OPERATION OF THE MACH
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application, 6th Sept., 1899
Complete Specification Left, 6th June, 1900-Accepted, 25th Aug., 1900
The machine
1ST. OPERATION OF THE MACHINE.
operated by means of fixed and loose pulleys. The fixed pulley
is keyed on the driving shaft which rotates in two bearings one of them forming
part of the frame of the machine.
This shaft is provided also:-
(a) With a fly-wheel for regulating the movement of the machine:-
(b) With a cam which produces the advance movement of the cutting blade:
(c) With a toothed wheel which, by means of loose intermediate wheels trans-
mits its movement to another toothed wheel keyed on a working shaft.
At the other end of this shaft is keyed another toothed wheel which actuates a
wheel keyed on another shaft.
These three shafts rotate at the same velocity, the first and third turning in
the same direction while the second shaft rotates in the opposite direction. The
machine is provided also with a fourth shaft supported in bearings. This shaft
partakes of an intermittent movement, that is to say, it passes through a quarter
of a revolution for every revolution of the other shafts, remaining at rest while
the other shafts continue to complete the other three quarters of their revolu-
tions.
[2ND. DESCRIPTION OF THE WORK PERFORMED BY THE MACHINE.
The cork is cut into cubes as for the ordinary hand machines. These cubes
are then placed on an inclined plane formed by two guides which can be adjusted
to each other to suit the length of the said cubes. Two other bars or guides
guide the ends of the cubes in such a manner as to lead the cube exactly into the
opening of the upper end of a lever.
At the end of this lever is a plate which can be replaced by other plates of
different thicknesses according to the thickness of the stoppers to be made.
The lower part of the cork cubes rests on two screws which being screwed in
the lever can also be so regulated as to correspond to the dimensions of the stopper.
On the opposite side of the plate are arranged two levers the upper ends of which
are destined to press the cork cube against the plate at the moment the lever
begins its forward movement, and to keep it in this position until the moment
when it is taken hold of by the jaws.
A spring acts on the lower arms of the levers so as to allow them to press the
cork cube against the plate.
A cam keyed on the working shaft acts, when revolving, on a roller fixed on a
fork, the head of which is solidly united with the lever. Now, the lever is
mounted on a fixed shaft and whenever the cam, in its course of rotation, operates

page_text: on the roller, the lever will be forced to pivot-around the shaft. At this moment
the cork cube is taken hold of by the jaws or holders and inasmuch as the cam is
no longer moving the roller the lever returns to its first position under the action
of a spring. During this movement of recoil of the lever the ends of the pair
of levers strike against the lower part of the guides, causing the spring of the
levers to yield. This momentary arrest of the levers leaves in the upper part
between them and the plate, an opening of sufficient dimensions to allow the
following cube held between the holders to fall on the screws and against the
plate.
As we have stated above and again repeat here, it should be understood that
the levers do not hold the cork cube against the plate except when the lever is
displaced towards the left; for as long as the lever remains in its initial position
the levers are detained by the guides and do not press against the cork cube. A
pad or plate actuated by a spring is intended to press the cork cube firmly against
the screws whenever it passes underneath during the rotary movement of the
lever.
When the cork cube has been moved by the lever and under the conditions just
described, before the two holders which are intended to take hold of it, the
movable jaw or holder (which is supported by a slide or guide movable in a
longitudinal direction and which is held away by a plate against which presses a
roller opposing the movement which a spring tends to give to it) in approaching
takes hold of the cork cube and presses it onto the points of the fixed holder. In
order that such movement should be possible, it is evident that the plate must
withdraw at this moment so as to keep the roller no longer arrested. For this
purpose the working shaft is provided with a cam which acts on the lower end of
à lever mounted on a fixed axle. Now, this lever is connected to the plate,
and under the action of the cam this plate can be withdrawn backwards in such
a manner as to allow the roller to pass and consequently the inovable holder to
press the cork cube against the fixed points. As soon as the cork cube is taken
hold of by the fixed points the plate under the action of a spring returns to its
place to oppose the passage of the next roller. A cross shaped part serves as a
guide for the rods around which are arranged springs. This part also serves as
an abutment for the springs and consequently permits the adjustment of the
distance of the jaws according to the dimensions of the corks to be cut.
As soon as the cork cube, to be worked is pierced and held by the holder a
cam keyed on the working shaft acts on the lower end of a tappet or lever which
under the action of a spring holds in place the transporting plate during the
taking up of the cork cube by the pointed holder and also during the time that
the cork is being shaped. As soon as this operation is finished, an operation
which is carried out in a manner hereinafter described, the upper end of the
tappet under the action of the cam rises and liberates the transport plate.
At this moment a crank or arm fixed to the third shaft and carrying at its
end a roller acts upon the transport plate by means of the said roller which
engages with one of four recesses or slots provided for that purpose in the plate,
the crank therefore causes the plate to pass through a quarter of a revolution.
During the first quarter of a revolution no operation of cutting takes place.
the second quarter turn the cork cube is placed in the position required for the
cutting and at this moment the blade begins to act.
3. OPERATION OF THE CUTTING BLADE.
After
The blade is secured to a blade holder which slides on two hars and which is
connected by means of a part to the end of a system of crossed levers. The other
end of this system of levers is secured to the frame of the machine by means of a
block. The rod of the second articulation is provided at its lower end with a
roller which engages in a recess made in steel plate the latter itself being fixed
to another plate. The latter slides on two rods and is provided at its end with a
roller on which acts a cam keyed on the driving shaft,

page_text: The movement of the plate, the travel of which is increased by the system of
crossed levers allows of the stopper being finished by a single course of the blade.
4. THE ROTATION OF THE CORK BLOCK.
When the cork cube has been placed in position by the transporting plate so
as to be ready for cutting by the blades, the latter begins to come forward owing
to the action of the cam on the plate as already described.
As soon as the blade touches the cork block a cam keyed on the third shaft
which is actuated by continuous movement, acts on a roller mounted on a fork and
causes a movable piece on the hub of the transport part to enter progressively.
The movable part is provided with two rings or discs.
One ring is toothed on part of its circumference and the other ring is such that
the radius is equal to the outer edges of the toothing of the sector of the other
ring. The part facing the former is suitably recessed.
Every prong-carrying shaft is provided at its front part with a toothed wheel
keyed on the shaft and a ring of which the side which faces the centre is hollowed
out in such a manner as to exactly fit the circumference of one of the rings
referred to. The ring is designed to hold the toothed wheel in such a manner
that it is always in the same position before the first tooth of the sector of the
other ring. It is fixed on the shaft of the toothed wheel.
When the cam is in operation the sector of the ring describes an arc of a circle
around the hub of the transport part which at that moment is rendered immovable
by means of the tappet.
The displacement of the sector of the ring has the effect of forcing the toothed
wheel of the ring to pass through two revolutions in which the shaft participates
being rigidly united with it. The cork cube is also rotated since it is held between
the pronged holders. (It should be observed here that one of the pronged holders
is rigidly united with the shaft.)
When the cork stopper has effected its first turn cams keyed on the working
shaft and actuating rollers force the two pieces carrying the two plates on which
slides the blade holder to approach towards the axis of the stopper. The blade
is therefore forced, to approach the axis of the stopper and since the sector of
the ring continues its movement while the blade continues to advance, the stopper
revolves during the second turn of rotation of the pinion.
When the toothed sector of the ring commences to operate on the pinion the
ring which up to that moment is opposed to the rotation of the shaft coming
opposite the recessed portion of the ring permits the shaft to make its two turns.
When the sector returns back the ring becomes again engaged with its smooth
part with the circumference of the ring and thus prevents the rotation of the
shaft until it again presents itself before the first tooth of the sector.
The stopper being turned in the manner described, the transport part makes a
quarter of a revolution, and at the same time the movable piece on the hub of
the transport device being brought back owing to the action of a spring returns
to its original position. At the same time the roller comes in contact with an
inclined plane divided at the end of a piece. The roller thus forces the movable
holder to move away from the other fixed holder whereby the stopper is allowed
to fall. (The blade recedes backwards at every quarter turn of the transport
part).
5. REGULATING THE BLADE.
: The regulation or adjustment of the blade so as to correspond to the diameter
of the cork stopper to be made, and its conical inclination or form, is produced
by means of nuts of which the screw is cut to the right at one end and to the
left at the other.
With one of the ends of these nuts engage rods which are guided by supports
and provided with rollers upon which two cams act.

page_text: On these two latter parts are mounted the two parts which carry the two plates
on which slides the blade holder.
At the other end of the plates are fixed two plates behind which are provided
two springs the tension of which is regulated by means of collars. The two
springs are intended to constantly press the rollers against the blades.
The two plates are movable on two transverse carriers forming part of the frame
of the machine.
The bars on which the blade holder slides is arranged so as to be able to take
the inclination required for the production of conical stoppers.
The four prong-carrying shafts are held in the transport part by a block
provided with two shoulders.
This block engages in a bronze bearing and is held by a cap. The opposite
end of the shaft is held by an arch fixed to the plate, in which is screwed a screw
the end of which is pointed to engage with the shaft to form a counterpoint.
Dated this 6th day of September 1899.
BOULT, WADE & KILBURN,
Agents for the Applicants.
Improvements in or relating to Machines for Cutting Corks.
We, CHARLES NOEL and JULES CLERC, of Rue Armand Carrel, Paris, in the
Republic of France, Engineers, do hereby declare the nature of this invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement:-
The present invention relates to a machine for cutting corks. In order to
render the explanation as clear as possible, we have, by way of example, repre-
sented our invention in the accompanying drawings:
Figure 1 is a front view of the machine, of which Figure 2 is a plan.
Figure 3 is a side view of the left side of the machine as seen in the direction of
the arrow A of Figures 1 and 2.
Figure 4 is a cross section on the line B-C, Figure 2 showing the mechanism
used for carrying the cork cubes into the machine.
Figure 5 is a front view of same.
Figure 6 is a plan, and
Figure 7a horizontal section on the line F--G, Figure 4, 'all referring to the
feeding device.
Figure 8 is a cross section on the line D-E Figure 2, illustrating the means
employed to take hold of the cork cubes and to deliver the stopper when finished.
Figure 9 is a front view of the arrangement for pressing the jaws during the
time of cutting, and freeing them.
Figure 10 is a plan view, and
Figure 11 is a cross section on the line H-I Figure 9.
Figure 12 is a side view showing the arrangement of the shafts of the jaw-
holders in the plate which forwards the cork cubes in front of the blade which
is to cut them."
Figure 13 is a front view of the device represented in Figure 12.
Figures 14, 15, 16, and 17 are detail views of the means for rotating the cork
during the cutting operation.
Figures 18 and 19 represent a side view and front view respectively of the
mechanism used for actuating the apparatus which carries the cork tubes before
the cutting blade.

page_text: Figures 20, 21, and 22 represent an elevation, a plan and a side view respectively
of the mechanism for regulating the position of the cutting blade.
Figures 23, 24, and 25 represent an elevation, a plan and a cross section
respectively of the mechanism for advancing the blade.
1ST. OPERATION OF THE MACHINE.
The machine is operated by means of a fixed and a loose pulley not shown..
These pulleys are mounted on the driving shaft 3 (Figures 1, 2, and 3) which
rotates in two bearings 4 and 5, the latter forming part of the frame of the
machine.
This shaft 3 is provided also.
(a) With a fly-wheel 6 for regulating the movement of the machine:
(6) With a cam 68 which produces the advance movement of the cutting
blade:
(c) With a toothed wheel 8 which, by means of loose intermediate wheels, 9
and 10 transmits its movement to another toothed wheel 11 keyed on a' working.
shaft 12. At the other end of this shaft 12 is keyed another toothed wheel 13,
which actuates a wheel 14 keyed on another shaft 15 (Figure 2).
These three shafts 3, 12 and 15 rotate at the same velocity, the first and third. 3.
and 15, turning in the same direction while the second shaft, 12, rotates in the
opposite direction. The machine is provided also with a fourth shaft 16, supported
in bearings 17 and 18. This shaft has an, intermittent movement, that is to say
it passes through a quarter of a revolution for every revolution of the other shafts,
remaining at rest while the other shafts continue. to complete the other three
quarters of their revolutions.
2ND. DESCRIPTION OF THE WORK PERFORMED BY THE MACHINE.
The cork is cut into cubes as for the ordinary hand machines. These cubes
are then placed on an inclined plane formed by two guides 19 and 20 (Figure 7)
which can be adjusted to each other to suit the length of the said cubes. Two
other bars or guides 21 and 22 guide the ends of the cubes in such a manner as
to lead the cube exactly into the opening of the upper end of a lever 23.
At the end of this lever is a plate 24 which can be replaced by other plates
of different thicknesses according to the thickness of the stoppers to be made.
The lower part of the cork cubes rests on two screws 25 and 26 (Figure 5)
which being screwed in the lever 23 can also be so regulated as to correspond to
the dimensions of the stopper. On the opposite side to the plate 24 are arranged
two levers 27, 28 (Figures 4 and 5) the upper ends of which are destined to press
the cork cube against the plate 24 at the moment the lever 23 begins its forward
movement, and to keep it in this position until the moment when it is taken hold
of by the jaws.
:
A spring 29 (Figure 4) acts on the lower arms of the levers 27 and 28 so as to
cause them to press the cork cube against the plate 24.
A cam 30 (Figures 2 and 4) keyed on the working shaft 12, acts, when revolving,
on a roller 31 fixed on a fork 32, the head of which is solidly united with the
lever 23. Now, this lever is mounted on a fixed shaft 33 and whenever the cam,
in its course of rotation, operates on the roller 31, the lever 23 will be forced to
pivot around the shaft 33 in the direction indicated by the arrow (Figure 4).
in such manner that the upper part of the lever 23 will then occupy the position
indicated by the dotted lines. At this moment the cork cube is taken hold of
by the jaws or holders 44 and 40 (Figure 10), and inasmuch as the cam 30 is no
longer advancing the roller 31 the lever 23 returns to its first position under the
action of a spring 35 (Figure 4). During this movement of recoil of the lever 23
the ends of the pair of levers 27 and 28 strike against the lower part of the
guides 36 and 37 (Figure 7) causing the spring 29 of the levers to yield. This
momentary arrest of the levers 27 and 28 leaves in the upper part between them
and the plate 24; an opening of sufficient dimensions to allow the following cube

page_text: held between the holders, 19, 20, 21 and 22, to fall on the screws 25 and 26 and
against the plate. 24.
As we have stated above, and again repeat here, it should be understood that
the levers 27 and 28 only hold the cork cube against the plate when the lever 23
is displaced towards the left (Figure 4); for as long as the lever 23 remains in
its initial position (Figure 4) the levers 27 and 28 are detained by the guides 36
and 37 and do not press against the cork cube.
:
A pad or plate 38, actuated by a spring 39 is intended to. press the cork cube
firmly against the screws 25 and 26 whenever it passes underneath during .the
rotary movement of the lever 23.
When the cork cube has been moved by the lever 23 and under the conditions
just described, before the two holders (Figures 9 and 10) which are intended to
take hold of it, the movable jaw or holder 40 (which is supported by a slide or
guide movable in a longitudinal direction, and which is held away by a plate 41
against which presses a roller 42 opposing the movement which a spring 43 tends
to give to it) in approaching takes hold of the cork cube and presses it onto the
points of the fixed holder 44. In order that such movement should be possible
it is evident that the plate 41 must withdraw at this moment so as to release
the roller 42. For this purpose the working shaft 12 is provided with a cam 45
which acts on the lower end of a lever 46 mounted on a fixed axle 47 (Figure 9).
Now this lever 46 is connected to the plate 41, and under the action of the cam 45
this plate can be, withdrawn backwards in such a manner as to allow the roller 42
to pass and consequently the movable holder to press the cork cube against the
fixed points 44 (Figures 8, 9, and. 10). As soon as the cork cube is taken hold of
by the fixed points 44 the plate 41 under the action of a spring 48 returns to its
place to oppose the passage of the next roller. A cross shaped part 49 (Figures
and 10 and 11) serves as a guide for the rods around which are arranged
springs. 43. This part also serves as an abutment for the springs and conse-
quently permits the adjustment of the distance of the jaws according to the
dimensions of the corks to be cut.
As soon as the cork cube, to be worked is pierced and held by the holder 44,.a
cam 50 (Figures 2, 18 and 19) keyed on the working shaft 12 which occupies at
that moment the position indicated by the dotted lines in Figure 19, acts on the
lower end of a tappet or lever 51, which under the action of a spring 52, holds in
place the transporting plate 34 during the taking up of the cork cube by the
pointed holder 44; and also during the time that the cork is being shaped. As
soon as this operation is finished, which operation is carried out in a manner
hereinafter described, the upper end of the tappet 51 under the action of the
cam 50 rises and liberates the transport plate 34.
At this moment a crank or arm 53 (Figures 2, 18 and 19) fixed to the third
shaft 15 and carrying at its end a roller 54, acts upon the transport plate 34
by means of the said roller which engages with one of four recesses or slots 55¹
provided for that purpose in the plate, the crank 53 therefore in turning down-
wards causes the plate 34 to pass through a quarter of a revolution. During the
first quarter of a revolution no operation of cutting takes place. After the
second quarter turn the cork cube is placed in the position required for cutting,
and at this moment the blade begins to act.
3. OPERATION OF THE CUTTING BLADE.
The blade 58 (Figures 23, 24 and 25) is secured to a blade holder 55 which
slides on two bars 50 and 57 and is connected by means of a part 59 (Figure 23)
to the end of a system of crossed levers 60. The other end of this system of
levers is secured to the frame of the machine by means of a block 61. The rod
of the second articulation is provided at its lower end with a roller 62 which
engages in a recess made in a steel plate 63 the latter itself being fixed to another
plate 64. The latter slides on two rods 65 and 66 and is provided, at its end with
à roller 67 on which acts a cam 68 keyed on the driving shaft 3.

page_text: The movement of the plate 64 the travel of which is increased by the system
of crossed or lazy-long levers allows of the stopper being finished by a single
course or stroke of the blade.
4. THE ROTATION OF THE CORK BLOCK.
When the cork cube has been placed in position by the transporting plate so as
to be ready for cutting by the blade, the latter begins to come forward owing to
the action of the cam 68 on the plate 64 as already described.
As soon as the blade touches the cork block a cam 69 (Figure 14) keyed on the
shaft 15, which has a continuous movement, acts on a roller 70 mounted on a
fork 71 and causes a movable piece 72 on the hub of the transport part 34
to enter progressively into the position indicated by the dotted lines in Figure 14.
The piece 72 is provided with two rings or discs 73 and 74 (Figures 14, 15
16 and 17).
.
The ring 74 is toothed on part of its circumference and the ring 73 is such that
the radius is equal to the outside radius length of the toothed portion of the
ring 74. The part facing the former is suitably recessed.
Each prong-carrying shaft 75 (Figures 12 and 16) is mounted in bearings i
provided with a cap and is provided at its front part with a toothed wheel 76
(Figures 12, 16 and 17) keyed on the shaft and ring 77 of which the side which
faces the centre is hollowed out in such a manner as to exactly fit the circum-
ference of the ring 73. The ring 77 is designed to hold the toothed wheel 76 in
such a manner that it is always in the same position before the first tooth of the
sector of the ring 74. It is fixed on the shaft of the toothed wheel 76.
When the cam 69 is in operation the sector of the ring 74 describes an arc
of a circle around the hub of the transport part 34 which at that moment is
rendered immovable by means of the tappet 51 (Figure 19).
The displacement of the sector of the ring 74 has the effect of forcing the
toothed wheel of the ring 76 to pass through two revolutions in which the
shaft 75 participates being rigidly united with it. The cork cube is also rotated
since it is held between the pronged holders 44 and 40 (Figure 10). (It should be
observed here that the pronged holder 44 is rigidly united with the shaft 75)
When the cork stopper has effected its first turn the cams 80 and 81 (Figures 2.
20) keved on the shaft 12 and actuating the rollers 82 and 83 (Figures 2, 20, 21
and 22) force the two pieces 84 and 85 carrying the two plates 56 and 57 on which
slides the blade holder 55 to approach towards the axis of the stopper. The blade
is therefore forced to approach the axis of the stopper and since the sector of the
ring 74 (Figure 17) continues its movement while the blade continues to advance,
the stopper revolves during the second turn of rotation of the pinion 76.
When the toothed sector of the ring 74 commences to operate on the pinion 76
the ring 77 (Figures 16 and 17) which up to that moment is opposed to the
rotation of the shaft 75 coming opposite the recessed portion of the ring 73
permits the shaft 75 to make its two turns.
When the sector returns back the ring 77 becomes again engaged with its
smooth part with the circumference of the ring 73 and thus prevents the
rotation of the shaft 75 until it again presents itself before the first tooth of the
sector.
The stopper being turned in the manner described, the transport nart 34
makes a quarter of a revolution and at the same time the piece 72 being brought
back owing to the action of the spring 86 (Figure 14) returns to its original
rosition. At the same time the roller 42 (Figure 10) comes in contact with an
inclined plane 87 provided at the end of a part 88. The roller 42 thus forces
the movable holder 40 to move away from the other fixed holder 44 whereby the
stonner is allowed to fall.
The blade recedes backwards at every quarter turn of the transport part 34.
5. REGULATING THE BLADE.
The regulation or adjustment of the blade so as to correspond to the diameter

page_text: of the cork stopper to be made, and its conical inclination or form, is produced by
means of nuts .90 and 91 (Figures 2, 20, 21 and 22 of which the screw is cut to
the right at one end to the left at the other.
With one of the ends of these nuts engage rods 92 and 93 which are guided
by supports 94 and 95 and provided with rollers 82 and 83 upon which two
cams 80 and 81 act.
The other ends of the nuts 90 and 91 engage with rods 96 and 97 which are
secured to two plates 98 and 99. On these two latter parts are mounted the two
parts 84 and 85 which carry the two plates 56 and 57 on which slides the blade
holder.
At the other end of the plates 98 and 99 are fixed two plates (a) (b) behind
which are provided two springs (c) and (d) the tension of which is regulated by
means of collars (e) and (f). The two springs are intended to constantly press
the rollers 82 and 83 against the blades 80 and 81.
.
The two plates 98 and 99 are movable on two transverse carriers (g) and (h)
forming part of the frame of the machine.
The two parts 84 and 85 are articulated on the parts 98 and 99 so as to allow
the bars 56 and 57 to take the inclination required for the production of conical
stoppers.
The four-prong carrying shafts 75 (Figure 12) are held in the part 34 by a block
provided with two shoulders.
This block engages in a bronze bearing and is held by an arch (k) (Figure 12)
fixed to the plate, in which is screwed a screw (1) the end of which is pointed
to engage with the shaft 75 to form a counterpoint.
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:-
1. A machine for cutting corks substantially as described or illustrated in the
accompanying drawings.
2. In a cork cutting machine of the kind described means for positioning and
feeding the cork blocks substantially as described or illustrated in Figures 4
to 7 of the accompanying drawings.
3. In a cork cutting machine of the kind described means for holding the cork
block substantially as described or illustrated in Figure 8 of the accompanying
drawings.
4. In a cork cutting machine of the kind described means for operating the
cork block holders substantially as described or illustrated in Figures 9 to 13 of
the accompanying drawings.
5. In a cork cutting machine of the kind described means for rotating the cork
block during the cutting operation substantially as described or illustrated in
Figures 14 to 17 of the accompanying drawings.
6. In a cork cutting machine of the kind described means for actuating and
controlling the motion of the parts carrying the cork blocks before the cutter
substantially as described or illustrated in Figures 18 and 19 of the accompanying
drawings.
7. In a cork cutting machine of the kind described means for regulating the
position of the cutter substantially as described or illustrated in Figures 20 to 22.
of the accompanying drawings.
8. In a cork cutting machine of the kind described means for advancing the
catter substantially as described or illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Dated this 6th day of June 1900.
BOULT, WADE. & KILBURN,
Agents for the Applicants.