rest the ring 71 is held stationary by bolt 74 and the
tappet 72 under the pressure of its spring will be outside the circle of stops 73.
At each revolution however of wheel k the cam 76 strikes the friction roller of
spring bolt 74 and moves it backwards while cam 75 presses back roller 721 and
tappet 72 so as to cause the latter to strike the stop 73 and carry with it in its
rotation the ring 71 for a period of a fifth of a revolution. At this moment the
cam 75 causes the tappet 72 to release the stop 73 and allows the bolt 74 to enter
the next catch presented to it. One fifth of a revolution is thus performed in
24 seconds and the stoppage of ring 71 in 9'6- seconds for every revolution of
wheel. The motion is thus sufficiently slow to prevent any appreciable shock,
the more so as ring 71 constantly receives a certain impulse from a studded
ring 51 hereinafter described. Shocks may also be entirely prevented by pro-
viding the stops 73 with springs.
The box-filling devices 68, whose external form may be varied as regards
the part which receives the boxes to suit the form of the latter, consist essentially
of an inclined channel 77 (Figures 16 and 18) provided at its upper part with
a funnel mouth 78 through which the matches enter and terminated at bottom

page_text: by two spring jaws 79, 80, between which the boxes to be filled are placed in an
inclined position, as shewn in Figure 17. The channel 77 is provided at its
lower end with an aperture 81 through which the matches fall into the box.
The jaw 80 of the filler, Figure 16, is divided lengthwise into two parts (see
Figure 17) to admit, as hereafter described, of the insertion between them of
an ejector for discharging the full boxes as hereinafter described. The fillers 68
are mounted on independent supports fitted to slide upon the ring 71 by which
they are carried and are each spring-pressed in the direction of the centre of
the machine. Each support is provided with a lower roller in constant contact
with a cam ring 51 carried by the arms of the large wheel which ring, when
the motion of ring 71 is arrested imparts a to-and-fro motion to the fillers.
The filled boxes may be removed by hand or by means of a series of twenty extrac-
tors 88 (see Figure 2) which may be placed, for example, in the third are of 72°.
The extractors are mounted on brackets 881 fixed to ring a and are held in posi-
tion by springs, and a short cam 89 is provided on wheel k which on passing at
each revolution beneath the roller carried by the extractor, raises the latter
sufficiently to cause the point of the extractor to pass between the two parts of
the lower jaw of the filler 68 and eject the filled box, the extractor being then
returned to its initial position by a spring. A cam 91 (Figures 1 and 3) carried
by cross bar h¹ holds, during the last two-fifths of a revolution, the extractors
raised off the studs of ring 51 to prevent vibration and permit of the introduc-
tion of a fresh supply of empty boxes.
The following is the working of the apparatus: Under the action of the
oscillatory motion towards the right, communicated to boxes q during the first
six seconds, the matches which have been thrown therein pell-mell gradually
fall through the apertures u parallel to one another to the bottom of said boxes
whence they pass vertically downwards into the tubes y and from there pass
singly down through the holes 6, 7, into the tubes 9 where they are momentarily
arrested by the bars 13 which at this moment occupy the position shewn in
Figure 7, one end of the match being still engaged in hole 7, owing to the dis-
tance between said hole and bar 133 being less than the length of the match, the
object of this arrangement being to prevent a second match from dropping into
tube 9. The height of the compartments 3, 4, 5, being also less than the length
of a match, only three matches can penetrate at one time into each compart-
ment 4, 5, the upper ends of which matches will be still engaged in the holes 6
while the matches in compartment 3 will stand up above the level of the bottom
of box q. The arrangement of the latter, together with the semi-circular collars z
and vertical stems r¹, serve to prevent the descent of too large a number of
matches into tubes at one time, so that they may always move freely in com-
partments 3. A single hole 6 would be sufficient for each compartment 4 and 5
but when there are several there will always be a certainty of having a match in
said compartments ready to fall into tube 9. The matches contained in the
double row of tubes 9, corresponding to each bar 13, constitute the charge for
each box and should be of the exact pre-arranged number. It only remains
to verify that all the tubes 9 contain a match; to retain those matches which are
contained above in compartments 4 and 5 so as to enable the matches contained
in tubes 9 to be separated and prevent their being followed by the others and
to distribute the former matches in complete series the incomplete series being
retained. These different operations are effected during the second half of the
revolution of wheel k, that is to say during the six last seconds.
It has been before stated that at the commencement of the seventh second, the
movement of the separating slide frames 30, 31, causes the separating slides 25
to enter the apertures 8 of compartments 4 and 5 so as to shut off the matches
from holes 7 and prevent them dropping into tubes 9, even supposing the same
to be empty. Nearly at the same time the feeler frame 36 is moved towards
the right and supposing all the tubes 9 contain a match the whole of the
feelers 36 will be arrested in their course and their lugs will remain out of line

page_text: with the tappets on bars 13. It is at the commencement of the eighth second
that the boxes q move fourteen millimetres to the left and the tubes 9 are brought
over the tubes 14 while at the commencement of the ninth second the feeler
frame returns to position towards the left and each complete series of matches
passes through said tubes 14 and falls upon the endless web 60 assisted by a
slight vibratory movement at about the ninth-and-a-half second. At the eleventh
second the box q returns to its original position, the tubes 9 and 14 no longer
coincide, and during the twelfth second the separating slides are withdrawn
from tubes y so as to allow a fresh series to drop into the tubes 9. Should a
match be wanting in a series of tubes 9 the bar 13 will be caused by the lugs 39
to partake in the movement of box g, the tubes 9 will not be brought over the
tubes 14, and the incomplete series of matches will be retained.
It has been seen that the matches, before dropping on to the endless web 60,
pass one at a time through the tubes 14 which are made of such form and have
slits of such width that should a match drop head uppermost into tube 14, its
stem will pass out through the slit as shewn in Figure 7, while its head will be
retained until it escapes at the end of the tube when it falls on to the endless
web close beneath, which carries it along to the right with the undipped end
foremost. If, on the contrary, the match passes head downwards through tube 14
the head will still be retained thereby and the stem will fall through the slit
and fall over so as to bring the head uppermost as before. Thus the matches
are in all cases delivered on the endless web with their heads all one way and
remain so until they are introduced into the boxes. Each complete charge of
matches is delivered in less than eight seconds to the box fillers 68 by means
of the funnels 66 and distributing spouts 67. The to-and-fro movement of the
fillers 68 which occupies 9'6 seconds during each stoppage of ring 71 produces
the successive introduction of the matches into the boxes (which have been
previously placed between the jaws of the fillers) with all the heads one way.
The to-and-fro motion of the fillers is arrested when wheel 71 has performed one-
fifth of a revolution as it now revolves at the same speed as the wheel k and
cam ring 51. Should the filling of the boxes with matches be not concluded
within the first fifth of a revolution it may be continued during the following
periods. During the third fifth of a revolution the filled boxes are pushed out
by means of the extractors as herein before described, this method being more
particularly employed for boxes whose lids are provided with rubber springs.
Fresh empty boxes are introduced into the fillers during the two last fifths of
the revolution when the fillers remain stationary.
For boxes of the type represented in Figure 17 the filler 68 may be provi led
with a double flange 82 for holding the lid open. For the well known type of
match box represented at A in Figure 19, the filler would be the same as that
shewn in Figure 16 except that the jaws are longer, the upper jaw 79 being also
provided with an opening extending entirely across the edges a, b, which are
bent up as shewn, so that when the box (whose lid c is introduced through the
opening is withdrawn, the bent-up edge b will force the lid to close.
It is to be understood that the box fillers may be modified to adapt them to
receive different forms of boxes. Thus in the case of boxes having the mouth
at one end, the modified form of filler represented in Figure 18 is employed, the
box being clamped between the flat spring 84 and the jaws 79, 80, and the filler
being provided with a prolongation 83 which forms a channel through which
the matches are introduced into the box. The filler may also be provided with
a division plate 86 having a longitudinal slit 87 through which the matches
can only pass one by one. This division plate may also be applied to all the
forms of fillers described.
The number of containers q (Figure 6) and also of tubes y may be varied accord-
ing to the number of matches to be contained in each box and the number of boxes
to be filled at a time.
The mechanism for arranging the matches all one way may also be constituted

page_text: of straight tubes 14' (Figure 22) each mounted above a kind of trough formed
with inclined sides with sufficient space between them for the passage of the
stem of the match but so that the matches will be retained by their heads. One
side of the trough may be fixed and the other hinged so as to allow by the
swinging of the side upon its hinge, of the matches falling on to the endless
web 60 which travels at a distance from the troughs less than the length of the
match so that the heel ends of the matches will be carried forward by the band
before the heads are released from the trough and thus ensure the matches all
falling one way. Each row of tubes 14' would correspond to a trough and all
the hinged sides of the troughs would be connected by a rod receiving motion
from a lever operated by a cam on the wheel k. The matches on dropping into
the trough remain suspended by their heads with their stems inclined to the
direction of movement of the endless web upon which they drop, on the sides
of the troughs being opened.
My improved machine is applicable not only for boxing all kinds of matches
but also any other objects of similar form, and I reserve the right of modifying
the accessory parts to suit the nature of each application. I also reserve the
right to dispense with certain of the mechanisms used in the different operations
herein before specified, or to employ them separately or grouped in any desired
manner,
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what
I claim is:-
1st. An apparatus for automatically filling boxes with an exact predetermined
number of matches, particularly wax matches, comprising a number of match-
containers divided into compartments provided at bottom with a number
of vertical tubes y divided into three compartments 3, 4, 5, for receiving a certain
number of matches, the two lower compartments communicating by a single
hole with a tube 9 which receives one match at a time, the matches being retained.
by means of bars 13 disposed beneath each double row of tubes 9 and provided
with rectifying tubes 14 which at a given moment are brought beneath said
tubes 9 and which serve to deliver the matches with their heads all one way and
in complete series on to an endless web 60 from which they are delivered through
a spout 67 to a box filling device 68 by which they are supplied to boxes held
in the jaws of said fillers and discharged therefrom at every fifth of a revolution
by means of extractors 88 and replaced by a fresh supply of empty boxes; the
matches in compartments 4 and 5 being retained during the dropping of the
matches into tubes 9 by means of separating slides 25 which are caused to enter
said compartments at the desired moment for the purpose of cutting off access
of the matches to the holes leading to tubes 9, the correct number of matches
in each charge being ensured by means of feelers which prevent said tubes 9
from being brought over the rectifying tubes 14 except when the complete series
of the first mentioned tubes, corresponding to a bar 13, contains a match in each
tube, the said bars in the case of an incomplete charge, being shifted by the lugs
of the feelers during the movements of translation of containers q so as to pre-
vent the tubes 9 from coinciding with tubes 14 and the matches being delivered
on to the endless web as specified.
2nd. In the apparatus herein specified the containers q divided into hopper-
bottomed compartments each having a rectangular aperture u for the delivery
of the matches which are guided in their descent by the vertical surfaces v and
the bottom of said compartments being provided with a number of holes of a
diameter less than the length of a match and opening into distributing tubes,
the delivery of the matches into which tubes is regulated or limited by the
stems, semi-circular collars, and by the matches in tubes y projecting above
the bottom of the container q as specified.
3rd. In the apparatus herein specified, the distributing tubes placed beneath

page_text: holes each divided by a horizontal and a vertical partition into three compart-
ments, an upper one 3 and two lower ones 4, 5, all of a height less than the length
of a match, the upper compartment 3 communicating with the lower compart-
ments 4, 5 by means of small holes and the bottoms of the compartments 4, 5
being made concave so as to direct the matches towards the hole 7 which as well
as the holes 6 is of such diameter as to allow of only one match passing at a time,
the hole 7 opening into a tube 9 of less length than a match so that the matches
resting on the bars 13 may remain still in engagement with holes 7 and those
in compartments 4, 5, may remain for the same reason engaged in holes 6 and
be shut off from the holes 7 by the separating slides which prevent them from
dropping into tubes 9 before the proper moment, as specified.
4th. In the apparatus herein specified, the feeler mechanism for verifying
the completion of the charge, consisting of spring-pressed feelers mounted on
the cross bars of a frame, the springs being adapted to yield on the feelers meet-
ing matches contained in tubes 9, said feelers having lugs which, should a match
be absent, will become interposed in the line of the studs of bars 13 so
prevent the tubes 9 from coinciding with tubes 14 as specified.
as to
5th. In the apparatus herein specified the tubes 14 for arranging the matches
with their heads all one way, said tubes being curved or bent at their lower ends
and provided with longitudinal slots at the concave side of the curve and being
made of a width sufficient to give passage to the stem, but not to the head, of
the match as specified.
6th. In the apparatus herein specified a device for laying the matches with
their heads all one way, consisting of a trough whose inclined sides are separated
by a slit giving passage to the match-stem but not to the head except when one
side is moved away from the other at a given moment, in combination with a
band travelling beneath the slit at a less distance than the length of a match as
described with reference to Figure 22.
7th. In the apparatus herein specified the box-filling device provided with a
partition having a longitudinal aperture giving passage to one match only at a
time and the upper jaw being provided, in the case of sliding boxes A, with an
aperture to receive the lid of the box and effect its automatic closure as described
with reference to Figures 16 to 19.
8th. The combination with each other of the several elementary combinations
forming the subject matter of the preceding claims to form a box-filling machine,
substantially as specified.