Year: 1885

page_text: We NICHOLAS HERMANN BORGFELDT, ADOLPH CHARLES SCHUTZ, ADOLPH
LEWYN, and MAX MARTIN, all of New York City. in the county and State of
New York, United States of America 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 :-
c
This Invention relates to a new Bunching Machine, that is to say; one which
"will automatically produce the inner part of a Cigar, which inner part consists of
the filler and binder. The Machine is adapted to produce such a Bunch with a
filler of scrap tobacco, to measure the proper quantity of scrap tobacco for each
bunch to transport the same to the binder, to press the filler into the binder, and
to then roll the binder, around the filler so as to complete the bunch, depositing the
latter in condition for immediate and convenient use.
The Invention consists, first, in the new mechanism which is connected with
the distributing cylinder for measuring out the proper quantities of scrap tobacco
needed in each bunch. In this part of the mechanism the drum contains two
'disks, one being notched at its circumference, each notch being the measure of the
scrap tobacco for a bunch, while the other superposed disk is perforated, and
partly covers the said notches in the lower disk. The two disks receive rotary
motion, and are combined with a scraper, and finally serve to discharge the contents
of the successive notches into a shute.
The Invention also consists in placing within the receiving cylinder that contains
the tobacco a certain agitating contrivance hereinafter to be more specifically
described.
Another part of the Invention consists of the combination of the said cylinder
with a reciprocating hopper, which receives the scrap tobacco from the said shute,
and with a reciprocating plunger which constitutes at the same time one wall of
the hopper and the means for pressing the bunch into the binder, all as hereinafter
more fully described.
Another portion of the Invention consists of the combination of a sliding and
tilting binder rest with a fixed' apron, and with a roller, and with mechanism for
moving said slide and roller, all operating in such manner that when the tiller has
been pressed into the binder, the said sliding frame, roller and apron will co-operate
31

page_text: to roll the binder around the filler, and to deposit the completed bunch in the
proper receptacle. From this receptacle the bunches are taken by the attendants
to be moulded, and finally covered with proper wrappers in the ordinary manner
of manufacturing Cigars.
The Invention also consists in the employment, in connection with the sliding
frame which carries the roller and apron, of a segmental table, for the purpose of
producing a tapering cigar. It also consists in other details of improvement
respecting this bunch rolling mechanism that will be hereinafter more specifically
described.
Reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings, forming part of this
specification wherein Figure 1. is a front elevation of the improved Cigar Bunching
Machine.
Figure 2 is a vertical, central section of the same.
Figures 2, and 2b, are detail views of the cam mechanism for moving the
reciprocating hopper.
Figure 3. is an enlarged sectional view of the lower portion of the distributing
cylinder.
Figure 4. is a top view of the same.
Figures 5.,6. 7. and 8, are diagrams, showing the several positions of the hopper
and plunger during the operation of the machine.
Figure 9. is a top view, on an enlarged scale, of the rolling board, and its
appurtenances.
Figure 10. is a detail face view, partly in section, of the rolling apparatus.
Figures 11, 12, and 14, are sectional views of the rolling apparatus, showing it
in different positions.
Figure 13 is a side view of the same, partly in section, and
Figure 15 is a detail edge view of the apron used in the rolling apparatus.
A. represents the frame of the machine, which frame supports an upright
cylinder B, the bottom a of which cylinder is closed, except at one place, where
it connects with an outwardly projecting shute C.
On the bottom a rests a
disk D, which at its circumference is notched, the notches being, by preference,
of about semi-circular form, as is indicated at b b in Figure 4. But these notches
may be of other suitable form. The notches b b in the circumference of the
disk D, are all of the same size and form, and are all equi-distant from one
another.
Upon the upper face of the disk D, is fastened another disk, or annular plate E,
which is also notched at its edge, as shown in Figure 4. But each notch d of the
disk E, is smaller than each notch b of the disk D, so that, as appears from the
dotted lines beneath the plate E in Figure 4, each of the notches 6 is partly
covered by the disk E, and partly uncovered, because of the notch d above it.
We have stated that the disk E is notched, which statement implies that the
notches extend to the circumference of the said disk, but it is not essential that
this be the case, for perforations through the disk E which do not extend to its
rim, answer the same purpose, the purpose, namely, of feeding the scrap tobacco
into the lower larger notches b. Hence, we have already spoken, and will hereafter
speak, of the disk E as perforated.
or
The disks D and E are rigidly connected together by suitable screws
fastenings, and both are properly attached to a central upright shaft F. to which
intermittent rotary motion is imparted by suitable mechanism. The means which
we have illustrated for the purpose of imparting such motion to said shaft, and
thereby to the disks D, E, is a ratchet wheel e on the shaft F, which, by a pawl,
not shown, and connecting rod f, is moved along at intervals by a projecting cam g
on the main driving shaft G of the machine, but any other means of imparting the
desired motion to the shaft F. may be employed. Vertically, above that part of the
bottom a of the cylinder B from which projects the shute C, is secured to the inner
wall of the cylinder B, a plate H, which we term the“ scraper." This plate is
directly above the disk E, and is of such extent that it will wholly cover, at least

page_text: one notch and the notch d above the same, whenever these notches are aligned
with the shute C.
The object of that part of the mechanism which we have so far described, is to
measure out the proper quantity of filler for each bunch. Each notch b constitutes
such a measure. If the disk D having the notches were alone in the cylinder,
and without the disk E, the effect would be that the stationary scraper H, might
interfere with the upper stratum of the contents of each measure, and prevent the
fillers being measured out alike; but, by placing the disk E, which has the smaller
perforations, or notches, on top of the disk D, the tobacco reaches these several
measures 6, through the perforations d, and will not be disturbed by the action of
the scraper. The upper disk E, is to be of such thickness that the tobacco con-
tained in one of its own notches d, added to the tobacco in a measure b will be the
quantity fed to each bunch. If the bunch is to be larger, a thicker disk E, is used;
if smaller; a thinner; or the disk E can be raised, or lowered, on the disk D. The
scraper H being in contact with the disk E which has the smaller openings & will
not materially affect the contents of these smaller openings, which it would do if
the disk D, having the larger notches b were exposed to direct contact with it.
From what has been described it follows, that as the shaft F, receives inter-
mittent rotary motion, the cylinder B containing a proper supply of scrap tobacco,
the tobacco entering and filling the spaces bd will be delivered in successive
charges to, and through the shute C; the respective charges being substantially
alike, each charge being sufficient for a filler of a bunch.
A further part of this Invention consists in putting around the shaft F. within
the cylinder B, an intermittently revolving stirrer H2, which is attached to a
collar a³, that is fastened to a tube 62 which embraces the shaft F. Motion is
imparted by the gear wheels d² d² d² from the shaft F, to the tube b, and thereby
also to the stirrer H2; and, as the motion of the shaft F is intermittent rotary, that
of the stirrer H3 will also be intermittent rotary, but we do not confine ourselves
to moving the stirrer in this intermittent manner, or directly from the shaft F, as
means could readily be contrived for moving said stirrer by other connection with
the driving shaft.
The construction of the stirrer H2 is represented in the drawing as of truncated
conical form, which is produced by a series of outwardly and downwardly projecting
rods, or sticks whose upper ends are fastened in the collar a². These rods embrace
a cone I³, which is attached by suitable rods to the central part of the disk D, and
which therefore revolves together with said disc D, in direction opposite to the
stirrer H².
The object of this stirrer arrangement is to assist the tobacco in its movement
downwards, we having found, that unless such assistance is rendered tobacco is
liable to remain undisturbed by a partial removal of its lower portion, and hence
some stirrer was deemed necessary. In addition to this, however, we found that
the stirrer should be of a kind to move the tobacco downwards gently, and not
violently. And for this reason we have found the revolving cone, and the oppositely
revolving series of rods around the cone to be of the greatest advantage.
The shute C, whenever it discharges the tobacco it receives from the cylinder,
enters, as is shown in Figure 2 of the drawing, a hopper L. This hopper is rigidly
attached to a frame J, which is capable of sliding vertically in proper bearings h
that are attached to the framework A. The vertically sliding frame J, carrying
the hopper I, is connected with a rod i, whose upper end is guided in a perforated
plate of the frame A, and which rod i, carries a tooth l, that is in contact with a
notched cam m, which is mounted upon the shaft G, (see figures 2ª and 2b).
Whenever this shaft G is revolved in the direction of the arrow shown in figure 2ª
it will serve, starting from the position represented in figure 2*, first, to let the
frame J, and its hopper drop down and afterwards to lift it up again, all of which
will be clearly understood from an examination of figures 2 and 2b. But other
means for reciprocating the frame J, and hopper I, may be substituted in lieu of
those herein specifically shown.

page_text: The back wall n of the hopper I is perforated, or open, as appears more clearly
from figure 5, and at the time the shute C. discharges the scrap tobacco into the
hopper, this perforation is closed by a board L, as in Figure 5 Beneath this board
the hopper has a downwardly extending tube, which is open at both ends, and
which is marked with the letter o. When the parts are in the position represented
in Figure 5, the board L serves to close the opening in the back n of the hopper,
and also to close the top of the tube o. The board L, which hereafter we will call
the "plunger" for it serves as such, is suspended by a rod p from a lever q, which
lever is normally held in the raised position shown in Figure 2, by a spring r, but
which at proper intervals is depressed by a toes that projects from the rotary
shaft G. Thus reciprocating motion is imparted to the plunger L. But other
means than those specifically described may be substituted for imparting such
reciprocating motion to the said plunger.
Directly beneath the downwardly extending tube o of the hopper I, is the rest,
or place of deposit for the binder t which we will hereafter more fully describe.
Figure 5 shows this binder in position for receiving the charge of the filler.
The mechanism now described, that is to say, the hopper and plunger operates as
follows;
When the shute C discharges the scrap tobacco into the hopper, the outlet from
the latter is closed by the plunger as in figure 5, both the plunger and hopper
being in their highest position. After the charge of scrap tobacco has been thus
received by the hopper, the latter is suddenly dropped downwards into the position
shown in Figure 6, that is, into a position, where it will nearly, if not quite, touch
the binder. It will be seen that in this position, the plunger L not having been
disturbed, the opening in the back wall n of the hopper is no longer closed, and
that the charge of tobacco is now contained in the tube o that extends downwardly
from the said hopper. While the hopper remains in this position, the plunger L,
descends, and presses the charge of scrap tobacco into or upon the binder (see
Figure 7) emptying the tube o of the hopper in so doing. While the plunger is in
this lowermost position the hopper slowly begins to ascend, (see Figure 8), and
after that the plunger reascends until both parts I and L again attain the position
shown in Figure 5, ready to receive a new charge of scrap tobacco from the
cylinder B.
Thus we succeed in transferring each charge of scrap tobacco to a binder, and in,
so to say, condensing or compressing such charge into such binder giving the charge
n convenient form for afterwards rolling the bunch. In order to render this
formation of the charge in, or on the binder the more perfect, we hollow out the
lower end of the plunger, as is clearly shown in Figures 5. 6. 7. and 8. so that it
will in a measure keep the charge in its grasp and press it into a rounded shape.
We will now proceed to describe the "binder rest," as we have termed it. This
is composed, in the first instance, of an apron M which is securely fastened at both
ends to the frame A, but so as to bag, and not stretched tightly. When the
binder t is placed upon this apron, it is also bagged down as in figure 2 directly
beneath the tube o of the hopper I. The apron M passes over a roller which is
hung in a horizontally sliding frame N.
To the lower part of the frame N is pivoted at e a frame P, which in the
normal position of the parts, rests one of its arms f² against a stationary bracket
or plate g The upper part of the frame P has a cross bar i³ (see Figure 9) which
extends over the apron M.
The frame or binder lifter P, which is pivoted at e' in the frame N is connected
by a link h³, or otherwise with a spring j³. The binder lifter P consists of uprights
which straddle the rolling board L2 and supporting table J2 as shown in figure 10,
and which above the rolling board L³, are connected by a cross bar which, by
preference, carries a wiper, or elastic blade of India Rubber or analogous material.
The frame N in which the binder lifter P is hung straddles also the boards J'
and L³, carries the roller in proper bearings above said boards, and has, by
preference, a stiff cross bar i³ at its lower part. This frame N is rigidly connected

page_text: with a bracket O, which at ³ (see Figures 9 and 10) is hung in the stationary
frame A. The frame N or its bracket O, is also connected by a link k with the
crank 12 of an upright shaft m³, to which oscillating motion is imparted by suitable
connection with the driving shaft G.
We do not deem it necessary to show here the, or any special mechanism for
oscillating the shaft m³, as any suitable mechanical movement for performing this
function can readily be contrived by those skilled in the art to which this invention
relates.
It follows that when the shaft m² is oscillated, the frame N will be slid hori-
zontally, but not necessarily in a straight direction. It will in the example shown
move around the pivot as a centre, and this curvilinear motion is utilized for
the purpose of shaping the cigar, and giving it the desired taper. To this end
the rolling board L², is made of segmental form as shewn in Figure 9, and the
apron M is also of such segmental form, as appears from the same figure, the
roller u being, however, of tapering form, being smallest where it is nearest the
pivot j. A weighted cord n² extends from the sliding frame N, to a friction roller p³
which is hung in the frame A. The weight on the cord n³ has the tendency to
draw the frame N, towards the frame A, that is to say, into the position shown
in figure 11. When the frame N is in this position, that is, next to the frame A,
the binder lifter P is, by contact with a stationary finger g³, thrown back, that is,
away from the roller u as is also shown in Figure 11. In this position the cavity
in or behind the rolling board for the reception of the buncb, is ready to receive
such bunch. The apron M is pressed into the cavity, and the binder tis laid over
the concave portion of the apron, as shown in figure 11. When the parts are in
this position, the bunch is discharged into the hollow of the binder from the tube o
of the hopper I.
The shaft m² now begins to move so as to carry the frame N outwards. This
brings the roller u first over the bunch (see Figure 12) and with it one end of the
binder. The other end of the binder is held against the apron where it surrounds
the roller u by the binder lifter P, which as soon as the frame N moves outwards,
is relieved from contact with the finger g, and turned up by its spring ³, or
equivalent weight, so as to carry its blade i, against the outer end of the binder,
crowding it against that portion of the apron M which surrounds the roller u.
The continued outward movement of the frame N, causes the roller u to progress
in the apron M, both ends of the apron being fixed, and thus to entirely roll
the binder around the bunch, and also at the same time convey the completed
bunch along on the rolling board until finally the bunch is discharged over the
edge of the rolling board, as in Figure 14, into a suitable receiver R.
During all this time that the frame N, is moved outwards, the binder lifter P
retains the same relative position which it assumed the moment it left contact with
the finger g Compare for this purpose Figures 12 and 14.
As soon as the position shown in Figure 14 has been attained, the frame N is
moved inwards again by the weighted cord n² or by other suitable mechanisın,
until it reaches the position shown in Figure 13 and the binder lifter, as soon as it
strikes the finger g³, is promptly tilted, as in Figure 13, to get out of the way of
the cavity, into which the next binder and bunch is to be placed.
It will be perceived that the curvilinear motion of the frame N, and its attach-
ments, in connection with the tapering form of the roller u insure the production of
a tapering bunch, and that thus by automatic mechanism we are enabled to produce
a tapering cigar, a matter which hitherto has caused great difficulty.
The apron M on its outer side and next to its convex edge, carries a fluted or
crimped borders, which is made of flexible material, such as cotton or woollen
fabric and which has for its purpose to furnish a shoulder against which the tobacco
shall rest, within the hollow of said apron, as represented in Figure 15. In other
words, the bunch of tobacco as it is being rolled in the apron is liable to be dis-
placed lengthwise in the apron towards the convex edge thereof, and to prevent
this we have provided this flexible shoulder on the apron itself against which the

page_text: thick end of the bunch lies, and by which the bunch is prevented from becoming
longtitudinally displaced, there being no danger of its being displaced in the other
direction, towards the smaller end of the cavity which holds it.
These features of improvement are applicable, however, also to apparatus for
rolling cigars on a straight instead of a segmental rolling board, as even in that case
the flexible fluting on the apron when applied near one or both edges thereof, will
preserve the bunch in position lengthwise.
As the frame N when in the position shown in Figure 11 is moved outwardly
still further it will be readily seen that the effect is to roll the entire binder around
the filler. For the roller u travelling along in the upper coil of the S-part of the
apron, will cause the said apron, by its frictional contact with the binder, to carry
the rounded end of the binder along in the same direction in which said apron is
moved, and thus complete the bunch, which, when completed, rolls over the outer
end of the apron into the receptacle R. This receptacle need be nothing but a
weighted lever, having a rest m³ for the bunch to fall upon, the lever R being
pivoted in order to allow it to yield to a larger bunch if necessary.
When the bunch has been thus placed on the rest m³, the frame N recedes until
it resumes the position shown in figures 2 and 11, and the operation already
described is repeated. The operator takes the bunch from the rest m³, and places
it in a proper mold, after which it is provided with a wrapper, or otherwise
manipulates the same in suitable manner.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said
Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed we declare that what
we claim is
1st The cylinder B, having bottom a, and shute C, combined with the rotary
disk D, having notches b, upper disk E, having apertures d, and scraper H, for
operation, substantially as herein shown and described.
2nd The combination of the measuring disk D, having the larger notches b with
the upper disk E, having smaller notches or apertures d, part of each notch b being
covered by the disk E as specified.
3rd The combination of the cylinder B, and notched disk D, on shaft F, with the
stirrer H, and mechanism for revolving such stirrer in direction opposite to the
disk D, substantially as specified.
4th The combination of the cylinder B and notched disk D on shaft F, with the
cone 12 supported on disk D, and with the stirrer H³, and mechanism for revolving
said stirrer in direction opposite to the cone and disk D, as specified.
5th The stirrer H2 constructed of outwardly and downwardly projecting rods
that are secured to a collar a² as described.
6th The cylinder B having discharge shute C combined with the reciprocating
hopper I and reciprocating plunger L as specified.
7th The combination of the cylinder B, rotary notched disk D, stationary
scraper H, and shute C, with the hopper I, having perforated wall n plunger L, and
mechanism, substantially as described, for first lowering said hopper then said
plunger, then raising said hopper, and then said plunger as, and for the purpose
specified.
L
8th The binder rest apron M, combined with the sliding frame N, having
rolleru tilting frame P, and spring j2, substantially as herein shown and described.
9th The combination of the apron M, with the frame N, having roller u, pivoted
frame P. having cross bar i, spring, and stationary bracket g² substantially as
described.
10th In a bunch machine, the combination of the cylinder B, having notched
disk D and shute C with the reciprocating hopper I, reciprocating plunger L,
apron M, sliding frame N, having roller u, and bunch receiver R substantially as
specified.
11th The apron M.made with the fluting s², as and for the purpose described.

page_text: 12th The apron M made of segmental form, and combined with the tapering
roller u, and with mechanism substantially as described for moving said apron and
said roller on the rolling board as specified.
13th The segmental rolling board L' combined with the sliding frame N seg-
mental apron M, tapering roller u, and binder lifter P, substantially as and for the
purpose described.
14th The segmental rolling board L³ combined with the sliding frame N seg-
mental apron M, tapering roller u and binder lifter P, the apron, M, having the
projecting fluting & substantially as and for the purpose described.
15th The combination of the bracket O pivoted at j³, with the frame N, which
is rigidly attached thereto, and with the segmental rolling board L, and segmental
apron M, and with mechanism for moving said bracket around its pivot substan-
tially as specified.
16th The combination of the segmental rolling board L with the sliding frame N
having tapering roller u apron M binder lifter P, which is pivoted to the said
frame N, and with the finger g¹ on the stationary frame A, substantially as herein
shown and described.