Improvements in Matchbox Filling Machines.
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application, 1st Sept., 1899-Accepted, 20th Jan., 1900
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Matchbox Filling Machines.
I, REGINALD HADDAN, of the Firm of Herbert Haddan & Co., of 18, Bucking-
ham Street, Strand, W.C., London, Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature
of this invention a communication to me from abroad by La Société Anonyme de
Machines Industrielles, Brussels, in the Kingdom of Belgium, Manufacturers, and
in what manner the same is to be performed to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement :-
This invention is for the purpose of mechanically stripping the frames carrying
the matches which come out of the drying stove in a continuous and regular
manner and packing the matches into boxes in absolutely equal quantities by
which means the packing is done in a cheap manner and a good marketable
product is produced consisting of equally filled boxes which do not contain
matches with broken or headless sticks.
The invention consists essentially of a mechanical process for stripping the
frame or removing the matches so that the latter arrive with the heads in the
same direction into parallel arranged receivers corresponding with a determined
number of rows of the matches which fill the frame, to lead these carriers suc-
cessively in the front of a collector, to separate the determined quantities from the
body of matches which advance in this collector, to release these quantities from
the body of matches so that they can be gripped by an articulated oscillating
gripper or mechanical hand and to place them in empty drawers or boxes which
are guided successively towards this mechanical hand, to then forward the filled
boxes in front of empty box covers and to put them into the same, they being then
ejected finally from the apparatus; the machine for executing this process con-
sisting of a stripper for the match frames, a packer, and in the particular
combinations of these two mechanisms which work together for the purpose
specified above.
The machine is represented in the annexed drawings in which Fig. 1 is a front
elevation of the whole machine.
Fig. 2 is a view in elevation of the front side.
Fig. 3 is a plan view of the whole.
Fig. 4 is a view in elevation and partial section of the rear side of the machine.
Figs. 5, 6 and 7 are details in enlarged plan view of the forwarding mechanism
of the parallel arranged receivers of the stripper.
Figs. 8 and 9 are enlarged end views of the carriers showing them in differen;
positions.
Figs. 10 and 11 are side and plan views respectively of the bottom of the
hopper of the stripper.
Fig. 12 an exterior view of the divided hopper from the side and in plan.
Figs. 13, 14 and 15 show respectively a plan view, a vertical section and a
detail of the frame of the matches to be stripped as used for instance in the
Durand frames.
Figa. 16, 17, 18 and 19 represent in detail, in larger scale and in several
successive positions the separating mechanism of the determined quantities of
DQ11

page_text: matches to be packed, the packing gripper or mechanical hand and a settling
mechanism for finishing the packing, that is to say, to settle the matches in the
boxes.
Figs. 20 and 21 represent in vertical section and in front view partly in section
a modification of the construction of the hopper.
Figs. 22 and 23 represent a vertical section and front view of the mechanism
for unloading the receivers into the collector.
Figs. 24 to 26 show in detail the mechanism working the gripper or mechanical
hand.
Figs. 27 and 28 show in cross and longitudinal section a modification in the
construction of the collector and the separating arrangement.
Figs. 29 and 30 show in longitudinal and cross section a packing arrangement
for replacing the mechanical hand.
The matches as they come from the drying stove are on special frames composed
ordinarily of several perforated sheets the perforations of which correspond. In
Figs. 13 to 15 is shown as an example and to demonstrate the action of the stripper
a frame such as is known as 66
Durands." In this frame the middle sheet is
movable and can be displaced laterally by means of two screw bolts in order to
slightly press or release the matches. These frames filled with matches are put
on the hopper 1 (Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 12). This latter is divided in a number or
principal compartments each corresponding with a determined number of rows
of matches on the frame. In the example shown there are four different compart-
ments (Fig. 12) each corresponding to eleven long rows of matches on the frame.
Each compartment is divided by partitions into a great number of shoots all
ending below into an inclined chamber 2 closed by a bottom perforated with
rectangular openings 12 (Fig. 11) under this bottom a movable grating is arranged
with corresponding openings by the displacement of which (effected by means of
a handle 13) the openings 12 are cleared or masked. The hopper is provided with
two hars 3 (Figs. 1, 2, 3 10 and 11) which cross the side pieces 4 which support
it. The bars are each provided at one end with a spiral spring 5 held by screw
nuts 6. The springs are for the purpose of making the hopper bear with one of
its sides against the side pieces 4. The opposite ends of the bars 3 are connected
by a cross piece 7 (Figs. 3 and 11) carrying in the centre a regulating nut with
counter screw 8 against which the nose 10 abuts being fastened on the upper end
of a vertical shaft 9 provided at its lower end with another nose 10¹ gearing in
the teeth of a horizontal toothed wheel 11, the teeth of which with the help of
the springs 5 give shocks or sudden movements to the hopper which are of
sufficient power to release the matches from the frame, the bolts being loosened,
which matches fall into the hopper where they take a parallel position one
upon the other on the bottoms of the four inclined chambers 2.
If the grating at the bottom is opened the matches drop into the four
receivers 14 (Figs. 1, 2, 3, 8 and 9) led underneath the hopper 1 and each corre-
sponding with a principal compartment of the latter.
An
These receivers are hinged (Fig. 8) at one of their inner sides on a frame 15
(Figs. 7, 8 and 9) which can slide on a carriage or table 16. Further they are
connected together at one of their upper edges by a connecting rod 17.
inclined plane 18 against which (Fig. 8) the last receiver 14 abuts causes all the
receivers to take an inclined position when they are in position for loading
underneath the hopper. The back walls of the receivers are preferably pivotally
arranged (see Fig. 8) by means of hinges and springs (not shown in detail) so that
they fit perfectly against the back wall of each chamber 2. The receivers thus
occupy a position parallel to that of the bottom grating of the chambers 2 in such
a manner that the height of the fall of the matches is reduced as much as possible
so that they cannot get entangled together in the fall on opening of the grating.
The receivers having thus received their load of matches (which lie parallel in 5
them head foremost) are brought to the horizontal position and are successively
advanced towards a collector 51 arranged in the middle of the machine (Figs, 1

page_text: and 3) so that they are brought each in its turn in the longitudinal centre of
this collector.
This is effected by the following mechanism;
The carriage 16 carries two slides 19 (Figs. 5 and 9) by means of which it can
slide in the stationary guides 20 of the frame. These guides are crossed at their
inner part by a stationary table 21 (Figs. 5 and 6) in a longitudinal groove of
which a shoe 22 can slide receiving a to and fro movement by a connecting rod
which joins in the rotating movement of the toothed wheel 11 (Fig. 6). The
shoe is provided with a nose 23 destined to come into contact with a roller 27
fastened on one of the arms of a horizontal bell crank lever 25 pivoted at 26 on
a stationary cross piece 24 and carrying on the end of the other arm a pawl 28
governed by a spring so that it bears against one of the abutments of the
slide 19 of the carriage (Figs. 5 and 6). The whole lever 25 is drawn by a strong
spring (not shown in the drawing) in the direction opposite to the action of the
nose 23. This lever 25 can engage either by a spring finger 47 with one of the
arms of lever 29 pivoted at 30 or by its pawl 28 with a pin 31 fixed on the other
arm of the lever 29 which can be displaced, or by a piece 32 fastened on the table
and carrying a regulating screw having an abutment 33. The longitudinal
movement of the piece 32 is limited by a bolt 42 which can work in a notch
arranged on the end of the piece 32. The lever 25 carries on its upper face a pin 34
(Figs. 5 and 6) which can abut against an abutment 35 (Fig. 7) attached to a
lever 36 pivoted at 37 on the carriage 16 and carrying a hook 38 working in a
notch arranged in the movable frame 15 carrying the receivers 14.
The shoe 22 in its forward movement gives, by the nose 23, an oscillatory
movement to the bell crank lever 25 (Fig. 6) which rocks, by means of its pins 34,
the lever 36 (Fig. 7) which draws with it the movable frame 15 by means of the
hook 38. The frame then comes in contact with a spring 39 fastened on the
carriage which stops its movement. The movement of the lever 36 causes an
advance movement of the receivers 14 which leave the inclined plane 18 (Fig. 8)
and fall by their own weight back into the horizontal position (Fig. 9). By this
operation the first receiver goes towards the collector in order to be discharged.
The other three receivers have to be lead successively into the same position
which is done not by the displacement of the frame 15 but by the movement
of the whole carriage 16 carrying this frame.
The first oscillation of the bell crank lever 25 produced by the nose 23 has
no effect upon the carriage 16 because (see Fig. 6) the pawl 28 has come against
a smooth part of the slide 19.
When the nose 23 in the backward movement of the shoe 22 quits the roller 27,
the freed lever 25 is influenced by its spring (not represented) and rocking back-
wards engages with the pawl 28 in one of the notches 40 of the slide 19 and at a
new advance movement of the nose 23 the lever 25 causes the carriage 16 to advance
with its carriers 14, a distance equal to the distance between the centres of two
of these carriers. At the same time the bolt 42 drawn by a spiral spring engages
in one of the notches 41 (preceding the 2 first notches 40 for the pawl 28) of
the slide 19 and thus prevents during the disengagement of the pawl 28 the
backward movement of the carriage which is under the action of a counter weight
(Figs 1 and 2) the cord of which is fastened on the carriage 16 and passes over
a roller 43 carried by the stationary cross-piece 24. The advancement of the
carriage takes place twice more; at the occasion of the last advancement the
carriage is no longer retained by the bolt 42 (see Fig. 5) which does not meet
one of the notches 41 but another bolt 44 (Figs. 5 and 6) which can be governed
by a spring, slides along the table and engages (Fig. 5) in a corresponding opening
of the slide 19 of the carriage.
At the moment the last receiver arrives at the centre of the machine an abutment
arranged on the end of the slide 19 (Fig. 6) pushes the piece 32 forward and the
latter by means of the screw 33 causes the lever 29 to advance so that when the
pawl 28 comes back it is seized by the pin 31 (see Fig. 5) and can no longer engage

page_text: in the notches 40 and 41 and stop the carriage in its backward movement. This
movement is such that the nose 23 (Fig. 5) meets an abutment screw 45 of the
bolt 44 and makes the latter leave the corresponding notch of the slide 19 so that
the freed carriage comes under the action of the counter weight and can bring the
four receivers 14 into the inclined position underneath the four compartments
of the hopper 1.
During the backward movement of the carriage a pin 46 fastened on the
slide 19 (Figs. 5 and 6) pushes back the piece 32, whose screw 33 quits the lever 29.
When the above mentioned movements recommence the lever 25 causes the
lever 29 to rock by means of the spring finger 47 so that it disengages the pawl-28
of the pin 31 in order to allow it to again engage at the correct moment in the
notches 40 of the slide 19.
When the receivers are in the centre of the machine they are unloaded into a
channel which forms the collector 51 whose prolongation they form in this
position (see Figs 3 and 23). This unloading is done by a rake 100 fastened on
the rod 99 pivoted at 111 on a small pillar 98 arranged on a support 50 (Figs. 6
and 23) attached to the slide bar 21 and participating in the to and fro movement
of the same. The extremity of the rake provided with prongs is lifted and guided
by a roller 102 Fig. 22 travelling on a guide rail 103 arranged on the front face
of the hopper and of such form that the rake passes over the matches of the
receiver and falls at the end of its course with its prongs behind the matches
(arranged parallel, the heads in the same direction) then moving backwards with
the slide bar 21 draws the matches with it (which remain in their parallel posi-
tions) into the collector 51 and so on after each advancement of a receiver in
the path of the rake (see the arrows Fig. 23 which show the course of the roller 102).
When the roller 102 travelling on the lower part of the guide rail 103 arrives
(as the rake goes back) at the commencement of this rail 103 it lifts (see the
dotted lines Fig. 23) a pivoted pawl 104 which after the passage of the roller falls
back by its own weight into the position shown in full lines in order to block
the lower course and to constitute an inclined plane forcing the roller 102 to take
the upper course of the rail 103 when the rake advances towards the receiver.
The bottom of the collector 51 is formed by an endless band of caoutchouc the
movement of which transmits the matches towards the end of the collector.
At this spot a special mechanism separates from the body of matches the
necessary quantity for filling a box, and removes this quantity out of the body of
advancing matches (this quantity being removed without disturbing the
remainder) a gripper or mechanical hand seizing this quantity of matches and
forwarding it into an empty box drawer" brought opposite the collector.
65
The mechanism is as follows (see Figs. 1, 3, 16, 17, 18, and 19). At the end
of the bottom 52 of the collector 51 three openings or slots are arranged parallel
to the longitudinal axis of the collector. In these openings three thin plates 53
(Fig. 1 and 16) can have movement which are shaped at their upper ends in order
to form together a fork. Between these plates or fork 53 two small pieces are
arranged forming projecting abutments 54 on the bottom 52. The fork or
plates 53 has an up and down reciprocating movement.
In its lowest position
(Fig. 19) it descends some millimeters under the upper surface of 52. When the
fork occupies this position the descending matches can advance over the fork
and are stopped against the abutment 54 Fig. 16. At this moment a knife 55
(Fig. 16) articulated to a pivoted arm drawn by a spring (Fig. 3) and arranged
so that it can move level with the hand part of the fork 53, intersects the matches
and thus stops the descent of the same. At this moment the fork 53 reaches the
plate 52 and lifts above the same the quantity of matches between the knife 55
and the abutment 54 (Fig. 16). A mechanical hand with forked branches 56,
105, (Figs. 1, 3, 16 to 19) articulated to an oscillating plate 57, (Fig. 3) governed
by a rack 58 actuating also the fork 53 penetrates in the open position between
the blades of the fork (Fig. 16) closes then, under the action of a lever system and
retires in order to remove the matches contained in the fork (Fig. 17). The

page_text: oscillating movement of the plate 57 then brings the closed gripper 56 above the
empty box "drawer" Fig. 18 which has been led to it by an horizontal rotary
plate 60.
At this moment a settler 61 (Figs. 1, 2, 18 and 19) governed by a
spring and pivoted round a stationary point 62 comes between the two fingers of
the mechanical hand 56, 105, which open (Fig. 19) whilst the settler 61 gives
slight strokes on matches in the drawer until they are level with the walls of the
latter in order to equalize the matches; it remains on the drawer whilst the hand
comes out of the box thus preventing the matches from dropping outside. By
the oscillation of the plate 57 backwards, the mechanical hand is led backwards
into the higher and open position (Fig. 10) in order to recommence the above
described movements.
The mechanical hand 56, 105, is given the above described movement by the
mechanism hereinafter described shown in the Figs. 24, 25, and 26 (corresponding
to the positions (Figs. 16 18, and 19).
The plate 57 carries an eccentric shaft 107 whereon the hind finger 105 of the
mechanical hand is fixed. The fore finger 56 is movable round the shaft 107 and
can oscillate in order to thus produce the opening and closing of the hand.
A rod 112 carrying the pivot of the mechanical hand is connected at one end
with the oscillating plate 57 and at the other end can slide in a pivoted guide 113
attached to the end of an arm 114. A double cam 111", carried by this rod can
bear against a pawl 115 articulated on the loose nut 110 (Fig. 25) arranged on
the shaft 107 of the hand. This nut has a notch which a pin 109 can engage which
is fastened on the movable finger 56 of the hand.
In the movement of the direction of the arrow Fig. 26, the cam 111" turns
the nut 110 by means of the pawl 115.
By means of the pin 109 engaged in the notch the nut 110 draws the finger 56
with it, and causes it to move apart from the finger 105 so that the hand is opened.
This opening is produced at the end of the course of the rod 112 as shown in
Fig. 26. At this moment the matches drop in the box drawer" presented by
the rotary plate 60. When the movement of the plate 57 takes place in the
reverse direction as indicated by the arrow Fig. 26, the cam 111ª leaves the
pawl 115, which acts no longer on the nut 110. This latter is given its original
position by means of the pin 109 of the finger 56 drawn by a spring 118 acting
upon its upper prolongation. When the plate 57 has reached the position shown
in Fig. 24 the second projection of the cam 111 bears on a finger 116 fastened
on the nut so that the same is turned for the purpose of opening the mechanical
hand in order to allow the same to penetrate into the body of matches brought
by the fork 53. As soon as the projection of the cam quits the finger 116 the
nut no longer acts on the finger 56. The latter drawn by the spiral spring 118
on the arm 117 moves suddenly towards the finger 105 and the mechanical hand
thus closing seizes the quantity of matches necessary for charging a box. At the
reverse movement of the plate 57 the above movements recommence. The axle of
the plate 57 is carried by an arm 117 and governed by the vertical reciprocating
movement of the rack 58.
The rack is moved by a cam 59 keyed on the main shaft of the machine (see
Fig. 1).
The oscillating movements of the settler 61 are obtained by means of a rod 63
which gears with a variated cam 64 keyed on the main shaft (see Figs. 1 and 19).
The horizontal plate GO has a number of notches or openings for receiving the
drawers of the boxes (Figs. 2 and 16 to 19). These drawers are supplied to the
plate by a slightly curved feeder 68 (Fig. 3); the drawers arranged in the same
with their sides touching slide forward under the action of their own weight one
drawer being removed each time a notch of the plate 60 passes underneath the
lower end of the feeder 68. The plate receives an intermittent rotary movement.
For this purpose it has on its lower part a wheel with eight teeth 65 (Fig. 1)
actuated by a rotary finger 66 receiving its movement of rotation from the
bevelled gear 67 actuated by the main shaft of the machine. The finger 66 at

page_text: each revolution moves the plate 60 an eighth rotation bringing at each movement
a fresh empty drawer before the mechanical hand.
When in consequence of the rotating movements of the plate 60 the drawer
filled with matches (in passing underneath a protecting plate) arrives diametrically
opposite the mechanical hand 56 (Fig. 3) a lever 69 having a horizontal movement
and pivoted at 70 (actuated by the movement of an inclined plane 71 fastened to
a sliding piece 72) removes the drawer from the plate 60 and causes it to slide
into a chamber 73 (Figs. 3 and 4). Opposite this chamber 73 at wheel 74 is
arranged provided with notches which come successively in the prolongation of
the axis or centre of the chamber 73. These notches to the number of eight are for
receiving the outer covers of the boxes or drawers, the said covers being supplied
by a feeder 75 (Fig. 3 and 4) arranged above the wheel 74 and in which they
descend under the action of their own weight.
A striker 77 (Figs. 3 and 4) attached to the sliding piece 72 inserts the filled
drawer into the outer cover lving in the notch now opposite the chamber 73. The
sliding piece 72 is provided laterally with an oblique way (Fig. 3) which a roller
moves fastened on the end of a lever 78 pivoted at 79 and joined at the other end
to a bar 80 which by its movement gives the wheel 74 the intermittent rotating
movement whereby the covers after the filled drawers are inserted are moved
downwards in such a manner that arriving one after the other at the lower side of
the wheel they fall into a shoot 81. The end of the lever 78 carries a cam
which communicates an oscillating movement to a lever 82 pivoted at 83 and
actuating a plug 84 assuring the perfect centering in the wheel 74 of the cover
in which a drawer is to be inserted.
The sliding piece 72 actuating the whole mechanism of inserting the drawers
into the covers described here before, is actuated by an eccentric 85 (Figs.
and 4)
keyed on the main shaft which receives its movement from the pulley 86.
The construction of the hopper specified in the commencement of the descrip-
tion can be modified so as to allow the suppression of the shaking movement.
Under these conditions the sides of the compartments of the hopper are constituted
partly by endless straps the movement of which favors the regular settling of
the matches on the bottom of the hopper.
The tilting movement of the receivers can be dispensed with so that they have
only the advance movement to the discharging position and the immediate
return movement into the loading position as herebefore described.
Figs. 20 and 21 represent respectively in vertical section and in plan partly
in section a hopper with these modifications.
The hopper comprises the four principal inclined compartments 87 whose
sides are formed partly by endless straps 88 travelling in the direction indicated
by the arrows on rollers 89 actuated by toothed gearing 90 operated by means
of gear by the large horizontal wheel 11 (Fig. 1).
The lower part of each compartment 87 ends in a rectangular box 91 the bottom
of which is provided with openings 92 which can be closed or opened by means
of a grating 93 having corresponding openings. A certain number of partitions 94
having the same shape as the compartments and ending at the lower end in opposed
inclined planes 95 (Fig. 21) divide the compartments 87 into a number of smaller
compartments each of which diminishes in size ending in openings 92.
In the chambers 91 under the partitions 94 plates 96 are arranged which extend
into the receivers 97 provided with corresponding slits, so that they can be
advanced and are guided on the said plates 96 which have preferably such a
length (Fig. 20) that when the last receiver 97 is in the advanced discharging
position the plate is still engaged in the slit of the back wall of this last receiver.
The frames are placed on this hopper in the same manner as on the one
previously described. When the matches fall the movement of the straps 88
transfers them to the grating 93 of the boxes 91. When the grating 93 is opened
the matches fall into the receivers 97 always remaining parallel on account of the
plates 96. The regular settlement of the matches in the compartments 87 can if

page_text: desired be done by rotating brushes acting from above upon the matches whilst
the straps 88 move them from below.
The movement of the receivers 97 fastened on the carriage 16 is done by the
same means as before described for the receivers 14, and they are discharged in
the same manner into the collector 51 by a rake having a to and fro movement.
Figs. 27 and 28 represent a modification in the construction of the collector 51
the latter being provided with a settling device for giving a determined height
to the body of matches advancing in the collector and to maintain them strictly
parallel with regard to one another. The same figures represent a separating
mechanism replacing the knife 55 described before, this separating mechanism
being constituted by a (second) rake arranged on the rear end of the collector so
that it transports a determined quantity of matches into the fork 53.
The body of matches transported in the collector 51 by the endless band of
caoutchouc passes under a series of horizontal rollers 140 which can if required
each be composed of a certain number of disks mounted on the same axle and
being independent, the one from the other. The axles of these roller's or disks
are mounted free in grooves or slots arranged in the walls of the collector:
These rollers are given by the movement of the body of matches a rotary motion
and exercise by their weight a slight elastic pressure upon the matches. The
latter are thus levelled to a certain height the excess of matches being prevented
from passing by the rollers. The rollers have a smooth part the diameter of which
is less than that of the body which is roughened or ribbed or coated with material.
This smooth part comes over a groove 141 arranged in the bottom of the collector.
By this means the matches are in contact with the collector and the covered or
roughened part of the rollers, only by their stems the sections of which are
approximately equal. Their heads the diameters of which are greater than
those of the stems are free in the space between the groove 141 and the smooth
part of the rollers 140. It therefore undergoes no pressure which might lead to
a disturbance of the indispensable parallelism of the matches constituting the
advancing body.
On coming to the end of the band surface the matches leave the last roller and
are pushed upon an even horizontal metallic plate. A rake 143, actuated by a
rod 144 connected with the table 21 and guided by a guideway 142 pushes the
matches into the three fold fork 53 when the latter is in the lowest position.
This device has the purpose of preventing the edges of the fork 53 when the
same is ascending from meeting the mass of matches and destroying the parallel
arrangement of the same, and is somewhat similar to the guide way 103, 104
shown in Fig. 23. The plate terminating the rod 144 of the rake 143 carries at
the side a bolt or roller 144". When the rake is in the position shown in Fig. 28
after having pushed the matches into the fork 53, the rod 144 is drawn back, the
bolt 144 runs up on the inclined guide 142 of 142 and arrives at the horizontal
guide 142 of the same, the rake 143 is thus lifted and passes freely over
the matches in the collector; arrived at the end of its course the bolt 144" leaves
the horizontal guide 142b of 142 and falls on to another horizontal guide 142° of
142, the rake 143 is consequently lowered. When the rod 144 is then pushed
forward the bolt 144 passes between the guides 142b and 142° and as it arrives
near the other end of its course, lifts the guide 142 as the same is pivoted at 142d
in order that it may again mount the inclined guide 142".
The course and rapidity of movement of the rake 143 are calculated so as not to
push into the fork 53 more than the number of matches necessary to fill one box.
Settling rollers or disks of the above described kind can also be used in the
hopper represented in Fig. 20 and 21, these disks being arranged opposite the
endless straps 88 and thus replace the rotary brushes mentioned before.
Figs. 29 and 30 represent measuring and filling mechanism replacing if
required the mechanical hand and the fork before described.
This filling mechanism consists of a measuring box or receiver comprising two
movable walls which can approach or go apart from each other.

page_text: The matches coming from the collector 51 fall into this measuring receiver
whose movable walls form, in the closed position, a V open towards the top
and closed below. The partitions on opening allow the escape of the matches
which drop into a box drawer led underneath this receiver by the rotary
plate 60.
"
33
In order to diminish the height of the fall of the matches the measuring receiver
can be arranged to descend with its charge toward the drawer to be filled and to
ascend when it is empty or vertical reciprocating movements can be given to the
forwarding device of the box drawers for the same purpose.
The filling is preferably done by the said receiver penetrating into the drawer
and discharging the measured quantity of matches.
An horizontal knife travelling above the upper opening of the V shaped
receiver separates the matches of this receiver from the body of matches coming
from the collector.
The matches having passed under the rollers 140 are projected into an opening
arranged in the bottom of the collector 53. This opening is framed at its lower
part by four metal plates two of which (150 placed transversely to the axis of
the collector can turn or are hinged at 151. The two others 152 are stationary.
The axles of the hinges 151 are provided with pieces 154 wherein a bent bar 155
18 engaged. In the normal position the two walls 150 are inclined so as to touch
each other at their lower ends and form with the walls 152 a box in form of a V
whose capacity is exactly the same as the match box to be filled.
The matches travelling on the bottom 52 exactly fill the space between the
walls 150; at this moment a knife 156 moving horizontally separates the matches
contained in the V shaped box from those travelling in the collector.
At the same moment the rotary plate 60 carrying the empty drawers brings a
drawer underneath the V shaped box and at this moment is given an ascending
movement which brings it close under the V shaped box in order to limit the fall
of the matches into the drawer. For this effect a special roller way arranged on
the lower part of the plate meets a roller which forces a plate to rise.
Naturally the mechanism for feeding the empty drawers and for removing the
-filled drawers combined with the rotating plate can be modified so as to operate
according to the vertical movements given to the plate.
However, as before mentioned the box 150, 152, can have vertical movements,
the rotating plate 60 remaining stationary. For this purpose it is sufficient to
arrange the axles 151 in movable supports which can be displaced vertically under
the action of a rack or the like in suitable guides. The short pieces 154 form
vertical slides which allow them to move vertically to the bar 155.
When the box 150, 152 is engaged in the drawer the bent bar 155 is struck
by the table 21 and by means of the short pieces 154 forces the walls 150 to take a
vertical position which allows the matches to fall into the empty drawer.
The roller way of the plate 60 then leaves the cam, the plate descends again
and the same movements are repeated.
The stationary membrane 157 placed across the knife is for the purpose of
preventing the matches from being drawn back by it in its backward movement.
The box formed by the four walls 150, 152 can also be given an abrupt lateral
movement in order to arrange the matches strictly parallel.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is;-
1. An improved machine for filling match-boxes in which the frames carrying
the matches are placed on a hopper divided into longitudinal compartments each
corresponding to a fixed number of rows of matches of the frame by which com-
partments the matches removed from the frame are brought into receivers placed
underneath the hopper and moving successively towards a collector which receives
the load of these receivers and forwards it towards a dividing device separating
from the entire body of matches, determined quantities, which it removes from

page_text: th
the body of matches and presents to a mechanical hand which places these
quantities into drawers" or empty boxes advanced successively towards this
hand by a rotating plate guiding the filled drawers towards an inserting
mechanism which removes the filled drawers from the plate and places them into
the box covers.
2. In a match box filling machine the arrangement of a stripper comprising a
hopper divided into a number of principal compartments the latter having a
number of divisions or small compartments and corresponding with a determined
number of longitudinal rows of matches of the frame, the said compartments
ending in inclined parts to which receivers can adapt themselves being led
successively in axial line with a collector returning after discharging into the
collector to the position ready for loading.
3. In a match box filling machine the arrangement of a stripper comprising a
divided hopper, the compartments of which end in inclined chambers having
bottoms provided with rectangular openings which can be closed and opened by
means of a movable grating.
4. In a match box filling machine the arrangement of a stripper comprising a
divided hopper the said hopper being movable on its supports so as to be capable
of slight lateral displacements or sudden movements under the action of suitable
mechanism.
5. In a match box filling machine, the arrangement of a stripper comprising a
divided hopper composed of inclined chambers whose lower side walls constituting
a part of the bottom are formed by endless straps causing the regular settlement
of the matches in narrow chambers terminating the said inclined chambers.
6. In a match box filling machine the arrangement of a stripper comprising a
hopper with compartments of which the bottoms are partially formed by endless
straps actuated and moved by means of rollers and the like, in the direction of the
fall of the matches, guiding or traction devices such as rotary brushes being
arranged in the interior of the compartments opposite the said straps.
7. In a match box filling machine the arrangement of a stripper comprising a
divided hopper terminating in chambers with inclined bottoms upon which
receivers can adapt themselves which are pivoted on a carriage and connected
together by a connecting rod so that they tilt simultaneously when one of them
abuts against an inclined plane or other analogous arrangement.
8. In a match box filling machine the arrangement of a stripper comprising a
divided hopper in combination with receivers which have an advance movement
towards a common collector.
9. In a match box filling machine the arrangement of a stripper comprising a
divided hopper in combination with receivers having an advance movement
towards a common collector, the said receivers being traversed by stationary
plates extending just to the lower chambers of the divided hopper.
10. In a match box filling machine the arrangement of a stripper in which the
receivers are secured on a movable frame or table, capable of an independent
advance movement with regard to a carriage which carries the whole system
of receivers.
11. In a match box filling machine the arrangement of a stripper in which the
receivers are fastened on a frame carried by a carriage which receives an advance
movement by means of a lever having a movable pawl and being locked after each
advance movement by means of bolts which retire from the guides of the carriage
at each movement and at a quick backward movement of the carriage into its
original position.
12. In a match box filling machine the arrangement of a stripper in which the
receivers are actuated by a carriage advanced by a lever with a movable pawl
which after the last advance of the receivers is engaged by a pin or other
equivalent arrangement arranged on a lever pivoted on a stationary plate so
that it does not oppose the return movement of the carriage when the same is
freed from the bolts.

page_text: 13. In a match box filling machine the arrangement of a stripper wherein the
matches of the receivers are removed by means of a rake having a to and fro move-
ment and guided so as to fall with its prongs behind the row of matches so as to
draw the matches into a collector arranged in the prolongation of the frame and
then rise in order to pass over and engage the row of matches of the following
receiver advanced in its turn.
14. In a match box filling machine the arrangement of a collector receiving the
loads of the receivers successively, the bottom of the said collector being formed
by an endless band which forwards the matches towards a mechanism for dividing
or sorting the matches into determined quantities.
15. In a match box filling machine the arrangement of a collector provided
with rollers arranged above the bottom of the same which may be composed of
discs the axles of which rollers have a certain amount of play so as to allow these
rollers to bear with slight pressure on the body of matches at the same time
allowing them to pass so as to settle down the said moving body in a uniform
manner.
16. In a match box filling machine the arrangement above the movable bottom
of the collector of a series of rollers or settling disks causing a progressive settling
of the body of matches advancing in the collector.
17. In a match box filling machine the arrangement of settling rollers having
a grooved or roughened part and a smooth part of less diameter than the grooved
part which is arranged opposite a longitudinal groove arranged in the collector
so that the rollers do not exercise any pressure upon the heads of the matches.
18. In a match box filling machine the arrangement of settling disks or rollers
in the hopper opposite the endless bands partly forming the bottom or lower side
walls of the compartments.
19. In a match box filling machine the arrangement of mechanism for separating
determined quantities from an advancing body of matches, the said mechanism
comprising an abutment for the moving matches column and a movable knife
having movement at a certain distance before the said abutment.
20. In a match box filling machine a separating and forwarding device consist-
ing of a rake arranged at the rear end of the collector, the said rake having
reciprocating movement from above to below and reversely.
21. In a match box filling machine a device for removing determined quantities
from a body of advancing matches the said device comprising fork shaped plates
moving vertically in slots arranged in the bottom of the collector so as to present
the matches to a suitable packing device.
22. In a match box filling machine the arrangement of a device for filling the
empty boxes or drawers consisting of a gripper or mechanical hand which can
descend, and its branches open, upon a determined quantity of matches, then close
in order to seize these matches, then forwarding them above an empty drawer
(box) and finally opening in order to leave them in the drawer.
23. In a match box filling machine the arrangement of a filling arrangement
consisting of a gripper or mechanical hand having double branches wherewith
it can penetrate between the blades of the fork.
24. In a match box filling machine the arrangement of a mechanical hand
articulated eccentrically on an oscillating plate, the fingers of which solicited
by a spring are connected to a rod articulated to a sliding bar so as to have a
course in the arc of a circle in which the fingers of the hand closed at the
beginning open at the end of the course and the fingers of the hand open at this
end of the course close again at the first end of the course.
25. In a match box filling machine the arrangement of a box or receiver under-
neath the collector the said receiver comprising two fixed sides and two hinged
sides parallel to the match elements coming from the collector, these hinged
sides being operated by a bar or any other analogous device so as to be simul-
taneously closed in order to form a V shaped chamber open towards the top and

page_text: closed toward the bottom and to be opened simultaneously in order to allow the
load of matches received from the collector to fall into a drawer or box.
26. In a match box filling machine the arrangement above the upper opening
of the filling receiver of a horizontal knife having a to and fro movement in order
to set free or close the said opening accordingly as the filling receiver is to be
in communication or otherwise with the body of matches brought by the collector.
27. In a match box filling machine the arrangement above the horizontal knife
of a fixed transversal plate for arresting the matches drawn by the knife in its
backward movement.
28. In a match box filling machine an arrangement for causing the regular
settlement of the matches in the box or drawer and for preventing the matches
from falling outside such device consisting of a pivoted plate, given such move-
ment as to slightly strike in quick succession the upper open part or matches of
the drawer.
29. In a match box filling machine an arrangement for forwarding the empty
and filled boxes or drawers, consisting of a plate having notches or cut out parts
given intermittent rotary movement so that it can receive in its notches empty
drawers coming from a suitable device and can lead them successively to the
filling spot and forward them then to the spot where they are to be placed in the
box covers.
30. In a match box filling machine an arrangement for supplying empty drawers
to the forwarding plate, consisting of a feeder curved at the lower end so as to
be level with the bottom of the notches in which the drawers descend by their
own weight.
31. In a match box filling machine an arrangement for inserting the boxes into
their covers comprising a lever which removes the filled drawers from the notches
of the forwarding plate and forwards the same into a chamber arranged opposite
a notched wheel which successively moves the outer covers of the match boxes
which it receives from a suitable reservoir arranged above the said wheel into
the path of the said chamber.
32. In a match box filling machine an inserting arrangement comprising a
piston which pushes the filled drawers into their covers brought opposite the
drawers by a notched wheel which forwards the complete filled boxes into an outlet
shoot.
33. In a match box filling machine an inserting device comprising a piston
which pushes the filled drawers into their covers carried by a notched wheel
having an intermittent rotary movement, a stop being brought upon the covers
from the side opposite the piston in order to assure the centering of the covers.
34. In a match box filling machine an inserting device comprising a lever
removing the drawers from the forwarding plate, a notched wheel successively
bringing the covers opposite the drawers and a stop assuring the perfect centering
of the cover during the insertion of the drawers, the different parts being actuated
by a sliding bar carrying a cam for the displacement of the said lever and con-
nected by lever systems with the notched wheel and the centering stop.
35. The match box filling machine operating substantially as described.
36. The match box filling machine substantially as described and illustrated in
the annexed drawings.