Improvements in and relating to Match Making Machines.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 25th June, 1895-Accepted, 10th Aug., 1895
COMPLETE. SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Match Making Machines.
I, LEVI H. MONTROSS, Manufacturer, of 214 York Street, in the City and
County of Camden, and State of New Jersey, United States of America, 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 :-
It is one object of this invention to accomplish the complete construction of
matches by a continuous operation in a single apparatus, so that the matches may
receive the least possible handling during the process of construction. In carrying
out the invention in the attainment of this object there is employed an endless
splint carrier which, passes through the splint cutting devices, where the splints are
cut from a block of wood and are delivered to the carrier, thence to the vessel in
which is. contained, the compound which is to be applied to the splint ends, then to
the room or drying enclosure to permit the heads to dry, and finally to an ejecting
apparatus, by which the dried matches are expelled from the carrier, which then
passes back again to the splint cutting devices. The ejected matches may be
boxed by automatic devices.
Part of the improvements relate particularly to the splint cutting and feeding
devices and are designed to enable the splints to be rapidly and perfectly cut and
fed to the moving carrier. For this purpose feeding devices are employed for
feeding the carrier or apron intermittently and means to, depress the moving carrier
so that it is pushed upon the ends of the splints.
As the splint carrier or apron is depressed to receive the splints, a shorter
reciprocation of the cutters is required, and as a shorter reciprocation of the
cutters requires less time, it results, that greater speed may be obtained in the
machine in the formation of splints without excessive speed in the reciprocation of
the cutters. The cutting devices cannot be reciprocated beyond a certain speed
owing to the liability of heating and injuring the wood by the resulting excessive
friction. So by decreasing the necessary extent of the reciprocation of the cutters
by depressing the carrier to receive the splints, the speed of the machine is
materially increased without increasing the reciprocating speed of the cutters.
The invention also embraces improvements in the cutting devices designed to
more effectively clamp the cutters in place and permit them, to, be removed and
unclamped, and also in the cutters themselves whereby broken, cutters may be
repaired and used, again.
The invention also relates, to. the construction of the splint carrier for receiving
and conveying the splints, to the devices for expelling the completed matches, from
the apron, and to the automatic boxing devices."
In the drawings:
Fig. 1 is a side elevation of part of a match making machine embodying the
nvention;
Fig. 2 is a plan view of part of the machine with the splint receiving, and
carrying apron removed;.
Figs. 3, 4 and 5 are respectively perspective views of the upper, intermediate
and lower parts of the cutter framé ;
Fig. 6 is a perspective view of one of the splint cutters.;
Fig. 7 is a similar view of a modified construction thereof;:
Fig. 8 is a horizontal sectional view on, the line x-x of Fig. 1 ;

page_text: Fig. 9 is a side elevation of the mechanism for feeding the wood from which the
splints are cut;
Fig. 10 is a transverse vertical sectional view of the same on the line y-y of
Fig. 9 on an enlarged scale;
Fig. 11 is a longitudinal vertical sectional view of the same on the line - of
Fig. 10;
Fig. 12 is a plan view of the cutter frame and cutters with the top or cap plate
partially removed to show the cutters ;
Fig. 13 is a longitudinal vertical sectional view of part of the machine on the
line ww of Fig. 2 with the apron included;
Fig. 14 is a similar view with part omitted, illustrating the operation of the
splint cutting mechanism ;
Fig. 15 is a front elevation of the boxing apparatus ;
Fig. 16 is an illustrative view showing the entire match making apparatus and
illustrating the method of operation;
Fig. 17 is a plan view of a portion of the splint receiving and carrying apron ;
Fig. 18 is a longitudinal vertical sectional view of the vessel for containing the
igniting con pound and applying it to the match splints;
Fig. 19 is a perspective view of part of the splint ejecting devices; and
Fig. 20 is a vertical sectional view of part of the apron showing the operation of
the splint discharging devices.
Referring first to Fig. 16 for a general description of the apparatus: A is the
splint cutting machine, which may also act to drive the splint receiving and
carrying belt or apron. B is the splint carrying belt or apron which receives the
splints from the splint cutting machine.
C is the vessel which contains the first bath of material, such as paraffine, into
which the ends of the splints are first dipped. Above this vessel may be arranged
a guide D to direct the apron or belt B and cause the ends of the splints to be
dipped in the contents of the vessel C.
E is a second vessel containing igniting compound, which is applied to the ends
of the splints as they are carried over the vessel E by the belt or apron B.
F, F, F, &c. are guides about which the belt or apron B passes as it travels
through the room to permit the matches to dry.
The belt may, if desired, pass through a drying room or compartment.
G are the discharging devices for expelling the matches from the belt or apron B.
X is the boxing apparatus.
Referring now more particularly to the splint cutting machine A; A' A¹ are
two suitable side frames, in which is journalled a driving shaft a driven by a
pulley A, or in any other convenient manner. On the drive shaft a is a gear
wbeel A which meshes with a gear wheel A* on a cam shaft b also journalled in
the frames A¹ A¹.
H, H', are respective driving drums or cylinders journalled in the frames A¹ A¹
and adapted to drive the belt or apron B.
The belt or apron B consists of a series of transversely arranged bars B¹ linked
together at their ends by links (see Fig. 17). The bars B' are preferably
round. Their adjacent opposed faces between which the match splints are received
are convex, so that the flexing of the apron will not increase the pressure on the
ends of the splints and injure them.
:
The driving drums or cylinders H, H', are grooved longitudinally so that the
ribs thus formed will engage the spaces between the bars B' B₁ of the belt and
drive it on the principle of a sprocket wheel.
I, I, are guiding discs or wheels for the belt or apron B, carried by a shaft i
journalled in the upper part of the frames A¹, A¹.
The belt or apron B passes over the cylinder H', under the cylinder H and then
over the guiding discs or wheels I, I.
Suitable devices may be employed for the purpose of driving the cylinders H, H¹.
The following mechanism is preferred. The cylinders H, H' are provided,

page_text: preferably at each end, with oppositely arranged ratchets H2, and between the
cylinders is journalled a rock shaft J, provided with two pawls J, J, at each end,
located on opposite sides of the center of the rock shaft, and each engaging one of
the ratchets H. It is apparent that when the shaft J is rocked in one direction
the two pawls J2, J2 will both be moved outward, and each engaging its ratchet H²
will turn it and the cylinders H, H', so that the two cylinders will be turned the
distance of one ratchet tooth in opposite directions on each operation of the rock
shaft J. When the shaft J rocks back, or in the opposite direction, the two
pawls J, J2 will be retracted and will engage the next pair of teeth, so that they
will be in position to drive the cylinders again when they are moved forward.
Thus there is imparted an intermittent feeding motion to the cylinders H, H', and
to the belt or apron B which is driven by them.
To rock the shaft Ja lever K is employed fulcrumed as at k and connected with
an arm of the rock shaft J through a connecting rod K¹. The lever K is operated
by a cam 1 on the cam shaft b, and may be provided with a roller K2 upon its free
end, which is operated by the cam.
Backward rotation of the cylinders or drums H, H¹, may be prevented by the
usual pawl v.
To keep the aprons properly centered and to prevent lateral displacement of the
apron B, as it passes over the cylinders H, H', the cylinders may be provided at
their ends with annular flanges H³. The guide discs or wheels I may be similarly
provided with annular flanges 1.
As the cylinders H, H', are rotated to impart an intermittent feeding motion to
the apron B, a slight rising and falling movement is imparted to the cylinder H,
so as to slightly depress the apron B, at the moment a row of match splints are
delivered by the cutters to the space between a pair of bars B', B', as will be more
fully described hereafter. To permit this rising and falling movement of the
cylinder H, it is journalled at each end in a slide L carried in guides in the
frames A, A¹ and these slides L are connected by connecting rods L' with rocking
levers L² operated by cams 2, 2, on the cam shaft b. The rocking levers are
fulcrumed as at and their free ends which are acted upon by the cams 2, 2, may
be provided with rollers L³.
M is the reciprocating cutter frame which carries the splint cutters and is located
below the cylinder H and between the side frames A', A. It is shown connected
with an eccentric rod N operated by an eccentric 3 on the cam shaft b. The cutter
frame M is of suitable construction to hold the cutters.
lower frame M', a removable cutter plate M2 and a cap plate M³ (see Figs. 3, 4
It preferably consists of a
and 5). The lower frame M' is hinged to the reciprocating eccentric rod N. It is
provided with a flat face m and may have a forward undercut edge m'. The cutter
plate M2 is adapted to rest upon the flat face m of the frame M' and may have a
front undercut edge m² adapted. to fit the undercut m' of the frame M. By this
means the plate M2 may be fitted upon the frame M¹. On the rear of the plate M²
is a depending flange or lug o, adapted to extend down over the rear of the
frame M' when the plate M2 is applied. O are set screws carried by the flange
and adapted to bear against the rear of the frame M', (see Figs. 12, 13 and 14).
By means of these set screws O the plate M² may be drawn rearwardly and thus
clamped firmly upon the frame M', the undercut flange m² of the plate being drawn
into the undercut m' of the frame. To remove the plate M2 it is only necessary to
loosen the screws O and move the plate M2 forward until its flange m² is disengaged
from the edge m', and the plate may then be raised and removed.
The plate M2 has a flat upper face m³, and is provided near its ends with
transverse ribs M', one or both of which may be provided with a tapered face to
receive a tapered key O' (see Figs. 4 and 12).
P (Fig. 6) is one of the cutters. These are preferably of the shape shown, of
square or rectangular cross section, provided on their ends with rounded cutting
eyes p. These cutters P are placed side by side upon the face m³ of the plate M²
between the ribs M, M', with their adjacent sides in contact and their cutting

page_text: edges projecting beyond the edge of the plate M² (see Fig. 12). The cutters
when. so placed are clamped together upon the plate by the tapered key or
keys O¹
To adjust the cutters P in perfect alignment and with their eyes p projecting the
proper distance, the plate M2 is provided upon its face with a longitudinal rib M
and the cutters are formed with notches p' upon their lower faces adapted to engage
the rib M³, the notch p' being the proper distance from the eye p of the cutter to
cause the eye to project the exact distance required.
It is obvious that instead of forming the rib M' upon the plate and the notch pl
upon the cutter these features may be reversed, and a longitudinal groove may be
formed upon the surface of the plate, and the cutters may be provided with ribs or
lugs to engage it. This is obviously a mere reversal of the construction shown.
The cutter p may be made with an eye p at each end and the lug or groove plat
the middle equidistant from the eyes. The cutter is then reversible. This modified
construction is shown in Fig. 7.
As the cutting eyes are liable to become broken the cutters may be so constructed
that they will not be totally destroyed thereby but may be provided with new eyes
and used again. For this purpose each cutter is provided with a series of. auxiliary
notches or lugs p² located in the rear of the first notch p', and properly spaced. If
the eye of any cutter becomes broken it is only necessary to cut off the broken eye
and form a new one on the edge of the cutter. This new eye will be of exact
distance from the next notch or lug p², and in applying this cutter the second notch
or lug is fitted on the rib or groove M. Before the eye is cut the temper should
he drawn from the end of the cutter and it should be tempered again after the new
eye is cut. Should the second eye become broken a third may be cut and the
third notch is then used, and so on. With the modified construction shown
in Fig. 7 when the eye is broken, the cutter may be reversed and the other eye
used.
The block of wood from which the splints are cut is fed intermittently to the
cutters, so that with each downward movement of the cutter frame a series of
splints are cut, which are delivered to the apron B as the cutters ascend.
Qis the wood feeding box, which preferably consists of two frames Q', Q²,
bolted together and forming a hollow chute or guide for the wood R. This
feeding box Q is suitably secured to the side frames and has its delivery end
located below the cylinder H and adjacent to the line of movement of the cutters.
The frames Q', Q, are shown each provided with an internal intermediate rib 9
which forms an internal partition dividing the chute or guide into two adjacent
guideways. With this construction two wooden blocks are employed, one in each
guideway. This is of course immaterial, and the intermediate ribs q may be
omitted.
The wooden block, is fed through the box Q by means of suitable feeding
rollers S, S. These rollers are shown arranged in pairs in the top and bottom of
the box and contained in suitable enlargements's in the frames Q', Q. These
feed rollers S, S, are corrugated longitudinally, or otherwise roughened, so as to
bite upon the surface of the wood and feed it along by a positive feeding action.
The feed rollers are jourualled in the frame of the box Q and are operated
intermittently by suitable devices. The roller journals are shown projecting at
one end through the box Q and provided with ratchets T, which are driven by
pawls t, carried by a reciprocating slide T'. The slide T₁ is guided in suitable
guides and is reciprocated intermittently back and forth by a lever U fulcrumed
as at u and operated by a cam, 4 on the cam shaft b, the lever being connected with
the slide T¹ through a connecting rod T2 and a bell crank t', whereby the inter-
mittent vertical movement of the lever U under the action of the cam 4, imparts
an intermittent horizontal. movement to the slide T. is the usual pawl to
prevent backward rotation of the ratchets. T.
E¹ is a rotary drum journalled in the vessel E, which contains the igniting
compound, and is partly submerged therein. This drum E' may be driven by a

page_text: pulley E. As the belt or apron B carrying the splints passes over the vessel E the
ends of the splints graze or pass close to the surface of the drum E¹, and receive
the igniting compound from the surface of the drum. The drum E¹ is preferably
driven at the same speed as the travelling apron. As the drum is partly submerged
in the material and rotates, its surface becomes coated with the compound. The
vessel E may be provided with a steam compartment E' to keep the mixture in the
vessel in a liquid condition.
The drum E' is of the width of the carrier B, but the vessel E is longer so as to
lave an extension Es beyond the drum, through which the contents of the vessel
may be examined and tempered while the apparatus is in operation. This extension
may be provided with a cover or door E' (see Fig. 17).
The vessel E may be provided with a hood or cover E³, which may be
immediately closed over the vessel, if its contents become ignited, so as to smother
the fire. To remove the apron and matches from the vessel E under such
conditions the guide F, over which the apron or belt passes adjacent to the
vessel E may be suspended from a chain or cable F2 passing over a pulley f
arranged at an elevation. The free end of the chain or cable may be fastened to
or near the vessel E, so that an attendant may immediately seize it and elevate the
guide F and the apron B, at the same time closing the hood or cover E³. The
guide F may be carried on a lever F' hinged to a standard or bracket.
The apron B must have sufficient slack to permit the rising and falling movement
caused by the reciprocation of the cylinder H; and it is desirable that this slack or
Jooseness should be taken up or compensated for so that the apron may be kept in
contact with the cylinder H when it rises.
For this purpose a belt tightening device C¹ is employed. This is shown as a
roller or bar extending transversely across and above the apron and carried by
arms C2 of a rock shaft C. C₁ are arms carried by the rock shaft C³ and
connected, as by links C, with the slides L. When the slides L rise, the shaft C³
is rocked through the links C and arms C and the roller C₁ is depressed upon
the apron or carrier B, so as to take up the slack therein and keep the apron in
contact with the cylinder H. Other suitable take up devices may be substituted.
D¹ is the match ejector or plate which is reciprocated back and forth so that its
front edge will pass between adjacent bars of the carrier B, B, and expel the
splints.
D2 is a reciprocating frame carrying the plate D. To properly time the
operation of the plate D with reference to the other portions of the machine it is
preferable to operate it from the machine A. For this purpose the frame D² is
shown connected by arms D³ with rocking levers D' operated by the arms C² of
the rock shaft C³. The levers D' are shown with forked ends d engaging pins d'
in the arms C2.
As the matches are ejected from the belt by the ejector D' they fall between
combs or fingers G¹ arranged at the point of ejection, and are guided to the open
box N¹ which is provided with a series of inclined plates N2 which serve to guide
the matches and bring them into parallel position at the point of discharge n
between the plates at the open bottom of the box. To more effectively straighten
and discharge the matches the box N¹ is shifted back and forth by any suitable
mechanism, such as the eccentric P₁ and connecting rod P' shown.
The match boxes V₁ are carried on a conveyor W (shown as an endless belt)
under the discharge of the box N₁. The conveyor W is moved slowly so as to
carry the boxes W at a speed commensurate with that with which they are being
supplied with matches.
G2 is a frame or support carrying the boxing apparatus.
The mode of operation is as follows:
The wood is placed in the feed box Q, with its end at the front of the box.
The wood is fed by the rollers S, S, until its front edge extends just beyond the
line of movement of the cutter eyes p. The wood is brought into this position
when the cutter frame is raised as is shown in Fig. 13. Further movement of the

page_text: wood then ceases, owing to the intermittent action of the feeding rollers S. S.
The cutter frame descends and the cutters P cut from the projecting edge of the
wood a series of splints c, which pass up through the eyes p as the cutter frame
descends, as is shown in Fig. 14. Meanwhile by the operation of the cylinders H, H',
in the manner heretofore described, the belt or apron B is moved so that a new
pair of bars B, B1, is brought in position to receive the splints. The operation of
the belt is then interrupted and the cutter frame ascends, carrying the splints c
which are retained in the cutter eyes p. When the cutter has reached its highest
position, and the upper ends of the splints c are just in position to enter the space
between the bars B', B', the feeding rollers S, S, again operate and feed the edge
of the wood immediately under the raised cutters, as is shown in Fig. 13. The
depression of the cylinder H, through the operation of the levers L2 and
connections L, L', now takes place. This movement of the cylinder H carries
down the belt or apron B, so that the two bars B', B' are pushed over the upper
ends of the splints and hold them.
The wood R lying below the cutters P acts as a support for the lower ends of the
splints c and thus prevents them being pushed down through the cutter eyes p
without engaging the space between the two bars B', B¹. The teeth or ribs h upon
the surface of the cylinder should be of sinall height so as not to project through
the space between the bars B', B¹ and thus obstruct the introduction of the ends
of the splints.
The teeth or ribs h may be omitted through the body of the cylinder and may be
located only at the ends. When they extend entirely across they then act as stops
to prevent any of the splints being pushed too far into the space between the bars
of the apron, and serve to keep all the splints of even projecting length, so that
their ends will properly take the compounds.
When a row of splints has been introduced into the apron in the manner
described, the cutter frame M commences to descend and to cut a second row of
splints. The new splints, which are thus being cut and pass through the eyes p of
the cutter, free the previously cut splints from the eyes. At the same time the
cylinder H ascends lifting the apron and the splints that have just been introduced
into it, and the feeding action of the cylinders H, H', feeds the belt along, and
brings the next pair of bars B', B', into position to receive the next set of splints
which have meanwhile been cut by the cutters P in the manner described.
The successive sets of bars B B between which splints are introduced should be
of such a distance apart, or the amount of feeding movement of the belt B between
each operation, should be sufficient to move the bars B¹ B', between which the row
of splints has been introduced, sufficiently far in the ascending direction of the belt
as it passes to the guides I, I, that those splints will not strike the top of the feed box
or frame when the belt is carried down by the cylinder H to receive the next_row
of splints. The top of the feed box Q may be grooved as at q' so that the ends of
the splints will not strike it when the apron descends.
In this manner the belt B becomes provided with rows of splints e which pass
between the guides I, I, in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 16, to the first bath C,
where the belt passes under the roller or guide D and is slightly depressed so that
the ends of the splints are dipped in the contents of the vessel. The belt then
passes under the guide F and the splints graze the surface of the drum E¹ from
which they receive the igniting compound. The construction of the matches is now
completed. It remains for the ends to dry and for the matches to be discharged
from the apron.
To dry the matches the belt may be carried about the guides F for a sufficient
distance, and if desired pass through a drying chamber or enclosure. Before again
passing to the splint cutting machine the belt passes to the ejecting apparatus D
where the matches are discharged by the ejector D' and fall through the comb G
into the shifting box N¹ and thence drop into the boxes V₁ carried on the belt W.
It is apparent that the operations of the various parts of the splint cutting
machine must be accurately timed with reference to one another, and to permit an

page_text: adjustment of these various devices I prefer to provide each of the driving
connections or devices with features of adjustability. For this purpose I have
shown such of the connecting rods K', L', L', and T constructed of two pieces
provided on their ends with right and left threads received in a complementarily
threaded union V, by turning which the sections of the rod may be drawn together
or forced apart, thus lengthening or shortening the rod.
Such details of construction as have been shown and described for the purpose of
illustrating and explaining the invention, are not to be taken as limitations, but may
be varied without departing from the invention.
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. A match making machine having a movable splint carrying apron with
means for intermittently depressing the apron to the splint cutters to take the splints
therefrom.
Second. The wood feeding devices for feeding the wood under the cutters when
the same are raised, so as to support the splints when they are introduced in the
carrier.
Third. The combination with the two cylinders or drums, of the splint carrying
apron passing over one cylinder and under the other and devices to depress the
latter cylinder to move the apron toward the cutting devices.
Fourth. The combination with the intermittently depressed splint carrying
apron, of the devices for taking up the slack in the apron.
Fifth. The frame for carrying the cutters of a match making machine substantially
as specified.
Sixth. The cutter plate having the end ribs and continuous longitudinal guide
holding the cutters.
Seventh. The splint cutter for a match making machine having a series of
engaging lugs or recesses located at different distances from the eye, adapted to
engage a continuous complementary groove or lug on the cutter plate.
Eighth. The match ejecting devices arranged and operating substantially in the
manner described for ejecting the finished matches from the carrier.
Ninth. The match boxing mechanism arranged and operating substantially in.
the manner described for receiving and boxing the ejected matches.
Dated this 29th day of May 1895
LEVI H. MONTROSS.
Haseltine, Lake & Co.,
45 Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.