Improvements in Machines for Making Matches.
Year: 1898

page_text: Date of Application, 30th Aug., 1898-Accepted, 12th Nov., 1898
Improvements in Machines for Making Matches.
I, JOSEPH CHARLES DONNELLY, of No. 1936, North Twenty-first Street, in the
City and County of Philadelphia, State of Pennsylvania, United States of America,
Machinist, 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 following statement:-
This invention relates to machines for making matches, and, as generally stated,
comprehends an entirely automatic construction and organization of mechanism
whereby splints are uniformly and expeditiously cut from stock; assembled row
by row in a carrier from which broken or imperfect splints are ejected, and by
which the remaining or perfect splints are transported to and through a paraffin
bath; thence to composition-applying devices; thence to and through a drying
structure; the completed matches being uniformly ejected row by row from the
carrier and conducted therefrom to a boxing apparatus or other suitable point of
discharge.
The means whereby are attained the several results or operations above stated
embody in many respects broadly new features, some of which may be applied to
or used in connection with mechanism wherein the splints, whether of wood, wax
taper, or other substance, are delivered from a hopper, or similar feeding device;
while other features may be independently used to perform their separate func-
tions in the manufacture of matches generally.
As the construction and operation of a machine involving my invention are
hereinafter described at length, and the novel features particularly pointed out
in the claims, no preliminary description thereof is deemed necessary.
In considering that part of the machine which I have termed the splint cutting
and inserting mechanism, reference may be had to my Letters Patent No. 9578/96.
In the annexed drawings-
Figure 1 is a side elevation of the entire apparatus, excepting the drying struc
tre, which is shown in vertical section in Fig. 1.
Figure 2 is a side elevation of the splint cutting and inserting mechanism, the
clearing and cleaning devices, and the waste chamber.
Figure 3 is a longitudinal vertical section through Fig. 2.
Figure 4 is a plan of Fig. 2, parts of the punching mechanism being omitted.
Figure 4 is a section of the feed rolls.
Figure 5 is a partial end view of Fig. 2, looking at left-hand end thereof.
Figure 6 is a vertical section, as on the line aa of Fig. 5.
Figure 7 is a transverse vertical section, as on the line b of Fig. 2.
Figure 8 is a vertical section, as on the line c of Fig. 7.
Figure 9 is a transverse section, as on the line d-d of Fig. 8.
Figure 10 is a section of the cutter head, transfer device and carrier, showing
the bead in down position preparatory to introducing splints to the carrier.
Figure 11 is a similar view, showing the cutter head up and the splints
inserted in the carrier.

page_text: Figure 11 is a detail plan of the pocketed transfer device with splints therein.
Figure 12 is a front view of said transfer device, as detached.
Figure 13 is a plan of a pair of cutters.
Figure 14 is a sectional elevation of one of the cutters.
Figure 15 is a plan of a portion of the duplex hopper, with wood therein, show-
ing the row of cutters as in operation.
Figure 16 is a perspective view of a studded bar which co-acts with the cutters
to free the splints therefrom.
Figure 17 is a sectional plan of the transfer device and the cutter head with its
cutters.
Figure 18 is an elevation of the counter-thrust bar.
Figure 19 is a plan thereof.
Figure 20 is a 'transverse section, as on the line e-e of Fig. 18.
Figure 21 is an elevation of the cutter head with back casing removed to show
the mechanism for expelling imperfect splints, slivers, etc., from the slots 'and
pockets in the transfer device.
Figure 22 is a vertical section, as on the line e-e¹ of Fig. 21.
Figure 23 is a detail of the toothed ejecting bar, and adjuncts.
Figure 24 is a detail of the carrier sections and the gearing for actuating the
'same in 'respect to the splint inserting mechanism.
Figure 25 is a plan of coupling devices for adjoining carrier sections.
Figure 26 is an elevation, enlarged, of one of the worms and worm wheels of
said gearing.
Figure 27 is a transverse section of the worm wheel.
Figure 28 is a side elevation of said gearing.
Figure 29 is a plan of same.
Figure 30 is a sectional elevation of the punch head and its operating mech-
anism, showing a portion of the underlying brush and waste chamber.
Figure 31 is a section, as on the line of Fig. 30.
Figure 32 is a section of one of the cams for reciprocating the punch 'head.
Figure 33 is a sectional elevation, enlarged, through the punch head, the
underlying carrier plate, and the splint sustaining bar, showing a punch as in
engagement with a supported splint and retracted.
Figure 34 is a similar view, showing the action of the punch on a broken or
unsupported splint.
Figure 35 is a view of the underside of the punch bar, showing the rows of
staggered punches therein.
Figure 36 is a sectional elevation of the paraffin trough, pan, tank, and adjuncts.
Figure 37 is a plan of Fig. 36.
Figure 38 is a plan of the pan and the feed roller therefor.
Figure 39 is a section through the roller, directly in advance of the pan, show-
ing the overlying carrier and splints therein.
Figure 40 is a section through the pan and the adjacent part of the feed roller,
indicating the operation of the roller in feeding the paraffin to and upon the pan.
Figure 41 is a plan of the composition box, the composition applying roller
and the driving gearing therefor.
Figure 42 is a side elevation of said composition structure, showing the gearing
therefor and for the carrier.
Figure 43 is a vertical section, as on the line ff of Fig. 41.
Figure 44 is a section, as on the line - of Fig. 41.
Figures 45 and 46 are sections of the guiding and supporting wheels for the
carrier.
Figures 47 and 48 are end views thereof, respectively.
Figure 49 is a plan of drag hereinafter referred to.
Figure 50 is a section, as on the line h-h of Fig. 49.
Figure 51 is a plan of mechanism for ejecting splints from the carrier. and'trans-
ferring them to the trays.

page_text: Figure 52 is a side elevation showing the driving mechanism.
Figure 53 is a section, as on the line i of Fig. 51, showing the carrier and
the co-acting studded roller.
A represents a mechanism for cutting the splints from the block and thrusting
them row by row into a continuously-driven endless carrier B, which, in its course,
is directed and guided by suitably-arranged wheels B', B.
C is a brush mechanism arranged in rear of the mechanism A in a manner to
clean the splints as they are moved onward by the carrier.
D is a punching mechanism adapted to eject broken or defective splints from
the carrier.
E is a paraffin applying mechanism arranged in the path of and adapted to treat
the splints during their traverse.
Fis a composition applying mechanism arranged in rear of the mechanism D
in a manner to "head" the splints.
G is an elongated drying chamber through which the splints, thus headed, are
carried.
H is a discharging mechanism arranged adjacent to the splint cutting mech-
anism in a manner to eject the matches, row by row, from the carrier and direct
them to a boxing apparatus of any appropriate character preparatory to the suc-
ceeding traverse of the carrier.
The several mechanisms referred to will be hereinafter considered in detail in
the order above named.
Respecting the splint cutting and inserting mechanism,--1 designates a sub-
stantial frame in which the main driving shaft 2 is mounted. On this frame is
a duplex hopper, 3, embodying, in its construction, two converging chambers by
way of which the blocks of wood are fed to the cutters. This hopper comprises a
channeled base, 4, bolted to the top of an underlying chambered casing 5 fixed
between the sides of the main frame correspondingly with the hopper set out in
my previous patent above mentioned.
Within the respective chambers of the hopper, near the discharging portion there-
of, are the milled feed rollers 6, by means of which the wood is periodically fed
forward. As in my previous construction the rollers are formed on shafts 7 that
extend inwardly at right angles to the hopper, or substantially so, and are
mounted in boxes on the top of the casting 5. The mechanism herein illustrated
for actuating these shafts is substantially similar to that of my previous con-
struction, differing therefrom in mere matters of detail; that is to say, the shafts
are provided on their extremities with bevel wheels 8, respectively, which co-act
with similar wheels, 9, on horizontal stud shafts 10. These latter shafts carry
on their outer ends co-acting gears 11 respectively. On the end of each of the
lower stud shafts 10 is a ratchet wheel 12 with which engages an actuating
pawl 13 on a rock lever 14 that is loosely mounted on the shaft, whereby when
said lever is oscillated the ratchet wheel and its connections are intermittently
rotated. The lever is connected by means of a link 15 with a crank arm 16 on a
transverse rock shaft 17 which has its bearings in the sides of the main frame.
Affixed to this shaft is an arm 18 which bears upon and is actuated by an appro-
priate cam 19 on the main shaft, said arm being held in action with the cam by
means of a suitably-disposed spring 20.
Extending outwardly from each chamber of the hopper is an auxiliary hop-
per 21 which is constructed to receive the wood and feed it into the bite of the
feed rolls. This auxiliary hopper and its appurtenances being fully set out in
my previous patent requires no particular description herein.
As in my previous construction the driving pulley, 212, is loosely mounted on
the main shaft, and an appropriate clutch 22 arranged adjacent thereto is con-
nected through a bell-crank 23 and link 24 with a suitable hand lever 25, whereby
the pulley may be made fast or loose on the shaft as desired. Below a wheel 26 on
the main shaft is a brake shoe 26 which bears against the periphery of the wheel
when the pulley is unclutched, the shoe being mounted on a cam lever 27 that is

page_text: actuated through a spring-controlled lever 28 when the hand lever is operated.
The mechanism just alluded to need not be further considered herein, as the same
is particularly described in my previous patent.
The shaft 29 on which the hand lever is loosely fulcrumed has affixed thereto
a lever 30 whereby the shaft may be independently operated to control certain
tension devices for the feed mechanism in the auxiliary hopper. The tension
devices and the feed mechanism are also fully set out in said patent.
31 designates a vertically reciprocable head or carrier which is fitted to and
guided in appropriate ways in the frame, and is actuated from the shaft 2 by
means of eccentrics 32 with which it is connected by rods 33. On this head is
bolted or otherwise secured a cutter bar 34 on the upper side of which is formed
a series of parallel ways extending transversely of the bar. In these ways are
fitted the shanks of forwardly-projecting tubular cutters 35, which shanks at their
rear ends are tapped for the reception of screws 36 that are applied to horizontal
perforations in a chambered structure 37 (hereinafter described) which is arranged
upon the cutter bar and clamped thereto by vertical screw bolts 38, or the like.
It will be seen that by manipulating the screws 36 the cutters may be inde-
pendently adjusted to insure their alignment; also that the cutters may be
separately removed and replaced as occasion may require.
When the cutters are properly adjusted, their working ends are in the same
horizontal plane as the projecting ends of the blocks in the hopper, so that in the
descent of the reciprocating head the cutters will pass down into the wood and
sever match splints therefrom, substantially similar to the cutters in my previous
construction.
On the lower forward edge of the duplex hopper is secured, by screws 39 or
other means, a bar 40 on the upper edge of which are formed a series of vertical
studs 41 that are equal in number to the tubular cutters and are directly in the
path thereof, to the end that the cutters as they complete their downward stroke
will surround the respective studs, and the latter, acting against the opposing
ends of the row of splints, will, perforce, permit the cutters to clear the same.
The row of splints thus severed from the block are moved back from the path of
the cutters, so that, in the upward stroke of the head, the splints are raised thereby
and thrust into the overlying carrier. In the present construction the splints
are drawn laterally by suction upon or adjacent to the shanks of the cutters, which
shanks in the upward stroke of the head act as thrust bars against the lower ends
of the splints, as hereinafter described.
The chambered structure 37 above referred to, extends from end to end of the
cutter bar. It comprises a bottom or base plate 42, a top plate 43, and a front
plate 44; the last-named plate being provided with a series of parallel vertical
slots 45 that are equal in number to and lie directly rearward of the cutters. These
slots preferably open into vertical parallel pockets or grooves 46 in the outer
face of the plate, to the end that when air is exhausted from the chamber, as below
stated, the splints, cut from the blocks as above described, will be drawn laterally
into said grooves or pockets preparatory to the upward stroke of the cutter head.
The rear of the chamber opens directly into a hollow casing 47 that is bolted on
the back of the cutter head so as to reciprocate therewith and with the chamber.
Extending into the lower end of this casing is the vertical limb of an adjacent
pipe 48, the horizontal limb of which is bolted to a transversely arranged cylin-
drical valve casing 49 so as to communicate with a port 50 therein. This valve
casing is bolted to the underside of the chambered casting 5 above referred to, and
is connected by means of a lateral extension 51 with a vertical pipe 52 leading to
a suitably-arranged fan 53, or other air exhausting apparatus, whereby, if the
port 50 be alternately opened and closed the air will be periodically exhausted
from the chamber 37 for the purpose stated. The valve casing is also provided
with two additional ports 54 and 55, the former of which communicates with a
transverse chamber 56 in the casting 5, while the latter port opens into a vertical
passage 57 in said casting and communicates thereby with a horizontal ‘chamber 58

page_text: disposed above the duplex hopper, to the end that air may be exhausted from
these chambers.
The port 54 is closed while the sticks are being punched into the carrier, as
shown in Fig. 3, but during the descent of the cutters and a portion of the ascent
thereof the port 54 is open, and hence the splints, slivers, etc., resulting from the
cutting operation are drawn from the chamber 56 by and to the fan and dis-
charged therefrom. The ports 50, 54 and 55 are opened and closed at predeter-
mined intervals through the instrumentality of two suitably located segmental
valves 59 and 60, which are affixed to a central shaft 61 in the valve casing.
This shaft has its bearings in the end heads of the casing, one end of the shaft
extending outwardly and being equipped with a sprocket wheel 62 that is geared
with a similar wheel 63 on the main shaft by means of a sprocket chain 64, where-
by the shaft and its valves are continuously rotated. The valves are so set in
respect to each other and to the ports that when the cutter head is at the limit of
its down stroke the port 50 is open so as to exhaust from the chamber 37, while
the port 55 is closed. Hence the splints cut from the blocks as above stated are
drawn into the vertical pockets in the transfer device and retained therein in
parallelism.
Immediately upon the upward movement of the head the valve 60 continues
to close the port 55, and the valve 59 permits the port 50 to remain open until the
As the head
head reaches the extreme limit of its upward stroke, or nearly so.
begins to descend the valve 59 proceeds to close the port 50, and maintains it
closed until near the completion of the stroke, when the port 55 is opened.
Port 55 is opened while the transfer device is passing the mouth of the chamber 58
to the end that any broken or imperfect splints, chips, etc., that may be in or be
ejected from the pockets or slots may be drawn into said chamber and be dis-
charged therefrom by way of the fan.
As a simple and efficient means whereby broken or imperfect splints, or foreign
matter, may be ejected from the slots and pockets, I arrange within the cham-
ber 37 a horizontally-movable bar 65 provided on its face with a series of studs
or teeth GG that are equal in number to and lie directly opposite the slots, whereby
when the bar is moved forward its studs or teeth will register with the slots and
pockets. This bar is provided with end pieces 67 that are fitted to guide ways
in the ends of the chamber, and it is also provided near its respective ends with
rearwardly-projecting lugs 68 to which are connected, by means of links 69, the
vertical armis of bell-crank levers 70. These levers are fulcrumed on a shaft 71
which is supported at its ends in brackets 72 on the reciprocable head. The
shorter ends of the levers are connected by means of links 73 with vertically-
reciprocating arms 74. These arms are affixed to vertical rods 75 that are fitted
to and guided at their ends in vertical openings in the cutter head and in lugs on
the brackets 72 respectively; springs 76 being interposed between the bracket
and the arms so as to maintain the latter normally depressed, and thereby, through
the link and lever connections, maintain the bar normally retracted
The rods 75 are arranged slightly beyond the vertical centres of the respective
connecting rods 33, and extend adjacent to but not in contact with the upper ends
of the latter when the connecting rods are in vertical position. Hence during the
successive oscillations of the connecting rods the shoulders 33" thereof abut against
the rods 75 and elevate them against the pressure of the springs 70 in a manner
to project the studded bar with the effect stated. It will be understood that
when the cutter head is at the extreme limit of each stroke the connecting rods
are vertical and their upper ends out of contact with the overlying rods 75; the
bar 65, in consequence, being in its normal or retracted position. While the
cutter head in its descent is passing the chamber.58, the angularity of the con-
necting rods is such that their corners or shoulders 33 impinge against the
opposed rods 75 and effect thereby the operation of the bar 65 to eject the splints.
In the ascent of the cutter head the shoulders are moved out of contact with the

page_text: rods 75, and, in consequence, said rods and their connections assume their normal
positions in readiness for a succeeding operation.
The frame 1 is surmounted by a cross-bar 64* which lies directly above the
carrier in position to counteract the thrust of the splint-inserting mechanism as
it forces the splints into the carrier One end of the bar is pivotted to a lug 65*
on one side of the frame, while the other end of the bar is detachably secured by
means of a pin 66* to a lug 67* on the other side of the frame. Hence by remov-
ing this pin the bar may be swung upward to permit the carrier, or its plates, to
be raised.
Referring next to the endless carrier and its actuating mechanism,-B repre-
sents a series of perforated plates flexibly connected at their adjoining ends,
preferably by means of laterally disposed links 77. These links, which are lou-
gitudinally slotted, as at 78, are extended into the slotted or bifurcated ends of
bars or ribs 79 on the upper sides of the respective plates and are supported and
guided therein by means of studs 80, which extend through the sides of said bars
and through the intermediate slots in the links, whereby said plates may be
independently moved toward and from each other within limits for a purpose
Lereinafter described. The perforations in the respective plates are formed in
equidistant parallel rows, the end rows thereof being so arranged in respect to the
ends of the plates that when two adjoining plates are brought end to end, or
substantially so, the distance between the adjacent end rows is equal to that
between the adjacent rows in the body of the plate, and, in consequence, uniform
interspaces between the rows of perforations in the adjoining plates are secured.
See Fig. 24. The plates are thus moved together preparatory to their passage
above the splint inserting mechanism, to the end that the end rows of perforations
in said plates will be brought successively into line with the uniformly recipro-
cating splint inserting mechanism, similarly to the succeeding rows in the body
of the plates. These plates are subsequently separated so as to permit their being
flexed upon and around the supporting and guiding wheels B1, B2, and especially
to obviate any liability of the matches in the end rows of the adjoining plates
crossing and coming into contact with each other as such plates are passing
around those wheels on which the matches inwardly project. The particular
time when the plates are brought together preparatory to their passage above the
splint inserting mechanism, and the particular time when the plates are separated
after they leave such mechanism and before they pass to the supporting and guid-
ing wheels, are immaterial. In the present instance the plates are brought into
end to end contact just before their entrance to the splint inserting mechanism A,
and are retained in contact until their passage from the punching mechanism D,
whereupon they are separated.
Instead of perforated plates, the carrier may be made up of any appropriate
sections having provisions for receiving and holding splints or blanks.
On the underside of each of the plates, near its respective lateral edges, are
longitudinal racks 81, the end teeth whereof are so disposed that when two adjoin-
ing plates are brought together, as above stated, the continuity of the rack is
preserved. Meshing with these racks are appropriate gear wheels by means of
which the carrier is continuously and unremittingly driven, and the plates there-
of. during its traverse, are independently moved into and out of contact with
and from each other at predetermined intervals.
In the present instance, the gearing illustrated for actuating the plates is of the
following construction: In appropriate bearings 82 on the respective sides of the
frame are mounted two parallel shafts 83, 83° which are provided with correspond-
ingly located bevel wheels 84 with which co-act similar wheels 85 on the
respective ends of a transverse shaft S6, whereby when the shaft 83 is rotated,
the opposite shaft is likewise driven. Shaft 83 is driven from the main driving
shaft through the medium of a diagonal shaft 87 which is provided on its respec-
tive ends with bevel gears 88 that co-act with similar wheels 89 and 90 on the
shaft 83 and main driving shaft 2 respectively. On the respective ends of each

page_text: of the shafts 83, 83° are worms 91, 92, which are encased by the boxes 93 in which
the ends of the shafts are mounted. The worm 91 on the left end of each of said
shafts co-acts with a worm wheel 94 on a stud shaft 95 in one of said boxes, which
stud shaft carries a pinion 96 that meshes with the teeth of the adjacent rack on
the plates of the overlving carrier in a manner to impel said plates toward the
splint cutting mechanism."
The worm 92 on the right hand end of each of the shafts co-acts with a worm
wheel 97 on a stud shaft 98 in the adjacent box, which stud shaft carries a
pinion 99 that, in turn co-acts with the racks on the carrier plates. The forward
gears 99 are relatively smaller than the rearward gears, and, in consequence.
each successive plate engaged by the latter gears is advanced against the opposing
end of the preceding plate, and such plates are, perforce, impelled in end to end
contact toward and over the splint-inserting mechanism for the purpose above
stated. The gears are, of course, so located relatively to each other that as the
rearward end of a plate is disengaged from the gears 96, the forward end thereof
is engaged by the gears 99. In rear of the gears 96 are arranged corresponding
gears 100 that engage the rack bars of the plates in succession and advance them
to the former gears. The gears 100 are appropriately driven from the gears 96
by means of idlers 101 on a shaft 102. The shafts of gears 96, 100 are supported
in bearings in slide blocks 103, which may be adjusted, as desired, in respect to
the carrier by means of set-screws 104 working in housings 105 in which the
blocks are fitted.
I preferably so mount the respective worms 91, 92, on their shafts that the
worms may be nicely adjusted lengthwise to insure accurate register thereof with
the teeth of the co-acting worm wheels, and thus attain perfectly uniform actua-
tion of the carrier. With this end in view each of the worms is loosely mounted
on its shaft between sleeves 105" which are clamped against the respective ends
of the worm by screw nuts 106 on the shaft. It will be obvious that by manipu-
lating these nuts the sleeves and therewith the worm may be minutely adjusted
lengthwise of the shaft and secured in the desired position of adjustment.
I also preferably make each of the worm wheels in two parts (a and b) the outer
part (a) being adjustable on the inner part (b) and being held in place thereon
by set-screws 107 passing through slots 108 in the former part. By this con-
struction the outer part may be slightly turned to effect minute adjustment of the
sectional teeth thereon in respect to those of the adiacent section for the purpose
of compensating for wear of the teeth, and thus obviating all liability of "back-
lash."
By the use of a continuously-moving carrier, increased speed and more uniform
operation may be attained than in the intermittently-movable carrier commonly
employed. This follows from the fact that the number of reciprocating
parts is reduced, and a continuous rotary movement is had instead of
a jumping action. Besides, the operation of the carrier is positive, thus obviating
the use of the locking devices required in the step-by-step construction.
On the end of the frame 1 is bolted a box 109, the open upper side of which lies
immediately heneath the advancing carrier plates, to the end that the splints as
they are carried onward will pass through the box. In the sides of this box, at
a suitable distance apart, are journalled two parallel shafts 110 carrying
brushes 111 which shafts project through one side of the box and bear exterior
gear wheels 112 with which co-acts an interposed idler 113. One of the shafts
is provided with a pulley 114 which is belted with a pulley 115 on an over-head
counter-shaft 116, whereby the brush shafts are simultaneously driven reversely
of the direction of movement of the carrier in a manner to engage the splints
and brush the dust, waste, etc.. therefrom as the splints are carried through the
box. The air-exhaust pipe 52 is provided with a branch 117 which extends into
the bottom of the box so as to discharge the waste, etc., therefrom.
In order that broken or imperfect splints in the carrier may be expelled there-
from into the waste box, I have provided the following construction:

page_text: On the sides of the box are projections 118 to which are bolted pedestals 119
in which is journalled a transverse shaft 120. One end of the shaft is extended
outward and is provided with a bevel wheel 120" which co-acts with a similar
wheel 120 on the upper end of an inclined shaft 120°. On the lower end of the
latter shaft is a bevel wheel 120 which co-acts with a like wheel 120° on the end
of the main shaft, whereby the shaft 120 is continuously and positively driven.
Fixed on the shaft 120, adjacent to the respective pedestals, are bevel wheels 121
which gear with corresponding wheels 122 on the upper ends of inclined shafts 123
respectively. These latter shafts have their bearings in suitably-disposed
boxes 124 and carry on their lower ends worms 125 that co-act with worm
wheels 126 respectively, the shafts 127 of which have their bearings in the
opposite sides of the box. Hence motion is transmitted from the shaft 120 to the
shafts 127.
Shaft 120 near its respective ends carries cam wheels 128 which act upon anti-
friction rollers 129 in an underlying cross-head 130. These wheels each com-
prise a circular disc interrupted at diametrically opposite points by recesses 131
and a projection 132, respectively. The ends of the cross-head are fitted to and
guided in vertical guide ways in the inner sides of the pedestals. Rising from
the ends of the cross-head are vertical posts 133 which are connected at their
upper ends by cross-bars 134, so as to constitute open frames which embrace the
respective cams. In the cross bars are fitted rollers 135 against which roll the
peripheries of the cams, such rollers being provided with circumferential grooves
for the free passage of the projections on the cams. It will be seen that during
the rotation of the shaft 120 the projections on the cams, at a part of their revolu-
tion, bear upon the rollers 129 and depress the cross-head, the recesses 131 in that
case being directly below the rollers 135 so as to permit their descent; and that
as the rotation of the cam continues, the opposing walls of the recesses, riding
against the rollers 135, quickly raise the cross-head. Thus during each revolu-
tion of the shaft 120 the cross-head is reciprocated.
140;
On the underside of the cross-head is a gang of normally-projected, spring-
controlled punches 136, which are so constructed and arranged as to register with
the successive rows of perforations in the moving carrier during the reciprocations
of the cross-head. In the present instance there are two parallel rows of punches
staggered and adapted to engage alternate holes of two adjacent rows in the
carrier, whereby during the traverse of the carrier, the two rows of punches act suc-
cessively upon each advancing row of splints. Each of these plungers or punches
comprises an ejecting pin 137; a stem 138; a shoulder 139, and a guide pin
the whole being fitted to and guided in the cross-head. The shoulder and pin are
contained in a recess or socket 141 in the cross-head, the pin extending freely into
a centrally perforated screw-plug 142 at the mouth of the recess. Encircling the
pin is a spiral spring 143 which bears against the plug and the shoulder so as to
depress the stem and maintain the pin thereon normally projected below the
cross-head. By adjusting the screw-plug the pressure of the spring may be nicely
regulated. Such pressure is that if the match splints are unsupported at their
lower or free ends the punches upon striking the upper ends of the splints will
force then from the carrier; but if, on the other hand, the lower ends of the
splints be supported, the punches, instead of ejecting the splints, will retreat into
the cross-head against the compression of their springs.
Although any appropriate means may be employed to counteract the thrust of
the punches on the splints, I prefer to use a transverse cross-bar 144 which is
affixed within the box, intermediate the brushes and directly below the plunger.
The upper face of this bar is on the same horizontal plane as the lower ends of
the perfect splints in the carrier, so that such ends are supported by the bar under
the conditions stated; but if the splints be too short or imperfect the lower ex-
tremities thereof being above the bar and unsupported thereby will be ejected from
the carrier by the punches. (See Figs. 33 and 34).
The carrier is impelled at points adjacent to the punching mechanism by means

page_text: of gears 145 that engage the rack bars of the plates in succession. These gears
are mounted on stud shafts 146 in the respective sides of the box, and are engaged
with and impelled by gears 147 on the respective worm wheel shafts 127 above
referred to.
Adjacent to the waste box 109 is a longitudinally-arranged trough 148 in which
liquid paraffin is contained, so that the splints will be carried from said box into
and through the paraffin and be thereby saturated. One end of this trough is
secured to the end of the box while the opposite end of the trough rests upon an
underlying transversely arranged tank 149 in which the paraffin, in solid form,
is melted. In the bottom of the trough and tank is arranged a coil of pipes 150
through which steam is circulated, whereby the paraffin in the tank is melted
and that in the trough is maintained in liquid state. The melted paraffin in the
tank is pumped therefrom into the trough by means of a pump 151 which com-
municates with the tank and trough by means of pipes 152 and 153 respectively.
The pump is driven from the counter shaft by the belt 154 and pulleys 155.
Extending through the bottom of the trough so as to communicate with the
underlying tank is an overflow pipe 156 for the paraffin in the trough. The upper
end of this pipe is provided with a screw-section 157 whereby its length may be
varied for the purpose of regulating the level of the paraffin in the trough, as
required.
Running from end to end of the trough are two parallel bars 158, which are
located a suitable distance apart to provide a trackway for the support of the
lateral edges of the carrier. The bars are so located that the splints travel
above the level of the paraffin in the trough. Arranged within the trough,
slightly above the paraffin level, and in the path of the splints, is a longitudinal
pan 159, comprising a bottom 160 with side flanges 162 and slotted back bar 161.
The slots in the latter are arranged at intervals apart corresponding with the
spaces between the splints in each row, so that while such splints will pass through
the slots, the splints will practically close the back of the pan. On the underside
of the pan is a steam chamber 163 which is connected with the pipes 150 by
means of branch pipes 164, whereby the liquid contents of the pan may be heated.
At the forward or open end of the pan is a transverse roller 165, the body of which
is submerged in the trough, while the periphery thereof projects above the
paraffin level. This roller is provided, at regular intervals, with a series of cir-
cumferential grooves 166, the bottoms of which revolve adjacent to the bottom of
the pan, and the latter is provided, on its forward end, with a series of fingers 167
(similar to the teeth of a comb, for example) that project into said spaces.
These spaces correspond in number and position with each row of splints, so that
the splints will pass freely through the interspaces and into the pan. By this
construction it will be seen that owing to the centrifugal force and capillary
attraction the paraffin in the trough will be carried in a uniform stream onto
and throughout the width of the pan during the rotation of the roller; that in
their traverse the splints will pass through and be saturated by the paraffin in the
pan and that as the paraffin is delivered onto the forward end of the pan and
discharged at the other end thereof, a continuous circulation of the paraffin within
the pan and trough will be effected so long as the rotation of the roller is
continued.
In the present instance the feed roller is mounted on a transverse shaft 168
having its bearings in posts 169 rising from the bottom of the trough. One end
of this shaft carries a gear 170 which co-acts with an overlying gear 171 on a
driven shaft 172, whereby the roller is properly turned. On the shaft 172 are
the fast and loose pulleys 173, 174, respectively, either of which may be beltel
with the main driving shaft, as it may be desired to stop or operate the feed
roller. The belt is shifted from one pulley to the other by means of the shipper
lever 175 one arm of which is connected with and actuated by a hand lever 176
which is fulcrumed to a bracket on one of the bars 158. Adjacent to the hand
lever is a notched segment 177, the notches of which are adapted to be engaged
•

page_text: by a sliding dog 178 on said lever, for the purpose of locking the latter in its
positions of adjustment, said dog being connected with and actuated by a suitably-
disposed thumb-lever 179 on the hand lever. (See Fig. 36.)
Referring now to the composition applying mechanism,--180 denotes a bed-
plate provided with transverse guide ways 181 to which are fitted flanges on the
lower edges of a supporting frame 182. On this bed-plate is fixed a rack-bar 183
with which engages a pinion 184, whose shaft 185 is mounted in and between the
walls of the frame, whereby when said shaft is properly rotated, said frame and
its appurtenances may be readily drawn outward from or run beneath the carrier,
as desired. On this frame is supported a stean chamber 186, on the walls of
which rest the lateral flanges 187 of a composition box 188 that depends within
said chamber, whereby the contents of the box are heated. The steam is intro-
duced to the chamber by way of the steam pipe 189. The box is centrally
supported on the bottom of the steam chamber by means of a boss 190 which
affords a bearing for the upper end of a tubular shaft 191, the lower end of which
has its bearings in a depending bracket 192 on the frame. The lower end of the
shaft is provided with a bevel wheel 193 which gears with a corresponding
wheel 194 on the inner end of a transverse shaft 195 that has its bearings in
brackets 196 on the bed plate. On the outer end of this shaft is a bevel wheel 197
which coacts with a similar wheel 198 on a longitudinally-disposed shaft 199
which is connected with and driven from the main driving shaft. In the present
instance that end of the shaft 199 adjacent to the main shaft has its bearings in
a pedestal 200, and carries a worm wheel 201 with which coacts a worm 202 on the
main shaft. Hence positive motion is transmitted from the main shaft to the
tubular shaft or sleeve 191. To the upper end of this sleeve is affixed a series of
radial blades 203 which sweep around the bottom of the composition box, so as
to perform the function of scrapers and stirrers. Extending through the sleeve
is a vertical shaft 204 on the lower end of which is a bevel wheel 205 which co-
acts with the wheel 194 on the shaft 195, whereby the vertical shaft is rotated in
a contrary direction to the sleeve. On the upper end of this vertical shaft is
affixed an eccentric head 206 carrying a series of upwardly-projecting blades 207
which, in their eccentric rotation, reversely to the lower blades, aid still more
effectually in stirring and mixing the composition.
In boxes 208 in the walls of the composition box is journalled a transverse
shaft 209 on which is mounted a roller 210 which, during its rotation, carries
the composition into the path of the match splints, whereby the free ends of the
successive rows of splints are tipped with composition or "headed." One end of
shaft 209 extends beyond the side of the box and is mounted in a bracket 211
supported on the wall of the underlying steam chamber. This end of the shaft
carries a bevel wheel 212 which gears with a similar wheel 213 on a vertical
shaft 214, which latter shaft has its bearings in the bracket 211 and in a lower
bracket 215 on the side of the frame. On the lower end of the shaft is a bevel
wheel 216 which gears with a similar wheel 217 on the shaft 195 above described.
By this construction the shaft 209 and the composition roller are positively driven.
218 is a suitably-valved port in the botttom of the composition box, whereby the
composition may be run out as desired.
As a simple and efficient means whereby the composition shall be uniformly
carried by the roller to the splints, and also whereby the feeding of the com-
position may be checked, simultaneously with the stopping of the paraffin-applying
operation, as occasion may require, I arrange in rear of the composition roller,
longitudinally thereof, a blade 219 that is adapted to be moved against or away
from the periphery of the roller, as desired. When the blade is retracted from
the roller a predetermined distance, a uniform layer of composition is permitted
to pass to the splints, but when the blade is moved against the roller the blade
performs the function of a scraper, and thereby prevents the passage of the com-
position to the splints. In the present instance the blade is carried by two
arms 220 on a rock shaft 221 which has its bearings in the sides of the com-

page_text: position box. Encircling this shaft near its respective ends are torsional
springs 222 that tend normally to raise the rock arms, and thus maintain the blade
retracted from the roller. On each of the arms is a set-screw 223, which abut-
ting against a suitably-disposed lug 225 on the wall of the composition box,
serves as an adjustable stop to determine the downward movement of the arm.
Rising from this lug is a screw 224 which extends through a perforated lug on
the adjacent arm and is provided with a set-nut against which said latter lug
abuts when the arm is raised, thereby providing an adjustable stop to limit the
upward movement of the blade.
arm of
Fulcrumed to the side of the composition box is a lever 226, one
which projects upward and is connected with the hand lever 176 above described,
by means of a link 227, while the other arm (226) extends forwardly and in-
wardly so as to engage the adjacent rock-arm. The, link is connected with the
lever 226 by means of a pin and slot connection 228, which is so, arranged that
when the hand-lever is swung forward to shift the belt from the fast pulley 173
to the loose pulley 174, the lever is actuated to depress the connected rock-arm
and thus force the blade toward or against the periphery of the composition
roller. When the lever 176 is thrown backward to shift the belt onto the fast
pulley, the lever 226, being free in the pin and slot connection, permits the rock-
arm and the blades to return to their normal position.
Loosely mounted on the roller shaft 209, adjacent to the pinion 212, thereon,
is a spur wheel 229 on the hub of which is a bevel gear .230 that co-acts with
the gear 213 on the vertical shaft 214, whereby said spur wheel is positively
driven. This spur wheel is interposed between and geared with two corre-
sponding wheels 231 mounted on transverse shafts 232 having their bearings
in lateral boxes on the composition box, whereby said shafts are simultaneously
driven in the same direction. On each of these shafts are suitably-located spur
wheels 233, which co-act with the overlying rack bar on the carrier in a manner
to impel the latter onward with sufficient speed to effect the separation of the
plates. The wheels 231 are adjustably mounted on their respective shafts, so
that said wheels may be minutely adjusted in respect to the, teeth of the inter-
posed gear 229 to insure absolutely uniform movement of the carrier by the
gears 233.
In this instance the wheels are loosely mounted on the shafts,232 and are
provided each with two laterally-projecting lugs 234, between which extends
a spud 235 which is keyed fast to the shaft 232. In the lugs are fitted screws 236
which take against the respective sides of the spud, so that by properly manipu-
lating the screws accurate adjustment of the, spur wheel may be had.
The sides of the carrier are supported and guided in suitably located guide
ways on or above the composition box, which ways comprise longitudinal rails 237
offset on their inner sides for the support of the lateral edges of the plates, and
provided with cap bars 238 which extend over the lateral coupling pieces on
said plates. The cap bars are detachable so as to permit the carrier plates to
be raised or removed as necessity may require. To this end said bars are pro-
vided on their undersides with ribs 239 which register with corresponding
grooves in the rails, and said bars, are provided with laterally-open slots 240,
through which extend the set screws 241 by means of which the bars are bolted
to, the respective rails. By loosening the screws the rails may be bodily raised
from engagement with the underlying grooves and then be removed bodily in-
ward free from the rails.
The splints headed with composition as above described, are carried into and
through the drying chamber, the carrier passing around suitably-arranged guide
wheels exteriorly and interiorly of the chamber. This chamber comprises a
brick structure provided on its inner end with an opening 242, at the mouth
of which is supported a coil of steam pipes 243. Extending into the bottom of
the structure is an exhaust pipe 244 leading to the fan, whereby a steady cur-
rent of fresh air is maintained within the chamber, for as the air is exhausted

page_text: by way of the pipe 244 a current enters the inlet and is heated on its passage
by contact with the opposing steam pipes.
A suitable frame work 245 is arranged within the chamber,, and the guide
wheels are mounted therein in rows, near the top and bottom of the chamber,
the carrier being guided in a sinuous course around the upper
and lower wlieels
in alternate succession, then returned along the top of the, chamber through an
opening 246; thence to and around the guide wheels at the opposite end of the
circuit. One (or more) of the wheels 'in the drying chamber is positively driven
to insure the travel of the carrier. To this end the shaft of said wheel is
equipped with a worm wheel 247 with which co-acts a worm 248 on the upper
end of a vertical shaft 249, the lower end of said shaft, being provided with a
bevel wheel 250 which gears.with and is driven by a similar wheel 251 on the
driven shaft 199 above described.
The wheels in their preferred form, each comprise two skeleton side sec-
tions 252 connected and held a suitable distance apart by transverse tie-rods 253.
On the inner side of the sections is a series of octagonally arranged ledges or
flanges 254 which constitute supports for 'the edges of the respective plates.
The flanges of the upper series of wheels are provided at their ends with in-
wardly-projecting teeth-sections 255 which are situated to mesh with the rack
teeth on the plates, thereby preventing the plates from sliding end to end on
the wheels, and insuring the steady and uniform advancement of the carrier.
It is essential that the adjacent ends of the plates be kept separated whilst the
carrier rounds the wheels, otherwise the inwardly converging splints on or near
said ends would come together with disastrous results.
For the same purpose as the teeth on the upper wheels, the flanges 254 on the
lower wheels (B2) are provided with suitably located studs 255, which engage
the shouldered ends of the side bars of the respective plates. The slight variance
in the construction of the upper and lower wheels is necessitated by the engage-
ment thereof with the opposite sides of the carrier during its travel.
The
The matches are carried around to the discharging mechanism G, where-
upon, being thoroughly dried, they are ejected row by row from the carrier.
This mechanism is of the following description: 256 denotes a transverse drum
mounted on a shaft 257 directly above the carrier, so as to roll in contact with
the latter or substantially so. The periphery of the drum is provided with
parallel rows of projecting studs 258 which are constructed and arranged to
gear or register with the successive rows of perforations in the carrier during
its onward movement, so as to express therefrom the matches row by row.
shaft has its bearings in boxes 259 which are supported by a substantial
frame 260. One end of the shaft projects out beyond the frame and carries a
bevel wheel 261 which gears with a similar wheel 262 on the upper end of a
vertical shaft 263 having its bearings in brackets 264. The lower end of
shaft 263 carries a Bevel wheel 265 which co-acts with a like wheel 266 on a
longitudinal shaft 267, which is connected with and driven from the main driv-
ing shaft similarly to the shaft 199 above described; that is to say, that end
of the shaft adjacent to the main shaft is borne in a pedestal 268 and carries a
worm wheel 269 with which engages a worm 270 on the main shaft. On the
projecting portion of the roller shaft 257 is fixed a spur wheel 271 which, gears
with two corresponding wheels 272 on the adjacent ends of a pair of lower
parallel transverse shafts 273 which have their bearings in the sides of frame 260,
whereby the latter shafts are driven in concert. On each of these shafts 273
are two suitably arranged spur wheels 274 which co-act with the overlying rack
on the carrier in a manner to drive the latter. The wheels 272 are adjustably
mounted on their respective shafts similarly to and for a like purpose as the
wheels 231 above described.
The frame is provided similarly to the composition box with longitudinal
guide-ways in which the edges of the carrier are guided and supported during
its traverse.
Beneath the carrier, directly in advance of the plane in which the matches

page_text: are expressed therefrom by the studded drum, is a freely revoluble roller 275
(block, or the like) which supports the carrier against the thrust or pressure
of the drum. The matches when expressed fall upon an underlying apron 276.
This apron carries the matches forwardly and deposits them row by row in a
train of match trays 277 on a transversely extending belt 278 in the usual
manner. In this instance the apron turns on a loose roller or sleeve 279 on
the rearward shaft 273, and is driven by a transverse shaft 280 from the shaft 267
with which it is geared by means of a, belt 281 and pulleys 282. On the shaft 280
is a worm 283 which, gearing with a worm wheel 284 on an underlying shaft 285
actuates said latter shaft and a pulley 286 thereon. The tray carrying belt,
passing around this pulley, is continuously driven thereby, so as to feed the
trays thereon into position to receive the splints row by row from the apron.
I preferably, though not essentially, arrange in rear of the studded roller 256
a block 287 which bears upon the carrier and serves as a drag therefor. In
the present case the block is provided on its underside with leather 288. or other
good frictional material, and is provided with lateral shoulders. 289 that abut
against the opposing ends of the guide ways for the carrier. (See Figs. 49
and 50).
The general operation of the machine above described may be briefly stated
as follows: Power being applied to the driving pulley 21°, the attendant pulls
the hand lever 25 in a manner to lock the pulley to, the main shaft and thereby
start the machine. Blocks of wood are supplied to the hopper and fed thereby
to the path of the cutter head, which, together with the chambered structure 37,
is vertically reciprocated by the eccentric connection with the main shaft. In
the down stroke of the cutter head, the cutters thereon sever a row of splints from
the blocks, the cutters at the lower end of the stroke surrounding the studs so
as to free the splints. At this stage the port 50 is open and hence the air is
being exhausted from the chamber, in consequence of which the splints thus
freed are drawn into the pockets of said chamber with their lower ends resting
upon the shanks of the cutters. In the upward stroke of the cutter head these
splints are carried upward thereby and their upper ends punched into a row
of holes in the overlying carrier, at which time the port 50 is closed so as to
cut off the air exhaust from said chamber. In the descent of the cutter head.
about midway of its stroke, the bar 65 is projected into the slotted pockets of
the chamber so as to eject slivers, etc., therefrom, and at the same time the port 55
is open so as to permit therethrough a current, of air which draws such slivers, etc.,
from the pockets and discharges them by way of the fan. During a portion
of the ascent and descent of the cutter head the port 54 is opened so as to permit
the clearance of debris from the chamber 56.
The carrier is continuously advanced so that in each upward stroke of the
cutter head a fresh row of holes is presented to the new row of splints. As the
plates in the carrier approach the splint inserting mechanism they are moved end
to end through the action of the differential gearing to ensure the end rows of
holes in the adjoining plates, whilst crossing such mechanism, being brought
into proper alignment with the successive rows of splints. The plates with the
depending splints therein thus pass onward through the box 109 wherein the
rotating brushes engage the splints and brush the dust, etc., therefrom, such
dust being discharged by means of the fan. Thence the plates pass under the
vielding punches in the reciprocating cross-head, which punches in their recipro-
cations act upon the upper ends of the successive rows of splints in the carrier.
so as to eject from the latter into the waste box those short or imperfect splints
that are unsupported by the underlying cross bar 144. When the plates leave
the punching mechanism, they are separated through the action of the gear-
ing 233, and the splints carried thereby into and through the paraffin pan, in
which may be kept up a continuous circulation of paraffin by the feed roller
so as to saturate the splints. This roller, and, perforce, the feeding of the
paraffin, may be thrown into or out of operation, as desired, by the shifting of
the belt onto either the fast pulley 173 or the loose pulley 174. The plates with

page_text: the splints are carried from the paraffin pan toward and over the rotating
composition roller, which, in its rotation, carries the composition from the com-
position box into the paths of the lower ends of the splints. Thus the latter
are headed. The layer of composition carried by the roller may be nicely regu-
lated by adjusting the blade 219, or the feed may be entirely cut off by moving
the blade against the periphery of the roller. When the shipper lever is operated
to throw the paraffin feed roller out of operation, the connection between said
lever and the blade effects the movement of the blade against the roller, so as
to check the paraffin and composition feeds simultaneously.
1
The plates, with their matches, pass into the drying chamber and around the
supporting and guiding wheels therein, thence returning from the chamber to
and around the guide wheels at the opposite end of the apparatus. At this stage
the matches are thoroughly dried. The plates then pass below the rotating
drum, the peripheral studs of. which register with the successive rows of holes
in the carrier in a manner to eject the matches therefrom row by row. These
matches fall upon the underlying apron 276 which carries them forwardly and
deposits them row by row in the train of match trays 277 on, the belt 278. The
plates then pass to the splint inserting mechanism for a succeeding operation.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is:-
1. The combination. of a splint carrier, means for cutting the splints and leav-
ing them free, supporting and operating means therefor, and means whereby
the splints are moved bodily sidewise with their ends resting on, an abutment.
2. The combination of a splint carrier, cutters, supporting and operating
means therefor, means whereby the splints are freed from the cutters at the
end of the cutting stroke, and means whereby the splints are moved bodily
sidewise with their ends resting on an abutment.
3. The combination of a splint carrier, a reciprocative cutter head, means
for cutting the splints, and leaving them free, and means whereby the splints
are laterally moved bodily upon an abutment, whereby in the stroke of the
cutter head toward the carrier the splints are thrust into the carrier.
4. The combination of a splint carrier, a reciprocating cutter head, means
for cutting the splints and leaving them free, and means whereby the splints
as they are produced are moved upon the shanks of the cutters, whereby during
the stroke of the cutter head said splints are introduced to the carrier.
5. The combination of a splint carrier, a reciprocating cutter head, means for
cutting the splints and leaving them free, a pneumatic device arranged to shift
the splints, laterally upon an abutment, whereby during the stroke of the cutter
head said splints are introduced to the carrier.
6. The combination of a reciprocating cutter head, means for cutting the
splints and leaving them free, a hollow transfer or feed device the forward face
of which is arranged directly above and in rear of the working ends of the cutters,
means for exhausting air from said device to the end that the row of splints will
be drawn laterally thereto from the cutter ends, a splint carrier, and means
whereby the splints in said device are engaged with said carrier.
7. The combination of a reciprocating cutter head, means for cutting the
splints and leaving them free, a hollow transfer or feed device mounted on said
head directly above and in rear of the working ends of the cutters, means for
exhausting air from said device to draw the splints thereto and upon the shanks
of the cutters, and a carrier to which said splints are introduced.
8. The combination of a splint carrier, a reciprocating cutter head, means for
cutting the splints and leaving them free, a chambered structure, arranged in
proximity to the said cutters, and means for producing a current of, air in said
structure, whereby the splints as they are cut are moved beyond the cutting ends
of the cutters so that during the stroke of the cutter head said splints are intro-
duced to the carrier.

page_text: 9. The combination of a splint carrier, a reciprocating head, a cutter bar
thereon, means for cutting the splints and leaving them free, a transfer or feed
device imposed on said cutter bar and head, means for reciprocating said head,
and means for exhausting air from said device.
10. The combination of a source of splint supply, a reciprocating head provided
with a chambered structure having a series of pockets to receive the splints
laterally and support them in parallelism, means for exhausting air from said
structure, and valve mechanism for controlling the air exhaust.
11. The combination, with, a source of splint supply, of a chambered structure
having therein a series of slotted or perforated pockets to receive the splints
laterally and support them in parallelism, an air exhaust device connected with
said structure, valve mechanism for opening and checking the exhaust at certain
intervals, and a splint carrier to receive the splints in said pockets.
12. The combination, with a source of splint supply, of a chambered transfer
or feed device, the front of which is constructed to receive the splints laterally
and support them in parallelism, a hollow casing opening into said device and
forming a back therefor, and means for exhausting air from said casing.
13. The combination with a source of splint supply, of a chambered transfer
or feed device, the front of which is, constructed to receive the splints laterally
and support them in parallelism, means for supporting and reciprocating said
a back therefor, and
device, a casing opening into said device and forming
means for exhausting air from said casing.
14. The combination with a reciprocating cutter head carrying, a row of cutters,
of a chambered transfer or feed device on said head, the front of which device
is arranged in close relation to the cutters, and constructed to receive and hold
the splints laterally and in parallelism as they are produced, a hollow casing
fixed on said head and opening into the back of the said device, and means for
exhausting air from said casing.
1
row of
15. The combination with a reciprocating cutter head carrying a
cutters, of a hollow transfer or feed device constructed to receive and hold the
splints laterally and in parallelism as they are produced, a chamber located
below the cutters to receive the chips, slivers, etc., resulting from the cutting
operation, pneumatic means having connections with said device and chamber,
and valve mechanism for controlling the connection with said device.
16. The combination with a source of splint supply, of a hollow transfer or
feed device constructed to receive and hold the splints laterally and in parallel-
ism, a chamber forward of said device and opening into the path thereof, and
means for, exhausting air from said device and chamber at predetermined intervals.
17. The combination with a source of splint supply, of a transfer or feed device
constructed to receive and hold the splints laterally and, in parallelism, a cham-
ber forward of said device and opening into the path thereof, air exhaust means
having connections with said device and chamber, and valve mechanism for
opening and closing said connections at predetermined intervals.
18. The combination of a source of splint supply, a splint carrier, a cutter
head, a transfer or feed device reciprocative toward and from the carrier and
having provision for the reception of, splints, and a clearer on said device, together
with means for independently actuating said clearer at predetermined intervals
during the reciprocations of said device.
19. The combination with a chambered structure having a slotted or per-
forated splint receiving and retaining portion, and means for exhausting air
from said structure to draw the splints laterally thereto and maintain them in
parallelism, of a clearing device adapted to enter the slots or perforations in
said structure.
20. The combination, with a source of splint supply, of a transfer or feed device
provided with slotted or perforated pockets for the reception of splints, an air
exhaust device connected with said pockets, and means in rear of said pockets io
enter and clear the same at intervals.

page_text: 21. The combination, with a source of splint supply, of a transfer or feed
device provided with a slotted or perforated splint receiving and retaining por-
tion; a reciprocating clearer in said device, and means for reciprocating said
clearer.
22. The combination, with a source of splint supply, of a transfer or feed
device provided with a slotted or perforated splint receiving portion, an exhaust
device connected with said portion, a clearer arranged within said device, and
means for periodically moving the clearer into and retracting it from the said
slotted or perforated portion.
L
23. The combination, with a source of splint supply, of a transfer or feed
device provided with a slotted or perforated splint receiving portion, an exhaust
device connected with said portion, a studded or toothed bar in said device
adapted to co-act with such portion, and means for reciprocating said bar.
24. The combination of a source of splint supply, a splint carrier, a cutter
head, a transfer or feed device provided with a slotted or perforated splint receiv
ing portion, an air exhaust connected with said device, and a clearer for said
device.
25. The combination of a source of splint supply, a splint carrier, a recipro-
cating cutter head with a row of cutters, a chambered structure on said head
provided with a series of slotted or perforated splint receiving and retaining
pockets corresponding in number and position with the cutters, means for ex-
hausting air from said structure, means for reciprocating said head, a clearing
device in said structure, and means for operating said device during the recipro-
cation of the cutter head.
26. The combination, with a source of splint supply, of a transfer or feed
device provided with a slotted or perforated splint receiving portion, a recipro-
cating head on which said device is mounted, a connecting rod for said head,
means for operating said rod, clearing means in said head, and operative con-
nections between said rod and clearing means.
27. The combination, with a source of splint supply, of a transfer or feed device
provided with a slotted or perforated splint receiving portion, a toothed or studded
bar adapted to co-act with said portion, a reciprocable spring-controlled rod in
said head, lever and link connections between said rod and bar, a connecting
rod with which the first-named rod is engaged, and means for operating said
connecting rod.
28. The combination, with a source of splint supply, and a carrier embodying
a series of sections having their adjacent ends flexibly connected by means per-
mitting relative longitudinal movement, of means for moving said plates in
end to end contact, or substantially so, during a part of their traverse, and for
separating them at another part of their traverse.
29. The combination, with a source of splint supply, and a continuously-
driven carrier embodying a series of connected sections whereof the connections
permit independent longitudinal movement, of means for moving one or more
sections at a slow rate of speed, and means for moving the rearward section or
sections at a higher rate of speed, whereby said latter section or sections are
moved into contact, or substantially so, with the forward section or sections.
30. The combination, with a source of splint supply, and a carrier embodying
a series of sections connected at adjacent ends by slotted links. so as to be mov-
able independently toward and from each other, of differential speed mechanism
for actuating said sections and moving them into end to end contact, or sub-
stantially so, during a part of their traverse, and for separating them at another
part of their traverse.
31. The combination, with a source of splint supply, of a carrier. embodying
a series of perforated sections wherein the perforations in each section are formed
in equidistant parallel rows, the end rows being so arranged that when two
adjoining sections are brought end to end, or substantially so, the distance be-
tween the adjacent end rows is equal to that between the adjacent rows in the

page_text: body of the section, connections between said sections permitting their relative
longitudinal movement, means whereby the sections are moved together during
a part of their traverse, and means whereby they are subsequently separated.
32. The combination, with a source of splint supply, of a carrier embodying
a series of flexibly connected sections whereof the connections permit relative
longitudinal movement of the sections, said sections having provisions to receive
the splints and having on their lateral edges longitudinal racks, the end teeth
whereof are so disposed that when two adjoining sections are brought together
the continuity of the racks is preserved, gear wheels meshing with said racks,
and means whereby said wheels are operated so as to impel the carrier, and
during its traverse to move said sections into and out of contact with and from
each other at predetermined intervals.
33. The combination, with a source of splint supply, and a carrier composed
of sections connected by means permitting relative longitudinal movement and
having splint receiving portions and racks, of shafts carrying gear wheels co-
acting with said racks to impel parts of the carrier at, relatively different speeds,
worm gearing operatively connected with said shafts, and means for driving
said worm gearing.
34. The combination, with a splint carrier, and a source of splint supply
therefor, of a chamber in the path of the splints, in the carrier, a brush in said
chamber to engage the splints while in the carrier, and pneumatic connections
with said chamber.
35. The combination, with a splint carrier, and a source of splint supply
therefor, of a chamber in the path of the splints, in the carrier, rotary brushes
in said chamber to engage the splints while in the carrier, means, for rotating
the brushes, and pneumatic connections with said chamber.
36. The combination, with a splint carrier and a source of supply therefor,
of a chamber in the path of the splints in the carrier, rotary brushes in said
chamber to engage the splints while in the carrier, and means for rotating said
brushes.
37. The combination, with a splint carrier and a source of splint supply
therefor, of mechanism for ejecting broken or defective splints from said carrier,
including means for preventing the ejectment of the whole or unbroken splints
therein.
38. The combination, with a splint carrier, and a source of splint supply
therefor, of a series of spring-controlled punches adapted to eject broken or de-
fective splints from the carrier, and means for supporting and actuating said
punches at predetermined intervals, together with means for preventing the
ejectment of whole or unbroken splints by said punches.
39. The combination, with a splint carrier, and a source of splint supply
therefor, of a support for the free ends of whole splints in the carrier, and a
movable punch mechanism to act upon the splints in the carrier and to expel
short or insufficiently supported splints therefrom.
40. The combination, with a splint holder or carrier, of devices for acting upon
the splints therein, and means for counteracting the thrust or impact of said
devices on whole or unbroken splints in said holder or carrier.
41. The combination, with a carrier and a source of splint supply therefor, of
a reciprocating punch head, and its supporting and operating parts, indepen-
dently-movable spring-controlled punches in said head to engage the splints in
the carrier, and means to counteract the thrust of said punches on whole or
unbroken splints.
42. The combination of a carrier having rows of splint receiving perforations,
a source of splint supply therefor, a reciprocating punch head and its supporting
and operating parts, a row of normally-projecting punches in said head to
engage the successive rows of splints in the carrier, and means to counteract
the thrust of said punches on whole or unbroken splints.
43. The combination of a splint carrier, a source of splint supply therefor,

page_text: a reciprocating cross-head adjacent to the carrier, a shaft, cams thereon, opera-
tive connections between said cams and the cross-head, a gang of normally-
projecting spring-controlled punches in said head to engage the splints in the
carrier, and means to counteract the thrust of said punches on whole or un-
broken splints.
44. The combination of a splint carrier having parallel rows of splint-receiving per-
forations, a source of splint supply therefor, a cross-head, parallel rows of spring-
controlled punches therein staggered to engage the splints as described, means
for reciprocating said cross-head toward and from the carrier, and means to
counteract the thrust of said punches on whole or unbroken splints.
45. The combination with a splint carrier, and a source of splint supply
therefor, of mechanism embodying plunger and counter-thrust devices for eject-
ing broken or defective splints from the carrier without ejecting whole or un-
broken splints therefrom, a chamber to receive such ejected splints, and pneumatic
connections with, said chamber adapted to carry off the ejected splints.
46. The combination of a splint carrier, a source of splint supply therefor, a
punch-carrying head adjacent to the carrier, a shaft, cams thereon, operative
connections between said cams and the head, a means to counteract the
thrust of the punches in said head on whole or unbroken splints in the carrier,
and gearing intermediate said shaft and the carrier.
47. The combination, with a splint carrier, and its supporting and operating
parts, of a paraffin-containing trough, a pan provided with fingers at one end
thereof, a circumferentially grooved or pocketed roller co-acting with said
fingers, and means to rotate said roller.
48. The combination, with a splint carrier, and its supporting and operating
parts, of a paraffin containing trough, a pan therein comprising a bottom, sides
and slotted end, means to raise the paraffin onto said pan, whereby the splints
will pass through the paraffin on said pan and through the slotted end of the
pan.
49. The combination with a carrier adapted to carry transverse rows of splints,
of a pan below the same comprising a bottom, sides and vertically-slotted rear-
ward end, and means to supply paraffin to said pan, whereby the splints will
pass through the paraffin on the pan and through the slots in the end of the pan.
50. The combination, with a splint carrier and its supporting and operating
parts, of a paraffin-containing trough, a pan adjacent thereto provided with
fingers at one end thereof and with vertical slots at the opposite end, a circum-
ferentially grooved or pocketed roller co-acting with said fingers, and means
to rotate said roller.
51. The combination, with a carrier and its supporting and operating parts,
of a paraffin-containing vessel, a pan therein, a rotary feeder for raising the
paraffin onto and throughout the width of said pan and into the path of the
splints, drive means for said feeder, stopping mechanism therefor, a composition
box, a feed roller therein, a regulating blade therefor, and operative connections
between said blade and the said stopping mechanism.
52. The combination, with a carrier, and its supporting and operating parts,
of a composition box, a feed roller, means for actuating. said roller, a rock-shaft,
arms thereon, a blade on said arms, a torsional spring on the shaft to main-
tain the blade normally raised, and means whereby the blade is depressed against
the action of the spring.
53. The combination; with a carrier, and its supporting and operating parts,
of a paraffin containing vessel, a feeder therein for raising the paraffin into the
path of the splints means for operating the same, a lever operatively con-
nected with said means and adapted to throw the same into and out of action,
a composition box, a feed roller therein, a. regulating blade for said roller, and
operative connections between said.blade and the said lever.
..]
54. The combination, with a supporting frame, of a steam, chamber therein,
a composition box depending in said chamber, a tubular shaft extending through
A

page_text: the bottom of said box, stirrers on said shaft, a central shaft within the tubular
shaft, stirrers on said central shaft, and means for rotating said shafts in
opposite directions to each other.
55. The combination, with an endless carrier made up of a series of flexibly
connected sections, provided with racks, and means for relatively moving said
sections longitudinally, of supporting and guiding wheels for said carrier having
toothed sections which engage said racks at or near the ends of the respective
sections and maintain the sections open or apart.
56. The combination, with an endless carrier made up of a series of flexibly
connected sections, provided with racks, of supporting and guiding wheels for
said carrier comprising side members connected and held apart by tie-rods, and
provided with ledges or flanges which afford supports for the edges of the respec-
tive sections, said ledges or flanges being provided with toothed sections that
mesh with the racks.
57. The combination, with an endless carrier, made up of a series of flexibly
connected sections having shouldered side bars, of supporting and guiding wheels
for said carrier having studs which engage the shoulders in said bars.
58. The combination, with a carrier made up of a series of flexibly connected
sections provided with racks and shouldered side bars, of two series of supporting
and guiding wheels for said carrier, one of which is provided with studs which
engage the shoulders in the side bars, and the other of which is provided with
toothed sections which engage the racks.
59. The combination of a splint carrier, means for cutting the splints and
leaving them free, supporting and operating means therefor, means whereby
the freed splints are moved bodily sidewise, and means whereby they are intro-
duced to the carrier.
d this 29th day of August 1898.
WM. P. THOMPSON & Co.,
Of 6, Lord Street, Liverpool, Agents for the Applicant.

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