Improvements in Cigar-wrapping Machines.
Year: 1887

page_text: Date of Application, 14th June, 1887.
Specification Accepted, 26th July, 1887.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Cigar-wrapping Machines.
I JOHN ERNST SCHMALZ of the City, County, and State of New York, United
States of America, Mechanic, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in
what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement :-
This invention relates to an improved Cigar Wrapping Machine of that class in
which the wrapper is placed on the bunch by means of an endless apron that travels
through a bunch-holder or mold and the invention consists of a cigar-wrapping
machine, in which an endless apron is passed over a suitable guide and tension rollers
of a bunch-holder or mold, which is composed of two pivoted sections that are
operated for being opened or closed by a suitable treadle-mechanism. The bunch-
holder applies the wrapper to the bunch in connection with a rotary, longitudinally-
guided and spring balanced mandrel at one end of the bunch-holder and a stationary
tipforming block at the other end of the same. The sections of the bunch-holder are
pivoted to laterally-adjustable guide-blocks, so that the bunch-holder can be adjusted
for bunches of different sizes.
The tip-forming block is provided with paste-supplying holes and connected to a
suitable paste-supplying mechanism, that is operated in conjunction with the bunch-
holder, so as to supply the required quantity of paste for forming the tip-end of the
wrapper.
After the wrapper has been placed on the bunch, the tip of the same is polished by
means of a heated thimble, applied to a hollow, rotary and spring-cushioned mandrel,
that is connected to a suitable generator of heat.
In the accompanying drawings Fig. 1 represents a side elevation of my improved
cigar-wrapping machine.
Fig. 2 is a vertical transverse section of the wrapping mechanism, taken on line XX
Fig. 1, and drawn on a larger scale.
Fig. 3 is a vertical transverse section, also on a larger scale, of the wrapping
mechanism, showing a modified construction of the same.
Fig. 4 is a plan of the wrapping mechanism.

page_text: Fig. 5 is a vertical transverse section of a part of the wrapping mechanism and an
end-view of the tip-finishing block, also drawn on a larger scale.
Fig. 6 is a vertical longitudinal section of the tip-finishing block.
Fig. 7 is an end view of the tip-finishing block.
Fig. 8 is a detail vertical section of part of the motransmitting mechanism.
Fig. 9 is a vertical longitudinal section of the polishing thimble and its rotary and
spring-cushioned mandrel, and Fig. 10 and 11 are detail sections of modified forms of
thimbles.
Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts.
In the drawings A represents the table of my improved cigar-wrapping machine,
and B the stand or framework of the same, which supports at the lower part four
treadles (C³, two of which are arranged in opposite direction to each other, for
alternately operating the wrapping mechanism from opposite sides of the machine
while the remaining two are located near the centre of the frame, intermediately
between the other treadles and are also arranged in opposite direction to each other,
for the purpose of opening the mold or bunch-holder when inserting the bunch or
removing the cigar, and operating the paste-supplying mechanism at proper periods.
The driving treadles C are connected by pitamen with crank-shafts a, turning in
bearings of the frame A, said crank-shaft having fly-wheels a', and stop-pulleys a²,
which latter transmit rotary motion by belts a³ to loose step-pulleys at on a driving
shaft, as that is supported in bearings at the lower ends of fixed hanger-plates A¹
of the table A, as shown clearly in Fig. 1. At each end of the driving shaft a³ is
arranged a friction clutch a, by which the driving shaft ab is thrown into mesh with
the loose step-pulley a', so as to rotate the driving shaft a by the treadle mechanism
next adjacent to the friction-clutch a, shown in Fig. 7. The treadles Care connected
to a vertically-guided and spring-actuated rod and pivot-links (3 with the bunch-
holder, so as to open or close the same.
The bunch-holder is supported in adjustable blocks bb, guided transversely in
dovetailed grooves of the upper parts of the hanger-plates A'.
Between the hanger-plates A¹ the table A is arranged with an opening for the
bunch-holder. The hanger-plates A¹ are supported by horizontal flanges to the table A,
and attached thereto by means of fastening screws. One of the hanger-plates A¹ is
provided with a bracket-arm A, which supports in suitable bearings e, a revolvable
and longitudinally reciprocating mandrel E, that is guided in line with the longi-
tudinal axis of the wrapping mechanism, by a sleeve-shaped bearing e¹ of the hanger-
plate and the bearing of the bracket-arm, as shown in Figs. I and 8.
An
The mandrel E provided with an enlarged head at the inner end, and guided
by a longitudinal groove e³ along a spline or pin of the sleeve-bearings e
adjustable collar is located on the mandrel between the hanger-plate and the
bearing e of the bracket-arm A², and servos to adjust the position of the mandrel and
its pusher-head with relation to the bunch-holder and tip forming block. The
mandrel E is rotated by a bolt, that passes over a pulley on the driving shaft. D, and
a pulley E³ at one end of the sleeve bearing e', as shown in Fig. 1.
Between the pulley e of the sleeve-bearing e and the coilar et, and between the
collar and the bearing e, are interposed spiral springs e e, by which the mandrel is
pressed against the butt-end of the bunch, so that its tip is forced with gentle pressure
into the cavity of the tip-forming block. The mandrel E rotates in the same direction
as the wrapping mechanism, and the bunch that is to be wrapped in the bunch-holder
so that no injurious action is exerted on the butt-end of the bunch by the mandrel.
By the adjustable collar e, the length to which the mandrel extends into the inold or
bunch-holder is regulated, and the position of the mandrel thereby readily adjusted to
the length of the bunch to be wrapped in the holder. The spiral springs ee at both
sides of the collar et, keep the mandrel E nicely balanced, so that it yields readily to
the bunch, when rotating with the same, and holds the bunch gently in position in
the tip-block, but without exerting any pressure thereon, so that the wrapper can be
wound readily around the tip and the mandrel "give" sufficiently without injurious
friction on the butt of the bunch.

page_text: The mold or bunch-holder consists of two oscillating mold-sections F, F, which
are pivoted at their lower parts to the transverse guide-blocks bb, of the hanger-
plates A', and connected at their upper parts to the pivot-links C, and by the same
with a cross-head at the upper end of the treadle-rod 2, so that the depression of the.
latter opens the sections of the mold or bunch-holder.
The rod C is guided in a central guide-portion B' of the frame B, and acted upon
by a spiral spring, interposed between the same and a collar f', as shown in Fig. 1.
The extent of oscillating motion of the sections F F of the bunch-holder is regulated
by collars ff, which are clamped to the rod (2, one above the other, below the guide
portion of the frame B. Each section F of the mold or bunch-holder F is composed
of two curved end-frames, and connecting rods and a number of guide-rollers f®,
some of which are arranged concentrically to the axis of the bunch-holder, as shown
clearly in Figs. 2 and 3. The curved end-frames at one end of the mold or bunch-
holder Fare chambered out, so as to form semi-circular cavities f', which form a
connecting space between the rollers and the tip-forming block G, attached to the
hanger-plate A next adjoining the chambered end-frames of the mold, as shown in
Fig. 5.
Each section of the bunch-holder is formed of five rollers, of which the two
upper ones and the lowermost one are arranged to turn on their axis, while the
intermediate ones are rigidly attached to the end-frames f
An additional roller in each mold section F. turns in adjustable bearings ƒ³,
which are guided in slots of the end-frames intermediately between the inner
series of concentric rollers and the outer connecting rod, said bearings being
adjusted by the screws 10, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. At the lower part of the
hanger-plates A are arranged fluted rollers ID, of which the lower one is located
on the driving shaft D while the upper one is supported in bearings of the hanger-
plates, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. An endless apron H passes between the fluted
rollers D D³, then upwards and over the adjustable roller f of one mold section,
then over the two upper rollers of the same mold section then down through the space
enclosed by said rollers to the lowermost rollers of the same section, and over a fixed
central rod f, supported by said hanger plates, then in upward direction over
the lowermost roller of the second mold-section, and over the upper rollers and the
adjustable roller of the same back to the fluted rollers, as shown in Fig. 2. The
adjustable rollers f³ serve as tension-rollers and permit the exact adjustment of
the apron from time to time to the proper degree of tension.
In place of one endless apron, that passes over the fluted guide and tension-rollers
of both sections of the bunch-holder, two endless aprons H¹ may be used, which are
arranged symmetrically to each other, one passing over the guide and tension-rollers
of one mold-section the other passing over the corresponding rollers of the other
section, as shown in Fig. 3. In this case both aprons pass through the centre of the
bunch-holder, in the same manner as the single apron, shown in Fig. 2, but are driven
by two independent fluted rollers D2, which receive both rotary motion but in
opposite direction to each other from the fluted roller D₁ on the driving shaft I) as
shown in Fig 3. The arrangement of the two aprons H', accomplishes in every
respect the same work as the single apron, but has the advantage that
aprons of
smaller length are required, which can be more easily replaced from time to time,
when they are worn out. The two aprons form the equivalent of the single apron and
can be used in place of the sanie, according to the preference of the cigar-manufac-
turer using the machine. The relative position of the mold-sections towards each
other is regulated by means of the dovetailed guide-blocks bb, which are guided in
corresponding ways of the hanger-plates A', by set-screws b¹, so as to be laterally
adjusted towards or away from each other. The set screws turn in threaded
sockets of the hanger-plates and engage by their heads the forked outer heads of the
guide-blocks, as shown clearly in Figs. 6 and 8. By this means the bunch-holder
may be arranged for wrapping different sizes of cigar-bunches. The endless apron H
is retained in position on the guide-rollers by flanged sleeves on the tension-rollers,
said flanged sleeves being capable of adjustment relatively to the tip forming block.
The endless apron H forms at the point where it passes through the space enclosed

page_text: by the guide-rollers of the bunch-holder a bight for the bunch, by means of which the
wrapper is drawn in and wound around the bunch.
The tip-forming block G is made convex at its upper part for the convenient
guiding of the finger, and provided with a tapering cavity axially in line with the
cavity formed by the chambered end-frames of the bunch-holder.
left
The cavity in the tip-block corresponds in shape to the tip to be produced, and is
open for about one third, more or less, of the circumference of the tip so that the
fore finger of one hand can be readily placed over said opening, and assist in supplying
the paste to the tip-end of the wrapper and apply in connection with the tip-forming
block the tip-end of the wrapper to the tip of the bunch, in close imitation of wrapping
the tip in hand-made cigars. The edges formed by the tapering cavity and opening
with the lower surface of the block are rounded off as shown in Fig. 4, so that the tip
end of the wrapper is drawn over one edge or the other into the cavity, according as
a right or left wrapper is wrapped around the tip of the bunch, without being torn or
otherwise injured at the tip-end, whereby the uniform drawing in and winding of said
tip-end around the tip of the bunch is produced.
When the cigar is wrapped, the bunch-holder is opened by a pressure on one of the
treadles C', and the cigar removed. Simultaneously therewith, the paste-supplying
attachment, which communicates with one or more openings g in the tip-block G, is
operated and a small quantity of paste delivered through the opening g, to the surface
of the tip-forming block G.
The paste-supplying mechanism is shown in Fig. 1, and consists of a closed paste-
holder or reservoir, that is supported on a fixed bracket i, below the table A, its top
part being connected by a flexible tube with an elastic air-bulb, that is supported
on a fixed concave bracket 3, of the central guide-portion B₁ of the frame B, and
compressed by a concave cheek. A second flexible tube 5 leads from the bottom of
the paste-holder 7 to a pipe, which passes through the table A, and communicates
with the opening g in the tip block G. The pipe is provided with a stop-cock 77,
that is connected by a crank-arm and an intermediate pivot-link with a fixed
horizontal arm 10; that extends sideways from the cross-head of the treadle-rod C².
The convex presser-cheek is attached to the horizontal arm 10 and presses on the
top of the bulb whenever one of the treadles C is depressed and the bunch-holder
opened so as to force air into the paste-holder 2. Simultaneously with the compression
of the bulb, the stop-cock 7 of the paste-supply pipe is opened and a small quantity
of paste expelled through the top of the block G, which paste is taken up by the finger
and supplied to the tip-end of the wrapper, as said tip-end is wound around the tip of
the bunch. The cigar is then removed and a new bunch and wrapper placed in the
bunch-holder for being wrapped.
For applying the tip-end of the wrapper smoothly to the bunch and polishing the tip
of the cigar, the tip-end is inserted into a rotary thimble L, that is attached to the end
of a hollow mandrel L', which is supported in bearings of raised blocks L2, of the table A.
The mandrel L' is rotated by a belt and pulley transmission from the shaft a, Fig. 1.
The mandrel L' has a stop-collar at the end opposite the thimble L, and is guided in
a stuffing-box L³ of a fixed pipe L', which is connected to a steam generator M,
or other source of heat. The collar is pressed against an interior collar or stop (i
of the fixed pipe L, by means of a spiral spring, that is interposed between a
collar n' adjoining the thimble L and a sleeve or housing n² attached to the driving-
pulley of the mandrel. The mandre! L' is permitted to slide in longitudinal
direction in the pulley n³ by means of a grooven, that is engaged by a fixed inwardly-
projecting pin of the pulley n³ as shown in Fig. 9. The shape of the thimble L
corresponds to the shapes of the tips of the cigars to be finished. The thimble Lis
provided with a cavity o, having outlet openings of around its inner wall, as shown in
Fig. 9, or with channels o, as shown in Fig. 10, said cavity or channels communicating
with the hollow mandrel, so that the steam or other heating medium can be
supplied thereto from the generator M. The thimble is thereby heated, so that the
inner surface of the same exerts a polishing action on the tip, whereby a more finished
appearance is imparted to the cigar.

page_text: If it be desired to arrange in the tip-end a longitudinal draft-hole, a thimble
provided with a central perforating pin, as shown in Fig. 7 is used. The steam escapes
from the cavity o, through the lateral openings o' to the atmosphere.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I claim is :
1. The combination, of a bunch-holder or mold formed of two pivoted and laterally-
adjustable sections, an endless travelling apron passing over the sections an through
the centre of the bunch-holder, a tip-forming block at one end, and a positively-
rotating and spring-cushioned mandrel at the other end of the bunch-holder,
substantially as set forth.
2. The combination, of a bunch-holder or mold formed of two laterally-adjustable
sections, treadle mechanisms for opening and closing said sections an endless
travelling apron, passing over said sections and forming a bight for the bunch, apron-
driving rollers below said bunch-holder, a tip-forming block at one end, and a positively-
rotating and spring-cushioned mandrel at the other end of the bunch-holder,
substantially as set forth.
3. In a cigar-bunch wrapping machine, the combination, with a bunch-holder or
mold, composed of two pivoted sections, each comprising a series of guide-rollers and
an adjustable tension-roller, of an endless apron, passing through the centre of the
bunch-holder and around the guide and tension-rollers of the same and of apron-
driving friction-rollers below said bunch-holder, substantially as set forth.
4. In a cigar-bunch wrapping machine, the combination, with a bunch-holder or
mold formed of two.pivoted sections, each comprising a series of guide-rollers, and a
tension-roller, of laterally-adjustable guide-blocks, an endless apron passing around the
rollers of said sections and through the centre of the bunch-holder, a stationary tip-
forming block at one end of the bunch-holder, and a rotary, longitudinally-guided
and spring-balanced mandrel at the other end of the bunch-holder, substantially as
set forth.
5. The combination of a bunch-holder or mold, composed of two pivoted sections,
each comprising a series of guide and tension-rollers, an endless apron passing through
the centre of the bunch-holder and around the rollers of the sections, a tip-forming
block at one end, and a positively-rotating mandrel at the opposite end of the bunch-
holder, said mandrel being longitudinally guided in suitable bearings and provided
with an adjustable collar and spiral balancing springs interposed between the collar
and bearings, substantially as set forth.
6. In a cigar wrapping machine, the combination, of supporting hanger-plates,
laterally adjustable blocks guided in ways of the hanger-plates, and a bunch-holder
formed of two sections pivoted to said guide-blocks, whereby the sections of the bunch
holder are adapted to be adjusted to different sizes of bunches, substantially as set
forth.
7. In a cigar wrapping machine, a tip-forming block having a convex top-surface,
a tapering cavity in line with the axis of the bunch-holder, a tapering opening at the
upper part of the block rounded off edges at both sides of said opening, and one or
more paste-supplying holes near the point of said opening, substantially as set forth.
8. The combination of a bunch-holder or mold, formed of two pivoted sections, a
treadle mechanism for opening and closing said sections, a tip-forming block having a
paste-supply opening or openings, a paste-holder, a tube connecting the paste-holder
with the supply-openings of the tip-forming block, and mechanism operated by said
treadle-mechanism, so as to intermittently supply a small quantity of paste to the
block, substantially as set forth.
9. The combination, of a bunch-holder or mold having pivoted sections, mechanism,
substantially as described, for opening and closing said sections, a tip-forming block
having a paste-supply opening or openings, and a paste-supplying mechanism operated
by the mechanism for opening the bunch-holder, an air-bulb, a supply tube connecting
the holder to the tip-forming block, a stop-cock in said supply-pipe, a tube connecting

page_text: the air bulb with the paste-holder, cheeks for compressing the air-bulb, and a pivot-
link, connected to the stop-cock for opening the same simultaneously with the opening
of the mold sections, substantially as set forth.
10. The combination, of a hollow, spring-cushioned mandrel, a polishing thimble to
said mandrel, means for rotating said mandrel, and means for heating said thimble
substantially as set forth.
11. The combination of a hollow, spring-cushioned mandrel, a polishing thimble at
one end of said mandrel, means for rotating the mandrel, a stationary pipe, connected
to the opposite end of said mandrel and a generator of steam or other heat, connected
to said pipe, substantially as set forth.
12. A polishing, thimble, provided with a cavity for the steam or other heating
medium, and openings for the outlet of the heating medium, substantially as set forth.
Dated this 14th day of June 1887
POPPLEWELL, COLTON & Co.,
Agents for the Applicant.