Improvements in or Appertaining to Brush-making Machines.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 18th Mar., 1890-Accepted, 14th June, 1890
COMPLETE SPECIFICATIOA.
Improvements in or Appertaining to Brush-making Machines.-
A communication from abroad by MCCLINTOCK YOUNG, of Frederick, in the County of
Frederick and State of Maryland, and JOHN KELLY ROBINSON, of Chicago, State
of Illinois, both in the United States of America.
1, WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON, F.C.S., M.I.M.E., of the Agency for Foreign
Patent Solicitors, 6 Lord Street, Liverpool, and G, Bank Street, Manchester, both in
the County of Lancaster, and 323 High Holborn in the County of Middlesex, Civil
Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same
is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:-
This invention relates to a machine intended to effect in a rapid manner the
separation of a mass of bristles into tufts, the folding or doubling of these tufts,
and, finally, their insertion into holes or seats in the brush block or body.
In its preferred form, the machine is adapted to insert, with the tufts and at, the
same operation, toothed strips or blades which remain permanently in the block to hold
the tufts in position.
In another form, the machine simply inserts the tufts leaving them to be fastened
by a subsequent and independent operation.
In the accompanying drawings:-
Figure 1 is a side elevation of the tuft-inserting and fastening machine in its
preferred form.
Figure 2 is a front elevation of the same.
Figure 3 is a front elevation showing the principal parts in one of their intermediate
positions.
Figure 4 is a horizontal section on the line 1-1 of the preceding figure.
Figure 5 is a section on the line 2, 2, Figure 3.
Figure 6 is a section on the line 3-3.
Figures 7, 8 and 9 are elevations showing, in different positions, the parts for
separating the bristles into slices.
Figure 10 is a perspective view of the bristle-sustaining and inserting devices.
Figure 11 is a section on the line 5-5 of Figures 1 and 12.
Figure 12 is a vertical section on the line 6-6 of Figure 11.
Figure 13 is a perspective view of the blades for separating the mass of bristles
into slices.
Figures 14 to 19 are views illustrating the action of the bristle-dividing and in-
serting devices.
Figure 20 is a front elevation of the machine as inodified to insert the bristles
without fastening them.
Figure 21 is a perspective view of the bristle support used therein.
Figures 22 to 26 are detail views illustrating the action of the bristle-dividing and
inserting devices used in the modified machine.
Referring to Figures 1 to 21:
A represents a rigid main-frame, which may be mounted on legs, as shown, or other-:
wise supported, and made of any suitable form adapted to sustain the various operative.
parts hereinafter described.
B represents a bed or table intended to receive the previously-bored brush blocks,
and sustain them during the insertion of the tufts therein. It is connected to the side
of the frame by a horizontal pivot, so that it may be tipped to any required inclination,
and is secured in the desired position by a locking pin inserted therein, and adapted.
to enter holes & in the main-frame. The upper face of the bed is grooved longi-
tudinally, as shown in Figure 2, to receive the brush block,- and provided with

page_text: overhanging lips at the edges to confine the block in place but permitting it to slide
end wise therethrough step by step.
A pressure spring 6, applied to the side of the table, urges a sliding stud b² inward
against the edge of the brush block which is thus held frictionally in place to prevent
accidental motion.
The advance of the block step by step is effected by a pawl 66, one end of which
engages in the holes in the block while the opposite end is pivotally connected to a
lever, 7, connected by a horizontal central pivot 63 to the frame. The upper end of this
lever is retracted by a spring 60. Its advance is caused by a stud 7,8 fixed to its lower
end and bearing against a cam surface 610 on the lower edge of a vibrating cam
plate D, which is pivoted to the main-frame at d, and provided with a counterweighted
hand-lever a bolted thereto.
The bristles e, cut to a proper length, are supplied to the machine en masse, being
seated horizontally in a magazine, E, bolted rigidly to the main-frame. This magazine
is in the form of an inclined channel open at the front to permit the introduction and
visual inspection of the bristles. The bristles are urged constantly downward by a
pressure head or follower I, attached to the lower end of a rod i travelling in
suitable guides on the frame, and urged constantly downward by a weighted
cord passed over a suitable guide pulley and attached to the upper end of the
rod. The follower is also carried downward step by step with a positive action by
means of a friction dog, encircling the rod and pivoted in a head or carrier 2,
which slides independently on the rod. This carrier is connected by a bar or link
to a lever centrally pivoted on the main-frame. The upper end of this lever is
urged constantly upward by a spring, while its lower end is provided with a
laterally-projecting stud in the path of the vibrating cam-plate D before mentioned.
When the cam plate is thrust down to its normal position, shown in Figure 5, it
encounters the stud ", and through the intermediate parts causes the carrier i¹ to
move downward, carrying with it the dog, which forces the rod i, and the follower I,
downward upon the bristles. When the motion of the cam plate is reversed it
releases the lever and the dog is carried upward on the rod by the action of the
spring. A suitable dog prevents the follower from being lifted by the reaction of
the bristles.
The mass of bristles is normally sustained by an arm f closing the lower end of the
magazine. This arm fis formed upon or secured rigidly to a casting F of the form
shown in Figure 3, hereinafter designated the "carrier," pivoted to the frame at f¹.
The carrier has a limited vibratory motion around its pivot f¹, so that its arm / may
be turned from its normal position across the mouth of the magazine, as shown in
Figure 2, to a horizontal position directly over the table and brush block, as shown
in Figure 3, and this for the purpose of carrying a slice of bristles at a time from
the magazine to a position beneath the inserting devices that they may be driven
directly into the under-lying block.
The vibration of the carrier F is effected by a roller, 3, adjustably fixed to its
upper end, and entering an irregular cam groove f, formed in the vibratory cam
plate D. The left hand portion of this groove is concentric with the axis d, so that
it permits the cam plate to swing a considerable distance to the left of its normal
position for a purpose, which will hereinafter appear, but before the carrier F is
moved from the magazine.
For the purpose of removing a slice or layer of bristles from the bottom of the
magazine, holding the same in position on the carrier arm f; and sustaining the
remaining mass within the magazine while the separated slice is being presented by
the carrier over the brush block, two co-operating blades G and H are employed,
such as shown more particularly in Figures 3 to 13.
The main blade & is of flat pointed form and fixed at its right end rigidly to
a supporting plate g, which slides to and fro on a guide-arm or plate rigidly
attached to the main-frame, see Figures 3, 6, 11 and 12, the arrangement being
such that the blade may be wholly withdrawn from the magazine, as shown in
Figures 7, 11 and 12, or thrust forward through the lower end of the magazine

page_text: parallel with and at a short distance above the face of the arm ƒ, as shown in Figures 3
and 7, so as to separate, from the mass above, a thin layer or slice of bristles lying
between the blade and the arm f, as shown in Figure 8.
away
The main blade G has a longitudinal vertical opening therein to receive the
secondary blade H, which is attached to the sliding block h, arranged to travel in a
dovetailed groove in the arm, as shown in Figures 3, 45 and 10, so that when the
carrier F is swung away from the magazine the blade H is carried therewith
from its companion G. The blade G is provided with a depending stud, g³, which
enters a short slot in the block carrying the blade H, as shown in Figures 11 and 12.
At the time the carrier F is swung towards the mouth of the magazine its blade H
and the main blade G are both in their retracted positions so that the blade H enters
the blade G and interlocks therewith as shown in Figures 11, 12, and 13. When the
main blade G is thrust forward through the magazine it carries with it the blade H,
the two blades passing as one through the mass of bristles. When, therefore, the
carrier swings away from the magazine the slice of bristles is confined thereon
between the upper face of the arm and the lower face of the blade H as plainly
shown in Figures 9 and 10. In this manner it is that the layer or slice of bristles
is separated from the magazine and carried downward to a horizontal position
directly over the brush block, as shown in Figure 3, while the blade G, remaining
in position across the magazine, sustains the mass of material therein.
The secondary blade H is moved to and fro by reason of its engagement with the
main blade G, and the latter is moved by a stud or roller g³ fixed to its slide or
support and entering a slot 9 in the cam plate D. This slot and the slot f* which
operates the carrier, are of the relative form and in the relative positions plainly
shown in Figure 2, so that when the cam plate swings to the left the slot g first acts
to advance the slicing blades through the magazine while the carrier remains at
rest. As the blades complete their motion their operating roller g³ enters the
concentric portion of the slot g, and the blades come to a rest so far as longitudinal
movement is concerned. At the next instant the eccentric portion of the slot " is
brought into play and causes the carrier F to swing downward with the bristles to
the position shown in Figure 3. A return motion of the cam plate first causes the
carrier to resume its normal position, shown in Figure 2, and thereafter causes the
retreat of the blades that the mass of bristles may descend to the arm preparatory
to the separation of another slice.
For the purpose of dividing the slice of bristles into tufts, folding these tufts and
dividing them into the brush block together with the fastening devices, the construction
shown in Figures 2, 3 and 14 to 19 is adopted. The bristle-supporting arm and
the overlying finger H, are provided with vertical slots and lying transversely
to the bristles and to the length of the brush block in order to admit of the bristles
being folded or driven downward through said slots into the underlying block. On
the overhanging portion of the main-frame, directly above the table, a vertical guide
is mounted carrying a vertical plate K, the lower end of which is divided into a series
of vertical pointed fingers k, which, by passing down through the slice of bristles on
the arm as shown in dotted lines in Figures 10 and 15, divide or separate the same
into a series of tufts. The vertical teeth are carried downward through the vertical
slots in the arm and blade H until they bear at their points upon th: brush block,
as shown in Figure 15, where they stand at rest serving as vertical guides between
which the tufts are carried downward into the block.
In order to assist in sustaining and guiding the folded tufts as they pass over the
slotted arm downward to the brush-block, there is applied to the underside of said
arm on one side of its slot, a rigid depending plate, and on the opposite side of the
slot a hinged plate 10, urged inward by a spring. As the tufts descend, the plate 10
yields but co-operates with the opposing plate to assist in guiding the tufts, see
Figure 19.
For the purpose of securing the tufts in the block, the metal fastening strips, such
as shown at Z, in Figures 14 to 19, are employed. The strip is adapted to pass

page_text: through an entire row of tufts and has on the lower edge a series of projecting teeth =
adapted to enter the respective tuft-holes and to bear upon and within the bight of
the tufts, as shown in Figure 17.
In the form of machine, now under consideration, these strips are also utilised as a
means of driving the tufts to their seats. To this end, immediately behind the blade K,
a second and independently movable vertical blade is provided, the lower end of
which is grooved to receive the upper edge of one of the fastening strips, as plainly
shown at j, Figures 14, 16, 17, 18 and 19.
The blade remains in its elevated position until the blade K has descended to
divide the slice of bristles into bunches or tufts, after which the bladej descends,
forcing the fastening strip Z downward on top of the bristles, midway of their length.
The fastening strip, consequently, presses the bristles downward at the middle through
the slot in the supporting arm, causing them to be folded or doubled around the
fastening strip, as shown in Figures 16 and 19. The downward motion of the blade
and carrier are continued until the tufts and the fastening strip are driven firmly
home to their places in the brush block, as shown in Figure 16, after which the
blades and K are both withdrawn, as shown in Figure 16, leaving the tufts and
the fastening in position.
The inserting blade is fixed rigidly to the vertical slide 2, connected by link j
to an arm on a rock-shaft j, provided with a hand-lever j³, so that when the lover is
moved the blade is carried downward by a positive action. The blade K slides
freely in suitable guides on the face of the slide 2, and is urged downward by a
spring. It is elevated by a link k pivoted at one end thereto, and at the opposite
end to a lever 3, which latter is in turn centrally pivoted to the slide, and arranged
to encounter a fixed stop on the frame. As the slide starts downward, the
lever, being carried away from the stop, permits the blade K to descend under
the influence of the spring in advance of the blade j, and until it is arrested by contact
with the brush block, after which the slide 2, continuing its descent, causes the
blade to follow downward with the effect heretofore described. It will, of course,
be understood that the depression and the elevation of both blades are effected during
the time that the carrier stands in the position shown in Figure 3.
The fastening strips Z may be inserted into the lower end of the inserting bladej by
hand, and retained therein by frictional contact between them. If preferred, how-
ever, a horizontal grooved bar 1, may be fastened rigidly to the frame, as shown in
Figure 3, in position to receive the fastening strips, one at a time, and guide them as
they are moved endwise directly into the lower edge of the elevated blade j. A slide /
may be mounted in this grooved arm and connected by a link to the arin f so as to
receive motion therefrom.
When the carrier is turned down to the position shown in Figure 3, the slide is
moved outward so that a fastening strip may be inserted in the groove. When the
carrier swings upward, the slide will force the carrier forward out of the support into
the inserting blade.
Referring now to the modified form of the machine, it will be found to closely
resemble that already described, except that, as the fastening stripe Z are not employed
therein, the inserting blade is given at the lower end a toothed form corresponding
with that of the fastening strips so that it will act to drive the tufts downward into
the block. The main-frame, the table, the blade K, its operating devices, and the
devices for operating the bladej, are all of the same construction and arrangement as
in the machine already described, but the blade j has its lower end provided with the
teeth. The arm for supporting the slice of bristles may be of the same form and
arrangement as in the first machine, or it may be fixed rigidly to the frame, as shown
at, Figure 20. When thus constructed it will be supplied with bristles by hand.
It will have, as in the preceding figure, a vertical slot through which the bristles may
descend, and be provided with an overlying finger 2, to hold the bristles in place.
In this form of machine the blade K descending through the slice of bristles, divides
the same into tufts, in precisely the same manner as in the first machine, after which

page_text: the bladej descends, and its teeth, straddling or bearing upon the tufts, drive them
downward through the plate and between the teeth of the plate K with a folding or
doubling action and until they are firmly sente in the brush block.
Figures 22 and 23 show the manner in which the blade K firs: descends to sub-
divide the shee.
Figures 24 and 25 show the manner in which the blade j folds the tufts downward
through the supporting arm.
In Figure 26 is illustrated the completion of the operation, the toeth of the blade j,
entering the holes with the tufts so that the latter are carried firmly to their places
where they are subsequently fastened in any suitable manner.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, as communicated to me by
my foreign correspondents, I declare that what I claim is :-
1. In a brush machine, the grooved table to sustain the brush block, the feed dog
overlying the table adapted and arranged to directly engage and move the block, the
dog-actuating lever, and the cam to move said lever.
2. In a brush machine, the main-frame, the block sustaining table pivoted thereto,
the lever pivoted to the frame, the block feeding dog attached to the lever and having
its active end substantially coincident with the pivot of the table; whereby the table
and block may be inclined without affecting the action of the dog.
3. The magazine for bristles in combination with the movable arm closing against
its delivery end, and the two reciprocating blades one of which is mounted to move
with the arm.
4. The magazine, the blade G sustained in a fixed guide and movable through and
across the magazine, the swinging arm f, and the reciprocating blade H mounted
thereon and adapted to advance with the first blade through the magazine and then
separate laterally therefrom as described.
5. As a means of separating a slice or layer of bristles from the end of a mass in a
magazine, two blades adapted to be laterally joined and separated as described, and
supports substantially as shown permitting said blades to be moved longitudinally in
unison and to be laterally separated; whereby the blades may be thrust as one through
the mass and then laterally separated that one may sustain the mass while the other
removes the slice therefrom.
6. In combination with the magazine, the reciprocating blade G, and its
actuating cam, the swinging arm f, and its reciprocating blade H constructed to
interlock with and receive motion from the first blade substantially as described and
shown.
7. In combination with the magazine, the follower and its rod, the feed dog, the
lever and link to actuate the rod, and the cam D to actuate the lever.
8. In combination with the support for the brush block, the magazine, the inter-
mediate vibratory arm f, to sustain the bristles, the two blades mounted one adjacent
to the magazine and the other on the arm; whereby the bristles may be presented
and sustained above the block.
9. In combination with the magazine, the pivoted casting F with arm to receive
bristles from the magazine and the slotted pivoted plate D, provided with an operating
lover and acting to vibrate the casting as shown.
10. In combination with the magazine, the reciprocating blade G, the pivoted
casting F with arm f, the reciprocating blade H thereon and the cam plate D, slotted
as shown to move the casting and the blades alternately.
11. In combination with a support for the brush block, the overlying bristle-sus-
taining arm and a blade H, both slotted vertically, and a reciprocating plate having
the toothed end arranged to pass through the bristle support; whereby the layer or
slice is divided into tufts.
12. In combination with a bristle support having a slot across which the bristles
are laid in an unbroken slice or sheet, a plate having a toothed end movable

page_text: through the slot; whereby the slice is divided into tufts and the tufts folied or
doubled.
'!
13. In combination with a supporting plate having a slot across which the bristles
may be laid in an unbroken slice or sheet, a plate having a toothed end to pass
through the slot, and a second plate or blade grooved in its end to receive a tuft
fastener, and movable independently of the toothed plate to force the tufts and fastener
into the brush block.
14. In combination with a support for the brush block, the slotted bristle support,
overlying the same, the vertical slide provided with the grooved blade, the indepen-
dently movable toothed plate mounted thereon, the spring to depress said plate
and lifting devices substantially as shown to elevate the plate relatively to the
blade.
I
I
15. In combination with the grooved reciprocating blade J, the guide L; and its
slide 1, for inserting the tuft-fastening strips in the blade.
IG. In combination with the grooved blade J, guide L, and slide 1, the vibratory
bristle-carrying arm, and the slide-operating link connected thereto; whereby the
bristle-carrying arm is enabled to present the bristle-fastening strip to the inserting
blade.
17. In combination with the slotted bristle-sustaining arm f, and the blades
movable therethrough, the fixed plate f, and the hinged spring-actuated plate f.
Dated this 17th day of March 1890.
WM. P. THOMPSON & Co.,
Agents for the Applicant.