Improvements in the Method of and in Machinery for Manufacturing Cigarettes.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 19th Oct., 1893
Complete Specification Left, 19th July, 1894-Accepted, 13th Oct., 1894
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in the Method of and in Machinery for Manufacturing
Cigarettes.
We, ROBERT ALEXANDER SLOAN and JOHN EDWARD LLOYD BARNES, both
of Castle Chambers, Castle Street, Liverpool in the County of Lancaster,
Consulting Engineers, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
Our present invention has reference to an improved method of, and to machinery
for, manufacturing cigarettes; broadly described, the method consists in enclosing
an already formed filler of prepared tobacco by wrapping a continuous paper
ribbon round it in a continuous spiral, the overlapping edges being made to adhere,
so as to form a continuous cigarette, and then cutting off into lengths so as to
form the finished cigarettes, the process going on continuously so as to permit of
very rapid output.
The filler is preferably prepared and delivered to the present machine by means
of the machinery for this purpose, described in the Provisional Specification of our
prior application for Letters Patent, No. 16448, dated 1st September 1893.
A cigarette machine constructed according to our present invention, comprises
broadly the following parts;-First, mechanism for wrapping the paper ribbon
spirally round the filler; second,-a device for applying the gum or other adhesive
to the edge of the paper; third,-mechanism for closing the seam, pressing the
continuous cigarette to the desired final cross-sectional form and propelling it
forward; and fourth,-mechanism for cutting the continuous cigarette into
appropriate lengths to form the finished product.
The mechanism for wrapping the paper ribbon spirally round the filler comprises
a set of feed wheels to receive the filler and propel it forward, and a set of prongs,
or an equivalent device, into which the filler is propelled by the said feed wheels
and whose function it is to support the filler during the wrapping.
The feed wheels, of which there are two or more, are arranged with their planes
radial to the filler, which is delivered to them in a prepared condition by a
travelling band, and are adapted to seize it between their adjacent peripheries.
They may be arranged to rotate on fixed axes or their axes may be mounted on a
rotating frame which is provided to carry the prongs or equivalent device before-
mentioned. In the latter case the wheels, in addition to rotating on their own
axes, rotate along with the frame and prongs, co-axially with the filler.
The filler after leaving the feed wheels is ready to receive its paper wrapper, and
as it has neither transverse nor torsional strength, it is necessary to support it and
maintain its rotation during the wrapping process. We accordingly mount on the
beforementioned rotating frame three or more steel prongs between which the filler
is propelled by the feed wheels. These prongs extend forward from the feed wheels
to the point at which the wrapping is completed, and to ensure that the filler shall
enter between them freely it is desirable in the case where the feed wheels rotate
with the frame to let the prongs extend for a little distance round the entering side
of the feed wheels and to embed them in grooves in the peripheries thereof. The
filler will bulge somewhat between the prongs but will still preserve an approxi-
mately circular cross-section, and the prongs maintain its rotation and give it
enough transverse rigidity to undergo the wrapping process.
The paper ribbon, which is mounted in the form of a coil on an axis in any
convenient position, is led through a printing apparatus if desired and through a
suitable tension device and over suitable guides and delivered to the filler as a

page_text: tangent plane thereto, the axis of the paper being at an acute angle to that of the
filler this angle, the width of the ribbon, the diameter of the filler, and the angular
and lineal velocities of the filler, are all so arranged that the ribbon is drawn on to
and wrapped round the filler and prongs in a continuous spiral, with the proper
amount of overlap to allow for gumming the edges. As the prongs are necessarily
rather slender, we further support the filler during wrapping by a fixed tube or
partial tube external to the wrapper, which enters through an opening in the tube.
Instead of supporting the filler between prongs as described, a very thin tube
surrounding the filler and inside the wrapper and carried on the rotating frame
similarly to the prongs, might be substituted for the latter, but the prongs offer
several advantages; in the first place, the filler will suffer less longitudinal com-
pression in being pushed through them than through the tube; in the second place,
the prongs have a more positive rotational grip on the filler than a smooth tube
would have, and in the third place, on account of the bulging of the filler between
the prongs, the wrapper will bear chiefly on the filler, and will therefore slide freely
over the prongs as it is drawn along by the lineal motion of the filler.
As the rotating frame should be kept as short as possible and as the inlet and
outlet should be kept free from obstruction, it may be preferable not to mount it
directly in bearings but to carry it by its turned periphery in bearing rollers; it is
driven from the main shaft of the machine (which carries the cutting knife) by
positive gearing. The feed wheels if mounted on the rotating frame are most
conveniently operated by the rotation of the frame which carries them, by
mounting a worm wheel on the axis of each, the said worm wheels all gearing into
the internally projecting helical teeth of a fixed ring placed concentrically with the
axis of the frame.
The gum or other adhesive is applied to the edge of the ribbon just before it is
wrapped on the filler, by the gumming device. The gum is held in a container
fitted with a piston operated by a weight or a screw, or other means for ensuring
a regulable supply; the gum is picked up on the periphery of a small wheel and
delivered directly or through intermediate wheels to the periphery of the gumming
wheel, which is geared to run at the proper speed in contact with the edge of the
paper ribbon.
The mechanism for closing the seam, pressing the continuous cigarette to the
desired final cross section, and propelling it forward to the cutting mechanism,
comprises a set of feed wheels having fixed axes, and a rotating frame carrying a
set of feed wheels mounted thereon and rotating therewith.
The feed wheels with fixed axes receive the filler immediately after wrapping,
between their fluted peripheries; two, three or four, preferably the latter, may be
used. Their planes are all set at an oblique angle to the axis of the filler, corre-
sponding to the angle of the spiral formed by the wrapper, so that their rotation
maintains both the rotation and the lineal motion of the wrapped filler. These feed
wheels will always run over the wrapper in lines parallel to the edges thereof, and
one of them can therefore be arranged to always bear fairly on the seam and close it.
These feed wheels are driven by gearing from the main shaft.
The continuous cigarette after leaving these feed wheels passes axially into the
rotating frame and between the feed wheels mounted thereon. This rotating frame
is driven by gearing from the main shaft, and the feed wheels are mounted on it
and operated in a manner similar to that described in speaking of the similar part
of the wrapping mechanism. These feed wheels may be fluted so as to give the
continuous cigarette as it passes through them any desired cross sectional form.
The mechanism for cutting off the cigarettes comprises a rotating knite and a tube
or other device for supporting the cigarettes during cutting.
In order that the cigarettes may be cut with a prolonged scimitar like action
rather than chopped off, which is apt to leave the ends ragged and unsightly, we
arrange to make the cutting action last while the cigarettes traverse about half
their length, and it is of course necessary to provide for this longitudinal motion
during the cutting.

page_text: The knife is accordingly mounted on the periphery of a wheel of considerable
diameter carried on the main shaft, and it extends round about half the circum-
ference, being arranged on a helical curve equal in normal pitch to the length
of a cigarette. In order that the cut may be square with the cigarettes, the main
shaft is inclined to the axis of the cigarette at an angle equal to that of the helical
curve to which the knife is set. The edge of the knife forms a spiral when viewed
axially, so that it cuts its way gradually through the cigarette.
The tube for supporting the cigarette during cutting is partially housed within a
tubular prolongation of the rotating frame last described and is adapted to rotate
therewith and to slide therein. Its sliding motion is derived from a rocking lever
which in turn is operated by a trailing wheel running over a cam surface on the
wheel which carries the cutting knife. During the cutting part of the revolution,
this cam conforms accurately with the knife, so that the end of the tube, which is
faced with steel, can closely follow the knife, (a spring being fitted to make up for
any want of absolute accuracy), and so form a shearing edge in conjunction with
the knife, and produce a clean cut; or in order to maintain a light but uniform
pressure between the end of the tube and the side of the knife, the end of the tube
may be adapted, while rotating with the rest of the tube, to have a little longi-
tudinal play relatively thereto, a small spring being interposed to give the required
pressure. During the other part of the revolution of the cam, the tube is pushed
back ready for the next cut.
Instead of supporting the cigarette in a tube during cutting, as described, it
might be supported in the fluted rim of a wheel mounted relatively to the cutting
knife exactly like a worm wheel relatively to a worm. In this case, the supporting
wheel would revolve continuously, its periphery having recesses faced with steel
and forming shearing edges pitched at a distance apart equal to the length of the
cigarettes. The finished cigarettes are delivered to au inclined chute, which may
be pivoted and provided with mechanism to automatically deflect it at intervals, so
as to deliver the cigarettes in determinable quantities into separate boxes carried on
a travelling band.
Dated this 18th day of October 1893.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in the Method of and in Machinery for Manufacturing
Cigarettes.
We, ROBERT ALEXANDER SLOAN, and JOHN EDWARD LLOYD BARNES, both
of Castle Chambers, Castle Street, Liverpool in the County of Lancaster,
Consulting Engineers, 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 :-
Our present invention has reference to an improved method of, and to machinery
for, manufacturing cigarettes; broadly described, the method consists in enclosing
an already formed filler of prepared tobacco by wrapping a continuous paper ribbon
round it in a continuous spiral, the overlapping edges being made to adhere, so as
to form a continuous cigarette, and then cutting off into lengths so as to form the
finished cigarettes, the process going on continuously so as to permit of very rapid
output.
The filler is preferably prepared and delivered to the present machine by means
of the machinery for this purpose, described in the Complete Specification of our
prior application for Letters Patent, No. 16448, dated 1st September, 1893.
A cigarette machine constructed according to our present invention, comprises
broadly the following parts;-First, mechanism for wrapping the paper ribbon
spirally round the filler; second, a device for applying the gum or other adhesive

page_text: to the edge of the paper; third,-mechanism for closing the seam, pressing the
continuous cigarette to the desired final cross-sectional form and propelling it
forward and fourth,-mechanism for cutting the continuous cigarette into
appropriate lengths to form the finished product.
In the accompanying drawings,
Figs I and II are respectively a side elevation and a plan of the machine, Fig. I
being partially in section on the line X, X, of Fig. II, and partially in section on
the line X1 X1, of Figs. II and VII, and Fig. II being partially in section on the
line X, X, of Fig. I.
Figs. III, IV, V and VI are views to a larger scale of the mechanism for
wrapping the paper ribbon spirally round the filler.
Fig. VII is a view of the four feed wheels T, looking along the axis of the
machine, and
Figs. VIII, IX, X and XI are transverse sections on the respective lines Y, Y,
Y, Y₁, Y, Y, and Z, Z, of Fig. II.
Throughout the drawings, similar parts are indicated by the same reference
letters, and in the case of sections, the direction in which they are viewed is
indicated by the small arrows placed adjacent to the letters denoting the plane of
section.
As already stated, the present machine is adapted to operate preferably in
conjunction with the machinery set forth in the Complete Specification of our prior
application for Letters Patent aforesaid; accordingly, in order to show how the
filler is delivered to the present machine, we have shown in the accompanying
drawings the fluted wheels 63 and the travelling belts 48 and 71 with their
rollers 60, all of which are described and illustrated in our said prior Specification.
A is the bench upon which the whole of the machine is supported; B is the
main shaft, driven by the pulley C, and driving the gumming mechanism by the
belt gearing D, the wrapping mechanism by the chain gearing E, the rotating
frame by the chain gearing G, and the cut-off mechanism by the belt gearing H.
For the sake of clearness, the shaft B is omitted from Fig. I as it is shown in
Figs. II, VIII, IX and X.
The mechanisms for wrapping the paper ribbon spirally round the filler and
applying the gum or other adhesive to the edge of the paper are shown to larger
scale in Figs. III, IV, V, and VI, of which Figs. III and IV are similar views to
the corresponding parts of Figs. I and II respectively, and Figs. V and VI are
sectional elevations on the respective lines Z, Z1, and Z, Z, of Fig. IV.
Jis a bracket the boss of which is co-axial with the filler as it is delivered by
the fluted wheels 63. At one side, the boss carries the fixed tube K whose
chamfered end fits closely between the fluted rims of the said wheels so as to
prevent the escape of any tobacco at this point as it is propelled forward into
the tube.
The other side of the said boss is bored to serve as a bearing for the hollow boss of
the chain wheel E, which is kept in place by the tubular boss of the bracket L which
abuts against it. The filler is propelled through the boss of the wheel Ei and
immediately after emerging therefrom, is ready to receive its paper wrapper. The
wrapper is drawn on to and wrapped spirally round the filler by the combined
longitudinal and rotative movements thereof, derived respectively from the
wheels 63 and the wheel E₁, but as the filler has neither transverse nor torsional
strength it is necessary to support it and maintain its rotation during the wrapping
process. We accordingly firmly fix within the boss of the wheel E, a set of steel
prongs M between which the filler enters after leaving E₁; the filler will bulge
somewhat between the prongs but will still preserve an approximately circular cross
section, and the prongs maintain its rotation and give it transverse rigidity to
undergo the wrapping process.
As the prongs are necessarily rather slender, we further support the filler by the
tubular boss of the bracket L within which the prongs rotate freely, and which is
slit longitudinally (see Fig. VI) for the entrance of the paper.

page_text: The paper ribbon N, which is mounted in the form of a coil on an axis in any
convenient position (not shown in the drawings), is led through any suitable tension
device, then round the guide which is carried by the bracket L and then on to
the filler as a tangent plane thereto through the slit in the tubular bracket L. The
axis of the paper is at an acute angle to that of the filler, corresponding to the
angle of the desired spiral, and the width of the paper is sufficient to allow of
the proper overlap for gumming.
Instead of supporting the filler between prongs as described, a very thin tube
surrounding the filler and inside the wrapper and carried in the boss of the
wheel E₁ similarly to the prongs, might be substituted for the latter, but the
prongs offer several advantages; in the first place the filler will suffer less
longitudinal compression in being pushed through them than through the tube; in
the second place, the prongs have a more positive rotational grip on the filler than
a smooth tube would have; and in the third place, on account of the bulging of
the filler between the prongs, the wrapper will bear chiefly on the filler and will
therefore slide freely over the prongs as it is drawn along by the lineal motion of
the filler.
The gumming device consists of a pair of wheels O, O₁, rotating in contact on
the spindles P, P, respectively, the lower one being partially immersed in the gum
or other adhesive held within the container Q, and the upper one running in contact
with the edge of the paper.
The spindle P₁ is driven, as already stated, from the main shaft B by the belt
pulleys D, the belt passing half round the pulley on B, completely round the pulley
on P, and under a loaded tension pulley which is not shown in the drawings; the
wheel O is driven from the spindle P₁ by the spur gearing R (Fig. II). S is a
scraper embracing the edge and sides of O₁ on its ascending side, which prevents
this wheel from lifting more than the proper charge of gum. The level of the gum
in the container may if desired be maintained by delivering it thereto from a
cylinder fitted with a mechanically operated piston to expel the gum, a device
which is well known in connection with cigarette machines. The gum container Q
may conveniently be introduced from below through a hole in the bench so that it
can be removed and replaced without disturbing the gumming gear.
The mechanism for closing the seam, pressing the continuous cigarette to the
desired final cross-section and propelling it forward to the cutting mechanism, com-
prises a set of four feed wheels T rotating on fixed axes, and a rotating frame F
carrying a pair of feed wheels U mounted thereon and rotating therewith.
The four wheels T and the method of carrying and operating them are all exactly
similar. Their planes are set at an oblique angle to the axis of the filler, corre-
sponding to the angle of the spiral formed by the wrapper, so that their rotation
maintains both the rotation and the lineal motion of the wrapped filler. These
wheels will run over the wrapper in lines parallel to the edges thereof, and the
topmost one is arranged to bear fairly on the seam and close it immediately the
wrapping is completed.
The method of mounting and driving the wheels T is shown in Figs. I, II
and VIII. For simplicity, in Figs. I and II, only the topmost wheel is fully
shown as the others are exactly similar. The wheel T is mounted on pointed
screws in the bracket V bolted to the bracket W, and is driven from the rotating
frame F by the gear wheel a keyed thereon, the gear wheel b, shaft c and wheel
gearing d. The four gear wheels b which all gear with a are in front of the plane
of section in Fig. VIII but they are indicated in this figure by dotted circles.
The shafts c are carried in bosses on the brackets V, and these bosses fit in holes
in the bracket W so as to locate the brackets V; it will be observed (Fig. VIII)
that the bolts for securing the brackets V pass through elongated holes so that
each of these brackets can be rotated slightly about its boss as a centre; in this
way the wheels T can be adjusted to suit cigarettes of different diameters, without
interfering with the gearing.
The wheels T are shown with square edges; they may either be so made or their

page_text: edges may be fluted slightly. The tubular boss of the bracket L extends as close
as possible to the wheels T, being chamfered at its end for this reason; the
prongs M are also carried up to the point at which the wheels T hear on the
cigarette, as it is at this point that the wrapping is completed.
The rotating frame F is mounted in conical bearings in the brackets W and e
and is driven by the chain gearing G. The fluted feed wheels U are carried on
pointed screws in the frames f bolted to F (see Fig. IX). The contour of these
wheel rims determines the final cross sectional form of the cigarettes, and they can
be adapted to cigarettes of slightly different diameters by the insertion of packing
pieces between the frames and the frame F. The wheels U are rotated on their
own axes by the rotation of the frame F through the agency of the worm wheels g
which both gear into the internally projecting helical teeth h on the fixed
bracket i.
The mechanism for cutting off the cigarettes comprises a rotating knife and a
tube for supporting the cigarettes during cutting and is shown in Figs. I, II, X
and XI.
In order that the cigarettes may be cut with a prolonged scimitar-like action
rather than chopped off, we arrange to make the cutting action last while the
cigarette traverses about half of its length, and it is of course necessary to provide
for this longitudinal motion during cutting.
The knife k is an aunular disc of very thin steel and it is clamped against the
side of the wheel by the clamping ring m and the bolts shown. The wheel is
mounted on the shaft n driven from the main shaft B by the belt pulleys H, the
belt passing under the guide pulleys p (Fig. X). It will be observed that by this
arrangement, the shaft n rotates in the opposite direction to B.
The cutting part of the knife extends round half the circumference of the
wheel from k to g to k, and its edge is of spiral contour when viewed axially
(Fig. XI), so as to be adapted to gradually cut its way through the cigarette.
The drawings show the gear in position shortly after the cut has commenced.
The remaining half of the knife disc is not used for cutting but serves as a cam
surface as hereinafter described.
The contour of its edge from k to r to k is concentric with the wheel and it is
clear of the cigarette.
The arrangements for supporting the cigarettes during cutting are shown in
Figs. I, II and XI.
s is a short steel tube through which the cigarette passes freely and adapted to
always bear with gentle pressure against the side of the knife k and form a shearing
edge therewith. During cutting, the tube s advances with the cigarette, and during
the interval between cutting it recedes, being operated by the rotation of the
wheel as follows,—
s is mounted within the sleeve u which is carried at one end on the tube v which
extends from the rotating frame F and is firmly attached thereto. The other end
of the sleeve u is carried in the bearing w mounted on gudgeons on the rocking
levers w, and provided with the trailing wheel a₁. The bearing w is in two halves
so that it can be clasped on u between the collars b₁ thereon.
The sleeve u slides freely along the tube v but is constrained to rotate
therewith by the feather c₁ engaging in the slot d₁ in the tube v; the short tube s
also slides freely within the sleeve but is constrained to rotate therewith by
means of a feather not shown, and it is always urged to the right by a light
spring e
The wheel a bears continuously against the side of the knife k being urged by
the spring fi acting on the depending lever g₁
The requisite longitudinal motion during cutting is effected by making the side
of the wheel of helical contour, of normal pitch equal to the length of the
cigarette.
The part against which the cutting part of the knife lies is a left-handed helix,
and the remaining part is a right hand helix of equal pitch the surfaces being

page_text: rounded off a little where they meet so as to avoid an abrupt change of form. The
side of the knife thus forms a cam surface which operates the sleeve u through the
wheel a, and it will be seen that during cutting, the knife edge, the sleeve u and
the tube s all participate in the longitudinal movement of the cigarette, and during
the interval between cutting, the sleeve and tube are pushed back ready for the
next cut. The spring e compensates for any want of absolute accuracy in the
motion of u relatively to the knife, and maintains a constant but gentle pressure
between s and the knife.
The shaft n is tilted at an inclination equal to the angle of the left handed
helix of the wheel so as to keep the knife square with the cigarette during
cutting.
Instead of supporting the cigarette in a reciprocating tube during cutting, as
described, it might be supported against the fluted rim of a wheel mounted
relatively to the cutting knife exactly like a worm wheel relatively to a worm.
In this case the knife edge would conform for the whole circumference to a left
handed helix, the supporting wheel would revolve continuously, and the cutting
might be continuous. The periphery of the supporting wheel would have recesses
faced with steel and forming shearing edges pitched at a distance apart equal to the
length of the cigarettes.
The finished cigarettes fall into an inclined shoot not shown in the drawings, which
may if desired be pivoted and provided with mechanism to automatically deflect it
at intervals, so as to deliver the cigarettes in determinable quantities to separate
boxes carried on a travelling band.
The length of the cigarettes may be varied within reasonable limits by
substituting a larger or smaller pulley for one of the pulleys H, any want of exact
coincidence between the longitudinal movement of the cigarette and the knife being
accommodated by the compression or extension of the length of the cigarette within
the tube v.
.
A printing device may be arranged to print the paper ribbon before it is wrapped
on the filler. Any such mechanism should be driven by positive gear from the
shaft n so as to ensure an impression for each cigarette.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we
claim is,
1. The improved method of manufacturing cigarettes which consists in wrapping
a continuous paper ribbon spirally round a continuous filler of tobacco, causing the
overlapping edges to adhere, and cutting into suitable lengths; substantially as set
forth.
2. In machinery for manufacturing cigarettes, the use of a set of rotating prongs
or an equivalent tube through which the filler of tobacco is propelled and by which
it is supported during wrapping; substantially as described.
3. In combination with the rotating prongs or tube of Claim 2, a guide such as t
adapted to guide the paper ribbon ou to the filler at the proper angle; substantially
as described and illustrated.
4. In combination with the prongs M and the paper guide t, the tubular
bracket L; substantially as described and illustrated.
5. In combination with the prongs M and the paper guide t, a rotating gumming
wheel O adapted to apply an adhesive to the edge of the paper ribbon; substantially
as described and illustrated.
6. The combination with means for propelling and rotating the filler, of the four
oblique wheels T adapted to maintain the longitudinal and rotative movement of
the filler and to close the seam; substantially as described and illustrated.
7. The combination with means for propelling and rotating the filler, of the feed
wheels U rotating on a frame as F and also on their own axes and adapted to press
the revolving and travelling cigarette; substantially as described and illustrated.
8. The combination of a wheel 7 adapted to act as a cam and set with its axis

page_text: inclined to that of the cigarette, a knife k with a helical cutting edge carried thereby,
a trailing wheel a1, the sleeve U, , and tube s, and spring e₁; substantially as described
and illustrated.
9. The improved machine for manufacting cigarettes, substantially as described
and illustrated.
Dated this 18th day of July 1894.
SLOAN & LLOYD BARNES,
Castle Chambers, 26, Castle Street, Liverpool,
Agents for the Applicants.