IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF MATCH AND OTHER BOXES OF PAPER, PASTEBOARD, THIN WOOD, OR OTHER FLEXIBLE MATERIAL, AND IN MACHINERY FOR MANUFAC TURING THE SAME, AND IN APPARATUS FOR SANDING MATCH BOXES
Year: 1872

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Benjamin Joseph Barnard Mills, of the Firm of
Harris and Mills, of 35, Southampton Buildings, in the County of
Middlesex, Patent Agent, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
THE MANUFACTURE OF MATCH AND OTHER BOXES OF PAPER, PASTEBOARD, THIN
WOOD, OR OTHER FLEXIBLE MATERIAL, AND IN MACHINERY FOR MANUFAC
TURING THE SAME, AND IN APPARATUS FOR SANDING MATCH BOXES." -A
communication from abroad by Henry Renno Heyl, Mechanical.
Engineer, and August Brehmer, Draughtsman, both of Philadelphia,.
in the State of Pennsylvania, United States of America.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Benjamin Joseph
Barnard Mills at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with
his Petition, on the 31st July 1872.
I, BENJAMIN JOSEPH BARNARD MILLS, of the Firm of Harris and
Mills, of 35, Southampton Buildings, in the County of Middlesex,
Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF MATCHAND OT HER BOXES, OF PAPER,.
A

page_text: Pasteboard, ThiN WOOD, OR OTHER FLEXIBLE MATERIAL, AND IN MACHINERY FOR
MANUFACTURING THE SAME, AND IN APPARATUS FOR SANDING MATCH BOXES," a
communication to me from abroad by Henry Renno Heyl, Mechanical
Engineer, and August Brehmer, Draughtsman, both of Philadelphia, in
the State of Pennsylvania, United States of America, to be as follows:-
The first part of this Invention relates to a box produced of flexible
material, suitably slit and folded, and having the edges secured by double
pointed wire staples, which are found preferable to rivets, sheet metal
clips, stitching, cement, or other means of fastening, not only in the
facility with which they are applied by machinery (which constitutes
another part of this Invention), but by reason of their slight cost and
their efficiency and durability in use.
The blank to form a box is produced from a rectangular piece of paper
or other material by cutting two parallel slits extending inward from
two opposite sides. The slits are produced with a saw or other suitable
cutter in a large number of blanks at once. The material between each
pair of slits forms a tab or flap to be turned upward from the bottom
within one end of the box. The end flaps being thus turned up at right
angles with the bottom the sides of the box are formed by turning up
the remaining portions on each side of the bottom, and the ends are then
completed by turning the flaps of the sides around horizontally and
securing the edges with staples, which are driven in by percussion
without necessitating the use of an awl or other piercing instrument.
The ends of each staple are then turned in opposite directions, either
toward or away from each other, in order to secure it. The edges of the
side flaps may overlap each other, in which case the staples are pre-
ferably inserted in vertical position, each point passing through both
thicknesses. This mode is preferable with deep boxes, where the bottom
flaps extend but a short distance up the ends. The said bottom flaps are
then held by the lowest staple on each side.
In shallow boxes the bottom flap may extend upward to the top of the
box on the inside, and the flaps which are turned around from the sides
to form the ends need not lap, but coming edge to edge over the
upturned bottom flap are there secured by horizontal staples, each point
passing through one outer flap and through the inner flap so as to secure
the three together.

page_text: The Invention is applicable to the manufacture of boxes and box
covers of any depth or proportions, and it is not limited in its application
to making boxes with cap covers and the said cap covers therefor, but is
equally well adapted for making that class of shallow boxes which slide
end wise within their covers.
In making these boxes by machinery the box blanks are placed in a
receptacle provided with a sliding bottom, which is drawn up by a
weight and cord applied to a fusee pulley, adapted to graduate the power
of the weight to correspond with the number and weight of the blanks
remaining in the receptacle. The weight pulley is held by a ratchet,
which prevents the drawing up of the sliding bottom excepting when
the said ratchet is retracted. The blanks are taken one by one from the
top of the pile by a pneumatic or suction feeder, provided with automatic
valves to adapt it to seize and drop the blanks at the proper moments.
The said feeder in its descent retracts the detent ratchet, and receives a
slight upward pressure from the pile of blanks. As the feeder rises
again with one blank, the detent, being released, catches the weight
pulley; so that whether the quantity of blanks be greater or less the top
of the pile always rests at one level to receive the feeder. The blank
being deposited on a table by the feeder is carried forward by a follower
to a position over a mould, into which it is forced by a plunger, the end
flaps being first bent up from the bottom and the side flaps next folded
over them around the ends as the plunger descends.
The wire to form staples is in continuous lengths contained on suitable
reels, equal in number to the staples used in each box. The lengths of
wire are cut off, bent into square form over suitable mandrils, which
latter then recede, and the staples are by sudden percussion driven
through the lapped sides of the box. Cavities in the plunger receive
the inwardly projecting ends of the staples, which ends are then bent in
opposite directions, either toward or away from each other, by sliders
working in the sides of the plunger. The plunger is then withdrawn,
and its descent with a new box discharges that which was previously
formed.
The various parts are made changeable or adjustable to adapt them for
the manufacture of boxes of various sizes or forms:
The apparatus for sanding the bottoms or covers of match boxes is
arranged to operate in connection with the box-making machine, and
forms an attachment thereto.

page_text: The boxes as discharged from the mould in which they are formed are
received in vertical position in a horizontal trough, and are fed inter-
mittently, first over a paste roller and then over a sanding device, each
supplied from a reservoir.
The trough through which the boxes are fed during the sanding
operation may consist of vertical sides, adjustable as to distance to
accommodate boxes of any size, and having ledges or narrow flanges
projecting horizontally inward from their lower edges to support the
boxes, while leaving the latter exposed to receive the paste and sand.
As each box descends into the receiving end of the trough a sliding.
head or follower presses it forward, and with it the entire file of boxes in
front of it. The follower then recedes to leave room for the descent of
a new box, and spring catches prevent the return of that last fed
forward.
An intermittent rotation is simultaneously imparted to the paste
roller by means of a pawl and ratchet, or other equivalent movement.
This roller dips into a paste reservoir, and projects upward within the
open bottom of the feed trough. The boxes being carried forward inter-
mittently over and in contact with the periphery of the roller, receive
paste therefrom, after which they pass over the sand receptacle, which
is kept constantly supplied from a hopper and is provided with a
continuously rotating screw conveyor, which pressing the sand forward
causes it to rise in contact with the pasted bottoms of the boxes. A
sufficient coating of sand is thus caused to adhere to the bottom of the
box. The sanded boxes are then discharged, the entire operation being
automatic and uninterrupted.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said Benjamin Joseph Barnard Mills in the Great Seal
Patent Office on the 30th January 1873.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, BENJAMIN 30
JOSEPH BARNARD MILLS, of the Firm of Harris and Mills, of 35,
Southampton Buildings, in the County of Middlesex, Patent Agent,
cand anoating
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said Benjamin Joseph Barnard Mills in the Great Seal
Patent Office on the 30th January 1873.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, BENJAMIN 30
JOSEPH BARNARD MILLS, of the Firm of Harris and Mills, of 35,
Southampton Buildings, in the County of Middlesex, Patent Agent,
-send greeting.
'
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Thirty-first day of July, in the year of 35

page_text: our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-two, in the thirty-
sixth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give
and grant unto me, the said Benjamin Joseph Barnard Mills, Her special
license that I, the said Benjamin Joseph Barnard Mills, my executors,
administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said Benjamin
Joseph Barnard Mills, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should
at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all
times thereafter during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully
might make, use, exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of
Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an
Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF MATCH AND OTHER
BOXES OF PAPER, PASTEBOARD, THIN WOOD, OR OTHER FLEXIBLE MATERIAL, AND IN
MACHINERY FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME, AND IN APPARATUS FOR SANDING
MATCH BOXES," a communication to me from abroad by Henry Renno
Heyl, Mechanical Engineer, and August Brehmer, Draughtsman, both
of Philadelphia, in the State of Pennsylvania, United States of America,
upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said Benjamin Joseph
Barnard Mills, my executors or administrators, by an instrument in
writing under my, or their, or one of their hands and seals, should
particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and
in what manner the same was to be performed, and cause the same to be
filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar months next and
immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent.
'
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Benjamin Joseph Barnard Mills, do
hereby declare the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner
the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement thereof, that is to say :-
The first part of this Invention relates to a box produced of flexible
material, suitably slit and folded, and having the edges secured by
double pointed wire staples, which are found preferable to rivets, sheet
metal clips, stitching, cement, or other means of fastening, not only in
the facility with which they are applied by machinery (which constitutes
another part of this Invention), but by reason of their slight cost and
their efficiency and durability in use.
The blank to form a box is produced from a rectangular piece of paper
or other material by cutting two parallel slits extending inward from
two opposite sides. The slits are produced with a saw or other suitable

page_text: cutter in a large number of blanks at once. The material between each
pair of slits forms a tab or flap to be turned upward. from the bottom
within one end of the box. The end flaps being thus turned up at right
angles with the bottom, the sides of the box are formed by turning up
the remaining portions on each side of the bottom, and the ends are
then completed by turning the flaps of the sides around horizontally and
securing the edges with staples, which are driven in by percussion
without necessitating the use of an awl or other piercing instrument.
The ends of each staple are then turned in opposite directions, either
towards or away from each other, in order to secure it. The edges of
the side flaps may overlap each other, in which case the staples are
preferably inserted in vertical position, each point passing through both
thicknesses. This mode is preferable with deep boxes, where the bottom
flaps extend but a short distance up the ends. The said bottom flaps are
then held by the lowest staple on each side.
In shallow boxes the bottom flap may extend upward to the top of
the box on the inside, and the flaps which are turned around from the
sides to form the ends need not lap, but coming edge to edge over the
upturned bottom flap, are there secured by horizontal staples, each point
passing through one outer flap and through the inner flap so as to secure
the three together.
The Invention is applicable to the manufacture of boxes and box
covers of any depth or proportions, and it is not limited in its application
to making boxes with cap covers and the said cap covers therefor, but is
equally well adapted for making that class of shallow boxes, which slide
endwise within their covers.
In making these boxes by machinery the box blanks are placed in a
receptacle provided with a sliding bottom, which is drawn up by a
weight and cord applied to a fusee pulley, adapted to graduate the power
of the weight to correspond with the number and weight of the blanks
remaining in the receptacle. The weight pulley is held by a ratchet,
which prevents the drawing up of the sliding bottom excepting when
the said ratchet is retracted. The blanks are taken one by one from the
top of the pile by a pneumatic or suction feeder, provided with automatic
valves to adapt it to seize and drop the blanks at the proper moments.
The said feeder in its descent retracts the detent ratchet, and receives
a slight upward pressure from the pile of blanks. As the feeder riscs

page_text: again with one blank, the detent, being released, catches the weight
pulley, so that whether the quantity of blanks be greater or less the top
of the pile always rests at one level to receive the feeder. The blank
being deposited on a table by the feeder is carried forward by a follower
5 to a position over a mould, into which it is forced by a plunger, the end
flaps being first bent up from the bottom and the side flaps next folded
over them around the ends as the plunger descends.
The wire to form staples is in continuous lengths contained on suitable
reels, equal in number to the staples used in each box. The lengths of
wire are cut off, bent at right angles over suitable mandrels, which
latter then recede, and the staples are by sudden percussion driven
through the lapped sides of the box. Cavities in the plunger receive
the inwardly projecting ends of the staples, which ends are then bent in
opposite directions, either toward or away from each other by sliders
working in the sides of the plunger. The plunger is then withdrawn,
and its descent with a new box discharges that which was previously
formed.
The various parts are made changeable or adjustable to adapt them for
the manufacture of boxes of various sizes or forms.
The apparatus for sanding the bottoms or covers of match boxes is
arranged to operate in connection with the box-making machine, and
forms an attachment thereto.
The boxes as discharged from the mould in which they are formed, are
received in vertical position in a horizontal trough, and are fed inter-
mittently, first over a paste roller and then over a sanding device, each
supplied from a reservoir.
'
The trough through which the boxes are fed during the sanding
operation may consist of vertical sides, adjustable as to distance to
accommodate boxes of any size, and having ledges or narrow flanges
projecting horizontally inward from their lower edges to support the
boxes, while leaving the latter exposed to receive the paste and sand.
As each box descends into the receiving end of the trough, a sliding
head or follower presses it forward, and with it the entire file of boxes
in front of it. The follower then recedes to leave room for the descent
of a new box, and spring catches prevent the return of that last fed
forward.

page_text: An intermittent rotation is simultaneously imparted to the pasto
roller by means of a pawl and ratchet, or other equivalent movement.
This roller dips into a paste reservoir, and projects upward within the
open bottom of the feed trough. The boxes being carried forward inter-
mittently over and in contact with the periphery of the roller, receive
paste therefrom, after which they pass over the sand receptacle, which
is kept constantly supplied from a hopper, and is provided with a
continuously rotating screw conveyor, which pressing the sand forward,
causes it to rise in contact with the pasted bottoms of the boxes. A
sufficient coating of sand is thus caused to adhere to the bottom of the
box. The sanded boxes are then discharged, the entire operation being
automatic and uninterrupted.
The Invention will be more clearly understood from the following
description, with reference to the accompanying Drawings, in which
Figure 1'is a plan or top view of the part of the machine employed for
forming boxes, with some of the upper works omitted; Figure 2 is a
front elevation thereof; Figure 3 is a vertical section at a, a, Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a plan of the upper part omitted in Figure 1; Figure 5 repre-
sents a vertical section of the box mould at 6, 6, Figure 6, and an elevation
of the plunger that works therein, as herein-after described; Figure 6 is a
vertical section of the same parts in the same position in the plane, indi-
cated by the line c, c, Figure 5; Figure 7 is a section at c, c¹, Figure 5,
showing the parts in a different position; Figure 8 is a horizontal section
at d, d, Figures 9 and 10, of the devices employed to cut the wire and
form and drive staples to fasten the parts of the box together; Figure 9
is a vertical section of the same at e, e, Figures 8 and 10; Figure 10 is a
vertical section thereof at f,f, Figures 8 and 9; Figure 11 is a sectional
elevation of the mechanism employed for feeding the wire; Figure 12 is
a horizontal section of the same at 9, 9, Figure 11; Figure 13 is a sec-
tional elevation of the blank feeding apparatus herein-after described;
Figure 14 is a side elevation of the sanding attachment, a portion of the
box forming attachment being shown in section; Figure 15 is a plan or
top view of the sanding attachment; Figure 16 is a vertical longitudinal
section of the same at h, h, Figure 15; Figure 17 is a vertical transverse
section at i, i, Figure 16; Figure 18 is a sectional perspective view of a
deep box and its cover made with lapped sides; Figure 19 is a section of
the same in the plane indicated by the line j, j, Figure 18; Figure 20 is
a plan of a blank from which to form the box shown in Figures 18

page_text: and 19; Figure 21 is a plan of a blank from which to form the cover
thereof; Figure 22 is a horizontal section at x, x, Figure 23, illustrating
a form adapted for shallow boxes, in which the side flaps meet flush
around the ends, and the bottom flaps extend up within the joint formed
thereby; Figure 23 is a vertical section of a similar box at y, y, Figure 22;
Figure 24 is a plan of a blank from which to form a box such as shown
in Figures 22 and 23, or a cover therefor; Figure 25 is a section on a
larger scale of a portion of the box shown in Figures 18 and 19, to illus-
trate more clearly the mode of applying the staples.
The main frame of the machine consists of a bed 1, standards 2, and
table 3 of proper construction to support and afford bearings for the
various working parts.
The box blanks 4, 4, consist of simple rectangular pieces of paper or
other material, which may be cut without waste, and are prepared by
slitting, as shown in Figures 20 or 24, to separate the side flaps from the
bottom flaps. Any desired number of these blanks are placed in a
vertical pile within a receptacle 5 resting on a moving bottom or
follower 6, which is drawn up as fast as the blanks are removed by
cords 7, 7, passing over pulleys 8, 8, attached to a shaft 9, upon which
is also keyed a fusee pulley 10, carrying a cord 11, from which is
suspended a weight 12. These parts are so constructed and arranged
that the weight 12 will more than counterbalance the box blanks resting
on the moving bottom 6, and as the reduction of the pile of blanks
permits the weight 12 to descend, the cord 11, reaching a smaller part
of the fusee 9, will act with less leverage on the elevating cords 7, and
hence the upward pressure of the bottom 6 may be graduated approxi-
mately in proportion to the weight of the box blanks resting thereon.
13 is a detent pawl engaging with a ratchet wheel 14 to prevent the
elevation of the bottom 6, excepting at proper periods, when the detent
is retracted. The arrangement of the parts is such as to cause the top of
the pile of blanks 4, whether the pile be large or small, to be kept at
about the same distance below the level of the table 3 as will be
presently explained:
15 is the main driving shaft, with cranks 16, 16, which work in
yokes 17, 17, on rods 18, 18, attached at top to a cross head 19, carrying
a horizontal arm 20, to which is attached the feeder 21. This feed
is formed with cavities 22 in its under side, communicating' with a
nozzle 23, to which is attached a hose or flexible tube 24, connecting

page_text: with an air pump or any suitable exhaust apparatus. Within the
nozzle 23 is a throttle valve 25, controlled by a bell crank tappet 26,
one end of which, as the feeder 21 descends and presses on the topmost
blank 4, strikes on a stud 27 to open the valve. The air is thus
exhausted beneath the feeder. At the same time a stud 28 on the
feeder 21 strikes the heel of the detent pawl 13, retracting it from the
ratchet wheel 14, and causing the weight 12 to press the blanks up
against the feeder as the latter ascends, and to elevate the pile of blanks
until the stud 28 releases the pawl 13, when the latter instantly catches
the ratchet wheel 14 to prevent the bottom or follower 6 rising further.
The topmost blank being held by atmospheric pressure against the face
of the feeder will be drawn up from the pile. The feeder may be convex
longitudinally, and arranged to hold the ends of the blank while
depressing the middle, as represented, or it may be concave and arranged
to hold the blank in the centre while depressing the ends. To further
facilitate the separation of the blanks, they may be slightly bent or
curved before their insertion in a direction opposite to the curvature
which will be imparted by the feeder. The convexity or concavity of
the face of the feeder prevents more than one blank following the
plunger. 29, 29, are pins upon the feeder to limit the movement of the
valve tappet 26 in either direction, see Figures 3 and 13.
Upon the table 3, directly over the blank receptacle, are a pair of
sliding plates 30, 30, which recede from each other as the plunger
descends, and remain apart until the plunger has ascended with a blank,
when the plates again close over the blank receptacle and receive the
blank which drops from the feeder 21 as soon as the valve 25 is closed
by the lower end of the tappet 26 striking the arm 27. The movement
of these sliding plates is produced by levers 31 and 33, the former being
fulcrumed at its centre 32 and the latter at one end 34, and the two
being connected by a rod 35. The forward end of the lever 31 is jointed
to a vertical lever 36, which is fulcrumed to a stationary standard on
the frame, and is operated by a stud 37 on the cross head 19, working in
a slot in the said lever 36. Lips 38 (Figures 1, 2, and 3) attached to
the sliding plates 30, and projecting over the same within recesses 39
(Figure 4) in the sides of the feeder 21, insure the deposit of the blanks
from the bottom of the plunger on to the plates 30.
A spring 40 is applied to the detent pawl 13 to cause it to act
promptly in arresting the motion of the shaft 9.

page_text: The box blank being deposited on the sliding plates 30, a sliding
rod 41 is moved forward, carrying the blank centrally over the mould 42
and beneath a plunger 43, projecting downward from the centre of the
cross head 19. The sliding rod 41 is then instantly drawn back. The
motions of this sliding rod are effected by a cam 44 on the main driving
shaft 15, working in a yoke lever 45, fulcrumed at 46 to the stationary
frame, and jointed at 47 to the forward end of a connecting rod 48, the
rear end of which is jointed to a vertical lever 49, which latter is ful-
crumed at its lower end 50 to the stationary frame, and at its upper
end 51 is jointed to the rear end of the rod 41.
The next descent of the cross head 19 causes the plunger 43 to carry
the blank down into the mould 42, the flaps 52 (Figure 20) being first
turned up from the bottom by the ridges 54, which project above the top
of the mould 42. 55, 55, are guide plates projecting upward sufficiently
to conduct the blank over the ridges 54. The side flaps 53 are next
caught and turned by the deflecting flanges 56 of the mould, by which
they are gradually turned at right angles around the corners of the
plunger, one of the side flaps on either side overlapping the other, and
both overlapping the bottom flap 52, which latter flaps were first turned
up by the ridges 54.. The box is now completely shaped, and is held
within the mould in readiness for the fastenings.
The wire 57 is wound in continuous lengths on reels 58, 58, Figures 1
and 2, from which it is drawn by feed rollers 59, 59, driven intermittently
by the mechanism shown in Figures 11 and 12. This mechanism consists
of a horizontal yoke lever 60, fulcrumed at its centre 61, and enclosing
a wrist pin 62 on the vertical shaft 63, driven by bevel pinions 64 (sec.
Figure 2). The yoke of the lever 60, in which the wrist pin 62 works,
is formed with two shoulders 65, 66, with which the said wrist pin
engages alternately to move the lever in opposite directions. No effect
is produced on the lever while the pin passes over the curves between
the shoulders. A connecting rod 67 at the free end of the lever 60 is
jointed to an arm 68, carrying a pawl 69, which engages with a ratchet
wheel 70 on one of the roller shafts 59, the two rollers of each pair being
geared to turn together. It will thus appear that each forward move-
ment of the lever imparts a slight rotary movement to the feed rollers,
and the parts are so constructed and portioned that each movement
will feed forward a length of wire sufficient to form a staple. One pair

page_text: of feed rollers with their operating mechanism feeds all the wires on one
side of the machine.
The operation of cutting, forming, driving, and clinching will be
described with reference to a single staple, it being understood that this
operation is performed simultaneously in two, four, six, or even more
places, according to the dimensions of the box which the machine is at
the time employed to make. The Drawings show appliances for applying
four staples, two on each side.
The mechanism for cutting, forming, and driving the staples is shown
in Figures 8, 9, and 10. A proper length of wire is severed and bent
around a square mandrel 71 by an annular punch 72, formed to pass
transversely over the mandrel 71, and having in its interior longitudinal
grooves 73 (Figures 9 and 10), which receive the wire as it is bent
around the mandrel, and hold the staple in proper position for driving.
The reciprocating movement of the punch 72 is imparted by a cam 74
upon the shaft 63. Within the punch 72 is a sliding hammer 75, which
is held back by pins 76, 77, and when released by the retraction of the
pin 76, is driven forward by a spring 78. The pin 77 projects from the
hammer 75. The mandrel 71 and pin 76 are both attached to a crank
lever 79, fulcrumed at 80, and moved back and forth by a cam 81 on
the shaft 63. As soon as the motion of this lever withdraws the
mandrel 71 from before the staple, the latter being still held in position
by the grooves 73, the pin 76 releases the pin 77, permitting the
spring 78 to drive the hammer 75 forward, with a sharp percussion on
the staple driving it through the two or three thicknesses of paper, and
thus connecting the flaps of the box. It is found that a sharp stroke is
effective in driving thin wire through any necessary thickness of paper
or pasteboard, though it would be impossible to effect this by mere
pressure. The ends of the staples are received in suitable cavities in the
edges of the plunger 43.
The mechanism for clinching or bending over the ends of the staples
is represented in Figures 5, 6, and 7. Figures 5 and 6 show the positions
of the parts when the staples are driven, and before they are clinched;
Figure 7 shows the position when they are clinched. On the head of the
vertical shaft 63 is a disc or wheel 79, from the upper surface of which
project two pins 80% and 81°, which operate a rock shaft 82, mounted
horizontally in bearings under the cross head. This rock shaft has a pair

page_text: of tappets 83 and 84, on which the pins 80% and 81ª act successively.
Upon the shaft 82 are rigid arms 85, 87, projecting in opposite directions,
and each connected to a slider 86, 88, which two sliders constitute the
plunger 43. 89 and 91 represent horizontal lugs on the slider 86, and
90 and 92 similar lugs on the slider 88. These lugs are arranged alter-
nately as represented, so that the motion of the shaft 82 in one direction,
by depressing the slider 86 and elevating the slider 88, will draw the two
lugs 89 and 90 toward each other, and the two lugs 91 and 92 toward
each other. As soon as the downward stroke of the cross head 19 has
formed the box within the mould, and the staples have been driven in
the manner explained, one of them with its ends between the lugs 89
and 90, and the other with its ends between the lugs 91 and 92, the
rotation of the shaft 63 throws the pin 80° against the tappet 83, rocking
the shaft 82 in one direction, bringing together each pair of lugs 89, 90,'
and 91, 92, so as to bend the two ends of each staple toward each other
and effectually secure them. This position of the parts is shown in
Figure 7. The subsequent contact of the pin 81 with the tappet 84
rocks the shaft in the other direction, so as to open or separate the lugs
in readiness for the next operation. A spring 93 catching over the top
of the box prevents it rising with the plunger, and when the plunger
again descends with a new blank the previously finished box is expelled
through the bottom of the mould.
A modification in the construction of the plunger is illustrated in
Figure 2. In this case the body of the plunger is made in one piece,
with a single slider working in it. The motion of the shaft in one
direction throws down this slider to bend down the upper part of each
staple, and the reverse motion opens the cavity as before. This opening
of the cavity is performed directly before the action of the hammer 75,
and is followed by the clinching action just described. The elevation of
the plunger itself then bends up the lower member of each staple, and
thus completes the clinching action.
In Figure 14, 2 represents a portion of the framing; 42, the folding
tube or mould; 43, the plunger; and 75, the main shaft of the box
forming apparatus. 93* represents a fixed stud or cam on the driving*
shaft 75; and 4, a box ready to be discharged from the mould 42. 94
represents a light metallic frame to furnish proper support and bearings
for the operative parts of the sanding machine. The boxes. 4 are fed
preferably by the discharge of the box machine into a horizontal

page_text: trough 95, adapted to receive the same in proper position and to conduct
them to the final discharge. The trough is composed of vertical sides,
with flanges to support the boxes at bottom, the same being adjustable
by means of slotted knees 96 and set screws 97, or their equivalent, to
accommodate boxes of different sizes. Beneath the open bottom of this
trough are a paste or glue reservoir 98, and a sand box 99. The reser-
voir 98 is occupied by a vertical pasting roller 100, and from the box 99
the sand is thrown or forced against the pasted surfaces of the boxes by
a sectional or continuous spiral flange or screw 101 on a shaft 102, which
also serves to feed the sand from a hopper 103. Pressure rollers 104 are
arranged over the pasting and sånding devices. For feeding the boxes
within the trough 95, the receiving end of the latter is provided with a
sliding head 105, guided by a stem 106, and controlled as to length of
stroke by stops 107. The boxes are prevented from springing back or
following the head 105 during its return movement by spring catches or
pawls 108 in the sides of the trough 95. These yield to the boxes in
their forward movement and engage behind the last one, so as to secure
a clear space for the reception of the next box. For operating the
feeding slide 105 from the box machine, a vertical lever 109 is arranged
at the receiving end of the sanding machine, so as to engage with the
stud or cam 93 on a shaft 75 of the main machine, from which it
receives an impulse at each revolution, its return movements being
accomplished by a spring 110 or a weight, which may be applied at any
convenient point. This lever is connected to the stem 106 of the feeding
slide by means of connecting rods 111 and an interposed rocking
lever 112. The latter carries also one of a pair of pawls 113, engaging
with a ratchet wheel 114 on the shaft of the pasting roller. The
pawl 113 does not begin to act until the last box is first closed up and
the column moves; the pawl 113 holds the ratchet so as to ensure this
action. The pasting roller is thus actuated in correspondence with the
movements of the boxes, remaining at rest during the return movements
of the feeding slide, and until the latter begins to act on all the boxes.
By these means the boxes are pasted by simple contact with the pasting
roller, instead of a scraping or wiping action, as would be the case if the
pasting roller did not move at the same time and speed with the boxes.
A scraper 115, with spring 116, is applied to the pasting roller 100 to
remove the surplus paste or glue and to regulate its action. The
shaft 102 of the sander is furnished with a pulley 101ª, and is driven
from any convenient rotary shaft, the supply of sand being regulated by

page_text: its speed. At each rotation of the driving shaft a box is received in the
trough 95, another is pasted, another sanded, and a sanded box is dis-
charged at the delivery end of the machine. The trough may be of any
preferred capacity..
In Figures 18 to 25 inclusive, 53, 53, represent the side flaps of the
blank, which are brought together to form the ends of the box or cover,
and 52, 52, flaps which are turned upward from the bottom of the box
or downward from the top of the cover, as the case may be.
In the form of box shown in Figures 18 and 19, the side flaps 53, 53,
lap one over the edge of the other, and are secured together by
staples 117 inserted in vertical position, the lower staple securing also
the end of the inner flap, as shown.
In the form of box shown in Figures 22 and 23, the inner flaps 52, 52,
extend the whole depth of the outer flaps 53, 53, and the latter coming
flush together are secured by staples 117, 117, inserted in horizontal
position; one point passing through each of the outer flaps, and both
passing through the inner flap, so that when the ends of the said staples
are clinched or bent down in opposite directions toward or away from
each other the three flaps will be securely fastened together. The form
last described is well adapted for shallow boxes.
Covers for boxes may be made in precisely similar way (but slightly
larger), notches being cut in the edges, as illustrated by dotted lines in
Figure 23, to permit the thumb and finger to grasp the box when the
cover is to be removed. This form of box is also well adapted for use,
with a cover completely surrounding it and open at the ends.
Boxes in either form may be made of paper, pasteboard, thin wood, or
any suitable flexible material.
Having thus described the nature of the said Invention, and the mode
in which I carry the same into effect, I would have it understood. that
what I claim is,-
First. The blank holder 5, 6, arranged to elevate the blanks as
required, in manner substantially as described.
Second. The graduated counterbalance device 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, arranged
to exert a varying upward pressure corresponding with the weight or
height of the blanks in the receptacle.

page_text: Third. The detent 13, 14, and automatic device for temporarily
releasing the same, substantially as set forth.
Fourth. The automatic pneumatic feeder, constructed and operating
substantially as described.
Fifth. The combination of the plunger 43 and flap folders 54, 56, 5
substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
Sixth. The wire clinchers arranged within the plunger, and operating
substantially as described.
Seventh. The punch 86 and mandrel 71 operating in combination,
substantially as set forth, to sever and form the staples 117.
Eighth. The sliding hammer 75 operating in connection with a box-
forming mould and plunger, in manner substantially as set forth.
Ninth. The detaining spring 93 in combination with the plunger 43,
as and for the purpose set forth.
1
Tenth. An apparatus for sanding match boxes, consisting of a box 1
trough 95, pasting roller 100, sander 101, and feeding slide 105, with
proper appurtenances, arranged and operating substantially as herein
shown and described.
Eleventh. In a sanding apparatus (for match boxes), the trough 95,
adjustable in width for the reception of boxes of different sizes, substan- 2
tially as shown and described.
Twelfth. The spring catches or pawls 108 in the sides of the box
trough 95, as and for the purpose specified.
Thirteenth. The sander shaft 102, with spiral flange 101, operating as
described, for applying and feeding the sand.
Fourteenth. The combined arrangement of pasting roller 100,
sander 101, and pressure rollers 104, substantially as shown and
described.
Fifteenth. The combination of the lever 109, connecting rods 111, 111,
rocking lever 112, pawl 113, and ratchet 114, or their substantial 3
equivalents, for operating the feeding slide 105 and pasting roller 100.
in unison or correspondence, as set forth.
Sixteenth. A box or box cover of paper, pasteboard, or other flexible.
material, fastened at the joints or laps by means of double pointed wire.

page_text: staples or their equivalents, applied in manner substantially as hercin
described.
Seventeenth. A box or box cover of flexible material made with the
three folds or thicknesses 52, 53, 53, fastened together by the staple in
any manner, substantially as herein set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said Benjamin Joseph Barnard Mills
have hereunto set my hand and seal, this Twenty-ninth day of
January, in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and
seventy-three.