US716051A

US716051A - Wire cutting and straightening machine.

Info

Publication number: US716051A
Application number: US8387401A
Authority: US
Inventors: James Kelley; Walter V Reid
Original assignee: PETTIS V REID
Current assignee: PETTIS V REID
Priority date: 1901-11-27
Filing date: 1901-11-27
Publication date: 1902-12-16
Anticipated expiration: 1919-12-16

Description

(No MndeI'.)

Patented Dea. I6, |902. J. KELLEY &. W.. V. P. A. REID. WIRE CUTTING AND STBAIGHTENING MACHINE.

(Application led Nov. 27, 1901.)

' 3 Sheets-Shaef I.

I WZ@ V Patented DBG. I6, |902.. J. KELLEY &. W. V.`& P. A'. REID.

WIRE CUTTING AND- STBAIGHTENING MACHINE.

mpplicuzion med Nov. 27, 1901.)

(Nb Model.)

Egjlvgf j I I UNITED STATS PATENT UEEIGE.

` JAMES KELLEY,- WALTER v..REID, AND PETTIS A. REID, oE RICHMOND, INDIANA; SAID `JAMES KELLEY AND WALTER v. REID ASsIGNoRs To SAID PETTIS A; REID;

wins UTITINGTAND sTRAlGl-ITENING MACHINE.

; :SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 716,051, dated December 16, 1902. i Application led November Z7, 1901. 'Serial No. 83,874. (No model.)

T a/ZZ whom, it may concern: m Be it known that we, JAMES KELLEY, TAL` TER V. REID, and PETTIS A. REID, citizens of the UnitedStates,residing at Riehmond,in the .county `of Wayneand State of Indiana, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in WirelOutting and Straightening Machines; and we do hereby declare the following to be a full,clear, and exact description of the Io invention, such as will enable Mothers skilled in the art to whichxit Aappertains to make and use the same. 1 n

This invention relates to wireworking machinery, and more {.larticularly` to machines I5 for straigthening Wire,.cu tting the same into predetermined lengths, and feeding these straightened and severed sections uniformly to machinery for bending the wire into the various forms requiredin the manufacture of zo wire fabric and other articles.

The principal object of the invention is to provide a simple and highly `efficient mma-g chine which will rapidly1 produce an unlimitednumber of wire sections properlystraightz5 euedfand of uniform length. Further objects are to make provision for `ready adjustment of the cutter -operating mechanism, so as to cut sections of different lengths, to straighten and c ut wireslof differ- 5o ent sizes', toprovide means for delivering the sections uniformly and at regular intervals to the wire-workingA machinery or elsewhere,z and to improve generally the mechanism employed for these'purposes.

The machineherein shown embodying the 4invention comprises a wire-straightening device,.a severing means whereby the wire is cut into uniform predetermined lengths, means whereby the straightened and severed 4o sections ofwire are delivered to the formingmachine or discharged, and adjusting means whereby the sections of wire are uniformly arranged forfeeding to the forming mechanism when desired. m

The invention will hereinafter be first more particularly described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part `of this specification, and then pointed out in the claims following the description.

In said drawings, inV which corresponding 5o letters of reference are used to denote similar parts in different views, `Figure lis a plan View of a machine embodying our invention Awith parts broken away. Fig. 2 is a side view ofthe same. Fig. 3 is a fragmentary 55 detail sectional view, on a larger scale than Figs. 1 and 2, showing one end of the wirereceiviug shaft with the cutting device thereon. Fig. 4 is a transverse section on thefline 4 4 of Fig. 1 looking in the direc- 6o `tion of the arrow. Fig. is a perspective view of the tripper-bar-retaining shell and guide removed from the machine.. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of one of the tripper-bars removed. Fig. 7 is avertical transverse sec- 65 tion of the machine,taken on the line 7 7 of Fig.

1, looking in the direction of the arrow. Fig.

8 is a vertical transverse section of the machine, taken on the line 8 8 of Fig. 1, showing another position of the cam-wheel and 7o vilbratory pawlcarrying lever engaged therewith. Fig. 9 is an enlarged detail view of the pawl-andratchet device for actuating the cutter and wire-receiving shaft. Fig. 10 is a perspective -view, enlarged, of the movable member of the wire-cutting device. Fig. 11

is a similar View of the stationary member of the wire-cutting device. Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the tripper camflever detached. Fig. 13 is an enlarged sectional detail show- 8o ing the feed-rolls or wire-advancing mechanism and means for supporting and adjusting the same. Fig. 14 is an enlarged longitudinal section ofthe wire-straightening device. Fig.

15 is a transverse section on the line 15 15 of 85 Fig. 14. Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a broken-away portion of the straightener, on an enlarged scale, illustrating the manner of securing the dies in position. Fig. 17 is an enlarged perspective vewof one `of the dies 9o detached. Fig. 18 isa plan view of the wire receiving and delivery portion ofthe machine, illustrating the application of a forming mechanism to which the cut sections of wire may be delivered, the machine being shortened up by breaking out the central portion. Fig. 19

is a vertical transverse section of the machine, taken on line 19 19 of Fig. 18. Fig.

as shown in Fig. 13,

2O is a detail of the ratchet device of the delivery mechanism showninFig. 18, and Fig. 21 is a detail of the feed device.

In the drawings the letterA denotes the supporting-framework of the machine,which may be of any suitable form or material. In the form shown it has an elevated portion A', at one end of which is mounted a base plate or casting B, having standards b Z2 rising therefrom and provided with suitable bearings for the ends or journals of the straightener C, the latter having at one end a beltpulley c, by which it may be revolved from acounter-shaft. (Notshown.) Thisstraightener is shown more fully in Figs. 14 to I6, wherein it is represented provided with a longitudinal bore or opening c' and with a series of screw-threaded perforations c2, formed transversely through the body thereof and intersecting the longitudinal opening. A screw-plug c3 is inserted in the outer portion of each of said perforations c2 and a die c4 in the inner end of each, the inner ends of the dies projecting into the longitudinal opening c', with the adjacent faces of each opposite pair of dies in close proximity, as shown. The bodies of the dies c4 are square or polygonal in cross-section and engage grooves c5, formed in the perforations c* transversely of the screw-threads, as shown in Fig. 16, by which means the dies are firmly held from turning, while at the same time they are left free to be moved longitudinally of the perforation. In practice the dies, or other hard metal,` may form their own guiding-grooves by their square corners cutting acrossthe screw-threads when forced into the transverse apertures. The ends of the dies are formed with grooves c6, which engage opposite sides of the wire as it passes through the opening c. VBy this simple arrangement the dies are firmly held from turning and at the same time are in position to be readily adjusted to enable them to act upon the wire, so as to straighten it while the latter is being drawn rapidly through the straightener. Each die may be provided with one of the grooves c6 in each end, so that when one groove becomes worn the die may be renewed by simply reversing it to bring the other groove into action.

Upon the forward side of standard b' is a short guideway D, in which two chucks or guide-blocks d d are slidably secured, and in these guide-blocks are journaled two shafts E E, having grooved rollers e e upon their upper ends, the grooves in the rollers constituting between them a guide for the wire X and serving when rotated in opposite directions to draw the wire forcibly through the straightener and advance it onward to the cutting and feeding mechanism.

Tapped through uprights on the guideway D are adjusting-screws d', the inner ends of which engage plates cl2, between which and the blocks d are interposed buffer-springs d3, the latter being prefer-y being of brass ably formed of hard rubber, though any suitable material may be employed, so that the rollers when adjusted bythe screws d may grip the wire with sullicient force to draw it through the straightener, while at the same time they are adapted to yield sufficiently to avoid breakage under abnormal strains. 'Ihe buffers d3 thus serve as springs to yieldingly support the rollers and are preferably partially embedded in the guide-blocks d. y

Means for rotating the shafts E E, with the rollers e e thereon, are illustrated in Figs. 2 and 13, said means comprisinga main drivingshaft F, journaled horizontally in the framework A and having thereon a beveled gearwheel f, engaging a beveled gear-wheel e3 on the lower end of one of the shafts E, the latter shafts being connected by interengaging pinions e2, so that the motion of the shaft F is communicated to the shafts E and the rollers e thereon are caused to rotate in opposite directions. 'Fhe shaft F is provided at its outer or rearward end with a suitable belt-pulley F and at its forward end with a crank-wheel F2, the latter serving also as a balance-wheel in addition to its crank-wheel function, which will hereinafter be explained. The center line of the grooves in the rollers e is in horizontal alinement with the center or axial line of the straightener, so that the wire X will be drawn in a straight horizontal line through said straightener. As a guide to the wire X to maintain it in its proper central position when entering the opening through the straightener an apertured plate G may be arranged across its intake end.

Attached centrally to the forward side of the base-plate B is a bracket H, through a perforation in the upper part of which the wire X passes after leaving the rollers e e. The bracket extends downward below the base-plate B, as at h, to afford a support for a stud I, which forms a bearing for a vibratory lever J, Fig. 7. Journaled at one end in the bracket H and at the opposite end in a standardL, rising from the frame, is a wire receiving and delivery shaft K. As shown in Fig. 9, the journal of the inner end of the shaft K may be somewhat elongated, so

.as to provide sufficient space between the end of the shaft and its supporting-bracket H for the reception of a ratchet-wheel M, a movable or rotary cutter m, and a stationary disk or plate mbeside said movable cutter, the ratchet-wheel and cutter being secured to the shaft K, as by a feather-key or splineand-groove connection with the journal 7c thereof or other suitable means, and at the same time being readily removable therefrom for renewal or repairs, while the disk m is so connected with the bracket H as to to remain` stationary upon the journal 7a. (See Fig. The outer end of the journal 7c projects through the bracket H and is preferably secured in place by nuts 7c thereon, as shown. By such means the shaft K is adapted to be rotated in its bearings and at the same time ICO IIO

is prevented from having any endwisemovement. The stationaryplate or disk m' is provided with one or more perforations m2, adapted.totregisterV one at a time with a perforation in the bracket H, so that when secured in position upon the journal 7c and connected to` the bracket the wire X may pass freely through the alined perforations. The cutter m may be provided with a series of radial recesses, `preferably open slots m3, in its periphery, adapted to consecutively register with the aperture or perforation fm2 in the plate m,as the cutter revolves With the ratchet and roller, `so that the recesses m3 pass over the aperture m2 in succession, and produce a shear-like action between the parts m and fm', whereby, as the wire X is projected through the ai erture`m2, it will be cut off by the action of the revolving cutter, as will be readily understood. The recesses m3 in the cutter-disk, which are open-slotted 'to facilitate ejection or delivery of the severed wire section,though any suitable openings would obviously be operative, are preferably slightly inclined or oblique,as shown in Fig. 10, ground to a sharp edge and revolve in close contact with the stationary plate m', so as to produce the proper shear-like action above noted. The ratchet-wheel M is` provided with teeth m4, corresponding in number and location with the recesses m3 in the cutter-disk, but larger than said recesses, so as not to interfere with them, and the shaft K maybe provided with longitudinal grooves 7a2, corresponding to and registering with the interstices between the teeth of the ratchet-wheel and the recesses in` the cutter. Thus when the shaft K and its attached ratchet-Wheel and cutter are arranged with one of the recesses m3 in alinement with the wire-receiving aperture m2 and the aperture in the bracketH one of the grooves k2 of the shaft will likewise be in alinement with, said apertures anda recess m3, so that when disk may be readily sharpened when worn, ,p

and the device can thus be maintained in goodworkingcondition with very little trouble. The cutter-plate m is preferably attached to the bracket H by pins m5, so that it may be adjusted rotatively upon` the jour-` nal `K (when required to bring `one ofthe series of perforations therein into proper rela-` tion to the perforation in the support) and` secured to the bracket or support H at any` point" desired. The perforations m2 `of the cutter and the apertures for the pins mare radially arranged with reference tothe j ournal 7s, so that a perforation m? will always come into proper position when the plate-is adjusted, as before noted. By these simple means all the parts of theicutting device are adapted to be readily removed for renewal or repairs. y

In conjunction with the mechanism already described we provide means whereby the shaft K is givena part rotation at intervals, so that as soon as the proper length of wire to be severed has entered the alined groove 7a2 the rotating mechanism will be actuated and the shaft rotated far enough to bring the next groove into alinement with an aperture m2, the movement of the shaft causing the edge of the alined recess or open-ended slot m3 of theV cutter to sever the wire and carrying forward the severed section with the moving recess, and so on, intermittently, an additional length of Wire being advanced between each movement and one section severed at each movement and then carried onward and discharged by gravity. To this end the lever J has an elongated slotj therein, which receives a crank-pin f', projecting from one face or side of the crank-wheel F2, whereby the lever will be vibrated when the said crank-wheel revolves, and the said vibratory lever carries at its upper end a dog or pawl J', which moves back and forthwith the vibratory movements of the lever and is adapted to intermittently successively engage the teeth of the ratchet-wheel M and give a part revolution thereto and through it to the shaft K and the cutter thereon each time a tooth is engaged. To prevent continuous successive engagement of the pawl and ratchet and consequent continuous revolution of the shaft, we provide a pawl-retaining device which may consist of a horizontal stop or rocker arm N, pivoted in such relation to `the pawl as to normally hold the latter out of engagement with the ratchet, as indicated in Fig. 9, but adapted when rocked on its pivot to release the pawl and permit the latter, under the stress of a spring y2, to enL gage a tooth of the ratchet-wheel, whereby IOO IIO

as the pawl is thrown back by the action of the crank-wheel and vibratorylever the shaft K will be given ,a quick movement, making a part rotation equal to the distance `between any two of its peripheral grooves,

thus causing the cutter to sever a section of wire, which will be carried part Way around `the shaft and at the proper time discharged `to receive the advancing feed-wire. By means `of a spring n or othersuitable device the stop N will be restored to its original or normal position the instant after it is moved to effect `the release of the pawl, and as the latter is carried forward into position to engage another ratchet-tooth it will pass under the stop and be prevented from engaging another ratchet-tooth during the time the wireis being advanced intoposition to be cut.

When

the wire has advanced into the alined groove 7a2 to the limit of its movement, (which is the length of the section to be cut,) the pawl will be again released by the action of the advancing wire and will again operate the cutter, and so on, each time the feed-wire reaches the desired limit. To actuate the stop and release the pawl to permit a section of wire to be cut off the instant the desired length has been fed into the groove of the shaft K, we provide a tripping mechanism which may consist of a shell or sleeve O, fixed on the shaft K and having a series of internal longitudinal grooves or guideways o therein, which register with the grooves k2 in the shaft K, and a series of bars PP, slidably arranged in said registering grooves, with their ends projecting beyond the ends of the shell and provided with stop pins or projectionsp for limiting their movement in either direction, the forward ends of said bars being adapted to contact with a movable cam-ring Q, whereby when the feed-wire has advanced the desired distance in the groove of the shaft the bar P which lies in the same groove will be pushed out against the cam-ring, moving the latter away from the shell and drawing upon a rod q', connecting the cam-ring and stop N, thereby rocking the latter upon its pivot sufficiently to release the pawl. When released, the springj2 will throw the pawl into engagement with Athe ratchet, and the shaft K will be given a part revolution for cutting a section of wire and delivering a previously-cut section, as already explained. The cam-ring Q surrounds the shaft K, and its cam-surface confronting the end of the shell is gradually inclined around the shaft from a point just at the side of the groove in which the wire is being advanced back to such point, as shown in Figs. l and 18, and the outer ends of the slide-bars P travel around in engagement with the cam, retaining their places at all times in the grooves of the shaft, the cam-ring being held normally in engagement with the outer ends of the series of bars by a spring q2 or other suitable device acting upon a hinged lever Q', on which the cam-ring may be mounted, so that any end movement of the slide-bars will be communicated to and correspondingly move the pawl retaining stop through its connection with the cam-lever. It will be observed that the highest part of the cam-surface is at all times in alinement with the advancing wire, so that when the wire strikes the uppermost tripper-bar P, lying in its path, thereby moving forward the cam-lever and effectinga turn of the shaft K, through the connections above described, the said uppermost tripper-bar will be carried past the end Q3 of the cam-surface q, which movement will immediately release the camlever and permit the spring Q2 to draw it back to normal position, thus releasing the stop N and permitting its spring to return it to its former pawl-retaining position. The shell O and its connections andthe cam-lever Q are adjustable longitudinally of the shaft K and framework A, so as to adapt the device to straighten, cut, and feed wires of different lengths, the shell being adjustably secured on the shaft by a set-screw o' and the lever Q being mounted on an adjustable bar Q2, having its ends secured by bolts entering any one of aseries of perforations g4 in the framebars.

It may be desirable in some cases to use the wire feeding, straightening, and cutting mechanism thus far described in producing sections of Wire for various purposes without any immediate utilization of the sections, in which case the severed sections may be discharged or allowed to fall into a receptacle suitably located to receive them from the receiving and delivery shaft; but we preferably provide an intermittent feed device and means for conducting the severed sections of wire thereto as they are discharged or dropped from the aforesaid shaft, whereby the said sections may be intermittently delivered, one or any specied number at a time, to the Wireworking mechanism or elsewhere, as desired, simultaneously with the operation of cutting and straightening the feed-wire. In Figs. 18 and 19 of the drawings the letter R denotes the said feed device, which in the present instance is arranged to receive the severed sections of wire one by one from the cutting mechanism and deliver them successively to a wire working or forming machine. (Designated by the letter Z.) The said feed device may consist of a longitudinal shaft R', journaled in the lower extremities of the lower bars s' of inclined guideways S and S', as shown more clearly in Fig. 1 9, and having secured thereon adjacent said extremities thin disks or collars o", which disks are correspondingly provided with equidistant circumferential notches r' and are partially embraced by curved guards s2, formed atthe lower extremities of the upper bars s of said guide- Ways and terminating below the shaft. The guide-bars s and s' are preferably provided at adjacent edges with adjustable strips s3 and s4, respectively, between which the wires are supported on their way to the feed device and which may be properly adj usted to prevent crowding or crossing, as well as to accommodate wires of different sizes, by setscrews or bolts entering slots S5 in said strips s3 and s4. At each intermittent or partial rotation of the shaft R one of the notches r' of each disk is brought to register exactly with the spaces between the strips S3 and s4, and thus receive a wire, while at the same time a wire previously received by other notches having been carried around and past the lower extremities of the guards s2 is dropped therefrom in proper position upon the form.- ing mechanism or elsewhere, as desired. It

will be understood that by employing disks of greater diameter having deeper peripheral notches the feed device will at each intermittent movement receive and deliver any speci- ICO IIO

fied number of wires or severed portions and may thus be used as an accurate and rapid counter or assembler of the wires in groups of required numbers. The thin notched disks rare employed in preference to devices of greater thickness in order to facilitate admission of the wires into the notches r thereof, since in a delicately-constructed apparatus any curve or bend in the Wire might retard or prevent its entrance into notches of any substantial length. To tix the disks to n the shaft and to provide sufficient bearing within the guards s and s', said disks may be secured to collars r2 on the shaft R', having circumferential cut-away portions, as r4, at points corresponding to the notches ofthe disks to prevent interference with the wires,

` as shown more clearly7 in Fig. 2l. As a means for intermittently rotating the feed device the shaft R may be provided witha ratchetwheel R2, Fig. 20, rigidly secured thereon and having its teeth, which correspond in number with the notches of the disks r, successively engaged by a spring-pressed pawl r, carried by a rocking lever R3, which may be loosely mounted on the shaft R between the ratchet-wheel and a collar on said shaft and connected by a cord or rope to a crank on a suitable driving-shaft of the machine, (not shown,) said lever being maintained against pull of the cord by a retractile spring R4 drawing down upon a tailpiece of the lever or by other suitable means. At each revolution of the crank the lever is thus moved by force of the spring when the cord is slack to carry the pawl past the ratchet tooth next to be engaged and oppositely moved by pull of the cord to partially rotate the `feed device, the arrangement being such that the wires are dropped from the feed device upon the forming mechanism intermittentlyat the proper periods. A guide-plate T, Fig. 18,

l, is supported adjustably from the frame A at a point about in alinement with the outer ends of the severed and discharged sections of wire, against which the ends of the wires are adjusted to 4insure the passage ofthe wires to the feed device properly arranged for presentation thereby to the forming mechanism. Mechanism for thus adjusting the i Wires is shownin Figs. Zand 18 and mayconsist of an inclined plate U, suspended from a correspondingly-.inclined barU',which is pivotally connected at one end to the frame A and near its other end -to a rod o, pivoted to one arm of a `bell-crank leverV, which is pivotally mounted on the frame A and has its other arm pivotally connected by a rod n with the vibratorylever J, whereby a vibratory motion is imparted to the inclined plate U when the said lever J is vibrated. The drivingf shaft F travels with considerable speed and will transmit to the leverJ a rapid vibratory movement, which in turn is imparted to the plateU. As Will be observed, the bar U and its attached plate U are inclined forwardly or toward the plate T, as

well as downwardly in alinement with the guide-bars S and S, so that as the outer or free end of the, plate U is rapidly vibrated horizon tally the severed sections of Wire moving down theinclined guideway will be moved endwise or horizontally by the action of the plate U, so that their ends will be properly alined for presentation to the` feed device. The plate U is preferably corrugated, as shown, to insure a more thorough and uniform action on the wires. By this simple arrangement any required number of wires, of any required length Within the capacity of the shaft K, may be very rapidly produced and fed to any of the various forming machines or apparatus.

It will be observed that Figs. 7, 8, and 19 illustrate the vibratory pawl-carrying lever J in different positions, said lever beingshown in Fig. 7 in a substantially vertical position between the limits of its forWard-and-backward throw or movement, While in Fig. 8 itis `shown in a backwardly-inclined position at thelimit of its backward movement,in which position, if the pawl has engaged with a ratchet-tooth in moving back, it will rotate the shaft K. The extreme forward throw or movement of the lever is shown in Fig. 18, wherein the pawl-retaining stop is shown with the pawl released by the action of the advancing wire and tripping mechanism, the normal position of the last-rnentioned parts being shown in Fig. 1.

While we have shown a cylindrical shaft with six longitudinal grooves, it will be understood, of course, that a greater or less number maybe employed, and the shaft may have a polygonal or other form in cross-section. Its operating-ratchet may also be provided with some efficient form of stop or a spring to prevent any motion thereof during the periods when it is required that the shaft shall remain stationary.

Any required number of guideways S and S may be employed, according to the length of the shaft K, but generally two will be sufcient, as shown. A series of intermediate supports SZ may also be employed at suitable intervals to prevent the wires from sagging between the guideways. The guide-bars S and S may be adjust-ably supported at the upper ends thereof by brackets Y, mounted on the framework, such adjustment being obtained by means of a curved or diagonal slot y and clamp-screw y', Figs. 8 and 19. By these means the degree of inclination of the bars may be adjusted as required. The upper ends of the upper bars s are curved upwardand over the shaft K, as shown, and mhinged at s to upward extensions of the lower bars s by an elongated slot-and-bolt connection to permit the removal of the upper bars or adjustment, primarily,for varying sired, to adapt the device to the size of the wire passing through, by adjusting the strips IOO s3 and 34. It is requisite that the wires shall pass through or along the guideways consecutively or one after another, as indicated in Fig. 8; hence the necessity for adjusting the width of the passage so that the wires, while passing freely through said space, may not ride over one upon another. To retain the feed-wire in the groove of the shaft as it is being advanced for the action of the cutter, a bar or bars K2 may be arranged to overlie the retaining-groove and may be confined in proper position bytting the same in recesses provided therefor under the curved upper ends of the guide-bars S.

Various modifications in both details of construction and arrangement of parts will readily suggest themselves to others skilled in the art to which the invention relates and which may not involve a departure from the spirit or scope of our invention, and hence we do not desire to limit our invention to the exact construction and arrangement shown and described.

Having thus fully described our invention, what we claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is-

l. In a machine of the character described, a Wire-straightening mechanism, in combination with a receiver for the wire having independent wire-receptacles, oppositely-rotating rollers adapted to draw the wire through said straightener and advance it into said receiver, means for severing the wire at the limit of its movement into the receiver, and mechanism for moving said receiver intermittently to cause the advancing wire to enter successively said receptacles.

2. In a machine of the character described, a wire-straightening mechanism, in combination with a receiver for the wire having independent wire-receptacles, oppositely-rotatin g rollers adapted to draw the wire through said straightener and advance it into said receiver, means for severing the wire at the limit of its movement into the receiver, mechanism for moving said receiver intermittently to cause the advancing wire to enter successively said receptacles, together with means for varying the distance the wire may enter into the receiver. y

3. In a machine of the character described, a wire-straightening mechanism, in combination with a receiver for the wire having independent wire-receptacles, oppositely-rotating rollers adapted to draw the Wire from said straightener and advance it into said receiver, means for severing the wire at the limit of its movement into a receptacle, and means actuated by the advancing wire for intermittently throwing said severing means into action and moving said receiver to cause the advancing wire to enter the several receptacles successively. l

4. In a machine of the character described, a wire-straightening mechanism, in combination with a receiver for the wire having independent wire-receptacles, opposite] y-rotatin g rollers adapted to draw the wire from said straightener and advance it into said receiver, means for severing the wire at the limit of its movement into a receptacle, and means actuated by the advancing wire for intermittently throwing said severing means into action and simultaneously moving said receiver to cause the advancing wire to enter the several receptacles successively.

5. In a machine of the character described, the combination with a rotatable shaft having a series of radially disposed longitudinal wire-receiving grooves therein, of a stationary guide-plate having an aperture therein with which said grooves are successively alined as said shaft is rotated, a cutter-disk having peripheral recesses with cutting edges corresponding to and in alinement with said wire-receiving grooves and disposed between said shaft and guide-plate in shearing relation to the latter, and means whereby said shaft and cutter-disk are intermittently rotated, substantially as described.

6. In a machine of the character described, the combination with a rotatable shaft having a series of radially-disposed longitudinal wire-receiving grooves therein, of a stationary guide-plate having an aperture therein with which said grooves are successively alined as said shaft is rotated, a cutter-disk having peripheral recesses with cutting edges corresponding to and in alinement with said wire-receiving grooves and disposed between said shaft and guide-plate in shearing relation to the latter, and means whereby said shaft and cutter-disk are intermittently rotated, so as to simultaneously operate the cutter, displace the groove in alinement with the guide-plate aperture, and place another groove in alinement with said aperture, substantially as described.

7. In a machine of the character described, the combination ,with means for feeding the Wire, of a stationary plate having an opening through which the wire is advanced, an intermittently-rotatable cutter-disk flush with said plate having a series of openings with cutting edges adapted to stand successively in line with the opening in the plate, and means for operating said disk; substantially as described.

8. In a machine of the character described, the combination with means for feeding the wire, of a stationary plate having an opening through which the wire is advanced, an intermittently-rotatable cutter-disk Hush with said plate having a series of openings with cutting edges adapted to stand successively in line with the opening in the plate, and means for operating said disk comprising a ratchet-wheel secured thereon, a vibratory pawl in proximity to said ratchet and normally maintained out of engagement therewith, and means for intermittently throwing said pawl into engagement with said ratchet; substantially as described.

9. In a machine of the character described,

IOO

IIO

the combination with means for feeding the Wire, o f a stationary plate having an opening through which the wire is advanced, an intermittently-rotatable cutter-disk flush with said plate having aseries of openings with cutting edges adapted to stand successively in line with the openingin the plate, a ratchet wheel secured on said disk, a vibratory paWl spring-actuated to engage the same but normally held out of engagement, and means actuated by the wire, on traveling a predetermined distance through an opening in the 4disk, for releasing said pawl; substantially as described.

10. In a machine of the characterdescribed, the combination with means for feeding the Wire, of a plate having auopening through which the wire is advanced, an elongated intermittently-rotatable member flush at one end Withsaid plate and having a series of longitudinal receptacles with cutting edges at said end adapted to stand successively in line with the opening in the plate, and means actuated by the advancing wire, 0n reaching a predetermined point in a' receptacle, fon turning said member; substantially as described.

1l. In a machine of the character described, the combination` with means'for advancing the wire, of a rotatable shaft having a series of longitudinal receptacles adapted successivelyto receive the Wire as advanced portions thereof are severed, a cutter at the receiving end of said shaft, and means actuated bythe advancing Wire on reaching a predetermined point in a receptacle, for operating the cutter to sever a section and turning the shaft to bring another receptacle into position to receive the Wire; substantially as described.

12. Ina machine of the character described, the combination, with meansfor advancing the wire, ofa rotatable shaft having a radiallyt arranged seriesoflongitudinalwire-receiving wire, 0n reaching a predetermined point in a receptacle,` for operating the cutter to sever a section and turning the shaft to bring another receptacle into position to receive the wire, and means for discharging the severed sections from the receptacles in the shaft; substantially as described.

13. In amachine of the characterdescribed, the combination with means for advancing the wire, of a rotatable shaft having a series of longitudinal peripheral grooves adapted to stand successively in line With the wire, a cutter at the receiving end of said shaft, and means actuated by the advancing Wire, o n reaching a predetermined point in a groove, for operating the cutter and turning the shaft to bring the succeeding groove into position to receive the Wire; substantially as described.

, 14. Inamachine of the characterdescribed, the combination with means for advancing the Wire, of a rotatable shaft having a series of longitudinal `grooves adapted in succession to receive the Wire as advanced portions thereof are severed, a cutter at the receiving end of the shaft operated by turning the latter, a ratchet on the shaft, a paWl, and means for operating said pawl to engage the ratchet and thereby intermittently rotate the shaft; substantially1 as described.

15. In a machine of the character described, the combination with vmeans for advancing the Wire, of a rotatable shaft having a series of longitudinal grooves adapted in succession to receive the wire as advanced portions thereof are severed, a cutter at the receiving end of said shaft, a ratchet on said shaft, a vibratory pawl in proximity to said ratchet and normally maintained out of engagement therewith, means actuated by the advancing wire, on reaching a predetermined point in a groove, for releasing said pawl to permit engagement with the ratchet so as to partially rotate the shaft, and means for simultaneously operating the cutter to sever the section advanced; substantially as described.

16. In a machine of the character described, the combination With means for advancing the wire, of a rotatable shaft having a series of longitudinal grooves adapted in succession to receive the wire as advanced portions thereof are severed, a cutter at the receiving end of the shaft operated by turning the latter, a ratchet on said shaft, a vibratory pawl in proximity to and normally held out of en.- gagement with said ratchet, and means for releasing said pawl, when the advancing Wire reaches a predetermined pointin a groove, to permit engagement with the ratchet to turn the shaft; substantially as described.

17. In a machine of the character described, the combination With means for advancing the wire, of a rotatable shaft having a series of longitudinal grooves adapted in succession to receive the Wire as advanced portions thereof are severed, a cutter at the receiving end of the shaft operated by turning the latter, a ratchet 011 said shaft, a vibi'atory pawl in proximity to and normally held out of engagement with said ratchet, and means actuated by the advancing Wire, on reaching a predetermined point in a groove, for releasing the pawl to permit engagement With the ratchet to turn the shaft; substantially as described.

18. In a machine ofthe characterdescribed, the combination with means for advancing the wire, of a rotatable shaft having a series of longitudinal grooves adapted in succession to receive the Wire as advanced portions thereof are severed, a cutter at the receiving end of the shaft operated by turning the lat ter, a ratchet on said shaft, a vibratory paWl in proximity to said ratchet, a spring-actuated stop normally maintaining said paWl from engaging the ratchet, and a trip device connected to said stop and adapted to be engaged by the advancing Wire, on reaching a predetermined point in a groove, to release` the pawl and permit the latter to engage the IOO IIO

ratchet and turn the shaft; substantially as described.

19. In a machine of the character described, the combination with means for advancing the wire, of a rotatable shaft having a series of longitudinal grooves adapted in succession to receive the Wire as advanced portions thereof are severed, a cutter at the receiving end of the shaft operated by turning the latter, a ratchet on said shaft, a vibratory pawl.

in proximity to said ratchet, a stop normally maintaining said pawl Vfrom engaging the ratchet, a series of slide-bars fitted in the grooves of the shaft in advance of the receiving end thereof, a member surrounding the shaft and spring-actuated to abut against the forward ends of said slide-bars, said member havinga cam-face the rearmost point of which abuts the slide-bar in the groove of the advancing wire, and connection between said cam-faced member and the patri-retaining stop, whereby when said member is moved by the advancing wire the pawl is released to engage the ratchet and turn the shaft; substantially as described.

20. Ina machine of the characterdescribed, the combination with means for advancing the wire, of a rotatable shaft having a series of longitudinal grooves adapted in succession to receive the wire as advanced portions there of are severed, a cutter at the receiving end of the shaft operated by turning the latter, a ratchet on said shaft, a vibratory pawl in proximity to said ratchet, a stop normally maintaining said pawl from engaging the ratchet, a series of slide-bars fitted in the grooves of the shaft in advance of the receiving end thereof, a sleeve surrounding said slide-bars and limiting their endwise movements, a member surrounding the shaft and spring-actuated to abut against the forward ends of said slide-bars, said member having a cam-face the rearmost point of which abuts the slide-bar in the groove of the advancing wire, and connections between said cam-faced member and the paWl-retaining stop, whereby when said member is moved by the advancing Wire the pawl is released to engage the ratchet and turn the shaft; substantially as described.

21. In a machine of the characterdescribed, the combination with means for advancing the Wire, of a rotatable shaft having a series of longitudinal grooves adapted in succession to 'receive the wire as advanced portions thereof are severed, a cutter at the receiving end of the shaft operated by turning the latter, a ratchet on said shaft, a lever carrying a pawl spring-actuated to engage the ratchet, a crank-wheel having its pin working in said slotted lever so as to continuously vibrate the pawl, a stop normally maintaining the pawl from engaging the ratchet, and means forintermittently releasing said pawl to engage the ratchet and turn the shaft; substantially as described.

22. In a machine of the character described,

the combination with means for advancing the wire, of a rotatable shaft having a series of longitudinal grooves adapted in succession to receivethe wire as advanced portionsthereof are severed, a cutter at the receiving end of the shaft operated b v turning the latter, a ratchet on said shaft, a lever carrying a pawl spring-actuated to engage the ratchet, a crank- Wheel having its pin Working in said slotted lever so as to continuously vibrate the pawl, a stop normally maintaining the pawl from engaging the ratchet, and a trip device connected with said stop and actuated by the advancing wire, on reaching a predetermined point in a groove, to release the pawl and permit the latter to engage the ratchet and turn the shaft; substantially as described.

23. In a machine of the characterdescribed, the combination with means for advancing the wire, of a longitudinally-grooved shaft adapted to receive the same, a cutter at the intake end of said shaft operated by turning the iatter,a ratchet connected with the shaft, and a pawl actuated to engage said ratchet and thereby turn the shaft when the advancing wire reaches a predetermined point; substantially as described.

24. In a machine of the character described, a shaft having a series of radially-disposed longitudinal wire-receiving grooves therein, in combination with means for advancing a wire into said grooves in succession, means for severing the wire when said shaft rotates, a ratchet on said shaft, a pawl adapted to engage said ratchet, means for vibrating said paw] in proximity to the ratchet, means for retaining the pawl normally out of engagement with the ratchet, and tripping devices actuated by the advancing Wire adapted to cause said pawl-retaining means to release the paWl when a predetermined length of wire has entered a groove, whereby the shaft is intermittently partly rotated.

25. In a machine of the character described, a shaft having a series of radially-disposed longitudinal wire'receiving grooves therein, in combination with means for advancing a wire into said grooves successively as portions of the wire are severed, means for severing said wire at intervals when the shaft rotates, a ratchet-wheel on said shaft, a pawl adapted to engage said ratchet-wheel, means for continuously vibrating said pawl in proximity to said ratchet While retaining the pawl normally out of engagement with the ratchet, a shell on said shaft having tripper-bars slidably disposed Within registering grooves of the shell and shaft, a spring-held cam-lever adapted to force said trip-bars normally rearward, and means connecting said cam-lever and pawl-retaining means, whereby the advancing wire will automatically release the pawl and permit the latter to rotate the shaft.

26. The combination, in a machine of the character described, of a shaft having independent wire-holding grooves therein and means for advancing the wire into said grooves IOO IIO

IZO

successively, means for severing the wire when the shaft rotates, a shell or sleeve on the shafthaving a series of tripper-bars slidably `arranged therein in` engagement with the grooves of the shaft, and means for imparting a part rotation to the shaft adapted to be actuated by the engagement of the advancing wire with one of said tripper-bars.

27. The combination, in a machine of the character described, of a shaft having independent Wire-holding grooves therein and means for advancing the wire into said grooves successively, means for severing the wire when the shaft rotates, a shell or sleeve on the shaft having a series of tripper-bars slidably arranged therein in engagement with the grooves of the shaft, and means for imparting a part rotation to the shaft adapted to be actuated bythe engagement of the advancing wire with one of said tripper-bars;` e said shell and tripper-bars being adj ustably arranged on the shaft.

28. In a machine of the character described,

`the combination with means for advancing the wire, of an intermittently-rotatable shaft having a series of longitudinal grooves adaptedein succession to receive the wire as advanced portions thereof are severed, a cutter at the receiving end of said shaft operated by turning the latter-,mechanism for turning said shaft normally maintained inoperative, and

means for throwing said mechanism into action comprising a series of slide-bars fitted in the grooves of the shaft at a forward position, a cam-faced annular member surrounding the shaft and spring-actuated to abut the forward ends of said slide-bars,'said member having the rearmost portion of its cam-face abutting the slide-bar inthe groove of the advancing 4O` wire, and suitable connection between said member and said mechanism for actuating the latter when the member is moved by the advancing wire; substantially as described.`

29. In combination with the rotatable shaft having a series of longitudinal wire-receiving grooves therein, and means for advancing a wire into said grooves successively as portions 'the movement of the wire, whereby whensaid Apoint is reached the pawl will be released and a part rotation given the shaft, thereby severing the wire, carrying sidewise the severed section and bringing another groove into position to receive the advancing wire.

3Q. In combination with the shaft having a l series of longitudinal grooves therein adapt` ed to successively receive a Wire moving pari allel with the shaft, means for advancing said wire, and means for intermittently rotating the shaft and cutting the Wire into sections of `predetermined lengths, comprising a cutter on the shaft adapted to sever the lwire when the shaft is rotated, intermittently-actuated mechanism for rotating the shaft, a series of tripper-bars slidably disposed within a holder on theshaft each in slidable engagement with one of said grooves, whereby the tripper-bar lying in the groove of the advancing wire will be moved by the latter at a predetermined point, and a cam-lever having a connection with the shaft-rotating mechanism adapted to be moved by the sliding tripper-bar to throw said mechanism into operation, and to successively return' the tripper-bars into position to be engaged by the advancing wire. 3l. In a machine of the character described, a rotatable shaft provided witha series of longitudinal grooves, and means for successively feeding a wire into said grooves, in combination with wire-Severin g means, a ratchetwheel for rotating said shaft and actuating said severing means, a main driving-shaft, a crank-pin carried by said shaft, an arm pivotally supported intermediate its ends and ,having a longitudinal slot engaged by said crank-pin, a pawl carried by the free end of said arm and adapted to engage said ratchet- Wheel, a stop adapted to retain said pawl normally out of 'engagement with said ratchetwheel, and means whereby said stop is actuated by the advancing wire to release the pawl when it reaches a predetermined point in its movement.

32. In a machine of the character described, means for feeding the wire comprising two oppositely-rotating shafts carrying a pair of rollers between which the wire is gripped, movable bearings for said shafts adjoining said rollers, spring abutments at the opposite ends of said bearings, and means for adjusting the pressure thereof 5 substantially as described. e

33. In a machine of the character described, means for feeding the wire comprising two oppositely-rotating shafts carrying a pair of rollers between which the wire is gripped,mov able bearing-blocks for said shafts, a guideway for said blocks, compression-springs interposed between said blocks and the ends of said guideway,and set-screws entered through the ends of the guideway and bearing against said blocks to adjust the pressure; substantially as described. e

34. In a machine of the character described, the combination, with mechanism for cutting wire into sections of predetermined length, of inclined guides for conveying said y, sections from the cutting mechanism, and an inter- IOS IIO

said sections from the cutting mechanism, and an intermittent feed device adapted to receive said sections from said conveying `means and to deliver them to position for utilization, substantially as described.

36. In a machine of the character described the combination, with inclined guides or supports for the wire blanks, of an intermittent feed device consisting of a rotatable body adapted at each intermittent movement to receive a desired number of said blanks from the guides and subsequently to deliver them to position for utilization, substantially as described.

37. Ina machine of the character described, an intermittent feed device comprising a shaft having a series of disks thereon provided with equidistant peripheral notches, means for intermittently rotating said shaft, and'guides for presenting the wires in proper position to be received by the notches successively, substantially as described.

38. In a machine of the character described the combination, with inclined guides for conveying the wire blanks, f the feed device consisting of an intermittently-rotative shaft having disks thereon provided with equidistant peripheral notches, means for intermittently rotating said shaft to bring saidnotches successively into position to receive a desired number of said blanks from the guides, substantially as described.

39. In a machine of the character described, the combination, with inclined guides between which the wire blanks are supported, of a feed device comprising an intermittentlyrotative shaft having disks thereon provided with equidistant circumferential notches, guards surrounding said disks and open below the shaft, and means whereby at each intermittent rotation of said shaft one notch of each disk is brought into alinement with the spaces between the guides to receive a desired number of wires, said wires being subsequently dropped from said notches through the openings of the guards, substantially as described.

40. In a machineof the character described, the combination with means for severing a Wire into sections of predetermined lengths, of means for conveying said sections from the cutting mechanism, andy means for arranging the ends of the sections evenly as they are conveyed; substantially as described.

41. In a machine of the character described, the combination with means for cutting wire into sections of predetermined lengths, of a feed device for delivering said sections to position for utilization, means for transferring the severed sections from the cutting mechanism to the feed device, and means for arranging the ends of the sections evenly for presentation to said feed device; substantially as described. y

42. In a machine of the character described, a wire-straightener, means for feeding the wire through the straightener, means for cutf ting the straightened wire into sections of predetermined lengths, and means for delivering vsaid sections intermittently to a wireworking machine; substantially as described.

43. In a machine of the character described, a Wire-receiver, means for advancing the wire into said receiver, means for severing the wire into sections of predetermined lengths,

.means for discharging'the severed sections `from said receiver, inclined guideways for conducting the discharged sections of wire from the receiver, and means for adjusting the severed sections of wire moving along said guideways so that their ends shall be evenly arranged for discharge; substantially as described.

45. In a machine of the characterdescribed, a wire-receiver and means for advancing the wire into the same, in combination with means for severing the wire into sections of predetermined lengths, means for successively discharging the severed sections, a guideway arranged to receive the sections of wire from the receiver and discharge them successively at a distance therefrom, said guideway having a stationary guard or guide-v post at one side thereof and a movable guard at the opposite side abutting the ends of the discharged sections of wire, and means for imparting a shaking or vibratory movement to said movable guard for automatically adjusting the sections of wire to arrange their ends evenly in passing along the guideway.

46. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a receiver having independent Wire-holding receptacles, means for advancing the wire successively into said receptacles as advanced portions thereof are severed, means for severing the wire when a sufficient length has entered a receptacle, means for discharging the severed sections from said receiver, a guideway for receiving the discharged sections and delivering them from the machine, a guard for alining the ends of the sections at one side of the guideway, a second guard at the other side of the guideway, and means for agitating the latter guard so as to evenly arrange the ends of the severed sections and prevent them from overlapping.

47. In a machine of the character described, a rotatable cylindrical shaft having a series of radially-disposed longitudinal Wire-receiving grooves in its periphery, means for advancing a Wire into said grooves successively as advanced portions thereof are severed, means for severing said wire when it reaches IOO IIO

a predetermined limit in its movement into u a groove, means for discharging the severed sections from said shaft, and means for delivering them successively with their ends evenly arranged, to the receiving mechanism of a Wire-Working machine.

48. In combination with the rotatable shaft having a series of radially-disposed longitudinal grooves in its periphery, a ratchet-Wheel thereon having teeth corresponding in number with said grooves, means acting upon said ratchet to intermittently rotate said shaft, means whereby a Wire is advanced into said grooves successively during the ntervals between the movements of the shaft, and means whereby said Wire is severed when it reaches a predetermined point in a groove; substantially as described.

In testimony whereof we affix our signatures in presence of two Witnesses.

JAMES KELLEY. WALTER V. REID. PETTIS A. REID. Witnesses:

JOHN E. MOFFITT, EDWIN G. KEMPER.