Improvements in Machinery for Making Oigars.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 5th Feb., 1896
Complete Specification Left, 26th Sept., 1896-Accepted, 2nd Jan., 1897
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Machinery for Making Oigars.
I, JOSEPH LACOSTE, of 1 Rue des Echelles Brussels in the Kingdom of
Belgium, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
The machine of my invention for making cigars, that is to say, for wrapping the
interior with its envelope and giving the same every desired form, is characterized
in principle by the method of operation by means of which the rolling of the cigars
is effected by the apparatus designed to give it the rotation requisite for the
application of the wrapper, and this in view of causing the operation to be as
similar as possible to the operation by hand, and thus to obtain in machine work in
large quantities, not only cigars of good shape and well rolled, but also a proper
division of the tobacco so as to produce cigars having a good draught and smoking
pleasantly. The construction of my machine is illustrated by way of example in
the accompanying drawing in which :-
Figure 1 is a front view, and
Figure 2 a partial side view of the machine.
Figures 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 are side views, partially in section of the working mechanism
of the machine.
Figure 8 is a longitudinal section of the mechanism.
Figure 9 is a plan view of the machine.
Figure 10 sectional longitudinal elevation of the driving mechanism, and
Figure 11 side view of the same.
Figure 12 represents in front elevation certain details of the driving pulley, and
Figure 13 shows a detail of the mechanism.
In the usual form of the cigar rolling machine, the rolling is not effected in a
continuous manner, that is to say, it is effected intermittently, and for this purpose
the mechanism selected is characterized by having two jaws M finely grooved
internally which receive the cigar between them and close and open alternately upon
it, whilst at the same time effecting an ascending and descending alternate motion,
that is to say, that the jaws M rise at one side while they descend at the other side
and this at one time in the open position and at another time in the closed position,
that is to say, drawing the cigar in its rotary movement continuously in the same
direction but intermittently. The jaws M possess the peculiarity of not being
constructed each one in a single piece presenting a hollow conformable to the profile
of the cigar but of being composed of several jaws placed longitudinally together,
having curves conformable to the said profile, and leaving between them an opening
of a certain width. In the present example there are two jaws M M on each side,
consequently four in all. This longitudinal division has for its object, not only to
obtain intermediate spaces for the passage of other organs, but the arrangement of
multiple jaws materially assists the perfection of the manufacture. Between the
jaws M is fixed at a suitable height the base F of rectangular section of the
mould open at the top and thus giving absolutely free access to the cigar placed
upon the same, upon which are guided also the jaws laterally in their closed
position. In order that when the jaws open in their ascending and descending
motion, that is to say during the period when the cigar is stopped, the covering
leaf or wrapper cannot unroll nor the body of the cigar come to pieces, the cigar
must be maintained during the stoppages of rotation and for this purpose there are
placed around the mould three pairs of clips P, two of which are at the back part;

page_text: Here-
and one at the middle of the cigar which it grips from both sides in the aperture
between the two neighbouring jaws. The two arms of each clip P open and close
like the jaws, but alternately therewith, that is to say they open and set free the
cigar whilst the jaws close and roll the same, and they again close, and hold the
cigar, pressing it, corresponding to the opening of the jaws. In addition to these
working organs, there is a third mechanism which has for its object to hold the
covering leaf in its place at the very moment of its application, consequently at the
moment of the introduction of its end in the mould. It is placed between the two
hind clips P and consists of a little sleeve m forming two halves of a ring which
separate above under the action of a spring drawing together the two lower
halves of the sleeve whilst it closes to seize the covering leaf under the action of
outer organs. The closing and opening of the sleeve holding the envelope are
effected simultaneously with those of the jaws so that it cannot obstruct the rotary
motion given by the jaws. The mould automatically adjustable in the manner
described is completed in front by an open semi-conical piece k which is fixed, and
in which ends the tip of the cigar, supplied at this point with a little gum by means
of a squirt or other suitable arrangement for the purpose. During the rolling of
the cigar a finger D advances lightly under the point and keeps it always in the
exact position, but this finger is drawn back upon the ejection of the cigar from
the mould. In front of the point K is mounted a little knife c which has a
to-and-fro motion corresponding to that of the jaws which serves to shear the leaf,
cutting the edges thereof which might project. A larger knife C which is
actuated by hand advances laterally upon the cigar and serves to cut the hinder
end so as to trim it to the exact length, the cigar being then fully formed.
after it is thrown out of the mould by the ejector which consists of two rods T T
which traverse vertically the base F with which their upper ends are normally on
a level whilst the opposite ends are supported by a forked lever which makes
them project at the desired moment. The control of the jaws, the clips, and the
leaf holder is effected by means of excentrics and cams suitably arranged and
actuated by the principal shaft A. The alternate ascending and descending motion
of the jaws M M is effected by the two excentrics E E (Figures 4 and 8) placed in
opposition to each other vertically upon the shaft A and each of the excentric
rods B is articulated to a shaft a upon which the jaws M are pivoted and which
bears at its ends studs g g guided in a suitable slide of the frame B' (Figure 8) a
similar arrangement being situated at each side of the machine and the jaws of
the same side being secured to the same shaft, it is obvious that they rise and fall
alternately on each side of the plate F which serves moreover as a guide to them
when they are closed. Their opening and closing motion is obtained by means of
a cam mechanism G G with opposing springs R R (Figures 3 to 8). The cams
keyed upon the shaft A push up the levers L L and cause the jaws M M to move
open whilst they are returned for the closing by means of the springs R R.
lever is provided with a controlling bar with a screw e corresponding to the
motion of the cams. The clips P which have only the motion of opening and
closing and which for this purpose are keyed upon the shafts A' A' pivoted on
each side of the machine in the bushes of the frame B' are actuated simultaneously
by a similar cam mechanism, but here there is only a single spring R' between the
ends of the levers L' which closes the clips P and makes to swing the shafts A' A'
and it is the cams G' G' which open them by acting upon the controlling bar
(Figure 6). The clips P P can also be opened by a motion independent of that
of the cams, preferably by two auxiliary levers LL the ends of which are bent
round and placed between the projections c'e' of the levers L' and the lower ends of
which are secured to the auxiliary shafts A' A' connected together by the two
pieces of which one is the end of the lever L³ connected by a bar T¹ to the
controlling bar T' actuated by hand by means of the knob B, and of which a flat
piece p rises upon the peg g' in order to press down the rod T and to cause the
clips P to swing (Figure 4, 6, 8, 10) so that they can be opened at will at any
moment of the manufacture if it be necessary.
Each

page_text: The leaf holding sleeve m which opens and closes alternately with the jaws at
the same time that it turns intermittently with the cigar receives its various move-
ments of rotation and closing by means of two racks G¹ G¹ rigidly supported in
connection with the excentric straps E E keyed in horizontal opposition upon
the shaft A. In this manner the sleeve m being surrounded by a toothed-crown C'
and expanding under the influence of the spring r engages with the racks when the
excentrics remove them from the middle position, whilst turning in the open
position around the cigar, whilst the sleeve retakes the cigar when the racks press
it under the action of the excentrics E E¹ and cause it to turn with the cigar the
covering leaf of which, introduced by the slot above, it clips. The motion of the
blade e for the trimming of the point advances towards the point at each turn of
the shaft A by means of the mechanism shown in Figure 7 which consists of a
bent lever L pivoted upon one of the shafts A' and bearing at its lower end a
stud 9 which rolls upon a corresponding groove of the motor pulley P' which
holds the knife c away from the point until the said stud falls into the slote of the
groove under the pressure of the spring R which causes the knife to advance and
remove the edge of the leaf presented at this moment. The operation of this
mechanism can be suspended entirely by means of the lever L' which engages by
its lower end below the axis of the stud g' and raises the same upon the groove
when the cam pl and the disengaging rod T strikes it and causes it to swing as
indicated in the drawing in dotted lines.
A similar cam p* upon this rod causes the large knife C to advance which is
usually held in its place by the spring R' and causes it to cut the latter end of the
cigar whilst the cam p' maintains the finger D raised. At this moment the clips P
have been opened by means of the cam p as described and the cam p³ strikes the
lever Le so, as to raise the bars T and throw out the cigar..
At this moment the whole machine stops automatically in position, with all its
parts open, and this stoppage in the desired position is effected by the automatic
disengaging mechanism about to be described. On causing the shafts A to swing,
a cam p lifts up the sloping bar t sliding above the lever L (Figures 8 and 13), the
excentric straps El press upon t depressing the lever L', which swings the lever L®
resting laterally against the end enclosed in the shaft A hollow at this point, and
causes the stud t' to go back which is normally carried forward by a notch in the
lateral cam of the motor pulley which then turns loosely and the machine stops in
the open position with all its parts as indicated. Consequently, by returning the
the disengaging bar T to the right, the bar t again swings, the spring R³ pushes
back the stud t' in the notch of the motor pulley and the machine starts again.
The operation of the whole of the machine is sufficiently clear from what has been
described to render a further explanation of its working unnecessary for the full
comprehension of the working which is very rapid and permits of the manufacture
of a very large number of cigars in a very short time.
Dated thin 4th day of Babe 1906
W. P. THOMPSON & Co.,
31, High Holborn, London, W.C., Patent Agents for the Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Machinery for Making Cigars.
I, JOSEPH LACOSTE, of 15 Rue du Pelican late of 1 Rue des Echelles
Brussels, in the Kingdom of Belgium, Engineer, 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 machine of my invention for making cigars, that is to say, for wrapping the
Improvements in Machinery for Making Cigars.
I, JOSEPH LACOSTE, of 15 Rue du Pelican late of 1 Rue des Echelles
Brussels, in the Kingdom of Belgium, Engineer, 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 machine of my invention for making cigars, that is to say, for wrapping the

page_text: interior with its envelope and giving the same every desired form, is characterized in
principle by the method of operation by means of which the rolling of the cigars
is effected by the apparatus designed to give it the rotation requisite for the
application of the wrapper, and this in view of causing the operation to be as
similar as possible to the operation by hand, and thus to obtain in machine work in
large quantities, not only cigars of good shape and well rolled, but also a proper
division of the tobacco so as to produce cigars having a good draught and smoking
pleasantly. The construction of my machine is illustrated by way of example in
the drawing filed with the Provisional Specification in which :-
Figure 1 is a front view, and
Figure 2 a partial side view of the machine.
Figures 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 are side views, partially in section of the working mechanism
of the machine.
Figure 8 is a longitudinal section of the mechanism.
Figure 9 is a plan view of the machine.
Figure 10 sectional longitudinal elevation of the driving mechanism, and
Figure 11 side view of the same.
Figure 12 represents in front elevation certain details of the driving pulley, and
Figure 13 shows a detail of the mechanism.
In the usual form of the cigar rolling machine, the rolling is not effected in a
continuous manner, that is to say, it is effected intermittently, and for this purpose
the mechanism selected is characterized by having two jaws M finely grooved
internally which receive the cigar between them and close and open alternately
upon it, whilst at the same time effecting an ascending and descending alternate
motion, that is to say, that the jaws M rise at one side while they descend at the
other side and this at one time in the open position, and at another time in tho
closed position that is to say, drawing the cigar in its rotary movement con-
tionously in the same direction but intermittently. The jaws M possess the
peculiarity of not being constructed each one in a single piece presenting a hollow
conformable to the profile of the cigar but of being composed of several jaws
placed longitudinally together, having curves conformable to the said profile, and
leaving between them an opening of a certain width. In the present example
there are two jaws M M on each side, consequently four in all. This longitudinal
division has for its object, not only to obtain intermediate spaces for the passage
of other organs, but the arrangement of multiple jaws materially assists the
perfection of the manufacture. Between the jaws M is fixed at a suitable height
the base F of rectangular section of the mould open at the top and thus giving
absolutely free access to the cigar placed upon the same, upon which are guided
also the jaws laterally in their closed position. In order that when the jaws open
in their ascending and descending motion, that is to say during the period when the
cigar is stopped, the covering leaf or wrapper cannot unroll nor the body of the
cigar come to pieces the cigar must be maintained during the stoppages of rotation
and for this purpose there are placed around the mould three pairs of clips P, two
of which are at the back part, and one at the middle of the cigar which it grips
from both sides in the aperture between the two neighbouring jaws. The two arms
of each clip P open and close like the jaws, but alternately therewith, that is to
say they open and set free the cigar whilst the jaws close and roll the same, and
they again close and hold the cigar, pressing it, corresponding to the opening of
the jaws. In addition to these working organs, there is a third mechanism which
has for its object to hold the covering leaf in its place at the very moment of its
application, consequently at the moment of the introduction of its end in the mould.
It is placed between the two hind clips P and consists of a little sleeve m forming
two halves of a ring which separate above under the action of a spring drawing
together the two lower halves of the sleeve whilst it closes to seize the covering
leaf under the action of outer organs. The closing and opening of the sleeve
holding the envelope are effected simultaneously with those of the jaws so that it
cannot obstruct the rotary motion, given by the jaws. The mould automatically

page_text: adjustable in the manner described is completed in front by an open semi-conical
piece k which is fixed and in which ends the tip of the cigar, supplied at this point
with a little gum by means of a squirt or other suitable arrangement for the
purpose. During the rolling of the cigar a finger D advances lightly under the
point and keeps it always in the exact position, but this finger is drawn back upon
the ejection of the cigar from the mould. In front of the point K is mounted a
little knife c which has a to-and-fro motion corresponding to that of the jaws which
serves to shear the leaf, cutting the edges thereof which might project. A larger
knife C which is actuated by hand advances laterally upon the cigar and serves to
cut the hinder end so as to trim it to the exact length, the cigar being then fully
formed. Hereafter it is thrown out of the mould hy. the ejector which consists of
two rods T T which traverse vertically the base F with which. their upper ends are
normally on a level whilst the opposite ends are supported by a forked lever which
makes them project at the desired moment. The control of the jaws, the clips,
and the leaf holder is effected by means of excentrics and cams suitably arranged
and actuated by the principal shaft A. The alternate ascending and descending
motion of the jaws M M is effected by the two excentrics E E (Figures 4 and 8)
placed in opposition to each other vertically upon the shaft A and each of the
excentric rods B is articulated to a shaft a upon which the jaws M are. pivoted and
which bears at its ends studs g g guided in a suitable slide of the frame B¹
(Figure 8) a similar arrangement being situated at each side of the machine
and the jaws of the same side being secured to the same shaft, it is obvious
that they rise and fall alternately on each side of the plate F which serves
moreover as a guide to them when they are closed. Their opening and
closing motion is obtained by means of a cam mechanism G G with opposing
springs R_R (Figures 3 to 8). The cams keyed upon the shaft A push up
the levers L L and cause the jaws M M to move open whilst they are returned
for the closing by means of the springs R R. Each lever is provided with a
controlling bar with a screw v corresponding to the motion of the cams.
clips P which have only the motion of opening and closing and which for this
purpose are keyed upon the shafts A' A' pivoted on each side of the machine in
the bushes of the frame B' are actuated simultaneously by a similar cam mechanism,
but here there is only a single spring. R' between the ends of the levers L' which
closes the clips P and makes to swing the shafts A' A' and it is the cams G¹ G₁
which open them by acting upon the controlling bar lo (Figure 6). The clips P P
can also be opened by a motion independent of that of the cams, preferably by two
auxiliary levers L L the ends of which are bent round and placed between the
projections c c of the levers L' and the lower ends of which are secured to the
auxiliary shafts A' A' connected together by the two pieces bb of which one is
the end of the lever L connected by a bar T' to the controlling bar T' actuated
by hand by means of the knob B', and of which a flat piece p rises upon the peg g¹
in order to press down the rod T and to cause the clips P to swing (Figures 4, 6,
8, 10) so that they can be opened at will at any moment of the manufacture if it
be necessary.
The
The leaf holding sleeve m which opens and closes alternately with the jaws at
the same time that it turns intermittently with the cigar receives its various
movements of rotation and closing by means of two racks C¹ C¹ rigidly supported
in connection with the excentric straps E¹ E' keyed in horizontal opposition upon
the shaft A. In this manner the sleeve m being surrounded by a toothed-crown C
and expanding under the influence of the spring engages with the racks when the
excentrics remove them from the middle position, whilst turning in the open
position around the cigar, whilst the sleeve retakes the cigar when the racks press
it under the action of the excentrics E' E' and cause it to turn with the cigar the
covering leaf of which, introduced by the slot above, it clips. The motion of the
blade c for the trimming of the point advances towards the point at each turn of
the shaft A by means of the mechanism shown in Figure 7 which consists of a bent
lever L pivoted upon one of the shafts A¹ and bearing at its lower end a stud

page_text: which rolls upon a corresponding groove of the motor pulley P' which holds the
knife c away from the point until the said stud falls into the slot e of the groove
under the pressure of the spring R' which causes the knife to advance and remove
the edge of the leaf presented at this moment. The operation of this mechanism
can be suspended entirely by means of the lever L which engages by its lower
end below the axis of the stud and raises the same upon the groove when the
cam p' and the disengaging rod T' strikes it and causes it to swing as indicated.in
the drawing in dotted lines.
A similar camp upon this rod causes the large knife C to advance which is
usually held in its place by the spring R' and causes it to cut the latter end of the
cigar whilst the cam p maintains the finger D raised. At this moment the clips P
have been opened by means of the cam p as described and the cam p strikes the
lever L so as to raise the bars T and throw out the cigar.
At this moment the whole machine stops automatically in position, with all its
parts open, and this stoppage in the desired position is effected by the automatic
disengaging mechanism about to be described. On causing the shafts A' to swing,
a cam p lifts up the sloping bart sliding above the lever L' (Figures 8 and 13),
the excentric straps E' press upon t depressing the lever L7, which swings the
lever L resting laterally against the end enclosed in the shaft A hollow at this
point, and causes the stud to go back which is normally carried forward by a
notch in the lateral cam of the motor pulley which then turns loosely and the
machine stops in the open position with all its parts as indicated. Consequently,
by returning the disengaging bar T to the right the bar t again swings, the
spring R pushes back the stud t' in the notch of the motor pulley and the machine
starts again. The operation of the whole of the machine is sufficiently clear
from what has been described to render a further explanation of its working
unnecessary for the full comprehension of the working which is very rapid and
permits of the manufacture of a very large number of cigars in a very short time.
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. A machine for rolling cigars characterised by the intermittent rotation of the
cigar placed upon a support between the mechanical devices in the shape of jaws
causing the cigar to roll between them as if by hand and effecting for this purpose
at the same time as a motion of ascent and of descent, a motion of opening and
closing alternately; and by the maintaining of the cigar during the opening of the
jaws between clips opening and liberating the cigar whilst it is being rolled between
the jaws; and by a leaf holder in the form of a divided sleeve actuated simul-
taneously with the jaws.
2. In a machine for rolling cigars such as claimed in Claim 1, the longitudinal
division of the jaws in several parts articulated on the one part and on the other
upon a common axis acted by excentrics for the ascent, descent, and swinging
motion for the opening and the closing alternately by a movement of cams and
springs actuating from prolongations in the shape of levers below.
3. In a machine for, rolling cigars such as set forth in Claims 1 and 2 the
actuating of the clips at the side and between the jaws upon a common shaft,
oscillating under the influence of a cam motion and with a spring actuating their
prolongations in levers below.
4. In a machine for rolling cigars, the actuating of the leaf roller in the shape
of a divided sleeve with a combining spring and toothed on the outside to engage
in two rigid racks with excentric straps and opening and closing alternately to turn
the sleeve loosely on the one part and to follow on the other part the rotation of
the cigar under the influence of the jaws.
5. In the machine for rolling cigars as above set forth, the simultaneous control
of the knives, of the holding finger upon the point, of the final opening of the clips,
and the ejector traversing the bottom of the mould, and the automatic disengaging

page_text: of the machine by a single disengaging bar and in combination with these move-
ments automatic disengaging mechanism controlled by one of the excentrics of the
machine or the cam in corresponding position to stop the machine with all its parts
open.
Dated this 26th day of Sontember 1806
W. P. THOMPSON & Co.,
322, High Holborn, London, W.C., Patent Agents for the Applicant.