Year: 1898

page_text: Date of Application, 21st Jan., 1898-Accepted, 26th Mar., 1898
York, United States of America, Mechanical 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 :-
Referring to the accompanying drawing --
Figure I is a top plan view of my improved machine, the vertical or worm-shafts
and portions of the slat-chains being shown in section.
Figure II is a front elevation of my machine.
Figure III is a rear elevation.
Figure IV is an elevation of the left side, the positions of some of the parts being
indicated in dotted lines.
Figure V is an elevation of the right side of the machine.
Figure VI is a vertical section on line VI-VI of Figure I.
Figures VII to XIII illustrate my improvements in form and operation of the
worms and slat-chains; all the figures on this sheet are substantially full size, except
Figure IX.
Figure VII is an elevation of my improved form of worm.
Figure VIII is a similar elevation of the worm heretofore in use.
Figure IX is a front elevation of worms and portions of slat-chains, illustrating.
the engagement of worms with slats.
Figure X is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure IX, showing the worm and
worm-shaft in section.
Figure XI is a side elevation indicating the manner in which the cut splints are
received between the slats; in this figure the knife, knife-bar, knife-plate and bed-
plate are shown in section, the thread of the worm in engagement with the slats
being indicated in dotted lines.
Figure XII is an isometric view of a portion of the chain and a pair of slats,
illustrating the peculiar form of the slats.
Figure XIII is an end elevation of the chain and form of slats heretofore in use,
illustrating its objectionable operation.
Figures XIV and XV are elevations of the feed-plates detached; Figure XIV of
the outer or rear face of the rear feed-plate, and Figure XV of the inner or rear face
of the iront feed-plate.
Figure XVI is a vertical elevation of 'the feed-plates detached from the machine
and arranged together, seen from the left.
Figure XVII is an inclined section of the feed-plates, taken through one pair of
rollers, showing that pair and the blocks in the channels.
Figure XVIII is a vertical elevation of the gearing and shafts transmitting
intermittent motion from the ratchet to the feed-rollers (indicated in dotted lines),
portions being shown in section.
Figures XIX and XX are respectively front and rear elevations of the ratchet and
Dis 071

page_text: shifting-lever mechanism for intermittently feeding the blocks, and shifting the bed-
plate at each alternate cut, portions being shown in section.
Figures XXI XXII and XXIII are respectively a top plan view, a side elevation
and a face view of the spring-plate, the block being indicated in dotted lines in
Figure XXIII.
Figure XXIV is a side elevation of the bed-plate.
Figure XXV is a vertical cross section of portions of bed-plate and knife-plate,
showing the manner in which they are supported.
Figure XXVI is a corresponding front elevation showing the knife on the knife-
bar, and indicating in dotted lines the block and successive cuts.
Figure XXVII is a top plan view of the knife-bar detached, carrying the knives.
Figure XXVIII is a side elevation showing the box and connection between the
lower end of a worm-shaft and its operating gear, the parts being separated and the
gear-hub shown in section.
Figures XXIX, XXX, XXXI and XXXII are respectively a longitudinal section
showing the connection between the main or crank-shaft and knife plate; a top plan
view of the adjustable connection between the crank-shaft and wrist-pin with the
parts separated; an elevation of the double crank of the inain shaft, and an elevation
of the wrist-pin.
Figures XXXIII and XXXIV are elevations of the block showing respectively the
first and second cuts in the same plane.
Figure XXXV is an enlarged vertical cross section of the block feed plates near
the right, showing the means by which the front plate is sustained on the rear plate
and the distance between the plates varied.
Figure XXXVI is a portion of the preceding figure further enlarged, showing one
of the bolts for sustaining the front-block-feed plate and for adjusting it with relation
to the rear block-feed-plate.
My invention relates to improvements in machines for performing automatically
the various mechanical operations of cutting match splints from the block, receiving
the cut splints in the slat-chains, and feeding them forward by rotating worms,
to remove the splints to other positions where they are dipped, dried and
packed.
The essential features of novelty of my invention relate to the form of the worms,
the form of the slats, and an absolutely new mode of operating the worms by which
a great improvement is effected in the operation of the machine, particularly in
speed and steadiness. My invention also relates to improvements in the manner of
feeding the blocks, operating the various parts of the machine, and in the
detail construction and arrangement, by which it is made strong, simple and
durable.
FRAME AND OPERATIVE MECHANISM.
1-1 are the two sides of the frame secured together and braced by various cross
bars or braces 2-2-2-2, by the block feed-plates 3-4, and by various shafts
hereinafter described; 5 is the main or crank-shaft journaled in rear of frame and
formed with crank 6 by which reciprocating motion is communicated to knives; power
is communicated to said shaft in any desirable way, as by pulley and belt secured thereto
and shown in Figures I, II and III, on the right of machine as here described. On one
end of inain shaft outside of frame is secured a bevel gear 7 engaging with a correspond-
ing gear 8 on inclined shaft 9, which communicates motion through bevel gear 10 on
its lower end, engaging with bevel gear 11, to the front shaft 12, journaled in the
frame, by which the worms, chains etc. are operated (Figure IV). By means of a
middle pinion 13 on this inclined shaft 9, engaging with gear 14 on short shaft 15,
journaled in bracket, 16, secured to frame, motion is communicated to the bed-plate
through intermediate mechanism, by which it is shifted from side to side, so as to
expose different portions of the block to the knives for the alternate cuts, and by
other intermediate mechanisin intermittent motion is communicated to the
feed-rollers, by which the blocks are fed. A vertical shaft 17 is shown carrying bevel

page_text: gear engaging with 7, for transmitting motion to a match-box filling machine, which
may be arranged above the machine herein-described.
BLOCK FEEDING MECHANISM.
This consists of block-feed-plates forming block-channels between them, feed-
rollers journaled in the plates and mechanism for intermittently rotating the rollers
and feeding the blocks down step by step to the knives.
These block-feed-plates, differing slightly in form, as best shown in Figures XIV
to XVII, are arranged vertically across the machine near its front where the rear
plate 4 provided with flanges 18-18 is secured to the frame. The front plate 3, by
means of bolts 19-19-19, is secured to the rear plate adjustably, so that the distance
between the plates may be varied to receive blocks of different thickness
(Figures XXXV, XXXVI). These plates are formed on their inner faces with
corresponding diagonal ribs 20-20, by which, when the plates are secured in position,
inclined channels 21 and 22 are formed to receive the blocks 23-23 which are intro-
duced through openings 24-24 in the side of the frame and to guide them down-
wardly to. knives 25-25, by which simultaneously two rows of splints are cut. The
rear plate is formed with openings 26-26 through which the blocks may be with-
drawn; both plates are provided with journal bearings 27-27-27 for the feed rollers
28-28 and 29-29, which, arranged at right angles to the channels, grip the blocks
and feed them downwardly to the knives. It will be seen that the lower and shorter
pair of rollers 29-29 operate on the block in the upper and longer inclined channel 21,
and the upper and longer rollers 28-28 operate on the block in the shorter and
lower channel 22, and are made smaller at 30-30, where they cross the upper
channel 21 so as not to engage with the blocks passing through that channel; both
pairs of rollers are preferably roughened or corrugated on that portion 31-31 which
engages with the block, as shown in Figure XVII. The lower portion of each block-
feed-channel in the front plate is cut away at 32, in which is arranged the spring-
plate 33, secured adjustably and yieldingly to the rear feed plate 4, by bolts 34-34
and springs 35-35 strung on these bolts between the nuts and the rear face of the
rear plate. The function of this spring-plate is to engage with the small uncut
portion of the block 23 after it has passed from the grip of the rollers, to prevent its
dropping down prematurely to clog the knives, etc., except as fed forward by the block
coming after it.
As shown in Figures XXI to XXIII, the upper portion 36 of the
inner face of the spring-plate, which engages with the blocks, is beveled better to
receive the blocks varying in thickness; and the lower portion centrally cut away on
an incline at 37 to a slight depth, the small remaining bit of the block being
sufficiently held by the plane ends of the lower portion 38-38. In Figures XIV
and XV the spring-plate is indicated in position in the cut-out 32 at the lower end
of channel 21, and is omitted from cut-out in channel 22.
In Figures XXXV and XXXVI I have shown a simple arrangement for adjusting
front plate 3 with relation to rear plate 4. This consists in forming plate 4 with
bearings a, in which are sustained the bolts 19 formed with an integral collar b, a
squared or angular portion c to which is fitted the sleeve d having an angular
exterior, a threaded portion e to which is fitted the nut f, and at the opposite end a
threaded portion g engaging with bearing on front plate 3. It will be seen that
bolt 19 is thus supported rotatably but otherwise immovably in plate 4, the position
of the bolt in the bearing a being maintained by integral collar 6 fitting depression k
at one end and by the sleeve & and nut f at the other. When it is desired to change
the distance between the plates 3 and 4, the sleeve d may be turned by the wrench
by which the bolt 19 is rotated, in one direction moving the plate 3 from, and in the
other direction, toward, plate 4.

page_text: rotation, strikes against an anti-friction roller 42 on the outer end of the lever 43,
pivotally secured on pin 44 or bracket 45, by which the outer end of said lever
carrying pawl 47 is thrown up at each rotation of said wheel, and the pawl held by
spring 48 in engagement with ratchet 49 journaled also on pin 44, rotates said ratchet
a certain distance at each revolution of the wheel, backward motion being prevented 5
by dog 50 carried on a vertically adjustable bracket 51.
Secured to ear 52 on bracket 45 is adjusting screw 54, which bears against exten-
sion 58 on upper arm of lever 43, to elevate or depress the other arm and pawl,
adjusting its engagement with the ratchet and regulating the rotation thereof.
(Figure XIX.)
Secured to ratchet 49 or on its pin 44, is pinion 56 meshing with gear 57 secured
on rear end of shaft 58 journaled in bracket 59, which is secured to front feed-plate 3;
(Figure XVIII) on said shaft and on hollow shaft 60 journaled in bracket 61 (secured
to rear face of rear feed-plate 4) are secured the corresponding bevel gears 62-62,
which engaging with gears 63-63 on upper ends of feed rollers 29-29, communicate 1
motion thereto.
A sliding connection is made between shaft 58 and hollow shaft 60, as by
feather 64 and spline, so that they will be rotated together, while the distance
between gears 62-62 is varied, as feed-plate 3 is adjusted in relation to feed-
plate 4.
On the rear end of said hollow shaft 60 is secured a spur-gear 65 meshing with
intermediate spur-gear 66, journaled on pin 67 secured in rear of bracket 61;
this intermediate gear in turn meshes with spur-gear 68 on an upper hollow
shaft 69 corresponding to shaft 60 and carrying a bevel gear 70, whose mate is carried
on shaft 71 journaled in support 59, and by its opposite end in the hollow shaft 69,
with which it makes a sliding connection by feather 72 and spline corresponding to
connection between shafts 58 and 60. These bevel gears 70-70 correspond to beve!
gears 62-62 and engage with the upper bevel gears 63-63 secured on the ends of
the upper feed-rollers 28-28.
KNIVES AND KNIFE OPERATING MECHANISM.
My invention is here shown embodied in a double form of machine, by which two
rows of splints are cut at once, it being evident that the machine may be so constructed
as to cut one row or more than two if desirable. The knives 25-25 of well known
form are bolted to knife-bar 73, preferably of the form here shown, which is secured
to front end of knife-plate 74, a comparatively thin plate stiffened by ribs 75, and
fitted to reciprocate in guides 76-76 on edges of bed-plate 77, on which it is
supported. (Figs. XXVI, XXVII.) On one side an adjusting strip 78 is interposed
between edge of knife-plate and inner edge of bed-plate guide, which may be adjusted
by set screws 79-79 tapped into edge of bed-plate. The knife-plate 74 is provided
with rearwardly extending perforated ears 81-81, in which is inserted the wrist-
pin. 82, shown separate in Figure XXXII, its rounded center 83, provided with
circumferential groove 84, forming the ball of the ball-and-socket joint; 85 and 86
are the members of the socket of that joint fitted to the ball 83 and bolted together.
The main shaft 5 is formed with the double crank 6, (Figures I, XXXI) which is
also centrally formed in a ball 87 with groove 88, to which are fitted and bolted the
members 89 and 90 of the rear socket connection, corresponding to the socket
connection secured, as just described, to the knife-plate ears. Pins 91-91 secured
between socket members of respective ball-and-socket joints, engage with these
grooves 84 and 88 to preserve balls and sockets in better relation. An adjustable
connection is made between the knife plate and crank by means of the connecting
rod 92 provided with a nut-head 93, and having its ends provided with reverse threads
engaging with corresponding threads on the members 86 and 89 of the ball-and-
socket joints, by which means the position of the knife when making the cut may be
adjusted (Figures XXIX, XXX).
As just stated, the knife-plate 74 is supported on bed-plate 77, which is shifted a
1

page_text: arms. (Figures II, VI) The rock-shaft is provided with a rock-arm 127, carrying an
antifriction roller 128 on its end, engaging in cain groove 129 of wheel 130 secured
to shaft 12, so formed and arranged as to rock the rock-arm, by which the worm-
shafts 119-119 and worms 118-118 are temporarily raised during about half of
their rotation to counteract the feed of the worms and during the other half of their
rotation are carried down to first position, carrying with them the slat-chains, which
are also advanced by the rotation of the worms. (Figure V) These worm-shafts
are squared or provided with feather on their lower ends to engage with hub 131 of
gears 120-120, which are sustained in boxes 133-133, by which a sliding connection
is formed between these gears and the worm-shafts so that the shafts and worms
may be elevated and depressed by the action of the rock-arm and shaft, while
continually and uniformly rotating. (Figure XXVIII).
The worms of prior machines were made with a portion substantially horizontal,
commonly the ends, as shown in Figure VIII, so as not to feed the chain when the
slats were engaged with that portion of the worm, it being necessary for them to
remain momentarily motionless at the instant of receiving the splints from the
knives. It being necessary to feed the slat-chains a certain distance at each rotation
of the worms and a portion of the old worms being substantially horizontal for the
reason just described, it is evident that the chains can be fed during about half only
of the rotation of the worms, and, therefore, the worm is formed with quite a sharp
pitch thoughout about one-half of its length. From this construction of worm the
speed of operation is limited, it not being possible to feed the chains by means of a
worm with such a sharp pitch as fast as by means of one with a more gradual pitch.
The result of great speed would be to strain the slats and chains, constantly shaking
them, with danger of shaking out the splints. In fact in the operation of a machine
of this old construction there is a constant shake to the chain, which is overcome or
much decreased in my machine.
My worm, shown full size in Figure VII, is formed with a uniform pitch from end
to end, and as its size and distance between its threads is about the same as in the old
worm, the pitch or inclination of the thread is much more gradual than that of the old
worm. My worm, therefore tends to feed the chains uniformly and constantly during
its entire rotation, but more slowly on account of its more gradual pitch, it therefore
may be run much faster with less strain on the chains.
During about half of its rotation the feed is counteracted by the elevation of worm
and worm-shaft by means of rock-shaft and rock-arm engaging with collar on worm-
shaft, which elevation equals in speed and extent the downward feed of chains by
worms. During the remainder of its revolution the worm operates to feed the chain,
and instead of this being counteracted by elevation it is accelerated by the depression
of the worm carried down by the down stroke of rock-arm, so that the worm engaging
with the slats feeds the chains with a double motion, rotary feed and a straight
downward pull, which permits a great increase in speed and consequently in
product.
By a simple change in the form of the ends of the slats, I have increased the
steadiness, and consequent rapidity of operation. Like the prior slats mine are
preferably formed with the face 135 of one corrugated and the face 137 of the other
covered with felt or cloth, the better to grip and hold the splints, and with their ends
beveled to admit the end of the worm, preferably sharpened. The difference lies in
this bevel in the old slats the ends are beveled parallel to the width of the slat-so
that the rather sharply pitched worm engaging therewith, twists the chains out of
the true line, as best shown in Figure XIII, resulting in strain and constant shake of
chain. My slats, as best shown in Figures XI and XII, also in Figures IX and X,
are formed with their ends beveled on an incline to fit the incline of worm, by which
a straight and true feed of chains is preserved without twist or shake; this is better
accomplished with my form of worm having a lesser inclination.
In the drawings the side worms are shown with a single thread, the middle worm
with a double thread to engage with both slat-chains.

page_text: Mode of OPERATION.
The mode of operation of my machine will be understood without much further
explanation. The blocks are inserted in the channels and fed down by the inter-
mittent action of the rollers, one step for two cuts or strokes of the knife, the
extent of feed being regulated by the adjusting screw, bearing against the lever,
so as to feed the block sufficiently for one double row of splints to be cut off the
lower edge. The splints having been cut by the backward movement of the knife,
on the return stroke the cut splints which are held in the knife extending for-
wardly therefrom are inserted between the slats which have been separated by the
worm and are momentarily motionless, the feed thereof by the worm being
momentarily counteracted by. its corresponding elevation. The worm then engages
with the succeeding pair of slats, and disengaging from the first pair they grip the
splints and hold them as the knife starts back for the next cut. The splints being
then held in the slats, the chains are fed forward by the engagement of the worms
with the second pair, bringing them into position for receiving splints, and by the
continuous operation of the sprockets referred to, but not shown, the splints in the
first pair of slats and in the succeeding pairs are carried away to the position in
which the other operations of dipping, drying and filling the boxes are performed.
As before stated, the gears are so proportioned that the blocks are fed down one step
while the knife-plate is reciprocating twice so that two rows or a double row of splints
are cut from the block in the same horizontal plane, and that the worms shall be
rotated once for each cut of the knife.
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. In a match-splint cutting machine, feed-worms and a slat-chain for receiving and
removing the splints, having in combination endless metallic chains, slats supported
thereon in pairs, having their ends obliquely beveled at an angle corresponding to the
pitch of the feed-worms, means for supporting the chains and means for supporting
and rotating the worms.
2. In a match-splint cutting machine, endless slat-chains for receiving and
removing the splints, consisting of pairs of metallic chains and slats of corresponding
form secured thereon in pairs, said slats having their ends obliquely beveled at an
angle corresponding to the pitch of the feed worms to engage with the worms, and
in combination therewith worms of uniform pitch carried on vertical shafts and means
for rotating said shafts and worms.
3. In a splint cutting machine, the combination of metallic chains arranged in
pairs, rotating supports therefor, slats secured and carried on said chains in pairs of
corresponding form, said slats having the contact face of one corrugated, and of the
other covered with yielding material such as felt, and having their ends outwardly
extending beyond the chains beveled at a small angle to their flat surfaces
corresponding to the pitch of the feed worms to engage with said worms, a spring in
connection with each pair of slats also supported on said chains for maintaining the
slats in contact; worms provided with threads of uniform pitch, longer than one full
turn, and having thin or sharpened ends for engaging between the beveled ends of
the slats to force them apart for receiving the splints, and to feed the chains;
vertical shafts supporting said worms and means for rotating said shafts.
4. In a match-splint cutting machine, the combination of endless chains, rotating
supports therefor, slats arranged on said chains in pairs for receiving between them
and removing the cut splints, feed-worms engaging with the ends of said pairs of
slats, shafts supporting said worms, means for rotating said shafts and worms, and
means for elevating said shafts and worms temporarily during a portion of each
rotation to counteract the feed of the chains by the rotation of said worms.
5. In a machine for cutting match-splints, the combination of endless chains, slats
arranged thereon in corresponding pairs for receiving and removing the splints, feed.

page_text: worms supported on vertical shafts for engaging with the ends of said slats to force
them apart and to feed said slats and chains, means for rotating said shafts and
worms, and means for alternately elevating and depressing them during each
rotation.
6. In a machine for cutting match-splints, endless chains carrying pairs of slats,
means for supporting the chains, feed-worms of uniform pitch engaging with said
slats and mechanism for supporting and rotating the worms to feed the chains, and
means for intermittently moving said worms in the direction of the feed of the
chain.
7. In a machine for cutting match-splints, mechanism for receiving and removing
the cut splints, having in combination endless chains, rotating supports therefor,
slats supported thereon in pairs, rotating feed-worms to engage with the ends
of said slats, shafts supporting said worms, collars secured on said shafts, arms
secured on a rock-shaft and engaging with said collars, and means for rocking
the rock-shaft to elevate the vertical shafts and worms during a portion
of each rotation, and means for rotating continuously said vertical shafts and
worms.
8. In a machine for cutting match-splints, mechanism for receiving and removing
the cut splints, having in combination endless chains, slats supported thereon in
pairs, springs, rotating feed-worms to engage with the ends of said slats, vertical
shafts supporting said worms, collars provided with circumferential grooves secured
on said vertical shafts below the worms, a horizontal rock-shaft provided with arms
engaging with said grooves, means for rocking the rock-shaft to elevate shafts and
worms temporarily during rotation, and means for continuously rotating said shafts
and worms.
9. In a machine for cutting match-splints, mechanism for receiving and removing
the cut splints, having in combination endless chains, slats supported thereon in
pairs, rotating feed-worms to engage with the ends of said slats, vertical shafts
supporting said worms, collars provided with circumferential grooves secured on said
vertical shafts below the worms, a horizontal rock-shaft carrying double arms provided
on their ends with pins engaging with said grooves, a rock-arm secured to the outer
end of the rock-shaft provided with an anti-friction roller engaging with the cam
groove on a wheel secured to the end of the horizontal front shaft, bevel gears
sustained in boxes and adapted to receive squared lower ends of vertical shafts to
make a sliding connection therewith, and bevel gears on said front shaft engaging
with said bevel gears.
10. In a machine for cutting match-splints, the knives of usual form, and
mechanism for reciprocating said knives, having in combination a knife-plate
supporting the knives, a bed-plate provided with guides on its edges for receiving
and supporting the knife-plate, suitable supports for supporting said bed-plate on the
frame, ears on the knife-plate, a wrist-pin provided with a spherical center and
circumferential groove secured to said ears, a main shaft provided with a double
crank having a corresponding spherical center and circumferential groove, a connecting
rod consisting of socket members fitted and secured to said spherical portions with
pins engaging with said circumferential grooves and a rod reversely threaded for
engaging with said socket members and connecting the crank-shaft to knife-plate
and mechanism for shifting said bed-plate from side to side in order to shift the
knives to cut different portions of the block.
11. In a match-splint cutting machine, the knives of usual form and mechanism
for supporting and reciprocating said knives to cut the splints from the downwardly
fed blocks, having in combination the knife-plate supporting the knives provided
with rearwardly extending ears, an operating shaft provided with a double crank, an
adjustable connecting rod secured to said crank and to said ears, a bed-plate provided
with guides on its side edges for supporting the knife-plate, an adjusting strip
arranged between the edge of the knife-plate and the guide on the edge of the
bed-plate, adjusting screws for adjusting said strip, and transverse horizontal rods
clamped to the bottom of the bed-plate fitted to openings in side plates and studs on

page_text: the supporting frame, and mechanism to shift said bed-plate a short distance from
side to side, shifting the knives to cut a different portion of the block at each
alternate cut.
12. In a machine for cutting match-splints, the knives of usual form and
mechanism for shifting said knives to cut different portions of the block, having in
combination the knife-plate, the bed-plate provided with guides on its side edges for
supporting said knife-plate, rods clamped to the bottom of the bed-plate, side plates
secured on a suitable supporting frame provided with studs, and perforations through
said studs for receiving freely said rods, a shifting-lever having double jaws pivotally
secured to an arm on the frame, a cam engaging with said jaws, means for rotating
said cam, and a connection between the shifting-lever and bed-plate.
13. In a machine for cutting match-splints, the knives of usual form and mechanism
for shifting said knives to cut different portions of the block, having in combination
a knife-plate, a bed-plate provided with guides on its side edges for receiving and
supporting said knife-plate, integral grooved flanges on the underside of said bed-
plate, horizontal cross-rods clamped in the grooves of said flanges, side plates secured
to a suitable supporting frame provided with inwardly extending studs, and perfora-
tions through said studs and plates for receiving the ends of said cross-rods, a shifting
lever pivotally secured on an arm on the frame formed on its upper end with double
jaws, a rotating cam engaging with said jaws, means for rotating said cam, and a
connection between said shifting-lever and the bed-plate.
14. In a machine for cutting match-splints, the knives of usual form and mechanism
for shifting said knives to cut different portions of the block, consisting of the com-
bination of a knife-plate, a bed-plate provided with guides on its side edges for
receiving and supporting said knife-plate, integral grooved flanges on the underside
of said bed-plate, horizontal cross rods clamped in the grooves of said flanges, side
plates secured to a suitable supporting frame provided with inwardly extending studs
and perforations through said studs and side plates for receiving the ends of said
cross rods, a shifting-lever pivotally secured on an arm on the frame formed on its
upper end with double jaws, a rotating cam engaging with said jaws, means for
rotating said cam, a rod secured to an ear on the underside of the bed-plate adjacent
to said shifting lever and adjustably secured to said shifting-lever by lock-nuts, and
set-screws secured to the side plate for limiting the transverse motion of the bed-
plate and the shift of the knives.
15. In a machine for cutting match-splints, the knives of usual form, and
mechanism for horizontally reciprocating and shifting said knives, having in com-
bination the knife bars to which the knives are secured, a knife-plate supporting said
knife-bars and provided with rearwardly extending ears and reinforcing ribs, a bed-
plate provided with guides on its side edges for receiving and supporting the knife-
plate, an adjusting strip arranged between the edge of the knife-plate and one
of said guides, adjusting screws secured to the outer edge of the bed plate
for adjusting said strip; a horizontal shaft formed with a double crank provided
with a ball-and-socket bearing, a wrist pin also provided with ball-and-socket
bearing secured to the rearwardly extending ears on knife-plate, an adjustable con-
necting-rod provided with sockets fitted to said ball-and-socket bearings connecting
said crank to said wrist-pin, integral grooved flanges on the underside of the bed-
plate, transverse rods clamped in said grooves, side plates secured on supporting frame
provided with inwardly extending bosses and perforations through said bosses for
receiving the ends of the transverse rods and permitting them to slide freely therein;
a shifting-lever pivotally secured to an arm on the frame and provided at its upper
end with jaws, a cam engaging with said jaws, means for rotating said cam and sup-
porting it on the frame, and a connecting-rod secured to an ear on the bottom of the
bed-plate and passing through a perforation in said shifting-lever to which it is
adjustably secured by double lock-nuts.
16. In a machine for cutting match-splints, mechanism for guiding and feeding
the blocks downwardly to the knives, having in combination the following elements;
a suitable supporting frame, a rear feed-plate arranged transversely and vertically

page_text: and secured to said frame near the front of the machine, a front feed-plate arranged.
parallel to said rear plate and adjustably bolted thereto, said plates provided with
integral corresponding ribs on their inner faces forming when the plates are secured
in position inclined channels for receiving the blocks through openings in the
side of the frame; journal bearings in said plates, rollers journaled therein, for
engaging with the blocks, one pair to each channel, means for rotating the rollers
of each pair in opposite directions; the lower portion of the channels in said front
plate being cut away, spring plates arranged therein, yieldingly and adjustably
secured by bolts and springs to said rear plate for engaging with the uncut portion
of the block after it has passed out of engagement with said feeding rollers;
horizontally reciprocating knives and means for sustaining the knives on the frame
and for operating them.
17. In a machine for cutting match-splints, the combination of parallel and
transversely arranged feed-plates provided with channels for the blocks, one of said
plates having the lower portion of each channel cut away, and a spring-plate fitted to
said cut-out portion and secured yieldingly and adjustably to the other plate, said
spring-plate having the upper portion of its face which makes contact with the block
beveled, and its lower portion formed with a central depression, horizontally
reciprocating knives, and means for operating them to cut the blocks.
18. In a machine for cutting match-splints, in combination with the parallel feed-
plates, forming when secured together an inclined channel or channels for guiding the
blocks to the knives and one of said plates having the lower portions of said
channels cut-away, spring-plates fitted to said cut-out portions, bolts for securing said
spring-plates to the opposite feed plate, springs arranged in connection with said bolts
on the outer face of said plate to which the spring-plate is secured, for forming a
yielding connection therewith, said spring-plate having the upper portion of its
contact face beveled, and the lower portion thereof cut away on an incline to corre-
spond with the inclination of said channel, horizontally reciprocating knives and means
for operating them to cut the blocks.
19. In a machine for cutting match-splints, the combination of front and rear plates
transversely arranged parallel to each other near the front of the machine, and
provided on their inner faces with inclined, integral ribs forming inclined, parallel
channels for guiding the blocks to the knives, said front plate having the lower portion
of said channels cut away; spring-plates fitted to the cut-out portions of the front-
plate, and provided with bolts for securing them adjustably to the rear plate, spiral
springs strung on the bolts on outer face of the rear plate, making in connection with
nuts a yielding connection between the rear plate and the spring-plates, said spring-
plates having the upper portion of their contact faces beveled to receive the block, and
the lower portion plane and cut out on an angle to correspond with the inclination of
the channels, horizontally reciprocating knives and means for operating them to cut the
blocks.
20. In a machine for cutting match-splints, the combination of parallel feed-plates
for confining and guiding the blocks to the knives, feed rollers journaled in said plates
for positively feeding the blocks a lever having an outwardly extending lower arm and
an upwardly extending upper arm, a pawl pivotally supported on said lower
arm, and a spring for holding it in engagement with a ratchet-wheel, an
anti-friction roller also secured on said lower arm, a rotating wheel provided
with a cam engaging with said roller at each rotation of the wheel and rotating
said ratchet-wheel intermittently, an extension on said upper arm, and a set
screw secured in the frame for bearing against said extension to elevate and depress
the lower arm of said lever for regulating the amount of feed of said ratchet-wheel, an
adjustable dog in engagement with said ratchet-wheel, a pinion secured to the ratchet-
wheel and rotating intermittently therewith, and a chain of gears engaging with said
pinion and with gears on said feed-rollers to rotate the feed-rollers of the pairs in
opposite directions to feed positively and intermittently the blocks.
21. In a machine for cutting match-splints, the combination of a suitable supporting
fraine, transverse parallel feed-plates supported thereon for confining and guiding the

page_text: blocks between them, rollers journaled in pairs in said plates provided with bevel gears
on their upper ends for feeding the blocks, and in combination therewith mechanism
for rotating said rollers, having in combination the following elements; a ratchet-
wheel rotatably secured on the frame, a lever pivotally secured on the frame
carrying a pawl engaging with the ratchet-wheel, a rotating wheel secured on the
frame and provided with a cam projection for engaging with said lever at each
rotation of the wheel, operating to elevate the pawl to rotate the ratchet-wheel
intermittently, a pinion secured to said ratchet wheel and rotating therewith,
bevel gears provided with hollow shafts journaled in a bracket secured to one of
said feed-plates and engaging with bevel gears secured on one of each pair of the
rollers journaled in said plate, corresponding bevel gears engaging with the other bevel
gears of each pair and secured on solid shafts journaled in the bracket secured
to the opposite feed-plate and also journaled in said hollow shafts with which
they form a sliding and rotating connection, a gear secured on one of said solid
shafts and engaging with said pinion, gears secured on said hollow shafts and an
intermediate gear between them, to rotate said hollow shaft bevel gears and said
solid shaft bevel gears simultaneously and rotate the feed-rollers in opposite
directions to feed the blocks.
22. In a machine for cutting match-splints, the combination of a suitable
supporting frame, a longitudinally reciprocating horizontal knife-plate supporting the
cutting knives, a horizontal transversely shifting bed-plate supporting the knife-plate,
feed-plates forming channels for guiding the blocks to the knives, rollers journaled
in said feed-plates for positively feeding the blocks, endless chains carrying pairs of
slats for removing the cut splints, and means for supporting said chains, worms
engaging with said slats for forcing them apart to receive the splints and feed the
chains, vertical shafts supporting said worms, arms secured on a rock-shaft
engaging with said shafts for temporarily elevating them during rotation, and in
combination with these elements means for operating them consisting of the following
elements; a main shaft provided with a double crank and a connecting rod there-
between and the knife-plate for reciprocating said knife-plate, a side shaft provided
with gears engaging respectively with a gear on said main shaft and with a gear on
the front shaft, the front shaft provided with gears engaging with gears on the worm-
shafts for rotating said worm-shafts and worms, and provided with a rotating wheel
formed with a cain groove to rock the rock-shaft to temporarily elevate said vertical
shafts and worms, and an intermediate gear on said side shaft engaging with a gear
on a short shaft journaled in the frame through which by intermediate mechanism
the motion of the shaft is communicated to the bed plate and through other
intermediate mechanism an intermittent rotary motion to the feed-rollers.
23. In a machine for cutting match splints, means for guiding the blocks to be cut
downwardly to the knives, consisting of two parallel transverse plates provided with
corresponding ribs on their inner faces forming when the plates are secured together
inclined channels for the blocks, one plate being fixed to the supporting frame of the
machine and provided with elongated bearings, bolts journaled in said bearings and
screw-threaded on one end to engage with bearings on the other plate and to support
said plate, each bolt having an integral collar adjacent to said screw thread and fitted
to a depression in the end of its bearing, an angular portion toward the other end
outside of the bearing, a sleeve fitted to said angular portion and having an angular
exterior, and a nut screw-threaded to fit the bolt outside of said sleeve.
24. In a machine for cutting match splints, mechanism for guiding and feeding
the blocks downwardly to the knives having in combination the following elements: A
suitable supporting frame, a transverse feed-plate secured thereto, a second parallel
transverse plate secured adjustably to said first plate by means of bolts rotatably
supported in the first plate and prevented from moving longitudinally therein by
means of collars integral with the bolts near one end of each bolt, nuts on the
opposite ends of the respective bolts, said bolts having one end screw-threaded to
engage with the second plate, corresponding ribs on the inner faces of said plates
forming when the plates are secured together inclined channels for receiving the

page_text: blocks through openings in the side of the frame; journal-bearings on said plates
rollers journaled therein, one pair to each channel, and means for rotating the rollers
of each pair in opposite directions to feed the blocks downwardly to the knives.
Dated this 21st day of January 1898.
JENSEN & SON,
77, Chancery Lane, London, W.C., Patent Agents.