Improvements in Machines for Making Matches.
Year: 1898

page_text: Date of Application, 29th Nov., 1898-Accepted, 28th Jan., 1899
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Machines for Making Matches.
I, GEORGE CROYDON MARKS, of 18, Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane,
London, W.C., Consulting Engineer (being a communication from Frank Walton
Mead, of Hingham, Plymouth County, Massachusetts, in the United States of
America, Manufacturer), do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in
what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascer-
tained in and by the following statement:-
This invention relates to improvements in machines for making matches.
The following constitutes a full and particular description of the same.
The object I have in view in this invention is to produce a machine simple and
practical in its construction, more positive, direct and efficient in operation, and
therefore more satisfactory in its results, and consists of the construction, arrange-
ment and combination of the several parts as hereinafter more fully set forth.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS.
Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the main part of the machinery, showing the splint
forming and printing mechanism.
Fig. 2 is a similar and more comprehensive side elevation.
Fig. 3 is a corresponding sectional elevation of a considerable part of the same.
Fig. 4.is an end elevation; view point from the right in Figs. 1 and 2.
Fig. 5 is a sectional elevation; view point at the left in Figs. 1, 2,-3 and 6,
showing two individuals of the series of hoppers.
Fig. 6 is a sectional elevation, corresponding to Figs. 1, 2 and 3, showing one
of the hoppers.
Fig. 7 is a similar sectional elevation in which is shown one of the reciprocating
side bars 5 which give motion to the hopper bottoms 6, and, when the printing
mechanism is combined, also to the segmental gears of the printing rolls.
Fig. 8 is a side sectional elevation showing one of the tubular guides 12 in its
relation to the printing rolls 14, 14ª, 14, 14, when combined therewith.
Fig. 9 is a side elevation corresponding to Figs. 1, 2 and 3, somewhat enlarged,
to show the main conveyor 17 descending vertically and grasping the match splints
as they are ejected from the tubular guides 12. These match splints are shown
projecting from the tubular guides.
Fig. 10 is an elevation, viewed from the right in Fig. 2, showing the transverse
natch box conveyor 27 for carrying boxes to be filled.
Fig. 11 is an end view of parts shown in Fig. 10.
Fig. 12 is a side elevation of the main conveyor 17 at the point of delivery
of completed matches to the transverse box conveyor 27 through the chute 25,
and corresponds to Figs. 1 and 2.
Fig. 13 is an elevation, viewed from the right, of parts shown in Fig. 12.
Fig. 14 is a view of parts in Fig. 13, and giving the end view of the match
splints in the grippers.
Fig. 15 shows, in a perspective view, the fixed facets having stops for the ends
of the match splints.

page_text: Fig. 16 is a similar view of the interlocking separators which enter between
the gripping facets and separate the individual match splints in the grippers.
Fig. 17 is a general plan, but too small to show the correct number of saws.
See Fig. 30.
Fig. 18 is a general elevation of the driving shaft and connections, pulleys,
sprocket wheels and shafts.
Fig. 19 is an elevation of driving mechanism otherwise illustrated in Fig. 18.
Fig. 20 is an elevation showing the dividers or saws 8 in their relation to the
hopper and the tubular guides 12, and also the saw table 61 and top guides 2.
Fig. 21 is a plan in which is shown the distributing chutes for completed
matches.
Fig 22 is an elevation of the same.
Fig. 23 is a transverse elevation of the device for giving an intermittent move-
ment to the box conveyor, of which Fig. 27 is a side elevation.
Fig. 24 is a transverse elevation of the conveyor 17, of which Fig. 28 is a side
elevation.
Fig. 25 is a cross section on a line between points 17 and 17d Fig. 28, looking
toward the sprocket chain.
Fig. 26 is an elevation illustrating the relations of main conveyor, to chutes 25
and a train of boxes.
Fig. 27 is an elevation of a device for giving an intermittent movement to the
box conveyor.
Fig. 28 is a side elevation illustrating the construction of the conveyor 17.
Fig. 29 is a plan in which is shown the relation of the tubular guides 12 to the
saws or dividers, table 11, and hopper 1.
Fig. 30 is a plan in which is shown the number and relation of saws 8 to hoppers.
Fig. 31 is a sectional elevation illustrating the grouping of the match grasping
devices of the main conveyor.
Fig. 32 is a sectional elevation showing the table support 11, under the tubular
guide 12, at the point of the pressure of the print roller 14 through the scallop 13.
Fig. 33 is a sectional elevation showing the bearer 60 opposed to the upward
pressure of the print roll 14" upon the guide tubes 12 through the scallop 13".
Like letters and figures of reference indicate the same or corresponding parts in
all drawings.
The main frame a¹ for supporting the primary parts of the machine may be
observed in Fig. 1.
per-
This frame A carries prominently, on the left, in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, the stationary
hoppers 1, to receive the prepared match splint blanks already formed to the
proper length and thickness of a match and of a width adapted to be sawed into 25
match splints. This assumed number may be varied in different machines. Any
number of these hoppers may be used; eight are shown in these drawings. In
the base of this hopper (see Fig. 6) is arranged a driven platen or bottom 6
forming a double function; first, that of removing, at each vibration, one of the
blanks, by means of the shoulder of the raised portion 6, in conformity to which
function it has the indispensable quality of reciprocating or vibrating to the
limit of one match's length with just the necessary clearance to allow the next
blank to freely take its place. Second, this movement is also the driving force
which carries the match splint material through the tubular guide 12 to the main
conveyor 17 where it arrives in final splint form.
These platens or hopper bottoms are moved by the side bars 5 (see Fig. 5) to
which they are connected. The reciprocating movement of the side bars is of
the same length as the length of movement communicated to other operative parts
of the machine. The frame A¹³ also carries prominently, on the right, (see Fig. 1
also Figs. 2 and 3) the main shaft 3 on which are the eccentrics 4 (see Fig. 7) which,
through rods 4", give the required vibratory or reciprocating movement to the
side rods 5.
The platen 6 having this specific movement, in combination with the fixed

page_text: hopper 1, is important, as related to many other features of the machine, for
forming, printing, (when that is combined) transferring, delivering and packing
matches.
Below the driving shaft 3 is a shaft conveying the main moving sprockets 18
of the main conveyor 17. (See Figs. 1, 2 and 3). This conveyor travels downward
at the point of receiving the match splints, passes around these sprocket wheels,
to and around other sprocket wheels on the right, carrying the match splints, at
the beginning of their travel away from their point of delivery from the tubes 12
to the conveyor 17, and toward the dipping and drying section of the machine on
the right of Fig. 2.
Leaving this general outlining of the primary parts and returning to the
hopper 1 which represents the beginning of the process effected by the agency of
the machine, the operation is as follows:-
This hopper 1, eight of which are shown in this machine and which number
may vary in different machines, is stationary, and a reciprocating bottom. which
I will call a platen 6, is provided with a raised portion 6" (see Fig. 6). This hopper
receives the match blanks, (see same fig.) which are of the required thickness and
length for the proposed match, and, in the case of the machine illustrated, are
wide enough to make 25 matches, which number may be varied in different
machines.
This platen 6 receives from the side bars 5, (see Figs. 6 and 7) to which it is
connected, a movement forward and backward equal to the length of a match
blank, plus clearance. Its forward movement pushing a match blank toward the
dividers. Every time it recedes, (to the left in Fig. 1) the pile of blanks in hopper 1
drops the thickness of a match blank, (i.e. from the raised portion 6" to platen 6)
either by its own weight or by any convenient agent for insuring the movement.
At this recession of the platen 6, the blank, which has been pushed forward to
the right, (see Figs. 1, 3 and 6) is held from returning by friction, or by pressure
applied in any suitable and convenient manner, so that its space recently occupied
in the hopper being made vacant, receives, as before, the next blank in the hopper.
This process being continued, a continuous line of blanks is pushed forward, the
rear ones pushing those in advance in an intermittent movement suited to the
length of the match, plus clearance, at each vibration. At a convenient remove
from the hopper is located a gang of saws 8 (see Figs. 3 and 20) or other match
blank dividers, to and past which through a convenient guiding passage formed
by the table 61 below and a similar guide plate 62 above, are thus pushed the
continuous train of match blanks becoming, on emerging beyond the saws, twenty-
five (in case of the machine shown) match splints or bodies.
Beyond the saws, further to the right, in Figs. 20 and 29, are located in the track
of the twenty-five match splints twenty-five tubes 12 of metal, the internal section
of which corresponds to the section of the matches, into and through which the
moving blanks push the individual splints. These twenty-five tubes have a straight
section and in the straight or direct part is a scallop or opening exposing the
match splint as it passes for the action of a printing roll above, (see Fig. 8) and
another opening exposing it to the action of a printing roll below: then beyond
occurs a twist in the tubes, in which the splint is turned gradually one-quarter
of a full revolution; then occurs another direct or straight section having a scallop
or opening through which the splint is exposed to the action of a printing roll
above, and another opening through which it is exposed to the action of a printing
roll below, whenever the printing is combined herewith, which is usually the case.
These rolls are marked respectively 14, 14, 14 and 14°.
Referring to the general plan, Fig. 17, I have indicated at 12 one of the tubular
guides through which the match splints are passed from the eight gangs of saws 8
to the conveyor 17. This guide is twisted at 16 between the printing roll scallops
at 14 and 14b. (In Fig. 29 the whole group of 25 tubes is indicated; there
are 200 in the eight groups). The twist is fully illustrated in Figs. 3 and 8,
and is marked 16, and has already been described. The tubes 12 are supported'

page_text: on the table 11, beneath the upper print roll openings 13, (Fig. 32) and have a
bearer GO over the lower roll openings 13", (Fig. 3:3) to reinforce them against the
pressure from these rolls.
The twisted tubular guides 12 effect the turning of the match splints so that after
two sides are exposed to an upper and lower roll the two remaining sides are
exposed to other upper and lower rolls.
These separate, scalloped and twisted single tubes or guides 12, are peculiarly
adapted to the purposes above described and are a most important feature in a
match printing and match making machine.
As already noted, a suitable bearer 60 is provided above, while below the tubes
at such points as may receive the impressions from the printing rolls, is the sup-
porting table 11 whereby the tubes are properly supported.
After the match splints leave the printing rolls, they continue to be pushed
forward intermittently as described and soon arrive at the conveyor 17 which moves
at this point downward at right angles to the line of travel of the match splints
as they emerge from the tubes 12. Observe Fig. 9 where part 17t, which controls
the swinging jaw, is detained until a sufficient opening of this jaw is effected
into which, while at rest, the match splint is pushed at the moment of said open-
ing and rest, of this swinging jaw. Then the next pulsation or movement of the
conveyor carries it on downward and brings the next swinging jaw into position
to grasp the succeeding row of match splints; thus proceeds continuously the
pulsating train supplying the conveyor with match splints. (See Fig. 12 showing
one swinging jaw open.) From this point the conveyor, charged with its freight
of match splints may be traced in Fig. 2 onward through the dipping and drying
system here outlined, in which are located several heating tanks, as B, C, having
steam jackets, or other temperature controlling devices, in which is kept a suitable
supply of the several compositions and baths used to perfect the igniting functions
of the match.
These are so arranged that the points of the match splints are suitably immersed
in them at such intervals as shall insure the necessary drying after the bath or
several baths, after which the conveyor may be still traced with its freight by
following the dotted lines shown in Fig. 2 to the extreme left at the top, where,
passing around the sprocket wheels, it begins its return travel dropping its freight
of matches at the chutes 25 (see also Fig. 12).
Arriving at the chutes 25, the detent 22, (Fig. 12), or trip operator, causes
again the opening of the swinging jaw, thus releasing the matches and allowing
them to fall into the chutes 25.
The present description and drawings represent eight of the described trains
having groups of 25 matches each, in width, as already implied.
These chutes 25, are shown in Figs. 21 and 22. They diverge from the trans-
verse line, (see Fig. 26) at which the conveyor drops the matches into them, in a
regular gradation, bringing their exit or delivery ends each over one of eight trains
of empty boxes waiting to be filled.
These boxes are made to pass under these chutes 25 upon a transversely moving
secondary conveyor 27. (See Figs. 2, 4, 10 and 26).
This train of boxes also travels intermittently, the box train resting under the
chutes 25 a space of time sufficient to allow the dropping of the required number
of groups of 25 matches in each box.
If desirable this mechanism may be mounted on the floors of a building other
than that in which the forming and printing mechanism is located.
To effect the required intermittent movement of the transverse box conveyor 27
an eccentric on the main shaft 3, (see Figs. 4, 10 and 11) through rod 35 and
arms 33, gives movement to ratchet wheels 30 and 31 and their shafts 28" and 29ª.
drums 28 and 29 and conveyor 27. Thus a ratchet wheel 30 on shaft 28ª (see
Fig. 4) is provided with uniform notches or teeth and is keyed on, a twin wheel 31
with one deeper notch is loose on the shaft beside wheel 30. (See Fig. 27).
A double pointed pawl 34 (Fig. 27) one point lower than the other, the low

page_text: point riding on wheel 31. keeps the high point over wheel 30 from engaging until
the lower point reaches and drops into a deeper notch 30" in wheel 31. when the
high point. dropping a corresponding distance, engages with the teeth of wheel 30,
driving it one tooth, and not until the loose wheel has been driven to the next
deep notch, and the low point has again dropped into this deep notch, can wheel 30
be inoved another tooth."
The loose wheel 31 may have more than one deep notch and so allow the wheel 30
to be oftener moved. Thus more or less teeth and more or less deep notches may
be adopted respectively whereby the box conveyor is made to rest the longer or
shorter time required to deposit more or less groups of twenty-five matches in
each box.
The construction of the main conveyor 17 is as follows, viz.:-There are four
sprocket chains 17ª (see Figs. 21, 22 and 14). These four sprocket chains are
mounted on their sprocket wheels, one of which is marked 18 in Fig. 1 and four
of which are shown in Figs. 17 and 18 under the main shaft 3. This main
conveyor 17 is in two parts or belts, (more may be used) each part being composed
of two sprocket chains 17" connected to each other as hereinafter described and
each conveying four parallel, longitudinal lines of match splint groups, each
group composed of 25 match splints. (One complete group of match splints is
shown in Fig. 22.) Four of these groups of 25 match splints are carried by each
pair of sprocket chains 17" by means of gripping devices suspended from rods 17°,
174, and 17h which extend transversely between and are connected to the two
sprocket chains 17ª. (See Fig. 12.) In Fig. 21 can be seen the four sprocket
chains 17 and the connecting rods, and in Fig. 22, at the left, is shown one of the
groups of 25 match splints occupying one of the four sections between the two
sprocket chains 17" and which are held in one of the gripping devices suspended
from the connecting rods
The chains are made up of links and rivets on the plan of an ordinary machine
chain.
Each inner link plate of chain 17ª has a rigid projecting arm 17. See Figs. 28
and 24.
These links with rigid arms are connected to each other by the rods 17°, 17d, and
also by the rod 17. Rods 17° and 17d connect the arms and carry the gripping
facets 17 having a hook or match stop 17 at the top, and the separator 17. The
four chains 17 with connecting rods are shown in Fig. 21.
The swinging arms 171, (Figs. 12 and 31) occur in pairs for each group of twenty-
five matches. They are hinged upon the rods 17h and each pair of swinging
arms 17 is connected by the rods 17 and 17. (See Fig. 31). These rods carry
the intermeshing separators 17", (Fig. 28) having the projecting portion 17°
alternated with the gripping bits or washers 17" between which and the facets 17°
the matches are gripped. (See also Figs. 15 and 16). The swinging jaw carrying
the gripping washers 17" (Fig. 31) is pressed upon the fixed jaw with its gripping
facets 17 by the spring 17.
The trip or finger 17 (Figs. 31, 28 and 12) is acted on by a suitable detent or
trip operator 22 placed in its track to loosen the grip at the required points, as
previously noted, and to open it to receive the match splints.
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:-
First. The match conveyor as constructed, to embrace in combination four
chains 17, the shafts and sprocket wheels, the chains having the attached groups
of fixed and movable jaws, the gripping facets 17°, separators 17' in the fixed
jaw, the interlocking separators 17", gripping washers 17 in the movable jaws,
trip 17t at the extremes of the groups, the trip operator, pivotal rods 17h, fixed jaw
connections 17b to the chain links, and the rod connections 17° and 17d for the
parts; all arranged and co-operating, substantially as shown and described.

page_text: Second. The combination of the general conveyor, its trip 17, the trip operator 22
and the sectional chutes 25, divergent in graduated order from a central supporting
bar to a series of boxes moved intermittently in a direction transverse to that of
the general conveyor, whereby the matches are dropped in a somewhat vertically
inclined position, but, approximately, in the position required in the box when
they fall from the opening of the inclined chutes, substantially as shown and
described.
Third. The combination of the general match conveyor 17, the trip 17 and the
trip operator 22, the transversely and intermittently driven box conveyor 27, and
the co-operating individual chutes 25, their common central supporting bar, said
chutes diverging in graduated order from the group lines of the main conveyor to
the several box trains upon the box conveyor, substantially as shown and
described.
Fourth. The conveyor constructed with four parallel chains 17" each having
four series of plate links, the inner series of links (between the chains) having fixed
arms 17" connected by rods 17° and 17 from one chain to the other, and said inner
series also being connected by a rod 17h on which are pivoted movable or
swinging arms 17, the fixed arms 17 and rods 17° and 17d carrying a continuous
series of gripping parts 17, and the other rods 17k and 17 carrying sectional
swinging groups, substantially as shown and described.
Fifth. In a match making machine the combination of the match blank
hoppers 1, match blank propelling side bars 5, the groups of saws S, and the match
splint guide plates 61 and 62, through which the saws operate, the separate, four
sided, scalloped splint guide tubes 12, which are continuous from the saw guide
plates 61 and 62 to the main conveyor 17, and the conveyor 17, substantially as
shown and described.
Sixth. In a match making machine the main conveyor as constructed with
individual-match holding grippers having parallel fixed gripping facets 17°
opposite to parallel swinging gripping washers 17", alternated with match
separators 17, which have the projecting part 17° passing between and past the
lines of matches, the separating washers 17, the rigid perforated arms 17b, rods 17d
and 17°, in the fixed jaws, the rods 17 and 17, in the swinging jaws, the spring 17,
and the rods 17 connecting the inner links of the chain, all arranged in a double
right line throughout the entire breadth of the group section for the purpose of
receiving the groups of matches in a single row and depositing them in the same
order, substantially as shown and described.
Seventh. In a match making machine the combination of an intermittently
moved main conveyor constructed with groups of parallel fixed gripping facets 17
opposed to groups of parallel swinging gripping washers 17 alternated with
corresponding groups of match separators 17 which have the projecting parts 17°
passing between and past the grouped lines of matches, the separating washers 171
the rigid arms 17b perforated to hold the rods 17° and 17 which support the fixed
jaws, the rods 17 and 171 in the swinging jaw which is pivoted on the
rods 17h extending to and connecting the inner links of the chain, the match
splint stop 178, the jaw-closing spring 17, the jaw opening trip 17;
the cross bar and detent 22, the chutes 25, said chutes being sup-
ported by said cross bar and diverging in graduated order from the group lines
of the main conveyor to the several box trains upon the box conveyor, and the
intermittently moved box conveyor made to rest at the instant of contact of 17t
and detent 22 and consequent disengagement and dropping of the several groups
of matches, substantially as shown and described.
Eighth. In a match machine conveyor, the combination of the two chains con-
structed with armed links 17" as described, the connecting and gripper supporting
rods 17, 17, and 17, the section or group rods 17 and 17' extending between
and connecting the swinging arms 17' on 17h and the gripping parts, substantially
as shown and described.

page_text: Ninth. In a match making machine, the straight cross bar 22 having the series
of chutes 25 diverging regularly and laterally each way from a central line to
the several lines of travel of the several trains of boxes, in combination with an
intermittent group-depositing mechanism and a box carrier beneath, having a
correspondingly intermittent movement, substantially as shown and described.
Tenth. In a match making machine, the combination of the main intermittently
moved conveyor constructed with downwardly dependent and respectively rigid
and movable gripping members, the trip and the movable members, the transverse
straight bar 22 beneath bearing the series of divergent chutes, a stationary trip
operator, and the intermittently moved box conveyor beneath the chutes, made to
rest at the instant of contact of trip and trip operator and consequent disengage-
ment and dropping of the groups of matches, substantially as shown and described.
Eleventh. In a match making machine, a straight row of receiving hoppers 25,
the individuals of which correspond in position to the lines of movement of the
several trains of match groups, and having their lower or delivery ends divergent
to correspond to the lines of travel of several transversely moving trains of receiv-
ing boxes, in combination with the main and intermittently moving general con-
veyor 17 and the intermittently actuated and transversely moving box carrier 27,
substantially as shown and described.
Twelfth. In combination with the main group-depositing conveyor 17, the trans-
verse conveyor 27 of the several trains of boxes, the uniformly spaced and the
deep toothed ratchet wheels 30 and 31 having the upper and lower pointed pawl 34
and the intermutual co-operative impelling mechanism and the guide chute
mechanism, substantially as shown and described.
Thirteenth. In a match making machine the combination of the following
named parts, viz.:-the frame A having reciprocating longitudinal bar mounted
on each side, a series of hoppers having propelling bottoms connected to said side
bars, a series of match splint dividers next to the propelling bottoms, succeeding
single tube guides having pairs of printing roll open scallops, said single tube
closed guides, (i.e. constructed with sides, bottom and top,) being continuous from
the dividers to the main conveyor, the main conveyor and the excentric driving
mechanism, substantially as shown and described.
Fourteenth. In a match making machine, for the purpose of forcing, dividing,
timing and conducting the match material in proper positions to the main con-
veyor, the combinations of the described hopper bottom and reciprocating mechan-
ism, the dividers and the single tube guides, scalloped and twisted, substantially
as shown and described.
Fifteenth. In a match making machine, to be connected with a printing apparatus,
the combination of the main conveyor constructed to carry groups of match splints,
correspondingly arranged groups of single tube splint guides, made continuous
from the match blank dividers to said conveyor, and constructed with pairs of open
print-roll-admitting scallops, and having intervening straight and twisted closed
sections, the side reciprocating bars, connected match blank driving hopper
bottoms, and succeeding dividers all arranged and co-operating substantially as
shown and described.
Sixteenth. In a match making machine, the combination of the following co-
operative parts, viz. the single tube separate guides of match shaped section
having consecutively, direct, scalloped, twisted, and direct scalloped sections,
stationary hoppers whose bottoms are match blank propelling platens, reciprocating
side bars to which these are attached, the blank dividers and racks upon said side
bars for simultaneously operating any printing mechanism to be connected there-
with, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
Seventeenth. In a match making machine the combination of the gangs of blank
dividers of saws, single tube guides made continuous from dividers to main con-
veyor, constructed with four sides, but having a series of open scallops both in
their top and in their bottom for admitting printing rolls, the match blank pro-
pelling hopper bottoms, preceding the dividers, the side bars 5 for moving the

page_text: said hopper bottoms, and the connecting rods 4ª, shaft 3, pulley 2, and co-operative
parts, substantially as shown and described.
Eighteenth. The combination of the eccentric propelled reciprocating side bars
having attached racks for operating upper and lower printing rolls, the attached
impelling hopper bottoms which push match splint blanks to the dividers and push
the splints beyond the match dividers, the single tube guides complete with top,
bottom and sides, and openings to admit printing rolls to the match splints, and
having alternating straight and twisted sections and extending to the main
conveyor, said conveyor, supports and operating mechanism, substantially as shown
and described.
Nineteenth. In a match machine, the combination of a match conveyor and a
match box conveyor moving at right angles to each other in different planes, and
a match chute having a match receiving opening adapted to receive a group of
matches transversely arranged with reference to the line of movement of the match
conveyor, and a delivery opening, substantially parallel to the line of movement
of the match box conveyor, substantially as described.
Twentieth. The independent continuous single tube guides (i.e. constructed
complete with top, bottom and sides in one) extending from the dividers of match
blanks to the main conveyor, and having scalloped direct sections resting against
the supporting table 11, and bearer 60 and an intermediate twisted section, whereby
provision is made for combination with a printing mechanism, the dividers and
impelling operative mechanism, substantially as shown and described.
Twenty-first. In a match making machine, the separate single tube guides of
match shaped section, continuous from the dividers or saws to the main conveyor,
constructed with open, scalloped, straight and intermediate twisted sections, sub-
stantially as shown and described.
1
+000
MARKS & CLERK,
18, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., and
13, Temple Street, Birmingham, Agents.