IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR FORMING SCREW THREADS ON BOLTS AND IN NUTS
Year: 1877

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Henry Johnson, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the
County of Middlesex, Gentleman, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR FORMING SCREW THREADS ON BOLTS AND
IN NUTS." A communication from abroad by Samuel Sharpless Townsend, of
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America.
aled the 27th October 1877, and dated the 16th May 1877.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Henry Johnson at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 16th May 1877..
JOHN HENRY JOHNSON, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the County of Middlesex,
Gentleman. "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR FORMING SCREW
THREADS ON BOLTS AND IN NUTS." A communication from abroad by Samuel
Sharpless Townsend, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America.
The first part of the Invention consists of certain novel mechanism, herein-after
described, for cutting the screw threads of bolts with rapidity.
In carrying out this part of the Invention there is mounted in the frame of the
machine a suitable number of horizontal shafts or spindles which turn therein, and
at the outer end of each shaft is a cylindrical block or head, in which, at equal
distances from each other, are hung three levers, each of the latter being connected
by a link to a sleeve arranged to slide on the shaft. A pin passes through the
sleeve, and through a slot in the shaft, so that the sleeve shall turn with the shaft:
Against the pin bears the inner end of a rod which slides freely in an opening in
the centre of the head. In the said sleeve is an annular groove, into which project
the branches of a forked lever, hinged to a fixed bracket. Between guides, in front
of each head, slides a carriage to a hand lever, at the rear of which are hung two
pawls, each of the latter being adapted to the teeth of a rack at the under side of
one of the guides. From the carriage a plate projects downwards, in which. plate
is an opening for the admission of a rod, the latter being jointed at its inner end to
the forked lever, and bent at its outer end. To the projecting plate, before men- .
tioned, is secured one end of a cord which passes over a pulley, and is secured to a
weight. In the carriage is an opening, in which a holder is confined by adjusting
screws; and in the side of this holder, opposite the head, is a slot, and into a square
Price fid 1

page_text: recess in the holder projects the end of a set screw. In the outer end of each lever
of the heads is a recess arranged for the reception of a screw-cutting die, against
the upper end of which bears a set screw, the cutter being retained within the
recess by a clasp or strap, which is caused to bear firmly against the cutter by a
gib and key. The blank bolt is placed in the holder, so that its shank shall project
through the slot, and its head rest in the square recess; the holder is then adjusted,
so that the shank of the bolt shall be directly on a line with the rod in the head.
Rotary motion is imparted to the shaft by any suitable system of gearing, and the
carriage is moved towards the head by operating the levers and pawls until the
end of each bolt is introduced between the cutters. As the cutters are carried
round with the head they gradually cut a thread in the end of the bolt, and draw
the latter back until its end is brought against the end of the rod in the head.
As this rod is forced back by the bolt the sleeve and forked lever are moved away
from the head, and the levers of the head are thus elevated, the cutters being lifted
from contact with the bolt, and the carriage being thus at liberty to be drawn
quickly forward by the weight.
As the carriage approaches the limit of its forward motion the piate projecting
from the carriage is brought against the bent end of the rod connected to the forked
lever, and the latter and the sleeve are thus drawn forward, and the levers of the
head are moved to their original position preparatory to the introduction of
another bolt into the holder, and a repetition of the above-described operation.
It is desirable that a number of spindles, holders, and carriages should be
arranged on one frame, as one attendant can attend to the cutting of threads of
several bolts at one time.
The second part of the Invention consists of certain mechanism, herein-after
described, for rapidly cutting screw threads in the nuts of bolts.
In carrying out this part of the Invention the base of the machine, resting on
suitable legs, has projecting from it a cylindrical column, a portion of which has
screw threads cut on it, the remaining portion being plain, and the upper end being
reduced in diameter at where a collar is.formed. A shaft is mounted horizontally,
so as to be capable of turning at one end in the base, and near the opposite end in
This shaft is
a bracket which is secured to the under side of the said base.
furnished with fast and loose pulleys and cone pulleys, one of the latter being fast
on the shaft, and having a conical hub or projection adapted to a conical recess in
the other cone pulley, the latter being loose on the shaft, and being under the
control of a lever or treadle which is hung to a pin on the bracket, and the long
arm of which is connected to the base by a coiled spring, which tending to raise
the long arm of the treadle causes the short arm to maintain the loose cone pulley
in such intimate contact with the other cone pulley, that both must revolve
together. A hemispherical cup or reservoir is fitted snugly, but so as to slide
freely on the plain portion of the column, the reservoir resting on a collar which has
internal screw threads adapted to the threads before mentioned, and which has
suitable handles, by means of which the collar can be turned, and, acting as a nut,
Berve to raise or lower the reservoir. A circular plate is provided, a central hub on
which fits the reduced portion of the column, and rests on the collar before men-
tioned, and this plate is connected to a lower plate by a series of vertical rods
arranged in a circle concentric with the column. Another plate below the last-
mentioned plate fits loosely on the central column, and this plate is connected to the
intermediate plate by a tube. The circular plates are thus permanently connected
to each other, and are arranged to revolve together on the central column, the weight
of the plate and the appliances connected therewith being supported by the collar
before mentioned.
A tubular projection is formed in the interior of the reservoir, the upper edge of
this tube projecting into an annular space formed on the under side of the lowest
plate; a receptacle is thus formed to receive a supply of oil or other suitable fluid
necessary in operating with the machine.
On the under side of the upper plate are a series of hollow projections arranged

page_text: in a circle concentric with the column, and into each projection a sleeve fits snugly,
but so as to revolve freely, the upper end of each sleeve terminating in a pinion
which gears into a central toothed wheel, the latter being secured to a bevel wheel,
so that both may revolve together, and independently of the said plate. A shaft is
arranged to turn in a bracket secured to the upper end of the column, this shaft being
provided with a cone pulley similar to and driven from the fixed cone pulley on the
lower horizontal shaft. The shaft has also a bevel pinion arranged to gear into the
bevel wheel before mentioned.
On the edge of the upper plate are formed inclined teeth adapted to the threads
of a worm on another shaft, which is arranged to turn in a bracket secured to the
bracket last mentioned, this shaft being furnished with a cone pulley similar to and
driven from the cone pulley which is fitted loosely upon the lower shaft, but engages
with the fixed cone pulley, as before mentioned. In each of the sleeves the upper
end of a spindle is arranged to fit snugly, a key being secured to the sleeve, and
fitting into a groove in the spindle, so that while the latter can move freely in a
vertical direction it cannot turn independently of the sleeve. The lower portion of
each spindle passes through and turns in the intermediate plate, below which it is
furnished with the screw tap which is attached to the spindle, the chuck having a
stem which is arranged to be screwed into one of the spindles. A square opening
is made in the lower end of this chuck for the reception of the square upper end
of the screwing tap, the end of the tap which enters the chuck having a notch on
each of the four sides, so that a pin acted on by a spring can penetrate any one of
the said notches, and thus retain the screwing tap in its place.
It should be understood that the end of this pin is so rounded and the notches
so formed that the tap can be readily withdrawn by a slight effort.
Threads are formed on the screwing tap on the lower portion of the same, the tap
throughout the greater portion of its length being plain, and less in diameter than
the screwing portion. Each spindle is provided with a collar which is arranged to
come in contact with and slide over the inclined surface of a stationary cam, which
is secured to the central column, this cam being of such a length and so formed as
to raise each spindle in succession, and maintain it in an elevated position for a
short time during the operation of the machine.
Directly beneath each spindle, and in the lowest plate, is secured a chuck, in
which a dovetailed recess is formed for the reception of one of the nuts to be
3. screwed, this recess being of sufficient width at the top to permit the nut to pass
vertically in and out of the recess. A bent plate is secured to the under side of the
lowest plate adjacent to the last-mentioned chuck for the purpose of preventing.
the taps from falling from the spindles and through the chucks into the reservoir.
The operator is seated on a stool placed directly in front of the machine, so that
the treadle is accessible to one of his feet, and near him is a tray or other suitable
receptacle containing the nuts to be screwed. As the machine turns, the spindle
directly in front of the operator is elevated to its highest position by the cam, the
end of the tap being above the chuck in the lowest plate, so that the operator can
slide one of the nuts horizontally into the above-described dovetailed recess of the
chuck. As the machine continues to turn, the spindle which had been elevated
gradually moves away from and becomes free from the control of the stationary
cam, and consequently the spindle falls, and the tap enters the opening of the nut.
In the meantime, as the machine continues to revolve, another chuck presents itself
for the reception of another nut, and this is continued as the machine turns.
screwed portion of every tap passes through each nut, and into the oil in the
reservoir, so that it is in a proper lubricated condition to act on another nut. The
plain portion of each tap gradually becomes loaded with screwed nuts, and when it
will hold no more the attendant withdraws the tap from the chuck, and, after
stripping off the nuts, replaces the tap in the chuck. As the tap enters the nut in
the first instance it has a tendency to turn it round, and pull it out of the recess; but
this is prevented by the dovetailed form of the said recess, for, as the nut turns, its
corners become jammed in the inclined sides, and is rendered incapable of either..
The

page_text: turning round in the recess or being withdrawn therefrom. The depth to which
the tap is caused to penetrate the lubricating fluid in the reservoir is regulated by
the altitude of the same, and this can be adjusted at pleasure by a nut. When the
machine is in full operation each spindle turns on its own axis, and at the same
time the whole of the spindles turn together round the central column, but it may
be necessary to retard the last movement, while the former continues. In order to
effect this the operator presses the treadle, and throws the two cone pulleys out of
gear with each other, so that the further rotation of the spindles round the central
column is arrested, to be renewed, however, the moment the operator removes his
foot from the treadle.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said John Henry Johnson in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
6th November 1877.
"JOHN HENRY JOHNSON, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the County of Middlesex,
Gentleman. "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR FORMING SCREW
THREADS ON BOLTS AND IN NUTS." A communication from abroad by Samuel
Sharpless Townsend, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America.
The first part of the said Invention consists of certain novel mechanism, herein-
after fully described, for cutting the screw threads of bolts with rapidity, and is
illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 of the Drawing hereunto annexed, Figure 1
representing a sectional elevation of the improved bolt-cutting machine; Figure 2,
a plan; and Figures 3, 4, and 5, detached views.
Similar letters refer to similar parts throughout the several views.
A represents part of the frame of the machine in which turn any suitable
number of horizontal shafts B, at the outer end of each of which is a cylindrical
block or head C, in which, at equal distances from each other, are hung three levers
D, D, D, each of the latter being connected by a link a to a sleeve E, arranged to
slide on the shaft B. A pin c passes through the sleeve E, and through a slot x in
the shaft, so that the sleeve shall turn with the shaft. Against the pin c bears the
inner end of a rod e, which slides freely in an opening in the centre of the head C.
In the said sleeve is an annular groove d, into which project the branches of a
forked lever F hinged to a bracket G. Between the guides H, H, in front of each
head C slides a carriage I to a hand lever J, at the rear of which are hung two.
pawls f, each of the latter being adapted to the teeth of a rack g at the under side
of one of the guides H. From the carriage I a plate projects downwards, in
which plate is an opening for the admission of a rod K, the latter being jointed at
its inner end to the lever F, and bent at its outer end, as shown in Figures 1 and 3.
To the plate is secured one end of a cord i which passes over a pulley L, and is
secured to a weight M. In the carriage I is an opening in which a holder N is
confined by adjusting screws m, m, and n, and in the side of this holder opposite
the head C is a slot y, and into a square recess w in the holder projects the end of
a set screw n¹. In the outer end of each lever D is a recess arranged for the
reception of a screw-cutting die P, against the upper end of which bears a set
screw p, the cutter being retained within the recess by a clasp or strap q, which is
caused to bear firmly against the cutter by a gib and key 8.
The blank bolt X is placed in the holder N, so that its shank shall project through
the slot y, and its head rest in the square recess w. The holder N is then adjusted
so that the shank of the bolt shall be directly in a line with the rod e in the head C.
The different parts of the machine are now brought to the position shewn in
Figure 1; a rotatory motion is imparted to the shafts B by any suitable system of
gearing, and the carriage I is moved towards the head C by operating the levers J
and pawls until the end of each bolt is introduced between the cutters P. As the

page_text: cutters are carried round with the head they gradually cut a thread in the end of
the bolt, and draw the latter back until its end is brought against the end of the
rod e.
As this rod is forced back by the bolt the sleeve Ę and lever F are moved
away from the head C, and the levers D are thus elevated to the position shown in
Figure 3, the cutters being lifted from contact with the bolt, and the carriage being
thus at liberty to be drawn quickly forward by the weight M.
As the carriage approaches the limit of its forward motion the plate his brought
against the bent end of the rod K; the lover F and the sleeve E are thus drawn
forward, and the levers D are moved to their original position preparatory to the
introduction of another bolt into the holder, and a repitition of the above-described
operation.
It is desirable that a number of spindles, holders, and carriages should be arranged
on one frame, as one attandant can attend to the cutting of threads of several bolts
at one time.
The second part of the said Invention, which is illustrated in Figures 6, 7, 8, and
9 of the Drawing, consists of certain mechanism, herein-after described, for rapidly
cutting screw threads in the nuts of bolts.
Figure 6 is a vertical section of the improved nut-screwing machine; Figure 7,
a front view; Figure 8, a sectional plan of the same; and Figure 9, a view partly
in section of a detached portion of the machine drawn to an enlarged scale.
Similar letters refer to similar parts throughout the several views.
A is the base of the machine resting on suitable legs a, from which base projects
the cylindrical column B, a portion of which at b has screw threads cut on it, the
remaining portion being plain, and the upper end being reduced in diameter at d,
where a shoulder d' is formed. C is a shaft turning at one end in the base A, and
near the opposite end in a bracket D, which is secured to the under side of tho
said base. This shaft is furnished with the fast and loose pulleys e and el, a conc
pulley f, and another cone pulley h, the pulley f being fast on the shaft, and having a
conical hub or projection i adapted to a conical recess in the pulley h, whilst the
latter is loose on the shaft, and is under the control of a lever or treadle E, which
is hung to a pin on the bracket D, and the long arm of which is connected to the
base A by a coiled spring F, which, tending to raise the long arm of the treadle E,
causes the short arm to maintain the pulley h in such intimate contact with the
pulley that both must revolve together. G is a hemispherical cup or reservoir fitted -
snugly, but so as to slide freely on the plain portion of the column B, the reservoir
resting on a collar H, which has internal screw threads adapted to the threads b;
and which has suitable handles k, by means of which the collar can be turned, and,
acting as a nut, serve to raise or lower the reservoir; H' is a circular plate,
the central hub of which fits the reduced portion of the column and rests on
the shoulder ; and this plate H is connected to a lower plate I by a series of
vertical rods m, arranged in a circle concentric with the column, as shewn most
clearly in the plan, Figure 8. Another plate J fits loosely on the central column,
and this plate is connected to the plate I by the tube n. The circular plate H, I,
and J are thus permanently connected to each other, and are arranged to revolve
together on the central column B, the weight of the plate and the appliances con-
nected therewith being supported by the shoulder d².
It will be seen, on reference to Figure 6, that a tubular projection p is formed in
the interior of the reservoir G, the upper edge of which tube projects into an
annular space formed on the under side of tlie plate J; a receptacle q is thus
formed for the reception of a supply of oil or other suitable fluid necessary in
operating with the machine.
On the under side of the plate H₁ are a series of hollow projections r, arranged
in a circle concentric with the column, and into each projection a sleeve K fits
snugly, but so as to revolve freely, the upper end of each sleeve terminating in a
pinion t, which gears into the central toothed wheel M, the latter being secured to
the bevel wheel N, so that both may revolve together, and independently of the
plate H. A shaft P is arranged to turn on a bracket Q, secured to the upper end.

page_text: of the column, this shaft being provided with a cone pulley R similar to and driven
from the pulley on the shaft C. The shaft P has also a bevel pinion T arranged
to gear into the wheel N.
On the edge of the circular plate H¹ are formed inclined teeth adapted to the
threads of a worm U on the shaft V, which is arranged to turn in a bracket W
secured to the bracket Q, such shaft being furnished with a cone pulley x similar to
and driven from the pulley h. In each of the sleeves K the upper end of a spindle
w is arranged to fit snugly, a key being secured to the sleeve, and fitting into a
groove in the spindle, so that while the latter can move freely in a vertical direction
it cannot turn independently of the sleeve. The lower portion of each spindle
passes through and turns in the plate I, below which it is furnished with the screw.
tap y, which is attached to the spindle in the manner shewn most clearly in the
enlarged view, Figure 9, in which Y represents a chuck, the stem v of which is
arranged to be screwed into one of the spindles w. A square opening is made in the
lower end of this chuck for the reception of the square upper end of the screwing
tap y, the end of the tap which enters the chuck having a notch on each of the
four sides, so that a pin 3, acted on by a spring 4, can penetrate any one of the said.
notches, and thus retain the screwing tap in its place.
It should be understood that the end of this pin is so rounded, and the notches
so formed, that the tap can be readily withdrawn by a slight effort.
Threads are formed on the screwing tap y on the lower portion only of the same,
the tap throughout the greater portion of its length being plain, and less in diameter
than the screwing portion. Each spindle is provided with a collar 5, which is
arranged to come in contact with a slide over the inclined surface of the stationary
cam 6, which is secured to the central colum, this cam being of such a length and
so formed as to raise each spindle in succession, and maintain it in an elevated
position for a short time during the operation of the machine.
Directly beneath each spindle, and in the plate J, is secured a chuck 7, Figure 9,
in which a dovetailed recess is formed for the reception of one of the nuts to bo
screwed, this recess being of sufficient width at the top to permit the nut to pass
vertically in and out of the recess. A bent plate g is secured to the under side of
the plate J, adjacent to the chuck 7, for the purpose of preventing the taps from
falling from the spindles, and through the chucks 7 into the interior q of the
reservoir G.
The operator is seated on a stool placed directly in front of the machine, so that
the treadle is accessible to one of his feet, and near him is a tray, or other suitable
receptacle, containing the nuts to be screwed. As the machine turns, the spindle
directly in front of the operator is elevated to its highest position by the cam 6,
the end of the tap being above the chuck in the plate J, so that the operator can
slide one of the nuts horizontally into the above-described dovetailed recess of the
chuck. As the machine continues to turn, the spindle which had been elevated
gradually moves away from and becomes free from the control of the stationary
cam 6, and consequently the spindle falls, and the tap enters the opening of the nut..
In the meantime, as the machine continues to revolve, another chuck presents itself
for the reception of another nut, and this is continued as the machine turas. The
screwed portion of every tap passes through each nut, and into the oil in the
reservoir, so that it is in a proper lubricated condition to act on another nut. The
plain portion of each tap gradually becomes loaded with screwed nuts, as shewn in
Figure 9, and when it will hold no more the attendant withdraws the tap from the
chuck Y, and, after stripping off the nuts, replaces the tap in the chuck. As the
tap enters the nut in the first instance it has a tendency to turn it round, and pull
it out of the recess; but this is prevented by the dovetailed form of the said recess,
for as the nut turns its corners become jammed in the inclined sides, and is rendered
incapable of either turning round in the recess or being withdrawn therefrom.
The depth to which the tap is caused to penetrate the lubricating fluid in the
reservoir G is regulated by the altitude of the same, and this can be adjusted at.
pleasure by the nut H. When the machine is in full operation each spindle turns,

page_text: on its own axis, and at the same time the whole of the spindles turn together round
the central column B, but it may be necessary to retard the last movement, while
the former continues. In order to effect this the operator presses the treadle E,
and throws the wheel hout of gear with the wheel f, so that the further rotation of the
spindles round the central column is arrested, to be renewed, however, the moment
the operator removes his foot from the treadle.
It will thus be seen, without further description, that the operation of screwing
the nuts is continuous, and that it is accomplished with the greatest rapidity.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of the said Inven-
tion, 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 Invention secured to me by the herein-before in part recited
Letters Patent is,-
First. The general construction, arrangement, and combination of parts consti-
tuting a machine for formning screw threads on bolts, substantially as herein-before
described and illustrated by Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 of the accompanying
Drawings.
Second. The general construction, arrangement, and combination of parts consti-
tuting a nut-threading machine, in which a series of taps are arranged in a circle,
and caused to revolve round the centre of the same and round their own axes, sub-
stantially as herein-before described and illustrated by Figures 6, 7, 8, and 9 of the
Drawings.
Third. The plate J, with its chucks 7, and the dovetailed recesses in the same in
combination with the said revolving taps, as herein-before described and illustrated
by Figure 9 of the Drawings.
Fourth. The combination of the spindles and their taps with the adjustable
reservoir G, as herein-before described and illustrated by Figure 6 of the
Drawings.
Fifth. The plate y, arranged beneath the plate J, substantially as and for the
purposes herein-before described and as illustrated by Figure 9 of the Drawings.
Sixth. The pinion T on the shaft P, the bevel wheel N, and the toothed wheel M
and sleeves K, with their pinions t, the whole being arranged and operating
substantially as herein-before described and illustrated by Figure 6 of the
Drawings.
Seventh. The shaft C, with its wheels and
adapted to each other, as set forth,
in combination with the spring treadle E, as herein-before described and illustrated
by Figure 6 of the Drawing hereunto annexed.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Henry Johnson, have to this my
Specification set my hand and seal, this Fifth day of November, One
thousand eight hundred and seventy-seven.
J. HENRY JOHNSON. (LS.)