IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR GRINDING AND POLISHING, AND IN PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION
Year: 1880

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Richard John Edwards and Archer Edwards, both of
Curtain Road, in the County of Middlesex, for an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS
IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR GRINDING AND POLISHING, AND IN
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Richard John Edwards
and Archer Edwards at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the
15th April 1880.
RICHARD JOHN EDWARDS and ARCHER EDWARDS, both of Curtain Road, in the
County of Middlesex. "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR
GRINDING AND POLISHING, AND IN APPLIANCES FOR PREPARING SUCH MACHINERY
OR APPARATUS."
Our Invention relates to machinery or apparatus used for grinding and polishing
the surface of wood, metal, or other materials, and also to novel appliances for
facilitating the preparation and application of the abrasive surfaces so used for
such purposes.
It is especially applicable to machinery in which an endless flexible band having
its outer surface coated with emery, glass, or other abrasive powder, is stretched
round two drums or pullies, the article to be ground or polished being applied to
the abrasive surface.
The first part of our Invention relates to improved apparatus for supporting,
adjusting, and driving the endless abrasive bands so arranged. We take a vertical
frame or standard, preferably of cast iron, at the upper part of which we make a
transverse hole, into which fits a corresponding spindle or axis which, projects
laterally upon each side of the frame. Upon this spindle on one or both sides of
the frame we fit, so that it can revolve freely, a wheel of the kind hereinafter
described to the inner side of which wheel is fixed a driving pulley or drum.
Two or more of the frames or standards, arranged and fitted as described, may be
placed side by side at a suitable distance apart, and at the lower part of the frames
we arrange bearings in which revolves a shaft parallel to the spindles above, and
provided with driving wheels or pullies corresponding with those upon the wheels

page_text: above, driving cords or bands being arranged to connect the pullies below with
those above, and we set the lower shaft in rapid revolution when desired by means
of steam or other convenient power, or by means of cranks and treadles worked by
the foot; and in this way the upper wheels are made to rotate with great rapidity
upon their spindles.
Instead of a single driving shaft below as described, a separate one may be used
to operate the wheels upon each of the upper spindles, and we sometimes make
these spindles hollow, and fill them with grease or other lubricating material, which
escapes gradually through suitable small apertures, and lubricats the hollow centres
of the revolving wheels.
Parallel to the upper wheels or drums, but at a sufficient distance from then, we
arrange a corresponding number of wheels or drums, also revolving upon similar
spindles; but we fix these spindles in the ends of levers, the centres of which turn
upon pins or contres fixed in suitable standards or frames (which can be adjusted
and fixed at any desired distance and position from the first standards), whilst
their other ends are provided with adjustable springs or weights. Endless abrasive
bands are passed round the parallel pullies arranged as described, and are kept
stretched whilst in motion by the levers and adjustable springs last described.
Articles of metal, wood, or other material aro ground or polished by being pressed
against the surface of the moving abrasive band, and curved surfaces are readily
operated upon by pressing them against the band between the pullics, which are
allowed to approach each other during the process by the action of the spring
without interfering with the motion of the band.
Where it is desired to operate upon flat surfaces of considerable extent we
arrange a table or platform, the height of which can be adjusted under the wheels
or drums upon the upper parts of the first described standards, and we pass the
surface which is to be ground or polished under the wheels or drums upon this
table, or a roller covered with india rubber may be fixed under the grinding drum,
and made to revolve slowly as required, the material to be operated on being
passed over this roller, and fed forward by it under the drum.
Upon the outer side of the outer standards an endless abrasive band may be
used, passing round a drum upon the upper driving shaft, and also round an
intermediate drum carried by a moveable and adjustable frame projecting from the
edgo of the standard.
If cylindrical spindles or wires are to be ground or polished we prefer to press
them against the abrasive surface of the endless band between two of the pullies,
round which the band passes.
For this purpose we attach an adjustable bracket to the standard upon each side
of the band, and we adjust and fix to each of these brackets bearings, in which
revolves a small roller or drum, having its periphery covered, preferably with
india rubber, and we cause the rollers to revolve at the required speed by means of
a cord or belt from the driving shaft.
The brackets are provided in their upper parts with notches or recesses in which
the wires or spindles are pressed up and fit when the endless band revolves, and
their surface is ground and polished by the latter whilst at the same time the
rollers cause them to revolve upon their axes. By adjusting one or both rollors at
a slight angle instead of parallel to the wires or spindles the latter are caused to
travel in the direction of their length as well as to revolve. A hinged catch may
be provided having a friction roller which drops and takes the place of the wire or
spindle when the latter is removed, and so facilitates the introduction of a
fresh one.
Where curved or irregular surfaces are be ground or polished by the endless
band where it passes over the upper wheel or drum upon the standard we make
the band of sufficiently flexible material, and we make the drum or pulley of wood
or other material, having its periphery coated with a sufficiently soft material, such
as leather, india rubber, or the substance well known as india rubber sponge, and
the periphery of the drum or pulley is not made cylindrical but of a shape or

page_text: contour more or less corresponding with that of the article which is to be operated
upon.
Where it is desired that the abrasive surface should be in the form of a flat
revolving disc instead of an endless band we arrange a disc of the size desired of
metal, wood, or other suitable material so that it can be made to revolve upon one
of the transverse spindles in a way similar to that already described; and to its
outer surface we attach an abrasive disc formed of a number of circular sheets of
emery or glass cloth or paper, or other suitable material glued or otherwise
cemented together at their outer edges, and having a central hole through which
passes a screw having a large countersunk head which is screwed into the centre of
the metal or wood revolving disc already described, and holds the several sheets
against the latter.
The outer edge of each disc of abrasive material is bent slightly backward all
round, so that when in operation the outer edge of its face is not touched by the
article which is being ground or polished and is consequently preserved from
injury.
As the surface of each sheet becomes worn out it is readily torn off and removed,
and the surface of the next one below becomes available.
Another part of our Invention consists of novel apparatus and appliances for the
purpose of inaking the circular discs of abrasive material last described.
For this purpose we take a standard or headstock carrying a horizontal
adjustable revolving spindle which is provided at its outer end with a metal disc
corresponding in diameter with that of the abrasive disc which is to be made.
The outer edge of this disc recedes somewhat back, and exactly opposite to it is
arranged a corresponding metal disc mounted upon a similar spindle revolving in
bearings in a second standard or headstock, this second disc having its outer edge
advanced somewhat forward so that it can fit upon the receding edge of the first
disc. The spindle which carries the second disc is made to revolve by any suitable
power, and is capable of moving end ways for a short distance in its bearings, and
we provide a strong spring, the action of which is to force it back from the
first disc.
We provide the end of one of the spindles with a circular punch corresponding
in size with the hole which is to be formed at the centre of the sheet, and the ond
of the other spindle opposite to it we make hollow for a sufficient distance, and we
fit it with a corresponding hollow die.
Upon the outer end of the second headstock we pivot a strong lever, one end of
which operates upon the end of the spindle whilst its other end is provided with a
friction roller which is operated upon by a cani upon a toothed wheel which revolves
upon a centre parallel to the spindle, and is itself driven at the desired speed by a
corresponding toothed pinion upon the latter.
The action of the apparatus is as follows:-A piece of flexible abrasive material,
such as emery or glass cloth or paper, being fed between the two discs as the
second disc revolves it is forced toward the first by the action of the revolving
cam upon the lever, and a central piece is cut from the sheet by the punch and dic
(the piece punched out being discharged through a lateral opening), and the sheet
is compressed between the two discs, its outer edge being bent back all round, and
as the two discs then revolve together with the sheet between them a sharp knife
fixed in a proper position upon one of the headstocks cuts it to a circular shape of
the required size. The cam then releases the lever, and the two discs being
separated by the action of the spring the sheet is removed and a fresh piece
substituted, and the series of operations can be continued as long as necessary.
Discs of different sizes and shapes can be used as required.
By the apparatus described the circular sheets required for making our improved
grinding and polishing discs as described can be made with very great accuracy,
speed, and cheapness.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Richard John Edwards and Archer Edwards in the Great Seal Patent
Office on the 15th October 1880.
RICHARD JOHN EDWARDS and ARCHER EDWARDS, both of Curtain Road, in the
County of Middlesex. "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR
GRINDING AND POLISHING, AND IN APPLIANCES FOR PREPARING SUCH MACHINERY
OR APPARATUS."
Our Invention relates to machinery or apparatus used for grinding and polishing
the surface of wood, metal, or other materials, and also to novel appliances or
apparatus for facilitating the preparation and application of flexible abrasive
surfaces to be used for such purposes. The first part of our Invention is especially
applicable to machinery in which an endless flexible band having its outer surface
coated with emery, glass, or other abrasive powder, is stretched round revolving
drums or pullies, the article to be treated being applied to the moving abrasive
surface. The first part of our Invention relates to improved apparatus for supporting,
adjusting, and driving endless abrasive bands so arranged. We take a frame or
standard, preferably of cast iron, into the upper part of which we fix a transverse
spindle or axis projecting laterally upon each side of the frame. Upon this spindle,
upon one or both ends, we fit, so that it can revolve freely, a wheel of the kind
hereinafter described, the inner side of which is provided with a driving pulley.
Instead of one only two or more of the frames arranged and fitted as described
may be placed side by side, adjusted at a suitable distance apart by stays, and at
the lower part of the frames we arrange bearings, in which is fitted a shaft which
revolves parallel to the spindles above, and is provided with driving wheels or
pullies corresponding in relative position with those upon the wheels above, endless
driving cords or bands being arranged to connect the pullies below with those
above. We set the lower or driving shaft in sufficiently rapid revolution when
desired by means of steam or other convenient power, or by means of cranks or
treadles worked by the foot; and the upper wheels are thus made to rotate with
great rapidity upon their spindles. Parallel to the upper wheels or drums, but at
any sufficient convenient distance from them, we arrange a corresponding number
of wheels or drums, also revolving upon similar spindles, but we fix each of these
spindles in the outer end of a lever turning upon a pin or centre fixed in a suitable
standard or frame, which can be adjusted and fixed at any desired distance from
the first described standards, and in any convenient relative position. The other
or inner end of each lever is provided with one or more adjustable springs or
weights. Endless abrasive bands are passed round the parallel wheels arranged as
described, and are kept stretched by the levers and adjustable springs described.
In the accompanying Drawing, which is in illustration of our Invention, Figure 1
is an end view, and Figure 2 a side view of grinding or polishing apparatus con-
structed and arranged in the way just described. a, a, a, are vertical standards
arranged at a convenient distanco apart, and each having a transverse spindle
b, b, b, b, fixed in its upper part; c, c¹, c, c³, c, are wheels or drums of different
sizes and shapes revolving freely upon the spindles b, and having fixed to them
pullies d, d, d, d, which are driven by endless cords c, e, e, e, e, actuated by the
driving pullies f. ff.f, upon the driving shaft which revolves in bearings in the
lower part of the standards a, and is driven by fast and loose pullies or by a
crank and treadle as indicated at i. One of the separate standards is shewn at k,
Figure 1, and in plan at Figure 3, having the spindle carrying the wheels m, m³,
and fixed in the end of the levers n, n, which turn upon the centre o in the standard,
and have their lower ends provided with the springs p, p. One of the endless
abrasive bands is shewn broken off at r, and is passed round the wheels and m,
and articles of metal, wood, or other material can be ground against the surface of

page_text: the moving abrasive band and curved surfaces are readily operated upon by pressing
them against the band between the pullies which are allowed to approach each
other during the process by the action of the springs p, p, without interfering with
the motion of the band. Upon the outer side of the outer standard we prefer to
use an abrasive band passing round the drum or wheel c', upon the upper spindle,
the separate wheel m, and also round an intermediate drum or wheel, as shewn at 8,
in Figure 1, carried by a moveable adjustable frame t fixed to and projecting from
the edge of the standard a. Curved or other articles can be ground upon the
abrasive band between the wheels c' and 8. Instead of a single driving shaft, as
shewn at g, a separate one may be used to operate the wheels upon each of the
upper spindles b, b, b, b, and we sometimes make these spindles hollow, and fill
them with grease or other lubricating material which escapes gradually through
suitable small apertures and lubricates the hollow centres of the revolving wheels.
In cases where it is desired to grind or polish surfaces curved or irregular trans-
versely by the endless abrasive band when it passes over the upper wheel we
sometimes make the abrasive band of material sufficiently flexible transversly,
and we make the wheel or drum of wood or other material having its periphery
coated with a sufficiently soft substance, such as leather, india rubber, or the
substance well known as india rubber sponge, and the periphery of the wheel is
not made cylindrical, but of a shape or contour more or less corresponding with
that of the article which is to be ground or polished. Such shape or contour may
be varied to suit varying circumstances, a curved periphery being shown in
illustration at c³ Figure 2.
Where it is desired to operate upon flat surfaces of considerable extent, such, for
instance, as the surface of wooden panels, we arrange a table or platform, the
height of which can be adjusted, beneath suitable wheels or drums upon the upper
spindles of the standards, and we pass the surface which is to be ground or
polished, whilst supported by the table, under the lower surface of the abrasivo
material which is passed round the wheels. Or a roller covered with india rubber
or other material offering sufficient frictional resistance may be fixed under the
grinding wheel or druin, and made to revolve slowly as required, the material to be
operated upon being passed over this roller and fed forward by it under the drum or
wheel. Where the surface of cylindrical wires or spindles is to be ground and polished
we prefer to adopt the novel arrangement shewn in end view in Figure 6, in which 1
is the abrasive band passing round the pullies or wheels of and s carried by the
standard a. An adjustable bracket u is fixed to the standard a upon each side of
the band r, and carries bearings in which revolves small rollers or drums v having
their peripheries covered preferably with india rubber, and made to revolve in the
bearings by means of an endless cord or belt w from the driving shaft g. In the
brackets u are notches or recesses, as shewn, in which the wire or spindle y revolves,
and is pressed up by the moving endless band r, and its surface is ground and
polished by the latter, whilst at the same time the roller v causes it to revolve upon
its axis. As the wire or spindle y becomes thus ground and polished it is fed
forward end ways. Or sometimes we adjust one or both of the rollers v at a
slight angle instead of parallel to the wire y, and in this way the rollers as they
revolve cause the wire or spindle not only to revolvo but to travel slowly forward
in the direction of its length. A hinged catch is shewn at x having a friction
roller at its extremity which drops and takes the place of the wire or spindle y
when the latter is removed, and so facilitates the introduction of another wire. In
cases where it is desired that the abrasive surface should be in the form of a flat
revolving disc instead of an endless band we take a circular plate or disc of the
desired size of metal, wood, or other suitable material having a centre arranged so
that it can revolve upon one of the upper transverse spindles already described,
and provided with a driving pulley by which it can be made to revolve, and to its
outer surface we attach an abrasive disc formed of a number of circular sheets of
emery or glass cloth or paper, or other suitable material glued or otherwise
cemented together at their outer edges, and having a central hole through which

page_text: passes a screw having a countersunk head, which is screwed into the centre of the
revolving plate, and holds the several sheets against the lattor. The outer edge of
each abrasivo disc is bent slightly backward so that when in operation it is not
touched by the article which is being ground or polished, and is consequently
preserved from injury. This arrangement is shewn in Figure 2 where c³ is the
circular plate revolving upon the spindle b. The several sheets of abrasive material
having their outer edge bent back, as shewn at p, aro hold against the plate ob by
the central countersunk screw at r. As the surface of each sheet becomes worn
out it is readily torn off and removed, and the surface of the next one below
becomes available. Two discs may be used upon separate spinilles, the article to
be ground or polished being fed between them. The frames which carry the
different forms of apparatus described and shewn may be fixed in any convenient
position to suit different circumstances. Another part of our Invention consists of
novel apparatus and appliances for the purpose of making the circular sheets of
abrasive material last described. This apparatus is illustrated in Figures 4 and 5;
Figure 4, being a side view partly in section, and Figure 5 an end view; a is a
strong standard or headstock of metal or other suitable material, having bearings
in which revolves the horizontal adjustable spindle b which is provided at its
outer end with a metal disc c corresponding in diameter with that of the abrasive
dise which is to be made. The outer edge of the disc c recedes somewhat back as
shewn, and exactly opposite to it is arranged a second corresponding inetal disc c¹
carried upon the spindle & which revolves in bearings in a second standard or
headstock e, and can be made to revolve when desired by the driving pulley shown
in dotted lines at f, or in other convenient way. The outer edge of the disc c¹ is
advanced somewhat forward so that it can fit upon the receding edge of the disc c.
The spindle d is also capable of moving endways for a short distanco in its bearings,
and is forced back from the disc c by the action of a strong spring g. The end of
the spindle b is provided with a circular punch h corresponding in size with the
hole which is to be formed at the centre of the sheet of abrasive material, and the
end of the spindle d is made hollow, and is fitted with a corresponding hollow die i.
Upon a frame or bracket at the outer end of the standard or headstock e we pivot
a strong leverk, the upper end of which operates upon the outer end of the
spindle d, whilst its other end is fitted upon a friction roller which is actuated by
a circular cam m upon the toothed wheel n, which latter revolves upon the centre o
fixed to the standard e, and is itself made to revolvo at the desired speed by the
corresponding toothed pinion p upon the spindle d. The action of the apparatus is
as follows: A piece of flexible abrasive material, such as emery or glass cloth or
paper, being supplied between the two discs c, c', as the disc c' revolves it is forced
toward the disc c by the action of the revolving cam m upon the lever k, and a
central piece is cut from the sheet by the punch and die land i (the pieces punched
out being discharged through a lateral opening at 2.) The sheet is then compressed
between the two discs, its outer edge being bent back, and as the two then revolve
together with the sheet between them, a sharp knife fixed in a proper position, as
shown at t, cuts the latter into a circular disc of the required size. The cam m then
releases the lever k, and the disc c¹ being withdrawn by the action of the spring g
the cut sheet is removed and a fresh piece substituted, the series of operations
being continued as long as necessary. Discs of different shapes and sizes may be
used as required. By the apparatus described the circular sheets of abrasive
material are made with great accuracy, speed, and cheapness.
Having now described our Invention and the manner in which it is to be
performed, wo claim,—The grinding and polishing apparatus, consisting of a wheel
or drum revolving on a fixed spindle, and actuated by an endless driving cord or
band driven by the foot or other power, such wheel or drum having an endless
band of flexible abrasive material passing round it and round a corresponding
parallel wheel or drum. Also the method of supporting such corresponding parallel
wheel or drum upon the end of a moveable lever provided with a spring or weight
by which the endless abrasive band is kept stretched. Also the wheel or drum
3

page_text: carried upon a spindle adjustable upon and fixed to the frame of the apparatus,
round which wheel or drum the flexible abrasive band also passes. Also the method
of making and using wheels or drums with peripheries of soft material and of
irregular contour to receive the endless abrasive band. Also flat discs for grinding
and polishing consisting of several discs of abrasive material having their outer
edges bent back, and all secured to a revolving plate by a central countersunk
screw. Also the method of grinding and polishing wires or spindles by the endless
abrasive belt, such spindle or wire being caused to revolve by means of pullies or
drums actuated by an endless band or cord. Also the pivotted lever provided with
a friction roller to take the place of the spindle or wire. Also the apparatus for
making discs of flexible abrasive materials, consisting of the two discs mounted upon
spindles in bearings, the punch and dic, the spring separating the discs, the lever
for forcing the discs together, and the toothed wheels and cam for actuating the
lever, all substantially as and for the purposes described and shewn in the
Drawing.
In witness whereof, we, the said Richard John Edwards and Archer Edwards,
have hereunto set our hands and seals, this 15th day of October, in the
year of our Lord 1880
RICHARD JOHN EDWARDS. (LS.)
ARCHER EDWARDS.
(L.S.)