Improvements in Match Machines.
Year: 1898

page_text: Date of Application, 19th Dec., 1893-Accepted, 4th Feb.,
1899
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Match Machines.
I WILLIAM EDWARD COOK, of 51, Caroline Street, Ogdensburg, in the County
of St. Lawrence, State of New York, United States of America, Manufacturer of
Matches, 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:-
My invention relates to improvements in match machines and particularly to
that class of match machines, which are adapted to cut splints from blocks of wood
by means of suitable cutters and place them in carrier chains for supplying the
igniting heads to them and drying them.
It consists in the combination with a carrier chain, of a crank shaft having
cranks in opposite positions to each other and two cross-heads connected with the
oppositely arranged cranks, whereby the two cutters carried by the cross-heads
are caused to approach each other and recede at each revolution of the crank shaft.
It also consists in a machine for cutting splints and a conveyor adapted to
receive the splints upon its opposite sides, the splint cutting mechanism operating
to cut the splints and place them in said conveyor from each side thereof.
It also consists in a match machine having oppositely moving cutter-heads,
cutters carried thereby adapted to cut two rows of splints at a time and place the
same in a suitable carrier or conveyor upon each side thereof.
It further consists in a match machine, having a conveyor for receiving splints
from each side thereof and means for passing the said conveyor through two sets
of paraffining and heading mechanisms, whereby the splints upon each side of the
conveyor are supplied with suitable heads.
It also consists in certain other novel constructions, combinations and arrange-
ments of parts, as will be hereinafter fully described and claimed.
In the accompanying drawings,
Fig. 1 represents a side elevation of a match machine constructed in accordance
with my invention and showing the double set of heating, paraffining and heading
mechanisms together with a suitable drying frame.
Fig. 2 represents an end elevation of the splint cutting mechanism.
Fig. 3 represents a detail cross section through the main shaft showing the
relative positions of the cranks formed thereon.
Fig. represents a side elevation of the splint cutting mechanism, parts of the
same being broken away and shown in section to better illustrate the device.
Fig. 5 represents an elevation of the rear end of the splint cutting mechanism
showing the manner in which the splints are ejected from the splint carrier.
Fig. 6 represents a detail perspective view of one of the plungers used in
ejecting the match splints.
Fig. 7 represents a top plan view of the splint cutting mechanism.
Fig. 8 represents a detail top plan view of a portion of the carrier illustrating
a form of chain which I prefer to use, the slats of the said chain being shown as
in position to receive the splints.

page_text: Fig. 9 represents a detail plan view of a portion of the same showing the slats
in their expanded positions for gripping the splints.
Fig. 10 represents a cross section through the same illustrating the bands for
holding the parts in place.
Fig. 11 is a detail view of one of the links for holding the chain together.
Fig. 12 represents an end view of the slats forming one section of the chain
showing their bevelled edges for facilitating the flexible movement of the chain.
Fig. 13 is a top plan view of one of the dies used in making up the splint
cutters.
Fig. 14 is an end elevation of the same.
Fig. 15 represents a detail view showing modified forms of cutters in which dies
are used which cut only one row of splints at a time.
Fig. 16 represents a detail view partly in section and partly in elevation, show-
ing the mechanism for operating the feed rollers in the feed troughs, and
Fig. 17 is a vertical longitudinal section through the same.
My invention is designed to supply a machine capable of cutting a great number
of match splints at a time and placing them in a suitable carrier in closer
proximity than has heretofore been done, thus economizing space in the chain
and increasing the output of the machine at each revolution of the main shaft.
In carrying out my invention, I mount upon the usual frame 1 a main power
shaft 2 in suitable bearings, the said power shaft being provided with a central
crank as 2 and outside cranks as 2b 2b. The central crank 2" is connected by
means of a pitman 3 with a cross-head 4. This crosshead is mounted and adapted
to move in suitable guide ways as 7 secured to the frame 1 as clearly seen in Fig. 2
of the drawings. To the upper end of the crosshead 4 is bolted or otherwise
secured a die plate or cutter as 6. The upper edge of the die plate 6 is provided
with a dovetailed groove as 6ª adapted to receive and hold the dies 5 forming the
completed cutters. The cross-head 4 and the cutter plate 6 form the lower cutter-
head of my improved match machine. I also employ an upper cutter-head com-
prising a die plate 11 bolted or otherwise secured to a cross-head as 11ª. This
cross-head is mounted in suitable guides as 17 secured upon the upper part of the
frame 1, the said guides being connected at their top by a suitable cross bar for
holding them in true. The ends of the cutter-head 11ª project outside each of the
guides 17 and are provided with wrist pins as 10 which are connected by means
of suitable pitmen 88 with the outside cranks 2 of the shaft 2. In order to
adjust these pitmen to give the upper cutter-head the right throw, turn-buckles
as 9 are interposed in the length of each. The lower edge of the die plate 11 is
also provided with a dovetailed groove as 11b in which the dies 5 are adapted to
be secured for forming the upper cutter. It will be seen that by arranging the
cranks of the main shaft as described and shown that each revolution of the
shaft 2 will cause the cutters to approach each other and then to recede, thus
enabling each to cut two rows of splints and insert them into a suitable carrier
borne between them. The dies forming the cutters are preferably constructed
with cutting edges upon each side thereof as at 5" 5", the said cutting edges being
adapted to project beyond each side of the die plates 6 and 11. Each of the dies 5
is provided with a dovetailed tenon as 5b adapted to slide into a socket 6" or 11b of
the lower and upper die plates respectively. By slipping the dies into these
dovetailed slots and placing a number of dies side by side, cutters are formed upon
the edges of the die plates which are capable of cutting two rows of splints, one
upon each side of the die plates. An important feature of the dies 5 is the grooving
of the under side of the same as at 55°, the said grooves forming a series of
These cutting edges operate
cutting edges between the cylindrical splint cutters.
to trim the slight rins left upon the blocks after each reciprocation of the cutter,
thereby rendering it smooth and ready for the cutting of the next row of splints.
It will be apparent that by constructing the dies with a dovetailed connecting
portion that they may be readily taken out and replaced should they become dull
or injured in any way. It will appear from this description that the double

page_text: oppositely moving cutting-heads carrying the double edged cutters, are capable of
cutting four rows of splints at a time.
Blocks of wood may be fed to these cutters in any suitable manner but I prefer
to accomplish this by means of the troughs 12 and 13 arranged above and below
the splint carrier and in suitable proximity to the die plates to permit of the splint
cutting operation. These troughs are preferably four in number extending to
each side of the die plates above and below the said splint carrier. Both the upper
troughs 12 and the lower troughs 13 are preferably placed at an angle to the
cutter and converge to a common line as seen in Fig. 7, so that one attendant can
easily reach all four troughs. As the troughs approach the cutter, they are
preferably provided with closing top portions as at 12" and 13", thus completely
enclosing the blocks of wood fed through them, as will appear from an exami-
nation of Fig. 4. The troughs are also preferably provided with longitudinally
arranged division walls or plates 12b 13b so that smaller blocks of wood may be
used for supplying the splints. The blocks of wood are preferably fed forward
in the troughs by means of fluted or corrugated rollers as 14 and 15, the rollers
being arranged so as to engage the upper and lower surfaces of the wood. The
shafts of these rollers project beyond the troughs and are provided with operating
ratchets as 15 connected with any suitable operating mechanism. The upper and
lower rollers in each trough are connected by means of suitable gearing to make
them operate simultaneously.
Any suitable carrier may be employed in connection with my improved cutting
device, it only being necessary to provide the proper number of apertures to
receive the splints cut and to so support the carrier in the frame that it may receive
the splints from both sides. It will thus be apparent that a carrier formed of
small plates having perforations therein may be employed; so also chains com-
posed of spring pressed slats and adapted to be fed and opened by means of cams
in the common and well-known manner may be employed in connection with my
cutting device. However, I prefer to employ a carrier constructed as illustrated in
Figs. 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 of the drawings. In this style of carrier it will be seen
that I employ outer slats as 16 and inner expanding slats 18. The outer slats 16
are provided with reduced ends as 19 which are adapted to project into bearings
as 20 formed in connecting links 21. These connecting links as seen in Figs. 8
and 9 join the sections of the chain at their ends so as to produce an endless flexible
carrier chain. The links 21 are provided centrally with a slot as 22 through which
the ends of the intermediate expanding slats 18 may project. These slots 22 are
made of sufficient length to accommodate the movement of the expanding slats. In
order to operate the expanding slats, they are preferably provided upon their
adjacent edges with a series of teeth or projections as 23, said teeth being provided
with flattened points as 24 and the sockets between them having short straight
faces as 25. When the slats 18 are in position to receive the charge of splints as
seen in Fig. 8, the projections or teeth of one slat occupy the spaces between the
teeth of the adjacent slat so that wide spaces are left between the expanding slats
and the outer slats 16 for receiving the splints. After the splints have been in-
serted in these spaces, the projecting ends of the expanding slats 18 are forced
inwardly as seen in Fig. 9 causing the teeth to ride up upon each other and separate
the said expanding slats so as to grip the splints between them and the outer
slats. When in this position the Hat faces 24 of the projections 23 are brought
into engagement with each other as seen in Fig. 9 so that the splints will remain
in their expanded positions until the splints are ejected. Each of the expanding
slats is preferably provided with a stud as 26 which is adapted to engage any
suitable projection upon the machine frame to return the inner slats to their
collapsed position before receiving a new charge of splints. Bands as 27 prefer-
ably surround the slats of each section holding them in proper place. These bands
are preferably countersunk in the surface of the slats so as to offer no obstruction
to the movement of the same. The carrier chain is preferably fed forward in the
machine by means of suitable cams as 28 28 which are mounted upon shafts as 29

page_text: suitably connected with the operating parts of the machine. The cams 28 are
provided with straight portions for holding the carrier stationary upon receiving
the charge of matches and inclined portions for feeding the chain forward after
receiving each charge. The projecting ends 19 of the slats 16 extend sufficiently
far beyond the links 21 to engage the ribs of the cams. In order to hold the chain
in a properly centered position over the cutter, the cams may be provided with
intermediate ribs as 30 which prevent the chain from moving too far forward. In
connection with the feeding mechanism, I also employ a device for expanding
the inner slats, the said device comprising bolts or plungers as 31 having their
outer ends guided in bearings as 32 which surround the cam shafts 29. Anti-friction
rollers as 34 are secured to the plungers 31 and engage cam paths as 35 formed
in the face of one of the cams 28 upon each side of the machine. The cam paths
are so timed with respect to the movement of the cutter that when the splints
have been brought between the open slats of the carrier the plungers 31 will be
forced forward against the ends of the expanding bars 18 and force them inwardly,
thus causing their wedges or projections to spread apart or expand the inner slats
against the ends of the match splints. The plungers are immediately retracted
by the shape of the cam paths so that the chain can be fed forward.
I preferably employ guides for directing the match splints into the carrier.
These guides consist of separating bars as 36 carried by vertical rods as 37. These
guides are preferably made and operate in the same manner as the guides illus-
trated in my previous application for a patent upon a match machine, filed on the
5th July 1898 No. 14,825 in which it will be noted that the rods carrying the
guides are connected with levers as 38 which engage cams as 39 having cam
paths 40. As described in my previous application, these cam paths are so shaped
and arranged with respect to the movement of the cutters that the guides are
borne between each new charge of splints and then carried along with the same until
within a short distance of the carrier where they stop and after the splints have
been gripped by the carrier, recede at once. In connecting up this device in my
present machine, the cams 39 for the lower guide are mounted upon a shaft as 41
arranged transversely in the frame 1 and having a bevelled gear as 42 at one end
meshing with a corresponding gear 43 upon the upper end of a shaft 44. The
lower end of the shaft 44 carries a gear 45 meshing with a gear 46 upon a shaft 47.
This shaft in turn receives its motion through the bevel gears 48 and 49 from the
main power shaft 2 of the machine. The cams 39 for operating the upper guide
are mounted upon a shaft as 50 supported by the upper part of the frame 1, the
said shaft having at one end a bevel gear 51 meshing with a corresponding bevel
gear 52 also secured to the shaft 44 just described. By this means both guides
will be operated at the proper time to direct the splints from the upper and lower
cutters into each side of the splint carrier. After receiving its charge of match
splints, the chain passes from the cutting mechanism to a suitable heater as 53,
thence to a paraffining mechanism as 54, whence the carrier guides the splints to
a composition vat as 55 whereby the splints upon the under side of the chain
receive their igniting heads. The carrier is then directed forward to a suitable
pulley as 56 and returns over a second heating device 57 and paraffining pan 58
to another composition vat 59 from the rollers of which, the splints upon the other
side of the carrier, receive their igniting heads. The splints having thus been
all provided with suitable heads, the conveyor carries them back and forth through
the driving frame of suitable construction, finally returning them to the frame 1
of the splint cutting mechanism, where the splints are to be ejected from the
carrier. The carrier preferably approaches the ejecting mechanism from above,
descending between vertical feeding cams as 60 which are constructed in the same
manner as the cams 28 at the forward end of the machine. These cams 60 are
mounted upon vertical shafts as 61 which are connected by means of bevel gearing
as 62, 63 with the shafts 29 of the cams 28. The shafts 29 are connected by means
of gear wheels 64, 65 with counter-shafts 66, the said counter shafts receiving
motion from the vertical shafts 44 through bevel gearing 67 and 68. The cams 60

page_text: thus receive the same impulse that is imparted to the cams 28 and revolve in.
unison therewith.
Each
It will be noted that in using a carrier in which matches have been inserted from
opposite sides that it is necessary to provide ejecting plungers adapted to operate
from each side of the chain. This ejecting mechanism forms an important part
of my improved match machine and comprises oppositely moving plungers as 69
and 70 carrying suitable means for pushing the matches from the carrier.
of these plungers comprises a series of plates as 71 mounted upon a carrier bar
as 72, the plates being spaced apart the proper distance to coincide with the ends
of the match splints upon the opposite side of the splint carrier. The splints, it
will be remembered, were placed in the sections of the splint carrier two rows at
a time on each side thereof and in order to eject both rows at once, each of the
plates 71 is provided with two projections as 73, 73 arranged opposite the ends of
the match splints. As clearly seen in Fig. 7 of the drawings, the splints are
arranged alternately upon opposite sides of the carrier and the plates of the
plungers 69 and 70 are therefore arranged each opposite to the spaces between
the plates of the other. When the plungers are brought simultaneously toward
the carrier, the projections 73 of each encounter the ends of the splints opposite
them and push them out of the carrier in opposite directions at the same time.
The carrier bars 72 of the plungers are bolted or otherwise secured to the suitable
followers as 74 which move in guide bearings 75 arranged upon each side of the
machine. As the carrier chain descends to the cams 60, they preferably enter
guides as 76 so that they are brought accurately opposite and half way between
the inner ends of the plunger plates 71. An end view of the guide 76 appears
in Fig. 7 of the drawings. In Fig. 5 it will be seen that the guides 76 are partially
cut away opposite the cams 60 so that the said cams may engage the ends of the
slats composing the carrier chain. In order to operate the plungers 71 at the
proper time, they are also connected with the power shaft 2 by suitable gearing.
For reciprocating the plungers 69 a bell crank lever 77 is pivotally mounted upon
the frame 1 and is provided with a bifurcated end as 78 engaging a pin upon the
under side of the follower 74. The other end of the bell crank lever 77 is con-
nected by a link 79 with a cam engaging loop 80. This loop is operated by means
of a cam as 81 secured to the shaft 82 arranged transversely of the frame 1 and
receiving its motion through the bevel gearing 83 and 84 from the vertical shaft 85
which in turn, is actuated through the bevel gearing 86 and 87 by means of the
shaft 47. The plunger 70 upon the other hand is also operated by a bell crank
lever 88 engaging a pin on its follower and connected by suitable links with a
cam engaging loop 89. This loop engages a cam 90 secured to the shaft 41 which
receives its motion as heretofore described. These cams 81 and 90 are so timed
with respect to the operation of the conveyor or carrier chain that the plungers 70
and 69 will be simultaneously brought toward each other for ejecting the splints
from both sides of the carrier chain at once. The particular structure of plunger
with its ejecting plate is especially well adapted for the purpose described, for it
will be noted that each completed match passes between the plates of the plungers
as clearly seen in Fig. 7. These plates, therefore, when the matches are ejected,
serve as guides to keep the matches straight after leaving the carrier. The carrier
bars 72 also being arranged opposite the ends of the matches, retard the movement
of the ejecting matches somewhat so that they are not thrown quite as far as they
would be otherwise. The movement of, the plungers, however, is such that the
said bars 72 offer a yielding retarding mechanism because they are moving away
from the carrier at this time.
When the matches are ejected, they are preferably received upon belts as 91
and 92 which are arranged upon each side of the carrier. These belts are sup-
ported upon pulleys as 93 and 94 and pass around adjusting pulleys as 95 so that
any slack in the said belts may be taken up. All of the belt pulleys thus described
are supported upon an auxiliary frame as 96 mounted upon the main frame 1 and
The belts receive their movement
extending laterally with respect to the same.

page_text: from the actuating pulleys 94, 94 which are secured to a shaft 97 carrying a
sprocket wheel as 98. A sprocket chain as 99 connects this sprocket wheel with a
sprocket wheel as 100 upon a shaft as 101 carrying a worm wheel 102 which
engages a worm as 103 upon the shaft 85, from which it receives its motion. It
will thus be seen that the belts receive their movement through suitable gearing
from the main shaft 2 of the machine. By means of these belts, the completed
matches can be collected and carried to any suitable point where they may be
placed in boxes, either by hand or machinery as may be desired.
While I have described and shown my splint cutting mechanism, as employing
cutters adapted to cut rows of splints upon each side of the cutter-heads, yet it
will be apparent that I may employ single cutters, that is, cutters adapted to cut
splints upon only one side of the cutter head or die plate without departing in the
least from the spirit of my invention. It will be apparent by reference to Fig. 15
in which single cutters as 104 and 105 are secured upon the die plates 106 and 107
that a machine constructed in this manner can be operated in the same way as
heretofore described with respect to the double cutter.
Although as stated above, I may employ any suitable ratchet mechanism for
operating the feed rollers in the troughs, yet I prefer to use mechanism illus-
trated in Figs. 16 and 17 of the drawings, a top plan view of the same being shown
in Fig. 7 of the drawings. This mechanism comprises arms or levers as 108
which preferably are formed of two pieces bolted together and extending on either
side of the ratchet wheels 15" 15". These arms extend to one side of the ratchet
wheels are joined by a cross bar as 109. Secured about centrally of the cross
bar 109 is an outwardly extending arm 110 which is preferably bifurcated at its
outer end. The upper end of a pitman as 111 is secured between the bifurcated
ends of the lower arm 110 as shown in Figs. 16 and 17. To the lower end of the
pitman is secured an eccentric strap as 112 which surrounds and engages an
eccentric as 113 secured upon the main power shaft 2 of the machine so that the
revolution of the said power shaft will operate to move the ratchet mechanism up
and down and impart a feed movement to the rollers. A turn buckle as 114 may
be inserted between the ends of the pitmen to adjust its length. A connecting link
as 115 joins the arms 110 of the upper and lower feed troughs so that both are
moved simultaneously by means of the eccentric 113. The bolts which secure the
pitman and the connecting link to the arms 110 are preferably passed through
elongated slots as 116 formed in the ends of the arms 110. In order to engage the
ratchet wheels 15" pawls as 117 are pivotally secured between the side portions of
each of the arms 108 and are held in engagement with the said ratchets, preferably
by means of springs as 118 secured to any suitable standard as 119 mounted on
the frame of the ratchet mechanism. In order to prevent any retrograde move-
ment of the ratchet wheels, dogs as 120 are pivotally mounted upon the axles of
the lower feed rollers to engage the peripheries of the ratchet wheels. In as
much as the arms 108 operate upon shafts whose axes are at an angle to each
other, a little leeway is left between them and the ratchet wheels in order to
avoid any binding of the parts. The up and down motion of the mechanism is
very slight, however, so that there would be practically very little binding action,
if any. It will he apparent that this mechanism affords a simple and effective
means of producing a continued feed of the blocks of wood in the troughs when
the cutting mechanism is being operated.
While I have shown in the drawings, my die plate as moving in a vertical plane
and above and below the carrier chain, yet it will be apparent that they may move
horizontally if desired or at any angle that may be required without changing the
spirit of this invention.
From the above description, it will be seen that I am enabled to produce a
match machine which is very compact and which is capable of cutting a great
number of match splints at a time and inserting them into a carrier chain with a
very economical use of space. The arrangement of the device enables me to place
a great number of splints in a chain in close proximity to each other. The ejecting

page_text: mechanism also is of very novel construction and is capable of performing its work
perfectly notwithstanding the closeness with which the splints are arranged in
the carrier. All the parts of the mechanism are compactly arranged and receive
their motion from the central power shaft.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is:-
1. In a match machine, the combination with a splint cutting mechanism, of
cross-heads mounted opposite to each other and a shaft having cranks arranged
diametrically opposite for moving the cross heads toward and away from each other
at each revolution of the crank shaft, substantially as described.
2. In a match machine, the combination with a suitable conveyor for receiving
match splints, of a splint cutting mechanism adapted to cut splints and place them
in the said carrier upon both sides thereof, substantially as described.
3. In a match machine, the combination with a conveyor, of a splint cutting
mechanism comprising oppositely moving cross-heads carrying cutters, means for
reciprocating the said cross-heads toward and away from each other for cutting
the splints and inserting them upon opposite sides of the conveyor, substantially
as described.
4. In a match machine, the combination with a suitable carrier, of reciprocating
cross-heads arranged upon each side thereof, a shaft having oppositely arranged
cranks connected with the said cross-heads, whereby they are caused to approach
cach other in cutting match splints and deposit the said splints in a carrier upon
each side thereof and will both simultaneously recede for the next cut, substantially
as described.
5. In a match machine, the combination with a suitable splint carrier, of a
cutting mechanism comprising cross-heads, die plates secured to the said cross-
heads and dies mounted upon the said die plates, the construction being such that
upon the reciprocation of the cross-heads, the cutters will cut the match splints
and place them upon opposite sides of the carrier, substantially as described.
6. In a match machine, the combination with a suitable carrier, of a cutter for
cutting match splints, said cutter comprising a die plate having a dovetailed groove
formed upon its outer edge and dies having dovetailed tenons adapted to engage
the said dovetailed groove for securing the dies to the die plate, substantially as
described.
7. In a match machine, the combination with a carrier, of a cutter for cutting
splints and inserting them therein, comprising a die plate having a dovetailed
groove formed in its edge, a series of dies having dovetailed projections adapted
to engage said groove, whereby the dies may be secured upon the plate for forming
a continuous row of cutters, substantially as described.
8. In a match machine, the combination with a suitable carrier, of a cutter for
placing splints therein comprising a die plate having a groove formed in its edge,
dies provided with dovetailed projections for engaging the said groove, whereby
the dies are centrally supported upon the die plate, and cutting edges formed
upon each end of the dies projecting beyond the opposite sides of the die plate,
whereby the cutter is adapted to cut two rows of splints, one upon each side of
the die plate simultaneously, substantially as described.
9. In a match machine, the combination with a carrier, of reciprocating cutters
mounted in the same plane and upon opposite sides of the said carrier, the said
cutters comprising die plates, and dies centrally supported upon the edge of each
of the said plates and having cutting edges projecting upon opposite sides of the
said plates, whereby each cutter is adapted to cut two rows of splints simultaneously
and place them in the opposite sides of the carrier, substantially as described.
10. In a match machine, the combination with a suitable frame, of an upper and
lower cross-head mounted therein and moving in suitable guides, a main shaft
mounted below said cross-heads, the lower cross-head being connected with the

page_text: shaft by means of a pitman and crank, wrist pins formed upon the outer ends of
the upper cross-head and pitmen connecting the said wrist pins with cranks upon
the power shaft, the latter cranks being arranged oppositely to the former crank,
the construction being such that as the main shaft revolves the cross-heads will
be caused to simultaneously approach each other and recede, and cutters secured
to the said cross-heads for cutting the match splints, substantially as described.
11. In a match machine, the combination with a carrier, of cutters adapted to
cut match splints and place them in the opposite sides of the said carrier, feed
troughs extending upon either side of the carrier and adapted to supply blocks
of wood to each of the cutters, whereby the splints may be simultaneously cut and
placed upon the opposite sides of the carrier, substantially as described.
12. In a match machine, the combination with a carrier, of reciprocating cutters
mounted upon each side thereof, said cutters being adapted to cut rows of splints
upon each side of their cutter-heads simultaneously, and converging troughs
leading to each side of each of the cutters, whereby blocks of wood may be
supplied for cutting four rows of match splints at a time and inserting them in
a carrier, substantially as described.
13. In a match machine, the combination with reciprocating cutters for cutting
match splints, of a carrier located between them, feed troughs for feeding blocks
of wood to each side of the said carrier, each comprising a longitudinal box or
trough having a suitable floor for supporting the blocks, a partition dividing the
troughs into two parts longitudinally, feed rollers adapted to engage the blocks
above and below for forcing them toward the cutters, means for rotating the said
feed rollers, and covers arranged upon the troughs in proximity to the cutters,
whereby the blocks of wood are enclosed upon all sides and firmly held in place,
substantially as described.
14. In a match machine, the combination with a suitable carrier, of recipro-
cating cutters adapted to place splints therein from opposite sides, guides for
directing the splints into the carrier mounted in proximity to each cutter, and
means for moving the said guides oppositely with respect to each other and each
in unison with its own cutter, substantially as described.
15. In a match machine, the combination with reciprocating cutters, of a carrier
adapted to pass between them, means for feeding the carrier forward, said cutters
being provided with cutting edges upon each side of the cutter heads, whereby
they cut two rows of splints at a time, guides for directing the splints into a
carrier interposed between each of the rows of splints cut by the two cutters, rods
supporting the said guides, levers for operating the said rods, cams adapted to
move the guides to correspond with the movement of the cutters, and gearing
connecting the said cams with the main power shaft of the machine for rotating
them, substantially as described.
16. In a match machine, the combination with reciprocating cutters, of a carrier
adapted to pass between them, means for feeding the carrier forward to receive
charges of match splints, guides for directing the splints from each cutter into
the carrier, one guide being provided for each cutter, cams connected with said
guides and mounted upon shafts arranged upon each side of the carrier, a single
shaft connected with each of the cam shafts by means of gearing, whereby they
are both rotated simultaneously, and gearing connecting the said single shaft with
the main power shaft of the machine, substantially as described.
17. In a match machine, the combination with a suitable carrier and means for
feeding the same forward, of cutters arranged upon opposite sides thereof and
adapted to insert match splints in the carrier from each side, means for supplying
heads to the said matches, and ejecting means mounted upon each side of the
said carrier adapted to eject the completed matches from each side of the carrier
simultaneously, substantially as described.
18. In a match machine, the combination with a suitable carrier, of means for
placing splints in the said carrier from opposite sides, means for ejecting the
completed matches from each side of the carrier chain, comprising plungers

page_text: mounted upon opposite sides of the carrier, and means for reciprocating the said
plungers toward and away from each other simultaneously to eject the matches
from both sides at once, substantially as described.
19. In a match machine, the combination with a suitable carrier, of means for
placing splints in the opposite sides thereof, an ejecting mechanism comprising
plungers mounted upon the opposite sides of the said carrier, the said plungers
carrying a series of plates adapted to engage the matches, said plates being
arranged alternately with respect to each other, and means for reciprocating the
plungers whereby they are caused to eject matches from the opposite sides of the
carrier at the same time, substantially as described.
20. In a match machine, the combination with a splint carrier, of means for
inserting splints upon each side thereof, ejecting means comprising oppositely
reciprocating plungers carrying a series of plates arranged opposite to the matches
in the carrier, each of the said plates being provided with projections which
coincide with the ends of the matches, and means for reciprocating the said
plungers whereby the projections are caused to push the completed matches from
the chain upon both sides thereof, substantially as described.
21. In a match machine, the combination with a carrier chain, of means for
inserting splints in opposite sides thereof, an ejecting means comprising oppositely
reciprocating plungers each made up of a carrier bar and a series of plates mounted
thereon, guides for directing the movement of the said carrier bars, projections
formed upon the said plates and coinciding with the ends of the match splints,
the plates of one ejector being arranged opposite the spaces between the plates of
the other ejector, whereby the completed matches will be forced out of the carrier
between the plates upon each side of the said carrier simultaneously, and means
for reciprocating the said plungers, substantially as described.
22. In a match machine, the combination with a carrier chain, of cams for
feeding the same forward, means for placing the splints in opposite sides thereof,
guides directing the said carrier to the ejecting mechanism, ejecting plungers
mounted upon opposite sides of the said carrier, carrier bars moving in said guides,
plates mounted upon the said carrier bars and having projections coinciding with
the matches, and means for reciprocating the plungers toward and away from each
other, the construction being such that when the plungers approach the carrier
they will each force the completed matches out of the carrier between the plates
of the opposite plunger, the carrier bars acting as cushions for preventing the
matches from going too far, and plates guiding the matches so as to fall in approxi-
mately the same plane in which they were ejected, substantially as described.
23. In a match machine, the combination with a suitable carrier, of means for
inserting matches therein, ejectors for knocking the completed matches out of the
said carrier comprising reciprocating plungers, bell crank levers engaging the
said plungers for reciprocating them, links connecting the said bell crank levers
with cams for actuating the said levers, and gearing connecting the said cams
with the main shaft of the machine, substantially as described.
24. In a match machine, the combination with a carrier for receiving match
splints in its opposite sides, of means for ejecting the said splints from each side
simultaneously, belts adapted to receive the matches from each side of the carrier,
the said belts being mounted upon fixed pulleys and adjustable pulleys, the said
adjustable pulleys being provided with means for taking up the slack of the belt,
sprocket gearing connecting the fixed pulleys with the shaft upon the frame of
the machine, and worm gearing connecting the said shafts with the power shaft
of the match machine, whereby movement is imparted therefrom to the said belts,
substantially as described.
25. In a match machine, the combination with a splint cutting mechanism
adapted to place splints in opposite sides of a carrier, a carrier for receiving the
said splints, a heating, paraffining and heading mechanism for supplying the
splints upon one side of the carrier with igniting heads, a second heater, paraffining

page_text: pan and composition vat for placing heads upon the match splints on the other side
of the said carrier, and means for drying and ejecting the completed matches,
substantially as described.
26. In a match machine, the combination with a carrier, of means for placing
match splints in each side thereof, a heating, paraffining and heading mechanism
for placing heads upon the splints on one side of the carrier, means for guiding
the said chain to another heading mechanism comprising a heating device, a
paraffining pan and a composition vat so located as to place heads on the other
splints on the other side of the carrier, and a drier frame for supporting the carrier
until the matches have dried, and means for ejecting the completed matches,
substantially as described.
27. In a match machine, the combination with a cutter, of a carrier comprising
outer and inner slats, the inner slats being provided with a series of wedge faces
adapted to correspond with each other, the construction being such that when the
inner slats are moved longitudinally with respect to each other, they will spread
apart so as to grip the splints between them and the outer slats, substantially as
described.
28. In a match machine, the combination with a cutting mechanism, of a carrier
composed of sections having outer slats and inner expanding slats, means for
expanding the inner slats comprising plungers mounted upon the frame of the
match machine, and cams for operating the said plungers, whereby they are caused
to strike the ends of the expanding slats and cause them to grip the match splints,
substantially as described.
29. In a match machine, the combination with a suitable carrier, of a cutter
for cutting splints and placing them in a carrier, having cylindrical cutting edges,
the said cutters being grooved upon their under surfaces so as to provide straight
cutting edges between the cylindrical cutters for trimming the unevenness left
upon the blocks of wood by the cylindrical cutters, substantially as described.
30. A cutter for match machines comprising a body portion and cylindrical
cutting edges, the said body portion having grooves upon its under surfaces form-
ing trimming edges for trimming the unevenness left upon the blocks of wood by
means of the cylindrical cutters, substantially as described.
31. In a match machine, the combination with a carrier adapted to receive
splints upon opposite sides, of a series of cams for feeding the said carrier having
spiral projections or ribs for engaging the sections of the carrier to feed it forward,
intermediate flanges or ribs for further engaging the sections of the carrier,
whereby they are centered perfectly for receiving the match splints, and cutters
for cutting the splints and placing them in said carrier, substantially as described.
32. In a match machine, the combination with upper and lower cutters, of feed
troughs leading to each, rollers for feeding blocks of wood in said troughs, ratchet
wheels secured to the said rollers, pivoted frames carrying pawls for engaging the
said ratchet wheels, a link connecting the upper and lower pawl frames, and a
pitman connecting the lower frame with an eccentric upon the main shaft of the
machine, whereby the frames will be caused to operate the ratchet wheel, sub-
stantially as described.
33. In a match machine, the combination with upper and lower cutters, of con-
verging feed troughs leading to each side of each cutter, feed rollers mounted in
each of said troughs, ratchet wheels secured to the rollers in each trough, arms
carrying pawls for engaging each ratchet wheel, cross bars connecting the said
arms, arms or levers secured to the said cross bars, links connecting the said arms
and a pitman engaging an eccentric on the main power shaft and connecting it
with the said latter arms, and dogs for preventing the ratchet wheels from rotating
in the wrong direction, the whole construction being such that blocks of wood
will be fed forward to the cutters in all four troughs simultaneously, substantially
as described.
34. In a match machine, the combination with a suitable splint carrier, of
means for placing splints therein and means for ejecting the completed matches

page_text: therefrom, belts adapted to receive the splints discharged from each side of the
said carrier chain, the said belts collecting and discharging the completed matches
at any suitable point, and means for operating the belts, substantially as described.
Dated this 17th day of December 1898.
WM. P. THOMPSON & Co.,
Of 6, Lord Street, Liverpool, Agents for the Applicant.