IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY AND APPARATUS FOR JOINING LEATHER AND FLEXIBLE AND TEXTILE MATERIALS, AND FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF BOOTS AND SHOES AND OTHER COVERINGS FOR THE FEET
Year: 1862

page_text: LEITERS PATENT to Richard Waller, of Baker Street. Portman Square,
in the County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer. For the Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY AND APPARATUS FOR JOINING LEATHER AND
FLEXIBLE AND TEXTILE MATERIALS, AND FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF BOOTS
AND SHOES AND OTHER COVERINGS FOR THE FEET."
Sealed the 22nd August 1862. and dated the 24th February 1862.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Richard Waller at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition. on the
24th February 1862.
1. RICHARD WALLER, of Baker Street, Portman Square, in the County
of Middlesex, Civil Engineer. do hereby declare the nature of the said
Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY AND APPARATUS FOR JOINING
LEATHER AND FLEXIBLE AND TEXTILE MATERIALS, AND FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF
BOOTS AND SHOES AND OTHER COVERINGS FOR THE FEET." to be as follows:-
This Invention relates to the construction and arrangement of machinery,
apparatus, and processes whereby leather and flexible and textile materials and
fabrics may be joined and combined, and such articles as boots and shoes and
other coverings for the feet made thereof and finished without the use of the
manual labour, or treatment ordinarily employed for such purposes, and con-
[Price 8d.]

page_text: stituting improvements on an Invention for which Letters Patent were granted
to me, bearing date the Fourteenth day of March, One thousand eight hundred
and fifty-nine, and numbered 640.
The first part of this Invention relates to machinery and means for finishing
the soles and heels before they are fixed to the uppers of boots and shoes or
other coverings for the feet.
In the process of making heels, hides of leather, or pieces of the other
material employed, are cut into strips of the required widths. The end of the
strip is made to enter a guide between a set of rollers, which are arranged so
as to be adjusted to the width and thickness of the material which passes
between them, the guide piece being at the mouth of the rollers to conduct the
leather. The rollers are covered with a flexible or textile material, and have
sharp points or projections on their surfaces at required intervals, so as to
penetrate the strip, but which points must be so placed as not to injure the
face of the material with which they are in contact. The heel punch, by
which the pieces or "lifts" are cut, consists of a cutter, which is fixed on the
head of a cylinder or barrel, the latter having the required number of prickers
fixed into it, so that at the same time the material is cut or punched out,
the piece so punched is pricked with holes to correspond with the number of
rivets which the heel is to receive. A cylinder is provided with openings at
the sides, so that lugs or projections will slide in them, and in this cylinder
there are two other cylinders free to move therein, the one being hollow, on
which is fixed a cutter punch, the piercers or prickers being also fixed on the
same head, the other of such cylinders being solid, and which pushes the
leather into an instrument called a carrier wheel at the instant of being passed
through the rollers, and cut or punched. The pusher has holes in it cor-
responding with the prickers already alluded to. A bed or other means should
be used to resist the pressure of the blade of the heel punch and the prickers,
and for this purpose a moveable piece is employed (which is called the punch
bed), the same being made to work so that the strip is supported by it at the
time of punching. The punch bed has a groove sunk in it the shape and
size of the blade of the heel punch, and also holes to correspond with the
prickers. The punch bed is caused to move back, and the pusher moves
forward, pushing before it the piece which has that moment been cut from the
strip, when it is permitted to fall into a box to receive it, or otherwise be
pushed into the carrier wheel. Instead of the pieces being allowed to fall
into a box, to be taken from thence to build the heel and shape the same, they
may as they are cut or punched be pushed into a carrier wheel, which is
divided into compartments, and which revolves on a pin or bolt; the pieces as

page_text: they are cut or punched being pushed into one of these compartments or
sheds to the number required for the thickness of the heel, but before the
carrier wheel leaves this position the heel has to receive the rivets with which
at this stage the heel is kept together. The rivets are supplied to the heels
by means of wires in convenient lengths divided into rivets of a wedge shape,
but uncut. The thick end offers a means for palls or detents, which act as
pushers, sufficient in the depth of the head to get the mechanical force so
as to force them into the wheel. The rivets are of sufficient length to go
through the heel and the inner sole, and firmly to secure the heel by clenching
it to the soles and the vamps or uppers. These wires are in guides, and pass
through a plate, which is called a wire plate, into another plate called the rivet
holder. The face of the plate or rivet holder is made to move by running its
face against the under plate, and cutting all the rivets at once; it instantly
returns, and the thin ends of the next set of rivets are made to push those
now cut, which are in the rivet holder forward to meet any piece of leather
which is punched and pushed into the shed of the carrier wheel in which the
process of building the heel is going on. So soon as the number of picces
required for the heel have been pushed into the shed, the carrier or wheel
moves instantly and presents another shed to be filled as above described.
While the heel is being built in the shed as described, those which are already
in the sheds of the carrier are going through the process of being pushed
out of the shed, and also of being shaped by means of a revolving cutter,
actuated by mechanical arrangements adapted for the purpose. After the
heels have been cut and shaped as described above, they then receive the
black dye, and having been dried are damped or steeped in water at any
required temperature until the sides, at least, or the whole heel is softened.
The heel is then put into the mould, and pressed. The bottom of the mould
or die is convex, to give the requisite form to suit the hollow of the inner
sole, and to dispense with the split lift, which forms a part of the packing of
the heel. Holes are arranged round the bottom of the mould or die for the
purpose of receiving the rivets. The mould or die for the above purpose can
be made in several pieces or in two only. The heel piece is made of hard
metal, the inside of it highly finished and burnished, the heel head being also
burnished.
The process of forming the soles, and the apparatus employed for sucli
purpose may be now mentioned. The soles must be cut as nearly as possible
to the shape and size required, they are then submitted to moisture or damp.
as above described in reference to the heels. The mould or die is fixed in the
same manner as the moulds or dies of the heels, which is on a bed and adjusted

page_text: by means of dogs or other well known means to make them firm. The bottom
of the mould or die rises a convenient distance above the heel, which is convex,
and raised up and on the die are the forms, curves, or sweeps of the soles, the
inner part of the upper mould or die corresponding therewith. A cam rises on the
bottom die or mould all the way round. The upper part of the mould or die
is concave, and corresponds with the forms, curves, or sweeps of the under part.
of the mould or die which has to fit into the rim. Before the soles are put
into the dies, the edges are blacked or dyed, and having been damped, are
then brought to the action of the mould or die. The rim prevents the leather
die m
from spreading, and thereby presses it against the sides thereof which are
polished, thereby effecting one main object of this Invention, which is to
finish the edges of the soles and heels before being connected with the uppers
or vamps. The soles are cut a little larger than the dimensions of the rim
at the bottom of the die, so that when the operator places the sole into the
under mould or die. the use of a templet the size of the mould or die will be
found of service. The moulds or dies are constructed so that heat can be
given to them when required by means of hollow cylinders or jackets. By
means of simple arrangements, the processes herein-before described may be
adapted to soles of different and varying thicknesses. In order to facilitate
the delivery of the soles from the dies, and to prevent the adhesion of the
leather to the same, pieces of vulcanised india-rubber may be interposed between
the leather and the die, or the surfaces may be lubricated with any suitable fluid,
or nicans may be contrived for the admission of air between the surfaces.
After the soles have received their dye or black, the following process may be
applied to giving surface or polish to the sides thereof. The soles having been.
sufficiently moistened or damped, are put into a bell-mouthed cylinder of the
shape and size of the sole. It is in two or more pieces or joined together in
halves, and highly polished or burnished on the inside. The cylinders herein-
described can be divided into segments and may be pressed up together and
opened out again by means of taper cylinders working outside the segments.
which would have grooves in each at the back so that a plate being put in the
said grooves all round the segments would be capable of sliding. The segments
would also be taper at both ends, and would also be highly polished inside.
Both segments and slides may be also actuated by spiral springs in such
manner as is usually employed in packing the springs of pistons. The cylinder
has two pistons (which may be either solid or packed). The cylinder is laid
on a bed arranged as an ordinary steam engine, the piston rods being fixed to
a cross head, and made to slide in the usual way. but at the end of each rod
there is a strong screw which is brought to the head of each piston for the
די
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page_text: In order to facilitate
very thin metal about.
The piston has two
purpose of forcing the one piston against the other with the soles between
them. The cylinder is made to move backward and forwards, and being
heated will by its motion in a few strokes impart a polish to a great number
of soles. If it should be desirable that the soles which are operated upon by
this process should have the shapes and curves as well as the form
of the bottom pieces of metal or other suitable material, which may be
called moulders or comparters, and which act as moulds or dies may be used.
They must be of the proper shape, so that both the waist and lift as well
as the body of the sole shall have the proper form.
the putting them into the cylinder, there is a rim of
two inches deep, which surrounds a wooden piston.
lugs, of the plans which correspond with the holes punched in the soles.
and the sole is put on the face of this piston together with the moulders
or comparters, but always within the rim. thus keeping the sole straight;
when the sole is to be left on the cylinder, the wooden piston is pushed beyond
the thin metal rim, and there it leaves the sole. The sides of the cylinder
offer a resistance to the sides of the soles which overcomes the adhesiveness
of the sole to the wood. A moulding press might also be used to form the
soles rapidly after they have passed through the cylinder if required. This last
mentioned process is not expected to give the same finished appearance to the
soles as the moulds or dies already described, but is intended only for great dis-
patch. When pressure is not used to give surface to the sides of soles and
heels the soles are carried through a process of dressing, dyeing, and finishing
which is rapid, and by which any degree of polish and finish can be manipu-
lated. The soles having been cut in the usual way by means of rim blades
or punches a pivot or an actual hole must always be left in the sole as a
guide for fixing it in the various machines or means of passing it from one
process to another, such holes being formed by punches or prickers working
through bars which are placed transversely across the rim blade or cutter, thus
ensuring absolute uniformity of position and corresponding with holes in the lasts,
and which correspondence or uniformity is essential to the proper working of
this Invention. The soles are delivered from the rim blades or cutters. by
means of a plate or pusher arranged therein, which is pressed forward by
means of springs or otherwise, and thus pushes out the soles as they are cut.
Another mode of operating is to employ a simple box, which is called a
helpmate in the shape of a sole on the bottom, and sides to correspond
with the edges of the sole, coming only as high as the middle of a sole
on both sides and which is thus employed. As the soles are cut. and if they
require dressing or paring, they are put right and left, face to face, into this

page_text: The
helpmate, for the purpose of having the soles flush with each other, and uniform.
If the soles are blocked only, and not surfaced or polished on their edges, they
then require preparing and dressing to receive the dye and polish.
soles having been placed in the helpinate the whole are fixed in a cramp and
submitted to a cutter which is brought to operate upon the soles, the edges
of which are thereby pared and dressed. By means of other modifications and
arrangements of a very simple character, the soles may be pared, dressed, and
polished by a workman with great economy of time.
Another method employed when pressure is not used to polish and surface
tlie sides of soles and heels is as follows:-The soles are placed in the helpmate as
before described, which helpmate is then placed on a table capable of moving up
and down in the frame by means of a rack and pinion, and turned by a crank
handle. The soles thus braced or held together are then operated upon by
means of various mechanical arrangements specially contrived and adapted for
the purpose of polishing the sides or edges of the soles. When the soles have
not been surfaced or polished on their sides or edges in the moulds or dies by
the processes before alluded to, pieces of metal or other suitable material
capable of resisting great pressure, and which are called moulders or com-
parters, are employed as follows:-The moulders or comparters have all the
sweeps, curves, hollows, and forms of the soles, and have pegs or pins to
correspond with the guide holes which are punched at the time the sole is cut,
the citter having a contrivance to pierce the hole which is of great importance
in the whole manipulation in adjusting the sole in any process. These
moulds or comparters are put between each sole. so that the soles are parallel
to each other. When any set of instruments are operating upon the sides or
edges of the soles in the cramp they can be treated by this arrangement as if
there were but one. The soles are placed in the cramp and screwed firmly
together between templet plates, which act as guides to the polishers or other
instruments; a little play is allowed between the templet plate and the fence
or guide. When the polishers or other instruments are fixed on the shaft the
fence revolves with its inner side against the outer side of the template plate.
one templet being suflicient to give the lateral motion of the instruments in
their operations on the soles.
P
Many modifications of the methods which have been herein-before mentioned
may be adapted for obtaining similar results under this Invention, as, for
example, a number of soles are placed in a helpmate, and are connected by
means of two adjusting wires passed through the same at the guide holes
before mentioned. They are then put on a block. which is of the shape and
size of the soles, and are subjected to the action of an ordinary press, the

page_text: screw of which, with a templet fitted thereon, is brought down upon the soles.
A burnishing ring or collar of the shape of the soles, and composed either of
one piece of metal or in segments, is then worked by means of a lever over
the edges of the soles, which are thereby polished or burnished.
Another method of burnishing by means of instruments called polishing
staves. and which are made of burnished metal, may be used to effect the
same purpose. The polishing staves are placed in a frame, which is caused to
revolve by means of a flexible rack or endless chain, and in their revolution
are pressed against the edges of the soles by means of spiral springs, thereby
imparting the desired polished surface. It should be observed that in all the
processes of polishing herein described, whether by pressure or friction, heat
should be employed to ensure the requisite degree of polish being obtained.
It may be now mentioned that the heels may be held by a cramp during
certain operations after being cut into mere square pieces. The parts are a
little different in the heel cramp as compared with the sole cramp, namely, a
straight bar is provided, one end of which is fixed into one leg of the cramp,
the other leg being loose; several pieces of iron which are called heel tabs are
fitted to slide on the bar, a collar is put on inside the end of the fixed leg, and
then the tabs are put on the bar, their ends downwards, in an opposite direction
to the leg, which is upwards another collar is now put on the other leg;
at the end of the bar is a strong screw and nut, and at each end of the bar is
provided an axle: the cramp is then put into lugs projecting from the two
ends of a box or helpmate the heel tabs are placed between each heel, and
adjusted according to the width of the thickness of the heel apart. the long
ends projecting downwards; the whole being now firmly bound together the
heels are ready for paring, dyeing, and polishing: the operator then takes the
cramp to the frame, where are arranged two or more sets of cutters actuated
by suitable mechanical means and contrivances, and thereby pared as may be
desired; the heels can he now taken out, and having been dyed and dried,
are polished by means of treatment similar or analogous to those already
described.
The next part of this Invention relates to rivetting and screwing the soles
and heels to the uppers of boots and shoes and other coverings for the feet,
and to attaching soles and heels to the uppers when the same are in a finished
state. Continuous wires prepared by being drawn through roller dies or by
any other suitable process, are arranged so as to be cut into the desired
lengths of rivets. The wedge or taper-shaped rivet either round or square is
the best form for clenching. The rivets are arranged in sets, or as may be
required for insertion into the soles; the wedge or taper shape of rivets are in

page_text: i
continuous lengths, namely, the head of one attached to the point of the other
to any convenient number in sets or lengths. The wedge or taper rivet
lengths are put into a frame, which keeps them straight by having their
positions either horizontal or vertical, the ends being put into guides, which
are called rivet guides. The frame piece of the rivet guide is called the
"groove this groove is arranged so as to admit of means necessary for
pushing the rivets forwards to be cut by the instruments contrived for that
purpose. Different sizes of rivets are arranged to suit the various thicknesses
of the sole resulting from the number of the pieces of leather which are
compiled in it, whether in clumps or throughout the whole length of the sole.
The groove shews by an opening all the rivets in a line, thus enabling the
operator to see that the rivets are being delivered, and also allowing the palls
or detents to go to the bottom of the points of the rivets, and thereby cover
the heads and force them forward. In the groove there are two plates which
work face to face close to each other, with holes therein of the form and of the
size of the rivet head. the groove with its parts being fixed to a frame secured
to the uprights attached to the bed of the machine. Towards the lower parts
of the insides of the uprights are projections or sockets. into which the end of
a strong straight iron plate is firmly fixed, and immediately flush and under
this plate are holes. so that another plate can be put with its face to the under
face of the former one. so that the face of the one will rub firmly against the
face of the other, and act as shears or cutters. A number of holes to corre-
spond with the holes of the rivet guides (with the under parts of each guide in
which the rivets are pushed) are made in the plates square or round according
to the form of the sides of the rivets. The under plate is the one which
moves for the purpose of cutting the rivets, it being also the depth of the
rivets to be cut; it projects through the sides of the uprights, having a strong
spring at one end and worked by means of a cam at the other: but as the
rivets are cut they remain in the plate until the cam admits of its return,
when by the force of the spring it is again set under the holes of the upper
plate, the rivets are pushed out of the plate forward into the rivet guides.
whose ends may terminate in the form of a sole, and there and then deposited
into a perforated plate on the boot or shoe sole, then going through the process
of being fixed to the uppers, and hence to be clenched. or they are pushed into
channels arranged upon perforated plates, which plates may be so constructed
as to admit of being used for different sizes of soles. If preferred the rivets
may be cut by means of saws, either revolving or otherwise arranged. The
rivets having been cut are then conducted and forced into the perforations
which have been made in the materials to be operated upon by means of palls

page_text: or detents, and other modifications of machinery adapted for those purposes.
The use of screws for putting the soles and heels to boots and shoes and other
coverings for the feet, and which constitute another portion of this Invention,
may now be mentioned. Wire, which has a screwed thread upon it and ent
into convenient lengths, is placed in a groove side by side. The heads of the
rivets are cut across so that screwdrivers actuated by machinery may be used
to accomplish that which is otherwise done by hand.
The arrangements for carrying out this part of the Invention are as
follows: Two square frames are supported by brackets or Ings from the sides
of the uprights and bed of the machine, and from the corners of the two
frames there are ribs, rails, or bars on which are collars properly fitted, and
which can be taken off or put on as required, in which the screwdrivers are
made to revolve. The lugs are either cast or fitted to the corners of the
frame. two of them for each side of the frame. and contain bearings properly
fitted therein, there being a drum for cach side of the frame for the purpose
of causing the screwdrivers to revolve by means of belts which lap round the
drums. and also round pulleys which are on the spindles of the screwdrivers.
The shaft ends of the drums work in the bearings on the lugs at the corners
of the frame. The drums can have various diameters so as to suit varions
lengths of rivets or screws required for the different thicknesses of the bottoms
or soles of boots and shoes. Other means by which the spindles of the screw-
drivers may be made to revolve may also be employed, especial care being
taken that the head of the spindle of the screwdriver will turn round freely.
so that when the screwdriver is screwing or driving the screwed rivet into
the soles of the boots or shoes, and should there fail to be sufficient solidity in
the leather, the end of the spindle having the thread screwed upon it of the
same count or size as that which is on the screwed rivet, it will be clear that
the spindle must go up or down according as it is made to revolve to the
right or to the left, and thereby assisting materially the screwed rivet in pene-
trating the leather. A mere rack with teeth of the same size as the thread
on the spindle would answer the same end. or even a piece of metal to take
one or more threads only would also answer to cause the spindle to rise and fall
while the screwdriver is putting in the rivet or screw. The shafts which
actuate the screwdrivers are actuated at one end thereof, and all the shafts
have at their ends bevil or mitre gearing by which cach shaft is actuated by
the other. The spindles of the screwdrivers can also be assisted in driving
the screwed rivets into the leather by a number of cams being arranged upon
shafts, and placed on the rod or bar in which are the heads of the spindles of
the screwdrivers. The ends of the cam shaft work in bearings, and are

page_text: actuated by means of carrier wheels. or by being directly connected with the
wheels which actuate the drums or other shafts whose offices are to give motion
to the screwdrivers, so that the cams may force down the spindles, and on
the return of the cams, small loop levers may be connected to the spindles by
having shoulders on any convenient parts to allow of the loop or collar to lift
the spindles thereby; or, if preferred, the lever so connected with the cam and
the spindle of the screwdriver could be forked and worked in a boss with
grooves, and by these means the spindles could be assisted in driving or
screwing in the rivets or screws, and when, done, the spindle of the screw-
driver would be lifted back again, and the like with the other contrivances
when the spindle would be again ready to perform the same operation in suc-
cession. Channel plates are employed to conduct each screw or rivet to the
action of the screwdriver. Instead of having palls or detents to push the
screwed rivets to the cutters, two rollers arranged so as to cause the screwed
wire to pass between may be used. These rollers in their simplest form are
arranged for one size of rivet, and the bearings which are made so as to
admit both rollers are contrived to allow of the rollers being tightened up to
the wire which passes between them. The bearings of these rollers are
attached to a frame which is fixed to the uprights above the cutters. The
rollers are milled so as to suit the screw or thread. and the thickness or guage
of the wire, so that when the rollers are nipped together and put into motion,
they will be made to regulate the length of wire for cutting each rivet. .Tu
the block of the bearing there are set screws which act against the brasses in
which the axes revolve, and the brasses being pushed against the axles by
these means, the rollers are adjusted, There are spur wheels at one end of
the rollers which are inside the block or bearings. outside of which is a ratchet
wheel and pall. Each tooth of the ratchet wheel actuates the length of wire
to be forced through the rollers. The spur wheels are geared together, and
the teeth being made deep do not interfere with the adjustment of the rollers
when the length of the rivets are required to vary. The rollers may be
constructed in parts, so that different motions can be given suitable to the
different sizes of the rivets to be cut from the wires which pass between them.
Another plan of arranging a cutter may be employed namely, by having a
cylinder and a shaft to work in it. That which constitutes the cylinder might
be in parts, one part on the top, and the other part under, and the shaft
arranged to work freely. The holes are bored through both cylinder and
shaft. the wire pushed into the shaft, and the shaft turned half round; by
this motion the wire is cut. A set of pushers push out the rivets to be depo-
sited, and the wire is supplied again to the cylinder, and so the process of

page_text: cutting is continued. As in some cases it is desirable to use rivets or screws
which shall have been fitted into portable instruments called rackmates or
handmates, the mode of proceeding may be here mentioned. A frame of
wood or other material is made in racks or partitions. so that troughs. grooves.
or guides may be put side by side vertically, and at one end of each is inserted
a piece of metal the size of the groove: this piece of metal, which is called a
sword, is put into the top end of the trough or guide. The swords are arranged
with a system of pullies and weights, and push the rivets down the guides or
grooves, always supplying them as they are pushed out at the bottoms thereof.
Various modifications of these arrangements can he employed.
That portion of the apparatus where the rivets are pushed into the channels
of the channel plates may be now alluded to. The moment the screw has
entered the channel it is operated upon by a revolving saw for the purpose
of cutting the top part of the screwed rivet. The saw is continually revolving.
or it may only do so at the intervals between the supply of each screw, but it
is preferable that the saw should be constantly in motion. On the cover of
each channel is a projection which is called a midfeather or screw guide which
receives the cut part of the screw, and as the screws are pushed in succession
to the action of the revolving saw the midfeather becomes a guide to the
screws until they reach the sharp end of the screwdriver. which instantly
revolves and screws the rivet into the boot or shoe sole, the like operation
heing continuously performed until the screwed rivets are applied and disposed
of, until it returns and rises auid stops exactly at the proper instant, and also
at the required height, and the sharp end of the screwdriver returns to the
proper direction to receive the screwed rivets.
The process by which the soles and heels are fixed to the uppers of boots
and shoes, may now be alluded to. One of the arrangements consists of a bed
composed of two sides, inside which are means for various instruments to
slide in. such as slide rests, or such other contrivances as have grooves.
a short distance from the outside of the bottom, shoulders projecting and
channels in grooves are provided for the purpose of a frame to slide in, whose
office it is to receive the box or boxes, which contain boots and shoes at one
end of the machine, and pass them from process to process, and deliver them.
at the other.
Palls or latchets are arranged on the frame. Two to each interval, one on
each side rail of the frame, and at a distance apart to correspond with the
interval between cach upright. These palls are erect, and are kept so by
means of a spring whilst the boxes are being shifted from one process to
another. The action of the palls or latchets on the box slides or frames is as

page_text: follows: The palls on the frame which actuate the boxes are depressed at
the moment on their return by rubbing or sliding under them, so that instantly
on being cleared they. spring up, and are ready to move their charge. and
receive a fresh box, as well as to deliver over, and at the same time to change
the place of each box to a further process.
At the delivering end of the above frame there is a rack the length of the
stroke required, such rack being actuated by suitable gearing in connection
with the main shaft by which the whole of the machinery is actuated, and
which revolves on blocks and bearings fixed on the cross pieces of the
upright; this shaft is parallel to the bed, upon which are either cams,
eccentrics, or cranks. On the uprights of the first compartment of the
machine, and inside thereof are slides, arranged in the usual way, the same
being fitted vertically, and actuated by cams. On the bottom part there are
lugs, which are provided with sunk notches which receive the projections or
lugs by which the blocks are fixed, and in which are arranged prickers. forcers,
and clenchers. The first process is to prick all the holes required at once,
although this process is not at all times absolutely required, as the rivels can
"be forced into the soles without the latter being pierced. The second com-
partment contains the means for supplying the boots and shoes with rivets.
The third compartment contains the forcers or clenchers, which are loose, and
are arranged as follows:-There is a plate with two rims, and having as
many holes or cylinders as there are rivets required, and on which the clencher
operates. The piece in which these clenchers work is the block, which is
actuated in the following manner:-The block has slides of proper strength,
and a kind of lid which is made to slide in it is by strong lugs fitted to the
cam slide. This lid, or what is called the clinching plate, has springs under
it placed on the outside of the rims and inside the slides of the block, so that
guides being put into the clenching plate it will be sure to keep the springs in
their proper place. There are two templet blocks which are the shape of the
rims, and fit into the inside thereof; they are flanged so as just to cover the
thickness of the rims in which the clenchers work. These templet blocks,
while they strengthen the plate, also bring back the clenchers after having
formed the rivets, by the following means:-The clenchers have heads, under
which and between each clencher there is sufficient room for a small pin to be
screwed into that part of the templet block which fits into the inside of the
rims. These templet blocks are bolted to the lid or plate, and a flange is
screwed on the edges of the block which projects over on the lid or clenching
plate. The springs under the clenching plate always keep the clenchers up
and from projecting through the block. The lengths of the square part of

page_text: the clenchers are made to accommodate the sweeps of the boots and shoes. and
when the clenching plate comes down the block approaches the sole plate the
first, and by reason of pin guides and corresponding holes in the sole plate.
the block is certain to take its true position with regard to the sole plate; and
in consequence of all the holes or perforations corresponding with each other
in the block and the sole plate, the rivets which are deposited on the said sole
plate are forced into the sole, and are then clenched. The cam causes the
clenching plate to rise, while the springs keep the block on the sole plate:
the box, slide, or frame carries the box containing the boots and shoes forward
to receive the heels at the same time the said box, slide, or frame brings
another box containing another pair of boots or shoes to have the rivets forced
into the soles and clenched.
The manner in which the heels are put on to the soles of boots and shoes
or other coverings for the feet, and which is the last process before being
delivered, may now be referred to. A cam slide similar to that already
described is employed, but with a bracket fixed to it of peculiar con-
struction. There are two bosses, in which is put the heel shell (which contains
the heel) the inside of which is like the mould of a heel. Pins are cast with
the shell, which are put into the box, and so fastened that they may be readily
changed. On the thick part of the solid between the pin and heel shell are
placed about five palls that have tabs which work in joints; the tabs are a
continuation of the fingers of the palls. and placed above the joints, the fingers
being bent inwards, and adjusted to the depth of the heel. The palls are
hollow, and these fingers have small springs round them inside the palls; each
pall is screwed, and a screw is put in each of them for the purpose of regu-
lating them to suit the thickness of the heels. A keeper is made so that
when the heel is put into the heel shell it is made to press against the heel.
and firmly to hold it there on that part which rises from the waist; this
keeper is jointed. and has a handle by which it can be lifted up by the
operator, and another heel deposited. The heel is put into the shell, and the
points of the projecting rivets downwards. and the keeper is brought down so
as to keep the heel in its place against the sides of the shell, while the fingers
keep the heel up to its seat. There is what is called a latchet which partly
surrounds the shell, the same being a little higher opposite the boss, and sup-
ported on a bar which crosses from one upright to the other. When the
slide descends, and the boss has arrived at its exact place just as the points of
the rivets are entering the sole, the tabs of the fingers come in contact with
the latchet, when they are instantly depressed and liberate the heel to the
onward pressure of the slide, which immediately clenches the heels firmly on

page_text: the boots. At the joining of the heel with the sole it is usual to put a little
ornamentation by milling round the lift of the heel. This object is accom-
plished by the following arrangement:-A plate is suspended from the two
bosses, into which the pins of the heel shell are fixed. This plate is capable
of being adjusted at that part from which it is suspended, and has two circular
grooves, each of these grooves having a circular slide, each of these two
circular slides having four slides which radiate to the centre, and which are
for the purpose of holding a small wheel. the periphery of which is milled and
very slightly rounded. Small lugs project downwards from the circular
slides a strong spring is placed between the end of each slide and lng; a
small head on a pin from the slide passing through the lug, and preventing
the slide from being pushed too far out. On the peripheries of the circular
slides arc teeth, so that motion can be imparted to them by suitable means.
The circular slides are actuated by means of a shaft. upon which are wheels
connected by suitable gearing with the main shaft. On the main shaft is a
mitre wheel: a bar crosses from one upright to the other, and in the centre
thereof are two lugs bent at right angles inward, and facing the cam slide.
The lugs have bearings in which is a shaft, the upper end thereof projecting
through the bearings, and having upon it a small mitre wheel which is
actuated by the wheel or main shaft. On the cam slide is fixed a lever which
projects with a forked end; on the shaft which runs in the lugs which are on
the cross bar is a key and also a boss with a clutch. The clutch boss has a
groove in which runs the forked end of the lever fixed in the slide; a loose
boss with an eccentric on the said shaft is also furnished with a clutch. The
eccentric is connected with a quadrant which works on a pin. which is fixed
on the projecting lug from the cross bar, and which actuates the descending
shaft which gives the hackward and forward motion to the circular slides on
which are the small travelling wheels. The forked boss being clutched, and
moving up and down with the cam slide, and the shaft having a key, the
boss revolves. The key does not go down the shaft as far as the eccentric.
the eccentric being loose. It will be seen that when the slide descends, and
brings with it the clutched boss by means of the forked lever, the moment the
clutched boss of the eccentric is connected by the former clutch. motion is at
once given to the quadrant, and from thence to the descending shaft and to the
milling or circular slides, the time and speed being calculated accordingly.
There can be many practical modifications of the machinery for the various
processes required for riveting the soles to the uppers or vamps of boots and
shoes.
One modification is that of a table form moving round a centre vertical

page_text: shall. A table may be contrived to have more than one tier. The vertical
shafts forms an axle, or the shaft and table may be cast or fitted together in
one piece, so that it runs in a step at the bottom, and in bearings at the top
into a cross head, which stretches from two pillars or uprights. The various
processes which have been herein-before described in detail, are arranged at
the intervals outside the table; but they may also be arranged so as to admit
of the table revolving under the processes by brackets rising from the floor,
and meeting at the centre, and the table shaft would pass through a boss to
which the brackets would converge and be fixed thereto. The end of the
table shaft would pass through the bearings of the boss on which the wheel is
put, which is actuated by mitre gearing on the main shaft. The table has a
rim or flange projecting near the bottom, which slides in a corresponding
groove in the uprights or brackets. This is for the purpose of steadying the
table. The table is divided into compartments to receive the boxes containing
the boots and shoes, and which compartments may be called chairs; there are
arms on each side of the chairs or compartments in which are grooves to
receive the sole plates and boxes, the guide pins of the blocks of the forcers or
rivet clenchers adjust the sole plates, but besides these. there is a small latch
at the end of the chair which is pressed down by a spring into a notch of the
sole plate. which holds it fast during the process. This latch is lifted up when
the box is to be delivered from the chair when the groove or rivet-supplying
apparatus is outside the table. The frames thereof will require beds for the
rivet carrier or plate to slide from the groove or the channel plate in the
following manner:-There are two bearings which cross the table, but
sufficiently high to allow the sole plate to pass under and remain until
they are there clenched. The motion which moves the table at its proper
intervals is obtained from the continuation of one of the cam shafts which
work in a bearing on the bed; near the floor the shaft is cranked, and has a
connecting rod, at the end of which is a pall fitted with suitable means for
sliding in the segment of a circle. This pall has a spring in the back of it
fixed at the joint by such means as are well known.
corresponds with the distance between the lugs or ratchets which are on the
periphery of a rim placed below the chairs or compartments on the table.
The throw of the crank
Another modification is that of a wheel-like adaptation revolving vertically
with an axle through the nave thereof, and working in bearings. In this case.
it is better that the chairs or compartments should be arranged on the periphery
to receive the pressure, but so that they shall be fed and the articles delivered
from the side. The chairs are fitted in a similar manner to those of the compart-
ments of the revolving table, as herein-before described. From the bed are

page_text: two uprights on each side of the wheel upon the middle of which are blocks
for the main shaft, upon which are cams to work the slides and blocks for
clenching. This shaft is parallel to the axle and directly over it. Both the
2
cams and the machinery for putting on the heels can be actuated by carrier
wheels, and by spur gearing, or by shafting, in an oblique direction from the
main shaft. Two sets of apparatus can be arranged with this modification,
and both fed from the sides of the wheel. The riveting wheel is moved at its
proper intervals by a ratchet and pall or detent actuated by suitable gearing.
connected with the main shaft.
Another modification of the means by which the prickers and riveting
blocks are arranged to supply the necessity of having different sets of the same
is as follows: A plate is caused to revolve by means of a worm or screw
working in the teeth of the periphery thereof, the plate being enclosed by a
circular rim, and at a convenient part of the rim is an opening and lugs with
bearings, in which is caused to run the said worm or screw, the same to be
operated upon by the workman. The plate has various sizes of the forms of
the soles placed so as to cross each other in pairs or singly to suit the kind of
machine. The forcers and prickers will be arranged in grooves, and loose with
springs and templets and rims of the forms and sizes of the soles will be
required, the same to be placed in the groove upon the heads of the forms,
and between the grooved plate and an upper plate, which is actuated by the
cams or eccentrics of the main shaft.
By another mode of regulation of the pricker and rivet process, the changing
of the blocks of both prickers and forcers may be done away with. On the
under face of the plate which is actuated by the cams or eccentrics on the
main shaft are small dovetailed grooves, into which may be introduced what
are called mult pieces or mults, which are composed with two sides and forming
a kind of box or cavity with bevil-sided heads to slide into the dovetails in the
plate. The sides of the mult arc for the purpose of steadying the heads of the
forcers which will slide in them at the time they are being regulated to suit
the various sizes of the soles of boots and shoes or other coverings for the feet.
Each mult may have any desired number of forcers or prickers arranged in
it, as follows: The mult has two ends and a centre, and is hollow, so that
flat forcers properly fitted will slide in it. A hole is bored through each end.
and through the centre, so as to form three bearings. The centre piece is
about the eighth of an inch. the two ends are stronger. A spindle of steel, on
which are left and right hand threads or screws is provided. the centre and the
two ends being loose, the centre of the spindle is flush with the thread. There
are shoulders on each end of the spindle the bar ends or necks projecting al

page_text: cach end, one projection being square for a small key or wrench, which will
actuate it. Before the ends or bearings for the spindle are fixed, the heads.
(which have been screwed) of the forcer are placed on each end of the spindle.
Each forcer is fitted into the flat piece alluded to, which is of hard metal.
These pieces are screwed, the one for the left, and the other for the right' hand
threads. In the centre of the bevil or head is made a sunk or square hole for
the centre bearings. There are at each end of the mult recesses to receive
the end bearings of the spindle; the centre piece is put in 'the spindle, then
the heads of the forcers, and lastly, the end bearings, which being screwed
fast in the mult, it can be put into the groove of the plate. It will be seen
that several forcers or prickers could be put into one mult and that as the
spindle is turned either way the forces will become more apart or be brought
nearer together accordingly. It is therefore clear that if a number of mults
were put into the dovetailed plate they could all be regulated to suit the size of
the sole. In order to suit the turn or round of the heel and toe more than one
spindle in these mults are provided as 'the distance becomes less between the
parallel lines drawn across the heel or toe from eacli rivet as they approach
the circular or elliptical part thereof. There are also more spindles than one
in other mults varying in size to suit the sole as the sizes shorten. The mults
are drawn froin the centre of the plate, and the heel and toe' mults are brought.
This mode
more to the middle accordingly as the lengths of the soles differ.
admits of screws being used for securing the soles to the uppers or vamps of
boots and shoes. and other coverings for the feet. Two uprights with cross
pieces which span the bed are arranged and connected with the main shaft for
giving motion to the various parts. From the centre of the cross piece and
parallel with the main shaft, and at a convenient distance under 'it, ä bar is
fixed from one upright to the other, in the under side of which is a groove, in
which is a rack. Ou each side of the bar are, the whole lerigtli thereof, flanges
in which are as many bearings as are necessary for the greatest number of
spindles required for the greatest number of rivets for any sized sole. Each
spindle has a wheel or pinion placed so that when the rack is actuated backwards
and forwards the spindles will revolve accordingly. The spindles have small
grooves: On each side of the bed, and to each upright at early the bottom
is fixed a bar with ribs. A corresponding bar is fixed on each side. the
rack bar also containing ribs in the upper and lower bar.
made of thin flat pieces of metal, each one of which holds a 'screwdriver,
which is actuated in a similar or analogous manner to that 'herein-before
imentioned.
These slides are
Another modification consists of a bed with grooves in it for the clamps or

page_text: boxes which contain the boots or shoes to slide in. The boxes or clamps have
projecting edges or flanges, such edges or flanges being made with ratchet
teeth, the distance from one tooth to the other diminishing as the carriers of
the sides of the soles and the rounding of the heels and toes require; a pall or
detent to each side of the rack ratchet is necessary. There are two uprights
which cross the bed and bearings on the top of each, so that the main shaft
runs lengthwise with the bed in the direction in which the bcots and shoes
travel. Between the uprights on each side the bed are one or more slides.
like the slide rest in their action, which are placed at right angles to the bed.
There are projections or brackets fixed to the bed with grooves, in which
these last-mentioned slides are actuated. When a pair of boots and shoes are
passing through this machine. the riveting apparatus (which is fixed on each
slide) on the two first slides commences at the toe, and passes down outside.
riveting one half of the boots and shoes as they travel to the heel, and then
commences in the inside of the soles. On the rack ratchet is a rib. projection,
or straight cam on each side thereof, which comes into contact with the end
of a lever, which has the oflice of putting the riveting apparatus in action
when it is lifted up by means of the straight cam or rib. the end of the lever
resting on its edge during the whole of its length, and at its end the lever
again is depressed at the same moment. and the supply of the rivets is cut off.
A stud on the under part of the slide governs the slide to the sweeps of the
sides of the boot or shoe soles by means of grooves on which the stud travels,
being of the exact shape and length of the boot or shoe sole. At the end of
the slide is a boss on which the slide bolt works, to which the forcer is fixed.
Under the head of the slide shaft, and resting on the boss is a spring. so that
when the head of the slide bolt is pushed down, the spring will force the head-
up as the block rises which has just been forced. There are two slot holes
for a pin to work in to guide the slide bolt in its motion up and down. The
tread of the slide bolt projects backwards in the direction of the slide, on which
is fixed a pall or detent on the slide bolt, which acts in the manner herein-
before described upon the heads of the wedge or other shaped rivet. A guide
or tube, which is supported by means of a bracket which is bolted in the
slide is placed sufficiently near to the slide bolt. so that the pall will force each
rivet one after the other to the cutter. The cutter is of the same principle as
those herein-before described. This cutter having only one hole, it moves
with its face against the face of another plate. and thereby cuts the rivet. A
small spring is fitted on the guide at the bottom. which pushes each rivet
forward, while it gives room for the next following to be pushed between it
and the spring at the mouth of the channel or rivet guide. As the forcer

page_text: descends it takes with it a rivet and deposits it into the sole, the forcer then
occupying the place of the rivet it has just displaced on the return of the
forcer, and as soon as the end of it has cleared the rivet guide or channel the
spring at the mouth of the channel pushes forward the next rivet. and
the channel being full the last one cut pushes those before it in a body.
and the one next to the forcer is the next to be put into the sole when the
forcer descends. From the boss in which the slide bolt works is continued a
strong piece of iron, so that the cutter can be properly fitted; the cutter is
placed lengthwise with the slide, and is actuated by a wedge or cam, whose
motion is given from the main shaft, each clamp or box being made, to a
certain size, and the cam wheels or rollers being made to suit the size, and to
roll on rails placed on each side of the bed. The rails have teeth, and so
have the cam wheels; the rails are made to suit the size of boot or shoe in
the clamps or boxes. The bearings have small holes at proper intervals, into
which small pins enter, and thereby hold the rail. This arrangement is o
meet the difficulty which would arise from the sweeps of the soles. The cam
wheel is double, and when one set has cleared the first rail, the second
rail projecting further inwards. the second set takes the second rail. Their
motion describes a straight line, so that as the forcer descends to put in the
rivet it will be seen that the clamp or box rises and falls as the boot or shoe is
passing under the slide or rivet according to the sweep or curve of the bottom
of the boot as it presents itself to the forcer. It is herein-before mentioned
that one side only of the bottom is riveted at a time, and this is in consequence
of the sweeps and curves differing in form on the outside of the boot, which.
A
with good work, the hollow part of the waist will always be required.
kind of frame or plate is fixed to each upright with bosses, in which are
worked rams or hammers. The rams or hammers are to force the slide bolt
down. On the inside of each upright is a slide, to which is fixed a plate or
bar, which, by means of eccentrics or rams is worked by the main shaft, and
which is what is called the ram or hammer bar. The lever latchet, which is
actuated by the rib on the rack ratchet is fixed to the slide and works on a
pin, one end against a spring, which causes the other end to depress at the
moment it glides off the end of the rib. the spring end is then lifted up by
being brought in contact with, the pall pieces, the shoulder on the pall piece
passing under the tab of the pall depresses the pall. and takes it off the edge
of the wedged-shaped rivets in the manner herein-before described, when the
latchet lever is again raised up to the rib, the spring end is then again
depressed, and the pall is again placed on the head of the rivet. The clamps
or boxes are actuated by an eccentric on the projecting part of the main shaft,

page_text: which is connected with a cranked lever or latchet, the said latchet being con-
nected with a shaft which crosses the bed at the entrance of the machine, and
which moves on two blocks or bearings; two finger motions are put on this
shaft, and to each finger motion is connected a pall. When the cutters in
connection are not used with the slide, channels are provided, which are fitted
with rivets, and the slide made to receive them being supplied from an
apparatus which cuts and deposits them into these troughs or channels, and
the rivets are pushed forward in such channels by means of a sword of metal
in the manner herein-before described. When screws are used, the screw-
driver is placed on the slide at the end of it, which is actuated by a rack,
pulley, or gearing. The motion is given to the rack from the main shaft, and
also to the circular saw. The saw runs in two bearings, and has a shaft, upon
which is a pulley or gearing; cutter and rivet guides are also arranged in the
slide with a channel, and are actuated in manner herein-before described. If
the rivets are used screwed and cut, they are done as follows:--The number
of screwed rivets are cut and put into a guide or channel with a saw to slit
them, according to the plans herein-before described.
The next portion of this Invention to be mentioned is an apparatus for
assisting the operator to put the vamps or uppers on to the lasts. A bed is
provided, on which is fixed a socket, and arranged so that it will receive other
sockets suitable to the shanks of the different sized laths. There are two
uprights with grooves therein, which rise at right angles to the direction of the
lasting frame, and which are made so as to move frames up and down the
uprights. One part of the lasting frame is sufficiently above the last so as to
admit of the operator working without impediment, the other part of the
frame is below the last. As soon as the vamp or upper has been put on, the
last is then put into the clamp, the sides of it half way down are jointed, and
about three pieces to each side, they are laid down, or hanging by the joints
on each side. Guide pins are now put into the last, for the purpose of
steadying the soles, and guiding each of them to their proper place on the
last, corresponding holes being pierced in all the soles. It may be mentioned
here that it is necessary to the whole of the processes included in this Inven-
tion that the soles shall be finished before they are put on to the vamps or
uppers. So soon as the upper or vamp has been put on to the last, the inner
sole is next put on, and then the clamp pieces are closed up. The clamp forms
a complete mould to all or such portions of the last when the uppers are put
on as come into contact with it. The clamp pieces are carefully fitted, so that
they slightly turn to the edge or arris which defines the bottom of the sole
and that of the upper or superior portion of the last. The lasts hitherto have

page_text: never been made suitable for lasting by machinery, and in order to meet the
requirements of the process, it is most desirable that the edge or arris above
alluded to should be a little within the rounded forms of the pattern or basis
of the foot part, and the edge or arris made less acute. It will be seen that
the uppers or vamps must incline to lap on the inner sole, flat keys are driven
into the clamp picces, one key taking a notch, which is made half in on the
one side and half in on the other side of each piece. the bottom may be on
one or more pieces, but the bottom part should be in one. Should a box be
necessary, the clamp mould should fit into it when the box is dispensed with;
the clamp is made with slides, so as to suit the grooves of the various
machines. After the inner sole has been put on the last, the edges of the
vamp or upper are now to be laid as flat as possible all round the inner sole.
The uppers or vamps are prepared at the toes and heels by being partly
thinned, and gussets or angular pieces cut out, but only to the extent which
shall come within the range of perfect security for holding by the rivet. In
this operation box-headed pliers are employed, the head containing a piece of
vulcanized india-rubber put into a cup of leather; the leg of this head passes
into a cylinder, on the end of the leg is a nut or head, a spiral spring is coiled
round the leg, the seat of which spring is in the cylinder; the cylinder is fixed
to the frame, but is jointed close to it; immediately under and parallel to the
leg is the other member of the pliers, this has a head also, which fits into the
box head already alluded to, and has a leg which moves in a boss, which is
cast or otherwise made in the frame: the leg of the small head has a nut
fixed to it, which is screwed and works backwards and forwards on a screw
which is placed under and parallel to the leg which passes into the boss. This
screw has a neck with a collar which work in a boss, and on the screw is a
toothed wheel, to be herein-after explained. The neck of the screw projects
through the frame, and having a square end it will receive on it a handle, and
is then capable of being turned by the operator. It will be now seen that
when the screw is turned the nut upon it will go either backwards or forwards,
because of the screw revolving, but remaining stationary. The nut being
fixed to the leg of the small head, moving forward pushes the box head along
with it, and the spring acting against the nut or head at the end of the leg,
the vulcanized india-rubber begins to press out, at the same time the screw is
yet being turned and the box head advancing till it approaches the edges of
the uppers, when it must not only stretch, but lap the edges of the upper on
to the inner sole: while the india-rubber is in this position another frame is
brought up, which acts in the following manner: A nut moves on a screw.
This nut has a leg or pin which works on a boss, and on the nut is a tab,

page_text: which at its end is slightly turned up; this tab as it is forced forward is
pushed under the india-rubber, and remains there until withdrawn.
Having now described the action of one piece on each of the frames, it
remains but to add that there are pieces placed all round both of these frames,
and the wheel which is on the screw actuates wheels on each side of it, and
those actuate others. They are divided into several sets, one set for the loc,
another set for the heel, and two on each side. The screws have left and
right hand threads, and all those at the two ends, namely, at. the toe and heel
part of the frame, radiate to the centre of the round, or as nearly so as
necessary. The upper frame has lapped down the edges of the uppers, and
the lower frame has projected its labs which will keep the edges down when
the upper frame is removed. The filling is now put in to level the bottom. and
the outer sole is put on and guided to its place by means of the guide pins.
This Invention also includes an eyeletting machine. to supersede the
present means of putting one in at a time into the uppers or vamps of boots,
shoes, or other coverings for the feet. Punches are so arranged as to be
capable of being changed for any required number or size. Punches either
fixed in a box or loose are arranged in two rows at the required distance apart.
Dies to receive the punches are arranged in nearly all cases where a punch is
used. The punch must either be hollow, or there must be a die for a plunger
or ram to enter, so as clearly to cut the piece of the material, and thereby
leave a hole. The punches are returned by means of eccentrics or cams
actuated on a revolving shaft, or by any of the known methods for effecting
such purpose. There are also tubes to correspond with the punches, and
placed the same distance apart. These tubes are for the purpose of being cut
into short lengths, and to be formed into eyelets in the manner herein-after
described. A kind of comb is formed of straight steel wires, which are fitted
at one end into a frame or head of either wood or metal, for the purpose of
being put into the tubes when the metal is not strong enough to resist the
various manipulations to which the tubes are exposed. There is also a clamp
into which the ends of the tubes are put. The last-mentioned clamps are
made with two leaves or frames fixed on a middle frame, and open on each
side of the middle frame, which closes in the tubes whilst they are brought for
operation to the machine. The uppers, vamps, or other articles are passed by
means of an endless belt through the machine to be punched, and also to
receive the eyelets. The endless belt, which is actuated by two drums or
rollers, over which it constantly moves, is made of strong flexible material.
The object of this belt is for the purpose of putting into it clamps for carrying
the vamps or uppers to each process. The vamp clamp is made like a hinge,

page_text: and when it is open the operator puts the upper or vamp between, laying it.
first on the face of the inside of one member of the vamp clamp, marks having
been made in the vamp or upper by which the operator can adjust the same.
The clamp is now closed by means of buttons turned by the hand, and is put on
guide studs which are on each side of the endless strap, by which the ends of
the clamp are conducted in the grooves from one process to another. The
clamp is open the length, and a little over it, of the part which is to be
operated upon; or the plates may be perforated, so that the punches may act,
and eyelets be put into the uppers and clenched; the clamps always holding
the vamps or uppers firmly between them. The two centre uprights are
much longer than those on each side of them, which are for the processes of
punching and clenching: because of allowing for the length of the tubes, the
comb is put into the upper ends of the tubes and pushed down to the lower
ends thereof, so that the ends of the wire of the comb project. The frame is
now taken off, and what I call the tube nib is substituted. It is composed of
three pieces, each side piece and the outer piece being fluted. All of them
are of metal, the centre one being covered with leather, so that when the
sides are nipped up the tubes will be made sufficiently fast so as not to shift,
as this nib is to push the tubes down the wires. The wires which projected
were for the purpose of threading through the tubes so far as to be flush with
the cutting plates. The manner of cutting has been herein-before described
in relation to the cutting of rivets in connection with this Invention. On
each side of the tube uprights is a screwed shaft. and a boss being on each
shaft having lugs to receive the ends of the tube nib, so that when the screwed
shafts are actuated the nib will move downwards. These shafts have mitre
gearing at the bottom of each of them, which work in proper bearings. They
are actuated by palls suitably placed, and work a ratchet which is placed on
the end of a cross shaft which passes through and between the endless belt,
whose bearings are on the general frame; the bearings for the axles being also
on this part of the shaft, on whose ends are placed cams, eccentrics, or other
motions for actuating the punching apparatus, and also the bars upon which are
the clenchers. In the grooves of the clenching uprights there are two motions.
which are necessary to the performance of fixing or clenching the eyelets into
the vamps or uppers, or articles of the like kind. A shaft is placed on each
upright, as last described. The bars are screwed through their ends, or the
ends of them are fixed into bosses. Two rows are placed on each clenching
bar of what may be called clenching ferrules, one of such rows being under
the endless belts, and the other bar of ferrules being placed over the said belt.
The action of the bars is to meet each other. The tops or heads of the

page_text: ferrules are the counterpart of the rounds which form the eyelets, so that
when both sets of ferrules meet they clench and form the eyelets. The dic of
the punch passes between the endless belt, so that when the punches are
brought down it will be seen they penetrate through the perforations of the
clamp, and through the vamp or upper into the dies, thereby clearing and
punching the holes for the next process, which is, that the nib is actuated by
the screwed shafts, which force down the tubes into the cutting plate, just
clearing the ends of the wires of the comb. The perforations in the cutting
are filled with plugs the thickness of the plate; they are pushed into it by
pushers, which are fixed into a bar, which is like the former bars placed
between the endless belt. On each side of the frame or bed is a shaft, in
which are put the motions required to actuate both punches, clenchers, and
cutters by means of cams, cranks, and eccentrics. Instead of an endless belt
a revolving table may be employed. The table will be divided into compart-
ments and perforated, so that both punches and clenchers will operate; the
under clenchers and the dies of the punches being placed under the table.
The means for keeping the vamps or upper parts in position during their
manipulation will be similar to those already alluded to. In this arrangement
the various processes will be placed at the required intervals with relation to
putting the rivets into the holes. These eyelets may be formed out of flat
pieces or solid, put into a hopper, and made to fall into dies, which process I
have described in the Specification filed by me in pursuance of my said Letters
Patent, bearing date the Fouricenth day of March, One thousand eight
hundred and fifty-nine, and numbered 640. All the punches and beds upon
which are the dies, as well as the frame in which the lubes and comb, and the
bars on which the clenchers are arranged can be curved to accommodate the
form of the openings of the vamps or uppers, or they may be straight, so as to
meet the requirements for such purposes as eyelets are used for. The
machinery, herein-before mentioned and described, may be actuated by steam,
or any other motive power applicable to such purposes.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Richard Waller, in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
23rd August 1862.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, RICHARD
WALLER, of Baker Street, Portman Square, in the County of Middlesex,
Civil Engineer, send greeting.

page_text: WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Twenty-fourth day of February, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-two, and in the twenty-fifth year of
Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto
me, the said Richard Waller, Her special licence that I, the said Richard
Waller, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I,
the said Richard Waller, my executors, administrators, and 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 MACHINERY AND APPARATUS FOR JOINING LEATHER AND
FLEXIBLE AND TEXTILE MATERIALS, AND FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF BOOTS AND
SHOES AND OTHER COVERINGS FOR THE FEET," upon the condition (amongst
others) that I, the said Richard Waller, my executors or administrators,
by an instrument in writing under my or their, or one of their hands
and seals, 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 Richard Waller, 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 fol-
lowing statement, that is to say:-
My said Invention relates to the construction and arrangement of machinery,
apparatus, and processes, whereby leather and flexible and textile materials
and fabrics may be joined and combined, and such articles as boots and shoes
and other coverings for the feet made thereof and finished without the use of
the manual labour or treatment ordinarily employed for such purposes, my
said present Invention being improvements on an Invention for which Letters
Patent were granted to me, bearing date the Fourteenth day of March, One
thousand eight hundred and fifty-nine, and numbered 640.
The first part of this Invention relates to machinery and means for finishing
the soles and heels before they are fixed to the uppers of boots and shoes or
other coverings for the feet.
In the process of making heels, hides of leather or pieces of the other
material employed are cut into strips of the required widths, and when the
lengths of the strips are inconveniently short, and which might cause some

page_text: waste of material and time, I piece other strips or lengths with a suitable
cement by putting it between the two ends and by submitting them to
pressure or reveting the end, taking care that the parts so joined are of the
general thickness of the strips, so that by piecing the leather can be lapped on
bobbins, cylinders, hang over pullies, or loosely to hang over brackets, so as
to be freely delivered to the machinery for the purpose of being rapidly cut for
the formation of the heels. The end of the strip is made to enter a guide
between a set of rollers, which are arranged so as to be adjusted to the width
and thickness of the material which passes between them; the guide piece is
at the mouth-piece of the rollers to conduct the leather between them. The
rollers are covered with a flexible or textile material, and have sharp points or
projections on their surfaces at required intervals so as to penetrate the strip
but which must be so placed as not to injure the fall of the material with
which they are in contact. These points or projections can be fixed on the
rollers when they are covered, and it will be seen that when the rollers are
adjusted and made tight, the covering on the rollers spreads on the surfaces of
the strip, while at the same time the points or projections slightly penetrate
into that side of the surface which cannot be seen when the material is put
together. The rollers are fixed in a frame and actuated by either spur or
mitre bearing, either with or without carrier wheels. The wheel which
actuates the roller has a ratchet and pall, and which are on the same shaft.
The ratchet is actuated by a rod whose motion is obtained from the main
shaft, and governs the quantity of leather passing through the rollers at every
stroke of the rod or pusher for the purpose of being punched or cut to the
length, shape, and size of the heel. The heel punch by which the pieces or
"lifts are cut consists of a cutter which is fixed on the head of a cylinder or
barrel; this barrel has the required number of prickers fixed into it, so that
at the same time the material is cut or punched out the piece so punched is
pricked with holes to correspond with the number of rivets which the heel is
to receive. A cylinder is provided with openings at the sides so that lugs or
projections will slide in them, and in this cylinder there are two other cylinders
free to move therein, the one being hollow, on which is fixed a cutter punch, the
piercers or prickers being also fixed on the same head, the other of such
cylinders being solid, and which pushes, the leather into an instrument called a
carrier wheel on the instant of being passed through the rollers, and cut or
punched. The pusher has holes in it corresponding with the prickers already
alluded to. A bed or other means should be contrived to resist the pressure
of the blade of the heel punch and the prickers, and for this purpose a
moveable piece is employed (which is called the punch bed), and the same

page_text: being made to work so that the strip is supported by it at the time of punching.
The punch bed has a groove sunk in it the shape and size of the blade of the
heel punch, and also holes to correspond with the prickers. The punch bed is
caused to move back and the pusher moves forward, pushing before it the
piece which has that moment been cut from the strip, when it is permitted to
fall into a box to receive it or otherwise be pushed into the carrier wheel,
this process being repeated as may be desired. Instead of the pieces being
allowed to fall into a box, to be taken from thence to build the heal and.
shape the same, they may, as they are cut or punched be pushed into a carrier
wheel which is divided into compartments, and which revolves on a pin or
bolt, the pieces as they are cut or punched being pushed into one of these
compartments or sheds to the number required for the thickness of the heal,
but before the carrier wheel leaves this position the heel has to receive the
rivets with which in this stage the heel is kept together. The rivets are
supplied to the heels by means of wires in convenient lengths, divided into
rivets of a wedge shape but uncut. The thick end offers a means for pails or
detents which act as pushers sufficient in the depth of the head to get the
mechanical force so as to force them into the heel. The rivets are of sufficient
length to go through the heel and the inner sole, and firmly to secure the heel
by clenching it to the soles and the vamps or uppers. These wires are in
guides and pass through a plate which I call a wire plate, into another plate
called the rivet holder. The face of the plate or rivet holder is made to move
it
by running its face against the under plate and cuts all the rivets at once;
instantly returns and the thin ends of the next set of rivets are made to push
those now cut which are in the rivet holder forward to meet any piece of
leather which is punched and pushed into the shed of the carrier or wheel
in which is the process of building the heel is going on. So soon as the number
of pieces required for the heel have been pushed into the shed the carrier or
wheel moves instantly and presents another shed to be filled as above
described, and so on. While the heel is being built in the shed as described,
those which are already in the sheds of the carrier are going through the
process of being pushed out of the shed and also of being shaped by means of
a revolving cutter, which is accomplished in the following manner: On the
bed of this machine a slide like that of a slide rest is fixed with a prejecting
pin for the purpose of moving the slide by a cam. This slide has a head so
formed as to fit the inside of the heel, and with holes to receive the ends or
projecting parts of the rivets in the heels. The face of the cam slide head is
roughed so as partly to penetrate into the surface of the inside of the heel.
Another slide is fixed to the bed directly opposite the former, and upon the end

page_text: of these slides are arranged spiral springs or other springs; the spring of the
latter slide is very powerful (this last-mentioned slide is called the cutter slide
and the other the cam slide). At the ends of both of the slides are heads
which are made to assist each other in holding the heel during the process of
cutting and shaping it; the cutter slide head forms a guide for the blade or
cutter, which is arranged so as to revolve round it. The cutter has a sliding
motion, and is fixed on a wheel (called the cutter wheel). This cutter wheel
revolves on the shaft on which is fixed the cutter guide. The cutter wheel is
constantly revolving, and consequently always ready to cut or shape the
heels. A spring is on the end of the cam slide for the purpose of
bringing back the said. slide, so that a pin or stud which is on the cam
slide is always pressing upon the periphery of the cam. The cam is fixed
on a wheel, which gives motion to the said cam slide through the medium
of the stud or pin thereon. The head of the cam slide first approaches
the points of the rivets which project over and above the thickness of the heel
which is in the shed of the carrier, and then it comes into contact with the
inside of the heel, at which moment the heel is pressed against the head
of the cutter slide, which, when it is in a state of rest is nearly close to the
face of the shed of the carrier wheel, and by the force of the cam slide and the
resistance of the spring on the end of the cutter slide the heel is firmly held.
The cutter wheel is prevented from moving laterally by means of a groove in
the shaft and a pin, stud, or set screw, fixed in the boss of the cutter wheel
works in the said groove. The head of the cutter guide projects a suitable
distance from the boss of the cutter wheel. The moment the projecting part
of the cam ceases to act on the stud or pin of the cam slide it is liberated and
is instantly forced back by the action of the spring at the end of this slide,
leaving the heel shaped and ready for being blacked or dyed.
The head of
the cutter slide is held from instantly returning to the face of the shed of the
carrier by a projecting lug on the shaft of the said cutter slide. A stud is
made to butt against the lug by means of a motion from the wheel or disc
which regulates the intervals of the carrier, which so soon as the heel is deli-
vered or leaves the face of the cutter head the said head is with its face to the
shed of the carrier, and so the process is repeated. The carrying wheel is
caused to revolve by means of a strong elastic band of vulcanized india-rubber,
which is kept constantly stretched by being lapped round a pulley or by
passing between the rollers covered with india-rubber pressed together. The
pulley or first roller is on the shaft actuated by gearing on the main shaft, and
upon which are wheels that actuate the cam cutter wheel, punch bed, and
other motions for regulating the intervals of time while the shed of the carrier

page_text: is being fed or receiving the leather for building the heel and carrying the
same in the shed for the process of shaping. The carrier wheel has lugs on
each side of its periphery, placed like two rims, wide enough apart to receive
an elastic band, the lugs being in form like a ratchet. There are four in
number, two in each rim, and placed exactly so that one of these lugs is over-
cach shed. Another wheel or disc revolves at right angles to the carrier,
working under it, and has four. notches cut on its periphery, thereby leaving
four intervals in the revolution of the wheel. When the notch has allowed
one lug to be drawn through it on the one side of the rim, while the lug on
the other rim of the carrier is stopped by the interval space between each
notch of the disc or wheel, the disc or wheel as it revolves presents its side or
an abuttal to the lug on the carrier, while the shed is receiving the heel and
the band of vulcanized india-rubber is being stretched, the interval on the disc
in the meantime travelling till another notch allows another lug on the carrier
to pass through it, when the heel is again ready for the action of the cutter on
the cutting wheel. The blade or cutter is fixed to a short spring slide which
is on the wheel called the cutter wheel, for the purpose of being governed
during the shaping of the heel. There is a strong spring at the top of the
slide which presses it on the periphery of the heel of the cutter slide which is
so placed and arranged that when the heel approaches the blade as it is forced
out of the carrier the cutting commences. The sheds of the carrier can be
changed for different sizes of heels as well as the number of the pieces composing
the heel by altering the time of the intervals of the disc which regulates the
intervals of motion of the carrier, and the gearing of the main shaft is readily
changed. After the heels have been cut and shaped as described above they
then receive the black dye, and having been dried, are afterwards damped or
steeped in water at any required temperature until the sides at least or the
whole heel is softened. In cases of heels (and also of soles) composed of more
than one thickness of leather, they may be consolidated and the edges thereof
milled by means of wheels, hammers, or toothed instruments. This operation
must be performed before the edges are dyed and while the leather is damp,
until the sides at least on the whole heel is softened. The heel is then put
into the mould and pressed. The bottom of the mould or die is convex to
give form to suit the hollow of the inner sole and to dispense with the split
lift, which forms a part of the packing of the heel. Holes are arranged round
the bottom of the mould or die for the purpose of receiving the rivets. The
mould or die for the above purpose can be made in several pieces, or in two
only, namely, that which the heel is put into and the bottom or die. as
above alluded to, or the heel piece can be loose and made so as to fit to the

page_text: bottom of the mould or die, leaving it open so as to admit the face part or
bottom of the heel to the action of the heel head, which is fixed in the boss of
the spindle or slide of the press. The heel piece, as it will have been seen, is
to receive the heel during its being submitted to the power of the press. The
heel piece is made of hard metal, the inside of it highly finished and burnished;
the heel head is also burnished. The heel piece has lugs conveniently placed
on the sides of it to answer the following purpose, namely. that when the heel
has been pressed the sides thereof will adhere to the sides of the heel piece, it
is therefore necessary to lift the heel piece up while the heel head remains for
a moment on the heel. This is accomplished by having a spring in the boss of
the spindle or slide of the press between the pin of the heel head and the
bottom of the hole of the boss, so that when the heel head has sustained all
the force of the press upon the heel, and on the return of it, the heel head
remains for a short time in consequence of the boss spring keeping the heel
head for a moment on the heel while the spindle or slide is returning. Two
pins, one on each side of the boss, go through cach lug of the heel piece so
far as the boss spring is arranged to do, and the pins being headed, they lift the
heel piece from the heel and then the heel head instantly leaves the heel, and
the heel piece and heel head bolts return with the spindle or slide. The
heel is taken from the mould or die and another one is placed for the process.
It may in some cases be necessary to make small holes so as to admit air to
certain parts of the surfaces to prevent vacuum and to facilitate the delivery
of material from the metal, as it is understood by practical men that when
surfaces are pressed together the air is displaced from between them. The
presence of wet from the action of pressing the leather which has been sub-
mitted to the process of absorbing a great amount of moisture, water, or other
liquid, has been before alluded to. Such parts of the moulds or dies as do
not come into contact with the surfaces which it is the object to make solid or
polished are perforated and wire gauze or other material of a porous nature
may be placed in a thin layer or in sheets next to that part of the leather
whose surface cannot suffer from the contact thereof; the same being pro-
tected by wire gauze in layers, and when necessary, I put the same between
perforated plates consistent with the form of the moulds or dies, these provi
sions being necessary for carrying out the ends required for my Invention.
Various contrivances can be arranged, which are well known, by which the
bottom part of a die can be raised or any part of it in order to push out the
piece which has been submitted to the action of a mould or die by the force of
pressure and relieve the mould of water.
The process of forming the soles and the apparatus employed for such

page_text: purpose may be now described. The soles must be cut as nearly as possible
to the shape and size required; they are then submitted to moisture or damp,
as above described in reference to the heels. The mould or die is fixed in the
same manner as the moulds or dies of the heels which is on a bed, and
adjusted by means of dogs or other well-known means to make them firm.
The bottom of the mould or die rises a convenient distance above the bed,
which is convex and raised up. And on the die are the forms, curves, or
sweeps of the soles of boots and shoes, the inner part of the upper mould or
die corresponding therewith. A rim rises on the hottom die or mould all the
way round it, and in some dies I have a rim on the top so arranged as to give
any particular form to the waist part of the sole as well as to the lift thereof.
The upper part of the mould or die is concave, and corresponds with the
forms, curves, or sweeps of the under part of the mould or die to the under
one, which has to fit into the rim. Before the soles are put into the dies the
edges are blacked or dyed, and having been damped are then brought to the
action of the mould or die. The rim prevents the leather from spreading, and
presses it against the sides thereof, which are polished, thereby effecting one
main object of my Invention, which is to finish the edges of the soles and
heels before being connected with the uppers or vamps. The soles are cut a
little larger than the dimensions of the rim at the bottom of the die, so that
when the operator places the sole into the under mould or die the use of a
template the size of the mould or die will be found of service. I have
projections or a rim round the template to the depth of about an inch. The
operator will then push down all the outer edges of the sole, and which being
done the sole will be seen to slightly belly out more than the concave form of
the bottom of the die could produce. A certain amount of air gives to the sole
this appearance, which is between the sole and the surface of the convexed
part of the mould or die, but it must be remembered that both the air and
liquid, if there should be any, passes through the perforations or other means
which have been provided to carry off anything of that kind. In order that
after the soles have been shaped, and the edges or sides thereof have received
their surface and polish, and to render them certain to fit exactly to their
position, when they are to be either sewn to the well or pegged, riveted, or
screwed to the welt or to the vamps or uppers of boots, shoes, or other covering
for the feet, two small pegs or pins of metal are screwed into the blade
or prick, which cuts out the sole; the one is put at the waist and the other is
put about the middle of the broad part of the blade or punch near to the toe,
which may be made to punch or prick a hole
ever other means the soles are first cut.
at the two places, or by what-
These holes afford the most simple

page_text: method by which the operator may with certainly adjust the sole, as there are
pegs placed both in the moulds or dies to correspond with the holes in the
soles and in the lasts. The pegs or pins in the last may be screwed in until
the inner and outer soles are put on, and remain there until the lasts are to
be taken out of the vamps or uppers. It will therefore be seen that the soles
can with great readiness be put and instantly adjusted either in the moulds or
upon the last.
This is not new as a means of guiding the operator, but in
this arrangement for finishing the soles and the heels before being put on
becomes of great importance to my process. Instead of the method just
described a fence or template for the same purpose put round the last may be
employed, the same being capable of being used to put on the soles to the
lasts or uppers in the following manner:-The clamp has a groove in which is
placed the last for lasting the vamps or uppers thereon, and for putting on the
soles, and for other purposes, and into the said groove the said fence or
template is put every time the outer soles are put for the purpose of being
fixed. The fence may have small pegs with corresponding holes in the clamp,
and holes may be made in the clamp for. guides, which may simply stand up
at intervals, namely, at the heel and toe and at the broad part of the sole
and heel.
The mould or dies are constructed so that heat can be given to them when
required by means of hollow cylinders or jackets, which can be cast or other-
wise added to their sides or at their bottoms, so that hot water, steam, air, or
heaters may be used for the said purpose, as it is well known that a higher
degree of polish or surface can be attained with the employment of heat up to
a certain temperature.
When the soles are of several thicknesses all through to the waist, as in
some heavy kinds of boots and shoes, the rims of the moulds or dies are
deeper, and in such boots and shoes, &c., which are what are called clumps,
the mould or die in the upper part of it is so made as to change its rim or
side to the shape or thickness of that kind of sole. I have also in some cases
a chamber or box in which the upper part of the mould or die can be put, and
be made to adapt itself to the two thicknesses of a sole, varying as they
frequently do from the body of the sole back to the waist piece and heel. The
upper part of the mould or die being made to move on a chamber or box, I
have strong spiral springs arranged in sets of two or more in rows from one
end of the chamber to the other; the mould or die is put into it at the top
part, and it cannot fall through because of a projection inwards in the box or
chamber. A cover is screwed on, against which the springs have their seats;
they are guided by means of pins to correspond in number with the springs

page_text: which are fixed and project from the cover. At the ends of the box or chamber
there are lugs or any convenient means which will cause the box or chamber
to be fixed to the spindle or slide of the press. Instead of springs for
accommodating the difference of the thickness of the soles, vulcanized india-
rubber enclosed in material may be employed. I prefer leather, although
canvas and cloths, &c., are to be found of great variety, and would answer the
purpose so long as the vulcanized india-rubber be kept from touching the
metal, as it in time adheres to it, and would thereby add a difficulty which
can be avoided. The vulcanized india-rubber should be divided into several
pieces, and all of them covered. The requisite degree of pressure required
may be obtained from the screw; lever, or hydraulic power, the means I 'have
lierein-before described in the process of pressing the heels, so that the leather
will leave the die will not be necessary.
.
In order to facilitate the delivery of the soles from the dies, and to prevent
the adhesion of the leather to the same, 'pieces of vulcanized india-rubber may
be interposed between the 'leather and the dye, or the surfaces may be
lubricated with any suitable flid, or means may be contrived for the admis-
sion of air between the surfaces. After the soles have received their' die or
black, the following process may be applied to giving surface or polish' to the
sides of soles where great expedition with a good sound hardness and 'finish is
imparted to the sides of the soles. The soles having been sufficiently
moistened or damped, they are put into a bell-mouth cylinder of the shape and
size of the sole. It is in two or more pieces, or joined together in halves, and
highly finished inside, polished or burnished. The cylinders herein described
can be divided into segments, and, may be pressed up together and opened out
again by means of taper cylinders working outside the segments, which would
have grooves in each at the back, so that a plate being put in the said grooves
all round, the segments would be capable of sliding; the segments would
also be taper at both ends, and would also be highly polished inside; both
segments and slides may be also actuated by spiral springs in such manner as
is usually employed in packing the springs of pistons. The cylinder has two
pistons, which can be used either solid, or they may be packed. The cylinder
is laid on a bed, arranged as an ordinary steam engine, the piston rods being
fixed to a cross head, and made to slide in the usual way, but at the end of
each rod there is a strong screw, which is brought to the head of each piston for
the purpose of forcing the one piston against the other with the soles between
them. If there remains any wet in the soles which may be pressed out, the
holes in them, it will be remembered, when cut will be a means of conducting
the water out of the pistons, they being provided with porous material. The
.

page_text: cylinder in this case would then have connecting rods fixed to it, and would
thereby be actuated by a crank, cam, or lever, by hand, steam, or other power.
"The cylinder is made to move backwards and forwards, and it is also heated,
and by its motion in a few strokes imparts a polish to a great number of soles
by means of a bar passing from the head of one piston rod to the other. The
heads are each to have strong lugs, this bar having screws with nuts, that as
the pistons were forced so as to press the soles between them, the screws
femployed could be withdrawn, leaving the stress upon the bar, or there might
be two bars or connecting rods fixed to each cross head, which would balance
the strain, and then the cylinder could remain stationary, when the pistons
would move the soles between them. The piston rods have a rack, that by
means of a bolt on the cross head being pushed down into the rack they would
be connected. The pistons can be forced to the end carrying the soles with
them, when they are delivered, and the cylinder is now ready for another
charge. The piston rods may be made to act as the slides in a slide rest, and
the rods could be broad. The pistons of cylinders of various sizes could be
easily changed while the bed remained with all the fittings belonging to it.
The soles are put side by side, the left and right of each pair facing each other.
If it should be desirable that the soles which are operated upon by this process
should have the shapes and curves as well as the form of the bottom pieces of
metal or other suitable material, which may be called moulders or comparters,
and which act as moulds or dies, may be used. They must be of the proper
shape, so that both the waist and lift, as well as the body of the sole shall have
the shape. In order to facilitate the putting them into the cylinder, there is
a rim of very thin metal, about two inches deep, which surrounds a wooden
piston. The piston has two lugs of the plans which correspond with the holes
punched in the soles; the sole is put on the face of this piston, together with
the moulders or comparters, but always within the rim; this keeps the sole
straight; when the sole is to be left on the cylinder, the wooden piston is
pushed beyond the thin metal, rim, and there it leaves the sole. T'he sides of
the cylinder offer a resistance to the sides of the soles which overcomes the
adhesiveness of the sole to the wood. The rim has metal branches from it to
a tube, in which the wooden piston rod is actuated by the operator.
A moulding press-may also be used to form the soles rapidly after they
have passed through the cylinder if required. This last described process is
not expected to give the same finished appearance to the soles as the moulds
or dies already described, but is intended only for great dispatch.
When pressure is not-used to give surface to the sides of soles and heels,
the soles are carried through a process of dressing, dyeing, and finishing, which

page_text: is rapid, and by which any degree of polish and finish can be manipulated.
The soles having been cut in the usual way by means of rim blades or punches,
a print or an actual hole must always be left in the sole as a guide for fixing
it in the various machines or means of passing it from one process to another.
The holes are formed by punches or prickers working through bars which are
placed transversely across the rim blade or cutter, thus ensuring absolute
uniformity of position, and corresponding with similar holes in the lasts, which
correspondence or uniformity is essential to the proper working of this Inven-
tion. The soles are delivered from the rim blades or cutters by means of a
plate or pusher arranged therein, which is pressed forward by springs or other
analogous means, the soles being thus pushed out as they are made.
Another mode of operation is to employ a simple box, which I call a help-
mate, made of wood or metal, in the shape of a sole on the bottom, and sides
to correspond with the edges of the sole, and coming only as high as the middle
of a sole on both sides. As the soles are cut (if they require dressing or paring
they are put right and left, face to face, into this helpmate for the purpose of
having the soles all of them flush with each other and uniform. If the soles
are blacked only and not surfaced or polished on their edges, they then
require preparing and dressing to receive the dye and polish.
Another modification of burnishing or polishing the sides of the soles is by
means of what I call polishing staves, which are made to move in a frame
and to rub against the sides of the soles or heels. Let the soles be cramped
together in the manner herein-before described, and the soles shall have been
already blacked or otherwise prepard for polishing, ach end of what I call the
stave holders is put into a groove which is made in each end of the frame, the
frame is made of straight bars, say, by placing two on each side, and one at the
toe, and at the heel end thereof a kind of endless flexible rack or endless chain
is made to revolve, taking with it the stave holders (and also the polishing
staves.) The frame being oblong and large enough to receive the largest size
sole, it can be adjusted to much smaller sizes as will herein-after be described.
There are lugs on each side of the frame about the middle thereof, having
bearings so that shafts or spindles can work therein. At the top on each side
of the frame two lugs or blocks stand up, in which a shaft runs having mitre
wheels at each end of it, which actuate mitre wheels on the ends of the shafts
which run in the side lugs. There is a square end on one of the shafts (I
prefer it being on the end of the shaft) which crosses the frame so that the
operator can turn it. The endless flexible rack or chain is fixed to each stave
holder. The grooves in the frame are made with corresponding sweeps to the
soles. The polishing staves are connected to the stave holders by means of

page_text: bolts or pins.
One works in the upper part, and another in the lower and
back parts thereof in bosses. The bosses are about an inch and a half external
diameter, and about an inch bore; the bolt or pin is screwed into the same
holder. The heads of the stave bolts are put into the bosses, a spiral spring is
placed on each boss between the head of the pin and the end of the boss, a
gland or nut is screwed into the bosses so as to keep in the stave bolt, and also
to put greater pressure upon the spring. It will now be clear that when the
stave bolts are screwed backwards or forwards, the polishing staves will be
nearer or further off the stave holders, consequently it is shewn that the
polishing staves can be made to suit many sizes of soles. The stave bolt is a
bolt with a round head and a square end for the purpose of turning the same
by means of a swape, handle, or key wrench. The ends of the polishing staves
are bent outwards for the edges of a rim templet to be pressed within them,
(this instrument is in shape like a rim blade for cutting out the soles) for the
purpose of forcing the polishing staves back, so that the distance from the soles
is sufficient to enable the soles to be put into the frame, and when operated
upon they may with ease be taken out again. This contrivance can be
modified so that the polishing staves can be pressed against the soles from the
sides of the grooves and regulated there. These modifications can also be
worked by machinery as well as by hand, boys may work these machines with
ease. They can be supplied with moisture by means of brushes being attached
either to the polishing staves, or on independent pieces. The frame may be
put into an oven or pan, in which I put a jet, or otherwise blow in hot air,
it being important that all the processes of polishing herein described should
be performed under such a degree of temperature as will ensure a high polish
being obtained. I have a brace or cramp, in form like the cramp used in
workshops for cramping pieces of wood together, the same being composed of
the ends of a straight bar bent at right angles so as to face each other. Two
bosses are provided on each of the bent ends which are sufficiently large so as
to admit of an inner boss each to receive a screw. Each of these screws has a
boss or head into which I fix a template, the inner bosses are fitted well into the
outer ones as the inner ones have to revolve. The outer bosses have each a
leg of a few inches in length so as to go into a socket in a table or bench with
the long side of the cramp laid inner, the inner bosses project beyond the outer
ones; the distance from the inside of one limb of the cramp to the other should
be one foot six inches. The screws have check nuts on them, so that when
the soles are all put between the templates, and firmly screwed, they are very
firm The soles are put into cramp in the following manner: The helpmate
is put on a small bench with a bracket projecting on each side, with sockets to

page_text: receive the two legs of iron of the outer bosses of the cramp. The soles are
put into the helpmate and the screws of the cramp are made to cramp the
soles. I should mention that the inner bosses have holes, into which small
pegs are put through the outer bosses into them, simply to prevent the inner
bosses from turning round in the act of pressing the soles, these pegs are
again taken out when the process is finished of cramping in the soles, which,
when done, the check nuts are screwed against the inner bosses, and the screw's
handle taken off, and the cramp is then brought to the bench to have the soles
in the first place pared, the cramp legs are put into the sockets till the bosses
rest upon a bearing, and which rises up on one side of each socket, so that
the cramp is perfectly level. This bench has two uprights which rise about
one foot six inches above the bench, and may be regarded as two lathe heads,
a shaft runs in them which is actuated by a pulley and bolt from main shafting;
on the pulley shaft an arm or bracket projects about eighteen inches, at the
end of which I have a shaft and a small pulley upon it, which is actuated by
another pulley on the pulley shaft, a belt proceeds from the pulley shaft to the
pulley at the end of a bracket and gives motion to a cutter which is brought
to operate upon the soles; the cutter has on each side of it guards which can
be regulated so that the cutter can freely revolve until all is taken off which
is required. The template acts as a guide to a fence, which is on the shaft of
the cutter and also for a stud which is the same as a set screw on the under
boss or bearings in which the cutter runs. As the cutters revolve a winch is
put on the screw of the cramp, and the soles are gradually turned round, so
that the bracket and the revolving cutter rise up and down according to the
distance it is from the centre of the sole to the toe and the heel.
Another modification is as follows:-I have a table or bench on which
are uprights and a shaft with a bracket. This table has two plummer blocks
in which each plummer block has a boss, and in which works the screw of each
template. A helpmate is fitted with soles, the templates are screwed up, the
helpmate is removed through a square hole which was closed during the time
the helpmate was being discharged by means of a sliding platform; the soles
are turned round while being pressed together, and subjected to the action of
the revolving cutter; by these simple means a workman may, by screwing a
few soles together with a cramp on the plummer blocks, use tools by hand to
pare, dress, and polish with great economy of time. The workman may have
a small horse-shoe cramp, which is about a foot long in the legs of it, with
bosses, templates, and screws, all light enough to handle, and by means of a
treadle to raise a small cushioned platform, upon which to lay the soles, and
by raising the platform the soles would fly against the revolving cutters or

page_text: polishers without the bracket; but in this case the workman would have to
turn the soles from time to time by handling the soles and cramp. When
pressure is not used to polish and surface the sides of soles and heels, a brace
or cramp is employed in the following manner-When the soles have been
cut in the usual way they require dressing; the lefts and rights are put face to
face in the helpmate, which is simply made of thin sheet iron, so that the
soles can be laid in it edge way and face to face, and the whole placed in the
brace or cramp. The brace is fixed in a frame or on a table of a machinë; to
be herein-after explained. The helpmate at each end of it has the plates, by
which means the whole of the soles are firmly held together. The helpmate is
now placed on a table, which is capable of moving up and down in the frame
by means of a rack and pinion, and turned by a cranked handle. The helpmate
is now raised, and the screws of the brace are actuated, which press against
the plate, and the soles are pressed together. I have on each side of the frame
a boss, in which the screws work to accomplish the same purpose as the brace
or cramp, as above described; one or both of the bosses having a wheel which
is actuated by a worm upon a spindle with a groove in it or key, so that the worm
may move upon the spindle while in motion and travelling backwards and for-
wards. I have a carriage whose sides move in grooves or run in small pulley
wheels the width of the frame, and simply square blocks are put on each side
of this carriage, in which the bosses revolve, the wheels on the ends of the
bosses are made for the purpose of being moved by the worm, and when the
frame inoves backwards and forwards, it will be seen that the worm will travel
with the wheel on the boss in the direction of the carriage.
uprights with a cross piece connect them the width of the frame. Plummer
blocks or bearings are arranged in which is a shaft actuated by gearing or
pullies from any prime mover from which the motions necessary to this
machine may be obtained. An arm bracket projects from the shaft; and which
bracket has bosses in which the shaft runs at a certain distance apart, for the
purposes of giving firmness and to allow room for the various pieces connected
with this projecting arm or bracket. This bracket has blocks or bearings for
spindles or shafts to work in fixed on the end of it; and also a slide which is
made to work in it like that of a slide rest. Revolving knives or scrapers are
also put on the shaft, which has a key the whole length of it, so that whatever
instrument be put on to it, will be carried round with it. Polishers or bur-
nishers and revolving rasps, files, buffers, and brushes may be put on the
bracket shaft, or the shafts can be changed for any other of such instruments,
being on their own shafts or spindles; the shafts are actuated éither by
gearing or pullies from one of their ends projecting outside the blocks or bear-
Two strong

page_text: ings, on which they run, actuated by pullies or gearing on the main shaft placed
on the side of one of the bosses of the bracket. On the under part of the
bracket there are two lugs on each side the slide, in which two pins or
studs work, and which form an axle to a lever that descends, so that when it
is in a state of rest, the bracket is at right angles to the upright; this lever
is also provided with a boss, so that various instruments can be fixed on the
long end. In the slide is a notch, into which the short end of the lever enters.
The slide receives its motion from an eccentric on the main shaft; this can
be thrown out of action so as to give any required stroke by being pulled up
with a simple link motion like that of a reversing motion to a steam engine.
Next to the eccentric is a spur wheel, which actuates a pinion which works on
a pin; this pinion has a stud, by which a connecting rod also works a link
motion, which the operator can cause to be brought into action when the other
is in a state of non-action, or he may reverse them; the links of both are
attached to the slide by means of short connecting rods. The bracket moves
freely on the main shaft, so as to get a short as well as a long motion, and
thus accommodates any length of rubbing or polishing surface, the lever being
permitted to travel, whether in straight horizontal planes, or in zig-zag, or
lateral curves or lines. The lateral curves are accommodated by an universal
joint at the two pins or axles of the lever. It will also be seen that by an
arrangement of the levers by which either the one or the other are put into
motion, that treadles can be used by the foot of the operator to either increase
or diminish the length of the stroke of the lever.. It is in this arrangement
that the backward and forward motion is provided for in the carriage, so that
when a short stroke is only necessary and will not practically admit of the
soles being traversed their whole length, and when the carriage is required to
be in motion, I have a differential motion performed by two cones, which are
placed on the bed at the back of the uprights, and which are actuated from
the main shaft by means of a pulley and a belt, from thence to actuate a
pulley on the cone nearest the main shaft. The other cone works by means of
a strap from the first cone, which is actuated by the main shaft, and has an
axle projecting through the frame which holds the cones, on which axle is a
crank or swape, and upon a stud is a connecting rod to the carriage, and
gives the required motion to it. A guide, which is worked by a treadle, by
means of which the operator in attendance alters the strap of the coves, thus
increasing the velocity or diminishing it, and governing the speed of the carriage.
The diameter of the polishers may vary from two inches and a half to four
and a half inches, and arranged as to number and distance from each other so
as to accommodate the following requirements:-I shall have soles which may

page_text: have been only cut out of the hide by means of the usual rim blade or other
cutter, or they may have been damped and moulded without their edges
having been polished or surfaced; or they may have been treated through the
above various conditions, and yet require a more detailed manipulation than
the simple construction of the moulds or dies will perform, which I have
herein-before described; but I may here remark that any form may be
arranged in the dies or moulds which will emboss or cause to be raised
impressions on the surface of leather or other material, and to accomplish
which will be herein-after clearly explained. I contrive that the polishers
shall be at a distance from each other, so as to correspond with the soles in
the cramp, as herein-after will be described; they will be capable of moving
to and fro on the shaft while they are revolving, or they may be made fast, so
that the shaft may have the lateral motion. The shaft will require a key or
groove, and the polishers made to fit the same. These may be changed for
different sizes, or the shaft may be bodily changed. I here remark that these
can be treated by means of a jet of hot air being forced through a tube into a
chamber in which the polishers are revolving, and this arrangement applies
only to the process of polishing the edges of the soles, when the soles have
not been surfaced or polished on their sides or edges in the moulds or dies by
the processes before alluded to. Pieces of metal or other suitable material
capable of resisting great pressure, which are called moulders or comparters
are employed as follows:-The moulders or comparters have all the sweeps,
curves, hollows and forms of the soles, and have pegs or pins to correspond
with the guide holes, which are punched at the time the sole is cut, the cutter
having a contrivance to pierce the hole, which is of great importance in the
whole manipulation in adjusting the sole in any process. These moulds or
comparters are put between each sole, so that the soles are parallel to each
other. When any set of instruments are operating upon the sides or edges of
the soles the whole of the soles in the cramp can be treated by this arrange-
ment as if there were but one. The soles are in the cramp, and screwed
firmly together between template plates, which act as guides to the polishers
or other instruments which revolve in the bracket. I allow a little play
between the template plate and the fence or guide when the polisher or
other instruments are fixed on the shaft; the fence revolves with its inner
side against the outer side of the template plate, one template being sufficient
to give the lateral motion of the instruments in their operations on the soles.
There are certain small beads or ornamentations on the sides of soles. and
that part of the edges of them next to the vamp. and which is one of the
indications of care and good workmanship. There is also a process of milling.

page_text: which is another part of the ornamentation on the lift of the heel, which can
all be done by simple mechanical contrivances, to be herein-after described.
An increased lateral motion of which the play admits may be given as
follows: A forked lever is provided with studs to work in the groove of a
boss on the shaft on which the instruments are fixed, for the purpose of
bringing the sides of such instruments to bear upon the edges of the sides of
the soles next to the vamp or uppers; the point of the forked lever is fixed
on the back of the upright conveniently to the operator. The shaft has a
spring on each end bearing between a shoulder and the polishers or other
instruments thereon. The boss being on one side the shoulder, or outside the
bearing on the end of the shaft, the forked lever can actuate the shaft by
overcoming the resistance of the springs, and cause the bevil sides of polishers
to act accordingly upon the edges of the soles as follows:-The polishers are
slightly convex, and the edges or sides of them rise bevil-like from about the
eighth of an inch to more if required, the part of the bevil edge which rises on
the periphery of the polisher being provided with a slight flute or sunk groove,
which gives an embossed or risen beaded appearance to the edges of the sides
of soles. This is done by the operator by means of forcing the shaft against
and using the treadle to give greater pressure on that part of the sole. The
polishers are a little taper, being less in diameter at that part of the flute. It
will be seen that when the soles revolve in the cramp that the bosses on the
shaft into which the templates are fixed become the axle to the centres of the
soles and the cramp, and as they revolve the bracket rises and falls the
distance that it is from the centre to the toes or the heels of the soles. It is
herein-before described that the soles are screwed fast between the template
plate, and that on the boss there is a wheel into which a worm is made to
work in the usual way; the spindle or shaft of the worm has a key the whole
length of it, and that it is at right angles to the uprights, thereby forming an
elbow; of course this is the same on the sides of the upright. It may be here
mentioned that the holes may be pricked in the soles previous to finishing the
edges, and either before the blacking is put on, or while the soles are in the
dies or comparters. If this is done while the soles are in the dies, prickers
are suitably arranged therein. The spreading of the edges which may be
consequent upon pricking the holes after the edges have been finished may
be thus avoided.
Many modifications of the methods which have been herein-before mentioned
may be adopted for obtaining similar results under this Invention, as for
example: I have a bed or table, upon which I fix a block the form of a sole.
I then put together a number of soles which have been adjusted in a help-

page_text: mate, and by means of two adjusting wires, which are threaded or passed
through the whole of the soles at the guide holes. the soles are then put on
the block. I have an ordinary press, the screw of which with a template
fitted into the boss is brought down upon the soles. There are two guides or
slide bars, round
which guide the template. The whole of the
pressure is now upon the soles. Between the template and the block I have
a rim blade made the exact size and shape of the soles, for the purpose of
shaving off or dressing them. The rim blade has lugs on each end of it,
which fit to the upright slides or guides; the rim blade has links connected
to its sides, it has its place round the block, and by means of a lever or other
crank from any prime mover the rim blade is forced up and down the sides
of the soles and the leather shaved off, the rim blade is now let down, and the
screw is undone. The soles can be with safely removed to the next process.
but before this is done they here receive the black or dye. the pressure being
relieved renders the pores of the leather a little more open for the dye to
penetrate their sides. They are in a very solid state. And after the back or
dye is dry they can be put under a similar process, only that the next is to
give a polish to the sides of them, and the only difference of the parts of the
press and instruments thereto belonging is a rim polisher or cylinder, the size
and shape of the soles instead of the rim blade.
When the black dye has
of a required temperature.
been put on, the soles can be put into an oven
After they are dry they are taken to the other press (but when time is not of
importance. the same press with the addition of a cylinder will do). The
wire guides not having been disturbed they are received into holes in the
block and the template. The press is put into action, the screw acts on
the template, and the soles are again under great pressure, and now instead of
a blade I have a cylinder, either in several pieces, or whole. The cylinder is
made of hard metal, and highly polished inside of it, and slightly bell-mouthed.
It may be of any practical depth of surface from about an inch upwards.
It will be clear to a practical mechanic that this modification can be
arranged upon a bench or bed. Moulds or comparters can be used when the
bottom curves are required to give form to the sole. in which case when single
soles are operated upon I have only thin pieces of metal which shall have been
pressed or cast into the required forms, which will be placed between each
sole, all for one foot up to a certain number, and in that case a comparter
made convex on both sides is put into the centre, so that the soles can be
placed as the former, with this difference only, that the rights will face the
lefts. Sole guides are always required, and instead of the moulds or comparters
requiring pins or studs, I prefer to have holes through each of them, so that

page_text: the guide wires can be used in all cases where the cramp or the cylindor is
used, whether the cylinder be stationary or that the cylinder be made to movo;
and where there are several soles submitted for operation at one time either
for dressing, shaving, or polishing. The heels may be also held by a cramp,
during certain operations being cut into nearly square pieces, the parts aro
a little different in the heel cramp as compared with the sole cramp, namely,
a straight bar, one end of which is fixed into the boss part of one leg of
the cramp, the other leg being loose, so as to slide upon it; several pieces
of iron about four inches long, which are called heel tabs, are fitted to slide
on the bar. A collar is put on inside the end of the fixed leg, and then
the tabs are put on the bar, then their ends downwards in an opposite
direction to the leg, which is upwards; another collar is now put on; the
other leg at the end of the bar is a strong screw and nut, and at each end of
the bar is provided an axle. The heel pieces may be merely cut out square,
or they may be partly dressed and put together, having the heel built. The
cramp is then put with its axle end into lugs projecting from the two ends of
a box or helpmate. The long ends of the heel tabs are downwards, and
adjusted according to the width of the thickness of the heel apart; the heel
tabs are pushed between each heel, the whole being now firmly bound
together the heels are ready for paring, dyeing, and polishing. The operator
then takes the cramp to the frame, where are arranged two or more sets of
cutters; I prefer three sets. They are placed in a frame on three separate
shafts, and the cutters upon each shaft are arranged to each other as
follows: The shafts run on bearings, and are actuated by a belt or strap,
which runs over the whole three pullies, one on each shaft, the belt beginning
over the first, under the bottom one, and over the third. In the lathe heads
are bearings, which are capable of sliding, slots being made in the heads for
that purpose. There is a strong spring in each slot, which acts upon the steps
or bosses in which the shafts revolve. One slot is vertical, and two opposite
each other are at right angles to it; this arrangement applies to both ends of
the frame or lathe. A template the shape and size of the heel is fixed into
the head of the lathe by a projecting pin or bolt, having a screw or nut by
which it is made fast. A notch is sunk to the centre of each template. T
have a cover on the waist or flat side of each template, which can be moved
on one side at the requirement of the operator, while he puts the ends of the
cramp into the notches. The two legs of the cramp have each an axle
projecting, and give exactly the centre of the heels in the cramp, and fit into
the notches of the templates, which correspond with the centre of the heel
tabs. All that is now required of the operator is to put the cramp axles into

page_text: the notches of the templates; then replace the cover, and with a set screw
fasten the axles. The springs allow the shaft to give until the heels are firmly
put in. The pullies are thrown into gear and the long legs of the cramp are
pushed and pulled backwards and forwards during the revolving of the cutter.
The ends of the shafts are pressed against the templates by the force of the
spring, as herein-before described, so that the cutter cannot cut beyond the
limits thus imposed. The heels can be now taken out, having been dyed are
then dried and polished by means of treatment similar or analogous to those
employed for paring.
The next part of this Invention relates to rivetting and screwing the soles
and heels to the uppers of boots and shoes and other coverings for the feet,
and for putting soles and heels to the uppers when the same are in a finished
state, as follows:-Continuous wires are arranged so as to be cut into the
desired lengths of rivets or screws; when the wires are for rivits they are drawn
through roller dies, which give to the wire the necessary form of rivet or
screw. The wedge or taper-shaped rivet, either round or square, is the best
for clenching. The rivets are arranged in sets, or the whole number required
for one or more rows to be inserted into the soles when required, not only for
fixing the soles but to retard the rapid wear of the bottom. The wedge or
taper shape of rivet are in continuous lengths, namely, the head of one
attached to the point of the other, to any convenient number in sets or
lengths. The wedge or taper lengths are put into a frame, which keeps them
straight, by having their partitions either in a horizontal or vertical position.
Their ends are put into guides, which I call rivet guides. The frame piece of
the rivet guides I call the " groove." This groove is arranged so as to admit
of means necessary for pushing the rivets forwards, to be cut in the manner
and by such instruments as herein-after described. The different sizes of
rivets are arranged to suit the various thicknesses of the sole resulting from
the number of the pieces of leather which are compiled in it, whether in
clumps or directly the whole length of the sole. The groove shews by an
opening all the rivets in a line, the groove enabling the operater to see that
the rivets are being delivered, and also allowing the palls to go to the bottom
of the points of the rivets, and thereby cover the heads of them, and force
them forward, rollers could be used to push the rivets forwards, but I prefer
palls as I believe they are better suited. The sides of the rivet guides are cut
away about an inch and a half, so that the palls can cover the heads of the
rivets during the time of being pushed forward for the purpose of being cut
as before alluded to.. Many arrangements may be devised for means by
which the rivets after being cut are to be conveyed to the soles and put into

page_text: them, and also whether they are horizontal or vertical. I prefer that the
rivet guides which contain the rivets shall be vertical, and so arranged on
the groove. In the groove there are two plates which work face to face,
close to each other, there are holes of the form and of the size of the rivet
head (because of the head part of it determining the size and shape of the
hole on the two plates) the groove with its parts being fixed to a frame
also secured to the uprights attached to the bed of the machine. Towards
the lower parts of the uprights are projections or sockets inside them into
which the end of a strong straight iron plate is firmly fixed, and immediately
flush and under this plate are holes so that another plate can be put with
its face to the under face of the former one to rub firmly the face of the
one against the face of the other, so as to act as shears or cutters. A num-
ber of holes to correspond with the holes of the rivet guides (with the under
parts of each guide in which the rivets are pushed) are made in the plates
square or round according to the form of the sides of the rivets. The under
plate is the one which moves for the purpose of cutting the rivets, the under-
plate is also the depth of the rivets to be cut; it projects through the sides
of the uprights; it has a strong spring at one end, is worked by means of,
a cam at the other, but as the rivets are cut they remain in the plate until
the cam admits of its return, when by the force of the spring it is again set
under the holes of the upper plate. the rivets are pushed out of the plate
forward into the rivet guides whose ends may terminate in the form of a sole,
and there and then deposited into a perforated plate on the boot or shoe
sole then going through the process of being fixed to the uppers, and hence
to be clenched to be herein-after described, or they are pushed into channels
arranged upon perforated plates to be herein-after described. There are legs
which have bearings on them on which the cam shaft works, either cast on
the uprights or fixed thereto. On the frame of the groove there is a piece
of metal in which are arranged slides to be called rack slides to which the
palls which actuate the rivets work in joints on the said rack slides, slot
holes are made in the above piece of metal, which piece is called the rack
piece. This rack piece is a small distance from the groove and crosses
from one upright to the other, and is fitted to the edges so as to be removed
when occasion requires it for repairs or otherwise. The palls are on what
are called racks. The heads of the rivets project sufficiently high for them
to be mechanically moved forward. The back of the rivet wire has a straight
bearing on each side of it, is supported by the guide in which it travels, so
that it will be seen that the palls by being kept tight against the bottoms
or points of the rivets by means of a spring, and therefore must rest on the

page_text: heads in succession as the pall pushes them forward. The palls are attached
to the rack, which is actuated by a wheel, and so the rivets are pushed on to
be cut by the plate herein-after mentioned, and by the following means
they are pushed one by one into the channels as herein-before mentioned;
each gutter or channel has a thin piece of leather doubled to contain a small
amount of vulcanized india-rubber for acting as a drag to the rivet as it
first enters the mouth of the gutter. Each gutter is the depth and breadth
of the rivet it contains, so that as the rivets are forced down the guide, the
bottom one is pushed into the gutter or channel by means of a set of forcers
which are actuated from the same motion that actuates the shaft of the rack
and wheel of the palls, but which are arranged behind in a frame which is
screwed to the uprights. There are straight pieces of metal as much apart
as the rivet guides, one piece to each rivet, with levers or cams to work
them. These pieces of metal move in guides and each of them has a seat
formed by a shoulder about an inch and a half less in size, on which the
spring is placed; the other seat is an opening through which the thin end
passes to force forward the rivet into the channels. The channels are the
length required for conducting the rivets from the groove to the perforated
plate, through which they will be pushed, either into the soles direct, and
clenched there and then, or they will be deposited into a rivet plate which
will be made to carry them from the groove as they are cut, the apparatus
having on one side the bed, with slides and apparatus to accomplish the same
to be clearly herein-after defined.
The arrangement herein-after described are to meet the great number of
size and shapes of boots and other coverings for the feet. I now proceed more
clearly to explain the various parts and operation of the rack piece and groove.
The rack piece is fitted so that the opening, which exposes the rivets, is an
inch and a half below the bottom edge, so that the palls may be observed in
their functions of pushing down the rivets... Two rack slides with two palls
only would be required, if but two sizes of rivets were in the groove, but if
one size of rivet were only to be in the groove then would only one pall be
required, which might require two slide packs at each end of it to steady or
guide it in its slides during the act of pushing down the rivets, but in a more
complete arrangement, no matter what the size of sole or boots, shoes, or
other coverings for the feet may be, the contrivances herein-after described
will clearly shew by what instruments the same will be accomplished. I have,
ás before alluded to, side racks, which work on the rack pieces; each side
rack has a pall in order to push each rivet; each side rack and pall is pointed
at the lower end of it; there is also between the slide rack and the pall a

page_text: spring fixed to the under side of the pall, and which bears upon the slide
rack the slide rack slides at the pall end of it in the manner of the slide in
the slide rest." and at the upper end of it in like manner. it therefore spans
the length of the slot, which I call the rack slot; we now come to the rack
itself. On the under part of the slide rack I make the following arrange-
ment for each rack:-On the part of the side rack between the top and the
bottom slides, and inside which can be seen through the holes called the rack
slots, I have two small bosses, which are bored out for the purpose of receiving
each of them a spring: the bosses are about half an inch deep, the rack at the
back of it has two pins. the bosses are bored through, but a shoulder is left as
a seat for the spring on each of them; the pins in the rack have a small
screw and put on the ends, by which they are made fast on the outside of the
slide rack. The pins are also sufficiently long to allow of a little play. The
rack is toothed. and in consequence of the arrangement of the springs in the
bosses of the slide rack, the springs being strong. force the rack against the
wheels, which are on a shaft for the purpose of moving the racks, and con-"
sequently the slide rack is moved up and down and the palls along with them.
Instead of the wheels actuating the racks, I have small quadrants for each
rack the shaft can be made to allow of the quadrants to be regulated to
accommodate the length of stroke for certain lengths of rivets, as may be
required to suit the varied thicknesses of soles or clumps. as herein-before
alluded to. This is accomplished by means of a shaft with a corresponding
number of cams upon it, and by means of a bar. on which a corresponding
number of pieces fitted into it which will slide the ends on the one side, being
brought to the ends of the quadrants, which will also project out of their shaft
(in a manner will herein-after describe). and by means of the other ends of
the moveable pieces in the bar being brought into contact with other cams on
their shaft; the cams are set two different angles from the centre of it, and
then being turned slightly round the pieces on the bar will be forced forward.
and will thereby force the quadrants further from the centre, the rack being
arranged to spring backwards and forwards will also allow of the positions of
the quadrant being pushed further from their centres. Other means for. regu-
lating the stroke to suit the various lengths of rivets necessary to nearly every
class of strong boots and shoes may be employed.
The following is another arrangement I have provided for the same purpose,
by fixing a bracket to the rack piece and a bed thereon, and connecting the
top end of the slide racks with beams made capable of sliding in small blocks
with centre pins through them, and by connecting the other end of the
beams with links to a set of levers, whose ends should be connected by means

page_text: of links to a corresponding number of projections or lugs on a shaft. and..that
the blocks be provided with screws, by which the blocks could be adjusted by
hand, or that links connected to projecting lugs with a shaft placed on the bed
of the rack piece in its bearings. The lugs or pieces in the shaft will be
capable of being made longer or shorter, which would answer the secure.ends
as altering or regulating the blocks. The blocks will slide in dovetailed grooves,
and the screws will work in lugs projecting from the bottom of them and
through bosses in which they would revolve stationary, so as to cause the
blocks to move backwards and forwards, as the workman will require, by
means of a strap put on the same end of the
by other well-known means.
shaft, or by a screw drum, or
But the simplest means would be to change
the shafts with merely different sized wheels to suit the rack, and conse-
quently the different lengths of rivets in the groove. The shaft on the wheels
or quadrants move is actuated by means of a quadrant and pinion on the
end of the shaft; the quadrant is actuated by means of a connecting rod from
the pin on a wheel which is actuated from the shaft which the cam is on,
whose function it is to move the cutting plate. It is herein-before mentioned
that the palls are or may be required to suit the various sizes of boots, shoes,
or other coverings for the feet to be thrown out of action. This may be done
by more means than one. The object of accomplishing it is to lessen the
number of rivets accordingly, as the size of the soles to be riveted diminish;
and before I describe by what manner I throw out of action one of the palls,
I shall describe the channel plates and their capabilities. One plate of this
kind may answer two sizes of soles, as the sizes, the real varieties of which
depend more upon the body, and certain projections and cavities, sweeps and
curves of the lasts (not even excepting packing), than upon the outline curves
and sweeps of the outer and inner soles of boots and shoes, therefore it is
that one of these plates may be made to answer two sizes, which governs the
sizes. of the forcers, and determines the number of mandrils or plungers
therein, nor does it detract from the nature of trade requirements or appear-
ances of finish, the only difference being that the rivets are a little nearer the
side of the sole in the smaller size, but which does not control the strength
or the quality of the production less or more. either to the producer or
consumer. This channel plate is perforated the size of the soles, and forms
the means by which the rivets are discharged. Two sets of grooves are
required, and I prefer them being placed across the bed upon which they are
fixed. There will be required a framework of two uprights on each side, and
similar to those herein described. strong enough to resist the force of one
strong shaft, on which will be provided two cams to actuate the cutting plates,

page_text: brackets for bearings will be cast on the uprights and other lugs, herein-before
described, only there will be required two sets, and which from the description
herein-before clearly shewn, any practical man or mechanic will understand,
except that I have one shaft upon which I put a cam or other suitable means
for actuating the cutting plates. The channels on the plates are for the
purpose of conducting the rivets from the ends of the rivet guides in each
groove to the channels, which run in the direction of the lengths of the form
of the sole, two forms of the sole in perforations are in one plate to suit one
pair of boots or shoes, one groove feeding from the toe side of the plate. and
the other groove feeding the heel end of the plate. The channels meet
in about the middle of the perforations, and are the depth of the length of
the rivets. They are either cast in brass or cut out or made by putting two
pieces of metal together. providing for the thin end of the wedge shape of the
rivet; but this should not be done when the rivet is square or round a short
distance from- the head of it thereof, so that when the rivets enter the channels
they will not give to the wedge-shape of the rivet, or get out of their position,
or that the points are kept at equal distance to each other, to prevent which
would only complicate the otherwise simplicity of the channels, so that the heads
by being plug for less than one-eighth of an inch not only forms a head. but
it is more serviceable when put into the sole for the wearer. The channels are
straight in their course to the perforation of the round part of the toes and
heels, and continue in straight lines to nearly opposite the first hole or per-
foration next to the centre of the holes at the toes when the line of each
channel curves, so as to deliver the rivet with its sides square with each other.
as they follow to the centre of the sole, where the channels meet from the
opposite groove which supplies the holes or perforations to the heels, and
forward to the middle of the soles. These channels may be made by making
a mould first of hard metal, and then casting from the same in type metal.
Any sufficiently hard metal, which will melt at a less required temperature
than the mould. may be used, or they may be cast in brass, or gun metal, or
made of hard wood, and the channels lined with metal.
I will now describe the means by which I throw out of action the palls
which push the rivets for the various sizes of boots or shoes, which will consist.
in the first place, of being controlled by the number of holes perforated in the
outline shape of the two soles of each plate to be as follows:-I have on the
inside or under the pall and the joint on the slide rack a straight piece of metal
called a pall pin, with a shoulder or projection which continues the length of
the stroke which the pall makes in forcing the rivet; it is actuated by the
slide rack, and is placed between the lugs of the joint, and slides in the bridge

page_text: pin being turned for the spring to
which is made in the slide, and
of the slide rack to a convenient length; it slides between the joint on which
the pall is joined. and is deeper from its shoulder downwards: the groove
in which the pall pin moves contains a spiral spring which has its seats.
the one on a shoulder, made by the pall
go on. and the other against a collar
through which the round end of the pall pin is a nut to prevent the pin
falling below what is required. The square part on which the shoulder
is raised when the pall pin is pushed up comes into contact with a tab
which is a continuation of the pall above the joint; the shoulder in passing
this tab forces it up, and at that moment the other end of the pall is depressed
and leaves the heads of the rivets. I have now to describe by what manner the
pall pin is actuated. The channel plate is now to be considered as one
determined size and at its proper place, and the palls are in motion. and
actuated by being combined with certain members of the slide rack. The
channel plate is the full size, and has the greatest number of perforations, and
consequently has as many channels whose entrances go up to touch both the
grooves, so that when the palls are in the act of pushing the rivets, the pall pins
are descending at the same time, and a certain number of rivets, which have
been already cut and pushed forward in the rivet guide: the bottom rivet is
pushed out of the rivet guide by a lateral motion (to be herein-after described)
into the entrance of the channels through an outlet exactly opposite the
channels. There are holes on each side of each channel which are made for
the end of the pall pin to descend into: the end of it is forked, and thereby it
spans the channel: it will therefore be clear that so long as the present size of
plate is receiving the charge, the whole of the palls will remain in action. I
will now change the plate for one of less size, namely, one which has a less
number of channels, and consequently a less number of perforations and a less
number of rivets required to supply them: for example, let there be a plate with
twenty-four channels less there will be twelve less on each side of the plate,
that is to say, six left for each end or division of the sole or perforations, so that
there will be a blank space on each side of each toe, and also on each side of
each heel, and that when the pall pins descend with the pall. &c., there being
no channels. the space on the plate is therefore blank, and the pall pin
consequently remains, excepting a slight distance at the commencement of the
stroke, quite in a state of rest, while the descending of the slide rack causes the
tabs of the palls to be raised by passing over the shoulders or risen part of
the pall pins and thereby depresses the palls, and cause them to pass the
heads of the rivets untouched, so that as plates differ in size, no matter
to what extent, either in form or number of rivets to be inserted, these

page_text: contrivances meet the requirements to carry out the above process.
Many
other means could be resorted to, or mechanical contrivances to accomplish
a similar result, namely, the pall pins could be connected to a set of levers
from the top of the rack piece. to lift a certain number of pall pins and throw
out of action the palls in the manner the shoulders act upon the pall tabs. The
palls might be depressed by means of pall pins, acting outside the palls instead
of acting as they do from the inside. but with sets of levers, connected to the
tops of the pall pins. means could be arranged to pass pins through the slide
rack, actuated from the inside of them to press up the pall tab which would
depress the pall. but I prefer the one herein-described. it being self-acting.
to
I have
I have now to describe another part of the process of causing the rivet
to travel from the places by which they are cut. and from thence
be inserted into the soles of boots or shoes. I have arranged under the
bottoms of both grooves, and for the purpose of certainly causing the rivets
to transverse the channels of the plates. herein-before described.
pushers in a frame, and made to slide therein. they are actuated by as
many levers which are inserted into a shaft: cams might do as well. This
shaft works in bearings or in lugs cast or otherwise fixed at the bottom
part of the uprights. The pushers move but a very little distance; there is
the same number or pushers as there are rivet guides in the groove; they all-
act at once, and are provided with springs, which are put on the outer part of
the piece which has a seat formed by the part being made less, and which
slide into the heads of the pushers which are in the frame. small slots are cut
out on the sides of the heads for pins, which are put into the pieces on which
are the springs, and which prevent the spring and the pusher from separating.
The seats of the springs are between the pusher heads and the seat of the
connecting pin. The object of the pushers is to put the rivet into the channel
of the channel plates, as the points may not be depended upon to force their
way in succession between the back of the guide and the rivet. so that in that
case the rivet itself would make way by pushing the one that is in advance of it
into the outlet, and forward into the channels in the channel plate, and thereby
clearing the course for its successor, the pushers are intended for this end, but
there are more means by which the same may be accomplished, and I will
describe another, namely, that I have a plate on which, are the same number
of bosses as there are rivet guides; each boss or cylinder has a vertical
spring and a peg, around which the spring is put. The cylinder or boss may
be about an inch projecting from the back of the plate. The peg has a head
which is flat, and about the width of the rivet guide, and one-fourth of an
inch deep, and the length, so as to project into the rivet guide at that part of

page_text: it a little below where the rivet at the time is to be forced into the outlet.
The heads of the pegs have small lugs which prevent them from being forced
out. The springs have covers which are put on the cylinder for that purpose.
The lugs form one seat for the spring, while the bottom of the cylinders form
the other. The heads of the pegs are rounded so that the points of the rivets
pass by them freely, and they act as follows: A hole is cut out at the back of
the rivet guide. the size of the head of the peg or rivet forcer: this head is so
rounded as to cause the point of the advancing rivet to glide in front of it.
thereby making a distance between the rivet and the back of the rivet guide,
and when the rivet has been pushed down home, it is then in front of the outlet,
and by the space which is between the front of the rivet guide and the back of
the rivet, the space being maintained there by the force of the spring of the rivet
forcer, the next point of the following rivet freely passes the head of the first
rivet, and by being forced between the rivet forcer, and the back of the first
rivet. the second rivet pushes the first rivet into the outlet, and from thence
into the channels in the channel plates, and so on in succession. I prefer the
last means for getting the rivets into the channel plates. cover up the
channels with a thin plate to prevent the rivets getting out by pressure or
otherwise out of the channels. A rim projects the Shape of the sole. into
which the ends of the channel fit and perforations are made through the rims
and into the plates; the rim is the depth of the channels, and as herein-before
described,
together the channels finish by their ends terminating in the
rim which is bored out to receive pins or bolts into them which are fixed into
plates or blocks in which the forcers, bolts, pegs, or plungers are fixed for the
purpose of pushing the rivets out of the channel plates into the pressing or
sole plates upon the boots or shoes as they pass through the process.
I shall now proceed to describe the block which holds the means of pushing
out the rivets from the channel plates into such other plates as the process of
rivetting requires: this block is for the purpose of holding a number of pushers
which are put into a plate and firmly fixed in it. There is another plate
which has the office of being a guide to the pushers in the block: the guide
plate is placed over the channel plate. and with its holes or perforations
exactly over the channel plate. The uprights on the bed, and such parts as
constitute the main features of the frame and for the grooves the cam shaft.
and the various shafts and other motions have herein been described; but now
1 have to describe the other parts which belong to them. On the top of the
uprights I have bearings in which the main shaft runs, and in the cross piece
on which the bearings are fixed I have slides similar to the slides of a slide
rest, the slides being of course vertical and are actuated by cams or eccentrics.

page_text: which are connected to the slides, as nearly as possible to the bottom of them.
The slides have lugs or brackets so that the blocks of any size can be fixed on
them, and so adjust them to the greatest accuracy, that the pushers which are
on the blocks will enter the perforations. I have a guide plate which is
adjusted with its own size of block. I must here remark that the whole of
the sizes are made so as to be adjusted, and that all plates, blocks, and
adjustable parts are made to templates. The rivetting or clenching blocks
are similar to the blocks which contain the pushers or forcers. The process
of putting on the heels and other parts of the apparatus will be herein-after
described under their proper heads.
i
Various contrivances can be arranged for cutting the rivets and putting
them into guides. I therefore arrange portable rack plates composed of
tubes, and fixed side by side in rows. The tubes are of any form to suit the
shape of the rivet, whether they be in short or in long lengths, or those which
have been, formed either by being cast or cut or made in lengths from wire,
by being pressed or embossed by having been passed through roller dies or
such other means. Where sets have to be put together for the supply of
apparatus which puts in rivets or screws for the fixing of soles to the uppers
of boots, shoes. or other coverings for the feet. I have boards made with
grooves to receive the lengths or rivets which have to be cut by the means
herein-before described, the grooves to be at a distance apart corresponding
with the distance of the means for putting the same into position for use.
If leave the
The tubes or grooves may be made of tin or other metal.
grooves open I have metal guards made into doors, so that the rivets may be
seen. I do not confine myself to their dimensions, as they may be made
suitable to any size of apparatus, they may be made so high as to go through
into an upper room, in which case I fix supports so as to keep them in a proper
position for their delivery. I also make a platform with steps to ascend the
same, for the purpose of the operator being able to fix the rackmates herein-
after mentioned, as they may become empty and require fresh supply, and
that rackmates will be arranged on the platform or other means so that
lengths of rivets may conveniently be supplied by boys or other attendants.
As the consumption will be great, and these provisions are important, large
drums may be used. I shall then use either
partitions, as it is found necessary to keep the
on such drums or bobbins, pullies. or cylinders. In producing the rivet lengths
in great quantities they will require to be placed in boxes or racks with divisions
to keep them from breaking, such racks or receptacles being called rackmates,
shallow or deep divisions or
said wire rivet lengths apart.

page_text: I inay here mention that the rivets may be cut by means of saws either re-
volving or otherwise arranged.
I will now proceed to describe by what means I use screws for putting the
soles or heels on boots, shoes, or other coverings for the feet. Wire which
has a screwed thread upon it and cut into any convenient lengths. is placed in
a groove side by side in the manner I have herein-before described. Lengths
of rivets of the wedge shape, whose points are not cut from the heads until
they are cut according to this Invention may be used. Lengths of screwed
wires may be put into the rackmate for feeding the rivet guides which lengths
will be cut into rivets by two plates as herein-before described, and from
thence they will, by means of forcers or pushers. be pushed forward into
channels, or on channel plates, or by the aid of certain other contrivances; I
dispense with the channel plates. The heads of the rivets are cut across; the
screwdrivers, actuated by machinery, may be used to accomplish that which is
otherwise done by hand. I have cams to actuate the cutters and the general
arrangements are the same in the process, except that I do not use riveters or
blocks containing means for forcing or clenching rivets, namely, by using
mandrils or plungers, by the contrivances herein-after to be described many of
the herein-before mentioned parts are dispensed with.
I will now describe the parts of the machinery, and the frame which holds
the screw drivers and by which means they are supplied, and how the screwing
of the said rivets or screws into the soles for fixing the same to the vamps or
uppers, is to be performed. Two square frames which are supported by
brackets or lugs from the sides of the uprights and bed of the machine, and
from the corners of the two frames there are ribs, rails, or bars, on which
arc collars properly fitted, and which can be taken off or put on as required.
in which the screw drivers are made to revolve. I have lugs in which I have
properly fitted bearings: the lugs are either cast or fixed to the corners of the
frames, two of them for each side of the frame and contain therein properly
fitted bearings. There is a drum for each side of the frame for the purpose
of causing the screw drivers to revolve by means of belts, which will lap
round the drums, and also the pullies which I have on the spindles of the screw-
drivers. the shaft ends of the drums work in the bearings on the lugs at the
corners of the frame. The drums can have various diameters so as to suit various
lengths of rivets or screws required for the different thicknesses of the bottoms or
soles of boots or shoes, or other coverings for the feet. Other means by which the
spindles of the screwdrivers may be caused to revolve. may also be employed.
I have shafts on which I arrange mitre wheels, one wheel for each spindle of

page_text: a screwdriver. I connect the wheels of the shafts with the spindles by means
of carriers or connecting shafts at each end of the same are mitre wheels of
very small diameter. The spindles of the screwdrivers have each a mitre
wheel; the small connecting shaft of course revolves in bearings on a bar
arranged for the frame between the shafts and the piece which has the collars
screwed on them in which the spindles of the screwdrivers revolve. The
spindles are each of them provided with a boss, into which the screwdriver is
fixed, but which can be taken out at any time to he replaced or repaired.
The thread bar is arranged on the tops of the whole frame, the object of which
is to have it lapped or screwed, especial care being taken that heads of the
spindles of the screwdrivers will turn round freely. so that when the screw-
driver is screwing or driving the screwed rivet into the soles of the boots or
shoes, and should there fail to be suflicient solidity in the leather, the end of
the spindle having the same thread screwed upon it of the count or size as that
which is on the screwed rivet. it will be clear that the spindle must go up or
down, according to whether it is made to revolve to the right or to the left,
and thereby assisting materially the screwed rivet in penetrating the leather.
I may remark here that I prefer the bottoms of the boots or shoes to have
been pricked previous to the screwed rivet being screwed on them. A mere
rack with teeth of the same size as the thread on the spindle would answer the
same end, or even a piece of metal to take one or more threads only would
also answer to cause the spindle to rise and fall while the screwdriver is
putting in the rivet or screw. The shafts which actuate the above screw-
drivers are actuated at one end of the shafts, and all the shafts have at their
ends mitre gearing. by which each shaft is actuated by the other. The
spindles of the screwdrivers can also be assisted in driving the screwed rivets
into the leather by a number of cams being arranged upon shafts any placed
on the rod or bar in which are the heads of the spindles of the screwdrivers.
The end of the cam shaft working in bearings, and by means of carrier wheels,
or by being directly connected with the wheels which actuate the drums or
other shafts whose offices are to give motion to the screwdrivers, the motion
necessary for working the cam shafts, so that the cams may force down the
spindles, and on the return of the canis small loop levers could be connected
to the spindles by having shoulders on any convenient part to allow of the loop
or collar to lift the spindle thereby or if the lever be connected with the cam
and the spindle of the screwdriver could be forked and work in a boss with
grooves; and by these means the spindles could be assisted in driving or
screwing in the rivets or screws, and when done the spindle of the screw-
driver would be lifted back again, and the like with the other contrivances...

page_text: The spindle would be again ready to perform the same in succession.
Channel plates may be employed to conduct each screw or rivet to the action
of the screwdriver. A slight difference, however, which I did not mention in
my description of the channel plates alluded to above, namely, that they are
made sometimes to correspond with the sweeps and curves of the bottoms of
the soles of hoots and shoes or other coverings for the feet, and that the
channels on the plates undulate and conform to them accordingly when they
may be required. I have the same arrangement at the bottom of the groove
for pushing each consecutive rivet or screw forward and into the channels as
they are cut, only I prefer that kind of spring which is used for the key of a
flute riveted or screwed to a back plate, and to allow the spring to project
sufficiently through it into the rivet guide, so that when the rivet is pushed so
far down the rivet guide, and before it has reached the outlet, the rivet or
screw will depress the spring until the whole of the screw or rivet is down
opposite the outlet: the rivet or screw is then liberated from the rivet guide,
and the spring instantly acts and pushes it forward. Instead of having pulls
to push the screwed rivets to the cutters which have been herein-before
described, two rollers, arranged so as to cause the screwed wire to pass
between them, may be used; these rollers in their simplest form are arranged
for one size of rivet. The bearings, which are made so as to admit both
rollers, are contrived so as to allow of being tightened up to the wire which
passes between them; the bearings of these rollers are fixed on a frame,
which is fixed to the uprights above the cutters: the rollers have slight flutes
turned out opposite to each other; the flutes are milled so as to suit the screw
or thread, and the thickness or gauge of the wire. so that when the rollers are
nipped together and put into motion they will be made to regulate the length
of wire for cutting each rivet. In the block of the bearing there are set
screws which act against the brasses in which the axles revolve. and the brasses
being pushed against the axles by these means, the rollers are adjusted.
There are spur wheels at one end of the rollers, which are inside the block or
bearings, outside of which is a ratchet wheel and pall. Each tooth of the
ratchet wheel actuates the length of wire to be forced through the rollers; the
spur wheels are geared together, the teeth being made deep do not interfero
. with the adjustment of the rollers. When the lengths of the rivets are
required to vary, two speeds need only be arranged for, which is accomplished
by the shafts being hollow as far as the number of lengths of wires in the
guides are to be cut to supply the thick part of the sole, say the clumps, which
will be about to the middle of the sole. The rollers are hollow one half thei
lengths, and the other halves are turned down so as to fit the hollow o

page_text: cylinder part, which could go entirely through or so far only, but yet suffi-
ciently so as to be strong enough to resist the pressure they must bear upon
the wire between them. The blocks and bearings would be the same as the
axle would then be turned to suit them, and the spur gearing would be the
same. The teeth of one ratchet wheel will be a little shorter on one half of
the roller than the ratchet is on the other half, and by both being actuated at
one time, it is the difference of the length of the ratchet teeth that the length
of rivet is made. If three or more different lengths of rollers are required, by
adding them so as to work one within the other, providing them with spur
gearing, and ratchets, and palls, any mechanic will understand in what
manner the same is to be performed.
Another plan of arranging a cutter may be employed, namely, by having a
cylinder and a shaft to work in it. That which constitutes the cylinder might
be in parts, one part on the top part, and the other part under, and the shaft
to work freely. The holes are bored through both cylinder and shaft, the
wire pushed into the shaft, and the shaft turned half round. By this motion
the wire is cut, a set of pushers pushes out the rivets to be deposited, and the
wire is supplied again to the cylinder, and so the process of cutting is con-
tinued. If the rivets are supplied in troughs or guides, or in the manner of
channels or grooves, and shall have been cut in a separate machine, either in
the form of a warp of wires or sheets of metal by machinery or by hand; put
into such instruments they are placed in any manner, so that the requisite
number arranged by portable tubes, troughs, guides, or grooves, and placed
so that they can be pushed out of the said instruments. As in some cases it
is desirable to use rivets or screws which shall have been fitted into portable
instruments called rackmates or handmates, the mode of proceeding may be
here mentioned, namely, a frame of wood or other material is made in racks
or partitions, so that troughs, grooves, or guides shall be put side by side.
They are made vertical, and at one end of each is inserted a piece of metal
the size of the groove; this piece of metal, which is called a sword, is put
into the top end of the trough or guide. I have small rods on which are
small pullies, in each of them I slip on the ends of the swords by means of
clips. I have small cords fixed to a convenient part of the machine, with
weights at their ends. I throw them over the small pullies, which are fixed on
the proper end of the rods, and by the pressure from the weights the swords
slide and push the rivets down the guides or grooves, always supplying them as
they are pushed out at the bottoms thereof, thence forward, and in the manner
I have herein-before described. The swords have guides, and also have the
rods. The pullies may be dispensed with, and the rods could be weighted, as

page_text: the rods themselves are not sufficiently heavy to push down the rivets.
Various modifications of these arrangements can be employed to suit the con-
venience of the rooms or workshops without departing from the principles,
namely, that of pushing the rivets on screws out from rivet guides or grooves,
whether portable guides, or what I call rackmates and handinates, of any
form, which may contain rivets for clenching screws for screwing, and to be
used as I have herein-before described and applied. I may remark that the
trough or guides are made light and easy to handle, and when they are fitted
they can be placed on a handmate consisting of grooves. The troughs or
guides are flush with the grooves in the handmates. A cover is then buttoned
thereon, and the edges of the troughs or guides are touched by the cover, but
so as to allow the rivets to move freely be the pressure of the swords, as
herein-before described. This digression from the description of the manner
of putting in the screws has been necessary to shew the various means by
which a continual supply is to be maintained. When the rivets are being
pushed into the channels of the channel plates, namely, the moment the screw
has entered the channel, it is operated upon by a revolving saw, for the purpose
of cutting the top part of the screwed rivet. The saw is continually revolving,
or it may only do so at the intervals between the supply of each screw, but I
prefer that the saw should be constantly in motion. I have on the cover of
each channel a projection, which I call a midfeather or screw guide. It is
exactly in the centre of the channel, as it leaves a distance on each side of
it corresponding with the quantity of metal left on each side the cut on that
part of the screw made by the saw. When this midfeather or screw guide
begins its office by receiving the cut part of the screw, and by being deep
enough to dip into it, and as the screws are pushed in succession to the action
of the revolving saw the midfeather becomes a guide in consequence of the
top of each screw being sunk, and which, by forming a groove, they keep the
same position in the direction of the channel, when each screw slides on till
they in succession arrive at the screwdrivers, which are so arranged that the
nick or cut in the top of the screwed rivet glides from the end of the mid-
feather always on to the sharp end of the screwdriver, which instantly revolves
and screws the screw into the boot or shoe sole, and as the screwdriver
descends, the sides of the spindle or screwdriver are in contact with the screwed
rivet next following, until it returns and rises and stops exactly at the instant
of time also at the required height, and the sharp end of the screwdriver
returns to the proper direction to receive another screwed rivet, which,
as soon as the screwdriver rises, the next is supplied, and so on in succession.
The midfeather prevents the undermost screw being affected by the motion of

page_text: the screwdriver, or by the spindle thereof. There are two lugs or stops which
the spindle is checked by on the bearings in which the spindle revolves.
namely, so soon as the spindle descends, the distance is in proportion to the
number of revolutions it makes consistent with the length of the screw when
it comes into contact with the driver lug, and the spindle does not revolve
further. The screw is there and then put into the boot or shoe; the spindle
returns, revolving back again, when it comes into contact with the upper lug,
when again is also prevented revolving or going any further. There is a
projection on the spindle, namely a pin or stud, which simple provisions
accomplishes the certainty of this contrivance working. The motions of the
various parts of the herein-described machinery, and of the means by which
the screws are put into the soles of boots and shoes, deviate but so little,
that it needs no further explanation on the contrivances which have been.
severally described.
i
The process by which the soles and heels are fixed to the uppers of boots
and shoes may be now described. One of the arrangements consists of a
bed composed of two sides, rising up from the floor à convenient height for
the workman, inside of which are means for various instruments to slide in,
namely the usual forms, such as slide rests on like such other machines as
have grooves adequate to define the manner. place, and limit by and in which
such parts of machinery and apparatus move or travel. At a distance of six
or eight inches from the outside of the bottom shoulder projecting and
channels in grooves for the purpose of a frame to slide in are provided,
whose office it is to receive the box or boxes which contain boots and shoes
at an end of the machine, and pass them from process to process, and deliver
them at the other. The distance between the processes defined by the uprights
and lines, and thence the necessity for the contrivance of this moveable frame.
or other such means to answer the same end, namely, that each pair of boots
or shoes, in as far as they enter the machine, may be brought from the first to
each succeeding process of fixing the soles and heels to the uppers or vamps
thereof, and by the machine be delivered to the operator. This box, slide, or
frame is made to move backwards and forwards, and may slide in the middle
of the bed; but I prefer that it should slide in the sides thereof. There are
palls or ratchets on the frame, two to each interval, once on each side rail of
the frame, and at a distance apart to correspond with the interval between
each upright. These palls are erect, and are kept so by means of a spring
whilst the boxes are being shifted from one process to another, namely, the
first pair are pricked; they proceed to receive the rivets; they are then clenched,
and the heels are put on, and then they are delivered.

page_text: The action of the palls or ratchets on the box slides or frames is as follows:
The palls on the frame which actuate the boxes are depressed only the
moment on their return by rubbing or sliding under them, that instantly on
being cleared they spring up, and are ready to move their charge and receive
a fresh box, as well as to deliver over, and at the same time to change the
place of each box to a further process, substantially as herein-before described.
At the delivering end of the above frame there is a rack the length of the
stroke required, it is actuated by a wheel which receives its motion by a
descending shaft, which shaft is actuated by a carrier shaft from the main
shaft. The main shaft revolves on blocks and bearings fixed on the cross
pieces of the uprighis, and which shaft actuates all the motions and instru-
ments of the machinery hercin-before described. This shaft is parallel to the
bed, upon which are either cams, excentrics, or cranks. On the upright of
the first compartment, inside thereof, are slides, arranged in the usual way,
which are fitted vertically and actuated by cams; on the bottom part there are
lugs which are provided with sunk notches which receive the projections or
lugs by which the blocks are fixed, and in which are arranged prickers for
cam clenchers. The first process is to prick all the holes at once. This
process is not at all times required as the rivets can be forced into the soles
without. The block is made to resist great stress. The second compartment
contains the means for supplying the boots and shoes with rivets, which has
been herein-before described. The block which contains the pushers, which
are screwed into the plate of the block, may be got at with ease and changed
when required for any other size. The third compartment is fitted exactly
with the same motions, only the block and other parts are very strong. The
shaft is also stronger. This block varies in its construction as compared with
the above. The forcers or clinchers are loose and arranged as follows:-
There is a plate with two rims and having as many holes or cylinders as there
are rivets required, and in which the clenchers work. The cylinders are care-
fully bored and the clenchers well fitted so as to freely but firmly work in
them; the clinchers will be about five and one-fourth inches long. The plate
upon which the rims are fitted is about an inch thick. The holes are about
three-eighths apart between each clincher, and that part of the clincher which
fits the cylinder in the rim is two and three-fourths of an inch long, one inch
of it is in the cylinder, and the part which is out of the cylinder is left to be
pressed in and out thereof according to the length of the rivet, which is about
inch and half. The other part of the clincher, being square, is about two and
half inches long. The hole or cylinder of uniform bore to the depth of two
and half inches, and then the hole in the plate below the rim is taken to

page_text: nearly the end, when it is the calibre of the square part of the clincher, or it
may be round, according to the form of the rivet. From the round part of
the clencher the square part thereof is made rather stronger and will le
capable of giving a little to any inequality of the plate of the preparations of
the boot or other plate into which it has to enter and force the rivet through
it into the sole and there clinch the rivet. I shall also put washers or other-
wise lap the square part of the clencher at the lower or taper end of the
cylinder. The piece in which the clenchers work is the block, which is actu-
ated in the following manner:-The block has slides of proper strength. A
kind of lid, which is made to slide in it, is, by strong lugs. fitted to the m
slide; this lid, or what is called the clenching plate, has springs under it
placed on the outside of the rims and inside the slides of the block, so that
guides being put into the clenching plate, it will be sure keep the springs in
their proper place. There are two template blocks, which are the shape of
the rims and fit into the inside of them. They are flanged so as just to cover
the thickness of the rims in which the clenchers work; these template blocks,
while they strengthen the plate they also bring back the clenchers, after having
formed the rivets, by the following means:-The clenchers have heads about
the size of an inch in depth; there is sufficient room between each clencher
and under their heads (which heads join each other) for a small pin to be
screwed into the template block into that part of it which fits into the inside
of the rims. These template blocks are bolted to the lid or plate and a flange
is screwed on the edges of the block which projects over on the lid or clenching
plate. The springs under the clenching plate always keep the clenches up
and from projecting through the block. The length of the square part of the
clenchers are made to accommodate the sweeps of the boot and shoe, &c., and
that when the clenching plate comes down the block approaches the sole plate
the first, and by reason of pin guides and corresponding holes in the sole plate,
the block is certain to find its true position to the sole plate, and in conse-
quence of the whole of the holes or perforating corresponding with each other
in the block and the sole plate, the rivets which are deposited on the sole
plate are forced into the hole and they are clinched. The cam causes the
clenching plate to rise and the springs keep the block on the sole plate until
the pin guides are withdrawn and the block is now clear of the sole plate, at
that instant the box, slide, or frame, carries the box containing the boots and
shoes forward to receive the heels; at the same time the said box, slides, or
frame, brings another box containing another pair of boots or shoes and to have
the rivets forced into the soles and clinched, and this is done over and over.
The manner in which the heels are put on the soles of boots, shoes, or

page_text: other coverings for the feet, and which is the last process before being deli-
vered, may be now mentioned. A cam slide similar to that already described
is employed, but with a bracket fixed to it, of peculiar construction, capable of
being adjusted. There are two bosses, in which are put the shell form of
the heel, which is like the mould of a heel in the inside form of it; there
are pins which are put into the box and so fastened that they may be readily
changed. On the thick part of the solid, between the pin and the heel shell,
as it may be called. are placed about five palls that have labs which work in
joints the tabs are in continuation of the fingers of the palls and placed above
the joints, the fingers are bent inwards and are adjusted to the depth of the
heel. The palls are hollow, and these fingers have small springs round them
inside the palls. the long ends of them forming the seat of the spring, and
under the heads of the fingers forms the other seat each pall is screwed, and
a screw is put in each of them for the purpose of regulating them to suit the
thickness of the heels. A keeper is made so that when the heel is put into
the heel shell it is made to press against the heel and firmly to hold it there on
that part of it which rises from the waist. This keeper has a joint just above
the open part of the heel shell, where the heel is put in it has a handle, and
that part of it which presses against the waist part of the heel is gent down at
an angle from below the joint, a spring acting, at the time, which keeps it
against the heel until the handle is again lifted up, which is done by the
operator. The heel is put into the shell with the points of the projecting
rivets downwards, and the keeper is now brought down, which keeps the heel
in its place against the sides of the shell, and the fingers keep the heel up to
its seat. There is what I call a latchet, which partly surrounds the shell, it is
a little higher opposite the boss, it is supported on a bar which crosses from
one upright to the other. When the slide descends and the boss has arrived
at its exact place just as the points of the rivets are entering the sole. the
tabs of the fingers come in contact with the latchet, when they are instantly
depressed and liberate the heel to the onward pressure of the slide, which
immediately clinches the heels firmly on the boots. At the joining of the
heel with the sole it is usual to put a little ornamentation by milling round
the lift of the heel. This object is accomplished by the following arrange-
ment: A plate is suspended from the two bosses into which the pins of the
heel shell are fixed. This plate is capable of being adjusted at that part from
which it is suspended, and has two circular grooves, these grooves have
each a circular slide, the slides being fixed in the usual manner. These two
circular slides have each four slides which radiate to the centre; they are
for the purpose of holding a small wheel whose periphery is milled and very

page_text: slightly rounded; small lugs project downwards from the circular slides. A
strong spring is placed between the end of each slide and lug, a small
head on a pin from the slide passes through the lug and prevents the slide
from being pushed too far out. On the periphery of the circular slides are
teeth, so that motion can be imparted to them by the following means:-
I have a desconding shaft whose bearings are on the plate on the end and
under the plate through which the axle part of the shaft project out only so
much as to have a toothed wheel fixed upon it, which fits into the teeth on
the peripheries of the circular slides. On the main shaft is a mitre wheel; a
bar crosses from one upright to the other, and in the centre of it there are two
lugs bent at right angles inward, and facing the cam slide. In the lugs are
bearings in which is a shaft; the upper end of it projects through the bearings,
and upon it is a small mitre wheel which is actuated by the wheel on main
shaft. On the cam slide is fixed a lever which projects with a forked end on
the shaft which run in the lugs which are on the cross bar is a key and also
a boss with a clutch. This clutch boss has a groove in it which runs the
forked end of the lever fixed in the slide; on the said shaft is also a loose boss
with an eccentric, and having also a clutch. The rod of the eccentric is con-
nected with a quadrant which works on a pin fixed on the projecting lug from
the cross bar, and which actuates the descending shaft which gives the back-
ward and forward motion to the circular slides on which are the small
travelling wheels. The forked boss being clutched and moving up and down
with the cam slide, and the shaft having a key, the boss revolves, the key does
not go down the shaft as far as the eccentric; the eccentric being loose, it
will be seen that when the slide descends, and brings with it the clutched boss
by means of the forked lever, the moment the clutched boss of the excentric
is connected by the former clutch, motion is at once given to the quadrant, and
from thence to the descending shaft and to the milling or circular slides, the
time and speed being calculated accordingly.
There can be many practical modifications of the machinery for the various
processes required for riviting the sole to the uppers or vamps of boots and
shoes. One modifications is that of a table form moving round a centre
vertical shaft; a table may be contrived to have more than one tier. The
vertical shaft forms an axle, or the shaft and table may be cast or fitted
together in one piece, so that it runs in a step at the bottom and in boarings at
the top into a cross head, which stretches from two pillars or uprights.
The various processes which have been herein-before described in detail are
arranged at the intervals outside the table, but they may also be arranged so
as to admit of the table revolving under the processes by buckets rising from

page_text: the floor and meeting at the centre, and the table shaft would pass through a
boss to which the brackets would converge and be fixed thereto. The end of
the table shaft would pass through the bearings of the boss on which the
wheel is put, which is actuated by mitre gearing on the main shaft. The table
has a rim or flange projecting near the bottom, which slides in a correspond-
ing groove in the uprights or brackets; this is for the purpose of steadying
the table. The table is divided into compartments to receive the boxes con-
taining the boots and shoes, and which compartments might be called chairs.
There are arms on each side of the chairs or compartments in which are
grooves to receive the sole plates and boxes; the guide pins of the blocks of
the forcers or rivet clouchers adjust the sole plates, but besides these there is
a small latch at the end of the chair, which is pressed down by a spring into a
notch of the sole plate, which holds it fast during the process. This latch is
lifted up when the box is to be delivered from the chair when the groove or
rivit-supplying apparatus is outside the table. The frames thereof will require
beds for the rivit carrier or plate to slide from the groove or the channel
plate in the following manner:-There are two bearings which cross the
table, but sufficiently high so as to allow the sole plate just to pass under and
remain until they are there clinched.
The processes for cutting the rivits, and putting them into the channel
plates are such as have been herein-before described; but when the said
cutting is performed on a bed and framework, as above alluded to, the motion
is obtained by means of a rack and wheel. The rack is fixed to the rivet
plates or carrier, or the rack may be worked by being placed between two
quadrants which are actuated by one of the shafts, on which are the cains for
actuating the plates for cutting the rivits. The main shaft works the wheel
alluded to on the end of the table shaft, which is loose, and from which all the
motions are obtained which cannot be given by the main shaft direct. The
cams which cut the rivets are actuated by the main shaft, and there are also
two brackets or uprights, one at the end of the slides in which the channel
plate works, and which is fixed to the frame or tube in which the table shaft
revolves, the other is a part of the frame in which the groove and cutting
apparatus is worked. The main shaft has cains or eccentrics which work the
slides of the clluching blocks which have been herein-before described.
When the cutting or rivet-supplying apparatus is not worked outside the
frame the various processes are worked from the main shaft in the, following
manner The main shaft I prefer should cross the table in the centre, which
will suit for two sets of apparatus; cams will only be required for clinching.
The rivet cutting and supplying apparatus are actuated from the main shaft

page_text: by other shafts and gearing suitable to the angles required. A table of about
five feet six inches diameter will carry two sets of processes, namely, three
compartments on each side, the supplying, the clluching, and the heeling, and
between them on each side are compartments, one to receive and another to
deliver. The motion which moves the table at its proper intervals is obtained
from the continuation of one of the cam shafts which work in a bearing on the
bed near the floor. The shaft is cranked, and has a connecting rod, at the
end of which is a pall fitted with suitable means for sliding in the sigment of
a circle; this poll has a spring in the back of it fixed at the joint by such
means as are well known. The throw of the crank corresponds with the dis-
tance between the lugs or ratchets which are on the periphery of a rim placed
below the chairs or compartments on the table.
Another modification is that of a wheel-like adaptation revolving vertically
with an axle through the nave of it, and working in bearings. In this case
it is better that the chairs or compartments should be arranged on the
periphery to resist the pressure, but so that they shall be fed, and the articles
delivered from the side. The chairs are fitted in a similar manner to those
of the compartments of the revolving table, as herein-before described.
From the bed are two uprights on each side of the wheel, upon the middle of
which the blocks for the main shaft, upon which are cams to work the slides,
and blocks for clenching; this shaft is parallel to the axle, and directly over it.
The shafts by which the cam shafts for cutting the rivets, and the other
motions of the rivet-supplying apparatus can be worked from the main shaft
by eccentrics with wedge-ended drifts being forced between the end of the
cutting plate and the side on which the wedge moves. The thin part of
the wedge comes first into force, and gradually the thick part forces the
plate, and enters the plate, which having a strong spring, is forced back on the
wedge returning.
Both the cams and the putting on of the heels can be actuated by carrier
wheels and by spur gearing, or by shafting in an oblique direction from the
main shaft. Two sets of apparatus can be arranged with this modification,
and both fed from the sides of the wheels: of course the compartments or
chairs would require to be opposite each other. The riveting which is moved
at its proper intervals by a ratchet and pall by a motion given to a wheel by
gearing on the axle to a shaft, from the main shaft, fixed in a con-
venient part of the bed, which being geared with another shaft, upon which is
a crank, the rivet wheel, having ratchets or palls, is actuated in the manner
of the revolving table, as herein-before described, or this may be done from
the main shaft direct with fittings of a suitable kind.

page_text: Another modification of the means by which the prickers and rivetting
blocks are arranged to supply the necessity of having different sets of the
same is as follows: A plate is caused to revolve by means of a worm or
screw working in the teeth of the periphery thereof. The plate is inclosed by
a circular rim, and at a convenient part of the rim is an opening and lugs
with bearings, in which is caused to run the said worm or screw, the same to
he operated upon by the workman. The plate has various sizes of the forms
of the soles placed so as to cross each other (in pairs, or single to suit the kind
of machine, but in such case the plates will be changed from rights to lefts.
The forcers and prickers will be arranged in grooves, and loose, with springs
according to the various plans herein-before described. I shall use templets
or rims the forms and sizes of the soles, a pair for each size will be required,
which will be placed there by the operator. They will be placed in the groove
upon the heads of the forcers, and between the grooved plate, and an upper
plate whose office has been herein-before described in relation to the rivet
block, with this difference that the rivet block should have lugs on it, from
which will project downwards guides or pins, which will work in bosses, and
this plate will be actuated by the cams or eccentrics of the main shaft. The
plate in which the groove and forcers are may be stationery.
By another mode of regulating the pricker and rivet process, the changing of
the blocks of both prickers and forcers may be used. On the under face of the
plate, which is actuated by the cams or eccentrics on the main shafts, are small
dovetailed grooves in order to slide into what I call mult pieces or mults,
which are composed with two sides, and forming a kind of box or cavity with
bevil sided heads to slide into the dovetails in the plate. The sides of the
mult are for the purpose of steadying the heads of the forcers, which will slide
in them at the time they are being regulated to suit the various sizes of the
soles, of boots, shoes, or other covering for the feet. Each mult may have
two, four, six, or more forcers or prickers arranged in it as follows:-The
mult has two ends and center, and with the sides it may be readily understood
that this mult is hollow, and that flat forcers properly fitted would slide in it. A
hole is bored through one end through the centre, and through the other end so
as to form three bearings. The centre pieces is about. the eighth of an inch,
the two ends are stronger. A spindle of steel on which are left and right
hand threads or screws, the centre and the two ends are loose, the centre of
the spindle is flush with the thread. there are shoulders on each end of the
spindle the depth or a little more of the thread. The two ends or necks
project out at each end, one projection being square. for a small key or wrench
which will actuate it. Before the ends or bearings for the spindle are fixed,

page_text: I put the heads (which have been screwed) of the forcer on to each end of the
spindle. Each forcer is fitted into the flat piece headed alluded to, which is
of hard metal of an inch thick, these pieces being screwed, the one for the
left and the other for the right hand threads. In the centre of the bevil or
head is made a sunk or square hole for the centre bearings. There are at
each end of the mult recesses to receive the end bearings of the spindle, the
centre piece is put in the spindle, next then the heads of the forcers, and
lastly, the end bearings which being screwed fast in the mult, it can be put into
the groove of the plate. It will be seen that several forcers or prickers could be
put into one mult, and that as the spindle is turned either one or the other
way the forcers will become more apart, or be brought nearer together,
so that whatever width the sole might be, this plan will meet this desideratum.
It is therefore clear that if a number of mults were put into the dovetailed
plate they could all be regulated to suit the size of the sole.
In order to suit the turn or round of the heel and toe, more than one
spindle in these mults are provided, as the distance becomes less between the
parallel lines drawn across the heel or toe from each rivet as they near the
circular or elliptical part thereof. There are also more spindles than one in
other mults, varying from one in each mult upwards to suit the 'soles as 'the
sizes shorten. The mults are drawn from the centre of the plate, and the
heel and toe mults are brought more to the middle accordingly as the lengths
of the sole differ. This arrangement will do for the blocks when the width
of the sole requires a nicely. This mode can be applied if each 'mult had its
own eccentric on the main shaft, which in some cases I should prefer the
mults would have a frame to slide in. The mults can also be bodily adjusted,
so that in single machines either rights or lefts could be manufactured. 'This
mode admits of screws being used for securing the soles to the uppers or
vamps of boots and shoes, and other coverings for the feet. Two uprights
with cross pieces, which span the bed as herein-before described, with
main shaft for giving motion to the various parts. From the centre of the
cross piece and parallel with the main shaft a convenient distance under it is
fixed from one upright to the other a bar, in the under side of which is a
groove about an inch wide, in which is a rack. On each side of the bar are
along the whole length thereof flanges in which are as many bearings as are
necessary for the greatest number of spindles required for the greatest
number of rivets for any sized sole, each spindle has a wheel about 6ths
of an inch in diameter, in shape and make like unto pinion 'wire which
is the width of the rack, and placed so that when 'the rack is actuated
backwards and forwards the spindles will revolve accordingly, the pinion

page_text: or wheel on each spindle when in the grove prevents any lateral motion
by forming a collar, the spindle being about three-sixteenths diameter. The
spindle projects about three inches on each side of the rack bar. The
spindles have small groves. On each side of the bed, and to each upright at
nearly the bottom is fixed a bar with ribs, a corresponding bar is fixed on each
side the rack bar also containing ribs in the upper and lower bar. These slides
are made of thin flat pieces of metal about three-sixteenths strong, each one holds
of which a screwdriver which is actuated in the following manner:-The small
grove in the spindle admits of a key inside a boss, a grove is turned out of
the boss, and a collar or clip runs in the grove of the boss. This clip is fixed
to the upper edge of the slide places. The boss has a mitre wheel, which
actuates a miter wheel on a small shaft, the end of it working in a step. The
screwdriver also descends vertically, the upper part of it working in a boss,
or rather a tube, which is fixed into the slide plate at the bottom of it; on
the screwdriver is a spur wheel. There is also a carrier wheel between the
spur wheel on the small end and the spur wheel on the screwdriver, which
having a grove in it admits of a key in the spur. The rack spindle being
actuated by the rack it gives motion to the boss, the miter wheel upon it
gives motion to the miter wheel on the small shaft, whole spur gives
motion to a carrier wheel, and the carrier to the spur of the screw-
driver. A boss, which is screwed with the same thread at the rivet,
the screwdriver works in it in the manner herein-before described, with
check lugs on the spindle of the screwdriver, that when the rack is moved
backwards and forwards motion is given to the screwdriver, when it puts the
screw into the sole, and ascends again to be instantly ready for the next, and
so on. The channels or groves for conducting the screws, as they leave the
cutters, the circular saws to slit the top of the screws, the guides or mid-
feathers which fit into the slit on the head of the rivet conducting it to
the screwdriver, as herein-before described. The ribbed bars are so made
as to allow of the channels or groves to pass under them from the cut-
ters. The manner of pushing the rivets forward from the cutters and
placing the rivets in the guides are the same, or with such difference as the
various modifications require. The channels can be changed, or any of
them removed in this modification, so as to meet the requirements of the
various sizes of soles. The screwdrivers can be arranged as in the manner
herein-before described in relation to the mults for accommodating the rounds
of the heels and the toes. I also put more than one screwdriver, with their
various parts, into slide plates on mults, and change them to suit the short-
ening and varying of the sizes of boots and shoes.

page_text: Another modification consists of a bed, with grooves in it, for the clamps or
boxes which contains the boots or shoes to slide in. The boxes or clamps
having projecting edges or flanges, or if the boot or shoc in the clamp or box
should have a sole plate put on the sides of such plate, or the said clamps or
boxes, are arranged in all my apparatus with the means of sliding on the beds
of the various modifications of my machines. The flanges or sliding parts of
the clamps or boxes in this modification are on each side of the boot or shoe
made with teeth in the form of a racket, the distance from one tooth to the
other diminishing as the carriers of the sides of the soles and the rounding of
the heels and toes require. A poll to each side of the rack racket it will
be seen is necessary, to be herein-after described. There are two uprights
which cross the bed with bearings on the top of each, so that the main shaft
runs lengthwise with the bed and the direction the boots and shoes travel.
Between the uprights on each side the bed I have one or more slides, like
the slide rest in their action, they are placed at right angles to the bed.
There are projections or brackets fixed to the bed with groves, in which these
riveting slides are actuated, to be herein-after described. When there are
a pair of boots or shoes passing through this machine, the riveting appa-
ratus (which is fixed on each side) on the two first slides commences at the
toc to rivet, and passes down outside riveting one-half of the boots and shoes
as they travel to the heel; then the riveting commences on the inside of the
soles. On the rack ratchet is a rib, projection, or straight cam on each side
thereof, which comes into contact with the end of a lever, which has the office
of putting the riveting apparatus in action, when it is lifted up by means of
the straight cam or rib, the end of the lever resting on its edge during the
whole of its length; and at its end the lever again is depressed at the same
moment the supply of the rivets is cut off.
soles by means of grooves on
shape and length of the boot
have a boss, on which I work
Under the head of the slide
that when the head of the slide
I will now describe the riveting apparatus, and the manner of con-
struction and action of the slide in which the same are actuated. I
have a stud on the under part of the slide which governs the slide of the
sweeps of the sides of the boot or shoc
which the stud travels, being of the exact
or shoe sole. At the end of the slide, I
the slide bolt to which the forcer is fixed.
bolt and resting on the boss is a spring, so
bolt is pushed down the spring will force the head up as the block rises
which has just forced. There are two slot holes for a pin to work in to guide
the slide bolt in its motion up and down. The head of the slide bolt is two
inches long projecting backwards in the direction of the slide, on which I fix

page_text: a poll on the slide bolt, which acts in the manner, as herein-before described,
upon the heads of the wedge-shape rivet, or such other form as I have
described and referred to. I have a guide or tube which is supported by
means of a bracket, which is bolted in the slide sufficiently near to the slide
bolt so that the poll will force each rivet one after the other to the cutter.
From the boss in
The cutter is of the same principle as those herein-before described; this
cutter has only one hole, it moves with its face against the face of another
plate, and thereby cuts the rivet; a small spring is fitted on the bottom of the
guide, which pushes each rivet forward, while it gives room for the next
following to be pushed between it, and the spring at the mouth of the channel
or rivet guide. As the forcer descends it takes with it a rivet, and deposits
it into the sole; the forcer then occupying the place of the rivet it has just
displaced on the return of the forcer, and as soon as the end of it has cleared
the rivet guide or channel, the spring at the mouth of the channel pushes
forward the next rivet, and the channel being full the last one cut it will be
seen pushes those before it in a body, and the one next to the forcer is the
next to be put into the sole, when the forcer descends.
which the slide bolt works is continued a strong piece of iron so that the cutter
can be properly fitted; the cutter is placed lengthwise with the slide, and is
actuated by a wedge or cam whose motion is given from the main shaft. The
sweeps or carriers of the bolts require particular attention, so that the length
of the rivet can be accommodated to that part of the sole called the waist;
I have what I call cam wheels, cylinders, or rollers upon each box or clamp,
they are so formed that they describe a sweep or circle, when they have rolled
once round exactly the reverse to the bottom of the sole of a boot or shoe.
Each clamp or box being made to a certain size, and the cam wheels or rollers
are made to suit the size. They roll on rails placed on each side of the bed.
The rails have teeth, and so have the cam wheels, the rails are made to suit
The bearings have small
the size of boot or shoe in the clamps or boxes.
holes at proper intervals into which small pins enter, and thereby holds the
rail. This arrangement is to meet the difficulty which would arise at the
waist of the sole, and this plan so far is suitable to one side of the bottom of
the boot or shoe. The cam wheel is double, and when one set has cleared
the first rail the second rail projecting further inwards, the second set takes
the second rail. Their motion describes a straight line, so that as the forcer
descends to put in the rivet it will be seen that the clamp or box rises, and
falls as the boot or shoe is passing under the slide or rivet according to the
sweep or curve of the bottom of the boot as it presents itself to the forcer
It is herein-before alluded to that one side only is riveted at a time of the

page_text: bottom, and this is in consequence of the sweeps and curves differing in form
on the outside of the boot or shoe as compared with the inside of the boot,
which with good work at the hollow part of the waist, will always be required;
a kind of frame or plate is fixed to each upright with bosses, in which are
worked rams or hammers. These rams or hammers are to force the slide
bolt down. On the inside of each upright is a slide, to which is fixed a plate
or bar, which by means of eccentrics or cams, this bar is worked by the
main shaft, and which is what I call the ram or hammer bar. The lever
latchet which is actuated by the rib on the rack ratchet is fixed to the slide,"
and works on a pin, one end against a spring, which causes the other end
to depress at the moment it glides off the end of the rib, the spring end is
then lifted up by being brought into contract with the pall pieces the shoulder
on the pall pieces passing under the tab of the pall depresses the pall, and
takes it off the edge of the wedged shaped rivets, in the manner herein-before
described, when the latchet lever is again raised up to the rib, the spring end
is then again depressed, and the pall is again placed on the head of the
rivet. The clamps or boxes are actuated by an eccentric on the projecting
part of the main shaft, which is connected with a crancked lever or latchet,
the said latchet being connected with a shaft, which crosses the bed at the
entrance of the machine, and which moves on two blocks or bearings, two
finger motions are put on this shaft, and to each finger motion is connected
a pall. When the cutters in connection are not used with the slide, channels
are provided, which are fitted with rivets, and the slide made to receive them
being supplied from an apparatus, which cuts and deposits them into these
troughs or channels, and the rivets are pushed forward in such channels by
When
means of a sword of metal in the manner herein-before described.
screws are used, the screwdriver is placed on the slide at the end of it which
is actuated by a rack, pulley, or gearing. The motion is given to the rack
from the main shaft, and also to the circular saw; the saw runs in two
bearings, and has a shaft upon which is a pulley, or gearing cutter. and rivet
guides are also arranged in the slide with a channel, and are actuated in
manner herein-before described. If the rivets are used, screwed, and cut,
they are done as follows:-The number of screwed rivets are cut and put into
a guide or channel, with a saw to slit them according to the plans herein-before
described.
The next portion of this Invention to be mentioned, is an apparatus for
A bed
assisting the operator to put the vamps or uppers on to the lasts.
is provided on which is fixed a socket. and arranged so that it will receive
other sockets suitable to the shanks of the different sized lasts.
There

page_text: are two uprights with grooves therein, which rise at right angles to the
direction of the lasting frame, and which are made so as to move frames
up and down the uprights. One part of the lasting frame is sufficiently
above the last so as to admit of the operator working without impediment,
the other part of the frame is below the last. As soon as the vamp or
upper has been put on, the last is then put into the clamp, the sides of it
half way down are jointed, & about three pieces to each side, they are
laid down or hanging by the joints on each side. Guide pins are now
put into the last for the purpose of steadying the soles and guiding
each of them to their proper place on the last corresponding holes being
pierced in all the soles. It may be mentioned here that it is necessary
to the whole of the processes included in this Invention that the soles
shall be finished before they are put on to the vamps or uppers: So soon
as the upper or vamp has been put on to the last, the inner sole is next put
on, and then the clamp pieces are closed up. The clamp forms a complete
mould to all or such portions of the last when the uppers are on, as come
into contract with it. The clamp pieces are carefully fitted so that they slightly
turn to the edge or arris, which defines the bottom of the sole and that of the
upper or superior portion of the last. The lasts hitherto have never been made
suitable for lasting by machinery, and in order to meet the requirements of the
process it is most desirable that the edge or arris above alluded to should be a
little within the rounds, firms of the pattern, or basis of the foot part, and the
edge or arris made less acute. It will be seen that the uppers or vamps must
incline to lap on the inner sole; flat keys are driven into the clamp pieces,
one key taking a notch, which is made half in on the one side and half in on
the other side of each piece; the bottom may be on one or more pieces, but
the bottom part should be in one. Should a box be necessary. the clamp
mould should fit into it. When the box is dispensed with the clamp is made
with slides so as to suit the grooves of the various machines. After the inner
sole has been put on the last, the edges of the vamp or upper are now to be
laid as flat as possible all round the inner sole: the uppers or vamps are
prepared at the toes and heels by being partly thinned, and gussets or angular
pieces cut out, but only to the extent which will come within the range of
perfect security for holding by the rivet. In this operation box-headed pliers
are employed, the head containing a piece of vulcanized india-rubber put into
a cup of leather; the leg of this head passes into a cylinder, on the end of the
leg is a nut or head, a spiral spring is cirled round the leg. the seat of which
spring is in the cylinder; the cylinder is fixed to the frame. but is jointed
close to it. Immediately under and parallel to the leg is the other member of

page_text: the pliers; this has a head also, which fits into the box head already alluded
to, and has a leg which moves in a boss, which is cast or otherwise made in the
frame. The leg of the small head has a nut fixed to it, which is screwed and
works backwards and forwards on a screw..which is placed under and parallel
to the leg which passes into the boss. This screw has a neck with a collar.
which work in a boss, and on the screw is a toothed wheel, to be herein-after
explained. The neck of the screw projects through the frame, and having a
square end it will receive on it a handle, and is then capable of being turned
by the operator.
It will be now seen that when the screw is turned, the mut
upon it will go either backwards or forwards because of the screw revolving,
but remaining stationary. The nut being, fixed in the leg of the small head
moving forward, pushes the box head along with it, and the spring acting
against the nut or head at the end of the blog. the vulcanized india-rubber
begins to press out at the same time; the screw is yet being turned, and the
box head advancing till it approaches the edges of the uppers, when it must
not only stretch but lap the edges of the upper on to the inner sole. While the
india-rubber is in this position. another frame is brought up, which acts in
the following manne: A mut moves on a screw: this nut has a leg or pin
which works on a boss, and on the min is a tap, which at its end is slightly
turned up this tab as it is forced forward is pushed nader the india-rubber,
and remains there until withdrawn. Having now described the action of one
piece on each of the frames, it remains but to add. that I have pieces placed all
round both of these frames, and the wheel which is on the screw actuates wheels
on each side of it. and those actuate others. They are divided into several
sets, one set for the toe. another set for the heel. and two on each side. The
screws have left and right hand threads, and all those at the two ends, namely,
at the toe and heel part of the frame. radiate to the centre of the round, or as
nearly so as necessary. The upper frame has lapped down the edges of the
uppers, and the lower frame has projected its tubes, which will keep the edges
down, when the upper frame is removed. The filling is now put in to level
the bottom, and the outer sole is put on and guided to its place by means of
the guide pins.
This Invention also includes an eyeletting machine, to superserle the present
means of putting one in at a time into the uppers or vamps of boots, shoes, or
other coverings for the feet. Punches are sn arranged as 10 he capable of
being changed for any required number or size. Punches either fixed or loose
are arranged in two rows at the required distance apart. The punches may be
either fixed in a hox. or they may slide and work loose in a frame. by the
punches having heads with a spiral spring under each of them in cylinders, 20

page_text: that they may be pressed or forced down, and when the punches have operated
they return by the power of the spring. Various means can be contrived to
answer this end, all of which are well known. Dies to receive the punches
are arranged in nearly all cases where a punch is used. The punch must either
be hollow or there must be a die for a plunger or ram to enter, so as clearly to
cut out the piece of the material and thereby leave a hole. The punches are
returned by means of eccentrics or cams actuated on a revolving shaft. or by
any of the known methods for effecting such purpose. There are also tubes
to correspond with the punches, and placed the same distance apart: these
tubes are for the purpose of being cut into short lengths and to be formed into
eyelets in the manner herein-after described. A kind of comb is formed of
straight steel wires, which are fitted at one end into a frame or head of either
wood or metal. for the purpose of being put into the tubes when the metal is
not strong enough to resist the various manipulations to which the tubes are
exposed. There is also a clamp into which the ends of the tubes are put. The
last-mentioned clamps are made with two leaves or frames fixed on a middle
frame and open on each side of the middle frame, which closes in the tubes,
whilst they brought for operation to the machine.
There are grooves for sliding apparatus in the bed of the machine which
are required for conducting by means of an endless belt the upper vamps or
other articles are passed by means of an endless belt through the machine to
be punched and also to receive the eyelets. The endless belt which is actuated
by two drums or rollers, over which it constantly moves is made of strong
flexible material. The object of this belt is for the purpose of putting into
it clamps for carrying the vamps or uppers to each process. The vamp clamp
is made like a hinge, and when it is open the operator puts the upper or
vamp between, laying it first on the face of the inside of one member of the
vamp clamp, marks having been made in the vamp or upper by which the
operator can adjust the same. The clamp is now closed by means of buttons
turned by the hand, and is put on guide studs, which are on each side of the
endless strap, by which the ends of the clamp are conducted in the grooves
from one process to another. The clamp is open the length and a little over
it of the part which is to be operated upon, or the plates may be perforated so
that the punches may act, and eyelets be put into the uppers and clenched, the
clamps always holding the vamps or uppers firmly between them.
The two
centre uprights are much longer than those on each side of them which are
for the processes of punching and clenching because of allowing for the length
of the tubes, the combe is put into the upper ends of the tubes and pushed
down to the lower ends thereof so that the ends of the wire of the combe

page_text: project. The frame is now taken off and what I call the tube nib is substi-
tuted. It is composed of three pieces, each side piece and the outer piece
being fluted. All of them are of metal the centre one being covered with
leather, so that when the sides are nipped up the tubes will be made sufficiently
fast so as not to shift, as this nib is to push the tubes down the wires. The
wires which projected were for the purpose of threading through the tubes so
far as to be flush with the cutting plates. The manner of caning has been
herein-before described in relation to the cutting of rivets in connection with
this Invention. On each side of the tube uprights is a screwed shaft, and a
boss being on each shaft. having lugs to receive the ends of the inbe nib, so
that when the screwed shafts are actuated the nib will move downwards
These shafts have mitre gearing at the bottom of each of them, which work in
proper bearings: they are actuated by palls suitably placed, and work a
ratchet which is placed on the end of a cross shaft which passes through and
between the endless belt whose bearings are on the general frame, the bearings
for the axles being also on this part of the shaft. on whose ends are placed
cams. eccentrics, or other motions for actuating the punching apparatus and
also the bars upon which are the clenches. In the grooves of the clenching
uprights there are two motions which are necessary in the performance of
fixing or clenching the eyelets into the vamps or uppers or articles of the like
kind. A shaft is placed on each upright as last described. The bars are
screwed through their ends. or the ends of them are fixed into bosses. Two
rows are placed on each clenching bar of what may he called clenching
ferrules, one of such rows being under the endless belt and the other bar of
ferrules being placed over the said belt; the action of the bars is to meet each
other. The tops or heads of the ferrules are the counterpart of the rounds
which form the eyelets, so that when both sets of ferrules meet they clench and
form the eyelets. The die of the punch passes between the endless belt,
so that when the punches are brought down it will be seen they penetrate
through the perforators of the clamp and through the vamp or upper into the
dies, thereby clearing and pushing the holes for the next process, which is,
that the
is actuated by the screwed shafts which force down the tubes
into the cutting plate, just clearing the ends of the wires of the comb. The
perforations in the cutting are filled with plugs the thickness of the plate;
they are pushed into it by pushers which are fixed into a bar which is like the
former bars placed between the endless belt. On each side of the frame or
bed is a shaft in which are put the motions required to actuate both punches,
clenchers, and cutters by means of cams, cranks, and eccentrics; instead of an
endless belt a revolving table may be employed. The table will be divided

page_text: into compartments and perforated so that both punches and clenchers will
operate the under clenchers, and the dies of the punches being placed under
the table, the means for keeping the vamps or upper parts in position
during their manipulation will be similar to those alluded to. In this
arrangement the various processes will be placed at the required intervals
in the manner herein-before described with relation to putting the rivets into
the holes. These eyelets may be formed out of flat pieces, or solid, put into a
hopper, and made to fall into dies. which process have described in the
Specification filed by me in pursuance of my said Letters Patent bearing date
the Fourteenth day of March. One thousand eight hundred and fifty-nine, and
numbered 640. All the punchers and beds upon which are the dies as well
as the frame in which the tubes, and comb, and the bars on which the clenchers
are arranged, can be curved to accommodate the form of the openings of the
vamps or uppers, or they may be straight so as to meet the requirements for
such purposes as eyelets are used for.
Having thus described and ascertained the nature of my said Invention, and
in what manner the same is to be performed. I would observe in conclusion.
that I do not claim the several and distinct parts of the machinery and apparatus
herein-before mentioned as being novel and original, neither do 1 confine or
restrict myself to the precise details or arrangements which I have described
or referred to. inasmuch as many variations may be made therefrom without
deviating from the principles or main features of my said Invention; but
what consider novel and original, and therefore claim as my Invention are.
the several arrangements and combinations of mechanism and apparatus
herein-before substantially described and set forth, or any mere modifications
or equivalents of such arrangements and combinations, and the use and appli-
cation of such arrangements and combinations of mechanism and apparatus or
their equivalents for the purposes aforesaid.
In witness whereof, 1. the said Richard Waller, have hereunto set my
hand and seal. this Twenty-third day of August. in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-two..
RICHARD WALLER
(L.S.T