Improvements in or relating to Machines for Cutting Cloth and the like.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 26th Sept., 1893-Accepted, 20th Jan., 1894
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or relating to Machines for Cutting Cloth and
the like.
We, JOHN WOLF, Jr., a citizen of the United States, residing at 62 Longworth
Street Cincinnati, in the County of Hamilton and State of Ohio, U.S.A.,
Electrician, and JACOB BLOCH, a citizen of the United States, residing at
122 Vine Street, Cincinnati, in the County of Hamilton and State of Ohio. U.S.A.,
Clothing Manufacturer, 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 :-
This invention relates to machines or instruments for cutting textile fabrics and
other materials, but more particularly to a class of machines used in cutting out
cloth suits and other wearing apparel.
Machines of this character have heretofore been devised, in some of which it has
been proposed to employ a rotary cutter journaled in a frame mounted upon a
standard that rises from a foot-plate and supports a rotary air or steam-actuated
motor and driving gearing for imparting motion to the cutter, so that the latter
may cut its way through the cloth as the machine is moved forward by the hand of
the operator with the foot-plate underneath the cloth. It has also been proposed
to employ electric motors for imparting motion to a reciprocating knife, and also to
drive a rotary cutter by means of belts and pulleys.connecting the knife-arbor with
the motor-shatt or with a driven shaft connected by jointed arms and intermediate
driving gearing with a stationary source of power. "The latter class of machines
are subject to objection for the reason that only a limited movement is permitted
and the machine and its actuating mechanism are more or less complex, cumber-
some and expensive, making the initial cost of the machine considerable and
increasing the cost of maintenance by frequent renewal of parts of the complex
structure. The machines in which an air or steam motor is employed are also
objectionable because of their bulk and unwieldiness and their notion is irregular
and thumping, rendering it difficult to control the movements of the machine so as
to cut the cloth according to the desired pattern. The electrically operated
machines carrying reciprocating knives are also objectionable for similar reasons;
such machines being top-heavy and unsteady in operation, producing a tremulous
or vibratory movement, rendering them liable to swing around or jump about the
table, and by reason of their top-heaviness they are easily tipped or overturned so
as to cut and damage the goods. And wherever belts and pulleys are employed
it is difficult to insure a regular and smooth cut, owing to the liability of the belts
to stretch, slip and break, and also to cause the machine to become clogged by
small particles of the cut fabric adhering to the belts.
The objects of our invention are to overcome these several difficulties and to
provide a comparatively light, simple, compact, inexpensive and smoothly running
machine which may be moved freely about the table in any desired direction, and
readily lifted from table to table, and which in operation will produce a smooth
easy running cut, and may be easily controlled and made to follow the contour of
the pattern or the sinuous lines or marks upon the cloth without liability to clogging
or mis-cutting by reason of any irregularity or tremulous motion.
With these and other objects in view the invention consists in certain
improved features of construction and combinations of parts all as will be herein-
after described and particularly pointed out in the claims at the end of this
description.

page_text: Referring by figures and letters of reference to the accompanying drawings
which form a part of this Specification,
Figure 1 represents a side elevation, on a reduced scale, of a cloth-cutting
machine embodying our invention; Figure 2 is a front elevation, partly in
section; Figure 3 a side elevation; and Figure 4 a plan of the machine;
Figure 5 is a detail horizontal section taken on line 5-5 of Figure 3;
Figure 6 is a longitudinal sectional elevation illustrating a modification of the
foot-plate; and Figure 7 is a detail;
Figure 8 represents a side elevation of a modification of the invention; the
foot-plate and cloth-lifting plate or shoe being shown in section; Figure 9
represents a front elevation of the same with the foot-plate and shoe in section;
Figure 10 represents a horizontal plan of the modified machine, partly in section,
on a plane directly above the cutter ;
Figure 11 is a detached side elevation, partly in section and on a slightly
enlarged scale, looking at the inner side of the casing which encloses the driving
gearing, and illustrating the means for mounting and adjusting the emery wheel
shaft;
Figure 12 is a partial side view of the modified form of machine at the side
thereof opposite the side shown in Figure 8;
Figures 13 and 14 are detail sectional views of the mechanism for raising and
lowering the motor-supporting franie and knife;
Figures 15, 16 and 17, are details of the rollers upon which the foot-plate is
supported;
Figure 18 is a detail sectional view of the clutch mechanism for throwing the
emery wheels in and out of gear;
Figure 19 is a front view of the knife-guard and Figure 20 is a side elevation of
the same showing its position in respect to the knife ;
Figure 21 is a detached view of the cord coupling; and
Figure 22 is a perspective view showing a modification of the take-up device.
Similar letters of reference are used to denote similar parts in different views.
A, denotes a foot-plate from which rises the standard' B, which may be formed
integrally therewith or secured thereto in any proper manner. The foot-plate A,
is preferably rectangular in form and provided with a plain upper surface or top,
and the standard preferably rises therefrom at the intersection of two horizontal
lines crossing each other through the longitudinal and transverse center of the
plate, but at one side of such longitudinal line and with its front edge in advance
of such transverse line, so as to place the standard mainly within the space
comprising a quadrant of the plate, and thus provide a plain surface of less extent
upon one side and in front of the cutter than at the opposite side and in rear of the
standard, so as to afford an extended and even surface on that side of the
foot-plate which is beneath the main body of the cloth; the cut portion being
turned aside by the standard as the cutter advances. The standard B, which
supports the rotary cutter and its actuating mechanism, may be formed with a plain
inner face and front curved and bevelled edge b, while its outer face or side is
slightly inclined toward the rear, and it has upon its rear edge an inwardly
projecting lip or flange (Figure 7) which overlaps the rear edge of the rotary
cutter C, as indicated in dotted lines in Figure 5, so as to protect the cutter and
prevent the hand of the operator or the cloth from coming in contact therewith
when the machine is moved in a backward direction. The standard B, may also
be formed or provided with a laterally projecting split portion or clamp B', at its
upper end, having a vertical opening therethrough to receive the post D. The
post D, supports the framing which overhangs the foot-plate at one side and has
mounted thereon the electric motor M, and the mechanism connected therewith for
imparting motion to the rotary knife or cutter. Said post is adapted to slide
vertically through the opening in the clamp B', when the binding screw b², 18
loosened to permit the bifurcated portion of the clamp to be spread apart
sufficiently to release the post.

page_text: This adjustment inay be secured by means of a screw-threaded rod E, upon
which is fitted an interiorly screw-threaded bevel-wheel F, fitting within and
resting upon the base of a socket or recess 63, formed in the clamp B', and meshing
with a similar bevel-wheel F¹, fixed on a stud or spindle f', which has its bearings
in one of the arms of the clamp B', and is provided with a square or polygonal
end, to receive a wrench for the purpose of rotating the stud. The upper end
of the rod E, is secured to a cross-piece of the main frame which is adapted to
rest thereon.
By this means, when the bevel-wheel F', is rotated a rotary movement will be
imparted to the bevel-wheel F, and as the latter is screw-threaded upon the rod E,
the rod will move up or down and raise or lower the super-structure, together with
the rotary knife and its actuating mechanism; the clamp B' being loosened to
permit the post D to rise or fall by loosening the binding screw.b. It is obvious
that the lower end or foot of the rod E, might be stepped in a bearing therefor
formed at the base of the socket or recess 63, and the rod E, passed through a
screw-threaded opening in the super-imposed frame so as to turn therein; the
bevel-wheel F, being keyed upon the lower end of the rod so as to cause the same
In this
to rotate therewith, and this modification would produce the same result.
manner a very nice adjustment of the rotary knife may be accomplished as its
cutting edge becomes worn, and the adjustment may be made with very little
expenditure of time, by merely loosening the screw b³, and giving the stud f¹, the
desired number of turns, and again tightening the screw so as to clamp the post and
rod firmly in the desired position upon the standard.
G, denotes a cloth-lifting plate or shoe having a rectangular or other suitable
opening therethrough corresponding with the angular or other shape of the
foot-plate which it is adapted to receive, and about which it is loosely fitted so as
to permit a free vertical movement of either the foot-plate or the cloth-lifting
plate, within certain limits, without disconnecting the parts; the foot-plate being
confined within the opening of the surrounding shoe so as to compel the latter to
move in a horizontal plane in harmony with the movements of the foot-plate.
The inner edges of the cloth-lifting plate or shoe are normally flush with the
adjacent edges of the foot-plate so as to provide a free and unobstructed surface
over which the cloth may pass or slide as the foot-plate and shoe are moved in the
desired direction underneath the cloth. The sides or wings g, g, of the shoe are
inclined outwardly and downwardly from the foot-plate, the inclination thereof
being preferably rather steep, while its ends or heel and toe g', g³, are gently
inclined downwardly, and rearwardly and forwardly, respectively, from the foot-
plate; the toe g², being lengthened so as to provide a very gently sloping surface
in advance of the cutter.
The cutter C, may be secured upon an arbor c, which has its bearings in a
sleeve or casing H, projecting from the depending portion of a casing I, secured
at one side of the frame; the outer end of the sleeve being secured to a depending
arm K, of the frame. The sleeve H, is provided with a hinged cover h, for
the introduction of lubricating material. The arbor c, passes through an opening
in the cutter and through the sleeve H, into the casing I, and is secured by a
nut on its inner screw-threaded end. Within the casing it carries a pinion c',
which meshes with a driven spur-wheel L, which is fixed upon an arbor or
An oil cup l, may
spindle journaled in suitable bearings attached to the casing I.
be provided at the inside of the casing; said cup having a suitable opening and
cover to permit the introduction of oil or other lubricating material.
By housing the gearing which imparts motion to the cutter within the enclosing
casing, as shown, the bearings may be freely lubricated, while the gear wheels
are protected and prevented from becoming clogged by small particles of the cut
fabric and lint which might otherwise adhere thereto, and the cloth which is
being cut is also prevented from being soiled by the lubricant or injured by
contact with the gearing.
The motor M, may be of any approved construction, though preferably of the

page_text: form shown, which illustrates a well known type of motor, and inasmuch as the
construction of the same forms no part of our present invention, a specific
description thereof is not deemed necessary herein. The motor M, may be
mounted as shown upon the framing of the machine over 'the rotary cutter C, at
the side of the frame opposite the portion overhanging the foot-plate and only
slightly above the cutter, so as to leave room for the intermediate driving gearing,
thus causing the center of gravity to fall within the base about a point on a
perpendicular line cutting the rear edge of the knife. As will be seen, the armature
shaft of the motor and the shafts of the rotary cutter and grinding disks extend
laterally with the framing of the machine at one side of the standard, and at said
side is arranged the driving gearing for imparting motion to said cutter and disks,
and the motor is so mounted as to throw a preponderance of its weight on the side
of the standard opposite said shafts so as to counter-balance the weight upon the
standard; whereby the several parts are assembled in compact form and the center
of gravity is lowered so as to balance and steady the movements of the machine
and avoid any tendency thereof to topple over in operation, while a positive motion
is imparted from the armature shaft of the motor to the cutter.
A pinion n, is fixed upon the end of the armature shaft N, within the casing I,
and meshes with the gear wheel L. By this means, when the motor is in motion,
a rotary movement will be imparted to the cutter C, through the intermediate
gearing e, L, n, and by reason of the compact arrangement and positive driving
gearing, the machine will run smoothly and may be easily controlled without
liability to tip over or be jerked around the table by any sudden thrust, which
defects are incident to the use of a reciprocating knife and the irregular motion
due to the use of belts and pulleys and air and steam motors. The armature
shaft N, may have its bearings in suitable boxes n', n³, one of which is secured to
the inner side of the casing I, and the other to a cross-piece O, attached to the
field magnets as shown in Figure 3.
In cutting different kinds of cloth the edge of the cutter wears more or less
rapidly, according to the character of the cloth, and to retain a sharp edge upon
the cutter it is necessary to provide a sharpening device by which the cutter may
be sharpened while the machine is in operation. It has heretofore been proposed
to provide sharpening devices in which a grinding wheel or wheels is held normally
in contact with the blade, and provision has also been made for adjusting the
sharpening wheel in relation to the cutter, but in order to secure such adjustment
it is necessary to stop the machine and make the adjustment by means of a wrench
or screw driver, thus necessitating considerable loss of time. To overcome this
objection and at the same time to provide a simple and efficient sharpening device,
we have devised means whereby an instantaneous adjustment may be accomplished
by simply turning a thumb-nut, so that during the operation of cutting, the
operator may readily adjust the grinding disk or disks in relation to the blade so
as to grind more or less rapidly according to the rapidity with which the cutting
edge is worn by reason of the character of the cloth which, is being cut. The
mechanism for this purpose may be constructed as follows:-P, denotes a sleeve
projecting in an oblique direction to the axis of the cutter from a hinged bracket-
arm Q, one end of which is fitted to turn upon a stud or pin q, (Figure 3) projecting
from the inner side of the casing I, and its opposite free end is adjustably secured
to the casing by a set-screw or tap-bolt q', which passes through a curved slot q'
in the arın, into a threaded opening therefor in the casing. P', denotes a shalt or
spindle extending through the sleeve P, and through a curved slot in the side of
the casing I, and is provided with a pinion p, which meshes with a bevel-wheel L',
secured to or formed upon the inner side of the gear wheel L; the stud upon
which the bracket-arm Q, is pivoted being arranged concentric with the axis of the
gear-wheel L', so that the free end of the bracket may be raised and lowered
without disengaging the pinion p. The shaft P₁ may carry at its outer end a
grinding wheel or preferably a pair of grinding wheels or disks R, R. which straddle
the rotary cutter C, so that the inner sides thereof bear upon opposite sides of the

page_text: cutter. The disks R, are keyed upon the shaft so as to rotate therewith, but are
free to slide lengthwise thereon, being confined between a pair of depending arms
or bars S, S, fitted on the shaft P1, and having their upper ends pivoted to an arm t,
projecting horizontally from the upright portion of an angle-bar T, which may be
sleeved fast upon the inner end of the sleeve P or secured thereto in any proper manner.
S¹ denotes a tension rod which passes loosely through openings in the arms S, S,
and is provided with a thumb-nut s, at one end and a head or nut at the other so
as to permit a limited movement of the bars S, S, toward or from each other;
the thumb-nuts, being supported in position to be readily grasped by the hand of
the operator for the purpose of turning the same and thereby increasing or
decreasing the pressure of the grinding wheels upon the cutter by causing the
wheels to approach or recede from each other. A spring s2, is interposed between
the nuts, and the outer arm S, so as to permit said arm to yield when forced
outwardly by any abnormal pressure upon the disk or disks tending to force them
apart, and a spring, is placed between the hubs of the disks so as to hold them
normally apart and resist any force tending to cause them to approach each
other. By these means, the grinding wheels are held in yielding engagement
with the sides of the cutter and the disks are forced apart by spring pressure
so as to maintain a fixed position in respect to each other and exert a greater
or less pressure upon the cutter, as may be desired, while permitting an easy
adjustment thereof when the machine is in operation. The cutter will thus be
ground true although it or the grinding disk may not be true, as is generally the
case, it being difficult to construct or hang the disks and cutter perfectly true.
U, denotes an electric lamp which may be of any suitable or preferred con-
struction and is connected in circuit with the source of electric supply to the
motor, so that when current is supplied to the motor the lamp will also be
supplied. The lamp is adjustably secured with relation to the cutter so as to
permit the light to be thrown upon the work in such manner as to enable
the operator to readily guide and control the movements of the machine, for the
purpose of causing the cutter to follow the contour of the pattern or the sinuous
lines or marks upon the cloth. The connection may be made by any suitable
clamping device which will permit a vertical and lateral adjustment of the lamp,
but we preferably employ for this purpose a universal or ball-and-socket joint as
shown, which may consist of a split or divided clamp V, provided with concavities
on the inner faces of the free ends of the split parts to receive a knob or rounded
protuberance, projecting from the lamp socket as shown; such bifurcated portion
being provided with a binding screw e, by which the parts may be compressed so as
to bind the knob in the socket formed by the aforesaid concavities and hold the
Jamp in any desired position.
This construction has the advantage of permitting a very nice adjustment of the
Jamp, so as to prevent casting shadows across the line of movement of the cutter
or the marks upon the cloth, and adapt the light to be thrown to the best advantage
to meet varying conditions and requirements in cutting different kinds of cloth,
whereby the operator may cause the knife to follow the sinuous lines or marks
without liability to turn toward either side of the mark and thereby damage the cloth.
The circuit wires W, connecting with the motor M, may lead therefrom to a
stationary source of electric supply over any suitable support upon the ceiling or
other elevated portion of the building, as indicated in Figure 1.
A switch of any
suitable construction, as shown at X, (Figure 4) may be employed for turning on
and cutting off the current.
To provide the necessary length of wire to enable the operator to move the
machine to any part of a large room, and from table to table, and at the same time
prevent entanglement of or interference with the workman by a superfluous length
of wire, we provide an automatic take-up device by which the slack or super-
fluous length of wire is automatically taken up and paid out in such length as may
be desired in moving the machine fron table to table or over a long table. This
device may consist (as shown in Figure 1) of a cord X, secured at one end to the

page_text: flexible conductor or wires W, and extending therefrom over a pulley or pulleys,,
or other suitable elevated support, and provided at its free end with a weight a³,
by which the cord will be kept taut.
In the modification of this device shown in Figure 22, 1, 2, 3, 4 may
denote a
series of weighted cords one end of each of which may be secured to the ceiling or
other elevated fixed support, and the opposite end thereof is connected with the
flexible insulated circuit wires W; the connections of the several cords being made
at suitable distances apart to divide the wire into as many sections or lengths as
may be suited to the number of cords used and length of wire required. The
several cords are each preferably provided with a weight having a small friction
wheel or pulley connected thereto so as to ride easily along the cord when the
movable part of the latter is drawn out or slackened with the movements of
the machine. The cord 1, extends from the weight 1", over the pulleys a, a, or
other suitable elevated support, to the point 1, of the cord W, to which its free
end is fastened. The cord 2 passes from the weight 2*, over pulleys a³, to the point
of attachment 2. The cord 3, passes from the weight 3, over suitable pulleys a³,
to the point of attachment 3b, and the cord 4, from the weight 4", over suitable
pulleys a', to the point of attachment 4°. It will thus be seen that each weight
acts upon a certain length or section of the circuit wire and tends constantly to
draw the latter up so as to hold the same in suspension, as illustrated partly in full
lines and partly in dotted lines (Figure 22) indicating different positions of the
cords and weights. In the position shown in full lines, as will be seen, the
cords 1 and 2, have been drawn out, and the weights 1, and 2*, lifted from their
normal positions, (which are indicated by the dotted lines 1, 2,) to the position
shown in full lines, while the weights and cords 3, 3, and 4, 4, are shown in
full lines in their normal positions. When the cutter is returned to the position
upon the table indicated in dotted lines, the weights 1, and 2", will be lowered
to the position indicated in dotted lines, while the slack in the circuit wire will be
held in suspension in the manner indicated by dotted lines 1, and 2°, respectively.
By these means the cutter may be moved the full length of the room, and in any
position thereof the wire will be held sufficiently taut by the weights to prevent
any portion thereof from dropping down upon the table or interfering with the
workmen, while any superfluous length of wire will be readily taken up and
suspended in the manner herein before explained.
The frame-bar K, is formed with a rearward extension k, which terminates in a
notched segment k', to which a handle K', is pivoted as at k³, so as to permit the
handle to swing both laterally and vertically for the purpose of changing its
position; a detent or tooth k³, upon the shank of the handle being adapted to
engage either one of three (more or less) notches in the upper face of the segment,
as shown in Figure 4, so as to retain the handle in either of three positions, that is,
in a position inclined either to the right or left of the machine and oblique to the
axis of the cutter, or in a position parallel with the cutting blade.
The foot-plate is preferably mounted on rollers which may be placed at the four
corners thereof so as to prevent friction and facilitate the movement of the machine.
In Figure 6 is shown a modification of the foot-plate wherein a dip or concavity a,
is formed by a gentle incline from the front edge of the standard to a point in rear
thereof, from which point the slope is gently upward to the surface of the plate.
This depression provides a clearance in rear of the cutter and permits the cloth to
dip as the foot-plate moves thereunder so as to facilitate the cutting and adapt the
instrument to more readily turn corners or acute angles in following the marks upon
the cloth.
In the modification shown in Figures 8, 9 and 10, the foot-plate A, is supported
upon rollers aº, which are provided with ball bearings, as, the latter being pierced
to receive the spindles or journals a', projecting from the ends of the rollers and
fitted in cylindrical boxes which may be detachably secured underneath the foot-
plate by set-screws, or in any proper manner, as shown in detail in Figures 15, 16
and 17, whereby the bearings are rendered self-aligning, being adapted to turn as

page_text: the roller-shaft changes position. The front rollers are preferably circumferentially
grooved to receive elastic packing rings or rubber bands, a³, which project slightly
beyond the surface or periphery of the roller, whereby the front end of the machine
is prevented from slipping or moving around too freely in turning. The upper
surface of the foot-plate is preferably concaved or hollow as shown at A', and within
said concave portion is secured standard B, which is provided or formed integrally
with a foot B2, which abuts against a shoulder formed by the front vertical wall of
the concavity A', at one side of the standard, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, and has
its upper surface flush with the upper surface of the foot-plate, to which it may be
detachably secured by means of a set-screw entering the same through an opening
in the bottom of the foot-plate. The side of the foot B2, adjacent to the rotary
cutter C, may be bevelled and notched or grooved, as at 63, to receive the lower
cutting edge of the knife, and its rear edge is inclined or slopes from this point
downwardly, as at 4, to the surface of the concavity, so as to form a gentle incline
corresponding with the upward slope A2, in the foot-plate in the rear thereof. A
concavity or depression is thus formed in the surface of the foot-plate extending at
one side of the standard and in rear thereof for the purpose herein before stated.
The standard may also be easily removed and is braced in use by means of the
vertical walls of the block or foot B2, abutting against the corresponding front wall
or shoulder A³, of the foot-plate. The foot-plate is further provided with inclined
extensions A, at the sides and ends thereof, upon which rests the cloth-lifting
plate G, which abuts against shoulders A³, on the foot-plate so as to prevent
independent lateral or to and fro movement of the parts, while the extensions A',
prevent separation when the foot-plate is raised, and also hold the cloth-lifting
plate flush with the upper surface of the foot-plate. The side of the cloth-lifting
plate adjacent to the concavity A¹, (Figure 10) in the foot-plate is depressed or
falls away with the foot-plate so as to provide an even unbroken surface the length
of the concavity at that side of the plate. The laterally extending bifurcated
portion or clamp B', has a vertical screw-threaded opening therethrough, to receive
an exteriorly and interiorly screw-threaded split bushing B³, (the lower split
portion of which is shown more clearly in Figure 13) within which latter is fitted
an exteriorly screw-threaded post or stem D³, which supports the rotary motor and
knife-actuating mechanisın. The split portion or clamp B¹, may be loosened or
tightened by means of the screw 6, for the purpose of clamping the bushing B³,
so as to prevent rotation thereof in use, and to permit the bushing to be turned.
when it is desired to raise or lower the motor frame to change the position of
the cutter; the parts of the bifurcated clamp being adapted to spring apart
sufficiently for this purpose. By making the threads on the exterior of the
bushing left-handed while the thread on the post D2, is right-handed, a compound
or differential screw is produced, whereby, by turning the bushing B³, to the right
or left, accordingly as it is desired to raise or lower the knife, the post and bushing,
by the rotation of the latter, will be caused to move in opposite directions, and the
one being considerably larger than the other the adjustment of the knife will be
proportionate to the difference between the two motions thus produced, so as to
permit a very nice adjustment of the knife. To facilitate this adjustment we may
use an adjusting device or wrench I', which is shown more clearly in Figures 13
and 14, and which may be constructed as follows:-A plate i, of proper
thickness having a circular opening therethrough of a size sufficient to fit
over and work freely on the upper end of the bushing B³, is placed between
similarly shaped upper and lower plates i, 2, the former having an opening
therethrough adapted to the size of the post D2, which it encircles, while the
latter is formed with an opening adapted to receive and encircle the upper
end of the bushing, so that the part i, will be confined between said
plates, and, and supported at the top of the bushing so as to be capable
of rotation independently thereof or with the same.
J, denotes a hand-lever
which slides in an elongated slot or recess in the plate i, and has a tooth or pro-
jection, which is adapted to enter any one of a series of notches B*, formed in

page_text: a collar B, upon the head of the bushing B³, so that when said lever is thus
locked to the bushing and turned either to the right or left, the bushing will turn
therewith. The hand-lever 12, may be pressed normally outward by a spring or
other means so as to be kept out of engagement with said notches, and its move-
ment is limited by means of a pin, working in a slot or recess ³, at one side of
the elongated slot in the plate i. It will thus be seen that when the binding
screw, is locscned and the tooth of the lever 12, engaged with any one of the
notches in the head of the bushing B³, the latter may be rotated for the purpose of
raising or lowering the knife, as may be desired, and when the desired adjustment
is made further rotation of the bushing is prevented by tightening the screw b².
This construction also affords a very easy means of removing the rotary knife for
renewal or repairs, which may be accomplished by simply loosening the clamp B',
and turning the lever 12, sufficiently to slightly raise the knife, whereupon the
framing and knife may be rotated horizontally sufficiently to remove the rotary
cutter and substitute a new one therefor; and this being done, the parts may be
swung back and lowered into the proper position for use, in which position the
clamp will be again tightened, causing the split bushing to hug and hold the post
against rotation while the bushing itself is confined between the jaws of the
bifurcated clamp.
The casing I, is preferably constructed in two parts, which are adapted to receive
between them and enclose the train of gearing by which motion
imparted from
the rotary motor to the knife and eniery wheels. The outer part supports a
bearing for the projecting end of the spindle of the main driving gear, while the
inner part is off-set to provide room for housing the gearing which drives the emery
wheels, and in Figures 9 and 10 this off-set portion is constructed to provide room for
clutch mechanism by which said wheels may be thrown into and out of gear. The
emery wheels or grinding disks shown in Figures 8, 9 and 10, are keyed upon the
obliquely arranged shaft P, which is journaled in a bushing or bearing which is
carried by a swinging clamping-arm Q1, the inner end of which is rotatably fitted
on the cylindrical projection, of the inner section of the casing I; said arm
consisting preferably of a bifurcated or two-part spring-clamp, the parts of which
are connected by a binding-screw q³, so that the arm may be adjustably clamped to
said cylindrical projection so as to sustain the emery wheel shaft in the desired
position and provide a ready means for changing the position thereof at will. The
pinion p, on the end of the shaft P1, within the enclosing casing, meshes with the
gear L', fitting upon a sliding clutch sleeve L2, which is adapted to engage a clutch
section or notched circular flange L³, rigidly secured to the inner face of the main
driving gear L, so that when said clutch sections are engaged said gear wheels will
rotate together and impart motion to the emery wheel shaft. To adapt the clutch
mechanism to be readily engaged and disengaged at will so as to stop and start the
emery wheels as occasion may require, but without stopping the knife, we provide
a shifting lever L, which has a forked lower end (see dotted lines Figures 11
and 18,) fitting a groove in the sliding sleeve L, and extends thence upwardly at
an obtuse angle through a suitable guide-way which may be provided therefor in
the outer casing or part of the casing I, so that on the downward movement of the
lever the clutch sleeve will be slid inward to engage the teeth thereof with the
toothed flange on the driving gear L. A spring, pressing upon the outer end of
the lever L, is adapted to engage a recess or notch 1, in said lever when the latter
is raised, so as to hold it in an elevated position with the clutch disengaged. When
the lever is drawn up or lifted, the inclined portion thereof will cause the clutch
sleeve L², to be drawn back out of engagement with the circular flange or clutch
section L, carried by the main driving gear and vice versa, so that the emery
wheels may be stopped or started at will without interfering with the operation of
the knife.
The grinding disks (Figures 9 and 10) are confined between pendent sliding
arms S2, S3, which have their upper ends sleeved upon a rod Sª, projecting from an
'upright T, and which are held apart by means of a coiled or other suitable

page_text: The
springs on the rod S, and prevented from separating by an adjusting rod S³.
The outer arm may be confined upon the rod S, in any proper manner.
adjusting rod S', has one end secured to the arm S2, passes thence loosely through
the opposite arm S³, and has secured upon its outer free end a thumb-nut or milled
wheels, between which and the arm S³, is placed a coiled or other suitable spring s²,
which tends to press the arms and disks together. The disks are thus yieldingly
sustained in contact with the edge of the knife, with provision for easily and
quickly varying the tension without stopping or interfering with the work of the
machine. They are preferably dished or cup-shaped structures having their
adjacent edges rounded as shown, so as to engage the bevelled cutting edge of the
knife and prevent wearing away more than is necessary to provide a keen edge.
As. the knife edge wears away it becomes necessary to shift the knife-guard, and
to adapt this to be done without interfering with the emery wheels and to conform
to the varying size of the knife, we provide means for adjusting the guard which
are shown more clearly in Figures 19 and 20. A pair of arms or bars c², c³, have
their rear ends clamped between a lug e, on the sleeve H, and a collar or washer,
at the opposite side thereof, by means of a set-screw c, and their forward ends are
formed with an off-set or bend extending at an angle to their main portions, the one
upwardly and the other downwardly, and are loosely riveted or pivoted to the
guard C² so as to separate the pivots thereof sufficiently to permit the guard to be
tilted, for the purpose of changing its inclination in respect to the edge of the
cutter, by sliding either of said arms forward or back when the clamp for holding
the same is loosened. The arms are preferably confined in a recess in the side of
the nut or washer c³, so as to sustain the arms in a fixed position in respect to the
guard and prevent the latter from dropping down should the clamp screw c, work
loose. By these means as the knife edge wears away, and the size of the knife is
decreased, the guard may be adjusted either forward or back and tilted, by means
of the sliding arms, so that it may be properly aligned to conform to the curvature
of the cutting edge of the knife, and secured in various positions without interfering
with the emery wheels as the latter are gradually lowered with the wearing away
of the knife.
The frame-piece or bearing for the armature shaft at one side of the machine,
shown in Figures 8 to 12, is provided or formed with a lamp-socket holder or
clamp V₁, which is adapted to support the lamp U, at one side of and slightly in
advance of the cutter, in such manner that it may be readily adjusted to meet
various requirements to adapt the light to fall upon the cloth to the best advantage
in cutting different kinds of goods as already explained.
To adapt the flexible cord or wire, by which current is conveyed from a
stationary source of electric energy to the motor, to be easily and quickly attached
or detached, we provide a separable cord-coupling, which may be constructed as
follows: An insulating coupling section W2, having a socket to receive the circuit
wires is provided with two metallic pendent strips or plates 103, whose pendent
forked ends are adapted to fit astride a pair of set-screws w³, which pass through
contact springs wo, secured to an insulating base or coupling section W³, which is
fastened to the side of the machine or framing, so that when the parts of the
coupling are connected and the screws tightened the desired metallic contact will
be effected, but when the screws are loosened the coupling piece W³, may be
readily detached so as to disconnect the circuit wires at will.
While we have shown and preferably use a grinding disk for each side of the
cutter, it is obvious that one of said disks might be dispensed with, in which case
the spring for holding the disks apart might be interposed between the disk and
arm, or a collar on the shaft on which the disk is mounted, so as to force the disk
outward against the opposing pressure of the spring upon the tension rod. The
sides of the disks facing the cutter may be plain or cored out as shown, so as to
leave a rounded peripheral projection only to make contact with the edge of the
cutter. It is also obvious that while an electric motor is preferable, any suitable
motor may be employed in connection with a foot-plate and standard, or cloth-
R

page_text: lifting plate and sharpening devices such as we have described. Hence we do not
desire to be limited to the exact construction and arrangement of parts shown and
described.
The operation of the invention will be readily understood from the foregoing
description. The cloth to be cut being properly marked and placed upon the table,
and the motor being set in motion, the machine is moved along with the foot-plate
underneath the cloth so as to cause the knife to follow the marks or lines upon the
cloth.
As the knife wears, the grinding disks are caused to revolve either
continuously or intermittently, (by means of the clutch mechanism) so as to grind
the edge of the knife more or less rapidly as occasion may require; the tension of
the springs pressing the disks to the knife being varied at will through the medium
of the thumb-screw 8. As the knife is reduced in size, the shaft which supports the
disks may be lowered by lowering the outer end of the swinging support Q, or Q',
and securing the same in the desired position. To permit this latter adjustment
with the clamp Q1, Figure 11, the said shaft passes through an arc slot g², in the
inner part of the casing I, said slot being protected by a flexible strip or washer qʻ,
of leather or other suitable material, which is interposed between the casing and
the end of the sleeve in which the shaft has its bearings. To lower the knife and
motor-supporting frame by means of the differential screw (Figure 13) the
bifurcated clamp B', is loosened and the hand-lever I', being pressed into engage-
ment with the notched collar on the bushing B³, is rotated so as to rotate the
bushing in the proper direction, whereupon the screw 63, is again tightened and the
parts secured in working position.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we
claim is :-
1st. A cloth cutting machine comprising the foot-plate having a standard rising
therefrom, the cloth-lifting plate fitting loosely around said foot-plate, a motor
mounted on said standard, a rotary cutter journalled below said motor, and means
arranged to impart motion from the motor to the cutter, substantially as
described.
2nd. In a cloth cutting machine the combination with the foot-plate and cutting
mechanism supported thereon, of the gravitating cloth-lifting plate fitting loosely
about said foot-plate flush with the upper surface thereof and having its sides and
ends inclined outwardly and downwardly therefrom, substantially as described.
3rd. In a cloth cutting machine the combination with the foot-plate having the
standard thereon, of the rotary cutter journalled in a frame supported by said
standard, a rotary motor mounted over the cutter, gearing arranged to impart
motion from the motor to the cutter, and a casing enclosing said gearing,
substantially as described.
4th. In a cloth cutting machine, the flat-topped foot-plate having the standard
thereon, and the rotary knife and its actuating mechanism mounted on said standard,
said foot-plate having the concavity or depression in the upper surface thereof
extending rearwardly from said knife and at one side only thereof to the outer edge
of the plate, substantially as and for the purpose described.
5th. In a cloth cutting machine, the combination with the foot-plate provided
with inclined extensions at the sides and ends thereof, and having the standard
thereon supporting the rotary knife and its actuating mechanism, the independent
cloth-lifting plate surrounding said foot-plate and resting upon said extensions with
its surface flush with the surface of the foot-plate, substantially as described.
6th. In a cloth cutting machine, the combination of the foot-plate having the
standard thereon, the rotary knife and motor in gear with said knife, supported by
said standard, and the cloth-lifting plate surrounding said foot-plate; the surfaces
of said plates being depressed in rear of the knife and at one side thereof,
substantially as described.
7th. In a cloth cutting machine the foot-plate having a plain upper surface with

page_text: a standard rising therefrom and supporting a rotary cutter, and mechanism for
rotating the cutter, in combination with the cloth-lifting plate fitting loosely about
said foot-plate with its inner edges normally flush with the upper surface thereof
and sloping outwardly therefrom; said cloth-lifting plate being free to rise and fall
independently of the foot-plate, substantially as described.
8th. A cloth cutting machine comprising the foot-plate having the standard
rising therefrom, the frame supported by said standard so as to overhang the foot-
plate at one side, the casing supported above said foot-plate at said side thereof, an
arbor extending from said casing and supporting a rotary cutter adjacent to said
standard, a rotary electric motor mounted over said cutter with its shaft extending
laterally to said casing, and spur-gearing enclosed in said casing and adapted to
transmit motion from the motor to the cutter, substantially as described.
9th. In a cloth cutting machine, the foot-plate mounted on rollers and having a
standard rising therefrom and supporting a rotary cutter and its actuating
mechanism, in combination with the gravitating cloth-lifting plate fitting loosely
about said foot-plate so as to permit free vertical movement thereof; said cloth-
lifting plate having sloping sides and ends the inner edges of which are normally
flush with the upper adjacent edges of the foot-plate, substantially as described.
10th. The combination with the foot-plate, of the standard, the post adjustably
secured to said standard, the motor mounted upon said post, the rotary cutter
journalled in a depending portion of the motor-supporting frame and in gear with
said motor, an elevating device for raising and lowering the post, and means for
securing the parts in the desired position, substantially as described.
11th. In a cloth cutting machine the combination with the rotary knife, the
motor, and means for rotating the knife; of the elevating and sustaining mechanism
consisting of a differential screw on which said motor, knife and knife-actuating
mechanism are mounted, and means for turning the screw so as to raise or lower the
knife, substantially as described.
12th. In a cloth cutting machine, the combination of the foot-plate, the standard
mounted thereon and having the bifurcated clamp with screw-threaded opening
therein, the interiorly and exteriorly screw-threaded sleeve fitting said opening,
the post screwed into said sleeve, the rotary motor and knife in gear therewith
mounted on said post, and means for rotating said sleeve so as to raise and lower
said knife and its actuating mechanism, substantially as described.
13th. In a cloth cutting machine, the combination with the foot-plate and
standard, the rotary cutter journalled at one side of said standard in a frame
mounted thereon, together with a rotary motor and driving gearing for imparting
motion to the cutter mounted on said frame, and the elevating mechanism comprising
the bifurcated clamp having the vertical interiorly screw-threaded opening therein,
the exteriorly and interiorly screw-threaded sleeve or bushing fitting said opening, the
post screwed into said bushing, and means for rotating the bushing so as to raise
and lower the knife and frame supported upon said post, substantially as described.
14th. The combination in a cloth cutting machine with the foot-plate and
standard, of the motor, the motor-supporting frame mounted upon said standard
and having the rotary knife journalled therein, means for imparting motion from
said motor to said knife, and mechanism for raising and lowering the knife and
supporting frame, comprising the interiorly screw-threaded clamp on said standard,
the rotatable bushing having the notched collar on the head thereof screwed into
said clamp and provided with interior screw threads having the exteriorly screw-
threaded post fitted therein, together with the adjusting lever adapted to engage
said notched collar for the purpose of rotating the bushing, substantially as
described.
15th. In a cloth cutting machine, the combination with the foot-plate and
standard, the knife and means for imparting motion thereto, of the exteriorly
screw-threaded post, and the exteriorly and interiorly screw-threaded bushing into
which said post is screwed; said bushing being screwed into a bifurcated spring-
clamp upon the head of said standard having an interiorly screw-threaded

page_text: cylindrical opening therethrough to receive the bushing, means for binding said
bushing in said clamp so as to prevent rotation thereof, and means for rotating
the bushing when said clamp is loosened, substantially as described.
16th. In a cloth cutting machine, the combination with the foot-plate and
standard, the motor and knife, and the knife-elevating machanism consisting
essentially of a screw-threaded post upon which the motor and knife-supporting
frame and driving gearing are mounted, and the exteriorly and interiorly screw-
threaded bushing into which said post is screwed, of the adjusting device
comprising a plate having a circular opening therethrough, a thumb-piece or lever
fitted to slide in an elongated slot in said plate and having a projecting point or
tooth to engage a notch in the head of said bushing, and a pair of similarly shaped
plates fitting one above and the other below said slotted plate so as to sustain said
device in position upon the head of the bushing, substantially as described.
17th. In combination with the cutter and its actuating mechanism, the notched
segment, and the vertically and laterally swinging handle provided with a detent
for engaging the notches of the segment, substantially as described.
18th. In a cloth cutting machine, the combination with.the rotary knife, of the
guard and the sliding bars pivoted to said guard; the pivotal connection of the one
being placed above that of the other, together with a clamp for securing the
opposite ends of said bars and sustaining the guard in proper position upon the
knife, whereby the guard is adapted to be adjusted either forward or back and
tilted to conform to the size of the knife as the latter is reduced by wear,
substantially as described.
19th. In a cloth cutting machine, the foot-plate mounted on rollers which are
journalled therein so as to project slightly below the same; the front rollers being
peripherally grooved and having elastic rings fitted in said grooves and raised
slightly above the periphery of the rollers so as to prevent the front end of the
machine from slipping or moving around too freely in turning, substantially as and
for the purpose described.
20th. In combination with the rotary cutter, the grinding disks supported
obliquely to the axis thereof, a tension device for holding the disks in yielding
engagement with opposite sides of the cutter, and means for adjusting said device
so as to vary the pressure upon the cutter at will, substantially as described.
21st. In combination with the rotary cutter, the swinging bracket-arm and means
for securing the same in the desired position, the shaft projecting obliquely from
said arm, the grinding disks keyed on said shaft and engaging opposite sides of the
cutter, the spring for separating said disks, a tension device for holding the disks
in yielding engagement with the cutter, and means for varying the tension,
substantially as described.
22nd. In combination with the rotary cutter, the shaft extending obliquely to
the axis thereof, the radially adjustable support for said shaft, a pair of grinding
disks placed on said shaft so as to rotate therewith in contact with opposite sides
of the cutter, means for adjusting the disks toward or from each other and
sustaining them in yielding contact with the cutter, and a motor geared to said
shaft and cutter so as to rotate the same, substantially as described.
23rd. In combination with the rotary cutter, the shaft extending obliquely to the
axis thereof, the pendent arms or bars having their opposite ends loosely fitted on
said shaft, the rod connecting said bars, the adjusting nut on said rod, the spring
interposed between said nut and one of said bars, the grinding disks mounted on
said shaft between said bars so as to rotate with the shaft in contact with opposite
sides of the cutter, and the spring tending to force the disks apart, substantially as
described.
24th. The combination in a cloth cutting machine, provided with the rotary knife
and means for driving the same, of the grinding disks mounted upon a shaft
arranged obliquely to the axis of the knife, and means for holding said disks in
yielding engagement with the edge of the knife and for adjusting the tension or
pressure thereon, comprising the upright supporting arm, the rod or bar projecting

page_text: therefrom, in the plane of said shaft, the sliding pendent arms connecting said shaft
and rod, with the disks between the arms, the springs adapted to separate said disks,
and pendent arms, the intermediate adjusting rod connecting said arms but per-
mitting one arm to slide thereon, a spring tending to force said arms together, and
means for adjusting the tension of said springs so as to vary the force thereof and
yieldingly sustain the disks in engagement with opposite sides of the knife,
substantially as described.
25th. In a cloth cutting machine, the combination with the foot-plate, the
standard, the rotary knife and means for imparting motion to said knife, of the
grinding disks mounted upon a shaft which extends obliquely. to the axis of
the knife, means for imparting motion to said shaft, and a radially-swinging
clamping-arm supporting said shaft at one end and having its opposite end journalled
upon a projection from the frame, and a binding screw, whereby said clamping-arm
may be adjusted for the purpose of raising and lowering the disks, and secured in
the desired position by tightening said screw, substantially as described.
26th. In combination with the foot-plate of a cloth cutting machine, the rollers
having their spindles journalled in ball bearings, and the detachable boxes supporting
said bearings underneath the foot-plate, substantially as described.
27th. In combination with the foot-plate, the standard mounted thereon, the frame
adjustably secured to said standard so as to overhang the side of the foot-plate
opposite the standard, the rotary cutter journalled in a depending portion of the
frame, the rotary electric motor mounted at one side of the frame centrally above
the cutter, a casing secured at the opposite side of the frame, and a train of spur-
gearing housed in said casing and adapted to impart motion from the motor to the
cutter, substantially as described.
28th. The combination in a cloth cutting machine, of the rotary knife, the motor,
and gearing for imparting motion from the motor to the knife; with the oblique
shaft having the grinding disks mounted thereon, the pinion on said shaft, the loose
gear-wheel meshing with said pinion, and means for engaging and disengaging said
loose wheel and gearing so as to start and stop said grinding disks at will without
interfering with the operation of the knife, substantially as described.
29th. In combination with the rotary knife, the motor and main driving gear for
imparting motion from the motor to the knife; the oblique shaft having the grinding
disks mounted thereon, the pinion on said shaft, the loose gear-wheel meshing with
said pinion, the clutch-sleeve adapted to engage said main driving gear and rotate
therewith, the lever for shifting said clutch-sleeve, and means for sustaining said
lever in position to hold the clutch disengaged, substantially as described.
30th. The combination with the cutting machine and a suitable source of power,
of an automatic take-up device comprising a plurality of weights and cords
connected at intervals with a flexible circuit. wire or conductor connecting the
machine to be driven with the source of power, said cords passing over an elevated
support so as to automatically take up and pay out the slack while the machine is
being moved about the room or from table to table, substantially as described.
31st. In a cloth cutting machine, the combination with the cutting instrument
and the electric motor carried thereby for actuating the knife, of the flexible
conductor connected to said instrument, and an automatic take-up device.com-
prising a series of weights connected at intervals by suitable cords with said
conductor over an elevated support, so as to automatically take up any slack or
superfluous length of wire and permit the same to be readily drawn out at will,
substantially as described.
Doted this 26th day of August. A D 1893.
W. Lloyd Wise,
JOHN WOLF, JR.
JACOB BLOCH.
46, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C., Agent for the Applicants.