IMPROVEMENTS IN SEWING MACHINES."
Year: 1877

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Dawes, of Kingston Grove, Leeds, in the County
of York, Engineer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN SEWING MACHINES."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Dawes at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 5th July 1877.
"
WILLIAM DAWES, of Kingston Grove, Leeds, in the County of York, Engineer.
IMPROVEMENTS IN SEWING MACHINES."
The first part of this Invention has reference to the general arrangement of a
shuttle sewing machine, wherein and whereby, without the use of either "bevelled
wheels" or "cams," a longitudinal shuttle race and action are obtained (which are
necessary for what are known as "arm machines"), without dispensing with the
use of the upper longitudinal main shaft and hand wheel. Seeing that it is difficult
without objectionable details to so actuate the shuttle (i.e., longitudinally) from
what may be called the back or wheel end of this shaft, I connect the shuttle carrier
and its rod with the head or needle bar end of the said shaft, obtaining tlie motion
from either the roller or crank pin or connecting rod, or in some cases from the
needle bar itself, according to circumstances. The mechanism I employ for this
purpose consists of simple rods, joints, and levers, one of the latter being a "right
angled" or "bell-crank" lever, for the purpose of converting the vertical into the
horizontal movement or "travel."
The second part of this Invention (in great measure rendered necessary by the
first part) consists in such an arrangement and construction of the shuttle and its
carrier that the usual "dwell" or "dip" of the needle bar and needle is no longer
necessary. For this purpose, or to this end, I construct my shuttle in such a
manner that the line or formation of its under or lower side from point to heel
shall coincide or keep pace with or clear of the eye of the needle as it rises after
forming the loop, and thus it will be only necessary to increase the speed of the
shuttle and decrease the speed of the needle, without any actual "dip" or "dwell,"
to enable the former to pass and clear the loop without difficulty and with less noise
and wear and tear.

page_text: "
The third part of this Invention consists in the construction and use or employ-
ment of a "take-up" action to the shuttle thread, in addition to the usual "take-up
for or to the needle thread, thus rendering the "shuttle tension" also independent
of or not liable to variation from the varying speeds at which the machine may be
worked. This I effect by means of a spring pin or loop, which, at a given time
each stitch, pulls the shuttle thread in a transverse direction, so that at the termi-
nation of the shuttle stroke this pin or loop shall be as nearly as possible opposite
transversely to the thread hole in the shuttle, causing the tension to be also in a
transverse direction, and therefore less dependent upon the actual or definite termi-
nation of the shuttle travel.
"
$6
The fourth part of this Invention consists in an improved "overhead" feed
motion or action, so constructed that the ordinary or a similar " presser foot" or
cloth presser" (used with the under feed) is retained, and the propelling or
feeding" foot is fitted to and partially into this presser foot in such a manner as
to be able to have independently the "four-motion movement for feeding and
spacing the stitches, and still to be lifted by or with the said presser foot for
inserting or changing the work. The necessary working motions of this "feeding
foot" I obtain from the different parts connected with the "head or needle bar
end of the before-named longitudinal shaft.
"
"
The fifth part of this Invention consists in an improved construction and arrange-
ment of what is now known as the "fast-and-loose" hand or balance wheel. To
realize the benefits of the automatic loose or free action of this wheel the backward
way, with the propelling or governing power the forward way, and at the samė
'time to retain its full benefits and utility as a "hand wheel" for raising, lowering,
or otherwise controling or adjusting the height or position of the needle bar and
needle or other parts by either its backward or forward action, I divide it into two,
or, in other words, I construct it as a double or compound wheel, the back or outside
half or portion being fixed rigidly and permanently to the main shaft of the
machine, and the other or inside half, with the sinall "gut' or driving pulley
being left free upon the shaft. I then, by preference, cause the loose half of the
wheel to propel the fast half, and with it the machine, the forward way only by
any suitable or convenient "pawl" action; but for the sake of simplicity and ease
or facility of construction, and to obtain durability, by taking the "grip" at some
distance from the shaft, I prefer to effect this propulsion by a number of cones,
rollers, or balls fitted loosely into suitable chambers or recesses in the one half of
this compound wheel to "grip" or bite against or upon the other half, and thus
give motion in one direction and freedom in the other direction, and at the same
time, by making one half (by preference the outside half) of the wheel a fixture
upon the shaft, the benefits and conveniences of the original simple fast band wheel
are united to, and realized with, and in addition to those of the automatic fast
and loose. wheel. In some cases I also employ a slight "one-way" break action,
sufficient to prevent the friction of the loose wheel, or the loose half of the com-
pound wheel, upon the main shaft from turning the machine the wrong or backward
way, but so slight as to be scarcely recognizable by hand when using the 'fast half
of the wheel.
.
The sixth part of this Invention consists in an improved method of fixing or
attaching the needle to the needle bar, so as to reduce the difficulties and the time
required. In carrying out this part of my Invention, or, in other words, this part
of my improved machine, I construct the needle bar as a tube, or whatever the
section of the bar may be, whether round, square, or oblong, I construct it with
either a hole or a groove (by preference the former) straight through from end to
end, and I make the needle with a long head, shank, or enlarged part to fit and fill
this hole, the needle being inserted or withdrawn at or from the top end of the
needle bar, the "tightening up" being effected by a tapered screw or nut or any
other convenient method, and by preference at the bottom end of the needle bar.
In some cases I provide what may be called. a permanent "needle head" or shank
or "needle holder" to fit inside the tubular needle bar, and into which the ordinary

page_text: sewing machine needle can be inserted before being, jointly with the separate and
permanent shank or holder, placed and secured into the needle bar.
"
The seventh part of this Invention consists in the use or employment of "buffer
or cushioning springs to certain reciprocating or vibratory parts of the machine, for
the purpose of lightening and quietening their action and increasing their dura-
bility. I some cases I employ for this purpose separate spirál, "helical," or other
springs; but in other cases; where it is practicable, I substitute the spring for the
joint, and thus obtain both "duties or benefit, joint and cushion, with great
simplicity and permanence, and without the use of oil or other lubricant.
"
The eighth part of this Invention consists in a simple method of increasing the
durability of the bearing surfaces of the centre of the main driving wheel, which
receives its motion from the "pitman" and treadle. For this purpose I prolong the
stationary pin or stud upon which the wheel revolves, until it is at last level with
the "crank pin," that is, so that the latter shall not "overhang" the former, and
I then construct a free bend or neck of about half a circle in the "pitman
connecting rod, equivalent to this prolongation, to enable it to pass the same at the
'top centre,” and thus “wearing oval" in the bearings will be avoided.
"
or
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said William Dawes in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 4th January
1878.
WILLIAM DAWES, of Kingston Grove, Leeds, in the County of York, Engineer.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN SEWING MACHINES."
The first part of this Invention has reference to the general arrangement of a
shuttle sewing machine, wherein and whereby, without the use of either bevelled
wheels or cams, a longitudinal shuttle race and action are obtained or rendered
practicable (which are necessary for what are known as arm machines) without
dispensing with the use of the upper longitudinal main shaft and hand wheel.
Seeing that it is difficult, without objectionable mechanical parts or details, to so
actuate the shuttle (that is, longitudinally) from what may be called the back or
wheel end of this shaft, I connect the shuttle carrier and its rod with the head or
needle bar end of the said shaft, obtaining the motion from either the roller or crank
pin or connecting rod, or in some cases from the needle bar itself, according to cir-
cumstances. The mechanism I employ for this purpose consists of simple rods,
joints, and levers, one of the latter being a "right angled" or bell-crank lever for
the purpose of converting the vertical into the horizontal movement or travel.
"
The second part of this Invention (in great measure rendered necessary by the
first part) consists in such an arrangement and construction of the shuttle and its
carrier that the usual "dwell" or "dip" of the needle bar and needle is no longer
necessary. For this purpose or to this end I construct my shuttle in such a
manner that the line or formation of its under or lower side from point to heel
shall slope upwards, so as to coincide or keep pace with or clear of the eye of the
needle as it rises after forming the loop for the shuttle to pass through, and thus it
will be only necessary to increase the speed of the shuttle and decrease the speed of

page_text: the needle during that portion of its upward travel or ascent, without any 'actual
dip or dwell, to enable the former to pass and clear the loop without difficulty,
and with less noise and wear and tear.
The third part of this Invention consists in the construction and use or employ-
ment of a "take-up" action or movement to the shuttle thread, in addition to the
usual "take-up" for or to the needle thread, thus rendering the shuttle tension also
independent of or not liable to variation from the varying speeds at which the
machine may be worked. This I effect by means of a spring or other pin or loop
(hook), which, at a given time each stitch, pulls the shuttle thread in a transverse
direction, so that at the termination of the forward shuttle stroke or travel this pin
or loop shall be as nearly as possible opposite transversely to the thread hole in the
shuttle, causing the tension to be also in a transverse direction, and less dependent
upon the actual or definite termination of the shuttle travel.
"
The fourth part of this Invention consists in an improved "overhead" feed motion
or action, so constructed that the ordinary or a similar " presser foot" or "cloth
presser" (used with the under feed) is retained, in addition to the propelling or
feeding foot, which is fitted to or against and partially into or round this presser
foot, and in such a manner as to be able to have independently the "four-motion
movement for feeding and spacing the stitches, and still to be lifted by or with the
said presser or steadying foot for inserting or changing the work. The necessary
working motions of this feeding foot I obtain by cams or other suitable means
in connection with the head or needle bar end of the before-named longitudinal
shaft.
The fifth part of this Invention consists in an improved construction and arrange-
ment of what is now known as the "fast-and-loose" hand or balance wheel. To
realise the benefits of the automatic loose or free action of this wheel the backward
way, with the propelling and governing power the forward way, and at the same
time to retain its full benefits and utility as a "hand wheel" for raising, lowering,
or otherwise controlling or adjusting the height or position of the needle bar and
needle, shuttle, or other parts, by either its backward or forward action, I divide
it into two, or, in other words, I construct it as a double or compound wheel, the
back or outside half or portion being fixed rigidly and permanently to or upon the
main shaft of the machine, and the other or inside half or portion, with the small
"gut" or driving wheel or pulley, being left free upon the shaft. I then cause the
loose half or part of this compound wheel to propel the fast half, and with it the
machine, the forward way only, by any suitable or convenient pawl action; but for
the sake of simplicity, and ease or facility of construction, and to obtain durability
by taking the "grip" at some distance from the shaft, I prefer to effect this one-way
grip or propulsion by a number of rollers, cones, or balls, fitted loosely into pear-
shaped or other suitable chambers or recesses in the one half of the wheel to grip or
bite against or upon the other half, and thus give motion to the machine the forward
way and freedom from motion the backward way, as regards and in connection
with the treadle and treadling, and at the same time retain, as herein-before
explained, the full benefits and conveniences of the original simple hand wheel.
In some cases I form the recesses and employ the rollers in the rim of the wheel,
and in those machines which are so constructed that the main wheel constitutes and
'substitutes (answers for) the hand or balance wheel, both for hand adjustment and
shuttle spool winding, I divide and otherwise construct this wheel in accordance with
the foregoing description, so that similar benefits or conveniences may be realized.
In some cases I also employ a slight "one-way" reversed break action, sufficient
to prevent the friction of the loose wheel, or the loose half or part of the wheel,
from turning the machine the backward way, but so slight as to be scarcely
recognizable by the hand when using the fast half of the wheel for adjusting.
The sixth part of this Invention consists in an improved method of fixing or
attaching the needle to the needle bar, so as to reduce the difficulties and the time
required. In carrying out this part of my Invention or improved machine, I
construct the needle bar as a tube, or whatever the section of the bar may be,

page_text: whether round, square, or oblong, I construct it with either a hole or a groove or
other equivalent, and I make the needle with a long head, shank, or enlarged part
to fit and fill this hole, groove, or other substitute; and in some cases I provide what
may be called a separate or permanent needle head or shank or needle holder, into
which the ordinary sewing machine needle can be inserted, in lieu of the needle and
shank or head being made in one piece," and in both cases the inserting and with-
drawing can be effected at the top or side of the needle bar, the "tightening up"
being effected by a cone and screw, a tapered screw and nut, or any other convenient
method.
The seventh part of this Invention consists in the use or employment of "buffer"
or cushioning springs to certain reciprocating or vibrating parts of the machine, for
the purpose of lightening and quietening their action, and increasing their dura-
bility. In some cases I employ for this purpose separate flat, spiral, helical, or other
springs; but in other cases, where it is practicable, I substitute the spring for the
joint, and thus obtain both duties or benefits, joint and cushion, with great simplicity
and permanence, and without the use of oil or other lubricant.
The eighth part of this Invention consists in simple method of increasing the
durability of the bearing surfaces of the centre of the main driving wheel, which
receives its motion from the "pitman" and treadle. For this purpose I prolong the
stationary pin or stud upon which the wheel revolves until it is at least level with
the outer end of the "crank pin," that is, so that the latter shall not overhang the
former, and I then construct a free bend or neck of about half a circle in the
"pitinan or connecting rod equivalent to this prolongation, to enable it to pass
the same at the " top centre," and thus the tendency to wear oval in the main
bearings will be obviated.
"
In the accompanying Drawings, which are intended to illustrate my Invention,
Figures 1 and 2 refer to the first, fifth, and seventh parts, and show two arrange-
ments for working the shuttle longitudinally from the head or needle bar end of the
machine, explained in the first part; the section of the compound hand wheel,
explained in the fifth part; and the permanent spring joints or joint substitutes,
explained in the seventh part.
Figures 3 and 4 refer to the second part; Figure 5, to the third part; Figures
and 7, to the fourth part; Figures 8, 9, and part of 1, to the fifth part; Figure 10,
to the sixth part; and Figure 11, to the eighth part.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of the said In-
vention, and the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried into effect, I
wish it to be understood that I do not confine or restrict myself to the precise details
or arrangements which I have described or referred to, as many modifications and
variations may be made therefrom without deviating from the principles or main
features of the said Invention; but what I consider to be novel and original, and
therefore claim as the Invention secured to me by the herein-before in part recited
Letters Patent is,-
First. The general arrangement of machine, wherein the "shuttle carrier" and
shuttle are worked longitudinally from the head or needle bar end of the main shaft
of the machine.
Second. The constructing of the shuttle in such a manner that the formation,
slope, or angle of its under edge or side shall so coincide with the rise or ascent of
the eye of the needle that absolute "dip" or "dwell" is unnecessary.
Third. The application of a transverse pulling shuttle "take-up" for rendering
the shuttle tension as uniform as the needle tension.
Fourth. The improved overhead feed, with the "cloth presser" foot, for steadying
the work in addition to the feeding foot.
Fifth. The use and application of a compound or double hand, balance, or main
wheel, with one part fast and the other loose, for the purpose of rendering the
automatic use of the "fast-and-loose" wheel practicable.
Sixth. The improved system or method of fixing or removing the needle, so as to
render the operation casier and quicker.

page_text: Seventh. The use and application of cushioning springs, or spring joints, or joint
substitutes to some of the reciprocating parts.
"
And, Eighth. The improved construction of the main central bearings and con-
necting rod or pitman" end for increasing their durability, for the purposes and
virtually as or after the manner herein-before explained and set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Dawes, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Third day of January, in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and seventy-eight.
.
Witness,
GEORGE SUART,
Staveley,
Westmorland.
WILLIAM DAWES. (L.S.)