Improvements in Multiple or Gang-needle Sewing Machines.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application. 24th Sept., 1894-Accepted, 27th Oct., 1894
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Multiple or Gang-needle Sewing Machines.
I, LEWIS HENRY SMITH, of Kilbowie, Dumbartonshire, Sewing Machine
Expert, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the
same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by
the following statement :-
In sewing machines constructed to sew simultaneously a number of rows of
stitches and in which a plurality of disc-like shuttles are employed difficulty has
been experienced in placing and maintaining the several shuttles in their proper
positions in the race way when the shuttle race is opened up, and consequently in
closing the shuttle race risk is incurred of breaking or crushing the beaks or other
parts of the shuttles; and as the shuttle race must be opened for the removing and
replacing of shuttles and like operations, much time is consumed in positioning the
shuttles at frequent intervals.
The object of my invention is to overcome the difficulty referred to by providing
a spring guide or device for automatically engaging and holding the several shuttles
in proper position in their race ways upon the opening up of the shuttle race whilst
permitting of the easy withdrawal and insertion of any one or a number of the
shuttles without displacing the others the guiding and holding device being
automatically lifted out of the way by the closing of the shuttle race.
The invention is illustrated by the accompanying drawings in which
Figure 1 is a transverse vertical section through the bed plate and shuttle race
of a gang shuttle sewing machine the shuttle race being shown opened up,
Figure 2 is a similar view in which the shuttle race is seen in elevation and
closed,
Figure 3 is a plan corresponding to Figure 1 the bed plate being removed to show
the shuttle race and shuttle guide, and
Figure 4 is an inverted plan of the spring guide or shuttle holding device as
attached to the shuttle race slide in the bed of the machine.
The machine is formed with a circular shuttle race grooved for a plurality of
shuttles. This race consists of a front section A and a rear section B the latter
being immovably fixed to the underside of the bed plate C of the machine whilst
the front section is hinged to the rear section at D a spring catch or like device E
being attached to the front section A and adapted for engagement with the rear
section B to lock the two sections firmly together in working position when the
front section is closed.
For the purpose of supporting and positioning the shuttles F in the grooves or
race ways a I provide a spring guide or shuttle holding plate G which is secured to
the shuttle race slide H as shown, or it may be secured to the bed plate C or other
part of the machine. The free end of this guide G extends over the shuttle race
and is serrated or of comb-like formation, the teeth of the comb being of such a
pitch as to embrace and support the upper ends or heel parts of the shuttles F.
When the shuttle race is opened up as shown at Figure 1 the serrated end of the
guide G automatically drops into engagement with the shuttles F, but on the
closing of the shuttle race as shown at Figure 2 the upper end of the hinged part A
presses up the spring guide to raise it out of engagement immediately the part A
of the shuttle race has itself entered into engagement with the shuttles.
The guide or comb G is formed with slots 9 through which screws are passed
adjustably securing it to the shuttle race slide or other part of the machine.
The guide or comb instead of being formed by a spring plate may be hinged or
pivoted to the bed plate or other part of the machine.

page_text: Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. In a gang-shuttle sewing machine the provision of a comb like guide or holder
for automatically positioning the shuttles substantially as described.
2. In a gang-shuttle sewing machine the combination with a shuttle race adapted
for carrying a plurality of shuttles therein of a comb-like guide plate secured to the
shuttle race slide or bed plate and adapted to automatically engage with the
shuttles on the opening of the shuttle race, substantially as described.
Dated this 22nd day of September 1894.
WALLACE FAIRWEATHER,
Chartered Patent Agent,
62, St. Vincent Street, Glasgow, Agent for the Applicant.