Improvements in Cigarette Machines.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 29th Mar., 1894
Complete Specification Left, 21st Nov., 1894-Accepted, 15th Dec., 189
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Cigarette Machines.
I, SYDNEY PITT, of Sutton, in the County of Surrey, Gentleman, (a communi-
cation to me from abroad by Robert Hutchings Woodrum, of Roanoke, in the
County of Roanoke and State of Virginia, United States of America, Lawyer,) do
hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:--
This invention more especially relates to that class of cigarette machines in
which fibrous or shredded tobacco in a flocculent or loose condition is fed into the
machine, combed or drawn out in an even layer or mass, with its fibres parallel, and
delivered to mechanism which forms it into a continuous filler, encloses that filler
in a gummed or pasted wrapper, and cuts the continuous cigarette thus formed into
suitable lengths for smoking.
According to this invention, I arrange in a suitable casing or hopper, endless
aprons lying one above the other and moving in the same direction, but with the
lower one projecting beyond the other, drawing and combing rolls which take the
loose, fibrous tobacco fed upon the first apron therefrom, partially comb out its
fibres and deliver it to the other apron from which it is taken by similar rolls and
discharged through the mouth of the casing or hopper laterally upon an endless
filler-carrying-belt moving longitudinally across and close to the lower side of the
delivery or discharge roll, which throws the tobacco upon the belt transversely to
its line of movement, the motion of the belt subsequently turning the fibres parallel
with said line of movement to present them properly to the filler-forming devices.
The feed mechanism above described is the one preferred, but its organization
may be varied without impairing the efficiency of its operation.
A pressing belt moving at the same speed and in the same direction as the
carrying belt, and a short distance above it, gradually approximates it so as to
press vertically upon the filler. These belts are preferably flat in cross section,
composed of flexible, but resilient, material, such as steel, for instance, and are
hoop-shaped, or ovoid in outline, each being positively and directly driven in an
upright or vertical circuit or path by friction rollers, preferably of elastic material,
such as rubber or gutta-percha; the lower or carrying belt is loose, untrammelled
or unsupported except by its driving rollers, and by suitable guides or supports
around or over which it passes in that portion of its circuit in which it co-operates
in forming the filler.
The upper belt is similarly organized and operated, and travels in a guide groove
in the casing, just above the mouth or discharge opening, and passes under or
around a hinged guide held down by a latch. This guide causes a downward
deflection of the pressing belt upon the filler on the carrying-belt to compress it
vertically. The release of this guide allows the belt readily to be reinoved in case
of choking or obstruction at this point.
A flexible or yielding abutment bearing against the outer edges of the carrying
and pressing belts on that side opposite the feed, prevents the lateral escape of the
tobacco thrown between the belts by the feed or delivery mechanism.
A narrow belt of flexible, resilient material, such as steel, curved in cross section,
with its concave side toward the filler, is arranged to work diagonally between the
carrying and pressing belts, so as to compress the tobacco laterally to aid in forming
the filler.
The wrapper passes from a reel mounted on a vertical axis through a fixed guide
between the above mentioned abutment, and the edges of the carrying and pressing
belts, whence it passes through a second fixed guide, against which the diagonal

page_text: belt above mentioned presses the filler. The wrapper moves and is presented to
the filler with its longitudinal edges one above the other, instead of flatwise as
usual.
Paste is applied to the inner upper edge of the wrapper while passing through
the guide, but before being bent or folded around the filler.
The pasting apparatus consists of a horizontal paste cylinder arranged slightly
above but diagonally to the path of the wrapper. A screw-shaft or piston actuates
a plunger in the paste cylinder to feed the paste towards the discharge end of the
cylinder. A shaft suitably driven and slightly inclined, carries on its lower end a
paste wheel, the edge of which runs in a slot in the bottom of the paste cylinder,
and takes paste therefrom. A scraper, acting on the upper face of the paste wheel
removes surplus paste. The paste wheel applies the paste on its edge to the inner,
upper side of the still unbent wrapper strip, as it passes across a notch or opening
in the straight, upper edge of a wrapper guide, near its rear end.
A series of endless belts, preferably of flexible, resilient material, such as steel,
and concavo-convex in cross section are arranged edgewise and parallel with each
other, passing around suitable driving or carrying wheels. These belts normally
move parallel with each other, with their concave sides towards the filler, which
latter, with its wrapper after being pasted, passes between these belts and the
diagonal compressing belt before mentioned. During this passage, a guide, acting
on the folding belts, causes them to converge laterally and overlap each other so
as gradually to fold the wrapper laterally around the filler. An adjustable tongue
or cam in the guide is employed to vary the overlap.
During the first part of this movement, a separator prevents the pasted edge of
the wrapper from coming in contact with the unpasted edge, or with the filler, but
afterwards a suitable guide turns up the lower or unpasted edge of the wrapper,
and another guide turns or folds the pasted edge downwardly upon the unpasted
edge, and a rubbing or smoothing device completes the formation of the continuous
cigarette, which is then cut into suitable lengths.
The cutting apparatus comprises a rotary disk or cutter, secured to a shaft
turning in bearings on the end of the main frame of the machine.
The shaft of the disk is carried by cranks arranged on parallel shafts, and
connected by a pitman. A slide frame, provided with forks or guides embraces
the crank shafts and is connected with a holder through which the continuous
cigarette passes, the organization being such that the cutter and holder alternately
approach and recede from each other, while the disk or cutter is rotating.
In this manner, the continuous cigarette is rapidly cut into suitable lengths for
smoking.
Dated this 20th day of March 1801
SYDNEY PITT.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Cigarette. Machines.
I, SYDNEY PITT, of Sutton, in the County of Surrey, Gentleman, (a communi-
cation to be from abroad by Robert Hutchings Woodrum, of Roanoke, in the
County of Roanoke and State of Virginia, United States of America Lawyer,) 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 more especially relates to that class of cigarette machines in which
fibrous or shredded tobacco, in a flocculent or loose condition, is fed into the
machine, combed or drawn out in an even layer or mass with its fibres parallel, and
delivered to mechanism which forms it into a continuous filler, encloses that filler in
a gummed or pasted wrapper, and cuts the continuous cigarette thus formed into
suitable lengths for smoking.

page_text: The object of the invention is to secure a machine which shall perform these
operations efficiently, rapidly, and successfully, which end is attained by employing
certain new and improved devices, or organizations of instrumentalities hereinafter
fully set forth and claimed.
In order to carry out the objects of the invention, there are arranged in a suitable
casing or hopper, endless aprons lying one above the other, and moving in the same
direction, but with the lower one projecting beyond the other, drawing and combing
rolls which take the loose, fibrous tobacco fed upon the first apron therefrom,
partially comb out its fibres, and deliver it to the other apron, from which it is
taken by similar rolls, and discharged through the mouth of the casing or hopper,
laterally upon an endless filler-carrying belt, moving longitudinally across, an!
close to the lower side of the delivery or discharge-roll, which throws the tobacco
upon the belt transversely to its line of movement, the motion of the belt
subsequently turning the fibres parallel with said line of movement, to present
them properly to the filler-forming devices.
The above-described feed-mechanism is that which is preferred but its
organization may be varied without impairing the efficiency of its operation, so
long as the fibres are thrown laterally upon the belt by a discharge-roll or
equivalent device.
A pressing-belt, moving at the same speed and in the same direction as the
carrying-belt, and a short distance above it, gradually approximates it so as to
press vertically upon the filler. These belts are preferably flat in cross-section,
composed of flexible, but resilient material, such as steel for instance, and are
hoop-shaped or ovoid in outline, each being positively and directly driven in an
upright or vertical circuit or path by friction-rollers, preferably of elastic material,
such as rubber or gutta-percha; the lower or carrying-belt is loose, untrammelled,
or unsupported except by its driving-rollers and by suitable guides or supports
around or over which it passes in that portion of its circuit in which it co-operates
in forming the filler. The upper belt is similarly organized and operated, and
travels in a guide-groove in the casing just above the mouth or discharge-opening,
and passes under and around a hinged guide held down by a latch. This guide
rauses a downward deflection of the pressing-belt upon the filler on the carrying-
belt, to compress it vertically. The release of this guide allows the belt readily to
be removed in case of choking or obstruction at that point. A flexible or yielding
abutment, bearing against the outer edge of the carrying and pressing belts, on
that side opposite the feed, prevents the lateral escape of the tobacco thrown
between the belts by the feed or delivery mechanism.
A narrow belt of flexible, resilient material, such as steel, curved in cross-section,
with its concave side toward the filler, is arranged to work diagonally between the
carrying and pressing belts, so as to compress the tobacco laterally to aid in
forming the filler. The wrapper passes from a reel, mounted on a vertical axis,
through a fixed guide between the above-mentioned abutment and the edges of the
carrying and pressing belts, whence it passes through a second fixed guide against
which the diagonal belt above-mentioned presses the filler. The wrapper moves
and is presented to the filler with its longitudinal edges one above the other
instead of flatwise as usual.
Paste is applied to the inner, upper edge of the wrapper, while passing through
the guide, but before being bent or folded around the filler.
A series of endless belts, preferably of flexible, resilient material, such as steel,
and concavo-convex in cross-section, are arranged edgewise and parallel with each
other, passing around suitable driving or carrying wheels. These belts normally
move parallel with each other, with their concave sides toward the filler, which
latter, with its wrapper, after being pasted, passes between these belts and the
diagonal compressing-belt before mentioned. During this passage, a guide acting
on the folding-belts causes them to converge laterally and overlap each other, so as
gradually to fold the wrapper laterally around the filler. During the first part of
this movement, a separator prevents the pasted edge of the wrapper from coming

page_text: in contact with the unpasted edge, or with the filler, but afterwards a suitable
guide turns up the lower or unpasted edge of the wrapper, and another guide turns
or folds the pasted edge downward upon the unpasted edge, and a rubbing or
smoothing device completes the formation of the continuous cigarette, which is then
cut into suitable lengths by proper mechanism.
The cutting apparatus comprises a rotary disk or blade, secured to a shaft
turning in bearings on the end of the main frame of the machine.
The shaft of the disk is carried by cranks arranged on parallel shafts, and
connected by a pitman. A slide-frame, provided with forks or guides, embraces
the crank-shafts and is connected with a holder through which the continuous
cigarette, passes, the organization being such that the cutter and holder
alternately approach and recede from each other, while the disk or cutter is
rotating.
The accompanying drawings show all the present improvements embodied in a
cigarette machine in the best way now known to me. Some of said improvements
may, however, be used without the others, and in machines differing, to some
extent, in their details of construction, from those herein shown.
Unless otherwise indicated, the parts are of usual approved construction.
That side of the machine from which the tobacco is fed I term the rear; the
opposite side, the front. The feed end of the macbine 1 term the left; the opposite
end, the right.
Unfeathered darts indicate the direction of movement of certain parts of the
mechanism.
Fig. 1 represents a plan view of the machine, with the cover of the feed-rolls
removed;
Fig. 2, a front view in elevation thereof;
(The remaining views are on an enlarged scale.)
Fig. 3, a vertical, cross-sectional view through the feed-mechanism, on the
line 3-3 of Fig. 2, looking towards the right or discharge end of the machine;
Fig. 3, a similar section, on an enlarged scale, showing the details of the
discharge-roll, carrying and pressing belts, and abutment;
Fig. 4, a front view in elevation, on an enlarged scale, showing details of portions
of the filler-forming mechanism, wrapper-guides, pasting-devices, and wrapping-
devices ;
Fig. 5, a similar view of the carrying and pressing belts and interposed, diagonal,
laterally-compressing or filler-forming belt;
Fig. 6, a plan view of the above-mentioned parts, together with the
laterally-converging folding-belts and wrapping-guides;
Fig. 7, a perspective view from the back, showing the rear or inner side of the
folding or wrapping-guides;
Fig. 8 is a rear view in elevation, showing the same parts as the preceding
figure, in connection with the wrapping-guides and carrying and pressing belts;
Fig. 9 is a similar view, with parts removed to show the details of the devices
for varying the size of the cigarette;
Fig. 10, a vertical, cross-sectional view of the same parts, on the line 10-10 of
the preceding figure;
Fig. 11 is a rear view in perspective, showing, on an enlarged scale, the separator
which prevents the two edges of the wrapper from coming in contact until after
passing this point ;
Figs. 12 and 13, respectively, represent in perspective, details of other sections
of the wrapper-folding mechanism, and
Fig. 14, a similar view of the final smoothing section;
Figs. 15 to 23, both inclusive, are respectively vertical, cross-sectional views on
the correspondingly numbered lines of Fig. 8, showing the relative attitudes assumed
by the various parts in forming the filler, pasting the wrapper, and folding it on
the filler the respective attitudes shown being as follows;
Fig. 15 shows the diagonal belt interposed between the carrying and pressing

page_text: belts as compressing the filler laterally against the second or fixed wrapper-guide;
Fig. 16 shows the form of this wrapper-guide just before the wrapper is pasted;
Fig. 17, the position of the parts at the moment of pasting the wrapper;
Fig. 18, the position after the divergence of the carrying and pressing belts, and
when the folding-belts are coming into action;
Fig. 19 shows the converging and overlapping of the folding-belts, when the
wrapper is about half folded around the cigarette ;
Fig. 20 shows the wrapper as still farther folded on opposite sides of the separator,
to prevent contact with its gummed edge;
Fig. 21, the position of the parts when the unpasted side of the wrapper is
folded upon the filler, after passing beyond the separator;
Fig. 22, illustrates the operation of folding the pasted edge upon the unpasted
edge of the wrapper, and
Fig. 23 shows the operation as completed ;
Fig. 24 shows a vertical, cross-sectional view of the pasting mechanism, looking
to the left;
Fig. 25, a left-end view, in elevation, showing the feed-driving mechanism:
Fig. 26, a right-end view, in clevation, also showing another portion of the
driving-gear;
Fig. 27 represents a plan view of the cutting mechanism j
Fig. 28, a front view in elevation thereof, and
Fig. 29, a plan view of the holder-actuating bar detached.
The tobacco-feeding mechanism is shown as mounted mainly in a feed-frame A,
which extends backward from the left-hand or feed-end of the main-frame A'. Loose,
fibrous or shredded tobacco is spread, as usual, by hand, upon an upper or first
endless apron B, carried by suitable rollers b, b, and moving inward toward the
front of the machine. A second or lower endless apron B', carried by rollers b³, bª,
extends forward, beyond the upper one, and moves in the same direction, but at an
increased speed, to prevent tobacco accumulating thereon.
A combing-roll C, revolving over the inner end of the upper apron B, combs the
tobacco therefrom over a bridge 2, while a drawing-roll C₁, takes the tobacco
from the combing-roll, and throws it upon the second apron B'. A second roll C²,
combs the tobacco on this apron over a bridge 65, upon a discharge-roll C, which
throws the tobacco laterally upon an endless carrying-belt D.
The aprons B, B', are provided with suitable side-guards to prevent lateral
escape of tobacco. The rolls C, C', C2, C³, are likewise provided with side-
guards c, c, and with a removable cover or shield A². These side-guards and
cover constitute a hopper in which the rolls and aprons are enclosed. All these
rolls C, C, C2, C3, are covered with suitable carding or teeth c³, preferably of the
form shown in Fig. 34. These rolls, as well as the endless aprons B, B', all move
in the same direction, but at different speeds.
The second combing-roll C³, rotates much faster than the first one, C, while the
discharge-roll C³, makes three revolutions to two of the drawing-roll C¹. While
the relative speed of these rolls may be varied if desired, the proportions given
have produced good results, in practice.
The carrying-belt D, is preferably composed of elastic, flexible, or resilient
material, preferably of steel, and is about two and a half inches wide. The belt is
flat in cross-section, but of an ovoid contour or outline, circumferentially, and
rotates in a substantially vertical path, parallel with, and slightly to one side of the
discharge-roll C³, which throws the tobacco laterally thereon, through a horizontal
slot or mouth c³, on the outer side of the casing or hopper, near its bottom. This
belt runs between and is actuated by driving-rollers D', D2, preferably having
elastic, or resilient surfaces or coverings, such as rubber or gutta-percha.
An upper endless pressing-belt E, similar in material, organization, and operation
to the carrying-belt D, but preferably about half an inch narrower, is arranged to
run directly over it, in the same vertical plane, being actuated by the driving-
rollers, E, E. The inner edge of this belt runs in a horizontal guideway e, in the

page_text: casing, just over the discharge-slot or mouth c³, (see Figs. 34 and 5), which guide
causes the belt to run directly above and parallel with the lower one, and with the
face of the discharge-roll C³. After passing beyond this roll, this upper belt is
deflected slightly downward, (see Fig. 5), by a curved guide E³, around which it
runs, so as to compress vertically the tobacco passing between it and the lower
carrying-belt D, to form the filler. This tobacco, by the way, it will be observed,
is thrown laterally between the belts D, E, or transversely to the direction in
which they move, by the discharge-roll C³, with its fibres cross-wise of the belts,
but their motion turns the fibres quickly lengthwise of the belts and continues them
in that position until discharged therefrom.
The guide E, is shown in the form of a bent arm or lever, movable vertically on
a pivot el, but is normally held in place by a latch e, on an arm e, turning
horizontally on a pivot e, (see Fig. 4). In case of the belts choking, unlatching
the guide enables the obstruction readily to be removed.
The carrying-belt D, moves over a suitable bed or guide, (not shown in the
drawings,) while carrying the filler, but is otherwise unsupported or untrammelled,
except by its driving-rollers D', D². The pressing-belt E, is likewise unsupported
or untrammelled except by its driving-rollers E1, E2, and guides e, E³, which act
while the belt is in contact with the filler. These belts may therefore be run
rapidly and with but little friction, the pressure of the yielding abutment F, upon
the edges thereof, being very slight.
The wrapper g, wound in a continuous strip as usual is mounted on a reel G,
turning on an upright axis, and consequently passes edgewise or vertically instead
of flatwise or horizontally around or through a curved guide f, secured in a fixed
position upon an upright f¹, opposite the left end of the discharge-roll C³, and
thence across the face of an abutment F, mounted on spring-supports 2,2, in such
manner as to cause it to press against the front or outer edges of the carrying and
pressing-belts D and E, pressing, however, more strongly against the lower belt
than the upper one, in order to prevent the lateral escape of the tobacco therefrom.
This abutment is shown in Fig. 3 as slightly curved at the bottom, to insure close
contact of the wrapper and lower belt, and also with a bead at the top simply to
secure a round edge instead of a sharp one.
It will be seen from this figure that the upper edge of the wrapper, which is
interposed between the abutment and the edges of the belts, projects slightly above
the upper or pressing-belt E, while its lower edge extends some distance below the
lower or carrying-belt D. This arrangement facilitates the subsequent folding of
the wrapper, besides preventing the escape of the tobacco.
The
The
A narrow endless belt h, preferably of steel and about the width of the diameter
of the cigarette to be formed, runs diagonally between the upper and lower
belts D, E, around driving-wheels H, H₁, of comparatively large diameter.
belt is concavo-convex in cross-section, its concave side being the outer one, and
annular grooves are formed in the edges of the driving-wheels H, H', conforming
thereto. This belt also traverses a fixed, curved grooved guide H2, (Fig. 6,)
interposed between the belts D and E, and the driving-wheels H, H.
organization is such that the belt lies and moves diagonally between the carrying
and pressing belts D, E, from rear to front, so as gradually to compress the tobacco
between them into a filler. This compression, however, does not take place against
the yielding abutment F, but against a second fixed wrapper-guide. 1.
yielding abutment F, terminates a short distance beyond the right end of the
discharge-roll C³, leaving a short space or opening 3, between it and the fixed
guide I, in crossing which the wrapper-strip is unsupported, (see Figs. 4 and 6).
The
The fixed or second wrapper-guide I is mounted on an upright 1, opposite the
diagonal compressing or filler-forming belt h, and the left-hand portion of its fixed
guide H2, and is adjustable laterally relatively to these parts by usual means, such
as a slot and set-screw. In entering this guide, the wrapper-strip passes over a lip
or projection, which serves, in connection with the opening f³, to smooth out the
wrapper, and prevent its wrinkling.

page_text: The wrapper-guide I, unlike the abutment F, is wider than the wrapper, and
provided with curved, overlapping edges, i, the edges of the wrapper travelling in
the grooves thus formed. A central, longitudinal groove or outward bulge, in
the wrapper-guide aids in shaping the filler, which is compressed vertically at this.
point, between the upper and lower carrying and pressing belts D, E, and forced;
laterally against the wrapper-guide I, by the diagonal compressing or filler-forming
belt h, (Figs. 6 and 15). The curved edges of the wrapper-guide terminate
shortly before the nearest approximation of the guide to the diagonal compressing-
belt h, but straight edges of the guide extend still farther back, and terminate at a
point where the curving or folding devices hereinafter mentioned come into play.
The gumming or pasting device is shown in Figs. 1, 2, 4, and 24, as consisting of
a horizontal paste-cylinder J, arranged slightly above, but diagonal to the path of
the wrapper,fand pivoted on an upright shaft z, so as to be adjustable horizontally
around it. A screw-shaft or piston J¹, actuates a plunger in the paste-cylinder, in
a way hereinafter more fully described. A shaft J2, slightly inclined to the-
perpendicular, carries on its lower end a paste-wheel J³, the edge of which runs in.
a slot in the bottom of the paste-cylinder, and takes the paste therefrom.
scraper j, acting on the upper face of the paste-wheel, removes surplus paste. The
paste-wheel J, applies the paste on its edge to the inner, upper side of the still.
unbent wrapper-strip, as it passes across a notch or opening in the straight upper
edge of the wrapper-guide I, near its rear end, (Fig. 4). This edge, however, is
slightly inclined inward laterally, to insure the proper application of the paste.
(see Figs. 16 and 17). The relation of these parts is also shown in Fig. 4, and the-
position of the paste-wheel is also indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 6.
A
The carrying and pressing belts D, E, diverge vertically at this point, leaving
the filler compressed laterally by the diagonal belt h, against the wrapper, and the
rear end of its fixed guide I.
A series of endless folding-belts k, k¹, k², are shown as mounted on horizontal,.
annularly-grooved carrying-wheels K, K¹, arranged parallel with, and in the
horizontal plane of the diagonal compressing-belt h, but on the opposite side of the
filler therefrom. These belts are narrow, preferably of steel, and concavo-convex
in cross-section, with their concave sides toward the filler. The central one k¹, is
shown as somewhat narrower than the opposing diagonal compressing-belt h, and
is curved in the arc of a circle of about the diameter of the cigarette to be formed..
The outer forming-belts k, k², are shown as nearly twice as wide as the central
belt, their inner edges being straight or but slightly curved, their outer ones being
more curved, (see Fig. 18). These belts are so organized that, while normally
running parallel with, but slightly separated from each other during the greater
portion of their circuit, as shown in Fig. 2, the outer ones may be caused to
overlap each other, and the central one, while moving in contact with the filler
and wrapper, by sliding relatively to each other, as hereinafter explained; that is,
the central folding-belt always remains opposed during a certain portion of its
movement, to the diagonal compressing-belt h, while the outer ones move over it.
toward each other. The three belts k, k', k³, traverse certain devices hereinafter
described, to fold the pasted wrapper upon the filler, and complete the formation
of the continuous cigarette. These devices comprise several sections detachably
secured in position by fastenings admitting of their ready removal, replacement, or
adjustment.
The first or front section L, (Figs. 4, 6, 7, 8 and 18,) is curvilinear in cross-
section, gradually tapering or converging from left to right, so as to cause the outer
folding-belts gradually to overlap the inner or centre one k', while still projecting
laterally beyond it so as to bend the wrapper-strip laterally around the filler, both
above and below. The edges of the wrapper, in this position in fact overlap.
both the compressing-belt h, and its carrying-wheel A. The rear or right-hand
edge of the fixed wrapper-guide I, overlaps the front or left-hand edge of this belt-
converger L, the folding-belts passing between them at this point. This belt-
converger is continuous with a groove L', formed in a guide-block L. It in

page_text: fact constitutes a continuous belt-converger, although shown as made in two parts
for convenience of construction, operation, and adjustment. A tongue-shaped cam !,
lying centrally in the forward side of this groove, is mounted on a block L³,
adjustable laterally by set-screws ', so as to vary the overlapping of the folding-
belts, and consequently the size of the cigarette.
Fig. 18 shows the relative position of the parts at the point of closest
approximation of the compressing-belt h, and its guide H2, with the folding-
belts,,, and converging-guide L. Fig. 19 shows the relation of these same
parts, just before the compressing-belt, begins to diverge from the folding-belts,
and while the latter are passing through the narrower portion of the converger or
folding-guide, just before the cam or tongue 1, begins to act on the outer folding-
belts k, k².
Just about the point where the compressing-belt h, begins to diverge, its place is
supplied by a bar M, concave on its inner side and mounted on a U-shaped, curved
support M², secured to the guide-block L2, (see Figs. 6, 7, 8, 11, and 20). The
front edge of this bar is sharpened to constitute a scraper which removes any
tobacco adhering to the belt h. Its main body or bar lies opposite the folding
groove or guide L', and like it tapers gradually from front to rear. It serves to
prevent the lateral expansion of the filler, and also separates the pasted and unpasted
edges of the wrapper, (see Fig. 20,) these edges being pressed more closely around
the filler than in the position shown in Fig. 19, by the action of the tongue l, upon
the outer folding-belts k, k².
A concave-guide N, which I term an up-turner, is secured upon the guide-
block L, opposite its folding-groove, and just far enough back of the rear edge of
the separator M, to allow the lower edge of the paper to pass between them, and
be folded upward. This guide is arranged with its rear edge nearer the central
line of the filler than its front edge, gradually to fold and turn up the under edge
of the paper.
This up-turner is clearly shown in Figs. 7, 8, 12, 13, 21, and 22.
These two last-named figures illustrate the way in which this up-turning and folding
of the wrapper upon the filler is effected by the co-operation of this up-turner with
the folding-belts, the outer ones of which are caused more closely to embrace the
filler and wrapper by the gradual widening of the cam-tongue l.
A down-folding guide and smoother O, in the form of a grooved bar with its
concave side toward the filler, is secured upon the guide-block, just behind the
up-turner, a slight opening being left between them for the passage of the upper
side or pasted edge of the wrapper, which, by the action of this folder, is gradually
turned down upon the under edge of the wrapper, thus bringing the two edges in
contact, (see Figs. 7, 8, 14, 22, and 23).
The increased width of the cam-tongue l, at this point, causes the folding-belts
to slide over the central one laterally, simultaneously compressing and smoothing
the wrapper on the top, bottom and front sides, while the rear or pasted side is
smoothed by the action of the tail-end of the down-folding guide, at which point
the continuous cigarette emerges in a finished condition.
After passing beyond the guide-block L³, the folding-belts resume their normal
position.
The finished, continuous cigarette passes from the rear end of the smoothing or
finishing devices, without intermediate support into a tubular holder Q, during its
passage through which it is cut into proper lengths by a rotating-knife g', and the
completed cigarettes drop into a receptacle or discharge-spout Jo
The cutting mechanism is shown on an enlarged scale in Figs. 27, 28 and 29.
A bracket B, is supported on the main frame A¹. Upright tubular
columns C7, C³, depending from the bracket, are connected by a cross-beam C³.
A vertical shaft D, having its bearing in this cross-beam, and driven by suitable
gearing, carries a spur-wheel Dº, driving similar gears E6, E7, on shafts extending
upward through the columns C7, C8, and carrying disks E³, E, on their upper
ends. Crank-pins e, e', on these disks are connected by a pitman or link-bar F',
having a bearing or sleeve at each end, through which a shaft G¹ passes.
A disk-

page_text: cutter g', is mounted on the left-hand or forward end of this shaft, and a driving-
pulley G, on the other. A belt or band g³, connected with the driving mechanism,
rotates this pulley and cutter-shaft at a high speed.
A bed-plate H³, is adapted to slide over the bracket B³, and columns C7, C³,
between them and the crank-disks, its ends being forked so as to form guide-
slots h³, h. The arms or forks of these slots embrace the shafts of the disks
which carry the cranks, and the bed-plate or slide-frame H³, is guided thereby.
A stud, on the pitman F1, works in a cross-groove, on the slide-frame to
reciprocate it longitudinally.
An arm, projecting laterally from the slide-frame, carries a tubular holder I',
through which the continuous cigarette passes while being cut. This holder is
shown as made in two sections,, the left-hand or forward section **, com-
prising a flaring socket and tubular body, connected by an arm, with the rear
tubular portion. The knife cuts close to the rear end of the front section,
which section is made longitudinally adjustable in well-known ways. The entire
holder is adjustable laterally on its support it, on which it slides by means of a slot
and set-screw 7, (Fig. 3), or other well-known device.
A discharge-spout or trough Jo, mounted on the bracket B, conducts the cut
cigarettes to a suitable receptacle.
This cutting mechanism operates in the following manner:
The crank-disks are rotated in the same direction at such speed as will cause the
cutter to move, when cutting, at a speed commensurate with that of the continuous
cigarette. The cutter being independently rotated, may revolve at any speed
desired. The rotation of the cranks causes the cutter to describe a horizontal
cycloidal path relatively to the holder, while the cutter-shaft always remains in a
position parallel with its longitudinal axis, or substantially so.
The organization is such that the cutter sêvers the continuous cigarette while
moving coincidently with it, as usual, being caused by the cranks alternately to
intersect and recede from the path of the continuous cigarette. The holder,
however, instead of always remaining in that path, is caused to move laterally
toward the cutter as the latter approaches it, thus insuring a quicker and cleaner
cut of the cigarette, and enabling the cutter to do its work with a shorter lateral
reciprocation than would otherwise be requisite.
This lateral movement of the holder is caused, in this instance, by curving the
forward slot h³, of the slide-frame H³, to the required degree, a very slight curvature
being sufficient, as shown in Fig. 3. As this slot is curved so that its inner or rear
end is farther from the normal line of movement of the continuous cigarette, it
follows that, during the forward stroke of the cutter, the forks of the slot h³, moving
over the forward crank-shaft, will deflect or draw the forward end of the slide-frame,
and consequently the holder 12, toward the cutter. The holder and cutter quickly
recede from each other on their back stroke, thus quickly removing the cutter from
the path of the continuous cigarette.
This enables cigarettes to be cut very rapidly, without the shock or jar incident
to the employment of cams or other like devices heretofore employed for actuating
the cutters.
I will now describe the mechanism by which the various moving parts of the
machine are actuated.
A driving-shaft U, mounted in the main frame, is actuated by a band u, from any
suitable prime-mover, passing over a pulley U₁, on the left-hand end of the driving-
shaft. A pulley U2, carries a belt u³, passing around a pulley u', on a counter-
shaft us, which counter-shaft carries the first combing-roll C¹. A band c³, passing
around a pulley C, on the counter-shaft u³, drives a small pulley c, ou the shaft of
the discharge-roll C³. The counter-shaft u³, extends to the right of, and beyond
the apron-frame A', and carries thereon a worm v, gearing with a worm-gear V, on
a shaft V', carrying a worm-gear ', meshing with a worm-gear V', on the shaft of
the lower drawing-roll C2, (see Fig. 26). A spur-wheel C, on the opposite or left-
hand end of this shaft, drives a corresponding gear B4, on the lower feed-roller b*.
B

page_text: A sprocket-wheel on the shaft of the roll C², and on the right side thereof, carries a
sprocket-chain ², driving a corresponding wheel on the shaft of the upper combing-
roll C. A spur-gear C, on the left-hand end of the shaft of this roll, drives a
corresponding gear B³, on the front roller b', of the upper apron B.
A bevel-gear w, on the driving-shaft, meshes with a corresponding gear w¹, op an
upright shaft W, carrying a bevel-gear w³, meshing with the corresponding gear on
the shaft e, of the lower driving-roller E2, which also carries a spur-gear E',
meshing with a corresponding gear E, of the upper driving-roller E¹, thus driving
the upper belt E, positively by frictional contact.
A bevel-gear, on the driving-shaft actuates a corresponding gear x', on an
upright shaft X, carrying a bevel-gear x², meshing with a corresponding gear, on
the shaft of the upper driving-roller D². A spur-gear D³, on this shaft drives a
corresponding gear D', on the shaft of the lower driving-roller D', by which
means the lower carrying-belt D, is in like manner positively driven by frictional
contact.
A bevel-gear y, on the driving-shaft U, engages a corresponding wheel y', on an
upright shaft Y, on the upper end of which one of the wheels K³, which carry
the folding-belts, is mounted.
A sprocket-wheel on the shaft Y, carries a sprocket-chain Y¹, which passes
around a pulley on the shaft of the other carrying-wheel K, and around a sprocket-
pulley h¹, on the driving-wheel H, carrying the diagonal compressing-belt h. This
sprocket-chain then passes around a tension-pulley h³, and back to its pulley on the
shaft Y.
A sprocket-wheel on the shaft of the carrying-wheel K, drives a sprocket-chain Z,
actuating a sprocket-pulley on an upright shaft z. A bevel-gear ', on the upper
end of the shaft, drives a corresponding gear on a horizontal shaft Z', carrying on
its outer end a crank Z³, actuating the pawl 22, of a ratchet carried by a nut actuating
the screwed stem J¹, of the paste-plunger to force the paste from the cylinder in a
well-known way.
The paste-wheel proper is driven by a belt from a pulley J, on the rear end
of the counter-shaft us, which belt passes around a corresponding pulley J, on the
shaft J, of the paste-wheel J³.
The cutting mechanism is also actuated from the main shaft by gearing shown in
the drawings, and already sufficiently described.
I will now describe the operation of the mechanism:
As hereinbefore explained, the loose, fibrous tobacco is placed by an attendant
upon the upper endless apron B, and arranged by the upper combing and
drawing rolls C, C', with its fibres parallel with their line of movement, and
dropped upon the second apron B', which, moving faster than the other one,
spreads the tobacco more evenly. The tobacco is combed from this apron by
the roll C³, and drawn therefrom by the discharge-roll C, and thrown between
the carrying-belts, with its fibres transverse thereto, but is turned by the move-
ment of the belt so that the fibres lie parallel therewith. The loose filler is
first compressed vertically by the upper belt B, and then gradually compressed
and forced against the wrapper-guide 1, by the diagonal compressing-belt h.
The wrapper passes from the reel horizontally, but with its edge vertical, through
the fixed curved guide f, which smoothes it out, and then passes around, still in
a vertical position, between the yielding abutment F, and the carrying and pressing
belts D, E. The filler is carried forward positively by the belts, while the wrapper
is also positively actuated or drawn forward by the friction of the folding-belts k, k¹, k²,
which, as heretofore explained, come into operation after the filler has been fully
compressed laterally against the wrapper-guide 1, and while it is gradually being
still further compressed by the action of the belt, guide L, and said folding-belts.
A positive, even motion of all the moving parts is thus obtained, and there is no
possibility of tobacco dust lodging in or upon the hopper, aprous or belts, and thus
choking the machine.
The wrapper is then gummed as hereinbefore explained, folded around the filler,

page_text: its lower edge being first upturned and the upper one then folded down upon it,
and smoothed by the finishing guide. The diverging action of the folding-belts
aids materially in smoothing the wrapper simultaneously with its folding, so that
the main function of the finishing guide is to rub the pasted edge smoothly down
upon the unpasted one. The finished continuous cigarette passes from the finishing
guide to the tubular holder, is cut into suitable lengths by the cutter, and discharged
from the machine as before explained.
It will be observed that under the improved organization, the filler is formed by
belts moving continuously in the same direction and at the same speed; that the
wrapper is fed positively at the same speed by the belts, which aid in folding the
wrapper around the filler, and that the wrapper always accompanies the filler
from the moment its formation begins, though only partially in contact with it
until the filler is formed and its folding is completed. This enables the machine
to be run at a high rate of speed, and secures good and quick work.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is:
1. A device for feeding loose, fibrous or shredded tobacco in cigarette machines,
comprising a casing or hopper having a lateral mouth or discharge opening, a
discharge roll working therein, a belt moving edgewise across the mouth of the
as the bottom of the discharge
hopper, substantially in the same horizontal plane
roll, which throws the tobacco directly and laterally thereon, and an abutment
between which and the mouth of the hopper the belt is arranged to move.
2. A device for feeding loose, fibrous or shredded tobacco in cigarette machines,
comprising a casing, endless aprons arranged one above the other, and moving
continuously in the same direction, in the same vertical plane, and the lower one
projecting slightly beyond the other, groups of rolls combing or drawing out the
fibres from the aprons, a carrying-belt moving across the face of the last roll,
which throws the tobacco laterally upon the belt, with its fibres transverse thereto,
and an abutment opposite the mouth of the hopper, bearing against the outer
edge of the belt to prevent the lateral escape of the tobacco therefrom, substantially
as hereinbefore set forth.
3. A device for feeding and carrying loose, fibrous or shredded tobacco in
cigarette machines, comprising a casing or hopper, devices enclosed therein for
combing or drawing out loose, fibrous tobacco fed thereto, a discharge-roll working in
the mouth of the hopper, a carrying belt moving across this mouth and the face
of the discharge-roll, which discharge-roll throws the tobacco laterally upon the
carrying-belt, a pressing-belt moving over and in the same direction with the
carrying-belt, and an abutment against which the opposite edges of both belts
work, to prevent the lateral escape of the tobacco therefrom, substantially as
herein before set forth.
4. A filler-forming device for cigarette machines, comprising two converging
endless belts moving in the same direction, mechanism for discharging tobacco
laterally between the belts, and a resilient or yielding abutment bearing against
the outer edges of the belts, to prevent the escape of tobacco therefrom, substantially
as hereinbefore set forth.
5. A filler-carrying device for cigarette machines, comprising a flexible, resilient
hoop or endless belt moving in a vertical circuit without guides or supports except
in that portion of its circuit in which it carries the filler, and friction-rollers
directly and positively driving the belt, substantially as herein before set forth.
6. The hereinbefore described filler-pressing device for cigarette machines,
comprising a flexible, resilient hoop or endless belt moving in a vertical circuit,
a guide around which it moves while pressing the filler, but unsupported elsewhere,
and friction-rollers directly and positively driving the belt, substantially as herein-
before set forth.
i
7. A device for vertically pressing the filler in cigarette machines, comprising a

page_text: flexible, resilient hoop or endless carrying-belt moving in a vertical circuit without
guides or supports except in that portion of its circuit in which it carries the
filler, a similar flexible, resilient endless pressing-belt moving in a vertical circuit
over the carrying-belt, a guide around which the pressing-belt moves while pressing
the filler, and friction-rollers directly and positively driving each belt, substantially
as herein before set forth.
8. A filler-carrying device for cigarette machines, comprising two flexible, resilient
hoops or endless belts moving one over the other in a vertical circuit, friction-rollers
directly and positively driving the belts, a guide around which one of the belts rues,
and a rocking-arm or latch-lever, on which the guide is mounted, substantially as
hereinbefore set forth.
9. A device for feeding loose, fibrous or shredded tobacco and compressing it
vertically, in cigarette machines, comprising two endless converging belts of
flexible, resilient material, such as steel, arranged one above the other, in the
same vertical plane, friction-gearing actuating them, nechanism for feeding the
tobacco laterally between the belts, and a resilient or yielding abutment bearing
against the edges of the belts on one side to prevent the lateral escape of the
tobacco.
10. A device for feeding a cigarette wrapper longitudinally and vertically or
edgewise to the wrapping-devices of a cigarette machine, comprising endless belts
arranged one above the other, mechanism for driving them positively in the same
direction and at the same speed, a yielding abutment between which and the adjacent
edges of the belt the wrapper passes, a fixed guide for the wrapper, and mechanism
for drawing or feeding the wrapper positively, at the same speed as the belts,
substantially as hereinbefore set forth.
11. A filler-forming device for cigarette machines, comprising converging belts
arranged one above the other, mechanism for discharging the tobacco laterally
between the belts, an abutment bearing against the edges of these belts opposite
the feed-side, a compressing or filler-forming belt working diagonally between
the converging belts, and a wrapper-guide against which the diagonal belt com-
presses the tobacco to form the filler, substantially as herein before set forth.
12. A filler-forming and wrapper-applying device for cigarette machines,
comprising converging belts arranged one above the other, a compressing or filler-
forming belt working diagonally between them, and a fixed wrapper-guide bearing
against the edges of the converging belts, to form the filler and compress
the wrapper, substantially as hereinbefore set forth.
against
13. A filler-forming, pasting and wrapper-applying device for cigarette machines,
comprising converging belts arranged one above the other, a compressing or filler-
forming belt working diagonally between them, a wrapper-guide against which the
filler is compressed, and mechanism applying paste to the upper edge of the wrapper,
above the belt, before the guide commences its folding action, substantially as
hereinbefore set forth.
14. A filler-forming, pasting and wrapper-applying device for cigarette machines,
comprising converging belts arranged one above the other, mechanism for feeding
the tobacco laterally between them, a yielding abutment bearing against the outer
edges of these belts, a compressing or filler-forming belt working diagonally between
the converging belts, a wrapper-guide against which this belt compresses the
tobacco to form the filler, mechanism applying paste to the upper edge of the
wrapper, above the belt, at the point of convergence of the diagonal belt and
wrapper-guide, before the folding action commences, and mechanism for moving
the belts and wrapper at a uniform speed in the same direction, substantially as
hereinbefore set forth.
15. A filler-forming and wrapper-folding device for cigarette machines, com-
prising laterally-curved, resilient endless belts, normally moving parallel with
each other, with mechanism, substantially such as described, which causes them at
intervals to converge and overlap each other to fold the wrapper upon the filler.
16. A cigarette filler-forming and wrapping device comprising a flexible, resilient,
:

page_text: laterally-curved endless belt, mechanism for moving it in the line of movement of
the filler, a series of flexible, resilient, laterally-curved endless belts normally
movable parallel with each other on the opposite side of the filler, mechanism for
moving them at substantially the same speed as the opposed belt, and a guide which
causes these last-named belts to converge laterally and overlap each other to form.
the filler and partially enfold it in the wrapper, substantially as hereinbefore set
forth.
17. The combination, substantially as hereinbefore set forth, of endless belts
lying one above the other, between which the filler is carried, an endless belt
moving diagonally between them, a series of laterally-curved, flexible, resilient
endless belts, normally moving parallel with each other and the opposed diagonal
belt, and a guide which causes the series of belts to converge laterally and overlap.
to form and wrap the filler.
18. The combination, substantially as hereinbefore set forth, of endless belts
lying one above the other, between which the filler is carried, an endless belt
moving diagonally between them, a wrapper-guide bearing against the edges of
one side of the filler-carrying and pressing belts, a series of laterally-curved,.
flexible, resilient endless belts normally moving parallel with the opposed diagonal.
belt between which last-named belts the wrapper passes, and a guide which causes
the series of belts to overlap each other laterally to wrap the filler.
19. The combination, substantially as herein before set forth, of a wrapper-guide,..
a series of laterally-curved, flexible, resilient endless belts, normally moving in a
path parallel with that of the filler, a similar belt on the opposite side of the filler,
a folding-guide which causes the series of parallel belts to overlap and fold the
wrapper upon the filler, and a separator which temporarily prevents contact of the
edges of the wrapper.
20. The combination, substantially as hereinbefore set forth, of a series of
Hexible, resilient endless belts, normally moving in parallel paths, a guide which
causes them to converge laterally and overlap, and an adjustable tongue or cam
in the guide to vary the overlap, and consequently the size of the cigarette formed
by them.
21. The combination, substantially as hereinbefore set forth, of a series of
flexible, resilient endless belts, normally moving in parallel paths, a guide which
causes them to converge laterally and overlap to fold the wrapper upon the filler, a
separator opposed to these belts, and an up-turner or guide, which folds the
unpasted side of the wrapper upon the filler.
22. The combination, substantially as hereinbefore set forth, of a series of
flexible, resilient endless belts, normally moving in parallel paths, a guide
which causes them to converge laterally and overlap, to fold the wrapper upon
the filler, another guide which folds the unpasted side of the wrapper upon the
filler, and still another guide which folds the pasted edge of the wrapper upon the
folded unpasted edge.
23. The combination, substantially as hereinbefore set forth, of a casing or
hopper, a belt moving edgewise across its mouth, a wrapper-guide at the side or edge
of the belt directly opposite the forward end of the mouth of the hopper, and means
for discharging the tobacco directly upon the belt between the hopper and guide,
for the purposes specified.
24. The combination, substantially as herein before set forth, of a casing or
hopper, a belt moving edgewise across its mouth, a wrapper-guide, and a yielding
abutment opposite the mouth of the hopper and means for discharging the tobacco
directly upon the belt, for the purposes specified.
25. A device for severing continuous cigarettes, comprising a cutter, a cigarette-
holder, and mechanism, substantially such as described, which causes both the
cutter and holder alternately to approach and recede from each other, in paths
intersecting the normal line of movement of the continuous cigarette, for the
purposes specified.
26. A device for severing continuous cigarettes comprising a cutter, a shaft on
°

page_text: which it is mounted, bearings in which the shaft turns, cranks moving in simila
paths connected with the bearings and means for rotating the cutter-shaft and
cranks, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
27. A device for severing continuous cigarettes, comprising two crank disks
parallel shafts on which they are mounted, a pitman connecting the cranks of these
disks, a slide-frame actuated by the pitman, a tubular cigarette-holder carried by
this slide-frame, and means for operating the holder laterally, the organization
being such that the holder is reciprocated both longitudinally and laterally across
the normal path of the continuous cigarette alternately towards and from the cutter,
substantially as and for the purpose specified.
28. A device for severing continuous cigarettes, comprising a rotary cutter, a
shaft on which it is mounted, bearings in which the shaft turns, cranks mounted on
parallel shafts and connected with the bearings, a pitman connecting the cranks, a
slide-frame provided with forks or guides embracing the crank-shafts, a cigarette-
holder carried by the slide-frame, and means for operating the holder laterally, the
organization being such that the cutter and holder alternately approach and recede
from each other, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
29. A device for severing continuous cigarettes, comprising parallel crank-shafts,
a pitman connecting them, a shaft rotating in bearings carried by the cranks, a
cutter on the shaft, a slide-frame actuated by the pitman, guide-slots in the frame
embracing the crank-shafts, a cigarette-holder carried by the slide-frame, means
for reciprocating the slide-frame and rotating the cutter at different speeds, and
means for operating the cigarette-holder laterally, substantially as and for the
purpose specified.
30. The combination with a cigarette-holder, of a device for cutting a continuous
cigarette passing through the holder, comprising a rotary cutting-blade, a shaft to
which it is secured, a bearing in which the shaft is mounted, and a crank-shaft
operatively connected with said bearing to cause it to move both longitudinally
with reference to the axis of the holder, and also laterally relatively thereto,
substantially as herein before set forth.
Dated this 20th day of November 1894.