Improvements in Cigar Bunch Machines.
Year: 1889

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Cigar Bunch Machines.
I, FREDRICK CHARLES MILLER, Manufacturer, of Nos. 165-169 East Pearl Street,
Cincinnati, Hamilton County, State of Ohio, 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:-
The objects of my invention are, first, to provide a suitable means for sizing the
filler by feeding tobacco into a proper orifice. Another object of my invention is, to
provide means for delivering the filler into a belt rolling mechanism.
Another object of my invention is to provide suitable means for partially com-
pressing and shaping the filler prior to the operation of rolling it in the binder.
Another object of my invention is to provide an automatic travelling bunch carrier,
which receives the bunch from the belt and then moves into position for delivering
the bunch into a cigar mould.
Another object of my invention is to provide one plunger for putting the filling
into the bunch pocket, and another to deposit the bunch into the mould. Another
object of my invention is to provide suitable means for holding the mould and to
push it forward under the bunch delivering clamp or carrier, and also to provide
releasing mechanism, which automatically operates to release the mould and swing
it partially off the rack, thereby indicating to the operator when the mould is
filled. This mechanism also allows the mould to be readily detached and a new
one inserted ready for a second operation. Another object of my invention is to
provide suitable means for shaking the filler intermittently over an expanding
orifice to size the amount of filler for the bunch. Another object of my invention
is to provide means for adjusting the matrices of the mould in alignment with the
plunger for depositing the bunch therein. Another object of my invention is to
provide a cam mechanism for driving the various parts of the machine. Another
object of my invention is to provide a clutch for causing the main shaft to be
connected to and disconnected from the driving belt at pleasure.
The various features of my invention are set forth in the description of the
accompanying drawings making a part of this specification, in which :—
Figure 1 is a plan view of the machine.
Figure 2 is a side elevation looking towards the mould, which is shown in
section.
Figure 3 is a side elevation on the other side of the machine.
Figure is a longitudinal section on the line IV-IV, figure 1, the cams being
shown in elevation.
Figures 5 and 6 are plan views partly in section of the tobacco carrier beneath
the hopper.
Figure 7 is an end elevation.
Figure 8 is a vertical section on the line VIII-VIII figure 1.
Figure 9 is a detail view showing the belt in the position it assumes when the
tobacco is deposited into the carrying jaws.
Figure 10 is a view of the belt, die follower, and tobacco slide or carrier in the
position they assume when the plunger comes down.
Figures 11 and 12 are detail views of the die follower.
Figures 13 and 14 are detail views of the carrying jaws.
Figure 15 is a detail view of the bunching roller.
Figure 16 is a view of the frame for supporting one end of the belt.
Figure 17 is a detail view of part of the mould moving mechanism.
In the above drawings the machine is shown in the preferred form of con-
struction, which is to employ a single shaft passing centrally through the frame of

page_text: the machine underneath the operating mechanism, and to provide cains, cranks,
and link mechanism conveying unotion in time movements, so that each part of
the mechanism will perform its appropriate work and pause until the other parts
perform theirs, and automatically resume work again.
A represents the posts of the machine. B represents the frame piece to which
the operating mechanism is journalled, and upon which the several parts of the
machine are mounted. C represents the main driving shaft. In this machine I
have embodied a friction clutch for the purpose of starting and stopping the
machine, which, as shown, is under the control of the operator.
G represents the hopper which holds the filler, which is preferably cut into
scraps. In order to size the bunches, I have provided an orifice 1 and a slide
plate I reciprocating intermittently under the hopper, which orifice, in the normal
position, rests under the orifice 2 in the hopper plate H; this hopper bottom is
made to oscillate during the time in which the bunch filling is being sized and
delivered into the orifice 1. 3 represents a zigzag cam wheel on the main shaft,
the cam being formed by the groove in the periphery of the wheel 3, one portion
of which, as at a figures 1 and 2, is shown plain, and the other portion being
zigzag, so that during a portion of the revolution of the main shaft C, the crank
pin 4 will move in the zigzag slot and shake the hopper plate, and during the
remaining part of the revolution, the oscillation ceases. The crank pin 4 is attached
to the vibrating arm 5, see figure 1, which is pivotted to the crank arm 6, which
crank arm is rigidly attached to the stud shaft 7, which journals in the frame B
supporting and oscillating the hopper bottom H. As here shown, the machine is
adapted to perform the operation of sizing the amount of filling, then rolling or
wrapping, and depositing the bunch in a cigar mould with one revolution of the
shaft, which is the preferred construction.
When the orifice 1 in the reciprocating plate I has been filled, the said slide is
thrown forward by the driving shaft. This operation is accomplished by the following
instrumentalities: 8 represents a cam groove formed in a drum, mounted upon
shaft C. 9 represents a crank pin journalling in said cam groove. 10 represents a
vibrating lever, to which the said crank pin is affixed, the lever vibrating upon the
centre.11. 12 represents a link pivotted to the upper end of said lever 10 at one end,
and to the slide I at the opposite end; the preferred point of attachment of said
link 12 is upon the outside of the slide I, as shown in figure 3. In order to impart
motion to the slide I upon both sides of the crank lever, which is feathered to the
shaft 11, the latter passes through the frame, as shown in figure 4, and on its opposite
end is journalled a similar vibrating lever 13, similar in shape and position to lever 10,
and provided at its top with a similar link 12 pivotted to the slide I; this vibrating
lever 13 I also employ for conveying motion to the mould feeding mechanism, which
will be hereinafter explained. The cam groove 8 is so constructed and adjusted that
it moves the slide I forward and then pauses until the filling is pushed out by the
plunger, after which it is retracted.
In order to regulate the amount of filling deposited into the orifice 1 for forming a
given sized bunch, the slide I containing said orifice is so constructed that it may be
adjusted to different sizes, as shown in plan figures 5 and 6. The orifice 1 is formed 4
by sectional pieces 14 and 15; the section 14 is shown as attached to the cross bar 16,
which carries adjusting screws 17.
provided with a spring 19 coiled around said rods.
18 represents carrying rods, each of which is
The ends 17ª of the screws 17 strike against the frame B and stop and control the
opening of the slide. The screws 17 are adjusted so as to control the size of the
opening by means of a worm shaft 20 operated by a crank, and meshing with worm
wheels 20 suitably fitted on the screws. In order to more readily lay the filling in
the orifice 1, the parts may be adjusted so that the screws 17 strike the frame B
before the slide 1 has been carried back, the springs 19 yielding and allowing the
section 14 to be drawn out, expanding the orifice as shown in figure 6. The recoil of 5
the springs 19 communicates motion through rods 18 to section plate 14, drawing it
toward the section 15, and by the time the said orifice 1 has arrived in its outer

page_text: position for delivering the filling into the belt, the section 14 is closed, so as to form
a cigar shape orifice for the filler, in which shape it is delivered to the belt by a
plunger.
In order to retain the cigar shape of the filler, I have provided the following
instrumentalities; 21 represents a die follower, which is supported upon piston rod 22,
and is connected therewith by a dove tail joint, as shown in figure 12. 23 represents
a coil spring, which seats at top of the bore formed in the piston rod 22, and at the
bottom upon the frame B. 25 represents a standard projecting up from the frame B,
as shown in figures 11 and 12, hored to form a journal for the piston rod 22; the
parts are shown in this position with the spring 23 compressed. This compression is
maintained by means of the catch 24, which passes through the orifice or opening in
frame B, and engages on the bottom thereof, as shown in figure 11, thereby holding
the piston 22 down. Just before the bunch is delivered to the belt, a lug 26 on
cam 27 releases the catch 24, when the piston 22 rises under the impulse of the recoil
of spring 23, bringing the follower 21 into position shown in figure 10, under the
belt 28, lifting it up against the bottom of the slide I and immediately under the
orifice 1. 29 represents a plunger, which is made to pass through orifice 1, passing
the filling into the belt 28 supported by the follower 21; the plunger 29 descends,
pressing the piston rod 22 down, forming the pocket in the belt and compressing the
filler between the plunger and follower, catch 24 re-engaging to hold the piston in
position for a second operation. The plunger 29 is operated from cam 30 by means
of bell crank lever 31; said lever is keyed upon shaft 32, which journals in frame B,
as shown in figure 4. 33 represents a link pivotted to the front end of bell crank
lever 31, which link is in turn pivotted to vertical slide 34, which is provided with
arms carrying plunger 29, and preferably a secondary plunger 35. These plungers
are supported by arms 36 and 37, as shown more clearly in figure 7. 38 represents
a standard projecting up from the frame, in which are formed ways to guide and
direct slide 34. The cam 30 is shaped so as to reciprocate the slide 34 down and up
during an appropriate part of the revolution of the main shaft, which will be herein-
after explained. In the preferred form of construction, the plunger 35 is attached to
the arm 36 rigidly connected to the slide 34 and is employed for delivering the bunch
after it is wrapped into a cigar mould simultaneously with the delivering of the filling
for the bunch by plunger 29. Plunger 29 is wider in cross section than plunger 35,
and shorter as the filler is larger and shorter than the completed bunch. Said
plungers 29 and 35 are preferably made concave on their bottom and conform
somewhat to the shape of the cigar, as shown in dotted lines of plunger 29,
figures 2, 3 and 4.
In order to roll the binder around the bunch at the appropriate time, I provide
the following mechanism. Cam 27 is provided with groove 40, in which journals a
crank pin or stud 41, supported by the vibrating crank lever 42; this lever is keyed
upon shaft 43, which passes through and journals in the frame B, as shown in
figure 4. Upon the opposite end of this shaft 43 is keyed a counterpart of
lever 42, except it is not provided with a crank pin, and extension below the
centre 43, but receives its motion through the said shaft 43, the upper end of
said lever 42 and its counterpart 45 supports and moves the journalling bunch
roller 46, the peculiar construction of which is shown in figure 15. Hereto-
fore it has been difficult to roll bunches of various shapes. The rolls have
always been made integral and generally concave, to correspond somewhat.
to the swell of a cigar. Now, as the concave roll travels under the strain of the
belt to form the bunch, the belt is drawn unevenly, the larger portion of the roll,
travelling faster than the small portion, draws the belt faster, causing it to crease in
some parts and slip in others, and besides rapidly wearing out the belt, and making
a rough or uneven bunch.
My improved sectional bunch roller overcomes these difficulties and enables a.
bunch to be made of any desired shape, preserving a uniform tautness of belt. across
the face of the roll and over the cigar.
Set screws 47 pass through the upper ends of levers 42 and 45, and their inner

page_text: cylindrical ends 48 form the journals on which the roller revolves. 49 represents the
axis of the roller, and 50 a cylindrical portion thereof. 51 are rings that are
supported upon
the axis 49 and revolve loosely thereon. To form the taper of the
cigars, the rings are each made successively larger than the preceding one, from the
centre outward. The outside ring may, if desired, have a boss 52, so as to form
the end of a cigar.
These rings will be forced by the strain of the belt into the position shown, so that
they at all times conform to the shape which is produced by the size of rings and
corresponding cylindrical part (or it may be a sleeve) 50. It will thus be seen that
the shape of the cigar can be variously modified by the use of more or less rings, and a
longer or shorter sleeve, and any desired shape of cigar bunch may be quickly produced
by changing the ring and sleeve sections.
This roller will support the belt in a straight line across it, and subject it to uniform
strain across the plane of the belt, as each ring will travel at a speed due to the strain,
the smaller rings proportionally faster than the larger ones.
The construction of the cam groove 40 is such that the levers 42 and 45 are carried
forward over the table 53 and wrap the bunch as soon as the plunger 29 has been
retracted or performed its work. The roller 46, carried by levers 42 and 45, is brought
into position shown in figure 9, and delivers the bunch into a clamp carrier 55 and 56.
The carrier is operated by an intermittently oscillating shaft 57, which is vertically
journalled upon one side of the machine, and is provided with segmental gear 58,
meshing with the segment 59, which is supported upon the oscillating lever 60, as
shown in figure 1.
61 represents a stud projecting down through said lever into the
cam slot which is formed in the drum 62 carried by the main shaft, as shown in
figure 2, whereby the lever 60 is intermittently oscillated. By placing the mould at
one side in the position shown in figure 1, several advantages are derived; first, the
mould may be easily placed in position and readily detached and another one
provided; second, the matrices of the mould are not liable to become filled with
loose scraps of tobacco, which deface the bunch. The preferred form of operating
the carrier 55 and 56 is to have them open sufficiently to readily receive the
bunch which drops from the belt 28 and then to close in the act of carrying the
bunch, so as to have the opening through the clamp registering with the matrice
of the mould. To accomplish this, jaw 56 is journalled on vertical shaft 57,
carrying the segment gear 58, the jaw 55 is hinged in the bracket 63, formed on
the shank of said arm 56. The journal shaft of said clamp 55 passing through
said journal bracket so as to support the coil spring 64 therein, the ends of which
seat against the lug 65 and 66, so that the said clamp 55 opens, or turns on its
axis by the expansion of said spring, thus normally holding the bunch carrier
open. In order to close the bunch carrier, I have provided the following
instrumentalities: 67 represents a fixed cam. 68 represents a stud tapping in the
journal 63 of the clamp 55. 69 represents a slot pierced in the journal bearing
of the bracket 63. The cam 67 is fixed to a part of the frame, so that as the
bunch carrier moves around, the stud 68 comes in contact with the cam 67, and
the clamp 55 is turned upon its journal 63, being positively closed. The parts are
so adjusted that the open position is when the carrier is in place to receive the
bunch; as soon as the carrier is carried back, by the operation of the segmental
gear 58 and 59, the stud 68 is brought into contact with the cam 67, and the
stud, bearing against cam 61, closes the clamp 55, in which position it is carried
over the mould in alignment with one of the matrices of said mould, into which
matrice the bunch is discharged. In order that the arms of the carrier 55 and 56
may be shaped to different sized and shaped bunches, I have provided sectional
filling pieces 71 and 72, which may be taken out and replaced by different sizes
or shapes as the occasion requires.
In order to provide the proper pocket in the belt into which the filler is delivered
and to prevent the drawing of the belt under the plunger in the act of depositing it,
and to maintain this pocket or loop until the binder has made about one turn around
the filler, and then tightening the belt to a proper tension to complete the rolling of

page_text: the bunch, I provide the following mechanism; 76 represents a cam formed on the
rear of the cam drum 27. 77 represents a stud projecting through crank 78, which is
keyed to shaft 79. This shaft passes through the frame, as shown in figure 4, upon
one end of which is keyed an arm 80, and the counterpart of the arm 80 is keyed on
the opposite side of the machine. As the crank 78 rocks the shaft 79, the arms 80 are
carried forward in position to furnish slack for the pocket. In order that the rolling
of the helt may be yieldingly supported during the operation of the roller, I provide
an adjustable spring 81 attached to one of said arms 80, which is strained by the
forward movement of the arm and yieldingly supports the operation of the roller, giving
the requisite tension to the turning of the belt upon the bunch, also as soon as the
bunch roller 46 has stopped in its forward movement, the recoil of the spring draws
back the belt to its normal position.
Mould supporting mechanism, as before stated, is placed upon one side of the
machine, and the feeding mechanism is made to receive its motion from the crank
arm 13, which conveys motion to the crank arm 82, and is journalled upon the rocking
shaft 82, supported by a bracket 83. 82b is a crank on the opposite end of rock
shaft 82. To the top of said shaft is pivotted a spring arm 112, the forward end
of which is turned up, engaging with lugs 113, which project down from the underside
of the mould carrier 84, see figure 2. This mould carrier moves intermittently in the
frame 85, (shown in figure 8) suitable means being provided for journalling said slide
in its frame. The spring arm 112 is moved forward by the oscillation of the crank
arm 82, and when the crank arm 82b moves it backward, the spring arm 112 acts as
a spring detent passing over the lug 113, and re-engaging with the lug next in the
rear for a second forward movement. In order to secure the contact of the detent end
of the spring arm 112, I provide preferably springs 114 and 115, shown in figures 2
and 17, which secure the contact of the detent end of the arm 112 with the lugs 113.
The lower end of the crank arm 13 is slotted, so as to allow the crank 82 to move in
its own arc of the circle.
The following instrumentalities are furnished to provide means for connecting and
disconnecting the cigar mould. 86 represents an arm supported upon the stud 87,
which is supported by the slide 84; this stud also serves as a journal for the yielding
catch 88. This catch is normally held in position shown in full lines figure 1, by the
coil spring 89. Said catch engages with the outer edge of the cigar mould 90, as
shown in figure 1.
In order to automatically release the spring engagement of the mould, I have
provided a pin 92, which is attached to the catch 88, and projects downward through
a slot in the slide 84. At the appropriate point on the spring arm 112, I provide a
slot 93, in which the pin 92 engages in the last backward movement of the spring
arm 112, thereby drawing the pin 88 backwards. As soon as the pin is drawn back,
the spring 91 forces the rear end of the mould 90 outward, and from under arm 86, as
shown in figure 1. The forward end of the mould is supported by the dowel pin 94,
which projects through the dowel hole at the front end of the mould, and is fixed to a
slide 95 provided with a lug 95, through which is screwed an adjusting screw 95°,
that screws into the slide 84 for adjusting the matrices of the mould in alignment with
the plunger 35. In order to hold the mould down, I provide arms 86 and 96,
which project over the ends of the said mould; the arm 96 is placed at one side and
at the proper angle to allow the mould to be lifted off when it has been moved around.
by the spring 91, when another mould may be placed in position, the spring catch 88
yielding to allow the placing of the mould in position under lug 86.
In figure 2 I have shown the shape of cams 62, 40, 76, 30 and 8, with the
excentricities of their grooves relatively placed, so as to obtain the time motions
heretofore described of the different parts of the machine, and operate consecutively
and intermittently with each other in the operation of forming a cigar bunch during
a single revolution of the shaft.
The following is the mode of operation. Tobacco is placed in the hopper G ; the
machine is in position shown in figure 1; the operator places the binders upon
the belt and watches the operation of the machine. As soon as the machine is set

page_text: in motion, the cam 8 moves the slide I forward; then the cam 30 operates the
crank arm 31, brings the plungers 29 down to deliver the filler on to the belt; as
soon as this motion is completed and the plunger is retracted, cam groove 40
brings into operation the arm 42, which moves the bunch roller 46, bringing the
bunch to the front end of the table. During this operation, the slide I has been
retracted and the bunch carrier 55 and 56, has been brought around into position
to receive the bunch, and the arm 55 opened. As soon as the bunch has been
delivered into the carrier, the shaft carrying the same, operated by cam 62, comes
into operation, moving the bunch carrier around into position shown in figure 1, in
which position the machine may be stopped to give the operator time to lay a
binder and examine the bunch in the carrier. During this latter movement, the
arms 42 and 45 have retreated and carried the bunch roller back into position for
the second buneb, as the machine is again put in motion for the next bunch, the
carrier moves to the registering position over the cigar mould, when the plungers 29
and 35 descend, the one to place the filling in the belt, and the other to deposit the
bunch in the cavity of the mould. As soon as the plungers commence to descend,
the cam 27 comes in contact with the lug 26, releasing the piston 22, which instantly
rises to meet the operation of the plunger 29 and to receive the bunch; said
piston 22 being depressed with the downward movement of said plunger 29. The
operator places the binder into position to receive the filler on the belt as soon as
the bunch roller 46 has been retracted into its position. The operations are con-
tinued so long as the machine is kept in motion, or it may be stopped and started
at the completion of each bunch. The cigar mould is moved intermittently by the
spring detent 112, at the same time that the slide I moves forward, and the clamp
moves over the matrice of the mould. When the mould has been carried forward
to the extreme limit, the spring arm 112 moves back, and the slot 93 engages the
pin 92, releasing the holding detent 88, spring 91 swings the mould around
on its dowel pivot notifying the operator that the mould is filled, and a new mould
may be inserted; the slide 84 is carried back into position by releasing spring
detent 112, which is accomplished by means of the arm 114, which is depressed
by the operator, so that the detent arm will allow the slide 84, carrying lugs 113
to be pushed back, so that the mould thereon will at the next downward move-
ment of the plunger 35 register with its first matrice, which is vertically under
the plunger 35.
In order to adjust the bolt to different sized bunches, I provide a frame 97,
which consists of two arms, supported on the pivot 98 passing through the frame B,
as shown in figure 4. In the forked upper ends of the arms 97 is supported a
cross rod 99, as shown in figure 16, around which the front end of the belt is
attached. In order to allow this rod to be quickly removed, spring arms 100 on
each side of the frame 97, having perforations, are provided, in which perforations
the ends of the cross pin 99 are detachably fastened. These arms may be swung
apart and allow the rod and belt to be taken out readily; only one spring may
be used, and upon one of the arms if desired.
A similar provision is also preferably made at the other end of arms 80, so that the
belt can be easily taken out at the rear as well as at the front.
In order to shorten the belt, I connect the frame 97 with the lever 10 by means of
a rod 101, which will cause the frame to move with said lever, and hence keep the
belt taut.
I will now describe the construction of the friction clutch and operating mechanism.
102 represents a loose belt pulley on the main shaft, with a flange on which
the clutch egages. Fitted on the shaft C is a sliding sleeve 103 having a groove,
in which engages a fork at the upper end of a lever J having a treadle K for
operating the sleeve, as shown in figures 2, 3 and 4. When the treadle L, that
is pivotted to the frame of the machine, and to lever J, is depressed, the sleeve 103
is moved forward, and when treadle K is depressed, it is moved backward, thus
engaging and disengaging the clutch. Pivotted to the upper end of lever J at a,
is a weighted dog b, that is heavier at its lower end, and at its upper end has an

page_text: inclined face c. The forward end of the sleeve 103 is tapered at 103ª, with which
engages the rear ends of levers 108, that are pivotted intermediately of their ends on
bolt 111 and between lugs 109 on casting 110. One lever, 108, has, as shown, an
inclined face e, with which the inclined face of the dog b engages.
When the sleeve 103 is moved forward by pressing on the treadle, the clutch is
operated to cause the main shaft to rotate, and when the shaft makes one revolution
the inclined face e of lever 108 engages the inclined face of the dog, tipping the
latter until it can move no further, at which point the lever 108 presses the dog back
in trying to pass, also pressing back the lever J and sleeve 103 with it, disengaging
the clutch and stopping the shaft. In this way the shaft may be stopped at each
revolution. When a continuous motion is desired, if the dog be removed, the shaft
may be started and stopped by depressing first the treadle L to start it and then
the treadle K to stop it; so if a single treadle is employed by dispensing with treadle L,
it may be depressed to start and raised to stop.
The shaft may be stopped at any point by the proper movement of the treadle
without removing the dog. The object of the dog is to provide means to stop the
machine automatically after each revolution of the shaft, yet permitting the machine
to be stopped at any other point of the revolution by the use of the treadle.
This part of my invention is applicable to all friction clutches that can be worked
with a sliding sleeve.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. The tobacco feeding mechanism herein described, with reference to figures 1, 2.
3, 4, 5 and 6.
2. The bunch rolling mechanism having an apron, with reference to figures 1, 2, 3,
4 and 7.
3. The mechanism for partially compressing and shaping the bunch prior to the
operation of rolling it in the binder, with reference to figures 4, 10, 11 and 12.
4. The plunger mechanism herein described, for putting the filling into the bunch
pocket, and to deposit the bunch into the mould, with reference to figures 1, 2, 3, 4
and 7.
5. The automatic travelling bunch carrier which receives the bunch from the belt
and then moves in position for delivering the bunch to the cigar mould, with reference
to figures 1, 13 and 14.
6. The mechanism for holding the mould and pushing it forward, and also mechanism
for automatically releasing the mould and swinging it off the rack, with reference to
figures 1, 2 and 8.
7. The bunch roller herein described with reference to figure 15.
8. The mechanism for operating the friction clutch herein described, with reference
to figures 2, 3 and 4.
n
لبيت
1
"
1000
FREDRICK CHARLES MILLER.
By Harris & Mills,
23, Southampton Buildings, London, Agents.