IMPROVEMENTS IN FILE-CUTTING MACHINES
Year: 1865

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to James Dodge, of Manchester, in the County of
Lancaster, Mechanical Engineer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS
IN FILE-CUTTING MACHINES."
Sealed the 3rd April 1866, and dated the 4th October 1865.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said James Dodge at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 4th
October 1865.
I, JAMES DODGE, of Manchester, in the County of Lancaster, Mechanical
Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVÉ-
MENTS IN FILE-CUTTING MACHINES," to be as follows:-
My Invention consists, firstly, in the use of apparatus whereby the motion
of the machine is arrested when a faulty cut has taken place. For this
purpose I cause an instrument to traverse or fall into each cut as it is
effected, and thus to feel as it were for any irregularity. Should such an
imperfection exist, the resistance thereof causes a shifting of parts, which
disengages the machine from the motive power. In an arrangement I
propose the instrument above mentioned is mounted in a frame to which a
reciprocating motion is imparted by an excentric on a shaft, and acting
through the intervention of levers. The main shaft is driven through the
medium of a clutch box, the two parts of which are kept in gear against the

page_text: elastic force of a spring. Should any impediment occur to the passage of
the reciprocating instrument along or into a cut of the file, then the said
instrument by being turned from its course liberates the above-mentioned
spring, and the two parts of the clutch box pass out of gear, and thus the
motion of the machine is arrested. In place of the above-mentioned i
operation of the instrument, I cause it in a similar manner to feel the
edge of the cutter, so as to detect its condition, and to arrest the motion of
the machine if necessary, and this method may be adopted when rotatory
cutters are employed, by causing the said cutters to run in contact with the
said instrument.
Another part of my-Invention relates to a method of modifying the force
of the cutter according to the comparatively narrow or broad surface of the
blank which it has to act upon. For this purpose. I employ a template or
shaper travelling with the blank, and acting upon a rod or lever, which
relaxes or increases the tension. of a spring used for forcing the cutter
forward; or if the elastic force of steam or air be employed for actuating the
cutter, the said template or shaper acts through the medium of the rod or
lever for opening or contracting the steam or air passage..
Another part of my Invention has reference to a method of preventing a
rebound of the cutting tool, by which the teeth of the file become injured.
For this purpose I give a certain amount of elasticity to the bed which
carries the blank.
Another part of my Invention consists in the application of gearing to the
table driven by a shaft of the machine, whereby the said table is caused to
advance as usual, and then to run back at an increased speed when a file has
been cut. This I propose to accomplish by the employment of two pairs of
toothed wheels, between which is a sliding frame carrying olutch boxes on
either side. When this sliding frame is moved in one direction the wheels
for causing the table to move forward come into action through the medium
of the clutch arrangement above mentioned, and when the said frame is
moved in the contrary direction the clutch boxes cause the other wheels to
come into action and run the table back at the required increased speed.
Another part of my Invention consists in the application to file-cutting
machines of an arrangement whereby the bed is stopped when a file has been
cut, and also when the said bed has been run back ready for another cutting
operation. This I propose to accomplish by means of a stud mounted upon
a lever capable of turning upon a centre, and situate within a recess formed
in a fixed bar; this recess has a central projecting part, against which the pin
6.situate when the table is travelling in either direction; but when the said

page_text: travelling motion is complete, then the above-mentioned lever is turned upon
its centre by the table, and the pin which it carries passes to one side or the
other of the projecting part, and by lever connections the cluth box or
similar apparatus by which the table has been driven is thrown out of gear.
Another part of my Invention consists in an arrangement whereby the file
blank is regulated in position so as to present a level surface to the cutter.
To accomplish this I mount the bed in a groove so as to be able to rock,
such arrangement, however, being no part of my Invention. Upon the
surface of the blank I place one end of a lever, the edge of which is true to
the cutter; the other end of the lever is acted upon by a spring, which causes
the first-mentioned end to press upon the blank, and thus if it be not true
rock it with the bed and bring it parallel to the cutter.
.
Another part of my Invention relates to a method of adjusting the sliding
frame which carries the cutter as the said frame or its guides become worn.
For this purpose I employ a wedge-formed piece capable of being moved
upward or downward by a screw, and acting against corresponding inclined
sides. This moves the frame forward, but at the same time I employ other
similar wedge-formed pieces acting at right angles to that above described.
Another part of my Invention refers to an arrangement in which the cutter
is caused to act by a positive motion, and consists in mounting the said
cutter and the excentric or other part which causes it to reciprocate, so that
they may move bodily upward or downward according to any inequalities in
the blank, and this upward or downward motion I regulate by a finger
resting upon the said blank. The cutter holder I mount upon pivots, to
enable it to rock, and thus turn up the metal after the cut is effected. The
file blank I place upon the bed at an angle to the horizontal line.
Another part of my Invention relates to a method of fixing the cutter in
the holder. For this purpose I employ wedges, between which the cutter is
held, and these wedges are forced forward so as to press against it by means
of a key furnished with inclines, and drawn forward by a nut. To facilitate
the removal of the cutter, I apply a second key with inclines acting upon the
wedges in the opposite direction. In file-cutting machines it is usual to effect
the cut by the action of metallic springs, which springs require frequent
renewal. In place of these I propose to employ india-rubber springs, which
I find to be more durable.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said James Dodge in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 4th
April 1866.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, Jonn
DODGE, of Manchester, in the County of Lancaster, Mechanical Engineer,
send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters.
Patent, bearing date the Fourth day of October, One thousand eight hundred
and sixty-five, in 'the twenty-ninth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her
heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the said John Dodge, Her
special license that I, the said John Dodge, my executors, administrators,;
and assigns, or such others as I, the said John Dodge, my executors,
administrators, and. assigns, should, at any time agree with, and no others,
from time to time and at all times thereafter during the term therein
expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend,
within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel
Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN. FILE-CUTTING
MACHINES," upon the condition, amongst others, that I, the said John
Dodge, by an instrument in writing under my hand and seal, should par-
ticularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in
what manner the same was to be performed, and. cause the same to be
filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar months next and
immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent.
.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said John Dodge, do hereby declare the
nature of my said Invention, and in what manuer the same is to be per-
formed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement and accompanying Drawings, that is to say :-
My Invention consists, firstly, in a method of modifying the force of the
cutter according to the comparatively narrow or broad surface of the blank
which it has to act upon. For this purpose I employ a, template or shaper
travelling with the blank, and acting upon a rod or lever which; relaxes or
increases the tension of a spring used for forcing the cutter forward. Or if
the elastic force of steam or air be employed for actuating the cutter the said
template or shaper acts through the medium of the rod or lever for opening
or contracting the steam or air passage.
Secondly, my Invention consists in an arrangement whereby the file
blank is regulated in position so as to present a level surface to the cutter.
To accomplish this I mount the bed in a groove so as to be capable

page_text: of rocking; so far, however, such arrangement being no part of my Inven-
tion. Upon the surface of the blank I place one end of a lever or finger,
the edge of which is true to the cutter; the other end of the lever is acted
upon by a spring which causes the first-mentioned end to press upon the
blank, and thus if it be not true rock it with the bed, and bring it parallel
with the cutter.
Thirdly, my Invention consists in the use of apparatus whereby the motion
of the machine is arrested when a faulty cut has taken place. For this pur-
pose
I cause an instrument to traverse or fall into each cut as it is effected,
and thus to feel as it were for any irregularity. Should an imperfection exist
the resistance thereof causes a shifting of parts, which disengages the machine
from the motive power.
<
Fourthly, my Invention consists in a method of fixing the cutter in the
holder.
Fifthly, my Invention relates to a method of adjusting the sliding frame:
which carries the cutter as the said frame or its guides become worn.
Sixthly, my Invention consists in the use of india-rubber springs for
propelling the cutting tool.
Seventhly, my Invention has reference to a method of preventing a rebound
of the cutting tool by which the teeth of the file become injured. For this
purpose I give a certain amount of elasticity to the bed of the machine.
Eighthly, my Invention refers to an arrangement by which the cutter is
caused to act by a positive motion, and consists in mounting the said cutter
and the eccentric or other part which causes it to reciprocate so that they
may move bodily upward or downward according to any inequalities in the
blank, and this upward or downward motion I regulate by a finger resting
upon the said blank. The cutter holder I mount upon pivots to enable it to
rock, and thus turn up the metal when the cut is effected. The file blank I
place upon the bed at an angle to the horizontal line.
According to my Provisional Specification I proposed to employ a feeler for
testing the working condition of the cutting tool; also I proposed to drive
the table which carries the blank so that it could be run back at an increased:
speed; also I proposed an arrangement whereby the bed was stopped when
a file had been cut, and also when the said bed had been run back ready for
another cut. Since the filing of my said Provisional Specification I have
found that these three arrangements are not of sufficient utility, and there-
fore lay no claim thereto.
The several bends above enumerated which I.now propose to claim as my
Invention will be found embodied in my Provisional Specification, but I: mpy

page_text: mention that for facility of describing the particulars I have now altered the
sequence of the said points of Invention.
In the accompanying Drawings Figure 1 represents a file-cutting machine
in side elevation to which my first improvement is adapted, and Figure 2 is a
plan view thereof.
It will be seen by inspecting these Figures that the upright framing A, and
which carries the cutter, is placed upon the lower or bed part of the framing B
at an angle to the horizontal line, and also at an angle to the line of the
bed B.
In order therefore to obtain the best representation of the machine Figure
is supposed. to be viewed partly from one end, and Figure 2 is placed at an
angle so that it may occupy its proper relative position to Figure 1. The cutter
is shewn at 1 mounted in a block carried by the upper framing A, and in
which it is caused to slide upward by a tappet or any other means usually
employed in file-cutting machines. This sliding block when elevated by the
said tappet collapses a spring confined within a chamber at 2, by the elastic
force of which spring the tool is then driven downward to effect a cut as usual.
According to my Invention I confine the spring at its upper end by a piston 3,
to which is connected a lever 4, turning upon a fixed centre at 5. This lever
at its outward end carries a rod 6, provided at bottom with a roller 7,
resting upon a bar 8, which bar is the shaper employed according to this part
of my Invention. The stud which connects the roller 7 to the rod 6 passes
through a slot in the framework, whereby the said rod 6 is at liberty to move
upward or downward, but is prevented from moving laterally. The shaper 8
rests towards one end upon rollers 9 carried by the framework, and at the
other end it is fastened to the sliding bed which carries the blank by a bolt
as at 10. The shaper shewn in the Drawing is adapted for cutting a file of
the shape shewn at Figure 8, by inspecting which it will be seen that the part
thereof from 11 to 12 starts from a comparatively small breadth to the full
width of the file, therefore it is necessary that a blow of less force should be
given at 11 than when a cut is being made at 12, and the object of this part
of my Invention is to effect that variation. The file blank in process of being
cut is shewn at 13, and according to the positions of the parts in the Drawing
it has been partly cut. At starting it is usual to begin with the point of the
blank, and at that time the bed being more to the right hand of Figure 1 will
have drawn back with it the shaper 8, so that the roller 7 rests upon the
part 8. The consequence of this will have been the liberty of the piston 3
to rise against the elastic force of the spring which forces down the cutter,
and the said spring having thus been allowed to expand will possess less power

page_text: in effecting the cut. As the table which holds the blank moves onward, and
carries with it the shaper, the roller 7 will ascend the incline 14 thereon, and
will thus gradually force the piston 3 and spring downward so as to increase
the elastic force thereof for each cut according to the increasing width of the
blank until it at length arrives upon the horizontal part of the shaper which
corresponds to the uniform width of the blank, and then the amount of elastic
force in the spring will remain constant. It will be evident from the above
description that if a file tapering gradually from one end to the other is to be
cut, the incline of the shaper must also advance gradually from end to end, and
that the incline of the said shaper may occupy any portion of the whole length
thereof according to the varying breadth of the blank. If the force of
steam or air be employed to force the cutter into the blank I cause the lever 4
to act by any suitable and ordinary mechanism so as to regulate the steam or
air ways, and these provide for more or less power being exerted upon the
cutter. At 6 is a nut by which the rod 6 may be lengthened and shortened
in order to commence with more or less pressure in the spring: ..
The second part of my Invention as shewn at Figures 1, 2, 4, and 5. In
order to carry out this part of my Invention I use a rocking bed for carrying
the blank, but such rocking bed I do not claim as part of my Invention, it
being already known. The bed 15, Figures 4 and 5, carries an upper part.16,
to which the blank 17 is adapted, and which part 16 is provided with a cylin-
drical projection 18, so that the file blank may rock transversely. Upon the
file blank one end of a finger 19 presses, its edge being true, that is, parallel
with the edge of the cutter 1. The finger 19 turns upon a centre at 19*,
and at its other end is connected by a ball-and-socket joint to one end of a
lever 20, jointed to another lever 21 turning upon a centre at 22, the arrange-
ment constituting a "toggle joint." The centre of motion 22 is forced upward*
by a spring 23, so that when the levers 20, 21, are in the positions shewn in
the Drawing, they act as a rod and thrust upward the outward end of the
finger 19, whereby the said finger is caused to turn upon its centre and press
by its other end upon the file blank, and as the edge of the said finger is true
with the cutting tool, the face of the blank is caused to rock with the part 16
until it presents a parallel face to be cut. When the finished file and table'
are to be run back by any ordinary means, then the levers 20, 21, are moved
by the lever 21 to an angle with each other, and the finger 19 being caused
to turn upon its centre will liberate the blank. As the cutter becomes worn
it is necessary at times to grind it, and should it by such grinding become out
of truth in reference to the finger, the said finger would require adjustment.
The following method of effecting that object may be adopted, reference

page_text: being had to Figs. 6 and 7, and also to Fig. 2, before referred to:-At 22 is
a worm mounted upon an axis carried by a bracket extending from the
stationary frame. In gear with this worm is a wheel 23, the axis of which
is also carried by a fixed bracket, and the said wheel forms a bearing for the
centre of motion 19*, which centre of motion passes through the wheel excen-
trically. By turning a pulley handle 25 upon the axis of the worm 22, the
wheel 23 is caused to revolve, and by carrying with it the excentric centre of
motion 19 will move one side of the finger upward or downward, and thus
alter its level to agree with the cutter.
The third part of my Invention is shewn in detached views, Figs. 8, 9, 10,
and 11. At 24 is the main shaft of a file-cutting machine, and from which
the tool is worked for effecting the file cuts, the arrangement for that purpose
being of any ordinary character. Upon the shaft is a pinion 25, taking into
another 26 upon an upright shaft 27; this shaft is provided with a crank 28
connected to a V sliding piece 29 mounted within the finger 19, before referred
to at Figs. 1, 4, and 5; upon the sliding piece 29 is mounted the feeler 30
bending downwards, so as to be capable of moving through a cut which has
been made on the blank, and forming a bell crank with the rod 31, which is
provided at its end with a fork 32, which embraces a pin 33; this pin is carried
by a short lever 34, and the said pin extends into a horse-shoe groove formed
in a fixed plate 35, Fig. 11, but during the proper working of the machine
the said pin. is situate against a rib 36, which divides the two portions of the
horse-shoe groove. The short lever is jointed to another lever 37, turning
upon a centre at 38, and connected at its upper end to the friction cone 39,
or it may be a clutch box, by which the main shaft 24 is driven through the
medium of the pulley 40. The file blank under operation is shewn at 41.
The operation is as follows:-As the file is being cut the revolution of the
crank 28 will cause the feeler to traverse backwards and forward, moving
each time through a cut of the file; but suppose a false cut to have been made,
which offers an obstruction, then the feeler not being able to pass will be
turned in the one direction or the other according to its forward or backward
motion, and will thus turn the lever 31, with which it forms a bell crank.
This turning of the lever will shift the pin 33 from the part 36, and then a
spring 42 pressing upon the lever, 37 will carry the pin 33 along one of the
grooves 43, and turn the upper end of the lever 37 outward, thus disengaging
the friction cone 89 from the driving pulley and arresting the motion of the
machine.
The fourth part of my Invention shewn at Fig. 12 and 13, the former
representing a front view, and the latter a plan in section of the tool and tool

page_text: holder. The cutting tool is shewn at 50, placed in a recess in the sliding
holder 51; passing into this holder is a key 52, provided with a wedge-formed,
part 53 in contact with a wedge 54, which abuts against the tool 50, and on.
the other side against the holder 51. At 55 is another key projecting into
the holder, and also provided with a wedged-formed part 55*. The tool.
having been placed in position the key 52 is drawn forward by screw nuts 56,
whereby the incline 53 is caused to act against the wedge 54, which by
pressing against the tool 50 will confine it in its working position. When
the tool has to be removed the key 52 is loosened and pushed inward, after
which the other key 55 is driven forward, and its inclined part 55* acting
against the thin end of the wedge 54 will liberate the tool from pressure.
The fifth part of my Invention is shewn at Figs. 14 and 15. At 57 is an
outside framing, within which the sliding part which carries the cutting tool is to
be mounted. At 58, 58*, are the V-guides for the tool holder 59, and it is the
method of adjusting these guides as they or the tool holder become, worn which
constitutes this part of my Invention. At 60 is a wedge-formed key abutting,
on one side against the V-guide 58 and on the other against the frame 57..
At 61 is another wedge-formed key; also abutting in the same manner against
the V-guide 58 and the frame 57, but situate at right angles to the first-
mentioned key; both of the keys 60, 61, have their narrower parts at top,
and they are furnished with screws. 62, 63, by which they may be drawn
upward and fixed by nuts; the other V-guide 58* is also provided with a
wedge-formed key 64 similar to that shewn at 61. When it is required to
adjust the V-guides and tool holder the key 60 is drawn upwards and fixed
by the nuts 62, whereby the one V will be forced in the direction of the other,
after which the other keys 61, 64, are drawn upwards, and their inclined
sides acting against the V-guides in the other direction, will hold them firmly
in their place.
In file-cutting machines the holder of the cutting tool is forced upward by:
cams against a metallic. spring, which spring effects the cutting blow by it's
elastic force; such springs I have found in practice to last but a short time,
and I therefore, as the sixth part of my Invention, employ india-rubber in
place thereof.
In carring out my Invention I place a block of india-rubber in a
chamber 2, as at Fig. 1, and in that position it may be confined by a rigid
cap, as is usual with metallic springs, or by the moveable piston 3, before
referred to as another part of my Invention, in both of which cases the tool
holder may be elevated against the force of the spring by tappets in any
ordinary manner..

page_text: The seventh part of my Invention consists in preventing a rebound of the
cutting tool by imparting a certain amount of elasticity to the bed of the
machine; to accomplish this I mount the framework upon a stone or other
foundation in the usual manner, but between the said metal frame and foun-
dation I apply a stratum of india-rubber, felt, or other elastic substance.
power;
The eighth part of my Invention is shewn at Fig. 16 & 17, and is designed
for the employment of a cutter acting upon the blank by a positive motion,
that is to say, by the direct action of cams or excentrixes. The stationary
framework or casing in which the tool and parts connected therewith are
mounted is shewn at 100; within this is a sliding block 101 capable of moving
upward or downward upon suitable guides. Passing through this block is an
excentric rod 102 in contact with it at its upper and lower parts, which rod
has a tendency imparted to it to turn in the direction of the arrow by means
of a weighted lever or other weight connected to its axis, but not shewn in
the Drawing, and such disposition to turn therefore has a tendency to force
downward the block 101, regulated however by apparatus hereafter to be
described. The block 101 carries another axis 103, upon which is mounted
an excentric 104, receiving rotatory motion from the motive
this
excentric is situated within the cutting tool holder 105, and the said tool is
shewn at 106 fixed as above described, or in any usual manner. The
holder 105 is carried by sliding blocks 107, capable of moving upward and
downward in guides in the frame 100. The holder is connected with the
block 107 by centre piers 108, as therefore it is moved upward and downward
by the excentric 104 it at the same time oscillates upon the centres 108.
At 109 is a bracket which passes through a slot in the frame 100, and is
attached to the sliding block 101 by set screws. This bracket is capable of
sliding on the frame 100, and is provided at its lower end with a finger 110,
resting upon the file blank (represented by the line 111) which is placed
upon its bed in an inclined position, and is moved forward to receive the cuts
in the direction of the arrow. The point of the finger 110 is situate when a
cut is being made in close proximity to the cutting tool, and supports the
sliding block 101, and consequently the excentric 102 against the weight
acting thereon; but as the blank advances in the direction of the arrow as it
is cut a lower support is afforded to the finger 110, consequently the blocks and
acting excentric 104,. together with the cutter 106, will be forced bodily down-
ward by the weighted excentric, rod 102, and thus the surface of the blank
and the cutting edge of the tool will continually occupy the same relative
positions to effect an equal depth of cut, although any small irregularities may
exist on the surface of the blank. The blank is caused to travel upon a bed

page_text: moving horizontally, but in an inclined position thereon, for this reason:-Files,
as is well known, are arched.upon their surface, and by throwing the blank in
an inclined position the several points thereon are always receding downward
from the cutter, although such points may increase in height when 'the file is
in a level position, and the: finger 110 is enabled therefore to regulate the
depth of cut by allowing the cutter and excentric 104 to drop. In order to
illustrate this I refer to Diagram, Fig..18, in which 111 represents the
blank to be cut with. an exaggerated curve, the said blank being caused to
travel horizontally in the direction of, the arrow. Here it will be seen that
every point on the surface of the blank which is intersected by a horizontal
line (the direction in which the blank travels) is lower than that part of the
said blank where the cutting commences, and the finger 110, excentric 104,
and cutter 106 will therefore continually drop during the cutting of the whole
file. A modification of the above principle might, however, be adopted by
which the blank could be placed level, and the registering finger would rise
as well as fall. To effect this the excentric rod might be replaced by a weight
sufficient to resist the thrust of the cutter when in operation; this weight
would be supported by the finger 110, and would be lifted or allowed to fall,
together with the excentric 104, according to the elevation or depression of
the blank. For effecting the first cuts of a file the cutter may move in guides
without the swinging action, and the excentric 104 may be replaced by a tappet
shaft against which the cutter holder is returned by a spring; but it has
been stated that the cutter 106 is mounted in a holder which swings upon
centre pius 108; it will therefore be seen that when a cut has been effected,
the swinging action may cause the edge of the said cut to be upset at the
proper angle when that effect is desired.
Having thus described and ascertained the nature of my said Invention,
and the manner in which the same is to be performed, I desire it to be under-
stood that I claim as secured to me under the above in part recited Letters
Patent,―
Firstly, the application of a shaper or template for regulating the tension of
the spring which projects the tool.
Secondly, the application of a finger or lever pressing upon the blank in
combination with a rocking bed, for the purpose above set forth.
Thirdly, the use of an instrument acting as a feeler for detecting a faulty
cut and for arresting the motion of the machine.
Fourthly, the arrangement of wedges for fixing the cutter in the holder.
Fifthly, the method of adjusting the tool holder and guides.
Sixthly, the use of india-rubber springs for propelling the cutting tool.

page_text: Seventhly, the application, for the púrpose above set forth, of an elastic
material between the machine and its foundation.
Eighthly, actuating the cutter by excentrics, cams, or other such positive
motion, also causing the cutter and excentric or other such part acting
thereon to move bodily, regulated by a. finger. resting on the blank; also
placing the blank at an angle as described; also mounting the cutter in a
holder which swings upon a centrė.
In witness whereof, I, 'the said John Dodge, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Third day of April, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and sixty-six.