Improvements in Machines for Making Wire Chains.
Year: 1892

page_text: Date of Application, 19th Jan., 1892-Accepted, 12th Mar., 1892
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Communicated from abroad by THE BRIDGEPORT CHAIN COMPANY (Incor-
porated), of Bridgeport, Fairfield, Connecticut, United States of America.]
Improvements in Machines for Making Wire Chains.
I, HENRY HARRIS LAKE of the firm of Haseltine, Lake & Co., Patent
Agents, 45 Southampton Buildings in the County of Middlesex, 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:-
In the accompanying drawings
Figure 1, represents a perspective view of two connected links of a chain such as
the machine of this invention is adapted to produce.
Figure 2, the blank having the eye formed at each end with the ends of the wire
bent around the body.
Figure 3, transverse section of the body cutting on line
looking toward the
суе.
of Figure 2, and
Figure 4, a plan view of the link showing the two eyes as brought together.
Figure 4^, a modification in the formation of the link, and which the machine is
adapted to produce.
Figure 5, a top or plan view of the machine complete.
Figure 6, front view of the same.
Figure 6, end view looking from the left of Figure 6.
Figure 7, transverse section cutting on line x x of Figure 5.
Figure 8, the hammer-cam r, detached.
Figure 9, detached longitudinal section cutting at the side of ouo of the spindles,
also showing a section of the vertical slide i, and side view of the abutment 27,
the abutment being in the down position, the spindles also being in the down
position.
Figure 10, the same as Figure 9, showing the spindles in the up position and the
abutment as in the up position in broken lines..
Figure 11, detached plan view showing the spindles and the bending fingers 7
and 8, to illustrate the operation of the said fingers in connection with the spindles
as well as of the rests which support the spindles, the rests being represented as
under the spindles.
Figure 12, the bending fingers as advanced below the spindles and as having
turned the rests from beneath the spindles.
Figure 13, detached front view of the slide i, as having produced the bend of the
blank around the spindles and showing the hammer as having imparted its blow to
the slide.
Figure 14, the slide and spindle in the same position as in Figure 13, but with the
bending fingers 7 and 8 advanced in broken lines.
Figure 15, detached view showing the bending fingers 7 and 8 in transverse section
as having completed their work upon the wire around the spindles, with the slide in
the up position.
Figure 16, the same as Figure 15, but with the fingers 7 and 8 withdrawn and as.
preparatory to the advance of the benders 25 and 26.
Figure 17, transverse sectional view showing the blank as bent around the
spindles, the former as presented forward of the blank, and the benders 25 and 26
just commencing their bending operation.
Figure 18, the same as Figure 17, showing the benders as advanced, and as having
produced the doubling of the blank with the abutment 27 presented between the
eyes.

page_text: Figure 19, detached view representing the jaws 35 as having been brought again t
the eyes upon the opposite sides of the abutment 27.
Figure. 20,, detached transverse elevation showing the jaws 35, as having clamped
the eyes against the former with the fingers 42 and 43 about to advance.
Figure 21, a side view of the lever 30, representing a face view of the jaws 35
and of the finger 43.
Figure 22, the same as Figure 20, representing the fingers 42 and 43 as having
advanced to produce the inward bend.
Figure 23, represents the fingers as having been operated by the slide i, to produce
the downward bend of the ends of the wire.
Figure 24, transverse section through the jaws 35, showing the abutment 27 in
the raised position.
"
Figure 25, the blank as bent around the former with the two eyes standing upon
opposite sides of the blade 51, as when the abutment is in the up position.
Figure 26, the same as Fig. 25, with the jaws 35 brought forward to force the eyes
upon opposite sides of the blade 51.
Figure 26, represents the benders 25 and 26 as having retreated with a
link and presented the same in rear of the former 18, also showing the setting-
cheeks 81.
Figure 26, inside view of the jaw 35, showing the setting check 81..
Figure 27, detached transverse section illustrating the operation of the levers 29
and 30.
:
Figure 28, detached view to illustrate the cam which brings the former into action,
and also gives to the abutment its up and down movement.
Figure 29, partial longitudinal central section showing face view of the lever 29,
and also of the lever 33, hung thereto, with face view of the jaw 35, and bending
finger 43, with the parts in the position as presenting the eyes of a formed link to
receive the next blank.
Figures 30 and 31, detached views illustrating the operation of the setter 54.
-Figure 32, detached side view of the cutting mechanism showing the cutter 71 in
the retreated position.
Figure 33, side view of the ratchet and its operating lever by which intermittent.
rotation is imparted to the cutting wheel.
Figure 34, front view of the cutting mechanism.
Figure 35, detached view of the cutting wheel in partial section to illustrate.
the operation of the cutter, the cutter being shown as having just completed its
work.
Figure 36, top view of that portion of the slide 9 by which the cutting
mechanism is operated. Figures 13 to 35 inclusive enlarged for convenience of
illustration.
This invention relates to the construction of a machine for automatically manu-
facturing wire chain of a peculiar character. Two connected links of this chain
are represented in Fig. 1. In the manufacture of the chain, cach link is made.
from a blank of wire, the blank A, of the wire being bent to form an eye B, at
each end in the same plane, and to interlock the ends of the wire with the body,
the wire is of sufficient length that after forming the eyes, the ends may
be carried over on one side of the body, as at C, and then returned upon the
opposite side of the body, as at D, see Figs. 2 and 3, then the blank is doubled
at the center in a plane at right angles to the plane of the eyes, and so as to
bring the two eyes together to form one end of the link, as seen in Fig. 4,
while the bend E, will form the other end of the link, the blank for the next.
link being passed through the eyes thus brought together, and then in like
manner bent. to form the eyes and bring the two eyes together to receive the
third link.
The object of this invention. is the construction of a machine which will
automatically produce. this chain, and the invention consists in the combination
of mechanisms as hereinafter described and particularly recited in the claims.

page_text: F, represents the bed of the machine which supports the operative mechanism;
as here represented this bed is provided with legs G, which rest upon a
table H.
I, represents the driving-shaft, to which power is communicated through a
pulley J, on a counter-shaft K; the shaft K, carrying a pinion L, which works
into a corresponding gear M, on the driving-shaft I, the method of com-
municating power to the driving-shaft, however, is immaterial to the invention.
The driving-shaft is located at the rear of the machine, and supported in suitable
bearings N.
The wire from which the chain is to be made is introduced at the rear of the
machine through straightening devices, here represented as consisting of two
series of grooved rollers O, arranged to revolve upon vertical axes, and between
which the wires may pass, and a second set of similar rollers P, arranged to
revolve upon horizontal axes, and between which the wire will pass after having.
run through between the rollers O O, this straightening mechanism is a common
and well known device, and for which other straightening devices may be sub-
stituted, or the straightening devices may be omitted entirely should the nature of
the wire be such as not to require a straightening operation before it passes into
the machine.
The wire is fed into the machine by an intermittent movement, to present the
required length for each link. As here represented, the feeding device is one of
common construction, and consists of a clamp Q, arranged between suitable
guides R, and so as to reciprocate freely therein, the slide being operated from a
cam S, on thic driving-shaft, through a bell-crank-lever T, hung upon a pivot U, on
the bed, and so as to swing in a horizontal plane parallel with the path of move-
ment of the clamp. This clamp is adapted to open as it retreats and close as it
advances, and so that as it commences its advance, it will grasp the wire with
sufficient force to draw the wire into the machine, and then as it commences its
retreat, will release the grasp upon the wire and return without effect upon
the wire, this being a common and well known feeding device, does not require
detailed illustration, and instead of this feeding device other known feeding
devices may be substituted. The shape and timing of the cam S, is such that
the wire advances at the proper time and to the proper extent to introduce a
length of wire sufficient for the production of a single link at each operation of
the feed.
In Fig. 7, the wire is represented as run into the machine to the required
extent, and preparatory to cutting off the required length for a single link, V, Fig. 7,
represents the wire thus presented to the position where it is to be cut off, and
preparatory to the first bending.
The wire thus coming. into the machine, passes over a pair of spindles a a, see
Fig. 7, these spindles being distant from each other according to the position of the
eyes required to be bent near the ends of the blank and of a size and shape corre-
sponding to the interior of such eyes. These spindles are hung to the bed upon.
pivots b, so that they may swing up and down in a vertical plane, as from the
position in Fig. 9, to that in Fig. 10 and return, and they are provided with
springs c, the tendency of which is to hold the spindles in the down or normal
position, as seen in Fig. 9. The upward swinging movement is imparted to the
spindles by means of a slide d, arranged in suitable guides, and reciprocating in a
path parallel with the spindles, the spindles carrying a cam e, and the slide d,
carrying a stud f, which as the slide advances from the position seen in Fig. 9, to
that seen in Fig. 10, will strike the cam e, and thereby cause the spindles to rise
from the position seen in Fig. 9, to that seen in Fig. 10, and then as the slide d,
returns, the stud f, will pass from the cam e, and leave the spindles free for
reaction of the spring c, to bring them again to their normal position, as seen in
Fig. 9.
The reciprocating movement is imparted to the slide d, by means of a grooved

page_text: cam g, on the driving-shaft, through a lever h, this slide d, performs other offices
which will be described as such offices appear in the operation of the machine.
Above the working ends of the spindles and the wire as it is presented thereon,
is a vertical reciprocating slide i, arranged in guides k, see Fig. 7, the vertical
reciprocating movement being imparted thereto from a cam !, on the driving shaft,
through a lever m, which vibrates in a vertical plane, and which is connected to a
second lever n, at right angles thereto, as seen in Figs. 6 and 64, the connection
being made by a universal joint o, the said lever n, is arranged upon a shaft p,
supported in bearings q, and extends into engagement with the slide i, so that the
vertical reciprocating movement will be imparted to the said slide i.
The wire is led to its place through a stationary die r, and the slide i, carries
upon its edge in the plane of the face of the die r, a cutters, which as the slide
descends; will coact with the stationary die r, and cut off the length of wire which
has been presented upon the spindles a a, and as seen in Fig. 13. The slide i,
carries upon its lower face a die t, in which a groove s¹, is formed, see Fig. 9,
corresponding to the wire which rests upon the spindles a, and this groove is of a
shape corresponding to about one half of the eyes to be formed in the wire, as seen
at u, Fig. 13, and so that as the slide i, completes its descent, the body portion of
the wire is bent down between the spindles, and the end portions bent over and
downward around the outside of the spindles, as seen in Fig. 13, thus making the
first bend in the formation of the eyes, and bringing the body of the wire into a
position to stand in central line through the eyes.
To give a set to this first bend, a hammer u, is arranged, which after the slide i,
has descended to produce the first bend, will impart a blow upon the top of the said
slide, which will act as a force to set the first bend. This hammer is attached to
an arm w, hung upon a pivot x, see Fig. 7, and so as to swing in a vertical plane
over the upper end of the slide i. The hammer is raised by a cam Y, on the driving-
shaft, operating through a lever z, hung upon a pivot 2, one of its arms arranged to
work upon the cam and the other against the projecting end of the hammer-arm w,
as seen in Fig. 7, and so that under the revolution of the cam Y, the hammer will
be raised, and at the proper time will escape from the shoulder 3, of the cam Y,
see Fig. 8, so as to liberate the hammer to permit it to fall upon the slide i, as
represented in broken lines Fig. 7, the power or force of the blow being increased
by means of a spring 4, connected to the hammer.
To support the spindles under the force thus produced in the first bends, rests 5,
are arranged below the spindle, as seen in Figs. 11, 12 and 13, and shown in broken
lines Fig. 11. These rests are hung at the rear upon pivots 6, and so as to swing
in a horizontal plane, as from the position in Fig. 11, to that seen in Fig. 12, and
return, they being of a height corresponding to the space between the spindles and
the bed below, and so that the spindles may lie on the said rests when in the down
position, and during this first bend.
In the second bend, the ends of the wire are turned up, as seen in Fig. 15, on one
side of the body, and this bend is produced by a pair of bending fingers 7 and 8,
arranged on a slide 9, and so as to reciprocate in a path at right angles to the blank
as it stands in the machine, that is, parallel with the spindles around which the first
bend is made. The slide 9, is arranged in suitable guides 10, and receives its
reciprocating movement from a cam 11, on the driving-shaft, through a lever 12,
hung upon a pivot 13, and connected with said slide. These fingers are constructed
with a longitudinal groove 14, on their upper surface, in line with the spindles, the
shape of the groove corresponding to the circumference of the lower portion of
the completed eyes, and the inner edges of the fingers diverge so that their extreme
points 15, are distant from each other somewhat greater than the distance between
the downwardly projecting ends of the first bend, and so that as the fingers advance
from the position in Fig. 11, to that seen in broken lines the same figure, the
diverging or inclined edges of the fingers will strike the then downwardly projecting
ends of the wire; and so as to force those ends inward, the upper surface of the

page_text: fingers thus passing under the spindles will throw the ends of the wire upward
on one side of the body of the wire, as seen in Fig. 15, thus producing the second
bend.
To permit the fingers to thus pass under the spindles, it is necessary to remove
the rests 5; this is accomplished by the inclined inner surface of the fingers 7
and 8, operating upon the outer sides of the rests 5, as they advance beneath the
spindles, and so as to turn the rests inward from the spindles, as from the position
in Fig. 11, to that seen in Fig. 12, and the rests are returned after the fingers shall
have retreated, by means of projections 16, on the slide d, arranged to work
against corresponding shoulders 17, upon the inner side of the rests, as seen in
Fig. 11.
The slide, now rises, leaving the blank upon the spindles with the ends of
the wire turned upward and rearward of the body of the blank, as seen in
Fig. 15.
The next operation is the doubling of the blank. For this purpose a former 18,
is arranged vertically through the bed, as seen in Fig. 9, and in a position forward
of the blank as it then stands on the spindles, as seen in Fig. 17; this former
receives an up and down movement from a cam-groove 19 in the side of the cam Y,
on the driving-shaft, through a lever 20, see Fig. 28, one arm of the lever engaged
with the cam, and the other engaged with the head 21, to which the former 18 is
attached, as seen in Fig. 9, and so that in the operation of the cam, the former is
raised from the position seen in Fig. 9, to that seen in Fig. 10 and returned. In
the upward movement, the former 18, is brought into a position forward of the
blank as it then stands upon the spindles, as seen in Fig. 15, the rear shape of the
former corresponding substantially to the shape of the bend required for the blank,
but upon the back side of the former is a recess 22, which adapts it to pass up
over the eyes of the preceding link, that is to say, so that after the bend is
produced, the recess 22, in the former 18, will be of sufficient space for that portion
of the eyes of the preceding link which stands within the bend of the link being
formed, as seen in Fig. 17,24 24 representing the wire of the two eyes of the
preceding link and through which the blank was introduced as it came to its
position upon the spindles.
The former having been thus presented forward of the blank, the slide d,
advances, and as before described raises the spindles to the position seen in
Fig. 10.
machine.
The rising movement of the spindles is required that the eyes may be brought
up into position for the next entering blank, it being remembered that in the
formation of the eyes, the body of the blank was depressed and out of the line
of the incoming wire, so that the eyes would thus stand entirely below the line of
such incoming wire, but by this raising of the spindles, the blank is brought up
until the body is in the same plane as the run of the wire, consequently bringing
the eyes
into a central position with relation to the line of the wire fed into the
After the spindles have been thus raised, as seen in Fig. 10, the slide d, still
further advances. The said slide carries in its forward end a pair of benders 25
and 26, one in a line each side of the former, as seen in Fig. 17, and as they
advance, they strike the blank, press it against the former, and still advancing,
double the blank around the former 18, as seen in Fig. 18, which brings the
blank into U shape, with the two eyes forward and against an abutment 27, which
is hung upon a pivot 28, in the bed forward, and so that the abutment may
swing in a vertical plane, as from the position seen in Fig. 9, to that seen in
Fig. 10.
The abutment 27, serves to hold the eyes apart, as seen in Fig. 18. At
this time, the turned up ends of the wire stand outside the body of the wire, and
project upward.
The next operation is to bend these ends inward over the body, as seen in Fig. 22,
and then down inside the body, as seen in Fig. 23. The abutment 27, affords a
resistance to support the eyes against such bends.

page_text: A pair of levers 29 and 30, see Fig. 7, are hung upon a central pivot 31, below
the bed, and so as to swing in transverse planes, that is to say, planes at right
angles to the line of the spindles a, on which the first bend is made. These
levers 29 and 30 extend upward, one upon each side of the abutment 27, as seen in
Fig. 7, and as also seen in Fig. 20. On these levers 29 and 30, other levers 32
and 33 are hung upon pivots 34, and so as to swing in a plane parallel with the
path of the swinging movement of the levers 29 and 30.
The levers 29 and 30 each carry a jaw 35, which as the levers 29 and 30, approach
each other, bring the jaws 35.against the eyes then resting against the abutment 27,
and so as to firmly grasp the eyes upon the respective sides of the abutment. The
swinging movement is imparted to the levers 29 and 30, by means of a cani 36, on
the driving-shaft through a lever 37, hung upon a pivot 38, below the bed, the
forward arm of the lever is provided with studs, or anti-friction rollers 39, standing
respectively outside the levers 29 and 30, and these levers are each constructed
with a cam 40, upon which the studs 39, will operate, to bring the jaws 35 against
the eyes, as before described, that is, to the position seen in Fig. 27, and as also
seen in Fig. 20. It will be understood that the slide 9, carrying the fingers 7 and 8,
has retreated immediately after they have produced the second bend, and now
stand back of the levers 32 and 33, in substantially their normal position. As soon
as the jaws 35, have grasped the eyes, as before described, the slide 9, with the
fingers 7 and 8, again advances, and their beveled inner ends strike a corresponding
point 41, on the outside of the levers 32 and 33, and because of their inclined shape,
operate to force the levers 32 and 33 toward each other, from the position seen in
Fig. 20, to that seen in Fig. 22, the levers 32 and 33 shown in Fig. 20 in broken
lines.
+
To the upper end of the levers 32, and 33, a pair of bending fingers 42 and 43
are hung, respectively upon pivots 44, and so as to swing in a plane parallel with
the plane of movement of the said levers 32 and 33. The fingers are each provided
with a stud 45 above their pivots (see Figs. 5 and 7) so that the upper end of the
levers to which they are hung may bear against the said studs as the levers advance,
and thus give to the fingers their inward movement from the position in Fig. 20, to
that seen in Fig. 22.
The inward movement of the fingers thus produced, bends the upwardly projecting
ends of the wire inward over the body of the wire, as seen in Fig. 22, and so that
the fingers come to a position between the two branches of the body of the wire,
but above the body, as seen in Fig. 22.
The slide again descends, it carrying a shoulder 46, which is adapted to strike
the upper ends of the fingers 42 43, as seen in Fig. 22, and impart to them a
downward movement, as seen in Fig. 23, forcing the ends of the fingers with the
end of the wire down between the two branches of the body, as clearly seen in
Fig. 23, thus doubling the ends of the wire around their respective portions of the
body of the wire, and back of the eyes.
The fingers 42 and 43, are each provided with a spring 47, the tendency of which
is to force the fingers forward and downward, but the path of movement of the
fingers is controlled by cams 48, on the levers 29, 30. The fingers are each
provided with a projection 49, which rides upon the upper surface of these cam's 48,
the projections 49, riding over the cams so as to rise slowly as they advance, as
seen in Figs. 20 and 22, when the projections leave the cams,
and so
that as the
slide descends, these projections will pass down inside the cams, 48, as seen in
Fig. 23.
This bend accomplished, the slide i, rises, permitting the fingers 42 and 43 to rise,
at the same time the slide 9, retreats, when the springs 50, which are attached to
the levers 32 and 33, react and draw the levers 32 and 33, together with the
fingers 42 and 43, rearward, the fingers rising because of the action of the cams 48,
upon the projections 49, and so as to pass over those cains in opening, as seen in
Fig. 20.
The abutment 27, is of a width as before. described, so as to hold the eyes

page_text: distant from each other, so that the bend of the ends may be made, but the
abutment is reduced in thickness upon the under side, so as to form a downwardly
projecting blade 51, against which the eyes may be bent. To bring this blade 51,
into position for the closing of the eyes together, the abutment is raised by means.
of a stud 52, projecting from the head 21, see Figs. 9 and 10, which as the former 18,
rises, is carried up to a position to bear upon the under side of the abutment 27, as
seen in Fig. 10, then after the inward turn of the ends of the wire has been produced,
as before described, the head 21, with the former, is given a further rise, which
forces the abutment 27 upward, as represented in broken lines Fig. 10, and so as to
present the thin blade 51, between the two eyes, and as seen in Figs. 24 and 25.
This accomplished, the lever 37, again operates upon the levers 29 and 30, through
a secoud rise 53, of the cams, and so as to force the jaws 35 further inward and
toward the blade 51, as represented in broken lines Fig. 27, and as also seen in
Fig. 26. This operation of the jaws 35, as seen in Fig. 26, closes the eyes upon
the blade 51, and brings them into planes parallel with each other, and in a position
close together, also represented in broken lines Fig. 24. This last bend
accomplished, the jaws 35 recede, the former 18, drops, the benders 25 and 26
hold the completed link by frictional contact between them, and those benders then
recede, taking the link which has been thus formed rearward, and so as to bring
the eyes of the link thus formed into line with the incoming wire, as seen in Fig. 29,
and so that when, the next run of wire is introduced, it will pass through those
eyes onto the spindles a, as before, when the second link will be bent and completed
like the first, and presented for the next run of wire, the spindles dropping to their
normal position as the slide d carrying, the benders retreats, and so that the next
incoming length of wire may pass above them as first described.
As a completely formed link recedes, as before described, preparatory to receiving
the wire for the next link, and before the doubling of the wire of the said next link
is produced, the former 18, rises to a position forward of the wire to be bent, as
before described, and forward of the eyes of the precedingly formed link, as seen in
Fig. 18, the former therefore serves as a stop to prevent the advance of the said
previously formed link as the benders. 25, 26 advance, consequently, the said
previously formed link remains stationary, while the benders advance, and so that
when the jaws next retreat, the next bent link will be drawn back with the
advancing and precedingly bent link, toward the discharge from the machine.
The feeding of the completed links is produced by the former 18. As the
benders 25 and 26 recede, they take the completed link to a position to bring the.
eyes immediately in rear of the position occupied by the former when it is raised,
and so that when the former rises, it will stand immediately forward of the eyes of
this finished link. The next feed of the chain is produced by the former, that is to
say, the former stands while the benders 25 and 26 advance, and as the finished
link stands against that former, as seen in Fig. 26, the benders slide upon the link
as they go forward to bend the wire which has been previously inserted through the
eyes of the completed link, and as represented in Fig. 264, broken lines indicating
the blank so introduced.
In the return of the benders after the eyes have been completely formed, as:
before described, and as the abutment rises, there is a liability of the link to be.
thrown out of its proper plane, so that when it has retreated it would not stand in
direct line with the former and so that the forward side of the eyes may enter the
recess in rear of the former, as before described; it is therefore desirable. to.
provide some device whereby the link may be brought with certainty to its proper.
central position. To this end a centerer 54, is arranged in the under face of the
slide, and provided with a cavity 55, in a position corresponding to that required
for the eyes of the link when in the rear position just mentioned, the cavity 55,
contracts from its lower end upward, presenting two oppositely inclined surfaces,
which act as cams upon the eyes, and so that as the link may have been thrown
either to the right or left, the inclined sides. of the recess in the centerer will throw
the link accordingly, and as seen in Fig. 31, at the same time the cavity in the

page_text: centerer being narrower than the space occupied by the eyes of the link, see Fig. 30,
will operate upon the eyes to force those eyes together, as from the position scen
in Fig. 30, to that seen in Fig. 31, and this position corresponds to the position of
the former, so that as the benders next advance to produce the bending, the
jaws will slide upon the link and will bend and engage the next link, as before
ilescribed.
In order to permanently set the eyes in the closed position described, and as scen
in Fig. 31, the benders 25 and 26 are constructed with longitudinal grooves 80, in
their face corresponding to the links produced, and as seen in Fig. 26, and in these
grooves at the rear, cheek-pieces 81, are set, grooved corresponding to the face of
the benders, but projecting slightly therefrom, as seen in Fig. 26. These projec-
tions present a rounded surface forward, and so that as the benders advance, these
cheek-pieces strike the link at the bend, and force the metal forward to contract it
at that point which produces the setting effect required to retain the eyes. in the
closed position, as seen in Fig. 31..
By the operation as thus far described, the links are completely formed, each
successively formed link being interlaced with the precedingly formed link, and so
the chain passes from the machine.
To facilitate the bending of the ends of the wire around the body, it is desirable
that the wire should be somewhat longer than is required for the finishing link, and
this increased length is also desirable because of unavoidable slight variations in the
bend, consequently under such increased length the ends of the wire will project
below the body to the extent of such surplus metal, as represented at 56, Fig. 23.
These projections or surplus metal if not removed, would detract from the other-
wise finished appearance of the link. When such increased length of wire is
employed, it is desirable that the surplus metal of the projecting ends of the wire
should be removed. To accomplish this object, a cutting apparatus is made as a
part of the machine, and so as to operate automatically.
As the links are successively completed, the chain passes down through a suitable
opening 57, in the bed, from whence it is led to a wheel 58, arranged upon a horizontal
axis 59, supported in a suitable bearing 60. To this wheel an intermittent rotation
is imparted by means of a ratchet 61, attached to or formed as a part thereof,
operated by a pawl 62, on a lever 63, the said lever 63, hung upon a fulcrum 64, and
extending upward into the path of a shoulder or stud 65, projecting from an arm 66,
which is attached to the slide 9, and so as to reciprocate therewith, see Figs. 5
and 6, and so that as the slide 9 retreats, the shoulder 65, will strike the lever 63,
and draw the pawl backward, as seen in Fig. 6, and then as the slide 9 advances, and
at the proper time, a stud or shoulder 67, on the arm 66, will strike the opposite side
of the lever 63, and turn that lever, as represented in broken lines Fig. 33, and so
as to impart one step in rotation to the ratchet-wheel 61, and the wheel 58.
The chain passes over the periphery of the wheel 58, as seen in Figs. 32 and 35,
the wheel being provided on its periphery with prongs 68, distant from each other,
and of a shape corresponding to the broad end of successive links, and so that the
said prongs will engage the links, and under the rotation of the wheel will serve to
advance the links, the steps of rotation imparted to the ratchet 61, and the wheel 58,
corresponding to the length of the successive links.
Immediately back of the prongs 68, shoulders 69, are formed, which serve as
rests against which the turned in ends of the wire will bear, as seen in Fig. 35, and
so that the surplus metal will project above the said shoulders, as indicated at 70,
in Fig. 35; these shoulders each serve as one of a pair of cutters, or as a rest against
which a reciprocating cutter may operate, so as to cut off the ends of the wire
71, represents the cutter, which is attached to an arm 72, projecting from a
lever 73, hung upon a fulcrum 74, and which lever 73, extends up into the
path of a shoulder or anti friction roller 75, projecting from the slide 9, and so
that as the said shoulder 75, comes against the lever 73 in the retreat of the
slide 9, it will force the lever 73 forward, and so as to bring the cutter 71
down onto the projecting ends of the wire, and so that working in conjunction

page_text: with the shoulder 69, the said cutter will trim off the projecting ends of the
wire, as represented in Fig. 35, the cutter in this operation moving from the
position seen in Fig. 32, to that seen in Fig. 35, the retreat of the lever and
cutter being produced by a spring 76, provided for the purpose.
The arm 72, is provided with a dog 77, which as the cutting operation is produced,
will come to a bearing upon the eyes of the link being trimmed, as seen in Fig. 35,
and so as to hold the link firmly as the projecting ends are cut off.
To lock the wheel 58, in the cutting position, and so as to the better resist the
action of the cutter, the lever 72, is provided with a second dog 78, the nose of
which enters corresponding recesses 79, on the side of the wheel 61, opposite the
ratchet. This locking of the wheel occurs before the cutting commences, and so
as to insure the bringing of the wheel to the exact position for the operation of the
cutter 71, with the shoulder 69.
The trimming of the ends of the wire finishes the chain, and thence it passes
from the machine ready for market or use, thus producing the chain complete and
finished by continuous automatic operations from the reel or wire to the completed
chain.
Instead of feeding the wire to the machine from the reel, the blanks may be cut
to the required length and fed separately to the machine, either by hand or
otherwise.
In the inward bend of the ends of the wire over the body, as in Fig. 22, and
then downward, as in Fig. 23, the downward bend may be omitted in some cases,
the ends of the wire simply turned inward over the body so as to interlock there-
with in rear of the eyes, in such case the up and down swinging movement of the
bending fingers 42 and 43 may be omitted, but the downward bend is preferred as
giving additional strength to the chain.
While the closing of the eyes which has been described as made upon the
blade 51, is preferred, as insuring the bringing of the eyes into proper planes with
relation to each other, that blade may be omitted, and the eyes brought close
together by the jaws 35, or the eyes may stand in the open position, and the final
closing of the eyes omitted, but it is preferable to employ the blade 51 as also the
final setting or closing of the eyes together.
The rests 5, may be omitted, provided the spindles are of sufficient strength to
resist the bending operation performed on said spindles.
The preliminary bend produced by the spindles and the slide i may be made
independent of the machine so as to produce the blanks in that shape, and such
blanks may be threaded by hand into the eyes of the previously formed link.
In chain in which great strength is not required, the bending fingers 42 and 43
may be omitted, the wire being of a length simply to form complete eyes, as seen in
Fig. 4, in such case the abutment and its blade may be omitted, the jaws 35
operating to bring the eyes together after the wire has been bent around the
former
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 correspondent I declare that what I claim is :-
First. In a machine for making wire chain, and in which the links are made from
a blank having an eye formed in each end thereof, then bent to bring the two eyes
together to form one end of the link, while the bend forms the opposite end, the
next link being threaded through the said two eyes of the preceding link, the
combination of a pair of spindles a, a, corresponding in shape to the eyes to be
formed in the blank, and adapted to receive the blank, a slide arranged to
reciprocate in a plane at right angles to said spindles, its lower face constructed as
a die having cavities u, u, therein, corresponding to substantially one half the eyes
to be formed in the blank, and whereby the blank is bent to form substantially one
half of said eyes and leave the ends of the wires projecting therefrom, substantially
as described.

page_text: Second. In a machine for making chain substantially such as described, the
combination of the spindles a, u, the fingers 7 and 8, arranged to reciprocate in
paths parallel to said spindles, the forward ends of the said fingers inclined outward
and forward, so that at their extreme forward end they are distant from each other
greater than the distance between the said spindles, the said fingers being adapted
in their advance movement to pass beneath the said spindles, the fingers grooved
upon their upper surface corresponding to said spindles, substantially as described
and whereby the projecting ends of the blanks are turned inward and around the
spindles to form the eyes in the blank.
Third. In a machine for making chain, the combination of the reciprocating
slide i, the spindles a a, the swinging rests 5 5, below the said spindles, with the
reciprocating fingers 7 and 8, the said fingers being adapted to force said rests from
below the slides as the said fingers advance, substantially as described.
Fourth. In a machine for making chain, the combination of the spindles a a,
bending devices substantially such as described, adapted to form eyes in the ends of
a blank placed upon said spindles, the former 18, and the reciprocating benders 25,
and 26, substantially as and for the purpose described.
Fifth. In a machine for making wire chain substantially such as described, the
combination of mechanism adapted to bend the blank wire to form an eye in each end
of the blank, a former with mechanism adapted to double the wire around the said
former, so as to bring the eyes into the longitudinal plane of the link, a pair of
jaws 35 35 between which the said eyes are presented, the said jaws being adapted
to close the said eyes together, substantially as described.
Sixth. In a machine for making wire chain substantially such as described, the
combination of mechanism adapted to bend the blank wire to form an eye in each end
of the blank, a former, with mechanism adapted to double the wire around the said
former, and so as to bring the eyes into a longitudinal plane at right angles to the plane
of the link, a vertically swinging blade 51, in a position between the said two eyes,
a pair of reciprocating jaws 35 35, one each side said blade, and reciprocating in a
plane at right angles to the plane of the eyes and the plane of said blade, the said
jaws being adapted to force the said eyes together upon opposite sides of said
blade, substantially as described.
Seventh. In a machine for making wire chain, the combination of mechanism
substantially such as described adapted to bend the wire to form eyes in the blank,
then to double the said wire around a former, bringing the eyes into position
parallel with each other, an abutment 27, against which said eyes are presented in
the doubling bend, the said abutment being adapted to receive an up and down
movement, jaws 35 35, arranged to clamp the eyes against the respective sides of
said abutment, and reciprocating bending fingers 42 and 43 adapted to force the
projecting ends of the wires inward, in rear of the eyes, mechanism substantially
such as described to withdraw said abutment from between the eyes, and whereby
the said jaws 35 may operate to close the eyes together, substantially as described.
Eighth. In a machine for making wire chain, the combination of mechanism
substantially such as described adapted to bend the wire to form eyes in the blank,
then to double the said wire around a former, bringing the eyes into position
parallel with each other, an abutment 27, against which said eyes are presented in
the doubling bend, the said abutment being adapted to receive an up and down
movement, jaws 35 35, arranged to clamp the eyes against the respective sides of
said abutment, and reciprocating bending fingers 42 and 43 adapted to force the
projecting ends of the wires inward in rear of the eyes, mechanism substantially such
as described to withdraw said abutment from between the eyes, and whereby the said
jaws 35 may operate to close the eyes together, with mechanism substantially such
as described to impart to said fingers a downward movement after they shall have
made their inward movement, and substantially as and for the purpose described.
Ninth. In a machine for making wire chain substantially such as described, the
combination of mechanism adapted to form an eye in each end of the blank, a
former mechanism arranged to double the said blank around the said former, an

page_text: abutment 27, arranged to move up and down in a plane parallel with the plane of
said eyes, the said abutment constructed with a downwardly projecting blade 51,
with a pair of reciprocating jaws 35 35, arranged one each side of said abutment,
the bending fingers 42 and 43, with mechanism substantially such as described to
impart an up and down movement to said abutment, whereby the said abutment is
first presented between the eyes and jaws, and then on the upward movement of
the abutment the said blade will be presented between the said eyes and jaws, the
said jaws being adapted to force the said eyes together upon said blade, substantially
as and for the purpose described.
Tenth. In a machine for making chain, the combination of mechanisin sub-
stantially such as described adapted to form an eye in each end of the blank, with
bending devices arranged to double the said blank around the former, and bring
the eyes into planes parallel with each other, and a pair of reciprocating jaws 35,
arranged to force the said eyes together around the former, substantially as
described.
Eleventh. In a machine for making chain substantially such as described, the
combination of a pair of spindles a a, vertical reciprocating slide i, a former 18,
benders 25 and 26, reciprocating jaws 35 35, and the centerer 54, on said slide, all
substantially as described.
Twelfth. In a machine for making chain substantially such as described, the
combination of the benders 25 and 26, the former 18, the said benders provided on
their working faces with cheek-pieces 81, substantially as and for the purpose
described.
Thirteenth. In a machine for making chain substantially such as described, the
combination of the reciprocating jaws 35, the abutment 27, levers 32 and 33,
fingers 42 and 43 hung to said levers, and the vertically reciprocating slide i,
substantially as and for the purpose described.
Fourteenth. In a machine for bending wire for the links of chain, the combination
of two spindles a a, the vertical reciprocating slide i, and the hammer v, adapted to
strike upon the said slide when in its down position, substantially as and for the
purpose described.
Fifteenth. In a machine for making wire chain such as described, the combination
therewith of an intermittently rotating wheel 58, the periphery of said wheel con-
structed with projecting prongs 68, and with shoulders 69, back of said prongs, with
a reciprocating cutter 71, arranged to act in connection with said shoulder 69,
substantially as and for the purpose described.
Sixteenth. As a trimming device for the manufacture of chain substantially such
as described, the combination of the wheel 58, mechanism for imparting thereto an
intermittent rotative movement, the periphery of the wheel constructed with
projecting prongs 68, adapted to engage succeeding links, and also constructed with
shoulders 69, in rear of said prongs, with a reciprocating cutter 71, arranged to
work in connection with said shoulder 69, on the wheel, and a dog 77, in rear of
said cutter, substantially as and for the purpose described.
Seventeenth. As a trimming device for the manufacture of chain substantially
such as described, the combination of the wheel 58, mechanism for imparting
thereto an intermittent rotative movement, the periphery of the wheel constructed
with projecting prongs 68, adapted to engage succeeding links and also constructed
with shoulders 69, in rear of said prongs, a reciprocating cutter 71, arranged to
work in connection with said shoulder 69, on the wheel, the said wheel provided
with notches 79, with a locking dog 78, adapted to engage said notches as the said
shoulders are successively presented to the said cutter, substantially as and for the
purpose described.
Datad thin 10th day of Lou 1802
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, Agents for the Applicant.