A New or Improved Machine for Making Buttons and similar Articles.
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 5th Jan., 1897--Accepted, 27th Mar., 1897
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
A New or Improved Machine for Making Buttons and similar
Articles.
•
I, HENRY BIRKBECK, Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Patent Agents,
of the Firm of Tongue & Birkbeck of 31, Southampton Buildings, Chancery
Lane, London, do hereby declare the nature of this invention (a communication
to me from abroad by Tillie Böhm Gentlewoman, of No. 432 East 71st Street,
New York, New York County, and State of New York, United States of
America) and in what manner the same is to be perforined to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
This invention relates to a machine for turning buttons especially mother-of-
pearl buttons but the same may be adapted as well to the turning of buttons made
of vegetable ivory, horn, animal ivory, or other material of like character.
The object of this invention is to construct a machine which will from different
materials and from the rough blanks of the same finish different shapes of buttons
and similar articles.
To accomplish this the blanks are inserted into a chuck placed on the face of a
turret-bead said turret-head after the blanks have been inserted and locked in the
chuck moves this chuck with the blank in front of a tool held in a revolving
spindle which finishes the one side of the button. Then the chuck is again moved
into another position directly opposite another chuck placed on the face of another
turret-head. The blank is here transferred from the first chuck to the second
sending the finished side of the blank into the chuck and exposing the unfinished
side. This chuck is then in turn moved by its turret-head in front of a second
tool also held in a revolving spindle where the other side of the button is finished;
next the chuck is moved in front of a drill spindle where two diagonally opposite
boles are drilled and from there in front of a second drill spindle where two
additional holes (transversely diagonal to the first two) are drilled. As the chuck
leaves the second drilling position, the chuck opens and the button is pushed out.
As each turret-head has a series of chucks, all these operations take place at the
same time on consecutively inserted blanks in the different chucks, and as for
every movement of the turret-head all the chucks advance from one position to
another, and as a blank is inserted between each movement, so a button is finished
as well.
All the motions are automatic save the inserting of the blank into the chuck.
This invention consists of certain features of construction and combinations
of parts to be fully described hereinafter and then particularly pointed out in
the claims.
In the accompanying drawings,
Figure 1 is a front elevation of this improved machine for turning buttons,
Figure 2 is a side-elevation of this machine, taken from that side on which the
cam-shaft is located, and partly in section to show the arrangement of the cams on
the shaft,
Figure 3 is a side-elevation of the machine, looking towards the opposite side
thereof.
Figure 4 is a rear-elevation of the machine, partly in section,
Figure 5 is a plan-view of the machine,
detail sectional view tuken longitudinally through two aligued

page_text: to be transferred to the facing mechanism,
Showing a
Маскей танк about
Figure 7 is a detail side-view showing the chuck opening device for the backing-
mechanism the rotary head and chucks being shown in broken lines,
Figure 8 is a similar view, showing the chuck-opening, device of the facing-
mechanism,
Figure 9 is a broken detail longitudinal section of the rotary head of the backing
and facing mechanisms, showing the chucks arranged thereon,
Figure 10 is a side-elevation of the perforating or drilling mechanism, the cam
for operating the same being shown in dotted lines,
Figure 11 is a transverse section on line 11-11, of Figure 10, and
Figure 12 is an end-elevation of the drilling-mechanism, the cam for operating
the same being shown in dotted lines.
Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts.
In the drawings, A represents the frame of the machine in which is journaled in
suitable bearings the operating cam-shaft B provided at one end with a worm-
wheel b that is in mesh with a worm b¹ arranged on the main driving shaft b
which may be rotated by a suitable pulley-transmission 63. The cam-shaft B
carries all of the disk-shaped cams for operating the movable parts of the machine,
said cams being lettered C, C1, C2 and C³ respectively, the construction and
function of which will be hereinafter particularly stated. The mechanism to
which the disks or blanks, from which the buttons are to be turned, are first
introduced is composed of a toothed rotary turret-head or gear-wheel D which is
mounted to one side of a central recess E in the upper part of the machine and is
provided with a suitable shaft d, a series of chucks F to be hereinafter particularly
described, and a rotary backing cutter G. The cutter G is suitably clamped on
the end of the tool-holder or cutter-shaft g which is journaled in bearings g¹ of the
machine, and at its outer end is provided with diametrically-opposite studs g² which
take into the forked end of an arm which is carried at the upper end of an
oscillating-shaft H journaled in bearings ¹. Through the medium of a spring H2
coiled around the shaft and seated at one end in the bearing h¹ and at the other end
in a nut fixed to the oscillating-shaft H, the backing cutter G is normally
retracted, while through the medium of an arm *, at the lower end of the vertical
oscillating-shaft H and a connecting-rod H' pivoted to the arm + and extending
from the side of the machine on which the backing cutter is arranged to the
opposite side of the machine, the cutter is projected forward towards the rotary
head D, when a pull is exerted on the connecting-rod H¹. The connecting-rod H
is reciprocated by means of the cam C. at one end of the cam-shaft B, through
the medium of a lever ² pivoted at H³ and provided with a roller H at its
lower end bearing on the cam-surface of the cam C, and an oscillating-arm !
carried by an oscillating-shaft m and pivoted to the lever 72 at 7 and to the
connecting rod H2 at H. The shaft g of the backing cutter G is kept
continuously rotated by means of a belt G₁ which passes around a pulley G² fixed
on said shaft.
Mounted on the face of the rotary toothed head D of the backing-mechanism
are the four chucks F, previously referred to. These chucks each have an outer
shell F, see Figure 6, and a split tube F2 which is. permanently screwed within
the shell of the chuck at f° and is provided at the outer ends of the gripping
jaws f, formed by the splitting of the same, with inclined surfaces f so as to
impart an outward taper to the ends of the jaws. The wedge-shaped end of the
tubular slide f, which moves within the space between the inner wall of the shell
of the chuck and the split tube, bears upon the tapering gripping jaws of the split
tube and tends to draw the latter together through the medium of a spring f
coiled around the slide, which at one end seats against an externally screw-
threaded collar f* screwed in the outer end of the shell of the chuck, and at
the other end bears upon the annular flange f at the inner end of the slide.
A movable pusher-block ƒ is arranged in the rear part of the shell F1 of each chúck

page_text: and is adapted to actuate the slide by means of guide-pins F³, which are guided in
openings in the interior flange f to which the screw-threaded portion of the split
tube F is screwed said pusher-block being provided with beveled lugs f' at the
back. The beveled lugs f' are engaged alternately by beveled actuating
pieces f,10, fixed to the frame of the machine at diametrically-opposite sides of
the shaft of the rotary head D, in line with the path of the said lugs. A plunger J
is guided in an opening in a lugi on the frame A of the machine, and is arranged
at the upper end of a cam-lever J' pivoted at J2 on the frame, and provided at its .
lower end with an anti-friction roller J³ upon which bears the peripheral cam-face.
of the cam C', so that when the lever J¹ is operated by the cam C¹, the plunger is
projected forwardly so as to act on the rear end of an auxiliary plunger F5 mounted..
in the chucks. Screwed within the split tube or clutch-member F is a guide-tube F+
which receives and guides the auxiliary plunger F which is normally retracted:
through the medium of a spring F coiled around the same within the enlarged
interior of the tube F and acting upon an annular shoulder F on the auxiliary
plunger the latter being retained in position by a perforated screw-plug screwed
into the rear end of the said tube. The auxiliary plunger is for the purpose of
discharging the partly-turned button from the chuck after the operation of backing.
has been accomplished.
Journaled within a suitable bearing of the frame of the machine at the opposite
side from the rotary head of the backing-mechanism is a shaft K, which at its inner
end carries a toothed rotary turret-head or gear-wheel K' forming part of the
facing mechanism and the face of which is presented towards the face of the rotary
head D and is arranged at one side thereof. This toothed rotary head or
gear-wheel K is caused to move simultaneously with the rotary head D of the
backing mechanism through the medium of two pinions k, k', respectively, fixed on
a counter-shaft 10 journaled in bearings ², k³, of the frame A, the teeth of the
rotary head K' being in mesh with the pinion k, while the teeth of the rotary
head D are in mesh with the pinion k', so that a simultaneous movement of both of
the rotary heads is obtained. The rotary head of the facing-mechanism is provided
with four chucks L, substantially corresponding to the chucks F of the backing-
mechanism, but this number is not essential, as by timing the movement of the
different mechanism in a different manner evident to any skilled mechanic, the
number may be varied. The description of the means of rotating the rotary head
of the facing-mechanism and chucks of the same will be made hereinafter.
The cutter M of the facing-mechanism is arranged to move simultaneously with
the cutter G of the backing-mechanism through the medium of the following
connections m is a rotary shaft or tocl holder journaled in bearings m¹ on the frame
of the machine and provided with means at one end for holding the cutter M, and >
at the other end with diametrically-opposite studs m² which take into the forked.
end of an oscillating arm m³ fixed to the upper end of an oscillating-shaft m*
journaled in bearings m on the side of the frame opposite to that on which the
toothed rotary head K' is arranged, said shaft bearing at its lower end the oscillating
arm I, previously referred to. Coiled around the oscillating shaft m* is a spring m
which at one end is fixed or seated in the bearing ms, while its other end is fixe:! to
a nut or collar m² ou the oscillating-shaft m³. It will be seen therefore that
through the medium of the cani C, the oscillating-shafts H and m' will be oscillated
simultaneously so as to project the respective cutters operated thereby inwardly
towards the chucks on which the button blanks are held for being backed and
faced while they are retracted outwardly, when the inactive portion of the cam C
is in engagement with the end of the lever ², by means of the springs H' and m³.
The shafts m of the facing cutter M is kept in continuous rotation through the
medium of the belt M' which passes over a pulley M mounted on the cutter-shaft
and as both of the cutter-shafts g and m respectively, are kept in continuous
rotation, it is only necessary that they be reciprocated at the proper moment to
accomplish the work for which they are intended.
The chucks L which are mounted on the rotary toothed head K' of the

page_text: facing-mechanism are constructed substantially the same as, and in the main
similarly to the chucks of the backing-mechanism, and those parts which are operated
in a similar manner and are identical with parts of the chucks of the backing-mechanism
receive the same reference letters. The difference in the chucks L is that instead
of a guide-pin being guided in the guide-tube F4, a rigid guide post L' is screwed
into a plug at the inner end of the guide-tube, and has coiled around it a spiral
spring L which acts upon a movable follower L³ of cup-shape, which is guided on
the post. The cavity of the follower L³ permits the action of the drills on the
button-blanks for the purpose of forming the perforations of the buttons.
The mechanism for the intermittent rotation of the rotary heads of the backing
and facing-mechanism is composed of the following instrumentalities: C2 is the cam
which operates the said parts and the same engages the rear end of a cam-lever N
which is fulcrumed to a bracket in the lower part of the frame of the machine
at n and is pivoted at its front end to the lower end of a link N¹ which in turn is
pivoted at its upper end at n¹ to a slide N which has a. dove-tailed recess in its
under side and is guided in a dove-tailed projection n² on one side of
the frame fitting into said recess. The vertical reciprocation of the slide caused
by the action of the cam C2 causes an intermittent rotation of a star-wheel N³,
which is mounted on the outer end of the tubular shaft K, through the medium
of an actuating arm N5 which is pivoted at nt, at its lower end, to the upper end of
the slide N2. In order to effect the proper intermittent rotation of the star-wheel
N³ the upper end of the actuating arm No is provided with a laterally-extending
pin n which takes into the teeth of the star-wheel after each downward movement
of the actuating-arm. For holding the actuating-arm N' in positive forward
engagement with the star-wheel N³ the same is subjected to the constant forward
pressure of a spring No.
To effect the locking of the rotary heads of the respective backing and facing-
mechanisms, a locking-pin O, which slides in an opening formed in the frame of the
machine, is provided. Said locking-pin engages by its forward end in either of four
sockets formed in the back of the rotary head K. The co-operation of movement
of the locking-pin O with the intermittent rotary movement obtained in the rotary
head K¹ is obtained through the medium of a lever fulcrumed at 02 within a
recess of the dove-tailed projection n², said lever O' having at its lower end an
angular recess 0³ which is presented outwardly so that a spring-actuated catch Oʻ
which is pivoted at 05 on the slide N2 can project through an opening in the back
of the slide and into said angular notch or recess 0³. As the slide N is lowered,
the catch O when riding along the inclined face of the notch 03, acts on the
lever so as to retract the locking-bolt O; but when the slide N2 raises, as the
catch O is drawn out of the notch 03, a spring O which acts on said lever O¹
effects the forward movement of the locking-bolt O so that is projected into the
socket in the back of the rotary head K' which happens to be in line with the
locking-bolt.
Having now described the construction of the parts which effectuate the working
of the facing and backing-mechanism, I will proceed to a description of the
construction of the drilling mechanism. P represents a sliding-carriage, which at
its under side is provided with a dove-tailed projection p which is guided in a
correspondingly dove-tailed recess p' in a bed-frame A¹ on the upper part of the
frame of the machine, and located to one side of the rotary head of the backing-
mechanism, but in front of the rotary head of the facing-mechanism. The
carriage P is reciprocated through the medium of a cam-lever P which is
fulcrumed in the bed-frame A' of the machine at p² the forked upper end of said
cam-lever engaging with a projection on the carriage, while the lower end of the
anti-friction roller which is mounted thereon, engages with the peripheral cam-
surface of the cam C³. It may as well here be stated that while the forward
movements of the cam-levers are accomplished through the medium of their
respective cams, that the return movements may be accomplished through the
medium of suitable springs or weights in the usual manner; and it is not necessary

page_text: to show the same. Fulcrumed at Q on the upper part of the carriage P is a
rocking-frame Q' which in cross-section is angular or L-shaped so as to provide an
upright portion q and a horizontal portion g', which latter extends inwardly. Also
mounted on the fulcrum of the rocking-fraine Q', is a lever Q2 that at its lower
end carries an anti-friction roller upon which bears the lateral cam-shaped
projection C formed on one face of the cam C³. While the peripheral cam-
surface of the cam C³ effects through the medium of the cam-lever P¹ the
reciprocation of the carriage P, it is evident that by the cam-surface C³, at the
side of the cam C³, the rocking of the rocking-frame Q' is accomplished through
the lever Q. The upright portion q of the rocking-frame Q' has journaled within
the same, the spindle R of one of the drills R', while within the horizontal
portion g', of the rocking-frame is journaled a spindle S of another drill S'. The
spindles R and S are continuously rotated through the medium of a belt R³ that
passes over a pulley R³ arranged on the spindle K', a pulley R³ also arranged on
the spindle R, and a transmission belt R that passes over pulley R and over
another pulley S2 which is mounted on the spindle S of the drill S. It will be
seen therefore, that simultaneous rotation of the drills R and S¹ is accomplishe.l
through the medium of the described transmission, but it is evident that by
unshipping the transmission-belt R, that only the drill R' may be caused to rotate
as desired. By means of eccentric bushings or sleeves (see Figure 11), which
are arranged outside of the spindles R and S and can turn in the bearings for the..
epindles, the axial position of said spindles with respect to the rocking-frame may
be changed or adjusted by shifting or slightly rotating the eccentric bushings.
This adjustment is accomplished by an inclined worm-shaft T which is mounted in.
bearings t, t, of the rocking-frame and is provided with nuts t2 for rotating the
same, so that through the medium of the worms t³ thereon, which take into worm-
wheels T T respectively, of the upper and lower drill-spindles R, S, (that turn in
the eccentric bushings or sleeves,) the bushings may be slightly rotated and the
axial position of the spindles in the rocking-carriage, and the position of said drills.
with relation to the button-blanks which are held by the facing-mechanism changed..
Several other simple but important parts of the mechanism of the machine have
not been described, but they will be referred to in the description of the operation
of the properly timed instrumentalities thereof, which now follows:
The relative shape of the effective portions of the respective cams is shown
partly in elevation and partly in dotted lines in Figure 4, and also in dotted lines
in Figure 12, while edge-views of the cam may be seen in Figure 2.
9
A button-blank is, when the machine is set in motion placed in the outermost
chuck of the rotary backing-head D at the moment that the gripping jaws therein
are opened by the action of the beveled actuating-piece engaging the beveled
lug at the back thereof and after a blank has been placed in the said chuck nearest
the operator, the machine is ready to be set into operation. The driving-shaft b
being now rotated, motion is communicated to the cam-shaft B through the medium
of the worm-gear transmission 61, b. The cam C acting upon the cam-lever ², will,
through the medium of the oscillating arm I at one side of the machine, and the
oscillating arm * connected therewith by the_connecting-rod H', effectuate the
oscillation of the vertical oscillating shafts H and m, so that a simultaneous
inward movement is imparted to the shafts of the backing cutter G and the
facing cutter M. The forward movement of the backing cutter G effects through
the continuous rotation of the same, the planing or trimming off of the back-
portion of that button-blank, which is in the chuck in line with the cutter, this
cutting continuing until the operative portion of the cam C does not act upon .the
lever at which moment the springs H³ and me coiled upon the oscillating shafts H
At this
and m, effect the retraction of the backing-cutter and the facing cutter.
moment the cam C² by reason of the conformation of its periphery so effects the
working of the lever Ñ on which it acts that the parts actuated thereby are timed
to so cause the rotation of the rotary heads of the backing and facing mechanisms,
that a new chuck is opened on the rotary head of the backing-mechanism as before

page_text: and a new blank may be inserted therein by the operator. As the lever N which
effects the intermittent rotation of the rotary heads is depressed at one end by the
cam C2, its other end causes the slide N2 to rise, so that through the medium of
the lateral pin on the actuating-arm No, the star-wheel N³ is moved for one-fourth
of a rotation. There are four teeth on the star-wheel N³ corresponding to the
four chucks on the rotary head of the facing-mechanism, but it is evident that the
number of teeth on the star-wheel may be varied and must always correspond to
the number of chucks which are on said rotary head. This one-fourth rotation of
the star-wheel N³ imparts a similar movement to the rotary head K₁ of the facing-
mechanism and, through the pinions meshing with the teeth thereof, to the rotary
head D so that one of the chucks L of said rotary head is brought in alignment
with that chuck F of the rotary head of the backing-mechanism, which holds the
blank which had just been backed by the backing-cutter as before described, in
which position the rotary heads are locked by the locking pin O. When
the described part rotation has been accomplished, and before another rotation is
imparted to the rotary heads, the jaws of the chuck of the rotary head D which
holds the blank will have been opened by the engagement of the beveled lug
of the opening-mechanism of the chuck with the fixed actuating-piece f10. The
plunger J which is guided through the frame of the machine at one side of the axis
of the rotary head D is now moved forward through. the medium of the cam C
which acts on the operating lever J of said plunger. As the hollow follower L
of the aligned chuck of the rotary head K' of the facing mechanism is normally
projected forward by means of the spring J2, when no button blank is in said
chuck, the button-blank in the aligned chuck F is held between said projected
follower L and the guided pin F, as shown in Figure 6. Now as the plunger J
is projected forward as stated, it impacts against the rear end of the pin F so that
through the outward movement of the latter and the following movement of the
follower L³, (which is depressed, against the action of its spring,) the button-blank
which was up to this moment in the chuck F of the rotary head of the backing-
mechanism, is transferred from said chuck into the aligned chuck L of the rotary
head of the facing-mechanism. Just before the plunger J is retracted, the jaws or
spring fingers of the aligned chuck L of the rotary head of the facing-mechanism,
are caused to exert their gripping action on the transferred and backed button-
blank. This function as well as that of first opening the gripping jaws f* is
accomplished also through the medium of the properly timed actuating cam C¹
which actuates the lever J2, said cam acting also on the lower end of a lever V that
is also like lever J fulcrumed at J2, which lever V is of bell-crank shape and
is pivoted at its upper forward end at V' to the lower end of a pitman V2, said
pitman being at its upper end pivoted to one end of a plate V3 which is pivoted at
its other end, at V4 to the frame of the machine, at a point under the axis of the
rotary head K', see Figure 8. A cam-face V is formed at the inner side of the
pivoted plate V3 and the latter or cam-plate is raised at the proper time to be
brought in position for the depression of the beveled lug at the back of the chuck L
and for thus opening the gripping jaws fx to receive the backed blank when
transferred as before described. The reaction of the gripping-jaws f* takes place
at the moment the cam-plate is raised again to compress the spring in aligned
chuck L, thus permitting the backed button-blank to be thereby firmly gripped in
the said aligned chuck. In order that the cam-plate V3 may be oscillated back to
its original position, so that the same will permit the gripping-jaws of the chucks L
to act at the proper moment, the spring of the bell-crank lever V acts upon the
latter after the cam C has rocked the same. Now during the interval of rest
while the described chucks F and L of the backing and facing-mechanism are in
alignment, another blank is being backed by the cutter G; and, when another
fourth rotation is imparted to the rotary head K', the chuck L which was previously
in alignment with one of the chucks M is rotated to the top of the said rotary head,
so that the cutter M can produce or turn the face of the button which, as before
stated, is produced simultaneously with the backing of a button by cutter G.
×

page_text: The facing of the button having now been accomplished, and the movements
beretofore described having been repeated, another fourth rotation is imparted to
the rotary head K' of the facing mechanism, so as to bring the first button backed
and faced in position for having the eyes or perforations produced therein, while
at the same time that the eyes or perforations are being made, another button is
being transferred from the backing-mechanism to the facing-mechanism. Now
the operative parts of the drilling mechanism are so timed by reason of the con-
formation of the cam C³ thereof, that the lever P₁ is rocked and the carriage P
which carries the drills is reciprocated forwardly at the proper moment, and as the
drill R is continuously revolved by the transmitting belt R2 during the forward
inward movement of the drill R, the perforation or eye is produced in the button
which is in the chuck opposite the drill R. Now while the rotary head K' of
the facing-mechanism is still at rest, the carriage P is retracted and moved
forwardly again, during which additional forward movement the rocking-frame Q
is rocked on its axis or fulcrum Q so as to change the relative position of the
drill R to the backed and faced blank being operated on and produce two eyes
arranged at one side of the centre of the button-blank. This rocking of the
rocking-frame Q' at the proper moment is accomplished through the medium of the
cam projection C that engages the lower end of the rocking lever Q. When
the backed, faced and two-eyed blank has been brought opposite the lower drill S,
the continuous rotation of which is effectuated through the medium of the trans-
mission-belt R4, four eyes will be produced in the button thereby for the reason
that the one-fourth rotation of the rotary head K' changes the position of the two
eyes formed in one side of the blank from horizontal when opposite the drill R to
vertical when opposite the drill S, so that the additional two eyes formed by the
drill S will be arranged on a line parallel with the line of the other two eyes.
When another fourth rotation is imparted to the rotary head K' and hence to
the rotary head D, the chuck which contains the first backed, faced and perforated
blank is brought into position for the releasing of the blank by the action of the
cam-plate V3 on the beveled lug of chuck L, whereby the spring therein is
compressed and the gripping jaws allowed to open, this releasing of the so-formed
blank being accomplished just before said chuck L is brought into alignment with
one of the chucks M of the backing-mechanism, and just before a backed blank is
transferred from the latter to the facing-mechanism.
In a machine built and operated as above-described, and with the cams so
constructed as that the working mechanisms are properly timed to work at just the
right moment it is possible for the operator to introduce a button-blank into an
open chuck F, at the same time that a blank is being backed, the transferring of
the button-blank from the backing to the facing-mechanism, the facing of the
blank, and the boring of the eyes into the faced and backed button-blanks are
being accomplished.
It is evident to skilled mechanics that slight changes in the details of the
construction and the working of the instrumentalities of my invention may be
readily resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what 1.
claim is -
1. In a mechanical organization for forming complete buttons from rough
blanks, the combination of a series of chucks each adapted to hold an individual
button blank, inserted from the front, and having an internal seat against which
the inner face of the blank bears, a rotating tool adapted to act on the exposed
faces of the blank, another series of chucks, meaus for transferring the partly
formed blank from a chuck of the first series into a chuck of the second series, thus
exposing the other face thereof, a rotating tool for forming this face of the button,
and a drilling device for perforating the blank while held in the chuck of the
second series, substantially as set forth.

page_text: 2. In a machine for making buttons, the combination of two turret-heads each
provided with a series of chucks, having axes parallel to the axes of the turrets,
adapted to hold button-blanks inserted from the front and having internal seats
against which the inner faces of the blanks bear, said turret-heads being movable
and so arranged that a chuck of one of the turret-heads may be brought to face a
chuck of the other turret-head, and in alignment therewith, and means for
transferring a blank from a chuck of one of the turret-heads to a chuck of the
other turret-head, substantially as set forth.
3. In a machine for making buttons, the combination of two turret-heads each
provided with a series of chucks, having axes parallel to the axis of the turrets,
adapted to hold button-blanks inserted from the front and having internal seats
against which the inner faces of the blanks bear, said turret-heads being movable
and so arranged that a chuck of one of the turret-heads may be brought to face a
chuck of the other turret-head, and in alignment therewith, means for transferring
a blank from a chuck of one of the turret-heads to a chuck of the other turret-
head, and a revolving tool-holder and tool carried thereby arranged in front of and
in alignment with a chuck of each of the turrets, when the turrets are at rest,
whereby the two sides or faces of the blanks may be acted upon and formed,
substantially as set forth.
4. In a machine for making buttons, the combination of two turret-heads each
provided with a series of chucks, having axes parallel to the axis of the turrets,
adapted to hold button-blauks inserted from the front and having internal seats
against which the inner faces of the blanks bear, said turret-heads being movable
and so arranged that a chuck of one of the turret-heads may be brought to face a
chuck of the other turret-head, and in alignment therewith, means for transferring
a blank from a chuck of one of the turret-beads to the chuck of the other turret-
head, a revolving tool-holder and tool carried thereby arranged in front of and in
alignment with a chuck of each of the turrets, when the turrets are at rest, whereby
the two sides or faces of the blanks may be acted upon and formed, and means for
rotating the turret-heads to bring the chucks carried thereby successively in
opposition, substantially as set forth.
5. In a machine for making buttons, the combination of a turret-head having a
series of chucks circularly arranged, on the face and having axes parallel with the
axis of the turret, another turret-head having a series of chucks similarly arranged
facing in the opposite direction to the first turret-head and located so that the
chucks of the two turret-heads may be brought successively in alignment, gear
teeth on the peripheries of the two turret-heads, a shaft and pinions connecting
the turret-heads by their gear-teeth, and means applied to one of the turret-heads
for intermittently rotating the turret-heads and setting them with their chucks
successively in opposition, substantially as set forth.
6. In a machine for making buttons, the combination of a turret-head provided
with a series of button-blank holding chucks, means for intermittently rotating the
turret-head, a drilling spindle and drill carried thereby, and means for automatically
shifting the drilling spindle, whereby the drill may be brought into two positions,
to drill two holes in each button-blank, as the blanks are successively presented to
the drill, and while the blank occupies the same position, substantially as set
forth.
7. In a machine for making buttons, the combination of a turret-head provided
with a series of button blank holding chucks, means for intermittently rotating the
turret-head, a drilling spindle and drill carried thereby, means for automatically
shifting the drilling spindle whereby the drill may be brought into two positions
to drill two holes in each button-blank, as the blanks are successively presented
to the drill, and while the blank occupies the same position, and another drilling
spindle and drill carried thereby, and arranged to similarly drill two additional
holes in the blanks when the blank is in another position from the position it
occupied when acted upon by the first drill, substantially as set forth.
8. In a machine for making buttons, the combination of a turret-bead having a

page_text: series of chucks circularly arranged, another turret-head having a series of chucks
circularly arranged facing the opposite direction to the first turret-head, and
located so that the chucks of the two turret-heads may be brought successively in
alignment, means for intermittently rotating the turret-heads, a revolving tool-
holder and tool carried thereby arranged in front of and in alignment with a chuck
of each of the turrets, whereby the two sides or faces of the blanks are acted upon
and formed, two drilling spindles and drills carried by a carriage or slide and
arranged to act on the blanks held in the chucks of one of the turret-heads which
are in different positions to one another, and means for shifting the drill carriage
or slide, substantially as set forth.
9. In a machine for making buttons, a series of chucks similarly constructed
carried by a turret-head and each composed of spring acting collets or gripping-
jaws, a spring acting sleeve adapted to close the jaws, and a spring acting
discharge plunger centrally arranged between the jaws, in combination with means
for allowing the jaws to open when the chucks are in one position to receive the
blank, and also to open the jaws when the chucks acquire another position, a device
for pressing forward the plungers to discharge the blanks from the chucks when in
this position, another series of chucks carried by another turret-head arranged
and operated so that the chucks are successively in alignment with the chucks of
the first turrets as they assume their discharging positions to receive the blanks
discharged from the first series of chucks, substantially as set forth.
10. In a machine for making buttons, the combination of two turret-heads, each
provided with a series of chucks, having axes parallel to the axis of the turrets,
adapted to hold button blanks inserted from the front and having internal seats
against which the inner faces of the blanks bear, said turret-heads being movable
and so arranged that a chuck of one of the turret-heads may be brought to face
a chuck of the other turret-head, and in alignment therewith, means for automatically
opening and closing the two chucks when they are in line with each other, and
means for transferring a button-blank from a chuck of one of the turret-heads to
a chuck of the other turret-head, substantially as set forth.
11. In a machine for making buttons, the combination of two turret-heads, each
provided with a series of chucks, having axes parallel to the axis of the turrets,
adapted to hold button-blanks inserted from the front and having internal seats
against which the inner faces of the blanks bear, said turret-heads being movable
and so arranged that a chuck of one of the turret-heads may be brought to face a chuck
of the other turret-head, and in alignment therewith, a cam or cam-plate mounted
upon the frame of the machine and at right angles to the chucks, and adapted to
open and close the chucks, mechanism for actuating said cam-plate, and means for
transferring a blank from the chuck of one turret-head to a chuck of the other
turret-head, substantially as set forth.
12. In a button making machine, the combination of two turret-heads, each
having a series of chucks, the chucks of one turret-head containing spring-retracted
plungers, and means for pressing said plungers forward, the chucks of the other
turret-head containing a normally-projected plunger, said latter plunger being
adapted to be depressed by said first-named plunger when the button-blank is
between the two plungers and is being transferred from one chuck to another,
substantially as set forth.
13. The transfer mechanism, consisting of the combination of a chuck containing
a plunger, a retracting spring in said chuck for the plunger, and means for pushing
the plunger forward, with a chuck for the other plunger wherein the latter is held
normally-projected, the same being adapted to be depressed by the first-mentioned
plunger when the backed button-blank is between them, substantially as set
forth.
14. In a machine for making buttons, the combination with a turret-head
provided with a series of chucks, and another turret-head also provided with a series
of chucks presented towards the other series of chucks, of revolving tool-holders
B

page_text: and their tools, which are presented in opposite directions and arranged at right-
angles to the planes of the turret-heads, and means for simultaneously reciprocating
the revolving tool-holders and tools, consisting of a cam-shaft provided with cams,
a lever actuated by said cam, vertical oscillating shafts at opposite sides of the
machine, each provided with an arm at one end and connected with the shafts or
spindles of the respective tools, an arm at the other end of each of the shafts, and
a connecting-rod between the last-named arms, substantially as set forth.
15. In a machine for making buttons, the combination with a turret-head
provided with a series of chucks on one face, another turret-head provided with,
a series of chucks on one face presented towards the other series of chucks, all the
said chucks having axes parallel to the axes of the turrets, means for connecting
the turret-heads for simultaneous rotation, and the revolving tool-holders and their
tools, of means for transferring the button-blank from one aligned chuck to another,
a cam-shaft, a lever actuated by a cam on said shaft, a slide guided on the frame
of the machine and connected with said lever, a star-wheel mounted on the shaft
of one of the turret-heads, and a pivoted actuating arm carried by said slide and
adapted to engage and intermittently rotate said star-wheel and through the same
rotate the turret-heads, substantially as set forth.
16. In a machine for making buttons, the combination with a turret-head
provided with a series of chucks on one face, another turret-head also provided
with a series of chucks on one face presented towards the other series of chucks,
means for connecting the turret-heads for simultaneous rotation, and the revolving
tool-holders and tools for the respective turret-heads, of a slide guided on the
frame of the machine, means for reciprocating said slide, means for intermittently
rotating one of the turret-heads through the medium of said slide, a locking-bolt
guided in the frame of the machine and adapted to engage in holes in the last-
named turret-head, a fulcrumed lever acting on said locking-bolt and arranged in
a recess in the block on which the slide is guided, said lever being provided with a
recess, and a pawl on said slide adapted to engage in the recess of said lever,
substantially as set forth.
17. In a machine. for making buttons, the combination with a turret-head
provided with a series of chucks, another turret-head also provided with a series
of chucks arranged parallel with the other series of chucks, the revolving tool-
holders and tools for the respective turret-heads, arranged parallel with the axes
of and extending towards the respective heads and located near the peripheral
parts of the heads, and means for holding one of the chucks of one of the turret-
heads in alignment with one of the chucks of the other turret-head, at the adjacent
peripheral parts of the heads, of a transfer-pin guided in the frame of the machine
parallel with the rotating tools and adapted to transfer a backed button-blank from
one aligned chuck to the other, and means for reciprocating said transfer-pin
substantially as set forth.
18. The combination, with the backing-mechanism and the facing-mechanism,
of a reciprocating-carriage, a rocking frame mounted on said carriage and provided
with the drills for producing the eyes in the buttons while they are held by the
chucks of the facing-mechanism, means for intermittently operating the backing
and facing-mechanisms, and means for reciprocating the carriage and rocking said
rocking-frame, substantially as set forth.
19. The combination, with the backing and facing-mechanisms, of a reciprocating
carriage, means for reciprocating said carriage, a rocking-frame mounted on said
carriage, and means for rocking said frame, a drill provided with a spindle journaled
in said rocking-frame, means for rotating said spindle, and means for holding one
of the chucks of the facing-mechanism with its contained blank in alignment with
said drill, substantially as set forth.
20. The combination, with the backing-mechanism and the facing-mechanism,
of the drilling-mechanism, consisting of a reciprocating carriage, means for recipro-
cating the same, a rocking-frame fulcrumed où said carriage and having an upright

page_text: and borizontal portion, means for recking said frame, a pair of drills provided with
spindles journaled in the upright and horizontal portions of said rocking-frame
respectively, and means for revolving said drilling tools, substantially as set
forth.
21. The herein-described mechanism, consisting of a frame, the drills provided
with spindles, a worm-shaft journaled in bearings on said frame, worm-wheels
meshing with the worms of said shaft, and eccentric bushings or sleeves within
bearings of the frame and on which the said worm-wheels are mounted, said spindles
being located in said bushings for the adjustment of the alignment of the drills
with the work to be operated on, substantially as set forth.
22. The chuck of the backing-mechanism consisting of a shell or casing, a split
tube screwed into the casing and formed with jaws beveled on their outer surfaces,
a tubular slide guided in the casing outside of the tube and provided with a wedge-.
like end-portion for engaging the outer bevels of the jaws, a spring arranged
between the shell and slide and acting on the slide to close the jaws, a fixed guide-
tube arranged in said split-tube, a pin or plunger guided in said guide-tube and
a spring in the guide-tube acting on said plunger, substantially as set forth.
. T
1007
TONGUE & BIRKBECK,
Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant.