IMPROVEMENTS IN SEWING MACHINES AND ACCESSORIES THERETO
Year: 1875

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Henry Bland, of Luton, in the County of Bedford,
Engineer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN SEWING MACHINES
AND ACCESSORIES THERETO."
Sealed the 31st August 1875, and dated the 29th June 1875.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Henry Bland at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
29th June 1875.
I, HENRY BLAND, of Luton, in the County of Bedford, Engineer,
do hereby declare the nature of my said Invention for "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN SEWING MACHINES AND ACCESSORIES THERETO," to be as follows:-
My Invention relates more particularly to sewing machines and their
accessories to be used in the manufacture of straw hats, bonnets, gloves,
or similar articles, but which is also applicable to other purposes for
which sewing machines may be employed, and it has reference to the
description of machine and apparatus for which Letters Patent were
granted to me December 9th 1874, No. 4241.

page_text: According to one arrangement I employ a feed block mounted on a
crank pin, in a manner similar to that described in the Specification of
my said former Patent, but in lieu of carrying the feed block on the
way shaft a carrier pin is employed', which pin is mounted loosely on the
shaft and passes through a vertical hole formed in the feed block, to
which it is secured by means of a nut, so that by adjusting the latter
the height of the block may be regulated as required, the block when
adjusted being secured in position by means of a tightening screw.
The feed block is provided with three feed tongues, an outer feed, an
inner feed, and an auxiliary feed, the former of which is adjustable
separately in the manner and by the means described in my said former
Specification, whereas the other two feeds, viz., the inner feed and the
auxiliary feed, may be made so as to be controlled cither separately or
simultaneously, as desired.
In controlling the inner and auxiliary feeds simultaneously I employ
the following arrangement:-On a pin supported in the interior of the
casing or cover there is mounted a sleeve having two arms, one at each
end, one arm of which is arranged opposite to the side of the inner and
auxiliary feed tongues, whilst the other arm is capable of being moved
by means of an adjusting screw. By the act of turning the screw in
onc direction the range of motion of the tongues is diminished, whereas
by turning such screw in the opposite direction a spring is caused to
return the sleeve to its normal position, or towards the same, to the
extent allowed by the screw, whilst the tongues themselves in the block
are brought back to their normal position by other springs, such as
described in my said former Specification.
The auxiliary feed when required for use is elevated by means of an
eccentric, which is mounted loosely on the crank pin, so as to carry or
form a bearing for the auxiliary tongue, by turning which eccentric by
the thumb and finger the tongue may be raised or lowered, as the case
may be.
In order to indicate the length of stitch I provide on the side of the
casing or cover, or in any other suitable position, a graduated scale, in
relation with which works a pointer carried on or connected with the
lever or other device employed for adjusting the feed block, so that
when such lever or device is moved the range of motion of the feeds,

page_text: .
and the consequent length of stitch, may be read at sight, and the
degree of adjustment regulated as required.
I also employ in some cases, in substitution for the shifting guide
described in my said former Specification, a slide which is adjustable in
a groove in the side of the casing or cover, and carries two or more
cones or frustums of cones, either fixed or rotatory (the apices of the
cones being inwards towards the face of the guide), over, around, or
between which cones or frustums the braid or other material is con-
ducted as required, according to the particular class of material being
used.
My Invention also embraces certain improvements in the presser feet
and their accessories, and which are designed to adapt the latter to the
use of my improved arrangement of feeds (the object of such improve-
ment being to enable the feeds to take the heel or inner edge of the
plait or braid in all cases). To the second presser I attach a rigid
separating plate and foot combined, the guide for the sewn portion of
the material being formed at the extreme back edge of such plate or
foot. This presser may be lifted by the means described in my said
former Specification, in combination with which I also employ an
additional lever or lifter working horizontally, so as to slightly raise the
presser when required. A similar combined plate and foot is attached
when required to the before-mentioned presser, separating plate, and
foot for the purpose of forming the guide for a third plait when it is
required to sew with three plaits.
I also employ a turn-over guide to be attached when required for use
to the combined presser, separating plate, and foot, which guide consists
of a foot bearing upon one plait, and formed with a scroll or inclined
surface, which raises the edge of the sewn portion of the plait before it
arrives at the needle, thereby allowing the rows of stitches to be
placed just beneath the outer edge of such plait so as to be entirely
covered.
When the auxiliary feed is brought into use I employ an auxiliary
foot, which is attached to the web or bar of the combined separating
plate and foot, so as to form an extension of the same.
I further employ an edge guide for the material immediately behind
the needle, such guide consisting of a bar or plate, which is carried on a

page_text: -pin fitted in a hole formed in the base of the carrier of the second
presser, so as to be capable of adjustment towards or from the needle,
and of being fixed by means of a screw in any adjusted position. To
the edge guide there is pivotted a "keeper," consisting of a plate which
bears upon the plait, and is adjustable to suit its thickness, so as to
maintain the plait in position or prevent its outer edge from rising.
For glove making and other purposes for which a small arm is
required I employ the following modification, in which one feed tongue
only may be used:-The crank shaft is fitted in a bore or bearing
in the frame of the machine, and the crank pin, in lieu of being
placed at the front end of the crank projects towards the rear thereof.
The feed block, which is carried on a sleeve formed in one with or
attached to the block, is made in two parts, one of which receives a
link having an eye which fits on the shaft, whilst the other, which forms
the feed tongue, fits over or around the boss of the link. A screw or
adjustable stop is employed for acting on one side of that portion of the
block which receives the link so as to control the throw of the tongue,
whilst a spiral spring operating against the opposite side of that portion
of the block serves to maintain the tongue in contact with the side of
the boss of the link, forming a stop for the same. The link thus admits
of the feed tongue swivelling around the boss of the link to the extent
allowed by the adjusting stop or screw.
In order to enable the serrated feed surfaces to withdraw from or
clear themselves from the work as they complete the feed I arrange
the centre of the crank shaft above the level of the centre of the crank
pin, whereby the abrasion of the work which takes place with the
ordinary apparatus is entirely obviated.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said Henry Bland in the Great Seal Patent Office
on the 23rd December 1875.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, HENRY
BLAND, of Luton, in the County of Bedford, Engineer, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Twenty-ninth day of June, in the

page_text: year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-five, in
the thirty-ninth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and
successors, give and grant unto me, the said Henry Bland, Her special
license, that I, the said Henry Bland, my executors, adminis-
trators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said Henry Bland,
my executors, administrators, or assigns; should at any time agree
with, and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter
during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make,
use, exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention
for "IMPROVEMENTS IN SEWING MACHINES AND ACCESSORIES THERETO," upon the
condition (amongst others) that I, the said Henry Bland, my executors
or administrators, by an instrument in writing under my hand and
scal, should particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said
Invention, and in what manner the same was to be performed, and
cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six
calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said Letters
Patent.
NOW KNOW YE that I, the said Henry Bland, do hereby declare
the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to
be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by
the following statement, reference being had to the accompanying
Drawings and to the letters and figuresmarked thereon, that is to say:
1
My said Invention relates more particularly to sewing machines and
their accessories to be used in the manufacture of straw hats, bonnets,
gloves, or similar articles, but it is also applicable to other purposes for
which sewing machines may be employed, and has reference to the
description of machine and apparatus for which Letters Patent were
granted to me, December Ninth, One thousand eight hundred and
seventy-four, No. 4241.
According to one arrangement I employ a feed block mounted on a
crank pin in a manner similar to that described in the Specification of
my said former Letters Patent, but in lieu of carrying the feed block on
the way
shaft a carrier pin is employed, which pin is mounted loosely
on the shaft and passes through a vertical hole formed in the feed block,
to which it is secured by means of a nut, so that by adjusting the latter
the height of the block may be regulated as required, the block when
adjusted being secured in position by means of a tightening screw.

page_text: The feed block is provided with 3 feed tongues, an outer feed, an
inner feed, and an auxiliary feed, the former of which is adjustable
separately in the manner and by the means described in my said former
Specification, whereas the other two feeds, videlicit, the inner feed and
the auxiliary feed may be made so as to be controlled either separately
or simultaneously, as desired.
In controlling the inner and auxiliary feeds simultaneously, I employ
the following arrangement:-On a pin supported in the interior of the
casing or cover there is mounted à sleeve having two arms, one at each
end, one arm of which is arranged opposite to the side of the inner and
auxiliary feed tongues, whilst the other arm is capable of being moved
by means of an adjusting screw. By the act of turning the screw in
one direction the range of motion of the tongues is diminished, whereas
by turning such screw in the opposite direction a spring is caused to
return the sleeve to its normal position or towards the same to the
extent allowed by the screw, whilst the tongues themselves in the block
are brought back to their normal position by other springs, such as
described in my said former Specification.
The auxiliary feed when required for use is elevated by means of an
eccentric which is mounted loosely on the crank pin so as to carry or
form a bearing for the auxiliary tongue, by turning which eccentric by
the thumb and finger the tongue may be raised or lowered as the case
may be.
In order to indicate the length of stitch I provide on the side of the
casing or cover, or in any other suitable position a graduated scale, in
relation with which works a pointer carried on or connected with the
lever or other device employed for adjusting the tongue or tongues of
the feed block, so that when such lever or device is moved the range of
motion of the feeds and the consequent length of stitch may be read at
sight, and the degree of adjustment regulated as required.
I also employ in some cases in substitution for the shifting guide
described in my said former Specification a slide, which is adjustable in
a groove in the side of the casing or cover, and carries two or more cones
or frustums of cones either fixed or rotatory, (the smaller ends of the
frustums or the apices of the cones being inwards towards the face of
the guide,) over, around, or between which cones or frustums the braid or

page_text: other material is conducted, as required, according to the particular
class of material being used.
My Invention also embraces certain improvements in the presser feet
and their accessories, and which are designed to adapt the latter to the
use of my improved arrangement of feeds) the object of such improve-
ment being to enable the feeds to take the heel or inner edge of the
plait or braid in all cases). To the second presser I attach a rigid
separating plate and foot combined, the guide for the sewn portion of
the material being formed at the extreme back edge of such plate or
foot. This presser may be lifted by the means described in my said
former Specification, in combination with which I also employ an
additional lever or lifter working horizontally so as to slightly raise the
presser when required. A similar combined plate and foot is attached
when required to the before-mentioned presser, separating plate, and foot,
for the purpose of forming the guide for one plait when it is required to
sew with three plaits.
I also employ a turnover guide to be attached, when required for use,
to the combined presser separating plate and foot, which guide consists
of a foot bearing upon one plait and formed with a scroll or inclined
surface which raises the edge of the sewn portion of the plait before it
arrives at the needle, thereby allowing the rows of stitches to be placed
just beneath the outer edge of such plait so as to be entirely covered.
When the auxiliary feed is brought into use I employ an auxiliary
foot which is attached to the web or bar of the adjustable presser' so as
to form an extension of the combined separating plate and foot.
I further employ an edge guide for the material immediately behind
the needle, such guide consisting of a bar or plate which is carried on a
pin fitted in a hole formed in the base of the carrier of the second
presser so as to be capable of adjustment towards or from the needle
and of being fixed by means of a screw in any adjusted position. To
the edge guide there is pivotted a "keeper," consisting of a plate, which
bears upon the plait and is adjustable to suit its thickness so as to
maintain the plait in position or prevent its outer edge from rising.
For glove making, and other purposes for which a small arm is
required, I employ the following modification, in which one feed tongue
only may be used:-The crank shaft is fitted in a bore or bearing

page_text: in the frame of the machine, and the crank pin, in lieu of being
placed at the front end of the crank, projects towards the rear thereof.
The feed block which is carried on a sleeve formed in one with or
attached to the block is made in two parts, one of which receives a
link having an eye which fits on the shaft, whilst the other which forms
the feed tongue fits over or around the boss of the link. A screw or
adjustable stop is employed for acting on one side of that portion of the
block which receives the link so as to control the throw of the tongue,
whilst a spiral spring operating against the opposite side of that portion
of the block serves to maintain the tongue in contact with the side of
the boss of the link forming a stop for the same. The link thus admits
of the feed tongue swivelling around the boss of the link to the extent
allowed by the adjusting stop or screw.
In order to enable the serrated feed surfaces to withdraw from or
clear themselves from the work as they complete the feed, I arrange the
centre of the crank shaft above the level of the centre of the crank pin,
whereby the abrasion of the work which takes place with the ordinary
apparatus is entirely obviated.
And in order that the said Invention may be fully understood I shall
now proceed more particularly to describe the same, and for that 2
purpose shall refer to the several Figures on the annexed Sheet of
Drawings, the same letters of reference indicating corresponding parts
in all the Figures.
Figure 1 of my Drawings represents a side elevation of a portion of a
Willcox and Gibbs' sewing machine, with some of the improvements 2
which form the subject of my Invention applied thereto as an example
of one mode of carrying out the Invention.
Figure 2 is a front elevation, and Figure 3 is a plan, both correspond-
ing to Figure 1.
<
Figures 4, 5, and 6 are detail views of portions of the apparatus, and 3
Figures 7 to 17, inclusive, are detail views of sewing machine accessories
constructed according to my Invention.
Figure 18 represents a side elevation of a portion of a machine similar
to that shewn in Figures 1, 2, and 3, but illustrating another modifica-
tion of my Invention.
3

page_text: Figure 19 is a front clevation, and Figure 20 is a vertical section
taken along the line 1, 2, both corresponding to that Figure.
Figures 21, 22, and 23 represent detail views of parts of the feed
block employed in the arrangement, Figures 18, 19, and 20.
Referring to Figures 1, 2, and 3, A is a rocking shaft fitted to work
freely within a long socket or bearing B secured to the base plate C of
the machine, and parallel to the driving shaft D, such shaft A having
fixed to its front end one extremity of a vibrating lever arm E which
vibrates in a vertical arc and carries at its opposite extremity a pin F
working in a bearing or boss G formed in one with the feed block H,
the construction and arrangement of the whole of these parts being
substantially as described in the Specification of my said former Letters
Patent, with the exception of the mode of carrying the feed block next
herein-after described, which forms one part of my present Invention.
According to this part of my Invention (which is illustrated morc
particularly by the detail view, Figure 4) in lieu of carrying the head or
upper part of the feed block H on the actuating crank pin or eccentric
I. which is formed or fitted on the driving shaft D, as described in my
former Specification, I employ a carrier pin K mounted loosely on the
eccentric I, and passing through a vertical hole formed in the feed
block H, so that by varying the position of the feed block on the pin K
the height of such block may be regulated as required. The carrier
pin K is for this purpose provided with a screwed extremity L carrying
a nut M, which bears against the under side of the feed block H, and
by the act of turning which the feed block may be raised or lowered as
required, after which the feed block may be secured in any adjusted
position by means of the set or tightening screw N which is fitted in a
hole tapped in the feed block so as to be capable of bearing against the
carrier pin K.
The feed block H is provided with three feed tongues, videlicet, an
outer feed O, an inner feed P, and an auxiliary feed Q, which are pivotted
to the pin F, and work in slots or recesses formed for their reception
in the feed block, the tongues O, P, being pivotted directly to the pin F,
whereas the tongue Q is pivotted thereto by the interposition of an
eccentric bearing, as herein-after described.
The outer feed O is adjustable separately by the act of turning by
means of the handle R a lever S which is mounted on
a fixed

page_text: centre T in the casing or cover U, and is provided with a stud R¹
engaging with the slotted end of a regulating lever S¹. This lever is
mounted on a fixed centre T¹ in the casing or cover U, and is provided
with a wedged end U' which operates against a suspended block acting
upon the feed tongue O, substantially as described in the Specification
of my said former Letters Patent.
The inner feed P and the auxiliary feed Q may be arranged so as to
be controlled simultaneously or separately, as desired. In my Drawings
I have represented the arrangement which I employ for controlling
the inner and auxiliary feeds simultaneously, reference being had more
particularly to the detail sectional front and side elevations, Figures
5 and 6.
V is a pin supported in the interior of the casing or cover U, and on
which there is mounted a sleeve W having two arms or flaps X, Y, the
onc, X, of which is arranged opposite to the side of the feed tongues
P and Q, and is made of sufficient width to act upon both tongues
simultaneously, whilst the other arm Y is arranged so as to be capable
of being moved by an adjusting screw Z passing through the casing or
cover U, and bearing against the end of the arm Y. The range of
motion of the feed tongues P, Q, is varied as required by the act of
turning the screw Z. For example, when the screw Z is turned in one
direction the arm Y is forced inwards, thereby partially rotating the
sleeve W, and consequently forcing the padded extremity a of the arm
X towards the side of the feed tongues P, Q, whereby their range of
motion is diminished, whilst on the contrary when the screw Z is turned
in the reverse direction the sleeve W is moved under the action of a
spring back to its normal position, or towards the same to the extent
allowed by the screw Z, and the range of motion of the tongues P, Q,
is increased, the latter being returned to or towards their normal position
by means of other springs c, c, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. Either
of the feed tongues P, Q, may be so arranged as to be adjusted separately
by similar means if desired.
I have illustrated in the detail, Figure 5, the manner in which the
auxiliary feed tongue Q is fitted to the crank pin F, the object of the
arrangement being to enable the feed tongue to be elevated when it is
to be brought into use, and lowered when not required by the nature
of the work. This arrangement consists in fitting the tongue upon an

page_text: eccentric d which is loosely mounted upon the pin F so as to form a
bearing for the tongue. The eccentric d is provided with a projecting
milled rim or periphery e, by the act of turning which with the thumb
and finger in either direction the tongue will be raised or lowered. The
dotted lines in Figure 5 shew the raised position, whilst the full lines
indicate the lowest position, as the case may be.
The plate for the material may be either formed with slots for the
reception of the whole of the feed tongues O, P, Q, as shewn in my
Drawings, or two plates f may be provided, one having slots for the
whole of the tongues, and the other having slots for the tongues O, P,
only, the plates being changed according as the nature of the work shall
require or not the action of the auxiliary tongue Q.
The devices which I employ for indicating the length of stitch are
represented in Figures 1 and 3 of my Drawings. These devices consist
of a graduated scale or quadrant g formed on the side of the casing or
cover U, and of a hand or pointer attached to the lever S for regu-
lating the throw of the tongue O, which forms the feed for the sewn
portion of the material.
It will be obvious that when the lever S is moved in order to adjust
the feed, the hand or pointer will describe an arc around the
quadrant g, and that by suitably graduating the quadrant to indicato
the corresponding length of stitch for a given movement of the lever,
the feed may be regulated with facility according to the length of stitch
desired.
Figures 1, 2, and 3 also illustrate the application of the improved
guide for the material to be sewn, which I employ in substitution for
the shifting guide described in my said former Specification. This guide
consists of frustums of cones i, i, i, fitted at their smaller end to a guide
face, which is carried on a slide 1, the latter being adjustable in a
groove m in the casing or cover U, and capable when adjusted of being
secured in position by means of a set screw n.
The braid or other material is conducted around or between the
frustums i, i, as required, according to the particular class of material
used, or the character of work to be produced.
My improved presser feet and other accessories are constructed and
arranged in the following manner, reference being had more particularly
to the several detail views, Figures 7 to 17 inclusive :

page_text: Figures 7 and 8 represent respectively a longitudinal section and plan
of the adjustable presser described in my said former Specification for
use with the inner feed P, with my present improvements applied. One
improvement consists in the application to the presser o of a rigid plate p,
which forms a combined presser foot and separating plate. The body of
the work rests upon the plate p, and its edge bears against the face of
the limb q, by which the plate p is attached to the presser o, whereas the
entering straw plait is directed underneath the plate p, which thus
separates the two portions of the material in front of the needle 1.
1
The presser o may be lifted by means of a cam lever s, as described in
my said former Specification, in combination with which I employ the
following arrangements:-t is a disc fitted on a vertical pin u, attached
to the foot plate v of the presser, which disc is formed with inclined
edges entering beneath the boss w of the cam lever s, and so arranged
that by turning the disc t by means of the lever handle with which it
is provided the boss w and with it the presser o may be slightly raised
when required.
When sewing with three plaits, that is to say, two entering plaits and
the material already sewn, without bringing into use the auxiliary feed,
a similar combined separating plate and foot y (Figure 9) is attached to
the limb g of the presser separating plate and foot p, so as to partially
q
cover the plate p. As shewn in the detail front elevation (Figure 10)
the material sewn passes over the top of the plate y, the limb ≈ of which
forms an edge guide for such material; the intermediate plait is directed
between the two plates y, p, and the third plait passes beneath the
plate p, the material and the intermediate plait being both acted upon
by the outer feed o, whilst the third plait is acted upon by the inner
fced p.
In sewing with two plaits, videlicit, the sewn material or work and
an entering plait, where it is desired to conceal the rows of stitches pro-
duced in attaching the plait to the work, I employ a turnover guide (shewn
in detail front clevation, and plan in Figures 11 and 12 respectively),
which is attached when required for use to the limb Չ of the presser
separating plate and foot p. This guide consists of a foot 1 carried by a
limb 2 for attachment to the limb q, as before mentioned, and which
bears upon the last plait but one of the sewn material, and formed with
a scroll or inclined surface 3, which raises the edge of the last plait of

page_text: the sewn material before it arrives at the needle r, so as to allow the
stitches to be inserted just beneath the place which the outer edge of
such plait occupies in its flat position, so that the row of stitches will be
covered when the plait resumes its normal position. The needle thus
passes through the entering plait and the last plait sewn, the plaits being
of sufficient width to admit of this arrangement.
When in sewing with broad plaits or otherwise the auxiliary feed 2 is
brought into use I employ an auxiliary foot 4 (shewn in detail, side
elevation, and plan in Figures 13 and 14 respectively). This foot is
attached by means of a screw 5 to the web or bar 6, shewn clearly in
Figure 7 of the presser o, so as to form an extension of the combined
plate and foot p.
Figure 15 is a detail plan of the plate f, with the before-mentioned
presser feet p', and 'the presser foot p¹ corresponding to the feed o, shewn
in position.
v
Figures 16 and 17 are respectively a detail elevation and sectional
plan shewing my improved edge guide for the entering plait. This guide,
which is employed for the purpose of guiding the edge of the plait
behind the needle, consists of a bar or plate 7, which is carried on a
pin 8, fitted in a hole formed in the base of the adjustable presser o,
so as to be capable of adjustment towards or from the needle, according
to the degree of lap required, the pin 8 sliding along the hole formed
in the base v, and when adjusted being fixed by means of the set screw 9
in the required position. The "keeper" which I employ for main-
taining the plait in position, so as to prevent its outer edge from rising,
consists of a plate a' pivotted at 6' to the bar or plate 7, and fixed in
place according to the thickness of the material, so as to bear upon the
plait by means of the screw c', a slot d' being provided in the plate a¹ in
order to admit of the required adjustment.
Figures 18, 19, and 20, and Figures 21, 22, and 23 illustrate a modi-
fication of the arrangement shewn in Figures 1, 2, and 3. According to
this modification the rocking shaft A is fitted in a socket or bearing B,
formed in the frame C of the machine, but the crank pin F in licu
of being placed at the front end of the lever arm E, as in the arrange-
ment, Figures 1, 2, and 3, projects towards the rear thereof, as shewn.
The feed block H is moreover formed in two parts 10, 11, shewn respec-
tively in the detail views, Figures 21 and 22, the one 10 of which

page_text: (Figure 21) is provided with a sleeve or socket G mounted on the
crank pin F, whereas the other part, namely, that 11 (Figure 22), forms
the feed tongue. The two parts 10, 11, are connected together in the
following manner:-12 (Figure 23) is a link formed with an eye 13,
which fits on the actuating crank pin or eccentric I of the main
shaft D, and with a hollow boss 14, which is carried on a stud or pin 15
projecting from the block piece 10. The link 12 thus receives the
throw of the eccentric I, and imparts the motion to the block piece 10,
which, being mounted by its sleeve or socket G upon the crank pin F,
vibrates with the lever arm E, on which that pin is carried. The tongue
piece 11 is formed with a sleeve 16 slotted at its upper part, as shewn at
17, Figure 20, and which fits over or around the hollow boss 14 of the
link 12, so as while connecting the parts 10 and 11 together to admit of
such sleeve 16 swivelling around the boss 14. The maximum range of
the swivelling motion is obviously limited by the width of the slot 17,
but in order to control or vary the throw of the tongue 11 the following
arrangement is adopted :-In the casing or cover U there is mounted a
pin 18, Figures 18 and 20, which carries a hinged flap 19 fitted with a
pad at 20, so as to form a stop for the sleeve 16, the latter being pro-
vided at that part with a pendant projection 21 resting upon one
extremity of the lever arm E. This stop is adjustable towards or from
the sleeve 16, as required, by means of a screw 22 fitting in a hole,
tapped in the frame C, and acting upon the flap 19 in such a manner
that by the act of turning the screw 22 in one direction the stop 20 is
moved towards the sleeve 16, so as to diminish the throw of the feed
tongue 11, whereas by turning the screw 22 in the reverse direction the
hinged flap 19 with its stop 20 is forced back by means of a helical
spring, and the feed tongue 11 is rendered free to move through a
longer arc, the sleeve 16 being maintained normally pressed against the
stop 20 by means of a helical spring 23 acting upon a projection 24
formed upon such sleeve."
If desired the parts 10, 11, and 12 may all be formed in one piece, in
which case the feed block may be constructed with a slot for the
reception of the crank pin or eccentric I, the throw of the feed block,
and consequently the feed, being regulated by adjusting the position.
of the block on the crank pin or eccentric by means of screws or other-
wise.

page_text: arranged with its centre above the level of the centre of the crank pin F,
as shewn clearly by the dotted lines 25, 26, passing through the two
centres respectively. By this arrangement the serrated surfaces 27 at
the top of the tongue 11 are caused to withdraw from or clear them-
selves from the work, whereby the abrasion of the work which ordinarily
takes place is obviated.
When the Invention is applied to sewing machines of a different con-
struction from that known as the Willcox and Gibbs' machine, such
modifications are to be made as the particular arrangements render
necessary, as will be well understood by persons conversant with this
class of machinery.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of my
said Invention, and the manner in which the same is or may be used
or carried into effect, I would observe in conclusion that what I
consider to be novel and original and therefore claim as, the In-
vention secured to me by the herein-before in part recited Letters
Patent is,―
First. The combination with an oscillating feed block mounted on a
crank arm or lever carried by a rocking shaft of a carrier pin, arranged.
to receive the motion of the driving shaft and support the feed block in
such a manner as to admit of the height of such block being adjusted
as required, substantially as herein-before described and illustrated by
my Drawings.
Second. The combination with an oscillating feed block mounted on a
crank arm or lever carried by a rocking shaft of three feed tongues, all
arranged and operating substantially in the manner and for the purpose
herein-before described and as illustrated by my Drawings.
Third. The application and use of pivotted or hinged arms or flaps
operated by a screw for regulating the throw of the feed tongue or
tongues, substantially as herein-before described and illustrated by my
Drawings.
Fourth. The mounting the auxiliary feed tongue upon an eccentric
bearing fitted loosely upon the crank pin carrying the feed block, sub-
stantially as and for the purpose herein-before described and as illustrated
by my Drawings.

page_text: Fifth. The peculiar construction and arrangement of adjustable guide,
having cones or frustums of cones for guiding the material to be sewn,
substantially as herein-before described and illustrated by my Drawings.
Sixth. The combination with the adjustable presser of a combined.
rigid separating plate and foot, forming also an adjustable guide for one
portion of the material to be sewn, substantially as and for the purposes
herein-before described and as illustrated by my Drawings.
Seventh. The combination with the adjustable presser of the auxiliary
lifting device for slightly raising the presser when required, substantially
as herein-before described and illustrated by my Drawings.
Eighth. The combination with the combined separating plate and foot
and adjustable presser of a combined edge guide and separating plate
for a third plait when sewing with three plaits, substantially as and for
the purpose herein-before described and as illustrated by my Drawings.
Ninth. The combination with the combined separating plate and foot 1
and adjustable presser of a turn-over guide, constructed and arranged
substantially as and for the purpose herein-before described and as illus-
trated by my Drawings.
Tenth. The combination with the combined separating plate and foot
and the adjustable presser of an auxiliary foot, forming an extension of 2
such plate and foot, substantially as and for the purpose herein-before
described and as illustrated by my Drawings.
Eleventh. The peculiar construction and arrangement of edge guide
for guiding the material to be sewn immediately behind the needle, sub-
stantially as herein-before described and illustrated by my Drawings. 2
Twelfth. The combination with the edge guide of the adjustable
"keeper" bearing upon the material to be sewn, substantially as herein-
before described and illustrated by my Drawings.
Thirteenth. The mounting the oscillating feed block constructed with
a projecting sleeve or bearing upon a crank pin arranged at the rear of 3
the crank arm or lever carried by the rocking shaft, substantially as
herein-before described and illustrated by my Drawings.
Fourteenth. The mode or method of causing the feed surface or
surfaces to withdraw from or clear from the work at the completion of
the feed by arranging the centre of the crank shaft above the horizontal :3

page_text: plane passing through the centre of the crank pin carrying the feed
block, substantially as and for the purpose herein-before described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Henry Bland, have to this my
Specification set my hand and seal, the Twenty-first day of
December, One thousand eight hundred and seventy-five.
HENRY BLAND. (L.S.)