US2486450A

US2486450A - Wire forming machine

Info

Publication number: US2486450A
Application number: US550530A
Authority: US
Inventors: Albert S Wahl
Original assignee: Solo Products Corp
Current assignee: Solo Products Corp
Priority date: 1944-08-22
Filing date: 1944-08-22
Publication date: 1949-11-01
Anticipated expiration: 1966-11-01

Description

Nov. 1, 1949. A. s. WAHL WIRE FORMING MACHINE '7 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 22, 1944 m R 05 TT E W; mm A ATTO R N EY Nov. 1, 1949. A. s. WAHL 2,486,450

WIRE FORMING MACHINE Filed Aug. 22, 1944 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 as F T l 5-;

1 72 I 59 a; i 64 as I z 6 70 5 6061 I 57- 1 39 J 77 lNVENTOR A LBERTS. WA HL BY ATTORNEY Nov. 1, 1949. A. s. WAHL 2,486,450

WIRE FORMING MACHINE Filed Aug. 22, 1944 Sheets-Sheet 3 ATTOl QNEY m KNE i: k

1 aw W 1 ,wu ww E n w NW 5 Nov. 1, 1949. A. s. WAHL 2,486,450

WIRE FORMING MACHINE Filed Aug. 22, 1944 '7 Sheets-Sheet 4 R WA HL INVENTO ALBERTS.

ATTORNEY 5 9 9/ F0, m aamw Nov. 1, 1949. A. s. WAHL WIRE FORMING MACHINE 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Aug. 22, 1944 INVENTOR ALBERT S WAHL ATTORNEY Nov. 1, 1949. A. s. WAHL 2,436,450

WIRE FORMING MACHINE Filed Aug. 22, 1944 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 ATTORNEY Nov. 1, 1949. A. s. WAHL 2,486,450

WIRE FORMING MACHINE Filed Aug. 22, 1944 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 WI 1| :11:W u l lllll 80 I,

(I lllllfllllllllll llllllllllllllllll" ll lllllllllll II I 69 67 1 i. I 68 l /BD INVENT'QI Q ALBERTSWAHL ATTORNEY Patented Nova-1, 1949 wma roams mclmm Albert S. Wahl, Jersey City, N.-J., minor to Solo Products Corporation, New York, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application August 22, 1944, Serial No. 550,530

31 Claims. ((1140-71) This invention is broadly concerned with a functionally and structurally improved wire forming machine and specifically is directed to a completely automatic machine for enhancing the 4 production of articles of manufacture of wire. Hitherto automatic machines were utilized in making articles of manufacture of wire. In actual practice suchtypes of automatic machines were designated as the single slide or multiple slide. Where the "slide type of automatic machine is employed there is an appreciable amount of lost motion resulting in slower production. For example in the slide type of automatic wire forming machines, the wire feeding and wire bending means each is reciprocable. In the case of the reciprocable wire feeding means, the wire is gripped and pulled across the throat of the shaping means. Thereafter the reciprocating feeding means releases and retracts idly, preparatory to pulling another length of wire across the throat of the wire shaping means. Thus one half of the cycle of the reciprocable wire feeding means is wasted and this motion may be considered as definitely slowing production. In a similar manner the reciprocable bending means is only effecstrip shaping means during the time that similar and previously cut predetermined lengths of wire or'metal strip are successively driven unidirectionally through novel wire shaping means. As a further object the invention provides means when desired for automatically clinching the deformed wire as it leaves the wire shapin means. Further objects, advantages and functional and structural aspects of the invention are: the provision of continuously rotating means for periodically actuating escapement means to. oscillate novel wire cutting means through which the tive on one half of its cycle, namely; at a time, i

it is directed towards and against the work, and thereafter on this cycle it is idly operating. Thus further lost motion or loss of time is encountered.

The present invention has for its dominant object to provide an automatic wire forming machine having an appreciably faster rate of production than the so-called slide type of automatic machine. The invention has as a further object the provision of a serviceable wire forming machine wherein the wire which may be fully round, partly round, or polygonal in cross section and where desired may be of flat or ribbon metal stock is intermittently fed across the throat of the wire shaping means by continuously rotating and companion rollers. Another important object of the invention is realized in successively deforming predetermined lengths of wire by a plurality of stabilized and reinforced spatially arranged bending means on an endless chain unidirectionally driven through the throat of the wire shaping means and completely through the latter, thus wire is fed unidirectionally and intermittently; the provision of thrust take up means to prevent dislodgement of the wire shaping means; the provision of novel means for automatically strippingthe completed wire form from the machine; the provision of adjustable means for taking up the slack of the endless belt carrying the plurality I of stabilized wire bending means; the provision of means to permit-one of the rotatable wire feeding rollers to float to compensate for the variations in thicknesses of the wire fed between the companion wire feeding rollers; the provision of adjustable means for regulating one of the clinching rollers for accommodating wire having uncontrollable variations in thicknesses; the provision of automatic means for elevating the wire form on passing through the throat of the wire shaping means. Another feature of the invention comprehends a novel method of automatically bending unidirectionally and intermittently fed wire across the throat of wire shaping means,

driving the bent wire through the shaping means with the aid of the bending means traveling in a unidirectionally guided path, and stripping the shaped wire automatically on leaving the shaping means. Other salient objects, features and advantages will also appear from the following detailed specification considered in the light of the accompanying drawings wherein:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of the wire forming maresulting in faster production than is possible in of Fig.1. the case of the -slide type of wire forming auto- Fig. 4 is a sectional view on the line 4-4 of matic machines. A further and important object Fig. 1.

of the invention is realized in the provision of improved and serviceable means for enhancing the production in continuously but interruptedly feeding successive predetermined lengths of wire cr relatively flat metal strip across wire or metal I Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 2, illustrating the adjustable chain slack take up means.

Fig. 6 is a transverse sectional view on the line 8-6 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 6A is a horizontal view partlyin section 3 i on the line-iA-JA of Fig. 5, illustrating the laterally adjustable shaft for one 'of the crimping rollers.

Fig. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view on the line 1-1 of Fig. 1 etc... illustrating the hinged and floating bearing for one of the wire feeding rollers.

Fig. 8 is an enlarged perspective and exploded view of a fragmentary portion of the machine, illustrating the spaced wire shaping blocks, a link of the continuously driven endless chain for driving a predetermined length of wire into the shaping blocks, and the oscillatory cutter for severing a predetermined length of wire prior to its reception in the shaping blocks.

Fig. 9 is a sectional view on the line 9--9 of Fig. 1 however also illustrating the cutter to indicate the neutral position of the latter at a time when the escapement is idling at which time the wire is feeding through the cutter.

Fig. 10 is a view similar to Fig. 9 but showing the control means in a position for actuating the escapement to drive the wire cutter in a direction towards the stopped wire to sever the latter.

Fig. 11 is a view similar to Fig. 9 but illustrating the control means and cutter at the completion of the severing of the wire by the cutter and the control means in position to actuate the escapement for returning the cutter to a neutral position.

Fig. 11A is a fragmentary perspective view of the control means or cams for periodically oscillating the escapement.

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary view illustrating a stabilized wire bending post of the continuously driven endless chain about to bend and drive a predetermined length of wire into the throat of the wire shaping means.

Fig. 13 illustrates the wire bending post of Fig. 12 driving the now bent wire form onto the inclined or cam faces for automatically driving the wireform into the shaping channels of the shaping blocks. v

Fig. 14 illustrates the wire bending post of Fig.

13 driving the wireform in the shaping channels of the shaping blocks.

Fig. 15 is a side view partly in section of one of the toothed links of the wire driving sprocket chain.

Fig. 16 is an enlarged transverse sectional view on the line I6l6 of Fig. 1 depicting one of the stabilized posts driving a wire form through the shaping blocks.

Fig. 1'7 is a side elevational view on the line l|--l'l of Fig. 16 showing the key for absorbing the thrust applied to the anvil on severing of the wire by the cutter during each complete cycle of the latter.

Fig. 18 is a fragmentary plan view illustrating one of the wire driving posts of a link of the wire driving chain just prior to severing of the unidirectional fed wire and at a time when the wire has been fed a predetermined length and interrupted momentarily.

Fig. 19 is a view similar to Fig. 18 and illustrates the wire cut to a predetermined length by the cutter at which-time the driving post of a link of the wire driving chain is ready to deform the wire intermediately thereof and feed the same into the wire forming channels of the shaping blocks. v

Fig. 20 illustrates the deformed wire passing through the throat of the spaced wire forming blocks at which time the cutter is retracted and through which wire is again driven.

Fig. 21 shows the wireform further deformed as it is driven in the forming blocks.

Fig. 22 illustrates the wireform about to leave the shaping blocks to be received between the wire clinching or processing collars.

Fig. 23 shows the wire processing or clinching rollers about to crimp corresponding portions of the wireform as it leaves the wire shaping blocks.

Fig. 24 illustrates the deformed or clinched wireform about to leave the forming and fixed. guide or shaping blocks although still further deformed by the processing rollers.

Fig. 25 is a front view of the spaced wire shaping blocks.

Fig. 26 is a side view of the cutter keyed to its oscillatory shaft and illustrating the check nut and end plate of the cutter having alined apertures or openings through which the wire is intermittently fed, and illustrating regulating figans on the end plate for adjusting the cutting Fig. 2'? is a horizontal sectional view taken on the line 2|2I of Fig. 26 showing the regulating means for adjusting the wire cutting tool.

Fig. 28 is a fragmentary plan view of the machine showing the regulating means for adjusting the main drive shaft and consequently the wire driving endless chain.

Fig. 29 is a rear elevational view of the line 2929 of Fig. 28.

Fig. 30 is a plan view, partly broken away, of the transmission gearing.

Fig. 31 is an elevational view partly in section I of one of the end bearings for the main drive shaft, shown attached to the bed of the machine and adjustable lengthwise of the bed.

Fig. 32 is an elevational view of the transmission taken on the bent plane X-Y of Fig. 30 particularly illustrating that portion thereof for continuously driving the crimping rollers, and

Fig. 33 is a portion of the transmission taken along the bent plane Y-Z of Fig. 30.

Broadly speaking the wire W (Fig. l) is fed through a braking device B, through rotary feed rollers l0 and II for intermittently feeding the wire W which travels through an oscillatory cutter generally denoted C, across a fixed anvil A, across the throat T (Fig. 8) of the spaced wire shaping blocks SB, and against the adjustable stop S.

The oscillatory cutter Upon striking the stop S, the wire is periodically severed by the cutting tool CT non-rotatably but adjustably mounted in the cutter or arm C which comprises set screws l2 (Figs. 8, 26 and 2'7) for fixedly holding the cutting tool in place and flush with the transverse face iii of the cutter.

The non-circular opening l4 in the body of the cutter rectilinearly and slidably guides the cutting tool CT which can be shifted towards face l3 by the set screw l5 threadably mounted on the end plate EP removably fastened to the cutter, and a check nut N adjustably mounted on set screw [5 holds the latter against accidental rotation.

It should be observed, however, that the check nut N is provided with a slot or recess l6 defined by the spaced portions [1, through which is threaded the wire W as it is intermittently fed by the wire feeding rollers Ill and ll.

of importance also is the aperture or opening l8 in the body of removable end plate EP and this aperture is in registration or alinement with 8 I the wire feeding opening or aperture It in the body of the cutter and the slot I. of the removable checkpnutN.

Unidirectional path of travel 6 actuated by and meshes with the gear 36 (Figs. 2, 4 and 5) appropriately fixed on shaft 3! sustained by and journalled in bearing blocks 46 and 4i (Fig. 4) appropriately fastened to the bed the body of the cutter onto wire positioning groove 26 of the anvil A and in the alined wire positioning groove 2| in one of the wire shaping blocks SB, across the gap or throat T and onto the wire positioning groove 22 of the other but companion wire shaping block SB and to and against'the adjustable stop S.

Endless chain guide frame Supporting the threaded stop S is a bracket plate BD. More particularly teeth.42- of the gear 38 coact with the walls of the teeth receiving notches 35 of the links 25 to facilitate driving the endless chain EC through the guide frame defined byplatesF.

But the chain EC is directly driven by gear 43 (Fig. 2) at the rear of the frame. This gear is fastened to the main drive shaft 44 sustained by the spaced bearing blocks 45, 62 and 41 (Fig. 1).

23 attached to a ledge or fiangeL appropriately fixedly arranged to be normal to the direction of travel of the wire W as it is intermittently fed unidirectionally across the throat T. These spaced frame plates F have appropriately and fixedly anchored thereto the upper and lower cooperating spaced pairs of channeled shaped races CR (Figs. 3 and 4) having alincd channels or grooves 24 defining track means for movably and continuously guiding the hinged pins H of the several pivoted links 25 of the endless chain EC.

The endless continuously driven chain and stabilized wire driving posts Each of the links 25 is provided with a fixedly anchored wire bending post 26 (Figs. 8 and 15) held in place by set screw 21. Backing up and reinforcing each, upstandin binding post 26 is a shock absorbing block 28 provided with a It should be observed however that the main drive shaft 44 receives its power through gear means I56 anda sprocket chain 46 connected to a suitable motor not shown.

The transmission jar driving the wire crimping rollers, the endless chain, and the wire feed rollers Coupled to the main drive shaft 44 (Fig. 32) is the beveled 'gear 49 for driving the companion beveled gear 56 attached to the vertical stub shaft 5| to which is keyed gear '52 for driving gear 53 keyed to stub shaft 54. Associated with and driven by pinion 53 is the gear 55, keyed to vertical shaft 56 to which gear 51 and one of the wire clinching rollers KR are keyed. However, gear 5'! drives a companion gear 58 on shaft 59 carrying the other companion wire crimping roller KR. By this arrangement the pair of wire crimping wheels or rollers KR are continuously rotating during rotation of the main drive shaft 44.

When the main drive shaft 44 is rotating, the endless chain EC is actuated by the driven gear 43 (Fig. 2) appropriately keyed to shaft 44. Congroove 29 for receiving the shank of its-adjacent post 26. Each block 28 includes a depending (Figs-8 and 16) and at another end a pair of spaced perforated ears 33 while the bottom portion of each link embodies a tooth 34 straddled by teeth receiving notches 35. Each link also includes a curved and forwardly and downwardly projecting scoop or tail portion 35 for carrying off undesirable steel particles to prevent clogging. When the pivoted links 25 are assembled and driven through the frame defined by the spaced plates F, the outer side faces 36 of the links are close to but parallel to the inner faces 31 of the upper and lower fixedly anchored races CR. By this arrangement the chain EC is stabilized and lateral play of the links 25 is precluded durin 1 their travel in the frame.

The endless chain EC continuously driven and guided in the frame between the plates F is also sequently front gear 38 is set in motion by the endless chain EC, hence causing the rotation of the drive shaft 38 on which the cam or control means 66 and 6| are fastened. Therefore shaft 39 is always rotating during rotation of the main drive shaft 44. Shaft 39 is sustained by or journalled in the bearing block 40 and by bearing block 4| attached to the bed BD by suitable bolts 46 and by the auxiliary bearing 63 appropriately fastened to the bearing block 64 (Figs. 3 and 4).

As previously stated, rotation of the main drive shaft 44 ultimately causes the pair of wire crimping rollers KR to rotate through the intermediary of the

gears

52, 53, 55, 51 and 58. However at this time the floating wire feeding wheel or roller I I is also rotated by the driven and revolving gear (Fig. 33) which drives gear 65 keyed to stub shaft 66 on which is mounted gear 61 operating gear 68 attached to shaft 69 carrying the wire feeding roller H. The companion wire feeding roller III is fastened on shaft 10 (Fig. 30) in the bearing block 64 .(Fig. 4) and rotated by gear 'II on shaft 10 driven by gear 68. It is thus apparent that the companion wire feeding rollers l6 and II also continuously rotate during the operation of the main drive shaft 44.

Briefly recapitulating once the main drive shaft 44 has started to rotate, the endless chain EC is driven; the companion crimping rollers KR are.

Escapement for periodically oscillating the cutter The cutter C is fixedly anchored on the oscillatory shaft 12 (Figs. 4 and e) suitably journalled in the bearing blocks 13 and GI and is adapted to Corresponding faces as 16 'cf the teeth 14 of toothed wheel 68 successively coact with the depending tooth 11 of the cutter advancing pawl KA, causing the latter to be periodically raised hence rotating the oscillating shaft 12 in a counter clockwise direction (Fig. 10) or towards the wire W. Since the cutter C is also fastened to the rocking shaft 12 and inasmuch as the latter has been rocked or partially rotated, the cutter is bodily swung in a direction towards the wire W. By this action the cutting tool CT is brought transversely across the wire W retained in groove 20 on the anvil A, and the wire is thus severed however, thereafter pausing slightly and awaiting to be driven into the throat T of the spaced shaping block-s SB.

Shortly pursuant to such cutting operation during rotation of the cam or escapement actuating wheels 60 and GI which in fact rotate together at all times, tooth is of the retracting pawl KR falls into a notch '15 of cam wheel BI and a wall 19 of the latter causes the retracting pawl KB of the escapement to tilt in a clockwise direction, thus partially rotatin the oscillatory shaft 12 in a similar direction, consequently bodily retracting the cutter C. It therefore follows that the cutter is again. awaiting to go through a complete operating cycle, that is, swung to cut, and thereafter swung to retract. This complete stroke or cycle takes place many times during one revolution of the driven shaft 39 or in other words, during one revolution of the

cam wheel

80 and 6|. As illustrated, seven complete cycles per one revolution of shaft 39 is possible and if desired and as is well understood the number of cycles may be increased or decreased depending upon the number of teeth as 14 and grooves as 15 are employed on the cam wheels 68 and BI. It is thus seen that wire W even though threaded and passing through the cutter is periodically severed or cut at a time however when th feed of the wire is stopped for an instant as will be hereinafter more particularly pointed out.

Continuously rotating rollers for intermittently feeding the wire stock to and through the 0scillatory cutter an annular and uninterrupted groove or race while the companion roller In fastened on shaft ever the rim surface'of the roller I0 is interrupted-by the gaps 8|, feeding of the wire is interrupted. By this action the wire is thus intermittently fed. However during such interruption the cutter is operated to sever the wire.

Moreover inasmuch as the effective feeding portions of the roller III are between the gaps 8| and since these feeding portions have substantially equivalent effective operating areas, predetermined lengths of wire are fed across the throat T of the spaced shaping blocks SB, the

arrangement being such, that when feeding of the wire has ceased or interrupted the cutter C instantly swings into position to sever the wire. For example, in Fig. 18 a predetermined length of wire W is between the stop S and the cutter C and across the throat T. The wire at this time is interrupted and at the next instant the cutter C has been swung bodily towards the wire, caus- 11;; the cutting too" CT to sever the wire (Fig. l

Thereafter the cutter C retracts, and the j feeding of the wire is continued through the check nut N, through the end plate EP, and

through the body of the cutter and in Fig. 21 a predetermined length of wire is again in posi- Or in other words, predetermined lengths of wire fed are suction for severing by the cutter.

cessivcly positioned before the throat T.

Even though the wire is fed intermittently it is sustained in position across the throat T and is ready to be bent by a bend ng post 26 of a link 1 The thrust absorbing key to sustain proper alinement of the wire shaping blocks Attention is directed to the thrust absorbing key K arranged in one of the frame plates F (Figs. 1, 16 and 17) and this key also positions the anvil carrying shaping block SB on this frame plate. It also has an additional function, to take the strain ofi adjacent bolts 82. This strain is created on each severing of the wire by the cutter and the thrust imparted is absorbed by the key K instead of the adjacent bolts 82, hence preventing the latter from shearing. In other words, the key absorbs the stress produced on severing of the wire and thus relieves strain on the adjacent bolts. Because of the action the wire shaping blocks are maintained in proper alinement, that is, the opposed and alined wire shaping channels 84 in communication with the guide slot 85 for the reception of the reinforced or stabilized driving and bending pins or posts 26 of the endless chain EP are kept true, the guide slot 85 being.

defined by the overhanging guide lips 86 (Fig. 25) and the bosses 81 extending from the shaping blocks SB although just slightly to the rear of the throat T each has an inclined cam face 88 for elevating the bent wire now designated a wireform WF (Fig. 20) onto the bosses or shoulders 81 to be received closely but movably in the longitudinally arranged opposing wire shaping recesses or channels 84 wherein the shanks 88 of the wireform WF are urged towards each other in view of their close confinement in the opposed shaping channels 84 extending the entire length of the spacing blocks SB.

The continuously rotating wire clinching rollers The opposed clinching rollers KR toward the end of the travel of the wireform WF in the spaced shaping blocks SB'coact with the successive driving posts 29 to clinch the loop portion of the wireform and to close the shanks 99 thereof, that is, these rollers form the eye E (Fig. 24) and arrange the shanks 99 of the wireform in close juxtaposition. To this audit will be observed that the clinching rollers KR are provided with a plurality of notches 99 interrupting their annular races 9|.

The loop of the wireform WF first leaves the shaping blocks SB (Fig. 22) and ultimately is received between a pair of alined clinching notches or grooves 99 (Fig. 23) in the opposing clinching wheels or rollers KR. The walls of these clinching notches bend the loop closely around the driving post 26 and as the latter is driven between the crimping or clinching rollers KR the races or grooves 9| cause the shanks 99 to be arranged closely against each other '(Fig. 24).

Automatic stripper or kick-0.0 for completed wireform The clinching rollers also cause the eye E of the wireform WF to cling firmly to its driving post which continues in its path of travel because of the orbital displacement of the driving endless chain EC. Eventually the clinched wireform or article of manufacture is driven, that is, the eye thereof onto the spaced but fixed cams or strippers 92(Figs. 1 and 2) which function to remove the completed wireform from its driving and carrying post 29 and falls into a suitable chute 93 (Fig. 5) and into a collecting receptacle not shown.

It should be understood of course that the operation of the machine is continuous and as each of successive driving posts of the chain EC reach the throat T, a predetermined length of wire is awaiting to be bent and fed into the spaced shaping blocks. SB for shaping, thereafter between the crimping or clinching rollers Kit for further deforming, and thereafter fed to the inclined stripper means or spaced cams 92 for automatic removal from the machine.

Automatic and compensatory means for involun- Bucklinoof wire in its travel touiards the oscillatoru cutter is precluded Referring. now .back to the wire guard or track G, the latter is appropriately secured to the oil?- set arm I92 (Figs. 1 and'6) which inturn is sustained by a suitable bolt I99 attached to the between the wire feed rollers 1 To compensate for irregularities in the thicknesses of the wire W fed between the rotary feed rollers I9 and II, roller II is yieldably disposed and may be considered as floating although it is normally urged towards its companion roller I9 by the spring 94 (Figs. 1 and 7) disposed in recess 99 of the swingably guided bearing block 99 hinged on the fulcrum pin 91 fixedly anchored in the fixed bearing block -69. More particularly floating shaft 99 rotates in the hinged hearing or hearing block 99 swingably guided in recess 99 of the fixed bearing block 94 in which shaft 19 of the companion feed roller I9 is notata-bly' driven and guided.

Cooperating with the spring 99 is the-adjustable threaded bolt 99 mounted on the closure plate I99 removably and fixedly fastened to the fixed bearing 94 in any well known manner. By adjusting bolt 99, flange I9I thereof compresses or relaxes spring 99. If relaxed, greater hinged displacement of the feed roller II is possible. if compressed less displacement takes place.

closure plate I99 fastened to the fixed bearing block 94. By this arrangement the wire between the feed rollers I9 and II, and the cutter C is desirably held against buckling or vibration and is unidirectionally guided until it reaches the adjustable stop S at which time it is severed.

During operation of the machine, fine particles at times chip oif the wire and these are precluded from'entering between the hingedly connected links 25 of the endless chain EC in the provision a closure I99 removably held by pins I across gap I99 between ears or knuckles 33 between which is closely guided a companion link. Thus the chain is caused to operate smoothly and without being needlessly scratched or interfered with, particularly so in that vertical sides 36 of each link 25 is closely and movably guided by the vertical inside faces 31 of the fixed races CR- (Fig. 4) of the frame plates F, although it should be noted that eachof the shaping blocks SB is provided with a relief channel I91 (Fig. 16) providing an outlet for powdered parti- The brake mechan sm to prevent feeding of wire across the shaping blocks less in length than required predetermined lengths Previous mention was made of the brakes B (Figs. 1 and 6) which consists of a housing I99 removably fastened by screws I99 to the fixed bearing 64. This housing has its spaced legs. H9 and II I provided withthe bores I I2 in which the helicoidal springs II3 are confined. V These springs coact to urge the slidably guided timiblers H9 towards a pair of floating discs H5 closely but rotatably confined in a tapered recess or bearing IIB having the outwardly converging walls I".

Specifically the wire W is fed through a guideaperture H8 at the outer end of the housing I98 and between the race or groove II9 of one of the rotatable discs H5 and against the uninterrupted rim of the companion disc I I5 and through the medially arranged bore I29 in the housing and into a guiding aperture I2I in the end plate I22 fastened to the housing I99. Thereafter the wire W is fed directly between the feed rollers I9 and. II. A cover plate I23 is suitably removably held on the housing to prevent the moving parts within the brake housing from being taken wards during its instantaneous pauses, that is,

periodically during each revolution of the feed 8| is effective to preventfeeding of the wire. By clamping the wire for just a relatively shortinstant, feeding of the wire in lengths less than the required predetermined lengths is avoided.

Adjustable set screws I42 cooperate with the discs I15 to regulate their retraction and control the time interval for clamping the wire to arrest its feeding.

If for any reason the wire has a tendency to feed or slip in an opp site direction such action instantly is resisted in that the'dlscs II5 immediately and automatically are urged towards the contracted portion of ,recess II6 by springs II2, thus instantly clamping the wire. thereby arresting its movement. Once however the wire is again fed towards the feed rollers I and II, the discs II unclamp the wire, permitting ;its

' travel as desired.

Endless chain take up mechanism Should the links 25 of the endless chain no wear during operation of the machine, such wear is compensated for. To this end it will be observed that the main drive shaft 44 may be bodily shifted in a direction towards or away from the wirefeeding and crimping rollers, Specifically the frame plates F include the. alined and slightly elongated slots I (Figs. 1, 2 and 28) thus permitting the main drive shaft 44 to be displaced when its

bearings

45 and 62 secured by bolts as I25 to the slidable plate P (Figs. 2 and 28 are bodily shifted on the adjustment of plate P).

This metal plate P is provided with a. depending rib I21 (Fig. 29) slidably guided lengthwise of the machine in the recess or track I28 in the metal block or bed plate BD which is fastened by bolts I29 to the bracket I30 having the bearing I3I wherein the stub shaft I32 of a rotatable manipulator generally denoted M is journalled. Collars I33 and I34 of the manipulator M rotatablystraddle the bifurcated bearing I3I and extending from collar I34 is the threaded stem. I35

threadably received by a block I36 Ifastened'by rivets I31 to the slidably guided plate P. By this arrangement rotation of the manipulator M causes the slidable block I36 to be moved towards in

bearings

45 and 62 is likewise correspondingly displaced relative to the spaced and alined elongated slots I25 (Fig. 28) in the spaced guide frame plate F which carry the upper and lower races. CR to prevent the endless chainEC from chattering, in a direction widthwise of the shaping blocks SB, hence stabilizing this chain.

or due-to any other causes.

. 12 rear end of shaft 44 may be shifted relative to the bed plate. After such adjustment, the bolts I33 are clamped, and the rear bearing 41 is held in a fixed position.

By the arrangement just set out, adjacent'of the supporting

bearings

45, 82 and 41 for the main drive shaft'is possible and thereafter when the manipulator M is actuated, shaft 44 is displaced and consequently drive gear 43 (Fig. 2) carried by shaft 44 .is displaced. Following the displacement of the drive gear 43-the endless chain EC is correspondingly adjusted, that is, extended as desired to compensate for irregularities due to wear Pursuant to such adjustment the clamping bolts I39 for the rear bearing 41 are fastened to prevent dislodgement of these bearings. However it should be noted that the heads I of the bolts I39 are also displaceable relative to the elongated openings I43 in the bed BD. If therefore these bolts are loosened the threaded shanks are adjustable in elongated openings I38. and the heads I40 of these bolts are displaceable in-the openings I43.

Lateral adjustment of one of the crimping rollers Due to uncontrollable variations in the thickness of the-wire, at times it is necessary to laterally adjust one of the wire crimping rollers KR relative to the other. This is accomplished in adjustably mounting an intervening bearing I45 (Figs. 2,5, 6 and GA) on a fixed ledge L. Specifically this intervening bearing I45 has spaced elongated openings or slots I46 surrounding the the hub I50 in which shaft 59 is also journalled.

If therefore, bearing I45 is adjusted shaft 59 is. correspondingly displaced. Consequently the crimping roller K fastened to this shaft is likewise correspondingly displaced widthwise of the machine or towards or away from its companion clinching roller. However the lower end of shaft 59 (Fig. 6) is also journalled in a slightly tapered bore I5I of the hub I52 of the bearing block I53 fastened to the bed plate BD. By reason of the The other end of the main drive shaft 44 is journalled as previously stated in the rear bearing 41 (Figs. 1 and 31). Thisbearing may be adjustably fixed relative to the bed plate BD. For this purpose the bed plate is provided with the elongated openings I34, permitting the adjustable bolts I39 to be displaced relative to these elongated openings I33 when this rear bearing is shifted but this must be done at a time when the heads "3 ofthe bolts are unclamped from the shoulders I4I. It follows that by unloosening bolts I39, the rear bearing and consequently the tapered bore, shaft 59 may be slightly tilted as desired to compensate for the adjustment thereof on shifting of the bearing block I45 relative to its supporting ledge L.

As illustrated the rollers Ill and II are adapted to feed half round wire in that the rim of roller I I is provided with the race or groove 30 while the rim of the roller is uninterrupted except for the non-feeding wire gaps 8|. Obviously full round, flat, and other shaped wire and many typesof cross sectional shaped strip material may be also fed through themachine. Where full round wire is used each of the feed rollers would have a race as and in the case of feeding flat wire, roller I0 would remain as is while the roller II would have the rim of roller III however without nonfeeding wire gaps. Where full'round, flat or other shaped material or metal stock is'employed l3 for urposes of inspection or for repair. The machines may be readily dismantled since most of the bearing blocks or bearings are removably secured. And access may be readily had to the cutter and the cuttingtool by removing the end plate EP. The fixedly held but removable anvil A is an alloy, known in the trade as Stellite. The bolts employed are generally known as hollow head cap screws and thus may be readily adjusted or clamped. Of course while at times it is desirable to clinch the wireform, there are times when this may not be needed. Hence at such times the clinching rollers may be removed.

Where even faster production is required per revolution of the wire feed rollers, feed roller It may be replaced by another roller having more than four non-feeding gaps, and of course the control means or cam means 60 and BI would be modified accordingly. Then again stop 8 may be rotated for adjustment to take care of increasing or decreasing desired predetermined lengths of wireas the case may be. The links escapement means for periodically oscillating said cutter to sever predetermined lengths of said stock, rotary means for continuously but intermittently feeding said predetermined lengths of said stock to said shaping means, and means for successively driving previously fed predeterminedlengths of said stock by said rotary means length, escapement means for oscillating said cutter, an endless chain having bending means for driving said predetermined length through said shaping means, means for driving said endof the wire deforming driving chain EC are plate BD and to the feed roller bearing 64 while the auxiliary bearing 63 sustaining one end of the stub shaft 39 is suitably attached to the hearing block 64 and to the end block I55 which imparts a certain rigidity to the bearing 64, thus desirably stabilizing the latter. Also a hand wheel HW is mounted on the main drive shaft 44 to overcome the initial inertia in starting of the motor (not shown) for driving sprocket chain 48, thus rotating pinion I56, keyed to shaft 44, and consequently the latter.

By the present invention, because of each succeeding step in the method herein pointed out follows almost immediately pursuant to the completion of its preceding step, no appreciable lost motion is encountered. Thus by utilizing the rotary wire feeding means, and driving the predetermined lengths of wire almost instantly into the wire shaping means $3, the action is rapid and in prompt succession, thus appreciably stepping up production many times that is' possible in the case of the slide type of wireforming machines particularly so in that while successive predetermined lengths of wire are continuously but nevertheless interruptedly fed .by the rotary feed rollers across the shaping means defined that prior to the adjustment of the slidable plate P, bolts I60 (Figs. 5 and 28) are unclamped therefrom, thus'permitting slots iii to be displaced relative to these bolts when plate P is shifted. After the adjustment ofplate P, bolts iii! are 4 again tightened thereagainst to retain the set position.

Various changes may be made in the details of construction, and arrangementof parts without departing from the spirit of the invention or sacrificing any of the advantages therein.

I claim: I

1. In combination, shaping means for deforming metal stock, a cutter for severing said stock,

less chain, means for actuating said escapement means, and means for driving said rotary means. 1

3. In combination, shaping means for deforming metal stock, rotary means for successively and intermittently feeding predetermined lengths of said stock to said shaping means, cutting means for periodically and successively severing said predetermined lengths, escapement means for oscillating said cutting means spatially arranged stock bending means for successively driving said predetermined lengths undirectionally through said shaping means, means for driving said bending means, means for actuating said escapement means, and means for driving said rotary means.

4. In combination, spaced shaping means for deforming a wire or strip metal material, a cutter, escapement means for actuating said cutter for successively severing predetermined lengths of said wire or material, rotary means having means for intermittently and successively feeding said predetermined lengths of said wire or material to said shaping means, an endless chain having a plurality of pivotally interconnected links each havin bending means for successively driving said predetermined lengths unidirectionally and completely through said shaping means, means for driving said endless chain, rotary means for oscillating said escapement means, means for driving said rotary means, and means for stabilizing said chain during its travel through said shapingmeans.

' 5. In a machine for making a wireform from wire, shaping means having a throat and having spaced walls defining a gap and having spaced and opposing wire shaping channels, cam means below said channels, means for feeding said wire across said shaping means, pin means movably guided in said gap for bending said wire against said shaping means to define said wireform and for elevating saidwireform along said cam means and into said channels and for subsequently driving said wireform through said channels to shape said wireform, and means for driving said pin means.

6. In a. machine for making a wireform from wire, spaced blocks defining a gap and having spaced and opposing wire shaping channels, inclined means extending from said blocks below said channels, means for feeding said wire across said blocks, pin means movably uided in said gap for bending said wire against said blocks to define said wireform for elevating said wireform means for crimping said wireform against said,

pin means pursuant to its travel through said channels.

7. In a machine for successively making wireforms from wire, spaced blocks defining a gap and having spaced opposing wire shaping channels, rotary means for successively and interruptedly feeding said wire across said blocks, hingely interconnected links defining an endless chain, post means carried by said links and movably guided in said gap, means for driving said chain to arrange said post means of successive links of said chain against successive portions of said wire to bend the latter and successively drive said portions into said channels to shape said bent portions, a frame, means sustaining said blocks on said frame, key means interposed between said frame and blocks for relieving the shock imparted to said bloclm on bending of said wire by said posts, and rotary means for driving said chain.

8. In a machine for successively making wireforms from wire, spaced blocks defining a gap and having spaced and opposing wire shaping channels, companion rotary means comprising oppositely rotating rollers one of which embodies an interrupted rim for successively and interruptedly feeding said wire across said blocks, hingedly interconnected links defining an endless chain, post means carried by said links and movably guided in said gap, means for driving said chain to arrange said post means of successive links of said chain against successive portions of said wire to bend the latter and successively drive said portions into said channels to shape said bent portions, rotary driving means for actuating said chain, a cutter, rotatable control means, and escapement means effective upon rotation of said control means for oscillating said cutter to successively sever predetermined lengths of said wire across said blocks.

9. In a. machine for successively making wireforms from wire, spaced blocks defining a gap and having spaced and opposing wire shaping channels, rotary means for successively and interruptedly feeding said wire across said blocks, hingedly interconnected links definin an endless chain, post means carried by said links, means for driving said chain to arrange said post-means of successive links of said chain against successuccessively drive said portions into said channels, to shape said bent portions, rotary means for driving said chain, means for stabilizing said chain, and means for adjusting said chain to compensate for any wear thereof.

10. In a machine for successively making wireforms from wire, shaping means having spaced walls defining a gap and having spaced and opbearing for yieldably sustaining the other roller of said'pair.

11. A machine for forming wire comprising shaping means for sustaining said wire, a frame for supporting said shaping means, fastening means for removably holding said shaping means on said frame, key means for positioning said shaping means on said frame, a cutter threadably receiving said wire, means for oscillating said outter to successively sever said wire pursuant to its travel from said cutter onto said shaping means, and said key means adapted to absorb the impact of said cutter on severing of said wire to prevent shearing of said fastening means.

12. In combination, wire shaping means, driving means, an endless chain .actuated by said driving'means and,having spaced posts, frame means having races for guiding said chain and for stabilizing the latter, a shaft, means driven by said chain for rotating said shaft, control means mounted on said shaft, a supplementary shaft, a rockable cutter carried by said supple- -sive portions of said wire to bend the latter and posing wire shaping channels, rotary means for continuously and successively but interruptedly feeding said wire across said shaping means comprising a pair of companion rollers one of which embodies a rim provided with one or more gaps, hingedly interconnected links defining an endless chain, post means carried by each of said links, means for driving said chain to arrange said post means of successiv links of said chain against successive portions of said wire to bend the latter and successively drive said portions into said channels to shape said portions, rotary means for driving said chain, a bearing sustain j ing one of said-rollers, and resiliently controlled adjustable means pivotally connected to said mentary shaft, and escapement means actuated by said control means for oscillating said supple- .mentary shaft and correspondingly rock said outter in a direction towards or away from said shaping means.

13. In combination, wire shaping means, driving means, an endless chain actuated by said driving means and comprising pivotally interconnected links each having reinforced wire bending means, frame means having races for guiding said links and for stabilizing said chain, a shaft, means driven by said chain for rotating said shaft, control means mounted on said shaft, a supplementary shaft, a rockable cutter carried by said supplementary shaft, escapement means actuated by said control means for oscillating said supplementary shaft and correspondingly rock said cutter in a direction towards or away.

crum means pivotally interconnecting adjacent links of said plurality, frame means having races for guiding said fulcrum means and for stabilizing said chain, a shaft, means driven by said chain for rotating said shaft, control means mounted on said shaft, a supplementary shaft, a rockable cutter carried by said supplementary shaft, escapement means actuated by said control means for. oscillating said supplementary shaft.

and correspondingly rock said cutter in a direction towards or away from said shaping means, an adjustable cutting tool carried by said cutter, a pair of rotary wire feeding rollers, means driven by said driving means for rotating said rollers,

. one of said rollers having an indented rim providing one or more non-wire feeding gaps, and resiliently controlled adjustable means for yieldihgly urging one of said feed rollers towards the other feed roller to compensate for uncontrollable variations of the thicknesses of wire fed between said rollers.

15. In combination, wire shaping means havtently feeding wire towards sai shaping means, a

rockable cutter carried by sai supplementary shaft and 'threadably receiving said wire, escapement means actuated by said control meansfor oscillatingsaid supplementary shaft and correspondingly rock said cutter in a direction towards and away from said anvil, said wire bending means driving said wire unidirectionally through said shaping means, one of said rotary wire feeding rollers having non-feeding wire portions for interruptin'gthe travel of said wire, rotary means for clamping said wire during non-feeding intervals thereof, a transmission controlled by said driving means for actuating said wire feeding rollers, a pair of rotary crimping rollers at one end of said shaping means for deforming said wire on leaving of said shaping means, and means for adjusting one of said crimping rollers relative to its companion crimping roller.

16. In a'wireforming machine, a frame, spaced races sustained by said frame and having alined tracks and having spaced walls, an endless chain having a plurality of links closely but movably interposed between said walls, fulcrum means pivotally interconnecting said links and movably guided on said tracks, spaced blocks mounted on said frame and defining a longitudinally disposed gap, post means carried by each of said links and movably guided through said gap, said blocks having. alined and spaced grooves, inclined means ex-' tending from said blocks in advance of said grooves, automatic means for interruptedly feeding predetermined len ths .of wire across said blocks, and said post means adapted to bend said lengths against said blocks to define wireforms elevated on said inclined means and driven successively by said post means into said spaced grooves of said spaced blocks.

17. In a wire formingmachine, a frame, spaced races sustained by said frame and having alined tracks and having spaced walls, an endless chain and spaced grooves. inclined means extending from said blocks in advance ofsaid grooves, automatic means for interruptedly feeding predeter mined lengths of wire across said blocks; driving means in, mesh with said toothed means'foractuating said chain for successively moving said post means against said lengths to bend said lengths against said'blocks to form wireforms elevated on said inclined means and driven by said post means into said spaced grooves of said spaced blocks, and key means interposed between said frame and at least one of said blocks for absorbing the thrust on said lengths in forming said wireform.

19. In a wireforming machine, a frame, spaced races sustained by said frame and having alined tracks and having spaced walls, an endless chain having a plurality of links closely but movably interposed between said walls, toothed means extending from each of said links, fulcrum means pivotally interconnecting said links and movably guided on said tracks, spaced blocks mounted on said frame and defining a longitudinally disposed gap, post means carried by each of said links and movably guided through said gap, said blocks having alined and spaced grooves, inclined means extending from said blocks in advance of said grooves, automatic means for interruptedly feeding predetermined lengths of wire across said blocks, driving means in mesh withsaid toothed means for actuating said chain for successively driving said post means against said lengths to bend said lengths against said blocks to define wireforms elevated on said inclined means and driven by said post means into said spaced grooves of said spaced blocks, and each of said links having a shock absorbing block disposed against its respective post means for stabilizing the latter.

20. In a machine for making wireforms from wire, spaced wire shaping means, an endless belt e having a plurality of pivotally interconnected links having a plurality of links closely but movably post means against said lengths to bend said lengths against said blocks to define wire forms elevated on said inclined means and driven by said post means into said spaced grooves of said spaced blocks. I

18. In a wire forming machine, a frame, spaced races sustained by said frame andhaving alirfed tracks and having spaced walls, an endless chain having a plurality of links closely but movably interposed between said walls, toothed means extending from each link, fulcrum means pivotally interconnecting said links and movably guided on said tracks, spaced blocks mounted on said frame and defining a longitudinally disposed gap, post means carried by each of said links and movably guided through said gap, said blocks having alined each having upstanding post means for successively driving predetermined lengths of said wire between said shaping means to define wireforms, companion means for clinching said wireforms against said post means, and means for automatically and successively stripping said clinched wireforms from said post means.

21. In a machine for making wireforms from wire, spaced wire shaping means, an endless belt 9 having a plurality of pivotally interconnected links each having upstanding post means for successively driving predetermined lengths of said wire between said shaping means to define wireforms,

tween said shaping means to define wireforms,

companion and notched rollers for clinching said wireforms against said post means, and means for automatically and successively stripping said clinched wireforms from said post means.

22. In a machine for making wireforms from wire, spaced wire shaping means, an endless belt having a plurality of pivotally interconnected links each having upstanding post means for driving predetermined lengths of said wire between said shaping means to define wireforms, companion rollers for clinching said wireforms against said post means, means for automatically and successively stripping said clinched wireforms from said post means, and means to provide for adjusting one of said rollers.

23. In a machine for making wireforms from wire, spaced wire shaping means, an endless belt having a plurality of pivotally interconnected links each having upstanding post means for driving predetermined lengths of said wire becompanion and notched rollers for clinching 7 having a plurality of pivotally interconnected links each having upstanding post means for driving predetermined lengths of said wire between said shaping means to define wireforms, companion and notched rollers for clinching aid wireforms against said post means, and spaced and inclined means for automatically and successively stripping said clinched wireforms from said post means.

25. In a machine for making wireforms from wire, spaced wire shaping means, an endless chain having a plurality of pivotally interconnected links each having upstanding post means for driving predetermined lengths of said wire between said shaping means to define wireforms, each of said links having toothed means, gear means adapted to be in mesh with each of said toothed means, a shaft sustaining said gear means, bearing means supporting said shaft, and adjustable means providing for displacement of said bearing means to permit shifting of said gear means to take up the slack of said chain.

26. In a machine for making wireforms from wire, spaced wire shaping means, an endless chain having a plurality of pivotally interconnected links each having upstanding post means for driving predetermined lengths of said wire between said shaping means to define wireforms, each of said links having toothed means, gear means adapted to be in mesh with each of said toothed means, a shaft sustaining said gear means, bearing means supporting said shaft, a slidable plate sustaining said bearing means, a support having means for slidably guiding said plate, and adjustable means connected to said plate and sustained by said support for bodily displacing said shaft and gear means to take up the slack of said chain.

27. In a machine for making wireforms from wire, spaced wire shaping means, an endless chain having a plurality of pivotally interconnected links each having upstanding post means for driving predetermined lengths of said wire between said shaping means to define wireforms,

each of said links having toothed means, gear means adapted to be in mesh with each of said toothed means, a shaft sustaining said gear means, a support, a plate mounted on said support, means for movably guiding said plate on said support, bearing means carried by said support for sustaining said shaft, and adjustable means for displacing said plate relative to said support.

28. In a machine for making wireforms from wire, spaced wire shaping means, an endless chain having a plurality of pivotally interconnected links each having upstanding post means for driving predetermined lengths of said wire between said shaping means to define wireforms, each of said links having toothed means, gear means adapted to be in mesh with each of said secured to said plate, and rotatable means sustained by said support and threadably connectedto said block for displacing said bearings relative to said support.

29. In a wire forming machine, a cutter arm having an opening and a wire guiding aperture, a cutting tool non-rotatably but slidablyguided in said opening, an end plate mounted on said arm and having a wire guiding opening in registration with said aperture, adjustable means mounted on said end plate for displacing said cutting tool relative to said arm, means mounted on said adjustable means to prevent displacement of the latter relative to said plate and having a wire guiding slot in registration with said wire guiding opening, and means for periodically oscillating said cutter arm.

30. In a wire forming machine. a cutter arm having an opening and a wire guiding aperture, a cutting tool slidably guided in said opening,

. an end plate mounted on said arm and having a wire guiding opening in registration with said aperture, adjustable threaded means mounted on said end plate for shifting said cutting tool to be substantially flush with one face of said arm, a check nut mounted on said threaded means to prevent displacement of the latter relative to said plate and having a wire guiding slot in registration with said wire guiding opening, and means for periodically oscillating said cutter arm 31. The herein described method of making wire forms, which includes the steps of concurrently feeding a substantially continuous length of wire, severing said continuou length of wire into short cut lengths feeding said successive cut lengths of wire into the path of a series of spaced elements moving continuously in a predetermined straight line path, shaping the cut lengths of wire on said elements while travelling in said path, moving the elements with the wires shaped thereon between moving forming tools arranged in said straight line path to shape the wire forms to predetermined contour in passage toothed means, a shaft sustaining said gear through said tools, and then ejecting the formed wire forms from said elements.

ALBERT s. warm.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 261,977 Adt Sept. 1, 1882 319,301 Mower June 2, 1885 334,909 Tomson Jan. 26, 1886 365,121 Doolittle June 21, 1887 390,315 Shipley Oct. 7, 1888 692,528 Kirkpatrick et al. Feb. 4, 1902 1,336,660 Sims Apr. 13, 1920 1,360,234 Lewis Nov. 23, 1920 1,554,603 Servias Sept. 22, 1925 1,641,631 Hofiman Sept. 6, 1927 1,691,516 Glore Nov. 13, 1928 1,718,200 Baumann June 18, 1929 1,993,483 Leland Mar. 5, 1935 2,239,964 Hoffert Apr. 29, 1941 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 237,792 Great Britain Sept. 6, 1925