Improvements in Wire Drawing Machines.
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application, 3rd Mar,, 1899-Accepted, 15th July, 1899
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION (AMENDED).
Improvements in Wire Drawing Machines.
I, CHARLES ABERNETHY COWLES, of 52, North Cliff Street, in, the City of
Ansonia, County of New Haven and State of Connecticut, United States of
America, Superintendent, 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:-
I will describe a machine embodying my improvement, and then point out
the novel features in claims.
In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a plan or top view of a machine
embodying my improvement, certain parts being omitted on one side to reveal
parts located on a lower plane. Figure 2 is an enlarged transverse section
taken on the planes indicated by the dotted line, Figure 1. Figure 3 is
a partly sectional end elevation of parts of the machine comprising reels upon
which the .drawn wire is wound, this view being made upon a scale larger than
that of Figure 1, but smaller than that of Figure 2. Figure 4, is an enlarged
transverse vertical section on the plane of the dotted line y-y, Figure 1.
Figure 5 is an enlarged longitudinal vertical section taken upon the longitudinal
plane indicated by the dotted lines -, Figure 1. Figure 6 is an enlarged
rear elevation of one of the drawing die boxes. Figure 7 is an elevation of a
reel for holding drawn wire. Figure 8 is a side view of a hand truck for carry-
ing such a reel. Figure 9 is an enlarged vertical section of a turn head, the
plane of the section being indicated by the dotted line w-w, in Figures 1 and 3.
Figure 10 is a detailed view illustrating a modification. Figure 11 is another
detailed view illustrating a modification. Similar letters of reference designate
corresponding parts in all figures.
A designates the frame of the machine. It may be made of iron and of any
approved form.
B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, designate boxes for holding the drawing dies.
As shown, they are seven in number but may be more or less numerous at the
pleasure of the constructor. These boxes or holders as here shown are of rect-
angular form, and are divided into two compartments 1. 6. The rear compart-
ment receives a lubricating and cooling liquid, and the forward compart-
ment accommodates a drawing die C Fig. 5 which may be of any suitable
form. As here shown, it is made in the form of a rectangular plate with a
tapering hole passing through it. from rear to front. In the direction of the
length of its drawing hole it measures less than the compartment 12, so that it
may have a rearward movement in the compartment. When in use it is sup-

page_text: ported by the wire W being drawn; the compartment 62 being entirely open
at the bottom, the tension of the wire holds the die against the forward wall of
the compartment b³.
It will be seen that in the top of the rear wall of the compartment is a
groove that in' the wall which separates the two compartments there is a
similar groove, and that in the front wall of the compartment be there is also
one of such grooves. All of these grooves are below the plane of the wire while
the drawing operation occurs. The lubricating and cooling liquid may flow
from the rear compartment over into the compartment around and upon
the drawing die C. Most of it will pass off through the bottom of the compart-
ment, although some may pass from the front wall of such compartment. I
may additionally use a pipe P for discharging the liquid into a hole in each
die. Thus all the dirt and other extraneous matter may be washed off and pre-
vented from interfering with the operation of the die.
Each drawing die box is supported upon a plate which as here shown is at
the rear end pivotally connected by a bolt to an arm a extending laterally
from the main portion of the frame A, hence it may move transversely. The
upper part of the plate 3 is provided with a longitudinal dove-tailed groove
in which the drawing die box is engaged so as to be free to slide lengthwise. At
the forward end the groove of each plate 63 is closed. Obviously the die box
may move rearwardly. out of the normal position by sliding along the plate b³.
The advantage of providing for this rearward movement of the die in its com-
partment, and the rearward movement of the die box, is, that when the block
has been stopped and is given a slight rearward movement in the reverse direc-
tion, the loops surrounding the drawing rollers will be made larger, thereby
preventing friction between the wire and drawing rollers. It also takes off
the strain from the parts that are engaged by the die-holder during the drawing
operation.
Under each die box is a receptacle 1) perforated at the bottom. It rests upon
the frame A, or an appurtenance thereof. When a die is dropped it falls into
the receptacle. In this way dies may accumulate until such time as they are
needed, when the receptacle will be lifted out, the liquid within it will run off;
and the dies may be picked out.
Intermediate of the die boxes are drawing rollers C¹, 0, 0, 0, 0.0%. They
are affixed to the outer ends of shafts that are journalled in bearings
attached to the frame A. and provided with bevel gear wheels . The bevel
gear wheels engage with bevel gear wheels affixed to a shaft C which is
journalled in bearings a² affixed to the frame A. Any suitable means may be
employed for imparting rotary motion to the shaft C, as for example, gearing
engaging with the gear wheel affixed to said shaft.
'
It will be observed that the bevel gear wheels c, for the different rollers
01, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 are differently proportioned. This is for the purpose of
producing such drawing action as will be commensurate for the elongation of the
wire produced by the drawing operation.
The rollers are of hollow construction to provide for the circulation of the
cooling and lubricating liquid. Their construction may best be understood by
reference to Figures 4 and 5. Each has a body portion of cylindric form;
which is connected by spokes with a hub, . As here shown, the shaft e
upon which the body of each roller fits. is reduced in diameter at the outer
extremity so as to receive the hub 6. The hub rests against the shoulder formed
where the shaft is reduced. The outer extremity of the shaft is screw-threaded;
and has a nut c fitted to it. A spline 8, engages the shaft and the hub of the
roller so that the two will rotate together.
Adjacent to the outer side of the body of each roller is a flange . This also
fits the shaft c. It is clamped between the side of the face portion and of the
hub of the body of the roller on one side, and the nut on the other side.
It has an opening 10, which is co-incident with the spaces between the hubs

page_text: of the roller body. It also has openings which are outwards of the face por.
tion of the roller body.
The cooling and lubricating liquid used in the drawing operation may circu-
late through the body portion of each roller, and also through the flange portion
and around the wire which embraces the roller.
A chamber constituting a flange, is arranged adjacent to the inner side
of each roller. It is hollow throughout, and is fitted into a rabbit formed in
a plate 3, bolts, being used to secure it in place. The plate c¹³ is provided
with a hub that fits upon the shaft c. A lug or lugs 6 extending from the
chamber to one side of one of the bearings of the shaft c, is fastened to. such
bearing by a screw c or other suitable means. The outer wall of the chamber c¹2
has a circular opening into which projects a flange 18, with which the face
portion of the body of the roller is provided. There is, however, an annular
space left between this flange 18 and the outer wall of the chamber c¹ so that
the cooling and lubricating liquid may pass through. A pipe c supplies the
liquid to the chamber and from the chamber it flows through the annular
space just mentioned over the outer surface of the roller body. It also flows
from the chamber through the space between the spokes of the body of
the rollers and thence through the opening into the flange and finally
out of the latter through the openings over the roller body and the wire
which embraces the same.
Over each roller is a hood which may advantageously be made of sheet
metal and having an extended portion. The hood is designed to prevent any
excessive throw of the cooling and lubricating liquid from the rolls, and also
to deflect the fluid thrown off by the centrifugal force through the extended
portion into the die box. Hence it will normally be in close relation to its
roller. It is fitted to slide vertically along guides which are attached to the
chamber When in its normal position it will rest upon blocks, but when
raised it may be supported by a bolt bearing upon the top of one of the
guides As. here shown the bolt is pivotally connected to one end of a
hand lever, which at the other end is combined with a spring acting in
such direction as to throw the bolt over the top of the adjacent guide whenever
the shield is lifted sufficiently high; to lower it, the lever may be manipulated
against the resistance of the spring. A handle arranged upon one side of the
shield facilitates moving it upward. Obviously, the hand levers may all
be operated together by a simple connecting contrivance.
The pipes for the various rollers lead from the pipes that run lengthwise
of the series of rollers and drawing dies. As may
be seen by reference to Fig. 2,
the pipes, extend downwardly from the lower, portions of the pipes and
are provided with controlling cocks, 28, by which the flow of the cooling and
lubricating liquid may be regulated. In Fig. 1, I have shown a pipe along
one side of the machine, but have omitted it from the other side in order that
I might better illustrate other parts. The two pipes at their forward ends
communicate with a pipe 29. One of the pipes at the other end communicates
with a circulating pump, 30. If desired, there may be a circulating pump 30
for each of the pipes
Below the two series of rollers and drawing dies is a large tank E into which
the cooling and lubricating liquid flows, and from which it is raised again by
the circulating pump
At the forward end of the two series of rollers and drawing dies are reels F
for taking up the wire from the block after the completion of the drawing
operation. Each reel is adapted to be fitted upon and engaged to rotate with
an upright shaft G. By describing the construction of the reel, I will describe
the means for supporting and rotating it.
Each shaft G has its upper portion reduced in size so as to form a shoulder g
upon which rests a reel-holder or block, F¹. This block is adapted to interlock
with a reel, and it surrounds the upper portion of the shaft G, being engaged

page_text: :
therewith to rotate simultaneously. The bearings g¹ support the shafts G.: Below
these bearings the shafts G have gear wheels g loosely mounted upon them,
and to these gear wheels are affixed the upper portions g of clutches G. This
part of the clutch rests upon the hub of the part y of the clutch, the latter
being fastened rigidly to the shaft. Below the part g of the clutch is a cone g
which rotates with the shaft G but is capable of being moved up and down thereon
by means of a lever . When moved upwardly it swings sidewise an arm g,
that is carried by the part of the clutch. By shifting this arm sidewise it
produces an engagement between the two parts and of the clutch. This
constitutes a device for operating the block, whereby the block may be started
with a graduated movement. As this clutch of itself forms no part, of my
invention, it will not be necessary to describe it further than to add that the
sidewise movement of the arm g draws together or permits the separation of
the ends of a divided ring which is attached to the upper part 3 of the clutch for
the purpose of engaging or disengaging the said ring and the part of the
clutch.
The lever g is fulcrumed to a bracket, and as here shown is provided with
a foot piece so that it may be operated by the foot of the attendant, a pivoted
catch, g, being preferably used for the purpose of engaging the foot piece when,
it is desired to occupy one position for any length of time, as, for instance, during
the drawing operation, while filling any reel F. This constitutes a means for
throwing into and out of action the device which may be employed for starting
the block with a graduated movement, and for doing this without stopping the
driving shaft.
I have shown the lever gas provided with an arm extending upwardly and
provided with a handle 10. After the filling of any reel the operator disengages
the catch from the lever g6, by means of his foot, and then with his hand
presses the lever forward so as to lower the cone, g; thus the disengagement of
the shaft G with the gear wheel will be effected. If, as here shown, the
upper part of the lever g6 shall be provided with a brake, the latter will be
moved into engagement with the block F when the lever g is pressed in, as
just described, by the hand of the operator.
The gear wheel g² engages with a gear wheel g" affixed to a shaft G2 supported
in bearings. The gear wheel engages with the gear wheel g that is
affixed to a shaft H, that is journalled in a bearing h. Affixed to the upper end
of this shaft H is a bevelled gear wheel that meshes with a bevelled gear
wheel affixed to the shaft C; thus it will be seen that the motion is trans-
mitted from the shaft C7 for the rotation of the reels F.
The reels Feach have a head, to the outer portion of which are pivoted by
pins fa number of arms ft. As here shown there are four of these arms f².
Their lower extremities are turned outwardly to form supports f. Between their
ends these arms f2 are pivotally connected by pins with the outer ends of
links f whose inner ends are pivotally connected by pins f" with a socket f7 that
is connected with the head f of the reel F by means of a tube f8, forming a
'central stem.
Below the head f, the tube 8 is provided with a collar or circular projection f",
and at the upper end the tube is adapted to slide longitudinally through the
head f. Above the head, a suspending eye fio is connected with the tube fo.
so as to swivel upon the same. At the lower end this swivel eye has lugs f
which, when the swivel eye occupies its normal position, are under hook-shaped
lugs f with which the head is provided. When the lugs f of the swivel
eye are thus engaged with the lugs f of the head f, the tube fs will be incapable
of sliding longitudinally through the head f. A locking piece f pivotally con-
nected by a pin f to one of the lugs of the head f, serves to prevent the
disengagement of the lugs f" from the lugs f
By a rotary movement of the swivel eye in one direction, a rotary, movement

page_text: in the other direction is precluded by reason of having an abutment in the .
lugs f This abutment may be formed by simply inclining the outer ends of
the lugs f and correspondingly shaping the opposite surfaces of the lugs f
If this locking piece f³ be swung to one side, it will become possible to
swivel the eye f so as to disengage its lugs f" from the lugs f of the head f.
Then the tube fe may be slid upwardly through the head f. The raising of
the socket incident to this sliding motion of the tube f³ will draw the links f
inward, and thus the lower ends of the arms will be moved towards each
other. The reel will thus be collapsed so that the wire may be disengaged from
it. Indeed, the coil of wire will ordinarily drop off as soon as the reel is
collapsed.
During the winding operation a reel F is engaged with a block, F¹, so as to
rotate with the latter, and hence with the shatt G and wind the drawn wire
upon itself.
..
In the circumference of the block F¹ are a number of vertical grooves corre-
sponding to the number of árms f in the reel, and when the reel is in, place,
its arms engage with these grooves.
The socket f rests upon the top of a hub with which the block is provided, and
fits upon the upper extremity of the shaft G.
;
Preferably a guard band f extends around the lower part of each block F",
and consequently around the lower part of each reel F, to prevent the wire from
flying outwards, away from the reel at the end of winding.
Atter the proper quantity of wire shall have been wound upon the reel, it is
lifted off by means of its swivel eye f10 to make place for another reel.
If a filled reel is to be taken to another place so that the wire upon it may. be
drawn still finer, a convenient way of removing it would be to place it upon a
carriage I, as shown in Fig. 8. This carriage has a platform i, supported by two
pairs of wheels, the forward pair of which may be swivelled to the platform if
desired.
:
Above the platform i, a post extends upwards. A table is supported by
the post in such a manner as to be free to swivel or rotate about the same. In
its upper surface are recesses, , for the reception of the supports f³ formed at
the lower extremities of the reel arms f2. Obviously this table may rotate for
unwinding a coil of wire upon a reel which is supported upon the post, and
may also have spring catches as in Fig. 11.
"It would be advantageous to use two reels in connection with each of the séries
of rollers and drawing dies, and to alternate these two reels in the position for
taking wire. To facilitate the alternation of the reels, I combine them with a
bar J. As here shown this bar J is supported by a turntable J¹, shown best in
Fig. 9, comprising a center bolt j through the lower end of which the bar J passes.
The upper end of the center bolt has a head that rests above a plate
A corresponding plate surrounds the lower part of the center bolt below a
shoulder with which the said bolt is provided. Beneath the plate is a washer ";
beneath this washer a key 6 passes through that slot in the center bolt. through
which the bar J passes, and key being longitudinally inclined, and serving to
effect the clamping of said bar J in the center bolt.
Between the plates and are plates and which are affixed to bars K
forming part of an elevator. Between the plates, and also between the
plates, are anti-friction rollers. Obviously the plates, together with
the center bolt j may rotate relatively to the plates. By this means the
bar J may be oscillated about the center bolt j as an axis of motion. Each bar J
has at its ends hooks These hooks may be swivelled in stirrups which
are pivotally connected by pins with the ends of the bar J. As shown in
Fig. 10, each hook may have a swivelling connection with a hanger provided
with a peripherically grooved roller r, adapted to travel along the upper edge of
the bar J..
"
The elevator bars K are attached to the plunger k, of a hydraulic engine K!

page_text: that is controlled by any suitable valve, and as here shown through the agency of
a wheel and an adjustable rope which is applied to the said wheel and
extended around the guide pulleys, to positions where it will be convenient
of access. are posts to guide the elevator bars K.
A. table Lis arranged in convenient relation to each of the blocks F. As
here shown it is supported by a post 7 extending from the floor. In its upper
surface are recesses. for the supports f³ of a reel. This table may be precisely
like the table heretofore described in connection with the carriage I. A swivel-
ling connection is formed between each table L and each post by means of a
center. screw (2 or in any other convenient way. Each table has a number of
radial notches 3 extending inwards from its circumference. Reference to Fig. 1
will show that the approved, arrangement is one wherein the center of a block F,
the center of a turn-table J, and the center of a table L will be intersected by
one straight line.
.
When the parts are thus arranged the adjustment of a bar J into such position
that one of its hooks will engage with a reel which is taking wire, will
cause the other hook of said bar to occupy a position over the table L, hence
two reels may be, engaged with one bar J at the same time.
Whenever a reel has been filled with wire, the bar J will be, swung around and
lowered so that one of its hooks 10 may be engaged with the swivel eye f10 of that
reel. At the same tinie the other hook of said bar J will be engaged with a
reel resting upon the corresponding table, L. Then, the elevator will be raised,
and afterwards by hand, the bar will be turned so as to transpose the two reels,
the filled reel being thus deposited upon the table L, and the empty reel being
deposited upon the block Fi ready to take wire from the adjacent series of rollers
and drawing dies.
into
The wire upon the reel deposited on the table L may now be prepared for
removal by inserting wires or cords through the notches of the table, up
the inside of the coil of wire in order that it may be bound to preserve it in
coil form.
:
Afterwards the reel may be. collapsed by swinging aside the catch fand
engaging one of the hooks of the bar J and elevating the reel by means of the
elevator.
The elevator may be counterbalanced. I have shown a counterbalance cable ko
which is intended to lead to a weight conveniently located.
By reason of the clutch G which, as will have already been understood, is a
friction clutch, I can start and stop the reel holder or block Fat pleasure, and do
so gradually, while the rollers C₁-C are left running.
When it is started it will tighten the coil of wire upon the roller C and cause
that to draw the wire forward. This will have the effect of tightening the wire
upon the roller C, and so one roller after the other will be caused to act upon the
wire to draw it forward.. Whenever the reel holder or block is stopped, the loops
of wire surrounding the rollers will become slack, and the wire will no longer be
moved forward by the rollers.
I desire to cover a means at any suitable part of the machine for starting the
block with a graduated movement and without stopping the driving shaft, as in
this way it will be possible to operate at a higher speed than otherwise could be
done.
;
The combination of parts for changing reels, including the hydraulic elevator
facilitates the drawing of wire rapidly, and therefore conduces to the main object
of my invention.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said invention
and in what inanner 'the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is :-
1. In a wire drawing machine, the combination of a die, a rotatable drawing, block,
a drawing roll, ineans for rotating the said drawing roll, a starting and stopping
mechanism for starting. the drawing block with a graduated movement, and means

page_text: for throwing said starting and stopping mechanism into and out of action without
stopping the drawing roll, substantially as described.
•
2. In a wire drawing machine, the combination of a die, a rotatable drawing
block, a drawing roll, means for rotating the drawing roll, a friction clutch for
starting the block with a graduated movement and means for throwing said clutch
into and out of action without stopping the drawing roll, substantially as described.
3. The method of stringing a wire drawing machine which has having in combination
a series of die holders, dies fitting in said holders and capable of movement forward.
and backward in the line of movement of a wire continuously rotating drawing: rolls
intermediate the die holders and a drawing block in advance of the forward die holder,
said method consisting in stringing a wire with spaced dies that fit-in-said-holders;
and coiling the wire about each roll in a loop longer than is sufficient to tightly
embrace the roll and placing the intermediate dies in the holders so that not until
the block is started and the drawing operation begins through the forward die will
the loops be successively tightened to enable the rolls to operate upon them to
draw the wire through the successive dies, a gradual action of the rolls upon the
wire being thus effected and wearing and heating of the wire being thus prevented:
4. The method of stringing a wire drawing machine which has in combination a
series of die holders, continuously rotating drawing rolls, intermediate the die holders,
and a drawing block in advance of the forward die-holder, and means for starting the
block with a graduated movement said method consisting in stringing a wire with spaced
dies that fit in said holders, coiling the wire about each roll in a loop longer than is
sufficient to tightly embrace the roll and placing the intermediate die in the holders so
that not until the block is started and the drawing operation begins through the
forwaril die will the loops be successively tightened to enable the rolls to operate upon
them to draw the wire through the successive dies, a gradual action of the rolls upon the
wire being thus effected, and wearing and heating of the wire being thus prevented,
substantially as described.
4. In-n-wire drawing machine, the combination with sliding-die-holders;-dies-in
such-holders,-a-roller intermediate-the--die-holders;-and-a-block-in-advance-of-the
forward-die-holder, whereby-upon-the-stoppage-of-the-block-and-a-reverse-movement
thereof-the-adjacent-die-mn-move-to-enlarge-the-loop-around-the-roller, substan-”
tially as specified.
5. The combination with a device for moving wire through a die, of a die holder,
having an opening below the die, and a die supported above said opening so that
after the wire has been drawn through the die, the die may drop through the
opening, substantially as specified.
6. A drawing roller for a wire drawing machine having a flange provided with
passages for the circulation of liquid, substantially as specified.
7. In a wire drawing machine the combination with a drawing roller around which
liquid is circulated, of a shield for limiting the throw of liquid from the roller, and
means whereby the said shield may be supported in different relations to the roller,
substantially as specified.
8. In a reel, the combination of a head, of a central stem adapted to slide in said
head, arms pivoted at one end to the head, and links pivoted at one end to the
arms intermediate their length and at their other end to the central stem, substan-
tially as described.
9. The combination of a drawing block carrying a reel which is rotated therewith,
an elevator carrying a turntable, arms extending from said turntable, one of said
arms adapted to be connected with the reel rotated by the block, while the other of
said arms is adapted to be connected with the second reel, substantially as described.
10. In a wire drawing machine, the combination of an elevator, a support for two
reels pivotally connected with a part of the elevator and reels supported so as to be
able to rotate relatively to said support, substantially as specified.
11. In a wire drawing machine, the combination of a die, a drawing block, a
driving shaft, means for rotating said shaft at a high speed, a device for starting the

page_text: block with a gradual movement to obtain the full speed of the driving shaft and
means including a handle independent of the driving shaft, for throwing said device
into and out of action without stopping the driving shaft, substantially as described.
Dated this 3rd day of March 1899.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.