IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINES FOR CUTTING NAILS AND SPRIGS
Year: 1883

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to George Williamson, of The Mint, Holbeck, Leeds, in the
County of York, Engineer for an Invention of IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINES
FOR CUTTING NAILS AND SPRIGS
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said George Williamson at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 15th November 1883.
GEORGE WILLIAMSON of The Mint, Holbeck, Leeds, in the County of York,
Engineer "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINES FOR CUTTING NAILS AND SPRIGS
"
This invention has reference to certain improvements in machines for cutting
nails and sprigs, and relates firstly to the employment of a wheel or disc mounted
in bearings on a suitable frame, in which the said wheel is free to revolve, and to
the arrangement of a number of striking cutters (preferably six) about the
periphery. of such wheel or disc in such manner that as each striking cutter passes
the strip from which the nails or sprigs are to be cut, and which is supported by a
rest cutter, it cuts off a nail or sprig. The striking cutters have a rotary motion.
When the strip from which the nails or sprigs are to be cut is of taper section the
cutting edges of the striking cutters may be arranged parallel to the axis of the
disc or wheel, and the rest or saddle (hereinafter described) be stationary. Under
these conditions the wheel is made to revolve and the strip is fed forward regularly
over the rest cutter, by a feed motion. But when the strip is of the ordinary
parallel section I arrange the striking cutters with their cutting edges set at an
angle to the axis of the disc in such manner that the alternate cutters have their
cutting edges inclined in opposite directions to each other. The strip can then be
fed forward in one continuous straight course towards the disc, for as one striking
cutter cuts it at an angle, the next will cut it at the opposite angle, and so give the
required taper to the nail When it is desired to cut nails with sneck heads, in
addition to inclining the cutting edges as just described, I place the alternate
striking cutters in two slightly different planes at right angles to the axis of
the disc. This I do in order that the cutters may clear the props which are
provided on both sides of the strip to support the heads.

page_text: Although the above is the manner in which I prefer to arrange the cutters it
will be evident that each alternate striking cutter may be made with its cutting
edge parallel to the axis of the disc, and the intervening cutters with a corre-
spondingly increased angle. Also that instead of the preceding arrangement, two
independent sets of striking cutters may be employed, one set on each side of the
rim of the disc; but I prefer to use the arrangement I have described above.
Another part of my invention has reference to means for moving the "rest" or
"saddle" cutter, in order to make it accommodate itself to the varying angles
presented by the striking cutters. Immediately in front of the disc is an appliance
which I propose to call the "rest" or "saddle"; this is a flat plate with a tool box
attached for holding the "rest" or "saddle" cutter, and two small boxes, one on
either side of it, for holding the head props. The under side of the saddle is a true
working surface fitted on a corresponding surface on the frame. At the end of
the saddle furthest from the cutter is a bearing, working on a pin fixed in the
frame. The saddle is caused to vibrate horizontally by means of a cam on the
shaft, which acts on a rolling pulley attached to the saddle. The cam has half as
many projections as there are striking cutters, and the saddle is kept up to the
cam by a spring, consequently the saddle cutter can be made to present itself to
the alternate striking cutters at the proper angle. The angle of the saddle cutter
can be adjusted by moving the rolling pulley further in or out as required. It
will be seen that as the saddle vibrates the "head props are alternately brought
under the strip, and so support the head of the sprig whilst it is being cut. In
some cases, instead of using the cam mentioned above for effecting the vibration of
the saddle, I accomplish that object by making projections on each side of the rim
of the disc and fitting the horns of the saddle to these projections, so that as the
disc revolves the saddle vibrates.
»
Another part of my invention has reference to the method of feeding the strip
which does not require to be turned over, nor to vibrate to the cutters. To effect
this I use one or more pairs of rollers between which the strip is introduced.
These rollers being pressed together by springs supply the necessary "grip" to bold
the strip up to its work; whilst it is guided sideways by guides attached to the
saddle. I prefer that the rollers should be geared together at one end to prevent
slipping. The rollers may be driven in various ways, thus by a train of change
wheels direct from the shaft, or by an eccentric working a pawl and ratchet wheel
on the roller; or as I prefer by a worm, and a worm wheel on the roller, the worm
spindle being driven by a bevel wheel and pinion direct from the main shaft.
Another part of my invention relates to means for reversing the motion of the feed
rollers when the strips become too short to be controlled by the feed rollers, and to
prevent them being pushed on to the cutters irregularly. To effect this I make the
worm spindle long enough to reach across the face of the bevel wheel on the main
shaft, and on this spindle I put two bevil pinions, one on each side of the wheel,
and gearing into it. These pinions are loose on the worm spindle, and each of them
is provided with a friction boss or coupling on its face; between the two pinions is
a sleeve working loosely on a feather in the spindle and with a friction box at each
end fitting the before mentioned friction bosses on the pinions. The sleeve can be
moved and held against either pinion by a lever provided for the purpose, the
weight of this lever being sufficient to hold the sleeve and pinion together. When
the lever is put over in one direction the worm spindle is put in gear, and through
it the feed roller and the strip is pushed forward. When the strip is nearly used
up, the lever is raised, the pinion is liberated, and the opposite pinion drives the
worm spindle and roller in a backward direction and throws out the unused
portion of the strip.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said George Williamson in the Patent Office on the 13th May 1884.
GEORGE WILLIAMSON, of the Mint, Holbeck, Leeds, in the County of York,
Engineer. IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINES FOR CUTTING NAILS AND SPRIGS.
This invention has reference to certain improvements in machines for cutting
nails and sprigs and relates firstly to the employment of a wheel or disc mounted in
bearings on a suitable frame, in which the said wheel is free to revolve, and to the
arrangement of a number of striking cutters (preferably six) about the periphery of
such wheel or disc in such manner that as each striking cutter passes the strip from
which the nails or sprigs are to be cut, and which is supported by a rest cutter, it
cuts off a nail or sprig. The striking cutters have a rotary motion. When the
strip from which the nails or sprigs are to be cut is of, taper section the cutting
edges of the striking cutters may be arranged parallel to the axis of the disc or
wheel, and the rest or saddle (hereinafter described) be stationary. Under these
conditions the wheel is made to revolve and the strip is fed forward regularly over
the rest cutter, by a feed motion. But when the strip is of the ordinary parallel
section, I arrange the striking cutters with their cutting edges set at an angle to
the axis of the disc in such manner that the alternate cutters have their cutting
edges inclined in opposite directions to each other. The strip can then be fed
forward in one continuous straight course towards the disc, for as one striking
cutter cuts it at an angle, the next will cut it at the opposite angle, and so give
the required taper to the nail. When it is desired to cut nails or sprigs with sneck
heads, in addition to inclining the cutting edges as just described, I place the
alternate striking cutters in two slightly different planes at or about right angles to
the axis of the disc. This I do in order that the cutters may clear the props which
are provided on both sides of the strip to support the heads.
Although the above is the manner in which I prefer to arrange the cutters it
will be evident that each alternate striking cutter may be made with its cutting-
edge parallel to the axis of the disc, and the intervening cutters, with a
correspondingly increased angle.. Also that instead of the preceding arrangement
two independent sets of striking cutters may be employed, one set on each side
of the rim of the disc; but I prefer to use the arrangement I have described above.
Another part of my invention has reference to means for moving the." rest" or
"saddle" cutter, in order to make it accommodate itself to the varying angles
presented by the striking cutters. Immediately in front of the disc is an appliance
which I call the "rest" or "saddle"; this is a flat plate with a tool box attached
for holding the "rest" or "saddle" cutter, and two small boxes or rests one on.
either side of it, for holding the head props. The under side of the saddle is a
true-working surface fitted on a corresponding surface on the frame.
At the end of the saddle furthest from the cutter is a bearing working in a
The saddle is caused to vibrate horizontally by means
bracket fixed to the frame.
of a cam on the shaft, which acts on a rolling pulley attached to the saddle. The
cam has half as many projections as there are striking cutters, and the saddle is
kept up to the cam by a spring, consequently the saddle cutter can be made to
present itself to the alternate striking cutters at the proper angle. The angle of
the saddle cutter can be adjusted by moving the rolling pulley further in or out as
required. It will be seen that as the saddle vibrates the "head props are
alternately brought under the strip, and so support the head of the sprig whilst it.
is being cut. In some cases, instead of using the cam mentioned above for effecting
the vibration of the saddle, I accomplish that object by making projections on each:
"

page_text: side of the rim of the disc and fitting the horns of the saddle to these projections,
so that as the disc revolves the saddle vibrates.
Another part of my invention has reference to the method of feeding the strip
which does not require to be turned over, nor to vibrate to the cutters. To effect
this I use one or more pairs of rollers, between which the strip is introduced. These
rollers being pressed together by springs supply the necessary "grip" to hold the
strip up to its work whilst it is guided sideways by guides attached to the frame..
I prefer that the rollers should be geared together at one end to prevent slipping.
The rollers may be driven in various ways, thus by a train of change wheels direct
from the shaft, or by an eccentric working a pawl and ratchet wheel on the roller;
or as I prefer by a worm, and a worm wheel on the roller, the worm spindle being
driven by a bevel wheel and pinion direct from the main shaft.
Another part of my invention relates to means for reversing the motion of the
feed rollers when the strips become too short to be controlled by the feed rollers
and to prevent them being pushed on to the cutters irregularly. To effect this I
make the worm spindle long enough to reach across the face of the bevel wheel on
the main shaft and on this spindle I put two bevel pinions, one on each side of the
wheel and gearing into it. These pinions are loose on the worm spindle and each
of them is provided with a friction boss or coupling on its face; between the two
pinions is a sleeve working loosely on a feather in the spindle and with a friction
box at each end fitting the before-mentioned friction bosses on the pinions
The sleeve can be moved and held against either pinion by a lever provided for
the purpose, the elasticity of this lever being sufficient to hold the sleeve and
pinion together. When the lever is put over in one direction the worm spindle is
put in gear, and through it the feed roller and the strip is pushed forward. When
the strip is nearly used up the lever is moved over in the opposite direction, the
pinion is liberated, and the opposite pinion drives the worm spindle and roller in a
backward direction and throws out the unused portion of the strip.
It will be evident that this reversing gear may also be arranged with the friction
couplings on the back of the pinions instead of on their faces and that a separate
spring may be used in place of the elasticity of the lever.
Referring now to the accompanying sheet of illustrative drawings,
Fig 1 shews partly in side elevation and partly in section a machine according
to my invention. Fig 2 is a vertical section of a portion of the same. Fig 3 is a
plan or top view partly in horizontal section of a portion of the said machine.
Figs 4 and 5 are detail views hereinafter described..
"
"
"
A. is the wheel or disc mounted in suitable bearings in the frame B and carrying
the striking cutters C as shown in Figs 1, 2 and 3 for cutting nails, sprigs or the
like from a metal plate or strip fed into the machine. D is the main shaft of the
machine. E is the "rest"
ог "saddle and F the "rest or "saddle" cutter
over which the metal strip is regularly fed forward by the feed motion already
mentioned and hereinafter described so that whilst nails or sprigs are being cut
from the metal strip by the striking cutters C it is supported by the cutter F.
G. G are two small boxes or rests carrying the side or head props I. I. provided on
both sides of the strip for supporting the heads of headed nails or sprigs. H is
the tool box attached to or forming part of the rest or saddle E for holding the
"rest" or "saddle" cutter F. C. C. are set screws whereby the striking cutters C
are secured to the wheel or disc A as shewn in Figs 2 and 3. As already stated
the cutters C may be arranged with their cutting edges alternately parallel to the
axis of the wheel or disc A or inclined thereto. J is a bearing formed on the
"rest" or "saddle" E and J is a bracket fixed to the frame of the machine and
in which the bearing J works, so that the rest or saddle E may be caused to
vibrate horizontally by the cam K on the shaft D acting against the wheel L
carried by the said rest or saddle. By this vibrating motion of the rest or saddle
the cutter F is caused to accommodate itself to the varying angles presented by the
striking cutters C. as above stated.

page_text: "
The cam K has half as many projections as there are striking cutters and the
"rest
or "saddle" or its attached wheel L is kept up to the said cam by the
spring L. The axis of the wheel L is adjustably mounted so that the wheel may
be moved nearer to or further from the centre of vibration of the saddle E whereby
the angle of the rest or saddle cutter F may be varied as desired. It will thus be
seen that as the rest or saddle E vibrates the head props I. I are alternately
brought under the metal strip and so support the head of the sprig whilst it is
being cut. M is a pair of feed rollers. they are geared together at one end by
pinions N springs being provided to press the one towards the other to ensure the
necessary "grip" for forcing forwards and holding the metal strip up to the
cutters.
The rollers may be operated in various ways as herein before stated but I prefer
to employ the arrangement shown in the drawings in which a worm O secured to
a worm spindle Q gears with and operates a worm wheel P on the axis of the lower
feed roller M. The worm spindle Q is supported in suitable bearings attached to
one side of the machine and operated by a bevel wheel R on the main shaft D
gearing with the bevel pinions S and S¹ loosely mounted on the said worm spindle Q
to which they impart motion as hereinafter described. In Fig 1 are illustrated
means whereby reversal of the feed rollers can be effected when the metal strip has
become so short that it is necessary to throw it out of the machine. The worm
spindle extends across the face of the bevel wheel R and on it the two bevel
pinions S. S¹. are loosely mounted as above stated so that they respectively gear
with wheel R on opposite sides of its axis. x. x¹ are friction bosses or couplings
formed on the face of the bevel pinions S. S¹. T is a sleeve working loosely on a
feather in the worm spindle and arranged between the bevel pinions S. S¹.
t. t are friction boxes, at each end of the sleeve T made to fit over the friction
bosses.¹ respectively on the bevel pinions S. S¹. U is a lever for operating the
sleeve T.
It will be readily seen that when the lever U is pushed in one direction the
friction box t¹ at one end of the sleeve will be forced into frictional contact with
the friction boss x¹ on the bevel pinion S₁ whereby the motion of the latter will be
transmitted to the spindle Q, the other bevel pinion being at this time released
and allowed to revolve freely on the spindle. By pushing the lever U in the
opposite direction the boss a of the other bevél pinion S will be engaged by the
friction box t. and the motion of the spindle and therefore of the feeding rollers be
reversed.
V is a guide for guiding the metal plate or strip to the feed rollers and striking
cutters.
Having now described the nature of my said invention and the manner of carrying
it into practical effect, I hereby declare that what I consider to be novel and
therefore claim as my invention is;-
In a machine for cutting nails and sprigs
1. The use in conjunction with a rest cutter of a wheel or disc armed with
cutters and caused to rotate, the arrangement being such that as each cutter carried
by the wheel or disc passes the rest cutter a nail or sprig will be cut from a strip
of metal fed thereto substantially as described.
2 Causing a bottom or rest cutter such as referred to in claim 1 to vibrate, so as
to produce angular cuts, substantially as described.
3. The use in combination with a vibrating bottom or rest cutter of side props
caused to move inward and outward to suit the alternate cuts substantially as
described.
4. The use for feeding the strips of metal to the cutters of rollers arranged and
operating substantially as described.
5 Operating the rollers for feeding strips of metal to the cutters by means of
frictional gear, so arranged that the direction of motion of the feed rollers can be
readily reversed substantially as described.

page_text: 6. The improved machine for cutting nails and sprigs constructed arranged and
operated substantially as described with reference to and illustrated by the
accompanying drawings.
In witness whereof I the said George Williamson have hereunto set my hand
and seal this twelvth day of May in the year of Our Lord One thousand eight
hundred and eighty-four.
GEORGE WILLIAMSON (L.S.)