Year: 1887

page_text: انات زي دا
Date of Application, 15th Dec., 1887
Complete Specification Left, 27th July, 1888
Complete Specification Accepted, 5th Oct, 1888
Manufacturing the same.
A communication from abroad by WILLIAM HALL KERR, of Ilion, in the County of
Herkimer, and State of New York, United States of America.
I, WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON F.C.S. M.I.M.E., of the Agency for Foreign
Patent Solicitors, 6 Lord Street, Liverpool, and 6 Bank Street. Manchester, both in
the County of Lancaster, and 323 High Holborn, in the County of Middlesex,
Civil Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
The invention relates to a method and process of forming or manufacturing bags
and to machinery applicable for the manufacture thereof.
The invention is more especially designed for small bags for tobacco, seeds, and the
like, though adapted, also for other and larger ones as well.
The invention embraces a variety of novel features and details of construction, which
will be hereinafter explained.
The mode or process of making a bag is as follows: The cotton or other fabric of
which the bags are to be made is drawn from a reel upon which it is wound after
being woven or cut to the proper width. As the material passes from the reel it is
carried through or beneath fingers or folders, which turn the two edges of the material
inward toward each other, laying them upon the body of the strip or sheet preparatory
to their being sewed to form hems, one at each side. As the material passes out from
beneath the first stitching mechanisms, which operate on both edges simultaneously,
und in all respects alike, a cutting-blade acts upon the sheet or strip and separates
therefrom a portion sufficient to form one bag. This portion is then folded across
its middle, or midway between the hems, bringing the two hems together, after which
the folded material is carried through a second double-stitching mechanism and is
stitched up each side, thus forming a bag with a seamless folded bottom, and with a
em at the top all around, the hem serving to receive the draw-string, the insertion
of which completes the bag, which requires only to be turned to make it ready
or use.

page_text: In the practical carrying out of the invention, it has been found convenient and
advantageous to employ "chain-stitch" sewing mechanism, because of its simplicity,
the small amount of power required to operate it, and for other reasons; but it must
be clearly understood that the inventor does not limit himself to the use of any particular
form or class of sewing mechanism, every form known being capable of giving good
results.
In the experimental apparatus the mechanism is mounted on a firm stand or table,
which is advisably made of metal to give due strength and solidity. At one end of the
table is a reel, upon which is wound the cloth or material from which the bags are to
he made, this material being woven or cut to the precise width required before being
wound upon the reel, It is necessary to prevent the cloth from unwinding too freely
and to keep it stretched smoothly between the reel and the first stitching mechanism,
for which purpose a flat plate is provided, which is pressed constantly against the
underside of the cloth by a spring. A counterweight may obviously be substituted
for the spring. The plate is provided with two inwardly-turned lips which turn the
edges of the cloth inward and lay them upon the body of the strip or sheet, additional
guides or folders being also placed upon the bed or table close to the first stitching
mechanism. This mechanism consists simply of two sewing-machines of any approved
construction, set in recesses in the body or table and placed end to end, the parts of
one being reversed, so that while placed thus end to end they shall feed the material
in the same direction away from the reel. In other words, one machine is a right-hand
machine, feeding from the operator, as usual, and the other machine is a left-hand
machine, also feeding from the operator, a result readily attained with the well-known
Willcox & Gibbs mechanism by simply reversing the cains, hook, feed-dog etc.
As these stitching devices in themselves do not differ in any manner from the
machines which have for many years been in extensive use, it is unnecessary to enter
into a further description of them than to mention, as above, that one is a right-hand
and the other a left-hand machine, and that they are placed end to end to act
simultaneously and alike upon the two edges of the material.
In order to drive the two stitching mechanisms together and at precisely the same
rate, the shaft of each is provided with a pinion, each pinion in turn meshing with a
gear-wheel, on a shaft, journaled in suitable bearings or supports rising from the
table. The shaft receives motion through bevel-pinions from the main driving-shaft
of the machine, which is furnished with pulley and is designed to be driven by belt
from any convenient source. The pulley is loose upon the shaft, but is connected
therewith and caused to rotate the same, when required, by means of a shifting clutch
carried by a hand-lever, thus enabling the operator to stop and start the machine
quickly by merely moving the lever.
The stitching mechanisins are both provided with the usual feeding devices to insure
the proper movement of the goods beneath the needles; but to relieve the feed-dogs
in part of the work of drawing the material forward, and for other purposes hereinafter
explained, the feed-rollers are employed, the upper one of which is furnished with
a ratchet-wheel to which motion is imparted intermittently by a dog or hook, carried
by a pitman or rod, which is reciprocated longitudinally by an eccentric on the hook-
shaft of sewing head or machine. The eccentric is so set with reference to the feed
dogs of the stitching mechanisms that the feed-roll shall move the goods forward
simultaneously with said dogs and to the same extent, thereby avoiding improper
strain upon the needles, thread, or goods, yet keeping the hemmed goods at all times
flat and smooth between the stitching mechanisms and the feed-rolls. The roll is
advisably made of steel and milled or roughend to cause it to take hold of the goods,
and the lower roll, which is driven only by the friction of the goods passing between
the two rolls, is covered with soft leather in essentially the same manner as the
drawing-rolls of cotton drawing and spinning machinery. This covering is sufficiently
elastic to compensate for the slight difference in thickness of the middle portion
of the goods and the hemmed edges, and insures a uniform advance of the goods at
all points in its width. The rolls also serve to keep the goods flat and smooth and
prevent the edges from drawing inward away from the needles of stitching mechanisms.

page_text: From tho feed-rollers the hemmed goods pass to and between a second pair of feed
rollers, of the same character as the rolls, but differently driven. The rollers serve to
advance and deliver the hemmed goods to a knife or cutter, which severs from the
strip or sheet a portion sufficient for one bag, and said rollers also serve to hold the
goods against movement during the operation of the knife or cutter, at which time they
stand at rest.
The stitching mechanisms and the feed-rolls operate continuously, though the rollers
have a step-by-step motion, as above pointed out; hence there will necessarily be an
accumulation of the hemmed goods between the two pairs of feeding-rollers, during
the operation of the knife or cutter and while the feed-rolls are at rest. To compensate
for this increase or accumulation and prevent clogging the machinery, a cross-bar or
a small roller is provided between the two pairs of rolls carried by spring arms and
passing beneath the goods from edge to edge. The arms are preferably made of fine
spring-wire, which is coiled at or near the point of attachment to the frame-work or
table of the machine, in order to give due elasticity and range of movement. When
the rolls cease to feed the goods forward, the rod or roller and its spring arms rise
and lift the goods which are held by the rolls at one side of the rod or roller and pass
beneath a cross-rod, at the other side thereof. The arms exert a lifting force only
sufficient to lift the surplus goods with certainty, and are readily drawn and held down
by the pressure of the goods during the feeding operation of the rolls.
As above mentioned, the rolls operate only while the knife or cutter is at rest and
the knife acts only while said rolls are at rest, and as the period of operation of one is
just about equal to that of the other it is necessary that the rolls while acting shall
feed about twice as fast as the rolls, in order to carry forward the gools accumulating
during the inaction of the rolls. To accomplish this result a double-acting pawl and
ratchet mechanism is made use of for turning one of the second pair of feed-rolls,
instead of a single-acting one such as used for turning one of the feed rolls. In the
construction of this mechanism a ratchet-wheel is provided which is secured upon the
shaft of the second feed roll and two dogs or pawls serving to give rotary motion to
said wheel, one dog being made in the form of a hook to pull upon the ratchet-teeth
while moving backward and the other being adapted to bear at its end directly against
the teeth in going forward. The dogs are both pivoted to one end of a pitman, the
other end of which encircles an eccentric, on the shaft of stitching mechanism, the
eccentric serving to impart a reciprocating motion to the pitman in the direction of
its length, and the dogs, held in engagement with the ratchet-wheel by springs serving
to alternately push and pull said wheel, and thereby to give it and the roll, a continuous
rotary motion during the reciprocation of the pitman. The second pair of feed-rolls
are thrown into and out of action at the proper times by means of a disk mounted on
and capable of rotating a short distance about the shaft of the roll. The disk has two
raised faces, which, as the disk is turned in one direction, ride against lugs on the
dogs and throw the dogs clear of the teeth of the ratchet, but which pass out of
contact with the lugs and permit the dogs to again engage with the teeth when the
disk is turned in the opposite direction. The disk is turned at proper times and to the
required extent by means of a rod or stem, which moves with the cutting blade or
knife, a stud projecting from the disk into a notch or recess, in the rod or stem and
engaging with one or the other wall thereof as the rod or stem moves up or down. The
notch is of such depth and the stud or lug of such length as to cause a considerable
movement of the disk after the logs are thrown out, so that while the blade is cutting
and withdrawing from the material, the disk may hold the dogs out of action.
The moving knife or cutter blade acts in conjunction with a fixed blade, formed
upon or secured to the bed or table. The blade, which has its lower edge oblique to
the face of bed or table, is secured to a cross-head, guided by two vertical rods or
stems which pass through tubular guides, secured in the bed or table, the cross-head
being further guided by a forked or slotted arm or extension, which extends upward
and straddles a shaft, which carries a cam by which the cutter is raised and lowered.
The cam has overhanging lips or flanges, by which the cross head is raised positively,
the body of the cam serving to positively depress it, both acting upon a stud on

page_text: the upright arm of the cross-head. The rod or stem operating the stud which
turns the cam-disk is made fast to and moved by an arm projecting from the
cross-head, the rod consequently moving in unison with the cross-head and cutter-
blade.
Projecting from the cross-head are two arms, each having a tubular neck through
which passes a rod or stem, carrying at its lower end a presser-plate consisting of a
horizontal and a vertical portion, the latter thin and elastic. The rods or stems are
represented as reduced in diameter within the tubular necks, and encircled each by a
spring which serves to press the stem and its plate downward, but permits the tubular
neck to descend after the presser-plate reaches and bears upon the goods on the table,
so that the cross-head by which the tubular necks, with their stems and presser-plates,
are carried may continue to descend and carry with it the cutting-blade after the
cloth is clamped and held by the plates. The springs may, however, be omitted. This
construction also causes the cloth to be held by the presser-plates after the blade
completes its cutting operation and while it is rising from the fabric, during which
time a folding blade or plate rises through an opening in the bed or table
beneath and midway between the hemmed ends of the severed portion of the
goods, and carrying the same upward between the opposing upright faces of
the presser-plates, folds the severed portion at the middle to form a closed
bottom for the bag and to bring the two hems into line to form a hemmed mouth
therefor.
The folding plate is serrated along its upper edge to prevent the goods from
shifting its position while being carried upward to a second pair of sewing machines,
which stitch the edges of the folded fabric together, and thus complete the bag ready
to be turned and provided with the drawing-string, for the reception of which the
hom is formed. The plate is also cut away where it passes the presser-feet and feed
dogs of the two stitching mechanisms, to permit it to carry the folded goods well
under the needles and insure the proper placing thereof between said presser feet and
feed dogs. In forming the bag, the material is drawn from the reel." Its edges are
turned over inward. The stitching of the edges begins at the proper point. The
necessary material for one bag is severed from the strip. It is folded across the
middle or at the proper point and carried up to the second pair of stitching
mechanisms, which begin the stitching and stitch the sides of the bag from its
bottom to its top as the material is fed upward, thus completing the bag as above
stated, ready for turning and for the insertion of the drawing-string. The folding-
plate is guided by the walls of the opening in the bed or table through which it
passes, and by a slotted post, and it is raised at proper intervals by means of a cam,
on the same shaft with cutter operating cam, said cam acting through the medium of
a lever, and vertical stem or slide moving in a slotted tubular post of the guide, the
two ends of the lever extending through the sides of the posts and being guided
thereby. The stems of the slide and folding plate rest at their lower ends directly
upon the ends of the lever, and the plate falls by gravity when the cam permits it to
do so.
To prevent undue jar by reason of the sudden fall of the folding-plate, the
end of the lever beneath said plate is furnished with a spring on its lower side to bear
upon the lower wall of the slot in the post, or upon an adjustable stop placed to limit
the descent of the lever. It is not, however, necessary to depend upon gravity to
lower the folding-plate, as the cam may be made of the same general character
as the cutter operating cam and adapted to act positively both in raising and
in lowering the slide. In such case the slide and the stem of the folding-plate
would of course be pin-pointed or otherwise connected directly with the ends of
the lever.
The cam shaft receives motion from the main driving-shaft through the medium of
a pinion and gear-wheel.
The sewing mechanisms are precisely like the first pair and are driven in the same
manner by gear-wheels, meshing with pinions on the shafts of the two stitching
mechanisms, the gear-wheels being in this instance placed upon the main shaft. It
will be observed, however, that instead of having their needle-bars arranged to work
"

page_text: vertically, as in the first mentioned mechanisms and as in all ordinary machines, the
heads and the needle-bars are arranged horizontally, so as to feed the material
vertically.
The timing of the movements of the folding-plate relatively to the action of the
stitching mechanisms of the second pair of sewing machines is such, that one bag is
completed shortly before another is brought to said stitching mechanisms, from which
it follows that several stitches are formed between the bottom of each bag and the
top of the next at each side. Owing to the well-known action of the chain-stitch
machines a short chain of stitches is thus formed between each bag and the next, so
that when the bags are cut apart a knot or tie is formed, which prevents the sewing
from ripping out.
The sewing mechanisms are furnished with the usual tension and stitch
regulating devices, presser-foot, feed-dog, thread-guides etc. The finished bags
connected by the short chain of stitches fall over a suitable guide into a basket or
other receptacle.
The cam-shaft and the cams may be located above the table; but in practice,
it is preferable to place them below, where they will be less in the way, and where
they can be operated with fewer intermediate parts, the cut-operating cam in such
case acting directly on a stud projecting from a cross bar connecting the two stems
of the cross-head, and the other cam acting in like manner upon a stud on the stem
of the folding-plate.
Thread is drawn from caps or spools through suitable guides.
It is desirable to provide means whereby the machine shall be thrown out of action
in the event of clogging or in case undue resistance arises from any cause. To effect
this result the clutch-sleeve, which slides upon a spline or feather on the main driving
shaft is provided at its end with V-shaped teeth to engage with teeth of like form
on the hub of the band-wheel, and the spring serves to hold the clutch normally in
engagement. When, however, the resistance to the operation of the machine unduly
increases, the force of the spring is overcome, and the teeth of the clutch ride upon
each other and crowd back the clutch-sleeve against the spring, thereby moving the
lever about its pivot. The lever bears against a collar mounted upon a horizontal rod
or stem, and carrying a spring locking-dog, which passes over the lever to enter a
notel in the rod and hold the lever in position to cause the clutch to remain locked.
When, however, the action of the clutch-teeth, crowds the clutch-sleeve back against
the spring, the lever lifts the spring-dog out of the notch and a spring behind the
collar serves to assist the lever in pressing the clutch-collar back against the resistance
of the spring, thus insuring the stopping of the machine.
In some cases the hemming may be deemed unnecessary, and in that event, the
stitching mechanisms first mentioned may be omitted or thrown out of action, the
second pair of stitching-machines alone being used.
Dated this 14th day of December 1887.
WM. P. THOMPSON & Co.,
Agents for the Applicant.

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or relating to Bags and in Machinery for
Manufacturing the same.
A communication from abroad by WILLIAM HALL KERR, of Ilion, in the County of
Herkimer, and State of New York, United States of America.
I, WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON F.C.S. M.I.M.E. of the Agency for Foreign
Patent Solicitors 6 Lord Street, Liverpool, and 6 Bank Street, Manchester, both in
the County of Lancaster and 323 High Holborn, in the County of Middlesex, Civil
Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same
is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:-
The invention relates to a method or process of forming or manufacturing bags, and
to machinery applicable for the manufacture thereof.
The invention is more especially designed for small bags for tobacco, seeds, and the
like, though adapted also for other and larger ones as well.
The invention embraces a variety of novel features and details of construction,
which will be hereinafter explained.
The mode or process of making a bag, is briefly as follows: The cotton or other
fabric of which the bags are to be made is drawn from a reel upon which it is wound
after being woven or cut to the proper width. As the material passes from the reel
it is carried through or beneath fingers or folders, which turn the two edges of the
material inward toward each other, laying them upon the body of the strip or sheet
preparatory to their being sewn to form hems, one at each side. As the material
passes out from beneath the first stitching mechanisms, which operate on both edges
simultaneously, and in all respects alike, a cutting-blade acts upon the sheet or strip,
and separates therefrom a portion sufficient to form one bag. This portion is then
folded across its middle, or midway between the hems, bringing the two hems together,
after which the folded material is carried through a second double-stitching mechanism
and is stitched up each side, thus forming a bag with a seamless folded bottom, and
with a hem at the top all around, the hem serving to receive the draw-string, the
insertion of which completes the bag, which requires only to be turned to make it
ready for use.
In the accompanying drawings, Figures 1, 2, and 3 are perspective views of the
improved machine, as seen from different positions; Figures 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12,
and 13, views illustrating various details; Figure 11, a diagram illustrating the mod,
of forming a bag; Figure 14, a perspective view of one of the stitching mechanisms
preferably employed, and of the character more particularly referred to in the
following description. Figure 15 is a perspective view of a portion of the machine,
showing a slightly-modified arrangement of the parts; Figure 16, a perspective view
of one of the completed bags.
In the practical carrying out of the invention it has been found convenient and

page_text: advantageous to employ chain-stitch sewing mechanism, because of its simplicity,
the small amount of power required to operate it, and for other reasons; but it inust
be clearly understood that my correspondent does not limit himself to the use of any
particular form or class of sewing mechanism, every form known being capable of
giving good results.
Referring again to the drawings, it will be seen that the mechanism is mounted on a
firm stand or table A, which is advisably made of metal to give due strength and
solidity. At one end of the table A is a reel, B, upon which is wound the cloth or
material from which the bags are to be made, this material being woven or cut to the
precise width required before being wound upon the reel. It is necessary to prevent
the cloth from unwinding too freely and to keep it stretched smoothly between the
reel and the first stitching mechanism, for which purpose a flat plate is provided,
which is pressed constantly against the under side of the cloth by a spring, D, as best
shown in Figure 2. A counter-weight may obviously be substituted for the spring.
The plate is provided with two inwardly-turned lips, a a, which turn the edges of
the cloth inward and lay them upon the body of the strip or sheet, as shown in
Figure 3, additional guides or folders, bb, being also placed upon the bed or table A,
close to the first stitching mechanism. This mechanism consists simply of two
sewing-machines, E E', of any approved construction set in recesses in the body or
table A, and placed end to end, the parts of one being reversed, so that while placed
thus end to end they shall feed the material in the same direction away from the reel.
In other words, one machine E is a right-hand machine, feeding from the operator,
as usual, and the other machine E is a left-hand machine, also feeding from the
operator, a result readily attained with the well-known Willcox and Gibbs mechanism
by simply reversing the cams, hook, feed-dog, etcetera.
As these stitching devices in themselves do not differ in any manner from the
machines which have for many years been in extensive use, it is unnecessary to enter
into a further description of them than to mention as above, that one is a right-hand
machine, and the other a left-hand machine, and that they are placed end to end to act
simultaneously and alike upon the two edges of the material.
In order to drive the two stitching mechanisms E E¹ together and at precisely the
same rate, the shaft F of each mechanism is provided with a pinion, c, each pinion in
turn meshing with a gear-wheel, d, on a shaft, G, journalled in suitable bearings or
supports rising from the table A, as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3. The shaft G
receives motion through bevel-pinions e e from the main driving-shaft H of the
machine, which is furnished with pulley, and is designed to be driven by belt from
any convenient source. The pulley is loose upon the shaft, but is connected there-
with and caused to rotate the same, when required, by means of a shifting clutch
carried by a hand-lever, I, thus enabling the operator to stop and start the machine
quickly by merely moving the lever.
The stitching mechanisins E E are both provided with the usual feeding devices to
ensure the proper movement of the goods beneath the needles; but to relieve the
feed-dogs in part of the work of drawing the material forward, and for other purposes
hereinafter explained, feed-rollers J K (shown in detail in Figure 4) are employed,
the upper one of which is furnished with a ratchet-wheel, g, Figure 3, to which
motion is imparted intermittently by a dog or hook, 4, carried by a pitman or rod i,
which is reciprocated longitudinally by an eccentric j, on the hook-shaft of sewing
head or machine E. The eccentric is so set with reference to the feed-dogs of the
stitching mechanisms E E that the feed-roll J shall move the goods forward simul-
taneously with said dogs and to the same extent, thereby avoiding improper strain
upon the needles, thread, or goods, yet keeping the hemmed goods at all times flat
and smooth between the stitching mechanisms E E and the feed-rolls J K. The
roll J is advisably made of steel, and milled or roughened to cause it to take hold of
the goods, and the lower roll K, which is driven only by the friction of the goods
passing between the two rolls, is covered with soft leather in essentially the same
imanner as the drawing-rolls of cotton drawing and spinning machinery. This covering.

page_text: is sufficiently elastic to compensate for the slight difference in thickness of the middle
portion of the goods and the hemmed edges, and ensures a uniform advance of tho
goods at all points in its width. The rolls J K also serve to keep the goods flat
and smooth and prevent the edges from drawing inward away from the needles of
stitching mechanisms E and E. From the feed-rollers J K the hemmed goods pass
to and between a second pair of feed-rollers L, M Figures 1, 3, and 4, of the same
character as the rolls J K, but differently driven. The rollers L M serve to advance
and deliver the hemmed goods to a knife or cutter, which severs from the strip or
sheet a portion sufficient for one bag, and said rollers also serve to hold the goods
against movement during the operation of the knife or cutter, at which time they
stand at rest.
The stitching mechanisms E E' and the feed-rolls J K operato continuously, though
the rollers have a step by step motion, as above pointed out; hence there will
necessarily be an accumulation of the hemmed goods between the two pairs of feeding-
rollers J, K, and L, M, during the operation of the knife or cutter, and while the
feed-rolls L M are at rest. To compensate for this increase or accumulation and pre-
vent clogging the machinery, there is provided between the two pairs of rolls a cross-
bar or a small roller, N, carried by spring arms O and passing beneath the goods
from edge to edge, as shown in Figure 4. The arms, O, are preferably made of fine
spring-wire, which is coiled at or near the point of attachment to the frame-work or
table of the machine, in order to give due elasticity and range of movement. When
the rolls I M cease to feed the goods forward, the rod or roller N and its spring-
arms O rise and lift the goods which are held by the rolls L M at one side of the rod
or roller N, and pass beneath a cross rod, P, at the other side thereof. The arms O
exert a lifting force only sufficient to lift the surplus goods with certainty, and are
readily drawn and held down by the pressure of the goods during the feeding
operation of the rolls L M.
As above mentioned, the rolls L M operate only while the knife or cutter
is at rest, and the knife acts only while the said rolls are at rest, and
as the period of operation of one is just about equal to that of the other,
it is necessary that the rolls L M while acting shall feed about twice as fast as
the rolls JK, in order to carry forward the goods accumulating during the inaction
of the rolls L M. To accomplish this result a double-acting pawl-and-
ratchet mechanism is employed for turning the feed-roll L, instead of a single acting
one such as is used for turning roll J. The construction of this mechanism is
illustrated in Figure 5, in which indicates a ratchet-wheel secured upon the shaft of
roll L, and two dogs or pawls serving to give rotary motion to said wheel, one dog
being made in the form of a hook to pull upon the ratchet-teeth while moving back-
ward, and the other being adapted to bear at its end directly against the teeth in
going forward. The dogs are both pivoted to one end of a pitman, Q, the other
end of which encircles an eccentric, X, on the shaft of stitching mechanism E, the
eccentric serving to impart a reciprocating motion to the pitman in the direction of its
length, and the dogs, held in engagement with the ratchet-wheel by springs m m,
serving to alternately push and pull said wheel, and thereby to give it and the roll L
a continuous rotary motion during the reciprocation of the pitman. The feel-
rolls L M are thrown into and out of action at the proper times by means of a disc, R,
Figures 6 and 7, mounted on and capable of rotating a short distance about the shaft
of roll L. The disc has two raised faces, n n, which, as the disc is turned in one
direction, ride against lugs on the dogs land throw the dogs clear of the teeth of
the ratchet, but which pass out of contact with the lugs and permit the dogs to again
engage with the teeth when the disc is turned in the opposite direction. The disc is
turned at proper times and to the required extent by means of a rod or stem, p, which
moves with the cutting blade or knife, a stud, o, projecting from the disc R into a
notch or recess, q, in the rod or stemp and engaging with one or the other wall
thereof, as the rod or stem moves up or down. The notch q is of such depth, and the
stud or lug of such length as to cause a considerable movement of the disc after the

page_text: dogs are thrown out, so that while the blade is cutting and withdrawing from the
material, the disc may hold the dogs ll out of action.
S, Figures 1 and S, indicates the moving knife or cutter-blade, which acts in
conjunction with a fixed blade, S¹, formed upon or secured to the bed or table A.
The blade, which has its lower edge oblique to the face of bed or table A, is secured
to a cross-head, T, guided by two vertical rods or stems U U, which pass through
tubular guides, secured in the bed or table, as shown in Figure 8, the cross-head
being further guided by a forked or slotted arm or extension, which extends upward
and straddles a shaft, V, which carries the cam W, by which the cutter is raised and
lowered. The cam W has overhanging lips or flanges W₁, by which the cross-head T
is raised positively, the body of the cam serving to positively depress it, both acting
upon a stud, y, on the upright arm of the cross-head. The rod or stem p, operating
the stud o, Figures 6 and 7, which turns the cam disc R, is made fast to and moved
by an arm projecting from the cross-head T, as shown also in Figure 8, the rod
consequently moving in unison with the cross-lead and cutter-blade.
In Figures 6 and 7 the action of the disc R and the manner of its actuation by
stem P is illustrated, Figure 6 showing the stem and its stud in the elevated position
which they occupy when the cutter-blade is raised and at rest, and Figure 7 showing
the parts when the knife is at or near its lowest point, or in the act of cutting.
Projecting from the cross-head T are two arms, ss, each having a tubular neck, s',
through which passes a rod or stem, t, carrying at its lower end a pressure-plate u,
of the form shown in Figure 8-that is to say, consisting of a horizontal and a
vertical portion, the latter thin and elastic. The rods or stems t are, in Figure 9,
represented as reduced in diameter within the tubular necks s¹, and encircled each
by a spring t, which serves to press the stem and its plate u downward, but permits
the tubular neck to descend after the presser-plate reaches and bears upon the goods
on the table, so that the cross-head by which the tubular necks, with their stems and
presser-plates, are carried, may continue to descend and carry with it the cutting-
blade after the cloth is clamped, and held by the plates. The springs may, however,
be omitted. This construction also causes the cloth to be held by the presser-plates
after the blade completes its cutting operation and while it is rising from the fabric,
during which time a folded blade or plate, Y, rises through an opening in the bed or
table A, beneath and midway between the hemmed ends of the severed portion of the
goods, and, carrying the same upward between the upright faces of the presser-
plates
folds the severed portion at the middle to form a closed bottom for the bag,
and to bring the two hems into line to form a hemmed mouth therefor.
The folding-plate Y is serrated along its upper edge as shown in Figure 10, to
prevent the goods from shifting its position while being carried upward to a second
pair of sewing-machines, Z Z', which stitch the edges of the folded fabric together,
and thus complete the bag ready to be turned and provided with the drawing-string,
for the reception of which the hem is formed. The plate is also cut away, as shown,
where it passes the presser-feet and feed-dogs of the two stitching mechanisms, to
permit it to carry the folded goods well under the needles, and ensure the proper
placing thereof between said presser-feet and feed dogs.
In the diagram, Figure 11, the manner of forming the bag is made clear. The
material, A', is drawn from the reel. Its edges are turned over inward at the points 11.
The stitching of the edges begins at the points 2. The necessary material for one bag
is severed from the strip A at the line 3. It is folded across the middle or at the
line 4, and carried up to the second pair of stitching mechanisms, which begin the
stitching at the points 5 and stitch the sides of the bag from its boitom to its top as
the material is fed upward, thus completing the bag, as above stated, ready for
turning, and for the insertion of the drawing-string. The folding-plate Y is guided
by the walls of the opening in the bed or table A through which it passes, and by a
slotted post, . Figure 1, and it is raised at proper intervals by means of a cam,
Figures 1, 2, and 3, on the same shaft with the cutter operating cam W, said cam Bi
acting through the medium of a lever, C, and vertical stem or slide D¹, moving in
a slotted tubular post or guide, we, the two ends of the lever C extending through the
B
B¹

page_text: sides of posts and, and being guided thereby. The stems of slide D' and folding-
plate rest at their lower ends directly upon the ends of the lever C, and the plate
falls by gravity when the cam B permits it to do so. To prevent undue jar by
reason of the sudden fall of the folding-plate, the end of the lever C beneath said
plate is furnished with a spring, a on its lower side to bear upon the lower wall of
the slot in post, or upon an adjustable stop placed to limit the descent of the lever.
It is not, however, necessary to depend upon gravity to lower the folding-plate, as
the cam B may be made of the same general character as cam W and adapted to act
positively both in raising and in lowering the slide D. In such case the slide D' and
the stem of the folding-plate would of course be pin-pointed or otherwise connected
directly with the ends of lever C.
Shaft V receives motion from the main driving-shaft H through the medium of a
pinion,, and gear-wheel
The sewing mechanisms Z Z are precisely like the first pair, E and E¹, and aro
driven in the same manner by gear-wheels at a', meshing with pinions on the
shafts of the two stitching mechanisms, the gear-wheels a a¹ being in this instance
placed upon the main shaft H. It will be observed, however, that instead of having
their needle-bars arranged to work vertically, as in the mechanisms E E' and as in all
ordinary machines, the heads Z Z and the needle-bars are arranged horizontally, so
as to feed the material vertically.
The timing of the movements of the folding-plate relatively to the action of the
stitching-mechanisms Z 7 is such that one bag is completed shortly before
another is brought to said stitching mechanisms, from which it follows that
several stitches are formed between the bottom of each bag and the top of
the next at each side. Owing to the well-known action of the chain-stitch
machines a short chain of stitches is thus formed between each bag and the next,
so that when the bags are cut apart a knot or tie is formed, which prevents the sewing
from ripping out.
The sewing mechanisms are furnished with the usual tension and stitch-regulating
devices, presser-foot, feed-dog, thread-guides, etcetera. The finished bags connected
by the short chain of stitches fall over a suitable guide G¹, into a basket or other
receptacle.
In the drawings the cam-shaft V and the cams B and W are represented as
located above the table; but in practice it is preferable to place them below, as shown
in Figure 15, where they will be less in the way, and where they can be operated
with fewer intermediate parts, the cam W in such case acting directly on a stud
projecting from a cross-bar connecting the two stems U U of the cross-head, and the
cam B acting in like manner through the medium of the lever C¹, upon a stud on
the stem of the folding-plate.
Thread is drawn from cops or spools H through suitable guides.
It is desirable to provide means whereby the machine shall be thrown out of action
in the event of clogging or in case undue resistance arises from any cause. To effect
this result the clutch-sleeve 1', which slides upon a spline or feather, c', on the main
driving-shaft, is provided at its end with V-shaped teeth d, (Figures 12, 1, and 15)
to engage with teeth of like form on the hub of the band-wheel, and spring J1 serves
to hold the clutch normally in engagement. When, however, the resistance to the
operation of the machine unduly increases, the force of spring J is overcome, and
the teeth of the clutch ride upon each other and crowd back the clutch-sleeve against
the spring, thereby moving lever I about its pivot. The lever I bears against a
collar, e, mounted upon a horizontal rod or stem, K', and carrying a spring locking-
dog, L, which passes over the lever to enter a notch, f, in the rod, and hold the lever
in position to cause the clutch to remain locked, as indicated in Figures 1, 3, and 13.
When, however, the action of the clutch-teeth crowds the clutch-sleeve back against
spring, the lever I lifts spring-dog L' out of notch, and a spring, M₁, behind the
collar e serves to assist the lever in pressing the clutch-collar I back against the
resistance of spring J', thus ensuring the stopping of the machine.
In some cases the hemming may be deemed unnecessary, and in that event the

page_text: stitching mechanisms E and E' may be omitted or thrown out of action, the second
pair of stitching-machines alone being used.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, as communicated to me
by my foreign correspondent, I declare that what I claim is :-
1. The herein described method of forming bags which consists in first hemming
the two edges of a strip of bag material, next severing from the strip a portion
sufficient for one bag, then folding the material parallel with and midway between
the two hems, and finally joining the edges extending from the fold to the outer edges
of the hems.
2. The bags made substantially as described.
3. A bag making machine consisting of the combination of a pair of lips or folders
to turn the edges of the fabric inward upon the body, a pair of stitching mechanisms
arranged to stitch the folded edges, a cutter to sever from the hemmed sheet a portion
sufficient to produce one bag, a folding blade and guides to fold the severed portion
midway between and parallel with the two hems, and a second pair of stitching
mechanisms to stitch the sides of the hemmed and folded goods, substantially as
described.
4. In a bag machine, the combination of four sewing-machines arranged in pairs,
substantially as described, the first pair being arranged to stitch the two edges of
a strip of goods simultaneously and the second pair being arranged to stitch a
severed section of said fabric in lines at right angles to the stitching of the
first pair.
5. In a bag-machine, the combination of two pairs of sewing machines and an
intermediate folder, the first pair of machines having their needle-bars arranged to
work vertically, the folder being arranged to rise vertically beneath the goods stitched
by the first pair and serving to fold the same between the two lines of stitching
and to carry the folded goods to the second pair of sewing-machines, and said second
pair having their needle-bars arranged to work in horizontal planes, substantially
as described.
6. In a bag-machine, the combination of a bed or table, folding guides or lips
adapted to turn or fold the edges of a fabric passing over said table, two stitching
mechanisms adapted and arranged to stitch the folded edges, an intermittently-
acting cutter to sever from the hemmed goods a portion suitable for the formation of
one bag, and an intermittent feeding device located between the stitching mechanisms
and the cutter and arranged to act only when the cutter is at rest, whereby the
material is carried beneath the cutter, but is prevented from moving while the
cutter is acting.
7. In combination with the bed or table of a bag-machine and with a stitching
mechanism provided with the usual feed-dog, feed-rolls actuated through connection
with the stitching mechanism and operating synchronously and equally with the
feed-dog, whereby long or heavy material may be drawn past the stitching mechanism
without undue strain upon the feed-dog, substantially as described.
8. In a bag machine the combination with a stitching mechanism and with an
intermittently acting cutter, of a feeding roll or rolls located between the cutter and
the stitching mechanism, the said cutter and feed-roll or rolls being adapted to operate
alternately and the stitching mechanism to act continuously, and of take up device
located between the feed-roll and the stitching mechanism and serving to take up the
stitched material accumulating between the feed-roll and stitching mechanism while
the feed-roll is at rest and the cutter is in action, substantially as set forth.
9. In a bag-machine, the combination, with a cutter of yielding presser-plates
movable with the cutter to and from the supporting-bed, said plates serving to hold
the material while the cutter acts upon it and to prevent its being lifted by or with the
cutter, substantially as described.
10. In combination with the fixed bed of a bag-machine, and a cutier movable to

page_text: and from the same, yielding presser-plates movable with the cutter and a folding-
plate arranged to rise through an opening in the bed and to pass between the
presser-plates, to fold the severed material at right angles to the edge of the cutter,
substantially as and for the purposes described.
11. In a bag-machine, the combination, with an intermittently-acting feed-roll,
of a cutter arranged to act alternately therewith to sever the material advanced by the
roll, substantially as set forth.
12. In a bag-machine, the combination of an intermittently-acting feed-roll, an
intermittently-acting cutter arranged to act in alternation with the feed-roll, and a
yielding presser-plate movable with the cutter and serving to hold the material while
being cut, and to release it when the cutter rises and the roll begins to feed,
substantially as described.
13. In combination with stitching-mechanisms, as E, E, a reel, B, for containing a
supply of goods to be hemmed, a movable plate, O, bearing against the goods between
the reel and the stitching mechanism, and a spring or springs bearing against said
plate, and serving to hold it against the goods with a violding prose, substantially
as ant for the purpose set forth.
14. In combination with a stitching-mechanism of a bag-machine, and a reel for
holding the goods to be stitched, an intermediate yielding-plate bearing against the
goods and provided with inwardly-turned lips to fold the edges of the goods
preparatory to stitching, substantially as set forth.
15. In combination with stitching-mechanisms, as E E¹, each provided with the
usual feeding devices and both adapted to feed in the same direction, feed-rolls J, K,
in rear of said stitching mechanisms, timed to feed exactly in unison therewith, the
roll being provided with a ratchet-wheel, g, and the shaft of one of the stitching
mechanisms being provided with an eccentric, j, which is connected to a pitman, /,
provided at one end with a dog, h to engage with the said ratchet-wheel, y,
substantially as and for the purpose described.
16. In a bag-machine the combination with sewing-mechanisms, as E E¹, of an
intermittently-acting cutter, as S, a feed-roll, L, located between the sewing mechanism
and the cutter and provided with a ratchet-wheel, k, an eccentric, X, rotating
synchronously with the movements of the needle of the sewing mechanism, a pitman
connected with said eccentric, dogs or pawls 1. 1. carried hy the nitman and coming
daily to push and pun the ratchet-wheel and a cam-disc, R, adapted and arranged
to throw the dogs out of engagement with the ratchet-wheel."
וז
17. In a bag-machine, the combination of feed-roll L, provided with ratchet-wheel k,
a reciprocating pitman provided with pawls to engage with and rotate said wheel,
a cam plate to throw said pawls out of engagement with the ratchet-wheel, a
reciprocating cross-head, T, provided with a cutting-blade, S, and a rod, p, carried by
the cross-head and provided with a notch, y, to engage with a stud o and move the
cam-plate as the cross-head and knife rise and fall, said parts being constructed and
arranged, substantially as set forth, and for the purposes described.
18. In combination with the cross-head T, provided with a blade or cutter S,
arms s and tubular necks &', the stems tt, provided with plates u u, and springs t¹t',
encircling the stems and serving to press the stems and plates downward, substantially
as set forth.
19. In a bag machine the combination with presser-plates u u, of the folding-
plate Y, adapted and arranged to rise between said parts, substantially as and for the
purpose set forth.
20. In combination with the presser-plates of a bag machine and sewing
mechanism above the same, a notched folding-plate arranged to rise between the
plates and to carry the material lying beneath them in a folded condition to the sewing
mechanism, substantially as described.
21. In combination with the cross-head T, provided with blade S, presser-plates uu,
and stud a folding-plate Y, slide D¹, and lever C, pivoted between the slide Di
and plate Y and supporting said parts at opposite sides of its pivot, and a rotary

page_text: shaft V, provided with cams W and B', the former serving to operate the cross-head
and the parts carried thereby, and the latter serving to actuate the slide D', lever C¹,
and folding-plate Y, substantially as set forth.
22. A bag-machine substantially as set forth, consisting of a bed or table, guides
for folding the edges of a strip of material moving over the table, sewing mechanism
arranged to stitch the two folded edges simultaneously, an intermittently-acting feed
device in rear of and adapted to feed faster than the sewing mechanism, an
intermittently-acting cutter arranged to act alternately with the intermittent.
feed-device, yielding presser-plates adapted to bear upon and hold the material
during the operation of the cutter, a folding-plate adapted to rise between the
presser-plates, fold the material, and carry it upward, sewing mechanism arranged
to receive the folded material from the folding-plate, and gearing and actuating
mechanism, substantially such as shown and described, for imparting motion to
the various parts.