Improvements in Cigar Making Machines.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 6th Feb., 1896
Complete Specification Left, 31st Oct., 1896-Accepted, 12th Dec.. 1896
[Communicated from abroad by "LA SOCIÉTÉ ANONYME LA DOUBLE
CIGARIÈRE," of Brussels, in the Kingdom of Belgium.]
Improvements in Cigar Making Machines.
I, HENRY HARRIS LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake & Co., Patent
Agents, 45 Southampton Buildings, in the County of Middlesex, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to an improved machine for manufacturing cigars, or,
more especially, for covering each cigar with its outer leaf, and its main feature is
the particular manner in which this operation is performed.
The process substantially consists in securing the cigar along its axial line, or,
at any rate, internally, so that it may be set in rotary motion with a view to its.
being enveloped in its covering leaf; and in compressing it, during this winding
operation, within a longitudinally divided mould, adapted periodically to open and
close, and to impart to the cigar both the proper outward shape and the requisite
degree of consistence.
For the purpose of fixing the cigar in position, axially, there are provided one
or more rods or needles, preferably of triangular shape, i.e., having three delicately
grooved or recessed sides and a sharp point, and passing through a filler, either
partly, or wholly, throughout its length as far as the point. When the filler has
thus been secured upon the needle, it may be periodically set in rotary motion, for
the purpose of winding the tobacco leaf within a mould. The mould consists of
four elongated shells, the inner surfaces of which, (when the shells are joined
together around the axis of the needle, coinciding with the axis of the mould,)
assume the shape of a cigar. For the purpose of opening and closing the mould,
the shells are adapted to be moved apart or compressed (as the case may be), in
pairs, two and two; say, for opening, the lower shells are moved apart sideways,
while the upper shells are at the same time raised; the closing or moulding stage
corresponding to a period of rest, while the opening or winding stage coincides
with the period of rotation of the cigar together with the needle or rod supporting
it; which needle or rod is timed to withdraw when the winding operation is
completed to enable the rear end of the cigar to be cut; so that, in addition to
its intermittent rotation the needle performs a periodical longitudinal reciprocating
movement.
The machine further comprises a set of feeding rollers, for giving the initial
impulse to the tobacco-leaf upon the filler; a device for clipping or trimming the
point of the cigar; an ejector; and mechanism for setting the various parts in
motion in the order in which they are to operate; and it will thus be seen that
the complete arrangement is remarkable for both the great simplicity of con-
struction and the uncommonly easy and rapid manner in which it enables cigars to
be turned out.
The periodical rotary, and expanding and compressing movements of the pointed
rod or needle and the cheeks of the mould, are derived from the main shaft,
carrying for the purpose, a driving pulley at one end, a set of cams at the
centre, and a double cam at the opposite end; the central cams being arranged

page_text: to actuate a pair of mutually connected levers, which operate the mould, while the
double cam sets the needle in périodical rotary motion, through the medium of a
star-shaped gear wheel, mounted upon the needle-holder. All the remaining
movements (except that of the trimming knife which is operated by two cams
mounted upon the driving shaft) viz. the longitudinal advancing and receding
movements of the needle, the transverse motion of the cutter which serves to cut
the rear ends of the cigars, and the final opening movement of the mould, are
produced by means of the releasing rod when the machine is arrested, which rod
then releases the driving pulley-loose upon its shaft,-from the friction clutch
made fast upon the main shaft.
The needle-holder consists of a shaft which is guided longitudinally by means of
a screw head and a sleeve or socket, the ends of which are held in bearings,
provided for the purpose in the frame of the machine, and carried round by the
periodically rotating shaft through the medium of the screw. Periodical rotation
is provided for by the engagement of the double cam (mounted upon the main
shaft, which is held in the frame of the machine at the proper level,) with the
star-wheel, made fast on one end of the needle holder. The screw also serves to
limit the longitudinal backward and forward movements of the needle, to which
the requisite motion is imparted, at proper intervals of time, by the coupling and
releasing rod which, through a slot, grasps, or engages with the tappet of a lever,
the end of which is arranged to work within a slot formed in the auxiliary rod,
connected by an arm with the needle-holder, which, consequently, will advance or
recede, according as the said lever is swung in one or the other direction. When
this lever is in its rearward position, that is to say, when the machine is out of gear
the mould receives the filler which the needle traverses along the axial line when
the lever is reversed.
The four movable shells or cheeks of the mould are arranged in two pairs, one
pair being placed above the other, and the two upper shells being connected with
the two lower ones, by means of two connecting springs which normally keep them
open in the vertical direction. Through the two pairs of shells there pass the rods,
the lower ends of which are linked to a lever pivotted to the frame of the machine;
and when the double cam on the main shaft depresses the said lever, the upper
shells close upon the lower shells. This descent of the upper shells coincides with
the lateral movement of the lower shells towards each other, under the external
pressure of closing springs, each of which is secured to the frame at one end, while
the opposite ends thereof press upon the mould operating levers. One end of each
of these levers carries one of the pair of shells, while the opposite end is pivotted
to the frame, and adapted to move apart under the pressure of the double cam of
the main shaft. Inasmuch as each of the three cams has two teeth, and as the cam
which operates the needle is facing the cams of the mould, in the vertical plane, it
will be seen that the periods of rotation of the needle and of the opening of the
mould, as well as the periods of rest and closing stage, always exactly correspond,
respectively.
The initial feed or starting rollers for giving the initial impulse to the outer
cigar leaf are three in number and arranged in lozenge-shape, so that the end of
the mandrel may take up its position between them, when it is inserted into the
mould. These rollers revolve loosely upon their pivots, which are secured to the
frame, and consequently receive rotary motion through contact with the filler
revolving with the needle. When the tobacco leaf is next introduced between one
of the rollers and the filler it is guided from below by the roller, and is thus
retained in position during the whole time that the winding operation lasts. The
three rollers may, however, if desired be spring-controlled, so as more firmly to
grasp the leaf and at the same time hold the end of the cigar.
In addition to the alternate expanding and compressing movements of the shells
or cheeks of the mould, produced by the continuous rotation of the main shaft, the
said mould may if required be held open permanently during the periods of rest of
the machine, by a device adapted for operation by band and enabling the cams to

page_text: be moved to the corresponding position. This hand-operated arrangement consists
of a lever fitted with a clutch or claw and pivotted to a linked lever with which is
connected the engaging and disengaging rod, of which it at the same time
constitutes the operating handle; so that, when pressure is applied to such handle,
the said claw or clutch causes the cam to turn a sufficient distance to keep the
mould open during the resting-period of the machine.
Referring now to the trimming or clipping knife, it will be understood that, as
the two cams of the main shaft are adapted to exercise their action, the one
upwards, and the other downwards, of the frame, the said knife will perform at
stated times the requisite upward and downward movements, according as the
mould alternately opens or closes, and, in so doing, will trim the leaf, when the
mould is closed.
In order to bring up, at the proper period of time, the quantity of paste required
to fix the point of the cigar within the mould, the engaging and releasing rod is
arranged to control a paste-feeding device consisting of a cup or box, constructed
on the Stauffer system, situated on one side of the machine; the lid of which is
fitted with a crown or ring provided with ratchet teeth, with which a pawl
projecting from a lever is adapted to engage; a tappet of the said lever engaging
in a slot formed in the engaging and disengaging lever. Thus, whenever the parts
are moved into gear, the lid of the paste receptacle advances and sends a small
quantity of paste into the point of the mould, through a channel.
The knife for cutting the rear end of the cigar is mounted upon a transverse rod
guided in and by the frame and normally forced back by a spring. This knife-
holder is operated by a finger which is normally held erect on the end of the
auxiliary rod by a bent spring, while, when the mechanism is thrown into gear, it
is turned down, and passes underneath a curved lever, one end of which is pivoted
to the frame, while its other, front, end is adapted to take up its position in
front of the projection on the transverse rod, where it resumes its erect position
against the curved lever. When the parts come out of gear again or are dis-
engaged, the said finger moves back, along with the auxiliary rod, and as it is
raised upon its heel-piece, it forces back the curved lever, thereby causing the
knife to advance and cut the cigar, which is thus finished and may now be expelled
from the mould, which has been opened for the purpose by the ejector. A wedge
or stop, linked to the machine-frame, and adapted to descend of its own accord, is
raised by the transverse rod and serves to lock the mould in position during the
cutting operation.
The cutting mechanism consists of a lever, hinged horizontally below the mould
and resting upon the transverse rod. A cam, mounted for the purpose upon the
main shaft is adapted to suddenly throw it up, when the handle is depressed, in
order to open the mould, after cutting the cigar, which is then expelled by the
projection, while the end that has been severed is discharged by another
projection.
At the same time as the mould is opened, by depressing the handle, after the
machine has been thrown out of gear, the clutch is made to turn along with two
notched blocks passing through corresponding notches provided in an annular disc
which is fitted to the stationary arm and whereon the said blocks act as brake-
shoes for the purpose of locking the machine in the open position. The
mechanism is thrown into gear by ineans of studs engaging in notches formed in
the clutch.
From the foregoing, the operation of the machine will be readily understood.
After the machine has been thrown out of gear, the filler is inserted into the
mould; its rear-end being interposed between the rollers. The machine is then
thrown into gear, by moving the lever to the left by means of its handle, after
raising it to disengage the clutch and close the mould. The needle then enters the
filler and the periodical operation is initiated. The finger is made to pass below
the bent lever against which it takes up its erect position, and by this time the
paste-supply device has conveyed a small amount of paste into the point of the

page_text: mould, the whole of which operations are brought about by simply throwing
the machine into gear. The tobacco leaf is then interposed between the rollers
and the machine continues in intermittent operation until the winding of the said
leaf is completed and the point of the cigar trimmed by the cutter.
The machine is then thrown out of gear, by a movement of the lever to the
right; the needle recedes and the knife cuts the cigar. After which the hand-
lever is depressed, the machine locked in position, the mould opened and the cigar
ejected, all by the single movement which served to disengage the machine. The
same series of movements then begins again.
Dated this 6th day of February 1896
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45 Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.
Improvements in Cigar Making Machines.
I, HENRY HARRIS LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake & Co., Patent
Agents, 45 Southampton Buildings, in the County of Middlesex, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:-
This invention relates to an improved machine for manufacturing cigars, or,
more especially, for covering each cigar with its outer leaf, and its main feature is
the particular manner in which this operation is performed.
The process substantially consists in securing the cigar along its axial line, or, at
any rate, internally, so that it may be set in rotary motion with a view to its being
enveloped in its covering leaf and in compressing it, during this winding
operation, within a longitudinally divided mould, adapted periodically to open and
close, and to impart to the cigar both the proper outward shape and the requisite
degree of consistency.
A machine constructed in accordance with the principles stated is represented,
by way of example, in the accompanying drawings, in which
Figure 1 is a plan view of the complete machine;
Figure 2 is a longitudinal section of the same; but with certain parts removed.
Figure 3 is a vertical transverse section through the mould on line 1. 1.
Figure 1.
and
Figure 4 is a side elevation, viewed from the left-haud of Figure 1.
Figure 5 is a side elevation viewed from the right hand of Figure 1 and
Figure 6 is a transverse section partly in elevation of the feed-roller mechanism;
Figure 7 is a part front elevation showing the details of the driving gear.
For the purpose of fixing the cigar in position, axially, there are provided one
or more rods or needles D, Figure 2, preferably of triangular shape, i.e. having
three delicately grooved or recessed sides and a sharp point, and passing through a
filler, either partly, or wholly, throughout its length, as far as the point. When
the filler has thus been secured upon the needle, it may be periodically set in
rotary motion, for the purpose of winding the tobacco leaf within a mould M
Figures 1 and 3. The mould consists of four elongated shells, the inner surfaces
of which, (when the shells are joined together around the axis of the needle,
coinciding with the axis of the mould), assume the shape of a cigar. For the
purpose of opening and closing the mould, the shells q q, q' q', Figure 3 are adapted
to be moved apart or compressed (as the case may be), in pairs, two and two; say,

page_text: for opening, the lower shells 9 g, are moved apart sideways, while the upper
shells g', q, are at the same time raised; the closing or moulding stage corre-
sponding to a period of rest, while the opening or winding stage coincides with the
period of rotation of the cigar together with the needle or rod supporting it; said
needle or rod being timed to withdraw when the winding operation is completed
to enable the rear end of the cigar to be cut; so that, in addition to its intermittent
rotation the needle performs a periodical longitudinal reciprocating movement.
The machine further comprises a set of feeding rollers, for giving the initial
impulse to the tobacco-leaf upon the filler; a device for clipping or trimming the
point of the cigar; an ejector; and mechanism for setting the various parts in
motion in the order in which they are to operate; and it will thus be seen that the
complete arrangement is remarkable both for the great simplicity of construction
and the uncommonly easy and rapid manner in which it enables cigars to be
turned out.
The periodical rotary, and expanding and compressing movements of the pointed
rod or needle and the cheeks of the mould, are derived from the main shaft A,
carrying for the purpose, a driving pulley P Figures 1, 2 and 5 at one end, a set
of cams J; Figure 3, at the centre, and a double cam I Figures 2 and 4 at the
opposite end; the central cams Jj being arranged to actuate a pair of mutually
connected levers L L Figure 3, which operate the mould M, while the double
cam I sets the needle D in periodical rotary motion, through the medium of a
star-shaped gear wheel E, Figures 2 and 4 mounted upon the needle-holder D'.
All the remaining movements (except that of the trimming knife c which is
operated by two cams e e Figures 2 and 5 mounted upon the driving shaft A)
viz. the longitudinal advancing and receding movements of the needle, the
transverse motion of the cutter Cc which serves to cut the rear ends of the cigars,
and the final opening movement of the mould; are produced by means of the
releasing rod T, Figures 1, 5, 6 and 7 when the machine is stopped, which rod then
releases the driving pulley P,-loose upon its shaft, from the friction clutch F
Figure I made fast upon the main shaft.
The needle-holder consists of a shaft D' which is guided longitudinally by means
of a screw head v Figures 1 and 2 and a sleeve or socket D, the ends of which are
held in bearings, provided for the purpose in the frame B of the machine, and
carried round by the periodically rotating shaft D1 through the medium of the
aforesaid screw v. Periodical rotation is provided for by the engagement of
the double cam I (mounted upon the main shaft A, which is held in the frame
of the machine at the proper level), with the star-wheel E, made fast on one end of
the needle holder D'. The screw 'v also serves to limit the longitudinal backward
and forward movements of the said needle, to which the requisite motion is
imparted, at proper intervals of time, by the coupling and releasing rod T which,
through a slot, grasps, or engages with the tappet t of a lever L1 (Figures 1 and 7),
the end of which is arranged to work within a slot T* formed in the auxiliary
rod T¹, connected by an arm b Figure 1 with the needle-holder D, which, conse-
quently, will advance or recede, according as the said lever L is swung in one
or the other direction. Figure 1 shows this lever in its rearward position, that is
to say, when the machine is out of gear and the mould M receives the filler, the
needle D traverses along the axial line when the said lever L' is reversed.
The four movable shells or cheeks of the mould M are arranged in two pairs,
one pair being placed above the other, the two upper shells q' q¹ being connected
with the two lower ones, q by means of two connecting springs Figure 3 which
normally keep them open in the vertical direction. Through the two pairs of
shells there pass the rods bb, the lower ends of which are linked to a lever l
Figure 3 pivoted to the frame B of the machine; and when the double cam j on
the main shaft A depresses the said lever 1, the upper shells q' q' close up.n the
lower shells. This descent of the upper shells coincides with the lateral movement
of the lower shells q q towards each other, under the external pressure of closing
springs R R Figure 3, each of which is secured to the frame at one end, while the

page_text: opposite ends thereof press upon the mould operating levers LL. One end of
each of these levers carries one of the pair of shells 99, while the opposite end is
pivotted to the frame, and adapted to move apart under the pressure of the double
cain J of the main shaft A. Inasmuch as each of the three cans L, J audj has
two teeth, and as the cam which operates the needle D is facing the cams of the
mould M, in the vertical plane, it will be seen that the periods of rotation of the
needle and of the opening of the mould, as well as the periods of rest and the closing
stage, always exactly correspond, respectively.
The initial feed or starting rollers g¹ g g¹ Figures 1, 2 and 6 for giving the
initial impulse to the outer cigar leaf are three in number and arranged in lozenge-
shape, so that the end of the filler may take up its position between them, when it
is inserted into the mould. These rollers revolve loosely upon their pivots, which
are secured to the frame, and consequently receive rotary motion through contact
with the filler revolving with the needle. When the tobacco leaf is introduced
between one of the rollers gl and the filler it is guided from below by the roller g,
and is thus retained in position during the whole time that the winding operation
lasts. The three rollers may, however, if desired, be spring-controlled so as more
firmly to grasp the leaf and at the same time hold the end of the cigar.
In addition to the alternate expanding and compressing movements of the shells
or cheeks of the mould, produced by the continuous rotation of the main shaft A, the
said mould may if required be held open permanently during the periods of rest of
the machine, by a device adapted for operation by hand and enabling the cams Ji
to be moved to the corresponding position. This hand-operated arrangement (see
Figures 1 and 5) consists of a lever G fitted with a clutch or claw and pivotted to
a linked lever L³ with which is connected the engaging and disengaging rod T, of
which it at the same time constitutes the operating handle; as at N; so that,
when pressure is applied to such handle, the said claw or clutch causes the
cami i to turn a sufficient distance to keep the mould open during the resting
period of the machine.
Referring now to the trimming or clipping knife c, it will be understood that, as
the two cams e e Figure 5 of the main shaft A, are adapted to exercise their
action, the one upwards, and the other downwards, of the frame of the knife c,
the said knife will perform at stated times the requisite upward and downward
movements according as the mould alternately opens or closes, and, in so doing,
will trim the front end of the cigar, when the mould is closed.
In order to bring up, at the proper period of time, the quantity of paste required
to fix the point of the cigar within the mould, the engaging and releasing rod is
arranged to control a paste-feeding device cousisting of a cup or box S, Figures 1
and 7 constructed on the "Stauffer system," situated on one side of the machine;
the lid of which is fitted with a crown or ring provided with ratchet teeth d, with
which a pawl k projecting from a lever is adapted to engage; a tappet t¹
Figures 5 and 7 if the said lever engaging in a slot formed in the rod T. Thus,
whenever the parts are moved into gear, the lid of the paste receptacle S advances
and sends a small quantity of paste into the point of the mould, through a channel
Figures 1 and 2.
The knife C for cutting the rear end of the cigar is mounted upon a transverse
rod or knife holder B¹ Figures 1, 2 and 6 guided in and by the frame B and
normally forced back by a spring R¹ (Figures 1 and 6). This knife-holder B¹ is
operated by a finger H Figure 1 which is normally held in its elevated position on
the end of the auxiliary rod T' by a bent spring h, but when the mechanism is
thrown into gear, the said finger is turned down, and passes underneath the curved
lever O, one end of which is pivoted to the frame while its other end is adapted to
take up its position in front of the projections on the transverse rod or bar B',
where the said finger resumes its erect position against the curved lever O. When
the parts are disengaged, the said finger moves back along with the auxiliary
rod T, and as it remains upright upon its heel-piece o, it forces back the curved
lever O, thereby causing the knife to advance and cut the cigar, which is thus

page_text: finished and may now be expelled from the mould, which has been opened for the-
purpose by the ejector. A wedge or stop W, pivoted to the machine-frame, and
adapted to descend of its own accord, is raised by the transverse rod B' and serves
to lock the mould in position during the cutting operation.
The cutting mechanism consists of a lever Z, Figures 1 and 2, hinged horizontally-
below the mould and resting upon the transverse rod B. A cam, mounted for the
purpose upon the main shaft A, is adapted to suddenly throw it up, when the-
handle N is depressed, in order to open the mould, after cutting the cigar, which
is then expelled by the projection z, while the end that has been severed is.
discharged by another projection 1 (Figures 1 and 2).
At the same time as the mould is opened, by depressing the handle N, after
the machine has been thrown out of gear, the clutch F is made to turn along with
two notched studs or blocks ss passing through corresponding notches provided in
an annular disc F' which is fitted to the stationary arm F and whereon the said
blocks act as brake-shoes for the purpose of locking the machine in the open
position (Figures 1 and 5). The mechanism is thrown into gear by means of:
studs p p engaging in notches formed in the clutch F.
From the foregoing, the operation of the machine will be readily understood.
After the machine has been thrown out of gear, the filler is inserted into the-
mould; its rear end being interposed between the rollers g' g g'. The machine is
then thrown into gear, by moving the lever L2 to the left by means of its
handle N, after raising it to disengage the clutch F and close the mould. The:
needle then enters the filler and the periodical operation is initiated. The finger H
is made to pass below the bent lever O against which it takes up its erect position,
and by this time the paste-supply device S has conveyed a small amount of paste-
into the point of the mould, the whole of which operations are brought about by
simply throwing the machine into gear. The tobacco leaf is then interposed between.
the rollers ggy and the machine continues in intermittent operation until the
winding of the said leaf is completed and the point of the cigar trimmed by the-
cutter e.
The machine is then thrown out of gear, by a movement of the lever L' to the-
right; the needle D recedes and the knife c cuts the cigar. After which the hand-
lever N is depressed, the machine locked in position, the mould opened and the-
cigar ejected, all by the single movement which served to disengage the machine..
The same series of movements then begins again.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, as communicated.
to me by my foreign correspondents, I declare that what I claim is :-
1. A cigar making machine, the main feature of which is that the filler is held
in position along its axial line or, at all events, internally, with a view to enabling
it to be set in motion periodically within a divided mould adapted to gather
round, and be compressed upon, the cigar in course of formation during a period of
rest of the machine, and to open during the period of rotation.
2. The form in which the machine hereinabove referred to may be carried out,.
characterized by one or more pointed rods or needles adapted to pass through the
cigar which is being formed, in the longitudinal direction, and by a mould
consisting of four shells or cheeks adapted to be moved apart or drawn together
in pairs, or two and two at a time, laterally and vertically, in combination with a
set of rollers, either spring controlled or not, for the initial retention of the outer
or covering leaf of the cigar; a paste supply apparatus or "paste fountain"; a.
knife or cutter for trimming or clipping the point of the cigar; another knife or
cutter for cutting the large end of the cigar; mechanism for locking the machine
and causing the mould to open at the end of the operation; and an ejector for
discharging the finished cigar.
3. Mechanism for driving the machine referred to in the first and second claims;
such mechanism consisting as regards the mould, of springs for moving apart the

page_text: cheeks of such mould in the vertical direction and drawing them closer together
in the lateral direction; this being effected by overcoming the resistance of a link
in the case of the vertical approach of the cheeks, one pair to the other, and the
resistance of two levers in the case of the lateral expansion of the cheeks, under
the action of double cams mounted on the main or driving shaft; and as regards the
rotary motion of the pointed rod or needle, of a double cam mounted upon the main
shaft and adapted to engage with a star-shaped pinion (or spur-wheel) mounted
upon the needle holder, and as regards the longitudinal motion of the said pointed
rod or needle, of the connection of the same with the coupling and releasing rod,
formed by an auxiliary rod connected thereto by means of an intermediate lever;
and as regards the trimming or clipping knife, of two cams on the shaft adapted
alternately to work between the upper and lower sides of a knife-carrying frame;
and as regards the cigar-end cutter, of a finger provided at the end of the auxiliary
coupling rod and adapted to take up an erect position, after passing underneath,
against the lever employed to give the requisite impulse to the knife-holder; and
as regards the locking in position of the machine and the eventual opening of the
mould, of a clutch pivoted to the coupling lever and adapted to engage with a cam
on the shaft and cause blocks or brake-shoes to engage a stationary disc; and as
regards the cigar ejector, of means for swinging it round at the end by the action
of a cam provided for the purpose; and, lastly, as regards the "paste fountain,"
of a receptacle or cup constructed on "Stauffer's system" and operated by a
pawl forming part of the releasing rod.
2000
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45 Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.