IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINES FOR MAKING CIGARETTES
Year: 1880

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Robert Lake, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake,
& Co., Patent Agents, Southampton Buildings, London, for an Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINES FOR MAKING CIGARETTES." A communication
from abroad by Charles Goodwin Emery and William Hanson Emery, both of
Brooklyn, New York, United States of America.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Robert Lake at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 31st August 1880.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINES FOR MAKING
CIGARETTES." [A communication from abroad by Charles Goodwin Emery and
William Hanson Emery, both of Brooklyn, New York, United States of America.]
This Invention relates to further improvements in machinery described in the
Specification of former Letters Patent, dated 3rd June, A.D. 1879, No. 2206.
According to the Invention described in the said former Specification the loose
tobacco is formed into a continuous filler, and a continuous enclosing wrapper
applied around said filler, and the overlapping edges of the same coated with
cement forming a continuous cigarette, which is fed forward and cut into suitable
lengths by an automatically operating machine.
It is essential in such a machine that the filler-carrying belt shall be properly
curved around the tobacco at the first stages of the operation, and that the various
operating parts should work in unison, or in such relation with each other as to
advance the continuous filler and wrapper, and feed the cigarette to the cutters at
uniform speed to prevent the continuity of the filler and cigarette from being
destroyed while passing through the machine, and sever the cigarette into uniform
and equal lengths. It is also of the utmost importance in order to produce a
marketable article that when cigarettes leave the machine the wrappers should be
in pure unsoiled condition without any tobacco or other stains.
The object of the present Invention is to ensure the proper curving of the belt
and a perfect unison of the movements of the various parts, as well as to simplify

page_text: t
•
the construction and operation of the apparatus, and to prevent the wrapper from
becoming soiled by any possibility.
To this end the said Invention comprises the following features, namely:-
The combination with the travelling filler carrier belt of a cigarette machine
of a longitudinal trough or guide extending under the hopper, and forward to the
compressing roller, the said trough or guide being semi-elliptical in cross-section,
or approximating thereto, whereby the belt is caused to assume a similar form to
receive the tobacco, give it its initial form, and carry it forward without waste.
Also, the combination with the travelling belt and the trough or guide of a
pressure roller having an angular or curved groove at its periphery and an
adjustable pulley, the two carrying an endless belt moving positively and in unison
with the filler carrier belt, and travelling a short distance above and in contact
with the filler to curve the upper part and assist in feeding and compressing the
same.
Also, the combination with the feed-pulleys, their endless belt, and the filler
carrier belt, of two small pressure-rollers located in advance of said feed-pulleys
and belt to compress the filler so that it will enter the filler-forming conductor.
Also, the combination with the trough or guide, the travelling belt, and the com-
pressing and feed mechanism, of a filler forming conductor through which the belt
and filler are passed, whereby the filler is completely formed and fed forward.
. Also, the combination with the mechanism for feeding and forming the cigarette
filler, of a curved conducting bridge leading from the filler-forming conductor
over the aperture through which the belt passes from the table into the paper guide
and to the end of the same so as to deliver the filler into the wrapper as it is
formed, and prevent any particles escaping over the edges of the wrapper.
Also, the combination with the mechanism for forming and feeding the filler of
a paper guide; consisting of a flat strip of metal with guide folds at the edges of
its lower portion, and gradually contracted into conical shape at its upper end, the
said guide being bent at an angle, and extended below through an aperture in
the table, and adapted to receive a strip of paper from a reel below, or other suitable
carrier.
Also, the combination in a cigarette machine of the filler forming mechanism
and filler carrier belt, with suitable wrapper-forming mechanism and an independent
cigarette carrier belt whereby all danger of soiling the wrapper of the cigarette
during its formation is obviated.
Also, in combination with the filler-forming mechanism, the cigarette carrier belt
and pasting mechanism, of a flexible smoother of buff, adapted to press the edges
of the wrapper together with a gentle yielding pressure to smooth out the wrapper
and secure the edges.
Also, the combination with mechanism for forming and feeding the filler and the
conductor through which the filler and wrapper pass during the operation of
pasting, of an endless travelling belt and a guide-tube through which said belt
passes, whereby the wrapper is secured around the filler to complete the continuous
cigarette, and said cigarette is fed forward.
Also, the combination with the driving pulleys of the respective carrying belts
of a longitudinal shaft journalled in bearings at the ends of the frame, and provided
with worm gears meshing with cogged wheels on the shafts of the respective
driving pulleys whereby a positive motion is imparted to each, and they are caused
to move in perfect unison.
Also, the combination with the driving pulleys of the respective carrying belts
of a longitudinal shaft constructed in two parts, having an adjustable connection,
and the gearing connecting said shaft with the shafts of the pulleys whereby the
mechanism may be adjusted to move the pulleys in proper unison.
Also, the combination with the longitudinal shaft of a toothed wheel mounted
thereon, and an intermeshing toothed wheel journalled in suitable bearings, and
provided with a pitman connected with the segment which operates the distributor
in the hopper whereby a positive motion is given to the distributor in unison with

page_text: the other parts of the apparatus in order to ensure a uniform distribution of
tobacco upon the filler carrier belt.
Also, the combination with the longitudinal shaft of two wheels provided with
cam-grooves and two angle levers pivotted to the frame of the table, and carrying
at their upper ends rotary cutters, the lower ends being provided with friction-
rollers setting in the cam-grooves whereby the cutters are operated to sever the
cigarette into proper and uniform lengths.
Also, the combination with the longitudinal shaft of a grooved pulley mounted
thereon with a pulley mounted on the shaft to which the angle-levers are
pivotted, and provided with three grooves, and suitable grooved pulleys mounted
on the cutter-shafts, the system of pulleys being connected by means of endless
bands whereby a rapid rotary motion is imparted to the cutters when the machine
is in operation in order to give a clean cut to the cigarette.
In carrying the said Invention into practice I provide a table, constructed of any
suitable material, and carrying the working parts of the apparatus. There is a
longitudinal main driving shaft journalled in bearings in the frame of the table at
each end of the same, and in intermediate journals. The said shaft is preferably
constructed in two parts, which are provided with an adjustable connection having
binding screws for the purpose more fully hereinafter specified. A worm mounted
on the main driving shaft near its forward end gears into a wheel provided with
oblique cogs on its periphery. The said wheel is mounted on a transverse shaft
carrying a large driving pulley which gives motion to a filler carrier belt. The
trough or filler belt guide is semi-elliptical in cross-section, and is located upon the
table extending from its front or near the same longitudinally under a delivery
spout of the hopper, and from thence forward upon the frame until it passes the
feed and pressure roller more fully hereinafter described, where it is gradually
contracted, connecting at its contracted end with a filler-forming conductor. The
filler carrier belt extends forward through the trough being curved by the same to
correspond with its outline in cross-section, and is gradually contracted and
passed through the filler-forming conductor, which opens out laterally at its
delivery end so as to permit the belt to expand laterally and flatten itself out as it
emerges from said conductor. A transverse roller is journalled in an opening in
the top of the table over which the filler carrier belt passes on its return to the
driving pulley. A roller is mounted at the end of a bent lever which is pivotted
to a bearing secured to the top of the table at one side of the forward opening
through which the filler belt passes on its forward course. There is a set-screw in
a bracket by means of which the roller may be pressed upon the belt to force it
into contact with the pulley and ensure its movement without possibility of
slipping. A toothed segment gives motion to a pinion of the distributor in the
hopper. This segment and pinion are the same as described in the Specification
of the said former Patent. To the segment is pivotted a connecting rod extending
through an opening in the table below, and connecting at its lower end with a
crank pin on a cog wheel which journalled to a standard on the frame of the
machine. A toothed driving wheel intermeshes with the last named wheel, and is
journalled on the main driving shaft, by means of which an intermittent move-
ment is given to the segment and through it to the distributor to distribute the
tobacco upon the filler carrier belt.
A. roller is mounted on a transverse shaft journalled in bearings in standards
mounted on the top of the table. The said roller is provided with an angular or
curved groove at its periphery, which may be corrugated, the roller being located
directly over the filler belt trough or guide at the point where it begins to be
contracted.
A pulley is journalled upon a shaft secured to an adjustable block located in a
guide slot in the standard, secured to the top of the table at one side of the filler
belt trough, and there is a set screw by means of which the block may be adjusted.
From the roller to the pulley extends an endless belt, the two rollers being so
located with respect to each other and the filler carrier belt and trough that

page_text: the lower portion of the belt will travel over the tobacco, and in contact with
the same as it is carried along by the filler carrier belt trough, the gradually
contracted part of the filler belt trough or guide, and by reason of the curving of
the belt caused by the gradual contraction of the trough and filler carrier belt,
A shaft has mounted
will gradually compress the tobacco into cylindrical form.
on it a pulley which connects by means of a cross belt (extending through an
opening in the table) with and running around a wheel, by means of which motion
is given to the roller.
There are two small rollers journalled in suitable bearings, and adapted to press
upon the tobacco in the filler carrier belt just previous to its entrance to the filler-
forming conductor, by means of which the tobacco is packed as the belt is closed
around the tobacco preventing the escape of the tobacco, which would otherwise be
apt to occur.
I provide a curved bridge extending from within the diverging end of the
conductor across the opening, and into a gradually contracting guide by means of
which the paper wrapper is conducted to the filler; the said bridge is formed of a
sheet metal strip curved to have about a semi-circular shape in cross-section, and is
wide enough to permit the filler to pass freely. Its end within the flaring end of
the guide is soldered thereto, but at its other end is loose in another guide so that
the paper may pass freely under it. The latter guide consists of a metallic strip
folded at its edges to form guide grooves at each side for the edges of the paper
strip. The upper end of said strip is bent at right angles or thereabouts, and
is gradually contracted towards its upper end, the lower end extending down
through the opening in the top of the table. At the upper end of the strip, the
guide lips are curved, the same as the body portion upon which they are lapped,
and thus form inner curved walls between which and the outer wall or body
portion the paper is folded into tubular form as it passes. The edges of the tubular
end of the guide may slightly lap each other, so that the edges of the paper will
lap correspondingly as it emerges.
I provide a reel mounted on a shaft journalled in suitable standards, and
carrying a paper strip wound into a roll. The paper from the reel passes up
through the guide, and is gradually brought into cylindrical shape, and at the same
time wrapped around the continuous filler.
In proximity to the outlet of the bent guide is a flexible finger passing between
the two edges of the paper tube or wrapper for keeping the edges of the wrapper
separated, compressing and holding the lower or inner edge upon the filler, guiding
and holding it in proper form. The filler with its wrapper is then conducted into
a conductor, the edges of which overlap each other so as to leave an intervening
space between said edges of sufficient size for the passage of one edge of the
projecting paper or wrapper.
A pasting disc is located in such manner with respect to a chamber that said
disc will have its edges during rotation between the two lapping marginal edges of
the wrapper. Rotary motion is imparted to said disc which revolves under the
paste-reservoir, and forms the bottom thereof in any suitable manner, so as to take
up and deliver a sufficient and uniform quantity of the paste to the edge or edges
of the wrapper. The pasting disc is mounted on an upright journal, and is rotated
thereon by means of a pulley around which is carried an endless band passing over
pulleys down through the table, and around a pulley on the driving shaft.
The rear end of the conductor extends within, but is not attached to the forward
end of the flaring or bell mouth conductor, so as to deliver the filler with the
wrapper surrounding the same into said conductor.
Just in advance of the pasting device is located a flexible buff smoother
consisting of a piece of soft leather, such as chamois skin, or other suitable
material, secured to the table at one side of the cigarette passing over said
cigarette, and extending through an opening in the table, the free end being
provided with a small weight by which a gentle pressure is brought to bear upon
the cigarette to smooth the wrapper and join its edges.

page_text: A driving pulley is mounted on a transverse shaft journalled in suitable bearings
in the frame of the machine. The said shaft is provided with a wheel which
intermeshing with a worn on the driving shaft, the pulley gear-wheel and worm
being precisely similar to the driving pulley gear wheel and worm for operating the
filler belt before mentioned. I provide a belt which may be termed a "cigarette
carrier belt," extending through the conductor and downward through two apertures
in the table around a pulley, and around two small pulleys. The driving pulleys
and operating mechanism of the respective belts, that is, the filler carrier belts
being precisely identical in size and arrangement, it is evident that the two belts
will be moved in perfect unison with each other.
'A roller is mounted upon a lever fulcrummed to the frame, a set-screw extending
through a bracket back of the lever, by means of which the belt may be pressed
into contact with the pulley to ensure said belt being positively carried by the
pulley without any possibility of slipping.
The cigarette carrier belt is curved upon entering the conductor and compressed
around the cigarette, uniting its pasted edges and feeding it forward in a completed
condition to a guide or conductor, from which the continuous cigarette is finally
discharged from the machine.
Two wheels or discs are mounted on the main driving shaft at the projecting
rear end of the same. The said discs or wheels are provided with cam grooves.
Upon the shaft between the two cam grooved wheels is mounted a grooved pulley.
There are two angle levers mounted on a shaft secured to the frame of the table,
and to a suitable bracket also secured to the frame of the table. The lower ends of
said levers are provided with friction rollers which set in the cam grooves, and the
upper ends carry rotating cutters, the levers and cams being so arranged relatively
as to move the cutters together at proper intervals, to sever the continuous cigarette
into equal and uniform lengths, as it is fed through the conductor. The cutter
shafts are provided with grooved pulleys which are connected by endless bands
with grooves in a pulley mounted on a shaft between the angle levers, the said
pulley being provided with a groove which connects by an endless band with a
pulley, whereby a rapid totary motion is imparted to the rotary cutters.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said William Robert Lake in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
28th February 1881.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINES FOR MAKING
CIGARETTES.' A communication from abroad by Charles Goodwin Emery and
William Hanson Emery, both of Brooklyn, New York, United States of America.
"
This Invention relates to further improvements in the machinery described in the
Specification of former Letters Patent, dated 3rd of June, A.D. 1879, No. 2206.
According to the Invention described in the Specification of the said former
Letters Patent the loose tobacco is formed into a continuous filler. A continuous
wrapper is applied around the said filler, and the overlapping edges of the wrapper
are coated with cement, a continuous cigarette being thus formed, which is fed
forward and cut into suitable lenghts by an automatically-operating machine. The
main features of the said machinery consist of a hopper for containing and delivering
tobacco; a travelling belt for receiving tobacco from the said hopper; a belt curver
or-filler chamber, whereby the belt is curved partially around the tobacco; a
pressure-roller for packing the tobacco in the curved belt; a filler-forming tube for
closing the belt around the tobacco; a device for opening out the belt after the
filler is formed to release the said filler; a bridge for supporting the tiller as it is
carried forward; a guide for conveying a continuous wrapper to the machine; a
forming chamber by means of which the wrapper is curved around the filler; a
pasting device for applying cement to one edge of the wrapper; a chamber through
which the endless travelling belt and the filler with the wrapper enclosing the
same pass to unite the pasted edges and to carry the cigarette forward; a conductor
for guiding the cigarette forward; and, finally, a cutting device for severing the
cigarette into suitable lengths.
It is essential in such a machine that the filler-carrying belt shall be properly
curved around the tobacco at the first stages of the operation, and that the various
operating parts should work in unison or in such relation with each other as to
advance the continuous filler and wrapper, and feed the cigarette to the cutters at
a uniform speed to prevent the continuity of the filler and cigarette being destroyed
while the said filler and cigarette are passing through the machine, and to sever the
cigarette into uniform or equal lengths. It is also of the utmost importance, in
order to produce a marketable article, that when cigarettes leave the machine the
wrappers should be in a pure or unsoiled condition without any stains.
The object of the present Invention is to ensure the proper curving of the belt
and a perfect unison of the movements of the various parts, as well as to simplify
the construction and operation of the apparatus and to prevent the
becoming soiled.
wrapper
from
Figures 1 and 1° represent top views of a machine embodying these improve-
ments, some portions of the machine being represented by dotted lines; Figure 1b
is a section on the line a¹, x1, of Figure 1a.
Figures 2 and 2ª represent a side elevation of the said machine, some portions
being shewn in dotted lines.
Figure 3 represents a top view on an enlarged scale of the forward portion of
the table with the top of the same removed, shewing the longitudinal or main
driving shaft, the shaft carrying the driving pulley of the filler-carrying belt, with
the mechanism for operating the same, and the segment which operates the distri-
buting mechanism of the hopper, as hereinafter described.

page_text: Figure 4 represents on an enlarged scale and in side elevation the forward portion
of the machine, shewing the hopper, distributing mechanism, trough, and feed and
compressing mechanism.
Figure 5 represents a front view of the feed and compressing mechanism
detached.
Figure 6 represents in cross section the top of the table detached, shewing the
trough or guide and the filler carrying belt, with the tobacco distributed therein
from the hopper.
Figure 7 represents on an enlarged scale a transverse section on the line x, x, of
Figures 1 and 2.
Figure 8 represents on an enlarged scale a longitudinal section of that portion of
the table through which the filler-carrier-belt passes after forming the filler, shewing
the paper guide and the bridge for conveying the filler into the said guide.
Figure 9 is a top view of the table and last mentioned parts on an enlarged
scale.
Figure 10 represents on an enlarged scale a perspective view of the paper-guide
and conveying bridge.
Figure 10 is a transverse sectional view shewing the flexible buff smoother.
Figure 11 represents on an enlarged scale a top view of the rear portion of the
machine with the top of the table removed, shewing a portion of the mechanism
for operating the cigarette carrier belt and a portion of the mechanism for operating
the revolving cutters.
Figure 12 represents a perspective view of one of the cam-grooved wheels by
which the angle levers carrying the rotary cutters are operated; and
Figure 13 represents a rear elevation of the machine, shewing the mechanism for
operating the cutters.
The number 1 indicates a table constructed of any suitable material, and carrying
the working parts of this improved apparatus, and 2 indicates a longitudinal main
driving shaft journalled in bearings 3 (shewn in Figures 2 and 3) in the frame of
the table at each end of the same and in intermediate bearings 4; the said shaft is
preferably constructed in two parts, which are provided with an adjustable con-
nection 5 having binding screws 6. The number 7 indicates a worm mounted on the
main driving shaft 2 near its forward end, and gearing with a wheel 8 provided with
oblique teeth on its periphery; the said wheel is mounted on the transverse shaft 9
carrying the large driving pulley 10, which gives motion to the filler-carrier-belt 11.
The number 12 indicates the trough or filler-belt-guide, which is semi-elliptical in
cross-section, as indicated in Figure 6, and is located upon the table, extending
from its front or near the same longitudinally under the delivery-spout 13 of the
hopper, and thence forward upon the frame until it passes the feed and pressure-
roller, more fully hereinafter described, where it is gradually contracted, being
connected at its contracted end with a filler-forming-conductor 14. The filler-carrier-
belt extends forward through the trough, being curved by the same to correspond
with its outline in cross-sectiou, and is gradually contracted and passed through
the filler-forming-conductor 14 which opens out laterally at its delivery end 15, so
as to permit the belt to expand laterally and flatten itself out as it emerges from
the said conductor. The number 16 indicates a transverse roller journalled in an
opening 17 in the top of the table, over which the filler-carrier-belt passes on its
return to the driving pulleys. The number 18 indicates a roller mounted at the
end of a bent lever 19 which is pivotted to a bearing 20 secured to the top of the
table at one side of the forward opening 21, through which the filler-belt passes on
its forward course. The number 22 indicates a set-screw mounted in a bracket 23
by means of which the roller may be pressed upon the belt 11 to force it into
contact with the pulley 10, and ensure its movement without possibility of slipping.
The number 24 indicates the toothed segment which gives motion to the pinion 25
of the distributor 26 in the hopper. This segment and pinion are the same
described in the Specification of the said former Letters Patent. To the segment
is pivotted a connecting rod 27 extending through an opening in the table below
as

page_text: and connected at its lower end with a crank-pin 28 on the toothed wheel 29, which
is journalled to a standard 30 on the frame of the machine. The number 31
indicates a toothed driving wheel gearing with the wheel 29 and journalled on the
main driving shaft by means of which an intermittent movement is given to
the segment 24, and through it to the distributor to distribute the tobacco upon
the filler-carrier-belt.
The number 32 indicates a roller mounted on a transverse shaft 33, journalled
in bearings 34 in standards mounted on the top of the table. The said roller 32 is
provided with an angular or curved groove 35 at its periphery which may be
corrugated, as shewn in Figure 5 of the Drawings, the roller being located directly
over the filler-belt, trough, or guide, at the point where it begins to be contracted.
The number 36 indicates a pulley, journalled upon a shaft secured to an adjustable
block 37 located in a guide-slot 38 in the standard 39, secured to the top of the
table at one side of the filler-belt-trough. The number 40 indicates a set-screw by
means of which the block 37 may be adjusted.
From the roller 32 to the pulley 36 extends an endless belt 41, the two rollers
being so located with respect to each other and the filler-carrier-belt and trough,
that the lower portion of the belt 41 will travel over the tobacco, and in contact
with the same as it is carried along by the filler-carrier-belt, through the gradually
contracted part of the filler-belt-trough or guide, and by reason of the curving of
the belt 41, caused by the gradual contraction of the trough and filler-carrier-belt,
will gradually compress the tobacco into cylindrical form. The shaft 33, Figure I.
has mounted on it a pulley 42 which is connected by means of a crossed belt 43
(extending through an opening 44 in the table) with, and runs around the wheel 45
on the shaft 9 by means of which motion is given to the wheel 32.
The number 46 indicates two small rollers journalled in suitable bearings, and
adapted to press upon the tobacco in the filler-carrier-belt, just previous to its
entrance to the filler-forming-conductor 14, by means of which the tobacco is packed
as the belt 11 is closed around the tobacco, preventing the escape of tobacco which
would otherwise be apt to occur.
The number 47 indicates a curved bridge extending from within the diverging
end of the conductor 14, across the opening 17, and into a gradually contracting
guide 48, by means of which the paper wrapper 49 is conducted to the filler. The
bridge 47 is formed of a strip of sheet metal, curved to about a semi-circular shape
in cross section, and is wide enough to permit the filler to pass freely. Its end
within the flaring end of guide 14 is soldered thereto, but at its other end is loose
in the guide 48, so that the paper may pass freely under it. The guide 48 consists
of a metallic strip folded at its edges as shewn, to form guide-grooves at each side
for the edges of the paper strip.
The upper end of the said metallic strip is bent at right angles or thereabouts,
as shewn in detail in Figures 8 and 10 of the Drawings, and is gradually con-
tracted towards its upper end, the lower end extending down through the opening 17
in the top of the table. At the upper end of the strip the guide-lips are curved to
the same shape as the body portion upon which they are lapped, and thus form
inner curved walls between which, and the outer wall or body portion, the paper is
folded into tubular form as it passes, as illustrated in Figure 10. The edges of the
tubular end of the guide may slightly overlap each other, so that the edges of the
paper as it emerges will lap correspondingly.
The number 50, Figure 2, indicates a reel mounted on a shaft, journalled in
suitable standards, and carrying a strip of paper 49 wound into a roll. The paper
from the reel passes up through the guide 48, and is gradually brought into
cylindrical shape, and, at the same time, wrapped around the continuous filler.
In proximity to the outlet of the bent guide 48 is a flexible finger 51 passing between
the two edges of the paper tube or wrapper, for keeping the edges of the wrapper
separated, compressing and holding the lower or inner edge upon the filler, and
guiding and holding it in proper form. The filler with its wrapper is then conducted
into a conductor 52, the edges of which overlap each other, as shewn in the sectional

page_text: view Figure 1b, so as to leave an intervening space between the said edges of
sufficient size for the passage of one edge of the projecting paper or wrapper.
The number 53 indicates a pasting disc, located in such a manner with respect to
the chamber or conductor 52, that the said disc will, when rotating, have its edge
between the two lapping edges of the wrapper. Rotary motion is imparted to the
said disc, which revolves under the paste reservoir 54, and forms the bottom
thereof, in any suitable manner so as to cause the said disc to take up and deliver
a sufficient and uniform quantity of the paste to the edge or edges of the wrapper.
The pasting disc is mounted on an upright journal 55, and is rotated thereon by
means of a pulley 56, around which is carried an endless band 57, passing over
pulleys 58 and 59 (Figure 1a) down through the table and around a pulley 60' on
the driving shaft 2.
The rear end of the conductor 52 extends within, but is not attached to the
forward end of the flaring or bell mouth conductor 61, so as to deliver the filler
with the wrapper surrounding the same into the said conductor.
Just in advance of the pasting device is located a flexible buff smoother 62,
consisting of a piece of soft leather, such as chamois skin or other suitable material
secured to the table at one side of the cigarette. Passing over said cigarette, and
extending through an opening 63 in the table, the free end being provided with a
small weight 64, by which a gentle pressure is brought to bear upon the cigarette
to smooth the wrapper and join its edges.
"
"
The number 65 indicates a driving pulley mounted on a transverse shaft 66
journalled in suitable bearings in the frame of the machine. The said shaft is
provided with a worm wheel 67 gearing with a worm 68 on the driving shaft 2,
the pulley, gear-wheel, and worm being precisely similar to the driving pulley worm
wheel and worn for operating the filler-carrier-belt as hereinbefore mentioned.
The number 69 indicates a belt which may be termed a cigarette-carrier-belt
extending through the conductor 61, and downward through the apertures 70 and
71 in the table, around the pulley 65, and the small pulleys 72 and 73. The driving
pulleys and operating mechanism of the respective belts, that is to say, the filler-
carrier-belt and the cigarette-carrier-belt. Being identical in size and arrangement,
it is evident that the two belts will be moved in perfect unison with each other.
The number 74 indicates a roller mounted upon a lever 75 fulcrummed to the frame
.at 76 and 77, a set screw extending through a bracket 78 at the rear of the lever 75,
by means of which the belt 69 may be pressed into contact with the pulley 65, to
ensure the said belt being positively carried by the pulley without any possibility
of slipping.
The cigarette-carrier-belt is curved upon entering the conductor 61, and com-
pressed around the cigarette, uniting its pasted edges and feeding it forward in a
completed condition to a guide or conductor 79, by which the continuous cigarette
is finally discharged from the machine. The letter C, Figures Ia, indicates the
cigarette passing from conductor 61 to guide 79.
The number 80 indicates two wheels or discs mounted on the main driving shaft
at the projecting rear end of the same. The said discs or wheels are provided with
cam-grooves 81. Upon the shaft between the two cam-grooved wheels is mounted
a grooved pulley 82. The number 83 indicates two angle-levers mounted on a
shaft 84 secured to the frame of the table, and to a suitable bracket also secured to
the frame of the table. The lower ends of the said levers are provided with
friction-rollers 85 which set in the cam-grooves 81, and the upper ends carry the
rotating cutters 86, the levers and cams being so arranged as to move the cutters
together at proper intervals to sever the continuous cigarette into equal and uniform
lengths as it is fed through the conductor 79. The cutter-shafts are provided with
grooved pulleys 87, which are connected by endless bands 88 and 89 with the
grooves 90, in a pulley 91 mounted on the shaft 84 between the angle-levers, the
said pulley being provided with a groove 92 which is connected by an endless
band 93 with the pulley $2, whereby a rapid rotary motion is imparted to the
rotary cutters:

page_text: The operation of this improved machine is as follows:-Long cut tobacco which
has been drawn or impregnated with moisture several hours before the operation
begins, is deposited in the hopper, being thrown in lightly and evenly distributed
so as not to pack and to bring the weight of the top of the mass on the lower
portions of the same.
The working parts of the machine having been set in motion, the distributor
being operated by positive mechanism, will distribute the tobacco in uniform
quantities upon the filler-carrier-belt as it moves through the semi-elliptical trough
or guide, partially curving the belt around the tobacco, so as to cause the belt to
carry the tobacco without causing waste, and to begin the initial formation of the
filler. The trough 12, as hereinbefore stated, is of semi-elliptical shape in cross-
section (as shewn in Figure 6) from its end under the hopper to the point where it
begins to contract under the wheel 32, so that the tobacco is prevented from falling
off the belt. As the belt passes forward under the grooved roller 32 and belt 441,
the tobacco is seized and fed forward, and its upper surface is pressed into shape
approximating to the shape of the lower surface, or in other words, the charge of
tobacco is caused to assume an elliptical shape in cross-section as it passes under
the said belt 41, by reason of the curved form given to the belt when passing over
the curved periphery of the roller 32, and the gradually contracted extremity of the
trough reduces the charge to a cylindrical form, and the rollers 46 compress it on
its way to the conductor 14, so that it may enter the same freely without waste.
On its passage through the said conductor, the belt 11 is caused to completely
encircle the tobacco, completing the filler which emerges from the flaring mouth 15
of said conductor 14 in such a condition as to be sufficiently solid to be projected
without breaking in its onward course through the curved bridge 47 and the paper-
guide 48. Here it meets with the strip of paper 49, which is curved up through
the said guide, and by means of the contracted upper end of the said guide, the
filler is enveloped by the travelling strip of paper. The filler, and its enclosing
wrapper then pass through the conductor 52, the wrapper being supplied with
paste at one or both edges by the pasting disc 53, after which the filler and the
enclosing wrapper are carried by the belt 69 through the conductor 61. Previous
to passing into the conductor 61, the filler and wrapper pass through the smoother 62,
by which the whole is gently compressed, so as to smooth the paper and unite the
cemented edges. The continuous cigarette after passing through the conductor 61,
is fed onward through the conductor or guide 79 to the cutters 86 operated by the
herein before mentioned mechanism, to approach each other at proper intervals to
sever the cigarette into equal and uniform lengths.
Having thus fully described the said Invention as communicated to me by my
foreign correspondents, and the manner of performing the same, I wish it under-
stood that I claim in or as part of a cigarette machine,-
First. The combination with the travelling filler carrier-belt of a longitudinal
trough or guide extending under the hopper, and forward to a compressing roller,
the said trough or guide being semi-elliptical in transverse-section or approximately
so, whereby the belt is caused to assume a similar form to receive the tobacco, to
give it its initial form and carry it forward without waste, substantially as
specified.
Second. In combination with the travelling filler-carrying belt, and the curved
trough or guide, a grooved pressure-roller and a pulley mounted on a journal
provided with adjusting mechanism, the roller and pulley being connected by an
endless band adapted to travel a short distance in contact with the filler, to curve
its upper part and assist in feeding and compressing the same, substantially as
specified.
Third. In combination with the pulleys, their endless connecting belt, the
filler-carrier-belt and the trough, the two small pressure-rollers located in advance
of the feed-pulleys, to compress the tobacco before it enters the filler-former-
chamber, substantially as specified.
Fourth. In combination with the trough or guide, the travelling filler-carrying-

page_text: belt and compressing and upper feed mechanism, a filler-forming tube through
which the belt and filler are passed, whereby the filler is completely formed and fed
forward.
Fifth. In combination with the mechanism for feeding and forming the cigarette
filler, a curved conducting bridge leading from the filler-forming-conductor over
the aperture through which the carrying belt passes from the table into a guide
through which the paper or wrapper passes to be applied to the filler.
Sixth. In combination with the mechanism for feeding and forming a filler, a
paper-guide consisting of a flat strip of metal, having guide lips folded at its edges
and gradually contracted into a conical tubular shape at its upper end, its lips
being curved longitudinally in the same manner as the body portion of the strip,
and forming curved inner walls, between which and the outer portion of the strip,
is a passage for the paper, substantially as described and for the purpose set forth."
Seventh. The combination of the filler-forming mechanism and filler-carrier-belt,
with suitable wrapper-forming mechanism, and an independent cigarette carrier
belt, whereby all danger of soiling the wrapper during the formation of a cigarette
is obviated.
Eighth. In combination with the filler-forming mechanism, cigarette carrier belt
and pasting mechanism, a flexible smoother or buffer adapted to press the edges of
the wrapper together, with a yielding pressure to smooth out the wrapper and
secure its edges.
Ninth. In combination with the mechanism for feeding and forming the filler,
and the conductor through which the filler and wrapper pass during the operation
of pasting, an endless cigarette-carrier-belt and a conducting tube through which
the said belt passes, whereby the wrapper is secured around the filler to complete
the continuous cigarette, and the said cigarette is fed forward, substantially as
specified.
Tenth. In combination with the driving pulleys of the carrying belts; a longi-
tudinal shaft journalled in suitable bearings, and provided with worm gearing in
connection with worm wheels on the shafts of the driving pulleys, whereby
a positive motion is imparted to each belt, and they are caused to move in perfect
unison.
Eleventh. In combination with the longitudinal shaft, the curved carrying belt
and the intermediate connecting devices, a toothed wheel mounted on the said
shaft, and a toothed wheel journalled in suitable bearings, and provided with a
pitman connected with the segment and toothed wheel mounted on the rocking
shaft of the distributor in the hopper, whereby a positive motion is given to the
distributor in unison with the said belt, in order to secure a uniform distribution of
the tobacco upon the filler-carrying-belt, substantially as specified.
Twelfth. The combination with the longitudinal shaft, of two wheels provided
with cam-grooves, and two angle-levers pivotted to the frame of the table, and
carrying at their upper ends rotary cutters, their lower ends being provided with
friction-rollers setting in the cam-grooves, whereby the cutters are operated to
sever the continuous cigarette into proper and uniform lengths, substantially as
specified.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Robert Lake, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty-fifth day of February, in the year of our
Land One thousand eight hundred and eighty ane
W. ROBT. LAKE. (L.S.)