Improvements in the Art of and Apparatus for Making Paper Tubes.
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application, 7th Nov., 1899
Complete Specification Left, 2nd Aug., 1900-Accepted, 6th Oct., 1900
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in the Art of and Apparatus for Making Paper Tubes.
I, ROBERT BOLTON RANSFORD, of 41, Waldegrave Road, Upper Norwood, in
the County of Surrey, Gentleman, do hereby declare the nature of this invention
(which has been communicated to me from abroad by John Howard White,
Reporter, and Edward Lowry White, Electrician, both of No. 2111, Bancroft
Place, in the City of Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America,)
to be as follows:-
This invention relates to the manufacture of paper tubes; an important feature
of the invention consisting in folding a paper strip in tubular form and then
heating the tube in order to set the paper permanently in tubular form A tube
may thus be formed of paper without the use of paste, cement or glue, but paste,
cement or glue may be employed, and the tube may be heated and molded to
both dry and set the glue and set the paper permanently in tubular form. Pres-
Fure is preferably applied during the heating process, and novel apparatus for
this purpose is comprehended within the invention. Waterproofing or strengthen-
ing material may be applied at any appropriate step in the process, and the con-
tinuous tube may be cut up into suitable lengths.
One way of carrying out the invention consists of the successive steps of passing
a continuous strip or ribbon of paper through guides of proper form to give it
the shape desired, whether round, square or oval, by suitable molding and heat-
ing devices of novel construction first, however, preferably, one edge of the paper
strip is gummed before it is passed through the formers or guides, the glue being
dried or set during the process of molding the tube, or in the coating box, the
finished tube being cut into suitable lengths and coated with waterproofing or
other composition, and the finished tubes being finally assembled in convenient
form for packing.
It may be desirable at times to produce continuous tubing, varying from a
few inches to many feet in length. This can be accomplished by arranging the
cutting-off mechanism to produce such result. The tubes may, if desired, be
made in great lengths by means of a former, folder and mold, and may be sub-
sequently coated with a waterproofing composition or treated in any way desired.
After which they may be cut up into predetermined lengths, singly or in numbers
by a suitable cutter, preferably a guillotine blade, made to shear along the
edure of the plate through the openings in which the tubes are allowed to project.
The system of first forming the tube and then permanently molding or setting
it into shape by heat permits, for some purposes, of the gluing process being
dispensed with altogether.
To carry out the invention, a machine has been devised adapted for the succes-
sive operations of gumming, forming, molding, cutting and coating, if desired,
the tube by a continuous series of successive operations. To do this a continuous
paper strip is fed from a suitable roll over guides past a gluing device, which
deposits a thread-like line of cement or paste along one edge of the strip, which

page_text: then traverses a mandrel surrounded by a former which directs the strip, partly
folds it, and determines the location in the mold of the edge of the gummed
seam or lap of the tube. This former is preferably a block having a U-shaped
slot formed therein, set upon or fixed around the mandrel in such way that it
can be readily turned or moved longitudinally thereon. The paper passed through
the U-shaped slot is thereby guided at the proper curve or angle into a folder
where it receives its tubular form with the gummed edge overlapping the opposite
un pasted one.
From the folder the tube surrounding the mandrel passes into a heater, ironer,
mold or matrix where it is set into permanent form, and in which at the same
time the paste or cement if used may be dried by the heat; this latter operation
being, however, incidental to the more important function performed by this
part of the machine of molding or setting the tube, the mald being sufficiently
heated to substantially soften the sizing or other material contained in the paper,
and thus set the same into the required shape. After the tube is thus formed or
before the final heating process, if desired, it traverses reciprocating feed-clamps
which at each revolution of the machine draw the paper forward a predetermined
distance which may be regulated by suitable adjustments imparted thereto.
If the tubes are to be cut into uniform lengths, it is caused to pass through
an opening in the cutter support where it is severed by a kuife, after which the
severed tube receives its coating of waterproofing or other composition. and is
finally ejected upon a travelling band or other device, and carried to some con-
venient point for boxing; or, it may be caught in any suitable receptacle for the
same purpose.
By applying a counter to the cutting-off mechanism, the finished tubes may be
automatically counted, and assembled in fixed quantities for packing. By opening
the clamping device, and detaching the knife, the other steps of the process
may be carried our independently, the tube being drawn through the several
guides and folders by hand or otherwise to be subsequently treated and severed.
if desired.
The preferred form of feeding device consists of two clamps of any desired
length. grooved to fit the tube which when brought together almost completely
encircle it. The lower clamp to which the driving power is supplied is supported
on rollers travelling in grooves formed in suitable guide-ways. It slides back
and forth horizontally below, and preferably just touching the paper tube which
surrounds the mandrel. Two vertical pins are set in the lower clamp, one in
each end, which pass through openings in the upper clamp, light spiral springs
being fixed upon them to hold the upper part clear of the tube during the back-
ward stroke. A cam wheel at the proper time operates a bell-crank lever con-
nicted to two other bell-crank levers pivoted above the clamps and connected near
each end to a bar which rests upon eight rollers fixed on the upper half of the
clamp. forcing the upper part downward until its lower grooved surface rests
upon the top of the tube, thus clamping the paper between the upper and lower
parts when it is carried forward by the movement of a pivoted segment the
required distance. The pressure on the upper section of the clamp is then
immediately relieved, and the clamp returns to its original position. The pressure
of the clamp upon, the paper is regulated by thumb screws or other similar
devices.
Another method of applying the clamp feeding device consists in swivelling
or pivoting the clamp sections upon links the centers of which are pivoted to
slide-bar. When power is applied by the pivoted segment and the lever con-
nections to the lower clamp, the links will rock on their central pivots, thus
opening or closing the clamps and carrying the slide bar backwards or forwards
according to the direction of the motion.
To prevent unnecessary pressure upon the tube and mandrel in this modified
form of feed mechanism, a set-screw or other adjusting means is employed by
which the movement of the upper clamp to grasp the tube is regulated, thus

page_text: preventing the clamp from holding the tubo so tightly as to cause undue friction
on the mandrel. When the clamps are to return to the position where they are
again to clamp the tube, the links are so pivoted as to hold the two clamps at
the greatest distance apart.
By changing the position of the parts, the tube can be formed and set without
the aid of the mold or heater, as the heat required to keep the coating com-
position fluid is sufficient for this purpose, but the arrangement before described
is preferred.
The heat of the mold is sufficient to cause any accidental surplus of glue
which may be deposited upon the paper strip to boil out through the seam, and
thus glue the paper to the inside of the mold, were the latter a complete cylinder.
To avoid this the mold or heater is preferably made in two parts, with the upper
part hinged upon the lower part. The upper part, when let down, does not
quite complete the circle, but leaves a small horizontal space along which the
seam in the tube is made to pass. This is accomplished by the U-shaped movable
guide which we call the former, and which constitutes an important feature of
the invention. If, however, the tube is drawn continuously through the machine
to be afterwards cut up, the coating box may also answer the purpose of a mold,
as suggested.
The mandrel is preferably extended so that the end of it is coincident with
the plane of movement of the knife, so that the tube is supported on all sides
during the process of severing or cutting-off.
The coating apparatus comprises a reservoir, feed-mechanism, a coating
chamber filled with absorbent material, having an opening for the passage of the
tube to be coated. The clutch used in the machine may be actuated by an
operating shaft extending from front to rear of the machine and provided with
hundles at each end.
The glue holder is screw-threaded so as to be adjustable vertically with refer-
ence to the puper strip, and the passage of glue from the holder is regulated by
an adjustable valve. The glue-holder is mounted on a bracket which may be
adjustable to regulate the feed of the glue.
Any
The folder hereinbefore referred to is so mounted that it may adjust itself to
any position with relation to the heater as the paper strip passis to it from the
folder. The upper section of the heater is preferably weighted, and this section
is hinged so that it may be raised or lowered by suitable micchanism.
suitable kind of heater may be employed, but preferably an electric heater is
used. The mandrel is adjustable longitudinally to compensate for variations in
its length incident to heating and gluing.
T
711
1000
Improvements in the Art of and Apparatus for Making Paper Tubes.
I, ROBERT BOLTON RANSFORD, of 41. Waldegrave Road, Upper Norwood, in
the County of Surrey, Gentleman, do hereby declare the nature of this invention
(which has been communicated to me from abroad by John Howard White,
Reporter, and Edward Lowry White, Electrician, 'both of No. 2111. Bancroft
Place, in the City of Washington, District of Columbia, U.S.A.,) and in what
manner the same is to be performed to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement :-
-
This invention relates to the manufacture of paper tubes; an important feature

page_text: of the invention consisting in folding a paper strip in tubular form and then
heating the tube in order to set the paper permanently in tubular form A tube
may thus be formed of paper without the use of paste, cement or glue, but paste,
cement or glue may be employed, and the tube may be heated and molded to
both dry and set the glue and set the paper permanently in tubular form. Pres-
sure is preferably applied during the heating process, and novel apparatus for
this purpose is comprehended within the invention. Waterproofing or strengthen-
ing material may be applied at any appropriate step in the process, and the con-
tinuous tube may be cut up into suitable longths.
One way of carrying out the invention consists of the successive steps of passing
a continuous strip or ribbon of paper through guides of proper form to give it
the shape desired, whether round, square or oval, by suitable molding and heat-
ing devices of novel construction first, however, preferably, one edge of the paper
strip is gummed before it is passed through the formers or guides, the glue being
dried or set during the process of molding the tube, or in the coating box, the
finished tube being cut into suitable lengths and coated with waterproofing or
other composition, and the finished tubes being finally assembled in convenient
form for packing.
It may be desirable at times to produce continuous tubing, varying from a
few inches to many feet in length. This can be accomplished by arranging the
cutting-off mechanism to produce such result. The tubes may, if desired, be
made in great lengths by means of a former, folder and mold, and may be sub-
sequently coated with a waterproofing composition or treated in any way desired.
After which they may be cut up into predetermined lengths, singly or in numbers
by a suitable cutter, preferably a guillotine blade, made to shear along tho
edge of the plate through the openings in which the tubes are allowed to project.
The system of first forming the tube and then permanently molding or setting
it into shape by heat permits, for some purposes, of the gluing process being
dispensed with altogether.
To carry out the invention, a machine has been devised adapted for the succos-
sive operations of gumming, forming, molding, cutting and coating, if desired,
the tube by a continuous series of successive operations. To do this a continuous
paper strip is fed from a suitable roll over guides past a gluing device, which
deposits a thread-like line of cement or paste along one edge of the strip, which
then traverses a mandrel surrounded by a former which directs the strip, partly
folds it, and determines the location in the mold of the edge of the gummed
seam or lap of the tube. This former is preferably a block having a U-shaped
slot formed therein, set upon or fixed around the mandrel in such way that it
can be readily turned or moved longitudinally thereon. The paper passed through
the U-shaped slot is thereby guided at the proper curve or angle into a folder
where it receives its tubular forin with the gummed edge overlapping the opposite
unpasted one.
From the folder the tube surrounding the mandrel passes into a heater, ironer,
mold or matrix where it is set into permanent form, and in which at the same
time the paste or cement if used may be dried by the heat; this lattor operation
being, however, incidental to the more important function performed by this
part of the machine of molding or setting the tube, the mold being sufficiently
heated to substantially soften the sizing or other material contained in the paper.
and thus sut the same into the required shape. After the tube is thus formed or
before the final heating process, if desired, it traverses reciprocating feed-clamps
which at each revolution of the machine draw the paper forward a predetermined
distance which may be regulated by suitable adjustments imparted thereto.
If the tube is to be cut into uniform lengths, it is caused to pass through
an opening in the cutter support where it is severed by a knife, after which the
severed tube receives its coating of waterproofing or other composition, and is
finally ejected upon a travelling band or other device, and carried to some con-

page_text: venient point for boxing; or, it may be caught in any suitable receptacle for the
same purpose.
By applying a counter to the cutting-cfi mechanism, the finished tubes may be
automatically counted, and assembled in fixed quantities for packing. By opening
the clamping device, and detaching the knife, the other steps of the process
may be carried out independently, the tube being drawn through the several
guides and folders by hand or otherwise to be subsequently treated and severed,
if desired.
The preferred form of feeding device consists of two clamps of any desired
length, grooved to fit the tube which when brought together almost completely
encircle it. The lower clamp to which the driving power is supplied is supported
on rollers travelling in grooves formed in suitable guide-ways. It slides back
and forth horizontally below, and preferably just touching the paper tube which
surrounds the mandrel. Two vertical pins are set in the lower clamp, one in
each end, which pass through openings in the upper clamp, light spiral springs
being fixed upon them to hold the upper part clear of the tube during the back-
ward stroke. A cam wheel at the proper time operates a bell-crank lever con-
nected to two other bell-crank levers pivoted above the clamps and connected near
each end to a bar which rests upon eight rollers fixed on the upper half of the
clamp, forcing the upper part downward until its lower grooved surface rests
upon the top of the tube, thus clamping the paper between the upper and lower
parts when it is carried forward by the movement of a pivoted segment the
required distance. The pressure on the upper section of the clamp is then
immediately relieved, and the clamp returns to its original position. The pressure
of the clamp upon the paper is regulated by thumb screws or other similar
devices.
Another method of applying the clamp feeding device consists in swivelling
or pivoting the clamp sections upon links the centers of which are pivoted to
a slide-bar. When power is applied by the pivoted segment and the lever con-
nections to the lower clamp, the links will rock on their central pivots, thus
opening or closing the clamps and carrying the slide bar backwards or forwards
according to the direction of the motion.
To prevent unnecessary pressure upon the tube and mandrel in this modified
form of feed mechanism, a set-screw or other adjusting means is employed by
which the movement of the upper clamp to grasp the tube is regulated, thus
preventing the clamp from holding the tube so tightly as to cause undue friction
en the mandrel. When the clamps are to return to the position where they are
again to clamp the tube, the links are so pivoted as to hold the two clamps at
the greatest distance apart.
By changing the position of the parts, the tube can be formed and set without
the aid of the mold or heater, as the heat required to keep the coating com-
position fluid is sufficient for this purpose, but the arrangement before described
is preferred.
The heat of the mold is sufficient to cause any accidental surplus of glue
which may be deposited upon the paper strip to boil out through the seam, and
thus glue the paper to the inside of the mold, were the latter a complete cylinder.
To avoid this the mold or heater is preferably made in two parts, with the upper
part hinged upon the lower part. The upper part, when let down, does not
quite complete the circle, but leaves a small horizontal space along which the
seam in the tube is made to pass. This is accomplished by the U-shaped movable
guide which I call the former, and which constitutes an important feature of
the invention. If, however, the tube is drawn continuously through the machine
to be afterwards cut up, the coating box may also answer the purpose of a mold,
as suggested.
The mandrel is preferably extended so that the end of it is coincident with
the plane of movement of the knife, so that the tube is supported on all sides
during the process of severing or cutting-off.

page_text: The coating apparatus comprises a reservoir, feed-mechanism, a coating
chamber filled with absorbent material, having an opening for the passage of the
tube to be coated. The clutch used in the machine may be actuated by an
operating shaft extending from front to rear of the machine and provided 'with
handles at each end.
The glue holder is screw-threaded so as to be adjustable vertically with refer-
ence to the paper strip, and the passage of glue from the holder is regulated by
an adjustable valve. The glue-holder is mounted on a bracket which may be
adjustable to regulate the feed of the glue.
Any
The folder hereinbefore referred to is so mounted that it may adjust itself to
any position with relation to the heater as the paper strip passes to it from the
folder. The upper section of the heater is preferably weighted, and this section
is hinged so that it may be raised or lowered by suitable mechanism.
suitable kind of heater may be employed, but preferably an electric heater is
used. The mandrel is adjustable longitudinally to compensate for variations in
its length incident to heating and gluing.
The accompanying drawings show so much of one form of an improved appa-
ratus for carrying out the objects of the invention as is necessary to illustrate the
subject-matter claimed. Unless otherwise specified the different parts of the
apparatus, broadly considered, are of usual well-known construction, the apparatus
consisting of the novel organizations and combinations of instrumentalities here-
inafter specified. The feed-end is hereinafter called the front of the machine,
und the discharge end the rear.
Figure 1 is a plan or top view of an apparatus adapted for making two tubes
simultaneously, and may obviously be extended to produce any desired number.
Fig 2, a side elevation thereof."
Figs. 3, 4 and 5 show the details of the pasting device employed: Fig. 3 being
a perspective, Fig. 4 a vertical central section, and Fig. 5 a plan or top view
thereof.
Figs. 6 and 7, respectively, represent a plan and an elevation of the forming,
folding, molding and heating mechanism.
Fig. 8 is a cross-section on the line 8-8 of Figs. 6 and 7.
Figs. 9, 10 and 11 show detail views of the "former" and the folder, with their
adjusting mechanisms.
Fig. 12 represents a bottom plan view of the electrical heater preferably
employed.
Figs. 13 and 14, are respectively, views, in side elevation and cross-section,
of the preferred form of feeding mechanism.
Figs. 15 and 16 show, respectively, a longitudinal sectional elevation, and plan,
of the cutting-off mechanism.
Fig. 17 is a detail view of the same.
Figs. 18 and 19 are detail views of the cutting-off mechanism.
Fig. 20 is a view of the mandrel, showing the means employed for adjusting
it with relation to the cutting-off mechanism.
Figs. 21 and 22 are sectional views, the former being partly in elevation, show-
ing the paruffining apparatus, or coating mechanism.
Figs. 23 to 29, inclusive, show modifications of the feeding devices.
Bolted to the feed end of the bed-plate, Y, is a standard, X, extending in a
vertical direction, and in this instance wide enough to support two sets of guiding
and pasting devices. Projecting forwardly from the standard are two arms, c.
carrying a shaft on which a roller, A, turns (see Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5). A
plate, B, bolted to the arms r, is provided with notches, b, constituting guides
by means of which the paper strips, a, passing from a suitable roll or reel, not
shown, over the roller, A. are guided and maintained in proper relation to the
primary forming device hereinafter described. Secured to the standard, X,
vertically over each paper strip, is a bracket, C, perforated and threaded at its
outer end through which a glue-holder, C, passes, a screw-thread being formed

page_text: thereon to engage with the thread in the bracket, C. The lower end of each
glue-holder is of conical form, as shown at c, perforated at its apex, as at e³, a
screw-top, (3, covering the holder.
Passing axially through each glue-holder, (3, is a valve stem, C', pointed at
its lower end to form a valve for regulating the outflow of glue through the
small opening. 2, or to entirely cut off said flow. The upper end of said valve
stem is threaded into the cap. C, and terminates in a thumb-nut, e, by turning
which the amount of glue allowed to pass through the opening, 2, is accurately
regulated. Each bracket, C, is secured to the standard, X, by means of a thumb-
screw, c, which will permit the lateral adjustment of the glue-holder about the screw
as a pivot with relation to the paper strip. To obtain the best results the glue
should be applied to the paper strip in a very fine thread-like form near one
edge, for which purpose the bracket, C¹, is made horizontally adjustable, as
above described.
The vertical movement of the valve stem, C, as hereinbefore stated, regulates
the quantity of glue deposited on the paper strip, while the bracket, C, being
adapted to move laterally, the exact position where the glue is to be laid on
the paper strip, is easily determined. The quantity of glue on the paper is
regulated by the said valve and by the distance separating the paper strip from
the apex of the glue-holder, which distance is adjusted by screwing the holder
up or down, increasing or decreasing the distance between said paper strip and
the bottom of the holder, C³.
Another advantage of screwing the glue-holder into the bracket is that when-
ever the glue becomes hard or gummy, or when it is found necessary to cleanse
the parts, a few turns of the holder will separate it from the bracket, (", and a
new holder, ready charged, can be inserted in its place at a moment's notice.
Each paper strip passes from the guide, b, along the underside of a mandrel, D,
mounted on the frame in a manner hereinafter described, so as to maintain its
proper relation to the axis of the tube-forming devices, while permitting its
endwise adjustment relative to the cutters, and through what is termed a former"
This former is shown as formed in a block, E. of metal perforated so as to turn
freely as well as to move longitudinally upon the mandrel on which it is directly
mounted without other support. A set-screw, el, passing through this block bears
on the mandrel and clamps them securely together in the desired relation.
"
The former " proper consists of a tapering U-shaped perforation, e, formed
centrally in the block with its center below the mandrel and its horns extending
above it on each side. (See Figs. 10 and 11.) The set-screw, el, above mentioned
enables this perforation or "former" to be set in the desired relation to the
folder, F, hereinafter described. Among the advantages incident to this organi-
zation are a simple and effective means of adjusting the "former" on the mandrel
while leaving an unobstructed space around it for the passage of the strip, and of
securing the proper relation between the "former," folder and heater. AB will
be seen from Fig. 11, the U-shaped slot e, is tapered inwardly in the direction
of movement of the paper strip. The slot is also enlarged at one end, as at ³.
Fig. 10. to allow the glued edge of the strip to pass through it without danger of
the glue being deposited in the slot.
After passing through this " former," each paper strip enters a
"folder," or
guide. F, Figs. 6. 7 and 9. This folder, which is of well-known form, is pivoted
at f to an arm, which, in turn, is pivoted at f to one of the standards, a.
bolted to the bed-plate and which serve to support the heater. The pivots f, f.
are loose connections, which will allow the folder, F, to adjust itself to any
position with relation to the mandrel, the "former." and the heater, G, as the
strip passes to it from said folder. The mandrel is preferably slightly reduced
in size at the narrowest point in this folder, so that the tube as it subsequently
passes through the heater, is made to fit closely around the mandrel.
The heater. G, is formed of a horizontal plate, G1 secured to and above the
bed-plate by standards, g. A semi-circumr groove g' (Fig. 8), is formed in the

page_text: plate, G, beneath and partly surrounding each mandrel, D, which extends longi-
tudinally across the plate, G. Hinged to the plate, G¹, ou each side, is a bar, G³,
the lower edge of which is provided with a groove, g, somewhat less than a semi-
circle, encircling the top of the mandrel, the said groove having a similar radius
to the groove in the plate, G', see Fig. 8. In the drawings a circular tube, with
mandrel guides, etc., is shown, but obviously any other shape may be employed.
Each paper strip entering the folder, F, emerges therefrom in the form of a
tube, the glued edge of the strip overlapping slightly the opposite edge. The
tube thus formed and surrounding the mandrel, D, enters the grooves, g', q³, of
the mold or heater, where it is set in its tubular form, and the glued edge dried.
The relation of the grooves, g', g, is such that a slot or opening is left at their
outer edges for a purpose to be hereinafter described. An arm, g, projects
from the side of each bar, G³, opposite the hinges and carries a weight, G4, which
serves to apply the necessary pressure to the folded tube. The outer end of the
arm, g, rests in a fork, g, on the upper end of a rod, G, the lower end of which
arm is formed into an eccentric strap, G, encircling an eccentric, G', on a rock-
shaft G3, said shaft being provided with handles, G, Go, at the rear and front
ends of the machine (see Figs. 1, 15 and 16), so that from either end any one
of the tube formers and feeders can be thrown out of action, while the rest of the
machine continues in operation.
When it is desired to raise the bar, G³, for the purpose of "threading the
machine," or inserting the tube into the grooves, g', 9, the shaft, G³, is rocked
by means of either of the handles, G, Go, thus turning the eccentric, G, and
raising the bar, G2, as shown on the right of Fig. 8, and at the same time operat-
ing the clutch mechanism and throwing this particular former out of action, in
the manner hereinafter described. The grooves, gl, g, may be cleaned by throw-
ing the bar entirely back, as shown in dotted lines in said Fig. 8. Heat is
applied to the plate, (, by a gas or gasoline burner, or any other suitable method.
Preferably, however, electricity is used for this purpose, as the degree of heat
can be easily regulated and a constant temperature maintained.
One form of electrical heater is shown in Fig. 12, in which a current from a
generator passes through a resistance box and an ammeter, thence to the heating
coil, G, beneath the plate, G, and back to the generator.
Figs. 1 and 2 show the paper strip as it passes from the heater to a clamping
device, which we will now describe.
Brackets, h, bolted to the bed-plate Y, support, on each side of the apparatus,
a guide-way, II, the inner sides of which are grooved, as at h', Fig. 14. Within
this guide-way slides the lower clamp, H', supported by rollers, 43, which run
in the grooves, . The upper clamp, II, Fig. 13, which lies vertically above
the
lower clamp, is provided with 83 projecting car, h*, ut each
end, perforated to receive a pin, extending upwardly from each
end of the lower clamp, H¹. Surrounding each pin between the two
clamps is a spiral spring, h, which affords a yielding support for the upper
clamp. II, and tends at all times to keep the clamps separated.
The upper
face of the lower clamp is grooved semi-circularly (see Fig. 14), and fits closely
against the formed paper tube surrounding the mandrel, D. which passes between
the clamps. The lower face of the upper clamp, is also grooved, but is normally
held out of contact with the tube by the springs, 4º. Grooved rollers, h², jour-
nalled to the upper side of the clamp, H3, bear on a bar, H hung to one arm
of each of two bell-crank levers H, pivoted to the standards, h, their other arms!
being connected by a link-rod, ³. A cross-shaft, H, below the clamps (Fig. 13),
has journalled on it as many segments, II', as there are tubes to be formed, by
means of which the clamps are moved endwise and the tube fed through the
machine. One or more cords, 18, are fastened to the lower clamp, H', and to
the segment, H, in such way that as the segment. H7, rocks to and fro, the clamps
will be carried back and forth, as described.
A rod, 0, extends from one of said levers, II", to a bell-crunk lever, II³, to

page_text: one arm of which is pivoted a roller, h" (see Fig. 15), acted on by a cam, ¹,
turning on a shaft, M. As the cam rotates it will, at the proper time, rock
the bell-crank lever, H, and pull the rods, 10, 9; and depress the ends of the
bell-crank levers, H³, carrying the bar, H. This downward movement of the
bar, H, forces the upper clamp, H, downward into contact with the formed
paper tube surrounding the mandrel, D, clamping it between the two clamps, H¹H
At this instant the segment, H7, is moved forward, feeding forward a length of
tube. As soon as the stroke of the segment, H7, is ended, the bell-crank lever, H³,
will be disengaged from the cam and the bar, H, raised by the spiral spring h¹³,
connected to the forward bell-crank lever, H, and to a bracket, H20, on the right
of Fig. 13. The clamps, H', H, each contain a block, h4, which blocks
engage the tube when the clamps are brought together. The grooved surface
of the lower block, 5, is preferably smooth, while the corresponding surface
of the upper block, 4, is roughened, either by securing in the groove a strip
of emery paper, or by making the block of corundum, which is naturally rough,
or of steel having ribs formed therein (see Figs. 27, 28 and 29).
A driving shaft, L, extending beneath the bed-plato, Y, carries a driving-
pulley. L, at one end and a balance wheel, L5, at the other, is supported by
suitable bearings, and has mounted thereon on each side one section of a two-
part clutch, L, adapted to slide longitudinally on the shaft and rotate therewith
by means of a feather and groove, 1; see more particularly Figs. 15 and 16.
The second part of the clutch, L', is formed on the hub of a pinion, L. This
portion of the clutch is adapted to rotate on the shaft, but is fixed against
longitudinal movement by any suitable means.
A gear-wheel, M', on each side of the machine, turning freely on the fixed
shaft, M, heretofore mentioned, engages with and is rotated by the pinion, L³.
Secured to the gear-wheel, M', is a cam, M2, and a cam-disk, M, in one face
of which is a groove, m, while around its periphery is the cam, 41, heretofore
referred to. Affixed to the rock-shaft, GB, is a fork, L³, adapted to disconnect
the clutch when the shaft, 48, is rocked.
Pivoted in suitable bearings, O, bolted to the bed-plate on each side, is a
lever, 0, extending in a downward direction to a point beneath the bed-plate
where it is connected to a bar, 08, the upper end of which is pivoted to the
segment, H. A roller, o', on the arm, O', enters the cam groove, m, on the
disk, M³, and is rocked to and fro as the disk, M³, rotates. This movement causes
the segment, H', to oscillate and move the feed-clamps to and fro, the cam being
so shaped that the movement of the segment is slowest at the start and finish
of the stroke.
The external cam, h¹, as heretofore described, operates the bell-crank lever, H³,
for closing the upper, clamp H, on the tube.
A knife, R, for separating each tube into equal lengths is attached to a
vertical slide-bar, 1', (Figs. 2 and 17), mounted in hearings on an upright, S.
It is raised by the cam, M, acting on the lever. R², pivoted in any convenient
position and connected to the plate R', by a link, r. The knife is drawn down-
ward in the act of severing the tube by the spring, &, attached to said lever
and to the bed-plate. Extending laterally from the upright, S, is a plate, T
having an opening, t, formed therethrough for the passage of the mandrel and
the tube. Against this plate, (see Figs. 17, 18, 19 and 20) the knife, R, bears, it
forming a ledger-plate to co-act with the knife for severing the tube. The man-
drel also terminates at this point. The front of the mandrel, D, which extends
longitudinally of the machine from the standard, X, to the cutting mechanism,
as shown in Figs. 3, 4 and 20, is fixed to a slide, d, adapted to move longitudinally
in a boss, r, on the standard, X. The forward end of the slide is screw-threaded
and carries a nut, d, by means of which the mandrel, D, is given a longitudinal
movement, so that its rear or free end will lie always in the plane of the cutting
face of the ledger-plate, T. The need of this adjustment is evident when it is

page_text: understood that the rod, D, being exposed to more or less varying degrees of tem-
perature, will expand or contract, and it is for the purpose of always keeping its
free end, as heretofore stated, in the plane of the ledger-plate so that when the
tube is cut by the knife, R, the cut will be clean and sharp.
A support, T, is arranged opposite the plate, T, in the line of the mandrel,
and is provided with a passage-way, t, through which the paper-tube passes,
its cut end being thus supported in the proper position to be shoved forward by the
continued movement of the tube.
Each tube after being severed is passed through a device for coating it or
saturating it with paraffine. This device, shown in Figs. 1, 2, 21 and 22, consists
of a receptacle or box, U, of suitable size and shape, in which the paraffine is
placed and kept in a molten state by any suitable heating device. In the bottom
of the box is formed a socket, u, filled with felt, or other suitable substance, but
having an opening, u, through which the tube may pass. Into the ends of the
Bocket, u, aro screwed nozzles, U¹, which have openings formed therethrough and
in line with the opening, u', in the felt filling.
The bottom of the receptacle, U, is perforated, as at us, through which per-
foration the melted paraffine passes and is absorbed by the felt. A stem, V,
pointed at its lower end and threaded at its upper end, and provided with a
thumb-nut serves to open and close the opening, u, to regulate the quantity of
paraffine flowing through to the felt. The tubes, passing through the openings
in the nozzles, U, and the felt, being heated, absorb paraffine from the felt, which
operation completes the formation of a drinking straw.
In the modified form of clamping device shown in Figs. 23 to 26, both inclusive,
the brackets, h, support at their upper ends a horizontal bar, H10, in one side
of which is formed a dove-tailed groove, 20. Within the groove, 120, is a
slide H, adapted to move forward and backward therein. Pivoted at its center,
near each end of the slide, H", is a link, 8, its ends extending above and below
the pivotal point. Two "U" shaped clamps, H', H2, disposed one above the
other, are provided with pivots, near each end, which enter sockets in the
ends of the links, 3. Similar pivots on the opposite side of the clamps, H³, H³,
are connected to links, . A segment, H7, similar in all respects to the one
heretofore described, and connected to the lower clamp, II', in a similar manner,
carries the clamps, H, He, backward and forward to feed the formed paper tube
to the cutting mechanism.
The arrangement of the above-described parts is such that as the lower
clamp, H, moves forward, the links, h", rock on their pivots, h¹, thus raising
the lower clamp, H', and depressing the upper clamp, H³, into engagement with
the formed paper tube, and draw it forward. A reverse movement of the seg-
ment H, will cause the clamps to open and return to their retractive position.
Attached to a bracket, A, bolted to the top of the horizontal bar, Ho, is a
plate, H, the lower edge of which forms a guide and support for the upper
clamin. Fixed to each end of the lower clamp, H¹, is a plate, h², extending
upwardly and carrying a screw, h2, which forms a stop for the upper clamp, H⁹,
and by which the pressure on the formed paper tube is regulated.
clamps, H, H, each contain a block, 14, 15, similar to the blocks described in the
preferred form of feeding device.
The
An apparatus has been shown and described organized to simultaneously form,
cut and coat two tubes, but a single tube or a larger number may be thus formed
and treated.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is:
1. The herein before described improvement in the manufacture of paper-tubes,
said improvement consisting in folding a naner-strip into tubular form

page_text: then heating the tube to soften the sizing and set the paper permanently in tubular
form.
2. The hereinbefore described improvement in the manufacture of paper-tubes
said improvement comprising the successive steps of folding a paper strip into
tubular form, and then ironing the same by heat and pressure to soften the sizing
and fix or set the tube in its finished form.
3. The hereinbefore described improvement in the manufacture of paper-tubes,
said improvement comprising the successive steps of folding a paper strip into
tubular form, heating it to soften the sizing, and applying water-proofing or
strengthening material thereto.
4. The hereinbefore described improvement in the manufacture of paper-tubes,
said improvement comprising the successive steps of folding a paper strip into
tubular form, ironing it by heat and pressure, and applying water-proofing or
strengthening material thereto.
5. The method of making tubes which consists in shaping into tubular form
a strip of sheet material, and subsequently subjecting the tubular body to heat
while held in a confined space to effect a setting and moulding of the lapped
parts.
6. The method of making tubes which consists in shaping into fubular form
a strip of paper, and subsequently subjecting the tubular body to heat, while
held at all points within the interior and on the exterior thereof, to effect a setting
of the lapping parts.
7. A tube-forming apparatus comprising means for forming the tube, and an
ironer which heats and presses the lube, softens the sizing and molds the tube
into its final form.
8. A tube forming apparatus, comprising means for forming the tube, means
for heating the tube to impart a stiffness thereto to enable it to retain its tubular
form, and means for coating the tube while hot.
9. A paper tube forming apparatus, comprising means for forming the tube
from a paper-strip, a hollow matrix, a mandrel extending therethrough and
means for heating the matrix.
10. The gumming apparatus herein described, comprising a holder with a
conical mouth, a regulating valve working therein, an arm swinging laterally
around its support, a clamp-screw to hold it in place, and a screw-joint between
the arm and holder to permit the holder to be adjusted both vertically and
laterally relatively to the strip to be gummed and to the tube forming devices.
11. 'T'he "former" herein described, supported solely by and adjustable upon
the mandrel.
12. The former" herein described comprising a block having a U-shaped
perforation and supported solely by and adjustable upon a mandrel surrounded
by the former.
13. The former” heroin described, comprising a block having a U-shaped
perforation, having one arm or branch thereof enlarged for the unobstructed
passage of the gummed paper strip.
14. The former" herein described, comprising a block having a U-shaped
perforation tapering from rear to frout and having one of its arms or branches
enlarged for the unobstructed passage of the gummed paper strip.
15. The combination of the mandrel the "former" supported solely by and
movable thereon, and the set-screw which clamps these parts together.
16. The combination of the roller over which the paper-strip passes, the fixed
guide, the gumming apparatus directly over the guide and adjustable relatively
thereto, the mandrel, the "former" mounted on the mandrel, and the set-screw
which locks the "former on the mandrel in proper relation to the guide and
gumming apparatus.
"
17. The combination, substantially as hereinbefore set forth, of a mandrel,
and an encircling folder pivoted to a support, in turn pivoted on a bed-plate or
frame, to render the folder adjustable in two directions.

page_text: 18. The "
former” herein described supported solely upon and adjustable on
the mandrel, in combination with the folder encircling the mandrel, and the
support to which the folder is pivoted, in turn pivoted on the frame, to secure
the proper relation of the strip, mandrel, former" and folder.
19. A heater comprising sections hinged together and provided with means
for varying their pressure upon the paper tube passing between them.
20. A heater comprising a hinged weighted section, means for lifting it, and
means for varying its pressure upon the paper tube traversing the heater.
21. A heater comprising a fixed section and a hinged section, in combination
with an actuating shaft and a link connecting the shaft and hinged section.
22. The paper-tube feeding device herein described, comprising a stationary
mandrel, traversed by the finished tube, a vibratable segment, a clamp carried
thereby encircling the lower part of the tube, an upper clamp carried by the
lower oue, devices which normally tend to separate the clamps, and means for
closing the clamps upon the tubo on their forward stroke.
23. The combination of the stationary mandrel, clamp-sections embracing it,
springs which normally tend to separate these clamps, a vibratablo segment
which traverses the clamps relatively to the mandrel, and devices for closing the
clamps upon the tube carried by the mandrel on their forward stroke
24. The cutting apparatus herein described, comprising a ledger-plate, a man-
drel terminating in an opening therein, and a cutter reciprocating across the
end of the mandrel close to the ledger-plate, and severing the finished tube as it
passes from the mandrel.
25. The combination of a ledger-plate, a mandrel terminating in an opening
therein, means for adjusting the mandrel longitudinally relatively thereto, and
a cutter working across the face of the mandrel to sever the tube escaping there-
from.
26. The combination, substantially as hereinbefore set forth, of tube-forming
and feeding mechanism, a heater, a mandrel passing therethrough, a cutter work-
ing across the face of the mandrel and means for adjusting the mandrel longi-
tudinally to compensate for its variations in length.
27. The combination of the tube-forming mechanism, the heater, the feed
mechanism, the mandrel extending through these mechanisms, the coating mech-
anism, and the cutter working across the face of the mandrel between the feeding
and coating mechanism.
28. The combination of the gumming mechanism, the former, the folder, the
heater, the feed mechanism, the cutter, the mandrel passing through the former,
folder, feed-mechanism and heater, terminating at the cutter, and the coating
mechanism through which the severed tubes pass.
29. The coating apparatus herein described, comprising a receptacle or reser-
voir, its regulating valve, the socket beneath the receptacle, its longitudinally
perforated fibrous filling, and the perforated nozzles through which and the
filling the tube passes to be coated.
30. The combination of the wheel and fixed guide over which the papor-strip
passes, the gluing device over the guide, the stationary mandrel, the former
mounted solely upon and adjustable thereon, the stationary folder, the sectional
heater, the feeding device, the cutter, and the coating-chamber, the organization
being such that the mandrel extends through the former, folder, heater and feed-
ing device and terminates at the cutter."
31. The combination, substantially as herein before set forth, of gumming
mechanism, tube forming mechanism, a heater, and a coating device.
32. The combination, substantially as hereinbefore set forth, of gumming
mechanism, tube forming mechanism, and an ironer or mold comprising a heated
chamber, and a mandrel within the chamber over which the tube passes after it
is gummed.
33. The combination, substantially as herein before set forth, of gumming
mechanism, tube forming mechanism, a heated chamber through which the

page_text: gummed tube passes, and a mandrel within the heated chamber which the tube
traverses.
34. The apparatus for forming paper tubes substantially as herein shown and
described.