IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION
Year: 1853

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Grist, of the New North Road,
Islington, in the County of Middlesex, Engineer, for the Inven-
tion of "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Grist at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition,
on the 7th April 1858.
I, JOHN GRIST, of the New North Road, Islington, in the County
of Middlesex, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of the said
Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF
CASKS, BARRELS, AND OTHER SIMILAR VESSELS," to be as follows:-
The first part of my Invention consists of a saw frame for cutting
and shaping what are technically termed by coopers "doublet staves;"
and this I effect by means of guides attached to the framework of the
machine, which shall, as the wood passes to the saws, so guide
the wood that it shall traverse in the required curvilinear path.

page_text: Secondly, my improvements have relation to that part in the man
facture of a stave which is called "listing," or chopping off the was
wood, so as to form a partially made stave. This operation I perfor
by means of eccentric cutters or choppers, so placed in reference t
the wood, that, as they revolve, they shall cut off the waste wood, com
mencing at the centre or bulge, and tapering off towards the ends.
Thirdly, my improvements have relation to the jointing or shaping
the stave; and this I effect by means of revolving choppers, set at the
proper angle of inclination; the blank out of which the stave is to be
formed being passed over eccentric rollers in its passage between the
cutters, to give to the stave the requisite bevil and bulge.
Fourthly, my improvements consist in an improved trussing machine
for putting together the staves to form a cask; and this I effect by
means of a frame, which is divided into two parts, each part having
a semi-circular recess cut in it, so that when they are brought together
by the action of right and left handed screws, the two recesses, shall
form a circle corresponding to the ends of the cask to be trussed.
Fifthly, my Invention has relation to that part in the manufacture
of a cask which is termed the "chiming or creusing," or cutting the
groove for fixing the heads. This I effect
cutters, of the requisite shape, fixed upon a shaft, which is also attached
means of revolving
to a shaft at right angles to it, and by which the cutters are made to
rotate in a circular line around the inside of the end of the cask, the
centre of the cask corresponding to the centre of the shaft carrying
the shaft or spindles on which the cutters revolve.
Sixthly, my improvements have relation to a machine in which the
heads are planed, preparatory to being fitted in the ends of the cask.
This consists in fixing the head in an apparatus similar to that used for
trussing, and passing planes or cutters over the surface of the wood,
either by hand or by suitable mechanism.
And, seventhly, my Invention has relation to bevilling the edges of
he heads of casks. The heads are caused to revolve between two sets
f cutters, which are caused to rapidly rotate, the one set of cutters
evolving upon the upper edge of the head, and the other set on the
nder side, so that both edges are cut simultaneously. The requisite
3

page_text: eccentricity may be given to the head by causing the spindles carrying
the cutters to advance and retire during the revolution of the head
between them.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said John Grist, in the Great Seal Patent Office, on
the 7th October 1853.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I,
JOHN GRIST, of the New North Road, Islington, in the County of
Middlesex, Engineer, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Seventh day of April, in the year
of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-three, in the six-
teenth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors,
give and grant unto me, the said John Grist, Her special licence that
I, the said John Grist, my executors, administrators, and assigns,
or such others as I, the said John Grist, 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 FOR
THE MANUFACTURE OF CASKS, BARRELS, AND OTHER SIMILAR VESSELS," upon
the condition (amongst others) that I, the said John Grist, by an in-
strument in writing under my hand and seal, 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 John Grist, do hereby de-
clare 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 following statement thereof, reference being had to the draw-
ings hereunto annexed, that is to say:

page_text: My Invention has reference to the machinery for performing the
several operations required in manufacturing casks, barrels, and other
similar vessels, and consists, first, of a saw-frame for cutting and
shaping what are technically termed by coopers, doublet and tonguer
slaves.
The nature of the improvements under this head of my Invention
consists in fixing the wood in guides, which are so attached to the
framework of the machine, that, as the wood passes to the saws, they
shall cause it to traverse in the required curvilinear path. Figure 1, of
the drawings hereunto annexed represents a side elevation of a vertical
saw frame fitted with my improvements. The details and construction
of the saw frame are similar in all respects to the ordinary vertical
saws, and will require, therefore, no further description. Figure 2, is
a detached front elevation of the frame for carrying the guides, the
position which it occupies in reference to the saw frame being repre-
sented in Figure 1. A, A, are uprights or frames connected together
in pairs, by the rods or bars B, B. C, C, are the guides which traverse
in the dovetail grooves a, a, in the plates D, D. The shape and curves
of these grooves exactly correspond with the required curvilinear cut
to be made in the wood. E, E, are clamps attached to the under side
of the guides C, for holding the wood to be cut; it being held firm by
the screws b, b. F, F, are rollers centred in the frames A, A, on which
the wood rests, and which also serve to facilitate its feed to the saws.
Secondly, my improvements have relation to that part of the manu
facture of staves which is called listing, or chopping off the waste wood
so as to form a partially made stave. Figure 3, is a side elevation
and Figure 4, a front view of a machine constructed according to this
part of my Invention. A, A, are two eccentrics, mounted upon the
shaft B, supported in the standard C, C. D, D, are the cutters
mounted upon the spindle a, turning in the slots in the eccentrics A, A
and driven by the strap pulleys E, E. F, is an upright frame, occupying
a central position between the eccentrics A, A, on the top surface o
which the wood to be operated upon is held by the clamp G, having
a screw b, at each end. H, is a crank, keyed upon the shaft B, fo
imparting motion to the eccentrics and cutters. The eccentrics A, ar

page_text: inclined towards each other, as represented, so as to give to the wood
its required shape as the eccentrics and cutters revolve.
Thirdly, my improvements have relation to the jointing of the stave.
This I effect by means of revolving choppers, set at the required angle,
the blank out of which the stave is to be formed being passed between
eccentric rollers in its passage between or against the choppers, whereby
the stave has given to it the requisite bevil and bulge.
Figure 5, represents a plan; Figure 6, a front elevation; Figure 7,
an end view; and Figure 8, a sectional elevation of a jointing machine,
constructed according to this part of my Invention. A, A, is the
framework, and B, a top plate, on which are mounted the chop-
pers C, C, keyed upon the spindles D, D, turning in the plummer
blocks E, E, and driven by the strap pullies F, F. The shape of the
choppers and blocks is separately represented in Figure 9. G1, G2, G³,
are three eccentric rollers, keyed upon the shafts H', H, H³, which are
mounted in blocks in the framework A', A', and driven by the worm
wheels I, I, I, and endless screws K, K1, K2. The blocks carrying
the shafts of the eccentric rollers G, and G³, are free to slide to and fro
in slots in the framework, carrying with them their endless screws and
worm wheels, and thereby causing the stave to traverse, from one end
of the choppers to the other, so as to impart to it its requisite bevil and
bulge. L, is a strap pulley, keyed upon the shaft M, for giving motion
to the endless screws and worm wheels, and through them to the
eccentric rollers.
Fourthly, my Invention consists of an improved trussing machine for
putting together the staves to form a cask. This I effect by means of
a plate which is divided into two parts, each part having a semicircular
recess formed in it, so that when they are brought together by the
action of right and left handed screws the recesses shall form a circle
corresponding to the ends of the cask to be trussed. Figure 10, is
a side elevation; Figure 11, an end view; Figure 12, a plan; and
Figure 13, a front elevation of my improved trussing machine: A, A,
are upright standards or frameworks; B, B, is a plate, divided across
the centre into two parts, and having mounted on its under side the
grooved wheels C, C, which travel upon angular bars or rails running

page_text: the entire length of the machine. D, D, is a second plate, also divided
across the centre, and having formed in it the semicircular recesses E, E.
This plate is superposed above the plate B. F, F, are two right and
left handed screws running along the length of the machine on each
side. These screws are tapped through lugs bolted to the under side of
the plate D. G, G, are bevil wheels, keyed upon the ends of the screws,
and geared into by the bevil wheels H, H, mounted upon the cross
shaft I, and driven by the strap pullies K, which impart motion to
the right and left handed screws, whereby the semicircular recesses
in the plate D, are brought together, bringing with them the ends of
the staves.
Previous to placing the cask L, in the position represented
in the drawings, the parts of the plate B, are brought together so as to
form a rest or support for it; but when, by the action of the screws F, F,
the cask is trussed, the parts of the plate B, are withdrawn towards
éach end, so as to admit of a hoop being placed over the end of the
cask. The plate B, is then again brought together, and by reversing
the action of the screws the cask is released, and the machine is ready
for trussing another cask.
Fifthly, my Invention has relation to that part of the manufacture
of a cask which is termed the chiming or creusing, or cutting the
groove for fixing the heads. Figure 14, presents a front elevation of
a machine for performing this part of my Invention. Figure 15, is a
side elevation; and Figure 16, a plan. A, is the framework, which
has arranged on its upper surface a series of brackets B, B, (two only
of which are seen in the drawings,) in which are centred the friction
rollers C, C. D, is a circular plate, shewn separately in plan in
Figure 17, and side view in Figure 18. This plate rests upon the
friction rollers C, which serve to steady it, and also to facilitate its revo-
lution. E, is a vertical shaft, which passes through the framework, and
is screwed into the boss of the plate D. F, is a worm wheel, keyed upon
the shaft E, and driven by the endless screw G, which serves to impart
the requisite rotary motion to the plate D. H, H, are vertical clamps
free to slide in V pieces on the plate D, when acted upon by the right
and left handed screw I, which is tapped through the bushes K, K, on
the under side of the clamps, and serve to bring them nearer to or farther

page_text: from each other, according to the direction in which the screw I, is
turned, so as to adjust the clamps to the different sizes of casks to
be operated upon; the upper portions of the clamps are fitted with
packings M, M, which are capable of being moved up and down to
suit the varying heights of the casks by means of the screw N, and
bevil gearing O. P, is the cask, the upper portion of which is shewn
partly in section, so as to exhibit more clearly the shape and action of
the cutters Q, Q. R, are supports for carrying the plate S, which
has formed upon it the V pieces T, T, to steady it in its upward and
downward motion. U, U, are other plates for carrying the cutters.
These plates U, are free to slide to and fro in V pieces upon the face
of the plate S, when acted upon by the screws W, W, so as to adjust
the cutters Q, Q', as required. The cutters Q, Q', are mounted upon
the spindles a, a, and driven by the strap pullies b, b. The cutters Q,
are for forming the hollow and creuse, and the cutters Q', for cutting
the chime. X, is a lever, centred at c, one end of which is connected
with the link Y, to the plate S, while the other end of the lever ter-
minates in the handle Z, whereby the plate S, is raised and lowered,
being retained in its required position by set screws. By the arrange-
ments above described it will be seen that, as the plate D, revolves,
carring with it the cask, the necessary motion being, at the same time,
communicated to the cutters, the cask is chimed and creused. When
one end of the cask has been thus operated upon it is reversed, and the
other end submitted to a like process.
Sixthly, my improvements have relation to a machine in which the
heads are placed preparatory to being fitted in the ends of the cask.
Figure 19, is a longitudinal section; Figure 20, a cross section; and
Figure 21, an end view of a machine for performing this part of my
Invention. A, A, are two end frames for supporting the working parts
of the machine; B, is a vertical shaft, driven by the bevil gearing C, C,
and strap pulley D, mounted upon the shaft E; F, is a circular plate,
screwed upon the top end of the shaft B, and revolving with it. Figure
22, represents a detached view in plan of this plate; and Figure 23, a
side view. G, G, are two semicircular rims, which slide in the grooves a, a,
on the surface of the plate when operated upon by the right and left

page_text: handed screws H, H. The head to be planed is placed on the surface
of the plate F, and held firm in its position by the rims G, G, which
are made to grasp it between thêm by the action of the screws H.
I, I, are screws, passed through the plate F, to suit the unevenness of
the head; K, is the cutter, centred upon the tube L, and free to
revolve without carrying round with it the tube when driven by the
strap pulley M, to which the cutter is attached. The tube. L,. is slotted
from end to end, allow a passage for the ears or lugs b, b, of the bush
N, which is cut with a thread corresponding to the thread of the
screw O, which passes- through the tube L, and is driven by the strap
pulley P, P, set in motion by a strap from the rigger Q, on the shaft E.
The tube L, screw O, and cutter R, are raised or lowered to suit the
different thicknesses of the head by means of the screws R, R, worni
wheels S, S, and endless screws T, T, when operated upon by the crank
handle U, on the shaft V. Upon motion being communicated to the
strap pulleys D, P, and M, by their several straps, the vertical shaft is
caused to revolve and carry with it the head. At the same time the
cutter K, is also caused rapidly to revolve, and also, by means of the
screw O, to traverse from the centre to the outer edge of the head, and
thereby plane its surface.
Seventhly, my Invention has relation to the bevilling of the edges of
the heads of casks, by causing them to revolve between two sets of
cutters, which are caused rapidly to rotate; the one set of cutters
revolving upon the upper side of the head, and the other set on the
under side, so that both edges are cut simultaneously. The requisite
eccentricity is given to the head by causing the spindles carrying the
cutters to advance and retire during the revolution of the head between
them. Figure 24, is a front elevation; and Figure 25, an end view of
a machine, constructed according to this part of my Invention. A, A,
is the frame and bed of the machine; B, B, are double bearings,
sliding upon the bed of the machine when acted upon by the screws
C, C; D, D, are the cutters, mounted upon the spindles a, a, and
driven by the strap pulleys E, E; F, F, are two shafts, the centre
lines of which correspond. The shaft F, is passed through the frame
A, and has screwed upon its upper end the plate G. The shaft F', is

page_text: supported in the framework H, and has screwed upon its lower end the
plate G', between which and the plate G, the head to be bevilled is held
firm, the upper plate being brought down by the action of the screw.I,
and hand wheel K. L, L, are screws, passed through the upper plate
to adjust it to the unevenness of the head; M, is a worm wheel on the
shaft F, which is set in motion by the endless screw N, for causing the
head to rotate between the cutters; 0, 0, are eccentrics, which are
keyed on a shaft P, which runs along the whole length of the machine
at the back, and are connected by rods and forks to a pin upon the
crank handles R, R, fixed upon the ends of the screws C, C; by which
means, as the shaft P, revolves, the cutters are caused to advance and
retire, thereby giving to the head its necessary eccentricity as it revolves
between the cutters.
And having now described the nature of my said Invention, and in
what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is,
First, the cutting and shaping of doublet and "tonguer" staves, by
means of guides, placed in the front and at the back of the saw frame,
for the purpose of guiding the wood, as herein-before described and
represented in the drawings hereunto annexed:
Second, I claim the machine for "listing" staves, as herein-before
described and represented in the drawings hereunto annexed:
Third, I claim the machine for jointing staves, in so far as regards
the employment of eccentric rollers, and the placing of the cutters in
the position herein-before described, and represented in the drawings
hereunto annexed:
Fourth, I claim the machinery for trussing casks, herein-before
described, and represented in the drawings hereunto annexed:
Fifth, I claim the machinery for chiming and creusing the ends of
casks, as herein-before described, and represented in the drawings here-
unto annexed:
Sixth, I claim the machinery for planing the heads of casks, as
herein-before described, and represented in the drawings hereunto
annexed. And

page_text: Seventh, I claim the machine for bevilling the heads of casks, as
herein-before described, and represented in the drawings hereunto
annexed.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Grist, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Seventh day of October, One thousand
eight hundred and fifty-three.
JOHN GRIST. (L.S.)