IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY TO BE USED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF MATCHETS, SWORDS, CANE AND OTHER KNIVES, BAYONETS, AND OTHER ARTICLES
Year: 1877

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Henry Atkins, of Birmingham, in the County of
Warwick, Manufacturer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY
TO BE USED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF MATCHETS, SWORDS, CANE AND
OTHER KNIVES, BAYONETS, AND OTHER ARTICLES."
Sealed the 13th October 1877, and dated the 3rd May 1877.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Henry Atkins at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 3rd May 1877.
WILLIAM HENRY ATKINS, of Birmingham, in the County of Warwick, Manufac-
turer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY TO BE USED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF
MATCHETS, SWORDS, CANE AND OTHER KNIVES, BAYONETS, AND OTHER ARTICLES."
My Invention consists, first, of the construction and arrangement, herein-after
described, of the parts of machinery for grinding and polishing matchets, swords,
knives, bayonets, files, and other like articles.
I will describe this part of my Invention as applied to the grinding of matchets.
For grinding the faces or flat surfaces of matchets I arrange the parts of the
machine in the following manner-I mount a horizontal rotating grindstone
on the framing of the machine, and I arrange a sliding horizontal bed in front of
and parallel to the said grindstone. This sliding bed is capable of motion to and
from the grindstone, the said bed being pressed up to stops by hand or by a lever.
The said bed carries a vertical dovetail, upon which dovetail a holder has a rising-
and-falling motion. In this holder a series of matchets are fixed vertically, so that
their flats or faces are presented to the cylindrical surface of the rotating grindstone.
The sliding bed having been advanced to the said grindstone, and the flats or faces
of the matchets fixed in the holder brought in contact with the grindstone, the said
holder is slowly raised, carrying with it the matchets; every part of the faces of the
several matchets is thus in turn brought under the operation of the grindstone,
and thereby ground.
The raising of the holder carrying the matchets is effected by means of a rack on
its edge, with which a toothed wheel gears. The axis of this wheel is driven by
bevil gearing, which is thrown into and out of gear by a sliding clutch. This clutch

page_text: is connected to a lever, which is operated upon to throw the clutch out of action by
means of a vertical rod on the sliding holder acting upon the said lever. A spring
bearing against the lever presses the clutch into action. When the holder is at its
lowest position, the vertical rod on it is removed from the clutch lever and the
clutch is in action, and a rotatory motion is transmitted to the toothed wheel, which
wheel gears with the rack of the holder, and raises the latter as before described.
On the holder reaching its highest position the vertical rod acts upon the clutch
lever, and the said clutch is thrown out of action and the holder comes to rest, the
said holder being held in its raised position by means of a fixing arm which takes
into a notch in the holder. This fixing arm is carried by a shaft connected through
a lever with a treadle. By pressing the foot upon the said treadle the fixing arm is
withdrawn from the notch in the holder when the latter is released and descends to
its lowest position. At the same time, by means of automatic mechanism operated
from the shaft carrying the fixing arm, the sliding bed and holder are drawn back
from the grindstone and the ground matchets removed therefrom and others put in
their places.
By the descent of the holder the clutch is again brought into action and the
driving toothed wheel ready, on pushing home the sliding bed, to raise the holder as
before described.
Instead of grinding the articles by bringing them into contact with the cylindrical
surface of the grindstone, the said articles may be ground by passing them against
the flat sides or ends of the grindstone.
By substituting a polisher for the grindstone described, the machine may be
employed for polishing matchets.
For furrowing or fluting matchets, swords, and other like articles, I fix the
matchets or articles on a horizontal sliding bed situated beneath the grindstone.
This bed has both a longitudinal and cross motion, by which compound motion, in
conjunction with the shape of the grindstone, the required furrowing or fluting of
the matchet or other articles, as it is carried under the grindstone, is effected.
For sharpening or grinding the edges of matchets, swords, and like articles, I
cause the travelling bed carrying the articles to have a motion nearly parallel to the
axis of the grindstone, so that every part of the edge is in turn subjected to the
action of the stone, and thereby sharpened.
My Invention consists, further, of the construction and combination, herein-after
described, of the parts of machinery for shaping or fashioning the wooden handles of
matchets, swords, and cane and other knives, which said machinery may also be
applied to the shaping or fashioning of other handles and articles.
I will describe the machinery as constructed for shaping or fashioning the wooden
handles of matchets and like articles.
"6
The said machinery consists essentially of a travelling table, having a reciprocating
sliding motion, and also a rising-and-falling motion, a double or compound rotating
cutter, under which the blanks to be shaped are carried, and a "dummy" or pattern,
single or compound, by which the rising-and-falling motions of the reciprocating
table are controlled, and the required shape is given to the handles. The said
dummy" or pattern consists of a vertical plate, the top horizontal edge of which
has an undulating figure given to it, or the figure of the contour of the handle to be
fashioned by the machine. The said "dummy" or pattern is connected to
and works with the travelling table, and the acting edge of the dummy is
pressed against a stationary roller or bar crossing the said edge, so that as the
travelling table makes its sliding motion and the "dummy" works under the
stationary roller or har, the said table is made to perform an undulating motion in
addition to its sliding motion, and hence the blanks or strips of wood carried by the
Baid table under the rotating cutters are shaped or fashioned of the required form.
I prefer so to arrange the machine that two (or more) pairs of blanks are operated
upon in succession by the machine, the "dummy "being of such a shape as will give
to the edges of one pair of the blanks a different shape from that given to the edges
of the other pair of blanks, so that each pair of blanks has to be inverted and operated

page_text: upon a second time in a different part of the machine to complete the handle as
berein-after explained.
I prefer also to use a compound "dummy" or pattern consisting of a fixed bar or
plate, and a bar or plate sliding parallel to and from the said fixed bar or plate. By
the use of this compound "dummy" the blanks may first have a preliminary
shaping, and afterwards the final shaping given to them, the sliding "dummy
being used for the preliminary shaping, and the fixed "dummy" for the final
shaping.
"
The sliding "dummy," the acting edge of which is situated at a higher level than
that of the fixed "dummy," is worked automatically, as herein-after explained.
Two holders or clamps are arranged at the required distance apart on the travel-
ling table of the machine, and in each of these holders the two (or more) handle
blanks are fixed. As the table makes its advance stroke, the sliding "dummy,"
which is in contact with the fixed dummy, is in action, and the handle blanks
carried under the rotating cutters have a preliminary shaping given to them. On
the table coming to the end of its advance stroke the sliding "dummy" retires from
the fixed "dummy," and is removed out of the range of the stationary bearing roller
or bar, which latter is now situated over the fixed "dummy." On the table making
its back or return stroke the fixed "dummy" is in action, and the handle blanks are
again carried under the rotating cutters and completely shaped. As the table
approaches the end of its return stroke the sliding" dummy" is again brought against
the fixed "dummy." The partly-shaped handle blanks are now removed from their
holders, inverted, and again fixed in the holders; those blanks which were fixed in
the holder nearest the cutters being secured in the holder furthest from the cutters,
and the reverse. By the further operation of the machine the second half of each
pair of blanks is shaped and the handles are completed.
The throwing into and out of action of the sliding "dummy" is effected by arms
or levers on the said " dummy" striking against or travelling up arms or fixed
stops on the frame of the machine.
Where required the travelling table, in addition to its longitudinal motion,
may be made capable of performing a transverse motion.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said William Henry Atkins in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 2nd
November 1877.
WILLIAM HENRY ATKINS, of Birmingham, in the County of Warwick, Manufac-
turer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY TO BE USED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF
MATCHETS, SWORDS, CANE AND OTHER KNIVES, BAYONETS, AND OTHER ARTICLES."
My Invention consists, first, of the construction and arrangement, herein-after
described, of the parts of machinery for grinding and polishing matchets, swords,
knives, bayonets, files, and other like articles.
I will describe this part of my Invention as applied to the grinding of matchets.
For grinding the faces or flat surfaces of matchets I arrange the parts of the
machine in the following manner:-I mount a horizontal rotating grindstone on the
framing of the machine, and I arrange a sliding horizontal bed in front of and
parallel to the said grindstone. This sliding bed is capable of motion to and from
the grindstone, the said bed being pressed up to stops by hand or by a lever. The
said bed carries a vertical dovetail, upon which dovetail a holder has a rising-and-
falling motion. In this holder a number of matchets are fixed vertically, so that
their flats or faces are presented to the cylindrical surface of the rotating grindstone.
The sliding bed having been advanced to the said grindstone, and the flats or faces
of the matchets fixed in the holder brought in contact with the grindstone, the said

page_text: holder is slowly raised, carrying with it the matchets. Every part of the faces of
the several matchets is thus in turn brought under the operation of the grindstone,
and thereby ground.
The raising of the holder carrying the matchets is effected by means of a rack on
its edge, with which a toothed wheel gears.
Instead of grinding the articles by bringing them into contact with the cylindrical
surface of the grindstone, the said articles may be ground by pressing them against
the flat sides or ends of the grindstone.
By substituting a. polisher for the grindstone described, the machine may be
employed for polishing matchets.
For furrowing or Huting matchets, swords, and other like articles, I fix the
matchets or articles on a horizontal sliding bed situated beneath the grindstone.
This bed has both a longitudinal and cross motion, by which compound motion, in
conjunction with the shape of the grindstone, the required furrowing or fluting of
the matchet or other article as it is carried under the grindstone is effected.
For sharpening or grinding the edges of matchets, swords, and like articles, I
cause the travelling bed carrying the articles to have a motion nearly parallel to the
axis of the grindstone, so that every part of the edge is in turn subjected to the
action of the stone, and thereby sharpened.
My Invention consists, further, of the construction and combination, herein-after
described, of the parts of machinery for shaping or fashioning the wooden handles of
matchets, swords, and cane and other knives, which said machinery may also be
applied to the shaping or fashioning of other handles and articles.
I will describe the machinery as constructed for shaping or fashioning the wooden
handles of matchets and like articles.
"
The said machinery consists essentially of a travelling table having a recipro-
cating sliding motion, and also a rising-and-falling motion; a double or compound
rotatory cutter, under which the blanks are carried; and a "dummy" or pattern,
single or compound, by which the rising-and-falling motions of the reciprocating
table are controlled, and the required shape is given to the handles. The said
"dummy or pattern consists of a vertical plate, the top horizontal edge of which
has an undulating figure given to it, or the figure of the contour of the handle to be
fashioned by the machine. The said "dummy or pattern is connected to and
works with the travelling table, and the acting edge of the dummy is pressed
against a stationary roller or bar crossing the said edge, so that, as the travelling
table makes its sliding motion, and the "dummy" works under the stationary roller
or bar, the said table is made to perform an undulating motion in addition to its
sliding motion, and hence the blanks or strips of wood carried by the said table
under the rotating cutters are shaped or fashioned of the required form.
"
I prefer so to arrange the machine that two (or more) pairs of blanks are operated
upon in succession by the machine, the "dummy" being of such a shape as will
give to the edges of one pair of the blanks a different shape from that given to the
edges of the other pair of blanks, so that each pair of blanks has to be inverted and
operated upon a second time in a different part of the machine to complete the
handle, as herein-after explained.
I prefer also to use a compound "dummy" or pattern consisting of a fixed bar or
plate, and a bar or plate sliding parallel to and from the said fixed bar or plate. By
the use of this compound "dummy" the blanks may first have a preliminary
shaping, and afterwards the final shaping given to them, the sliding "dummy"
being used for the preliminary shaping, and the fixed "dummy" for the final
shaping.
The sliding "dummy," the acting edge of which is situated at a higher level than
that of the fixed "dummy," is worked either by hand or automatically, as herein-
after described.
Two holders or clamps are arranged at the required distance apart on the
travelling table of the machine, and in each of these holders the two (or more)
handle blanks are fixed. As the table makes its advance stroke, the sliding

page_text: "
dummy," which is in contact with the fixed "dummy," is in action, and the
handle blanks carried under the rotating cutters have a preliminary shaping given
to them. On the table coming to the end of its advance stroke, the sliding
"dummy" retires from the fixed "dummy," and is removed out of the range of the
stationary bearing roller or bar, which latter is now situated over the fixed
'dummy." On the table inaking its back or return stroke the fixed "dummy” is
in action, and the handle blanks are again carried under the rotating cutters and
completely shaped. As the table approaches the end of its return stroke, the sliding
dummy" is again brought against the fixed "dummy." The partly shaped handle
blanks are now removed from their holders, inverted, and again fixed in the holders,
those blanks which were fixed in the holder nearest the cutters being secured in the
holder furthest from the cutters, and the reverse. By the further operation of the
machine the second half of oach pair of blanks is shaped, and the handles are
completed.
The throwing into and out of action of the sliding "dummy" is effected by arms
or levers on the sliding table striking against or travelling up arms or fixed stops
on the frame of the machine.
Where required, the travelling table, in addition to its longitudinal motion, may
be made capable of performing a transverse motion.
I will now proceed to describe with reference to the accompanying Drawings the
manner in which my Invention is to be performed.
Figure 1 represents a plan, and Figures 2 and 3 elevations taken at opposite sides
of a machine for grinding matchets, swords, knives, bayonets, and other articles, the
said machine being constructed according to my Invention.
Figure 4 is a transverse vertical section of the machine taken on the line A, B,
Figure 1, looking from the rotating grindstone.
Figures 5 and 6 are modifications of the machine, as herein-after explained.
The machine represented is provided with independent mechanism at each end of
the rotating grindstone.
The mechanism represented at the left-hand end of the machine, Figure 1, is
especially fitted for the grinding of the flats or faces of swords, matchets, and
knives; and when modified, as herein-after described, may be used for furrowing, or
fluting, or shaping the said articles, as well as bayonets; and the mechanism repre-
sented at the right-hand end of the machine, Figure 1, is especially fitted for
grinding the faces of bayonets, and the edges of swords, matchets, and knives, and
other articles, but may also be used for other analogous purposes.
The same letters of reference indicate the same parts in Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,
and 6.
a is the rotating grindstone or grinder (or polisher) fixed on the horizontal shaft b,
turning in bearings at 62, 63, on the frame of the machine. The shaft b is driven by
a band passing over the driving pulley c.
The mechanism for grinding the flats or faces of swords, matchets, knives, and
other articles situated at the left-hand end of the machine, Figure 1, consists of a
horizontal sliding bed d in front of and parallel to the periphery of the grindstone a.
The said bed d is capable of a sliding motion parallel to and from the periphery
of the grindstone, the said bed d working on a dovetail e on the foundation of
the machine. Stops limit the travel of the bed d to and from the grindstone. This
sliding to-and-fro motion of the bed d is effected from the shaft f, which has on one
end a weighted lever f, and on the other end a pinion ƒ³ which gears with a
rack on the under side of the said bed d. The bed d is pressed up to the acting
surface of the grindstone a by the said weighted lever f" and the parts in connection
with it, and is withdrawn from the said grindstone by lifting the said weighted
lever. The horizontal sliding bed d carries a vertical dovetail g, on which a holder h
has a rising-and-falling motion. This holder has fixed in it the swords, matchets,
or other articles to be ground. The said holder his balanced by a weighted cord
attached to the top of the holder, the said cord passing over a pulley. The rising-
and-falling motion of the holder h is effected by means of the following mechanism :-

page_text: i is the driving shaft, having upon it the fast pulley and the loose pulley i³, and
also a bevel wheel fast upon it. Working loosely on the said shaft i is a tubular
shaft k, having at one end a fast pulley and at the other end a bevel wheel k³.
Between the two bevel wheels i, ³, is a loose bevel wheel k*.
A driving band carried by a fork can be made to work either on the fast pulley i²
or k² or on the loose pulley i³.
When the driving band is working on the fast pulley 22, motion is transmitted
directly through the driving shaft i to the worm . When the driving band is
shifted to the fast pulley k, motion is transmitted through the hollow shaft k and
bevil wheels ³, k, and is, to the worm on the shaft i, but in an opposite direction
to that in which it moved when the band was working on the pulley i².
The shifting of the driving band on to either the fast pulley 2 or k³ for reversing
the motion of the machine, or from either the pulley 2 or k² on to the loose pulley i
for stopping the machine, may be effected automatically from the rising-and-falling
holder h by mechanism essentially the same as that used for a like purpose in the
ordinary planing machine, but the shifting of the driving band may be effected by
hand.
The worm on the shaft i gears with the worm wheel m, and the motion of the
worm wheel m is transmitted through the vertical shaft m², bevel gear m³, and the
horizontal shaft m' to the pinion or toothed wheel m³, which wheel m³ gears with a
rack m on the edge of the holder h.
The toothed wheel m³ follows the motion of the travelling bed d, a bracket y
being connected to the neck of the said wheel m³. As the bed d slides, the wheel m
moves on a feather on the shaft m. The wheel m³ is thereby preserved in gear
with the rack m¹ during the travel of the bed d.
In the holder a series of matchets, swords, knives, or other articles, marked n,
is fixed vertically with their flats or faces presented to the cylindrical surface of the
rotating grindstone a. The matchets or other articles having been fixed or clamped
by any convenient clamping mechanism in the holder h (when the said holder is at
its highest position and the sliding bed d withdrawn from the grindstone) the said
holder is allowed to descend to its lowest position, and the sliding bed d is caused
to advance by the operation of the weighted lever få so as to bring the flats or faces
of the matchets or other articles fixed in the holder into contact with the rotating
grindstone. The toothed wheel m³ is then driven in the direction necessary to raise
the said holder upon its dovetail. The matchets or articles in the holder are thereby
Blowly carried against the grindstone and the different parts of their faces brought
in succession under the operation of the said grindstone and thereby ground. The
matchets or articles may be subjected to the action of the grindstone two or more
times as may be required. After the holder has reached its highest position the
machine is stopped and the bed d is withdrawn from the stone and the ground
articles are removed, their faces reversed, and refixed in the holder. The driving
gear being reversed, the holder is carried down to its lowest position and the bed a
advanced to the grindstone. The driving gear being again reversed, the holder is
again raised and the swords or other articles are carried against the grindstone, as
before described.
In addition to the to-and-fro motion described of the bed d, it may also have a
transverse motion given to it, or a motion at right angles to that described.
Although I prefer to effect the grinding of the swords or other articles by the
rising motion of the holder h, yet the grinding may be effected by the descent of
the holder as well as by its rising motion.
The mechanism at the right-hand end of the machine, Figure 1, for grinding the faces
of bayonets and the edges and other parts of swords and other articles, consists of a
sliding dovetail bed p, pressed up to the acting cylindrical surface of the grindstone a
by the weighted lever f³ operating a pinion on its axis, and the said pinion gearing
with a rack on the under side of the dovetail bed p, as described with respect to the
bed d at the left-hand end of the machine. Working on the said bed P and moving
at right angles thereto is a saddle or second bed q for supporting the bayonet or

page_text: other holder, herein-after described. The saddle or upper bed q carrying the holder
bas a transverse motion given to it for the purpose of carrying the bayonet or other
article across the acting cylindrical surface of the rotating stone a, while the under
bed p is pressing the bayonet or other article in contact with the said rotating
stone a.
The transverse motion of the saddle or bed q upon the under bed p is effected by
the broad pinion q³ gearing with a rack q³ at the back of the said saddle or bed q.
This pinion q is driven from the pinion shaft m' through the train of change
wheels m, m, m³, m³, and shaft m10, and the train of wheels at ml, as
seen in the plan, Figure 1. The wheel m is represented out of gear with the
wheel m7.
The setting or adjusting of the position of the saddle q may be effected by hand
by means of a longitudinal screw taking into a screw box on the saddle q. When
this screw is used the pinion q* is thrown out of gear with the rack q³.
The bayonet holder consists of two pairs of jaws r, r, on the ends of the shaft 73.
By means of the crank arms ³, ³, on the ends of the shaft and connecting rods 4, 4,
adjustable by the screw and nuts at 7 in the slots in the saddle, the jaws r, r, of
the holder may be adjusted and fixed in such a position as to place the bayonet (or
other article) to be ground at the required angle, in a vertical plane with the acting
face of the grindstone.
In order to set or adjust the inclination of the bayonet or other article to be
ground in a horizontal plane to the acting face of the grindstone, the bed or saddle q
carrying the bayonet (or other) holder turns on the centre 8, and is provided with a
nearly semicircular slot 82, in which slot stop pins 88, 83, work.
By loosening the nuts on the stop pins 83, 83, and moving the saddle a through
the required angle on the centre 8, the horizontal position of the holder, with respect
to the stone, may be adjusted and fixed in its adjusted position, and the bayonet or
other article secured in the holder fixed at the required inclination to the stone in a
horizontal plane. By this compound motion which the holder is thus capable of,
the setting of the bayonet or other article at the required inclination to the stone is
effected with great facility and with great nicety.
For increasing the power of varying the angle of inclination of the bayonet or
other holder by means of the shaft 2, arms and links 3, 4, the slots 76, in which
the links are fixed, may have a curved figure as seen in Figure 3.
By varying the shape of the jaws of the holder, the latter may be used for
holding swords, matchets, shear blades, and other articles.
In Figure 3 a holder for a shear blade is represented.
When the part of the article can be ground by the contact of the article against
the stone by the action of the lower bed p, the upper bed q has no motion given to
it, but when the part to be ground requires to be drawn across the acting surface of
the grindstone, then the upper bed q has a transverse motion given to it in the
manner herein-before described.
Figure 5 represents an arrangement of my Invention, in which the bayonet (or
other article) may be ground by pressing it against the flat side of the grindstone,
instead of against its cylindrical surface.
The beds and holder are essentially the same as in the machine already
described.
For the purpose of giving by grinding, a curved or semicircular or circular figure
to the articles under operation, I make the holders capable of moving through a
partial or complete rotation.
For the purpose of giving a complete rotation to the holder, I prolong the shaft r
of the holder to the side of the machine, and on the end of the said shaft I fix a
pinion as seen in Figure 6. This pinion x gears with a toothed wheel x², which
latter gears with a worm on the shaft m10. This worm ³ can be thrown into
and out of gear with the wheel by a sliding clutch.
When a partial rotation is to be given to the holder for grinding half round or

page_text: other curved gures, the smart 7 may be provided with an arm, which is
connected by the strap with the eccentric on the shaft m¹0, as seen in
Figure 6.
By the action of the eccentric xo, strap, and arm x', a motion through the
required angle may be given to the shaft of the holder, and the required motion
given to the said holder to effect the half rounding or curving of the article under
operation.
When the last described arrangement is used, the pinion x and toothed wheel x³
are removed.
For furrowing or fluting matchets, swords, knives, and other like articles, I use a
grindstone, having on its surface a series of convex ring-like ribs or projections, the
said ribs being of the width of the furrows to be made, but in addition to the
sliding holder h having a vertical motion, I also give it a slight lateral motion
during its rising motion for the purpose of causing the holder to describe a
motion, the counterpart of the figure of the furrow to be ground in the flat or face
of the sword, matchet, or other article. By this lateral motion of the holder com-
bined with its vertical motion, the ribs or projections on the stone either finish the
roughly forged furrows in the swords or articles, or grind in the swords or other
articles fixed in the holder furrows or flutings of the required shape.
are
For the purpose of giving the slight lateral motion described to the holder, I use
a "dummy" or pattern at each vertical edge of the holder, which "dummies
caused to bear against fixed stops on the framing of the machine. As the holder
makes its rising motion the "dummies are pressed against these stops, and the
said holder is made to describe a motion necessary for producing the required shaped
furrows in the swords, matchets, or other articles.
"
I have not shown these "dummies" in combination with the grinding machine,
but their action is the same as that of the "dummies" herein-after described and
illustrated with respect to the handle shaping machines.
For grinding the straight furrows of bayonets which increase in breadth from the
point upwards, a third "dummy" is employed for regulating the distance to which
the holder carrying them can approach the ribs or projections of the grindstone as
the grinding proceeds.
In addition to furrowing or fluting swords, matchets, bayonets, and other
articles, the "dummies" described may be used in combination with the holder for
effecting other shaping or fashioning operations upon the articles held in the said
holder.
When the mechanism at the right-hand end of the combined machine, Figure 1,
is not required to be used, or the bed p is not required to have a transverse motion,
the driving gear at me in connection with the shaft m* is thrown out of gear with
the said shaft m' by a sliding clutch at m¹.
When a pressure greater than that which is produced by the weighted lever f³ is
required to be put on the bed p, a worm t on the shaft m¹0 may be made to gear with
a worm wheel t² on the shaft of the said weighted lever f³.
By means of a weighted lever, acted upon by a stop on the bed p, the worm
wheel 2 may be thrown out of gear with the worm t when it is required to bring
the said bed p to rest. This arresting of the bed p is principally useful in shaping
the ribs or projections on the stone, when the said stone is to be used for
furrowing.
When the bed p and upper bed or saddle q are used for producing the ribs on the
stone, holders are fixed to the saddle for carrying the required tools for forming the
said ribs or projections. The "erasing" or smoothing of the grinding surface of
the stone, or bringing it into working condition may also be effected by tools
carried in the saddle q, the said saddle in this case having a transverse motion given
to it by means of the rack q³ and pinion q².
For smoothing or bringing into working condition the flat sides of the stone an
under bed similar to the under bed p may be situated at one or on cach side of the

page_text: stone. This side under bed carries a sliding saddle, in which the smoothing tools
are fixed. These beds are worked essentially in the same way as the end beds p, q,
herein-before described.
Although I have represented the two grinding mechanisms in combination with
one grindstone or grinder, yet each mechanism may be applied to an independent
grindstone or grinder.
In polishing swords, matchets, knives, bayonets, and other articles, a rotating
polisher is substituted for the rotating grindstone represented.
I will now proceed to describe my improved machinery for shaping handles and
other articles.
Figure 7 represents in front elevation, Figure 8 in plan, and Figure 9 in side
elevation a double or compound machine constructed according to my Invention
for shaping or fashioning the wooden handles of matchets, swords, and knives.
Figure 10 is a longitudinal section of the machine taken on the line A, B, of
Figure 8.
Figures 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17, represent separate parts and details of the
machine, as herein-after described.
The double or compound machine represented consists of two independent
machines arranged side by side.
The construction of the travelling table and the compound "dummy" or pattern
and the rotating cutters is the same in both machines, but the mechanisms for
driving the horizontal sliding part of the travelling table, for reversing the motion
of the said table, and for operating the compound "dummy" are different in each
machine.
There are also minor differences between the two machines, which are herein-
after pointed out.
I will first describe that part of the double or compound machine situated on the
right-hand side of Figures 7 and 8.
The same letters of reference indicate the same parts in Figures 7 to 17, both
inclusive.
b
b, c, is the travelling table, the part 6 having a reciprocating horizontal motion upon
the lower part c, and the two combined parts b, c, having a rising-and-falling motion.
The lower part c of the table consists of a dovetail, upon which the dovetail bed or
seat of the part 6 is supported, and upon which the said part b is capable of sliding.
The lower part or dovetail c of the table is supported by cross connecting pieces d, d,
and the latter carry dovetail seats d², d², which work upon the fixed vertical
dovetails d³, ³, on the framing of the machine. By means of the said vertical
dovetails and dovetail seats d³, d², the table b, c, is capable of a rising-and-falling
motion, the said table being raised when at liberty to move by means of the weighted
lever e connected by the links e², e, and connecting shaft, e to the lower part c of
the table (see Figures 9 and 10).
The horizontal sliding part b of the travelling table carries two clamps or holders f
and g, in each of which holders two (or more) pairs of handle blanks h, k, are
clamped by the clamping screws f², g³. Along one edge of the sliding part 6 of the
travelling table a compound "dummy" or pattern is fixed; the two parts of this
compound "duminy" are shown separately in Figures 11 and 12, and are marked
respectively i and k. The said compound dummy consists of two vertical plates,
the top horizontal edge of each of which has an undulating figure given to it, or
the contour of the part of the handle to be fashioned. The acting edge of the
compound "dummy," as the table b makes its reciprocating sliding motion, is pressed
against the stationary roller or bar & carried by the fixed framing of the machine
in the manner illustrated in Figures 8, 9, and 10. By means of the said "dummy "i, k,
bearing against the roller 1, the travelling table b, as it makes its sliding motion
upon the bed c, is made to perform a rising-and-falling motion, the said table
working on the vertical dovetails d³, d³, and hence the table has, in addition to its
sliding motion, an undulating motion, whereby the blanks fixed in the holders f, g,
as they are carried under the rotating cutters m, m, have the required shape given

page_text: to their edges: One pair of the cutters m, m, is represented separately drawn to a
larger scale in Figures 13 and 14. The said cutters m, m, are fixed on the shaft m³,
to which a rapid rotatory motion is communicated by a driving band passing over
the pulley m³.
On
The reciprocating sliding motion of the table b on the bed c, for carrying the
pairs of handle blanks on the holders f, g, under the rotating cutters m, m, is
effected in the following manner :-n is the driving shaft turning in bearings carried
by the dovetail bed c; on the said shaft n are two loose pulleys n², n³, and
between them is a fast pulley n; working over the two loose pulleys n³, n³, are
two driving bands travelling in opposite directions. By means of the two
forks no, no, on the sliding bar n', between which forks the bands work; either of
the said bands may be shifted from its loose pulley n² or n³ on to the fast pulley n',
and motion, in one or other direction, communicated to the driving shaft n.
the said driving shaft n is a pinion p, which gears with a larger spur wheel på on
the parallel shaft p³. This shaft p³ carries a pinion pt, which gears with the rack b³
fixed on the under side of the sliding table b (see Figures 7 and 10). When the
driving band situated between the fork n' is moved on to the fast pulley n* motion
is communicated to the rack pinion p¹ in the direction proper to give the advance
stroke to the table b, and when the driving band between the fork n is moved
on to the fast pulley n', and the other driving band is returned to its loose
pulley n², the motion of the driving gear is reversed and the table makes its back
stroke.
The machine is started and the reversal of the motion of the table b effected in
the following manner :-q is a starting and reversing bar sliding in the guides q³, q²,
on the fixed framing of the machine. On one end of the bar g is a handle q³ for
working it, and at each end is a stop q' and 9; r is a cranked lever, one arm of
which lever is connected with the fork bar n', and the other arm engages between
two studs on the reversing bar q. In order to start the machine, after the
reciprocating table has reached the end of its back stroke, the bar q is drawn
outwards, or in the direction of the arrows (Figures 8 and 9), by means of the
handle q³ the bar n' carrying the forks n³, no, is thereby made to move, through
the action of the cranked lever r, in the direction of the arrow shown near the said
bar in Figure 8, and the band between the fork n³ is transferred from the loose
pulley n² to the fast pulley n', and the table b makes its advance sliding motion,
and the pairs of handle blanks h, h, in the holders f, g, are carried under the
rotating cutters m, m, and the said blanks are partly fashioned on one edge. On
the table b approaching the end of its advance stroke it strikes against the peg or
stop 9, and gives motion to the reversing bar, in a direction contrary to that
indicated by the arrow near the said bar. This motion of the bar is transmitted
through the cranked lever to the fork bar n', and the driving band between the
fork n is transferred from the loose pulley n³ to the fast pulley n*, the band which
was working on the said fast pulley having by the same motion been previously
moved on to its loose pulley n; the motion of the table b is thereby reversed, and
it makes its back or return stroke, on arriving near the end of which back stroke it
strikes the peg or stop o, and thereby brings the reversing bar q into its neutral
position. The bar n carrying the forks no, no, is thereby restored to the position
represented in Figure 8, and both the driving bands now work on their loose
pulleys n², n³, and the sliding table is brought to rest, for the removal of the
finished or partly finished handles from the holders f, g, and the reversal of the
partly-finished handles or the substitution of fresh blanks therefor.
9
The compound "dummy" i, k, is constructed and operated either by hand or
automatically in the following manner:-It consists of a bar or plate k fixed to and
partaking of the motion of the sliding table b and a sliding bar or plate i. The
sliding "dummy" i moves parallel to and from the fixed dummy k on the guiding
rod fixed to the table b (see Figure 8).
The sliding "dummy" i is for the purpose of giving a preliminary shaping to the
handle blanks, and the fixed "dummy "k is for giving a final shaping to the said

page_text: blanks. The acting edge of the sliding "dummy" i is situated a little higher than
that of the fixed "dummy" k. The sliding "dummy" i is worked automatically by the
bell-crank lever 8 and rod 83 connected to the said "dummy" i, the said lever s being
operated upon on the motion of the table 6 by the stops 83, 84, on the fixed framing
of the machine. On the travelling table b making its advance stroke the sliding
dummy" is in contact with the fixed "duminy", as illustrated in the Drawing,
and the said sliding "dummy" i is in action, bearing against the roller Z, and the
handle blanks h, h, in the holders have a preliminary shaping given to them by the
operation of the rotating cutters m, m, under which they are carried.
«
$
On the table coming to the end of its advance stroke the lever 8 strikes against
the fixed stop st, and the sliding "dummy" i is thereby withdrawn from the fixed
dummy "k, and is removed out of the range of the bearing roller 7, the said roller
now acting on the fixed "dummy" k only. The table b making its back or return
stroke, the fixed "dummy" is now in action, and the handle blanks are again
carried under the rotating cutters m, m, and those edges operated upon completely
shaped. Just before the table b comes to the end of its back stroke the lever s
strikes the stop 83, and the sliding "dummy" i is returned to its acting position in
contact with the fixed "dummy," as represented in Figure 8, ready for the next
advance stroke of the table b.
By the operations last described one-half of each pair of handle blanks h,, is
shaped, and it is necessary after each advance and return stroke of the table b to
remove the partly shaped blanks from the holders f, g, and invert the said blanks so
as to bring those edges which have not been operated upon uppermost, and to fix
those blanks which had been partly shaped in the holder f in the other holder g, and
the reverse.
of
This invertion of the blanks and change of position is for the purpose
bringing them opposite parts of the compound "dummy," having the shape proper
for the fashioning of the edges of the other halves of the handle blanks, which said
last-mentioned halves have a different shape from the halves which are first fashioned
in their respective holders. After the partly shaped pairs of blanks have been thus
inverted, and their positions in the holders greversed, the machine is again worked
in the manner before described, and the other halves of the edges of each pair of
blanks are thereby shaped, and the handles completed.
Figure 18 represents one of the blanks drawn of the full size, from which a handle
is to be fashioned.
Figure 19 represents the said blank after one-half of its edge has been fashioned
by the advance and return stroke of the travelling table of the machine; and
Figure 20 represents a pair of handles, the edges of which have been completely
shaped by the two operations herein-before described. It will thus be understood
that while the edges marked x of the pairs of blanks in the holder f are being
operated upon the opposite edges marked 2 of the blanks in the other holder g are
being simultaneously operated upon, and that the inverted blanks having the
shaped edge are placed in the holder g, and the inverted blanks having the shaped
edge are placed in the holder f for the shaping of the second halves of their
respective edges.
I will now describe the respects in which the handle-fashioning machine, repre-
sented on the left-hand side of the compound machine, Figures 7 and 8, differs from
that represented on the right-hand side, and which I have already described.
The travelling table b, its dovetail bed c, and the arrangement for raising the
table vertically so as to press it against the roller l, as well as the rotating cutters
m, m, are the same as corresponding parts in the right-hand machine, but the
arrangement of parts for driving the travelling table is different. In this arrange-
ment the rack 2 is situated on one side of the table b, and motion from the driving
shaft t is transmitted to the said rack in the following manner:-On the said
driving shaft t is a worm t, which gears with a worm wheel t³ on the vertical shaft t;
this vertical shaft carries at its top a broad pinion t³, which gears. with the rack b
on the travelling table, and communicates the required reciprocating motion to tho

page_text: said table. The pinion is so deep that the rack 6° is maintained in gear with it
during the rising and falling motion of the table b.
The starting and reversing bar q in this machine, and the mechanism connected
therewith for throwing the two driving bands alternately on to or off the fixed
driving pulley, are essentially the same as in the first described machine, and corre-
sponding parts are marked with the same letters of reference, but the arms or
levers, 3, by which the motion of the reversing bar q is transmitted to the fork
bar n' are fixed at different heights upon the vertical axis, the lower arm 22
engaging with the fork bar n, and the upper arm 23 engaging with the reversing
bar q, as seen in Figures 7 and 8.
In order to make the travelling table b work continuously, that is, without
resting between its return and advance strokes, I joint to the fork bar n' of the
machine, at the left-hand side, a weighted lever marked n³, in Figure 7, by the
action of which weighted lever when the table b has arrived near the end of its
back stroke, the fork bar n' is moved towards the driving pulleys, and the band
between the fork no transferred to the fixed pulley n, so as to reverse the motion of
the table b. By lifting the weighted lever n³ into the position represented in
Figure 7 the machine is brought to rest, both bands being placed on their respective
loose pulleys.
""
Instead of throwing the moveable "dummy" i into and out of action by means
of a lever and stops, as described in the right-hand machine, the moveable " dummy'
i in the machine at the left-hand side is thrown into and out of action by a motion
to and from the fixed "dummy" k by an arrangement consisting of two levers u, v,
on the ends of the horizontal shaft w, the said shaft being carried by brackets on
the travelling table b. Arms w¹, w, on the said shaft w are jointed to other arms
w, w, which latter arms are connected to the moveable "dummy" i (see Figures 7,
9, and 10). On the fixed framing of the machine is an incline x, and also an inclined
arm y, having the positions represented. When the travelling tablo b has arrived
nearly at the end of its advance stroke the lever u comes in contact with the fixed
incline travelling down the said incline. A partial rotation is thereby given to
the shaft w, and by the action of the arms w₁, w², jointed to the said shaft the
moveable "dummy" is moved from the fixed "dummy" k, and its edge taken out
of action. On the table b approaching the end of its return stroke the lever v
travels up the inclined arm y, and the moveable "dummy "i is thereby moved into
its acting position against the fixed "dummy" k ready for the next advance stroke
of the table b.
Instead of clamping the pairs of handle blanks in the holders f, g, by means of
clamping screws, as in the right-hand machine, the lever and wedge arrangement
represented in the left-hand machine may be employed. This arrangement is
represented drawn to a larger scale in Figures 15, 16, and 17, Figure 15, shewing the
lever and wedge in combination with a holder; Figure 16, the wedge separately;
and Figure 17, the lever and wedge combined.
1 is the clamping lever turning on the centre or joint 2 on the holder; 3 is the
sliding spring wedge by which the clamping lever is held in its clamping position.
This fixing wedge 3 is pressed home by the coiled spring 4. In the fixing wedge 3
are two slots or depressions 5 and 6, into one or other of which the cross spring 7
on the lever 1 may fall, and thereby fix the wedge 3 either in its advanced position
or withdrawn position. In order to release the handle blanks clamped between the
packing pieces 10, 10, and the side of the holder, the spring 7 is lifted from the
slot 5, so as to release the wedge 3, and the handle 3ª of the said wedge is pulled
outwards until the spring 7 drops into the second slot 6. The wedge is thus fixed
in its withdrawn position and the clamping lever released. By turning the clamping
lever 1 on its centre the inner or acting end may be removed from the packing
piece 10 and the blanks released. In order to fix the blanks in the holder the
clamping lever 1 is turned so as to cause its nose or acting end to press upon the
packing piece 10. By now lifting the spring 7 from the slot 6 in which it is
engaged, the fixing wedge 3 advances by the action of the coiled spring 4, and fixes

page_text: the lever 1 in its clamping position, as seen in Figure 15, the wedge being at the
same time secured in its advanced position by the spring 7 dropping into the slot 5.
The packing pieces 10, 10, are adjustable in the holder in the manner represented
to accommodate different thicknesses of the blanks to be held in the holder.
Instead of using a compound "dummy" or pattern, as described and illustrated,
a single "dummy" or pattern may be employed, and instead of giving a rising-and-
falling motion to the table in combination with its sliding motion, the said table
may have only a sliding motion. In this modification the rising-and-falling motion
is given to the rotating cutters, the shaft of which is carried in brackets working on
vertical dovetails, the said brackets being pressed down by a weighted lever or by
springs. When the cutters rise and fall instead of the table the roller or bar against
which the undulating edge of the "dummy" bears is fixed on the rising and falling
brackets of the cutter shaft instead of to a fixed part of the machine, and the said
roller is pressed down upon the "dummy" instead of the latter being raised against
the former, as in the arrangements herein-before described and illustrated in the
Drawings.
The following modification of the handle-shaping machine may also be adopted.
In place of the reciprocating table b carrying two (or more) holders, a set of short
sliding detachable tables may be made to work on the rising and falling dovetail c.
Each of these short detachable tables carries a single "dummy" and a clamp or
holder for the handle blanks, and is also provided on its under side with a rack for
engaging with the rack pinion pt. When these short sliding tables are used the
driving pinion p has a continuous motion in one direction only, that is, in a
direction proper to carry the short tables, gearing with it, one at a time, from the
front to the back of the machine. The reversing gear arrangement is consequently
dispensed with as well as the starting mechanism.
In using this modified machine the clamps or holders of the set of short detachable
tables, being filled with handle blanks, are passed by the workman at the front of
the machine one at a time on to the dovetail c, and the rack on its under side is
geared with the pinion pt. The short table is thereby carried under the rotating
cutters m, m, and the "dummy" on the said table is carried under the bearing
roller, and the handle blanks fixed in the table are thereby shaped or fashioned.
The table on arriving at the back of the machine is ungeared from the pinion p*,
and is removed by the workman at the back of the machine. The partly-shaped
blanks are removed from the holder and fresh blanks substituted therefor, and the
table is again placed by the workman at the front of the machine on to the dovetail c,
and again passed through the machine to the workman at the back of the machine.
In this way a set of short tables filled with blanks may in succession be passed from
the front to the back of the machine and under the cutters m, m, and bearing roller
and the handle blanks thereby fashioned.
Instead of using a sliding "dummy" or pattern, as described and illustrated, a
rotating "dummy" or pattern, having the figure of the handle to be fashioned, may
be used. In this modification two rotating parallel shafts are employed, one shaft
carrying the "dummy" and the handle blanks to be shaped, and the other shaft
carrying the rotating cutters and a roller for the "dummy" to bear against. The
shaft carrying the "dummy" and the handle blanks is supported by a slide, which
is operated upon by a spring or weighted lever so as to press the " dummy" into
contact with the rotating roller on the cutter shaft, and the blanks against the
cutters. On giving rotation to the two shafts and pressing the rotating "dummy
up to the bearing roller, and the handle blanks up to the rotating cutters, the handle
blanks are made to follow the motions of the rotating "dummy" by means of the
slide, and the rotating cutters operate upon the said handle blanks and fashion them
of the figure of the said "dummy."
For the purpose of smoothing the handles after they have been fixed to the tangs
of the swords, matchets, or knives or other articles, the said swords, matchets, or
knives, or other articles are fixed in a series of rotating beds or holders arranged
around a central driving toothed wheel, the said central wheel gearing with toothed

page_text: wheels on the rotating beds. The handles project from the beds, and while they
are rapidly rotating a piece of leather or other smoothing material or a file is pressed
against them. The said handles are thereby made smooth. These rotating beds or
holders may be driven from the driving shaft p³, a leg or upright at the end of the
said shaft supporting the driving gear and the rotating smoothing beds.
The driving shaft p³ may be prolonged sufficiently to drive three or more machines
arranged side by side.
In addition to the shaping or fashioning of the wooden handles of matchets,
swords, and cane and other knives, the machinery herein-before described and
illustrated may also be applied to the shaping or fashioning of other handles and
articles, such as the handles of shears, shovel stails or handles, hammer, axe, and
pick stails, and the like.
Having now described the nature of my Invention and the manner in which the
same is to be performed, I wish it to be understood that I do not limit myself to the
precise details herein described and illustrated, as the same may be varied without
departing from the nature of my Invention; but I claim as my Invention, with
respect to the machinery for grinding and polishing swords, matchets, knives,
bayonets, and other articles, herein-before described and represented in Figures 1 to 6,
both inclusive, of the accompanying Drawings,
First. The combination with a rotating grindstone or grinder or polisher of the
horizontal bed d upon a vertical dovetail, on which bed a vertical holder has a
rising and falling motion, in which said vertical holder the swords or other articles
to be ground or polished are fixed, the faces or flats of the swords or other articles
being carried against the stone or polisher by the motion of the holder, and thereby
ground or polished, the several parts of the machinery being constructed, arranged,
and worked, substantially as described and illustrated. Also the combination with
the vertical holder h of " dummies or patterns, and stops for the "dummies" to
bear against for giving to the said holder the necessary lateral motion, and motion
to and from the grindstone, for furrowing or fluting or shaping swords, matchets,
knives, bayonets, and other like articles, substantially as before described.
"
Secondly. The combination with a rotating grindstone or grinder or polisher of
the two sliding horizontal beds p, q, having motions at right angles to one another,
whether applied to the cylindrical surface or to the flat side or sides of the stone or
polisher, the upper bed or saddle carrying the holders in which the bayonets, swords,
matchets, shear blades, or other articles to be ground or polished are held, and when
necessary the tools for producing the furrowing ribs or projections on the stone or
for restoring the stone to its working condition, the said sliding beds and parts
connected therewith being constructed and arranged, and working substantially as
described and illustrated.
Thirdly. The construction of the holder, herein-before described and illustrated,
and the saddle carrying the same, whereby the setting or fixing in the required
position or required angle of the bayonet or other article to be ground or polished
is effected with great facility and with great nicety; also the combinations or
arrangements of parts, herein-before described and illustrated, for giving to the
holder a partial or complete rotation when a circular, semicircular, or curved figure
is to be given to the article under operation.
I claim, with respect to the machinery, herein-before described and illustrated in
Figures 7 to 20, both inclusive, of the accompanying Drawings, for shaping or
fashioning the wooden handles of matchets, swords, cane and other knives, and
other handles and articles,-
Fourthly. Machinery for the purpose described, consisting essentially of a
travelling table, having a reciprocating sliding motion and also a rising-and-falling
motion, on which said table the handle or other blanks are fixed; a double or
compound rotating cutter, under which the blanks to be shaped are carried, and a
single or compound "dummy" or pattern by which the rising and falling motion of
the reciprocating table is controlled, and the required shape given to the said handle
or other blanks, the several parts of the machinery being constructed and arranged

page_text: and operating substantially as described and illustrated. Also the modification
described, in which a set of short detachable tables is made to work one at a time
on the rising and falling part of the machine, and have a sliding notion in one
direction only on the said rising and falling part. Also the modification described
in which a rising and falling motion is given to the rotating cutters instead of to
the travelling table. Also the modification, herein-before described, in which a
rotating "duminy" and the handle or other blanks to be shaped are carried on a
rotating shaft, supported upon a slide, and the bearing roller for the "dummy,” and
the rotating cutters on a second and parallel shaft.
Fifthly. The arrangements or combinations of parts, herein-before described and
illustrated, for giving the sliding motion to the reciprocating travelling table, and
for reversing the motion of the said table.
Sixthly. The construction and arrangement of the parts of a compound "duminy"
or pattern, herein-before described and illustrated, and the automatic arrangements,
described and illustrated, for throwing the moveable "dummy" of the compound
"dummy" into and out of action.
Lastly. The construction and arrangement of the clamping lever and fixing wedge
and parts connected with the same, herein-before described and illustrated, for
clamping the handle or other blanks in their holder.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Henry Atkins, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty-fifth day of October, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and seventy-seven.
Witness,
RICHARD SKERRETT,
Clerk to George Shaw,
Birmingham.
WILLIAM HENRY ATKINS. (L.S.)