Improvements in Sole Levelling Machines.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 1st June, 1895
Complete Specification Left, 2nd Mar., 1896-Accepted, 4th Apr., 1896
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Sole Levelling Machines.
A communication from abroad by ERASTUS E. WINKLEY, Mechanical Engineer,
and BENJAMIN PHILLIPS, Councillor at Law, both of Lynn, Massachusetts,
United States of America.
I, JAMES GRIEVE LORRAIN, of Norfolk House, Norfolk Street, London, W.C.,
in the County of Middlesex, Chartered Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature
of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to improvements in that class of the above-named
inachines, in which the operation of levelling is performed by a vibrating roll
applied under pressure to the sole of the shoe; and it consists of two shoe
supporting jacks, a vibrating levelling roll associated with each jack, means for
bringing each jack into operative position, while the other jack is in a convenient
position for the removal of a shoe therefrom, and connected mechanisms operating
automatically to present each jack when brought into operative position to its
associated roll. The invention further consists of the form and arrangement of
mechanism for rocking the rolls and oscillating the jacks, of adjustment devices for
the several movements of the machine, and of the devices and combination of
devices hereinafter more specifically set forth.
The object of the invention is to increase the amount of work which can be
accomplished by an individual operator on this class of machine, also to produce an
automatic machine easy and efficient in operation and readily adjusted for different
sizes and styles of shoes.
The invention is illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which
Figure I is a top view of a machine embodying the invention.
Figure II is a section on line X-X, Figure I.
Figure III is a front view with one jack removed to show parts at back of same.
Figures IV and V are detached views of a preferred form of mechanism
connecting the jacks with oscillating mechanism.
Figure VI is a side view, with portion of frame broken out.
Figures VII and VIII are detached views of portions of mechanism for
laterally rocking rolls.
Similar letters and figures of reference refer to similar parts throughout the
several views.
In the drawings, A represents a frame, suitable to support the working parts of
the machine. B, B, represent the levelling rolls, each of which, in the form of the
invention shown in the drawing, has three motions, to-wit:-A vertical oscillation,
imparted to the roll, as the jack passes under same, by the varying contour of the
last, a laterally rocking motion, and a motion of vibration.
I shall now describe in detail a preferred form of mechanism for accomplishing
these motions, but before so doing I wish to say that I do not consider the
invention limited thereto as such mechanism can be modified in many details
without departing from the essential nature of the invention. I would further say
that it is not essential that the rolls B, B, have the three motions above suggested,
as the same result can be secured by movement of the jack which can be readily
effected by a simple modification of the devices shown involving no departure from
the present invention.
The roll-carrier beds are shown at 1, 1, and are mounted in the bearings 2, 2,

page_text: and 2, 2, in the frame A, in which they are free to tip, on the roll-carrier beds 1, 1,
are the sleeves 3, 3, cast integral therewith or suitably secured thereto. Through
the sleeves 3, 3, extend the hollow shafts 4, 4, which at their outer ends carry the
forks 5, 5, which form the roll-carriers. In the forks 5, 5, are provided suitable
ways 6, 6, and 6, 6, into which extend the trunnions 7, 7, upon which the rolls B, B,
are mounted. The ends of the trunnions 7, 7, are free to slide along the ways 6, 6,
and 6, 6, and are guided and held in position thereby. In the sleeves 3, 3, are
formed suitable bearings for the shafts 4, 4, in which they are free to rock, the
shafts 4, 4, being held in position longitudinally, and prevented from sliding in
said bearings, by the collars 8, 8, having bearings against the carrier-beds 1, 1.
The above-described arrangement is such that each of the rolls B, B, is free to
move vertically with the carrier bed 1, to rock laterally with the hollow shaft 4,
and to vibrate along the ways 6, 6.
It will be noted that as shown in the drawings, the fork 5 is bent upward so
that the under surface of the roll is substantially on a level with the center of
shaft 4.
The vertical motion of the roll is the motion of compression, and may be
conveniently secured as follows:
Upon each of the roll-carrier beds 1, 1, is a yoke 9, near its outer end, to which
are secured the vertical rods 10, 10, one on each side of carrier bed 1. To the
vertical rods 10, 10, is secured the cross bar 11, to which is secured the vertical
rod 12, which passes through the cross bar 13, and is secured to a cross bar 15.
The vertical rods 14, 14, are secured to cross bar 13, and passing through cross
bar 15 are secured to a cross bar 16, which is secured to a bracket 17 on the
frame A. A spring 18, coiled about rod 12, is interposed between cross bars 13
and 15. If desired other similar springs may be placed upon rods 14, 14.
Pressure may be regulated by the threaded bolt 19 which extends through
yoke 9 and bears upon carrier bed 1, the bolt 19 being provided with hand
wheel 20. The arrangement being such that a rotation of wheel 20 raises or
lowers yoke 9 and increases or diminishes the downward strain exerted by spring 18.
The downward motion of the rolls is limited by means of the lateral arm 91,
carried by the roll carrier bed 1, which (when the machine is not in operation)
rests upon the head of a thread bolt 92, provided with a suitable threaded bearing
in the frame A. or the upright 93 thereon. The bolt 92 may be set at any desired
height by rotating same in its threaded bearing and the lowest point at which
.pressure can be exerted upon the rolls determined.
To vibrate the rolls, B, B, we find the following to be a convenient form of
mechanism :
Embracing the roll B and suitably secured to the trunnion 7 is a light fork 21,
secured to a rod 22, which passes through the hollow shaft 4 and is connected at
the back of the machine with a lever 23, mounted upon a rock shaft 24, supported
in suitable bearings in the frame A. The connection between rod 22 and lever 23
consists of the link 25 pivoted to lever 23 and to a collar 90, on rod 22, in which
the rod 22 is free to rotate. This arrangement allows the tipping of the roll
carrier bed and the rocking of the roll. A rocking motion is imparted to shaft 24
by the eccentric 26 and connecting levers 27 and 28. The eccentric 26 may
conveniently be placed on a fly-wheel 29 of sufficient weight to steady the motion
and suitably counter-weighted. The fly-wheel 29 is mounted upon a shaft 83,
having suitable bearings in frame A, and rotated by a belt on the fast and loose
pulley 30.
A laterally rocking motion may be conveniently imparted to the rolls B, B, by
the following mechanism:
To each of the collars 8, 8, is secured a segmental gear 31 which meshes with a
rack 32, carried by the sliding bar 33 for which suitable ways 45, 45 are provided
between the parallel braces 34, 34, extending across the frame A and supported
thereby. To the sliding bar 33 is pivotally secured the connecting rod 35, which
connects the same with one arm of the bell lever 36, pivotally mounted at its angle
1

page_text: on the rear brace 34. The other arm of the bell crank 36 is connected by the
connecting rod 37 with the lever 38, rigidly secured to the rod 39 which is mounted
in suitable bearings in the frame A in which it is free to rock. The lever 38
carries a cam roll 40 working in a cam path 41 on one of the faces of the wheel 42,
which is keyed to a shaft 43, mounted in suitable bearings in the frame A in which
it is free to rotate.
The arrangement is such that as the wheel 42 rotates an oscillating motion is
imparted to lever 38, which by means of bell crank 36 and the connecting rods 35
and 37 imparts a sliding or horizontally reciprocating motion to the bar 33, which
by means of racks 32, 32, and segmental gears 31 and 31 imparts a laterally
rocking motion to the levelling rolls B, B.
It will be noted that the collars 8, 8, are adjustably secured to the hollow
shafts 4, 4, by means of the set screws 46, 46, by which arrangement the roll may
be given any predetermined inclination before being acted upon by the cam, which
insures an even operation of the roll upon both sides of the shoe in case where the
bottom of the shoe is inclined to the spindle hole in the last. It will also be noted
that the gears 31 and 31 are set in line with the bearing 2, 2, and 2, 2, of the roll
carrier beds 1, 1, and that the peripheral faces of the gears 31, 31, are laterally
curved or rounded off (see Figure 7) to allow the tipping motion of the carrier
beds 1, 1.
D, D, represent the shoe supporting jacks, the form of which is no essential part
of this invention, but which may conveniently be similar to that shown consisting
of a suitable bed plate, a fixed toe-piece and a heel support adjustable along the
plate. Other well known forms of jack may, however, be substituted therefor.
In the form of the invention shown in the drawing the jacks D, D, have but one
motion, to-wit-A motion of longitudinal oscillation, which presents each jack to
its associated roll, but it is evident to one skilled in the art that each of the
jacks D, D, may be mounted in a pivotted carriage, and a laterally rocking motion
imparted thereto, with slight changes in the mechanism herein shown and described,
dispensing with the necessity of rocking the roll.
To present each jack to its associated roll while the other is in a convenient
position for the removal of a shoe therefrom, the following has been found to be a
convenient mechanism.
Mounted in the frame A, in suitable bearings, is a rock shaft 47 from which
depends an arm 48 which is pivotally connected by a connecting rod 49, with a
swinging lever 50, rigidly connected with lateral rod 53 near the bottom of the
frame, which is mounted in suitable bearings in which it is free to rock. The
lever 50 carries near its upper end a cam roll 51 working in the cam path 52 on
the wheel 42. The arrangement being such that the rotation of wheel 42 imparts
a swinging motion to lever 50 and by means of connecting rod 49 and arm 48 a
rocking motion to the shaft 47. As shown in the drawing the arm 48 is secured
to shaft 47 by means of a sleeve 54, which is splined or otherwise rigidly connected
therewith, but it is evident that this construction may be varied by loosely mounting
the sleeve 54 upon the shaft 47 which may then he rigidly mounted in frame A,
without affecting the operation of mechanism hereinafter described or departing
from the principle of the invention. .
Upon each side of the sleeve 54 is a sleeve 55 which is free to turn upon the
shaft 47. Upon the sleeves 55, 55, are rigidly mounted the jacks D, D, being
preferably secured thereto at a point substantially under the toe rest, and the
sleeve 55 may be conveniently cast integral with the fixed portions of the jack D.
Secured to the sleeve 54 by suitable brackets 56, 56, is a tubular rod 57, in which
work the sliding pins 58, 58. On each of the sleeves 55, 55, is a rigid arm 59 in
which is a socket 60, adapted to be turned thereby in front of the pin 58 and to
receive the same (see Figure IV).
Each of the arms 59 is also provided with a segmental guard 61 (see Figure 5)
which prevents the pin 58 from projecting beyond the inner face of the arm 59,
except when it enters socket 60. Between the pins 58, 58, is a coiled spring 62,

page_text: bearing against the inner end of each pin, the tendency of which is to push both
pins out to the limit of their outward motion.
Pivoted to each of the brackets 56, 56, is a pawl 63, one end of which extends
into the tubular rod 57 (through a suitable slot) and the other is curved downwardly
over sleeve 54 and projects beyond the same (see Figure 1). The end of the
pawl 63 which enters the tubular rod 57 bears against a shoulder upon the pin 58
and controls its sliding motion. When the pawls 63, 63, are free, the pins 58, 58,
are forced outward by the spring 62 into the socket 60, if in position to be engaged,
otherwise against the segmental guards 61, 61.
The wheel 42 carries, projecting beyond its periphery, the wedge-shaped dog 84;
and the pawls 63, 63, are so formed and arranged that if either of the pins 58 is in
engagement with socket 60, the pawl 63 controlling that pin is in the path of the
dog 84, and upon coming in contact therewith is turned thereby until the pin 58 is
withdrawn and disengaged from the socket 60. When not engaged in sockets 60, 60,
pins 58, 58 are pressed against the segmental guards 61, 61.
The dog 84 is so placed upon the wheel 42 that contact with pawls 63, 63,
occurs just before the rotation of wheel 42 is stopped by stop mechanism, herein-
after described, sufficient time, however, being given before the wheel 42 stops to
allow dog 84 to clear the pawls 63, so as to leave pins 58, 58 free to re-engage
with sockets 60, 60.
It will be noted that as the roll passes off the toe of the last the centre of gravity
of the jack falls outside of the point of support and if the piu 58 is not in engage-
ment with the socket 60 the jack will fall outward. The outward motion of the
jack is stopped, when the jack is in convenient position for the removal of a shoe
therefrom, by means of a suitable rest, conveniently the bracket 64 which receives
the falling jack upon a rest 65 mounted upon an elastic bearing (not shown) in the
bracket 64, which takes up any jar that might occur from the falling jack.
The correlative functions of parts above described can be better explained in
connection with the description of the operation of the machine.
The wheel 42 may be conveniently rotated by a worm gear 70 keyed or otherwise
rigidly secured to shaft 43, and engaged by a worm 71 on the shaft 72, provided
with suitable bearings in frame A, and conveniently rotated by belt on pulley 73.
The gear 70 carries a dog 74 which engages with an arm 75 on the rod 76,
mounted in suitable bearings in frame A in which it is free to rotate and slide.
The rod 76 is connected with spring-controlled clutch 78 by means of which
rotation of pulley 73 is communicated to shaft 72, the arrangement being such that
engagement of dog 74 with arm 75 disengages clutch 78 and stops rotation of
shaft 72. The arm 75 may be thrown out of engagement by rotating rod 76 in its
bearings by means of treadle 96. We have not described clutch mechanism in
detail as such mechanism is well known in the art and consists primarily in a fixed
and sliding member, one of which rotates with the shaft, and which are arranged to
engage with each other in the usual manner.
It will be noted that in bell crank 36 there is a circular adjustment way 80 along
which the connecting rod 35 may be adjusted and the amount of tip given to the
rolls by the action of the cam regulated. It will also be noted that the arm 48 is
provided with a circular adjustment way 81 along which the connecting rod 49 may
be adjusted and the lengths of the oscillations of the jack regulated.
The arc may be struck, to make any point on the jack (for example the toe) a
positive point for any adjustment, using rod 49 as a radius when arm 48 is in
desired position.
With regard to the shape of the cam paths 2 and 41 which control the
oscillations of the jacks and inclination of the rolls it is evident to one acquainted
with the art of levelling soles that many variations may be made therein and
successful results secured; and it is further evident to a person skilled in the art
that by varying the shape of the cam paths any combination of motions can be
secured that can be obtained upon that class of machine in which said motions are
directly under the control of the operator.

page_text: The operation of this improved leveller so far as the same need be set forth in
the present application is described as follows:-
Presuming both jacks to rest upon the rests 65, 65 and power to be applied to.
the pulleys 30 and 73, a shoe upon its last is placed upon one of the jacks D, the
desired set is given to the roll B by means of the set screws 46, 46, the oscillating
mechanism adjusted to properly present the shoe to roll, by means of the adjustment.
slot 81, and the roll rocking mechanism adjusted to give proper inclination to the
roll by the adjustment slot 80.
The vibrating mechanism being set in operation to vibrate the roll B, B, the
operator raises the jack D until the pin 58 (which slides along the segmental
guard 61) engages with the socket 60, he then starts the wheel 42 by a downward
pressure on the treadle 96 which sets in operation the mechanisms for rocking the
roll B and oscillating the jack D to present it to the roll.
The operator then places a shoe upon the other jack (in practice laying the
channel after the shoe is placed upon the jack).
In the meantime the wheel 42 is completing its rotation and the connected
mechanism performing the operation of levelling, which is completed during a single.
rotation. As the wheel 42 approaches the end of a rotation the dog 84 engages
with the pawl 63 and by turning the same disengages the pin 58 from the socket 60,.
and the cam path 52 being so formed and timed that the roll B is then passing, or
has just passed off the toe of the last, the jack D falls on to the rest 65 into a
convenient position for the removal of the shoe therefrom.
The operator then raises the other jack until it is connected with the oscillating-
mechanism, and, leaving same to the action of the machine, proceeds immediately
to remove the finished work from the first jack. These operations may be repeated
indefinitely, the jacks acting alternately and the proper adjustments being made
from time to time to accommodate the operation of the machine to different sizes
and shapes of last.
The operation of the several parts not specifically described above has already
been sufficiently described in connection with the description of their form and
arrangement already herein before given.
It may be well however to say that by means of the upward bend in fork, 5, 5,
the centre of the rolls B, B,.is brought above the centres of the shafts 4, 4, which
are their tipping or rocking centres, which produces a more even working of the
rolls, when changing their lateral inclination, the rolls sliding along the surface of
the sole rather than raising themselves on the same during the operation of tipping.
It will be readily seen that by this arrangement the variation between the amount
of pressure at the edges and in the centre will be greatly reduced and the roll will.
more nearly centre itself upon the shoe.
Dated this 31st day of May 1895.
J. G. LOKKAIN,
Chartered Patent Agent.
A communication from abroad by ERASTUS E. WINKLEY, Mechanical Engineer,.
and BENJAMIN PHILLIPS, Councillor at Law, both of Lynn, Massachusetts;.
United States of America.
I, JAMES GRIEVE LORRAIN, of Norfolk House, Norfolk Street, London, W.C.,
in the County of Middlesex, Chartered Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature
of this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
This invention relates to improvements in that class of the above-named.

page_text: machines, in which the operation of levelling is performed by a vibrating roll
applied under pressure to the sole of the shoe; and it consists of two shoe
supporting jacks, a vibrating levelling roll associated with each jack, means for
bringing each jack into operative position, while the other jack is in a convenient
position for the removal of a shoe therefrom, and connected mechanisms operating
automatically to present each jack when brought into operative position to its
associated roll. The invention further consists of the form and arrangement of
mechanism for rocking the rolls and oscillating the jacks, of adjustment devices for
the several movements of the machine, and of the devices and combination of
devices hereinafter more specificially set forth.
The object of this invention is to increase the amount of work which can be
accomplished by an individual operator on this class of machine, also to produce
an automatic machine easy and efficient in operation and readily adjusted for
different sizes and styles of shoes.
The invention is illustrated by the drawings, left with the Provisional Speci-
fication, in which
Figure I is a top view of a machine embodying the invention.
Figure 1 is a section on line X-X, Fig. 1.
Figure III is a front view with one jack removed to show parts at back of same.
Figures IV and V are detached views of a preferred form of mechanism
connecting the jacks with oscillating mechanism.
Figure VI is a side view, with portion of frame broken out.
Figures VII and VIII are detached views of portions of mechanism for laterally
rocking rolls.
Similar letters and figures of reference refer to similar parts throughout the
several views.
In the drawings, A represents a frame, suitable to support the working parts of
the machine. B, B, represent the levelling rolls, each of which, in the form of
the invention shown in the drawing, has three motions, to-wit-a vertical
oscillation, imparted to the roll, as the jack passes under same, by the varying
contour of the last, a laterally rocking motion, and a motion of vibration.
I shall now describe in detail a preferred form of mechanism for accomplishing
these motions, but before so doing I wish to say that I do not consider the
invention limited thereto as such mechanism can be modified in many details
without departing from the essential nature of the invention. I would further
say that it is not essential that the rolls B, B, have the three motions above
suggested, as the same result can be secured by movement of the jack which
can be readily effected by a simple modification of the devices shown involving no
departure from the present invention.
The roll-carrier beds are shown at 1, 1, and are mounted in the bearings 2, 2,
and 2, 2, in the frame A, in which they are free to tip, on the roll-carrier
beds 1, 1, are the sleeves 3, 3, cast integral therewith or suitably secured
thereto. Through the sleeves 3, 3, extend the hollow shafts 4, 4, which at
their outer ends carry the forks 5, 5, which form the roll carriers. In the forks 5, 5,
are provided suitable ways 6, 6, and 6, 6, into which extend the trunnions 7, 7,
upon which the rolls B, B, are mounted. The ends of the trunnions 7, 7, are
free to slide along the ways 6, 6, and 6, 6, and are guided and held in position
thereby. In the sleeves 3, 3, are formed suitable bearings for the shafts 4, 4,
in which they are free to rock, the shafts 4, 4, being held in position
longitudinally, and prevented from sliding in said bearings, by the collars 8, 8,
having bearings against the carrier beds 1, 1.
The above-described arrangement is such that each of the rolls B, B, is free
to move vertically with the carrier bed 1, to rock laterally with the hollow
shaft 4, and to vibrate along the ways 6, 6.
It will be noted that as shown in the drawings, the fork 5 is bent upward
so that the under surface of the roll is substantially on a level with the center
⚫ of shaft 4.

page_text: The vertical motion of the roll is the motion of compression, and may be
conveniently secured as follows:
Upon each of the roll-carrier beds 1, 1, is a yoke 9, near its outer end, to
which are secured the vertical rods 10, 10, one on each side of carrier bed 1.
To the vertical rods 10, 10, is secured the cross bar 11, to which is secured
the vertical rod 12, which passes through the cross bar 13, and is secured to a
cross bar 15. The vertical rods 14, 14, are secured to cross bar 13, and passing
through cross bar 15 are secured to a cross bar 16, which is secured to a bracket 17
on the frame A.
A spring 18, coiled about rod 12, is interposed between cross
bars 13 and 15. If desired other similar springs may be placed upon rods 14, 14.
Pressure may be regulated by the threaded bolt 19 which extends through
yoke 9 and bears upon carrier bed 1, the bolt 19 being provided with hand
wheel 20. The arrangement being such that a rotation of wheel 20 raises or
lowers yoke 9 and increases or diminishes the downward strain exerted by
spring 18. The downward motion of the rolls is limited by means of the lateral
arm 91, carried by the roll carried bed 1, which (when the machine is not in
operation) rest upon the head of a thread bolt 92, provided with a suitable
threaded bearing in the frame A or the upright 93 thereon. The bolt 92 may be
set at any desired height by rotating same in its threaded bearing and the lowest
point at which pressure can be exerted upon the rolls determined.
To vibrate the rolls, B, B, we find the following to be a convenient form of
mechanism:
Embracing the roll B and suitably secured to the trunnion 7 is a light fork 21,
secured to a rod 22, which passes through the hollow shaft 4 and is connected at
the back of the machine with a lever 23, mounted upon a rock shaft 24, supported
in suitable bearings in the frame A. The connection between rod 22 and lever 23
consists of the link 25 pivoted to lever 23 and to a collar 90, on rod 22, in which
the rod 22 is free to rotate. This arrangement allows the tipping of the roll
carrier bed and the rocking of the roll. A rocking motion is imparted to shaft 24
by the eccentric 26 and connecting levers 27 and 28. The eccentric 26 may
conveniently be placed on a fly-wheel 29 of sufficient weight to steady the motion
and suitably counterweighted. The fly-wheel 29 is mounted upon a shaft 83,
having suitable bearings in frame A, and rotated by a belt on the fast and loose
pulley 30.
A laterally rocking motion may be conveniently imparted to the rolls B, B, by
the following mechanism :
To each of the collars 8, 8, is secured a segmental gear 31 which meshes with a
rack 32, carried by the sliding bar 33 for which suitable ways 45, 45 are provided
between the parallel braces 34, 34, extending across the frame A and supported
thereby. To the sliding bar 33 is pivotally secured the connecting rod 35, which
connects the same with one arm of the bell lever 36, pivotally mounted at its
angle on the rear brace 34. The other arm of the bell crank 36 is connected by
the connecting rod 37 with the lever 38, rigidly secured to the rod 39 which is
mounted in suitable bearings in the frame A in which it is free to rock. The
lever 38 carries a cam roll 40 working in a cam path 41 on one of the faces of the
wheel 42, which is keyed to a shaft 43, mounted in suitable bearings in the frame A
in which it is free to rotate.
The arrangement is such that as the wheel 42 rotates an oscillating motion is
imparted to lever 38, which by means of bell crank 36 and the connecting rods 35
and 37 imparts a sliding or horizontally reciprocating motion to the bar 33, which
by means of racks 32, 32, and segmental gears 31 and 31 imparts a laterally
rocking motion to the levelling rolls B, B.
It will be noted that the collars 8, 8, are adjustably secured to the hollow
shafts 4, 4, by means of the set screws 46, 46, by which arrangement the roll may
be given any predetermined inclination before being acted upon by the cam, which
insures an even operation of the roll upon both sides of the shoe in case where the

page_text: It will also be noted
and 2, 2, of the roll
bottom of the shoe is inclined to the spindle hole in the last.
that the gears 31 and 31 are set in line with the bearing 2, 2,
carrier beds 1, 1, and that the peripheral faces of the gears 31, 31, are laterally
curved or rounded off (see Fig. 7) to allow the tipping motion of the carrier
beds 1. 1.
D, D, represent the shoe supporting jacks, the form of which is no essential
part of this invention, but which may conveniently be similar to that shown
consisting of a suitable bed plate, a fixed toe-piece and a beel support adjustable
along the plate. Other well known forms of jack may, however, be substituted
therefor.
In the form of the invention shown in the drawing the jacks D, D, have but one
motion, to-wita motion of longitudinal oscillation, which presents cach jack to
its associated roll, but it is evident to one skilled in the art that each of the
jacks D, D, may be mounted in a pivotted carriage, and a laterally rocking motion
imparted thereto, with slight changes in the mechanism herein shown and described,
dispensing with the necessity of rocking the roll.
To present each jack to its associated roll while the other is in a convenient
position for the removal of a shoe therefrom, the following has been found to be a
convenient mechanism.
Mounted in the frame A, in suitable bearings, is a rock shaft 47 from which
depends an arm 48 which is pivotally connected by a connecting rod 49, with a
swinging lever 50, rigidly connected with lateral rod 53 near the bottom of the
frame, which is mounted in suitable bearings in which it is free to rock. - The
lever 50 carries near its upper end a cam roll 51 working in the cam path 52 on
the wheel 42. The arrangement being such that the rotation of wheel 42 imparts
a swinging motion to lever 50 and by means of connecting rod 49 and arm 48 a
rocking motion to the shaft 47. As shown in the drawing the arm 48 is secured
to shaft 47 by means of a sleeve 54, which is splined or otherwise rigidly connected
therewith, but it is evident that this construction may be varied by loosely
mounting the sleeve 54 upon the shaft 47 which may then be rigidly mounted in
frame A, without affecting the operation of mechanism hereinafter described or
departing from the principle of the invention.
Upon each side of the sleeve 54 is a sleeve 55 which is free to turn upon the
shaft 47. Upon the sleeves 55, 55, are rigidly mounted the jacks D, D, being
preferably secured thereto at a point substantially under the toe rest; and the
sleeve 55 may be conveniently cast integral with the fixed portions of the jack D.
Secured to the sleeve 54 by suitable brackets 56, 56, is a tubular rod 57, in which
work the sliding pins 58, 58. On each of the sleeves 55, 55, is a rigid arm 59 in
which is a socket 60, adapted to be turned thereby in front of the pin 58 and to
receive the same (see Fig. IV).
Each of the arms 59 is also provided with a segmental guard 61 (see Fig. 5)
which prevents the pin 58 from projecting beyond the inner face of the arm 59,
except when it enters socket 60. Between the pins 58, 58, is a coiled spring 62,
bearing against the inner end of each pin, the tendency of which is to push both
pins out to the limit of their outward motion.
Pivoted to each of the brackets 56, 56, is a pawl 63, one end of which extends
into the tubular rod 57 (through a suitable slot) and the other is curved down-
wardly over sleeve 54 and projects beyond the same (see Fig. 1). The end of the
pawl 63 which enters the tubular rod 57 bears against a shoulder upon the pin 58
and controls its sliding motion. When the pawls 63, 63, are free, the pins 58, 58,
are forced outward by the spring 62 into the socket 60, if in position to be engaged,
otherwise against the segmental guards 61, 61.
The wheel 42 carries, projecting beyond its periphery, the wedge-shaped dog 84;
and the pawls 63, 63, are so formed and arranged that if either of the pins 58 is
in engagement with socket 60, the pawl. 63 controlling that pin is in the path
of the dog 84; and upon coming in contact therewith is turned thereby until

page_text: withdrawn and disengaged from the socket- 60. When not
engaged in sockets 60, 60, pins 58, 58 are pressed against the segmental
guards 61, 61.
The dog 84 is so placed upon the wheel 42 that contact with pawls 63, 63,
occurs just before the rotation of wheel 42 is stopped by stop mechanism,
hereinafter described, sufficient time, however, being given before the wheel 42
stops to allow dog 84 to clear the pawls 63, so as to leave pins 58, 58 free to
re-engage with sockets 60, 60.
It will be noted that as the roll passes off the toe of the last the centre of
gravity of the jack falls outside of the point of support and if the pin 58 is
not in engagement with the socket 60 the jack will fall outward. The outward
motion of the jack is stopped, when the jack is in convenient position for the
removal of a shoe therefrom, by means of a suitable rest, conveniently the
bracket 64 which receives the falling jack upon a rest 65 mounted upon
an elastic bearing (not shown) in the bracket 64, which takes up any jar that
might occur from the falling jack.
The correlative functions of parts above described can be better explained in
connection with the description of the operation of the machine.
The wheel 42 may be conveniently rotated by a worm gear 70 keyed or otherwise
rigidly secured to shaft 43, and engaged by a worm 71 on the shaft 72, provided
with suitable bearings in frame A and conveniently rotated by belt on pulley 73.
The gear 70 carries a dog 74 which engages with an arm 75 on the rod 76,
mounted in suitable bearings in frame-A in which it is free to rotate and slide.
The rod 76 is connected with spring-controlled clutch 78 by means of which
rotation of pulley 73 is communicated to shaft 72, the arrangement being such that
engagement of dog 74 with arm 75 disengages clutch 78 and stops rotation of
shaft 72. The arm 75 may be thrown out of engagement by rotating rod 76 in its
bearings by means of treadle 96. We have not described clutch mechanism in
detail as such mechanism is well known in the art and consists primarily in a fixed
and sliding member, one of which rotates with the shaft, and which are arranged
to engage with each other in the usual manner.
It will be noted that in bell crauk 36 there is a circular adjustment way 80 along
which the connecting rod 35 may be adjusted and the amount of tip given to the
rolls by the action of the cam regulated. It will also be noted that the arm 48
is provided with a circular adjustment way 81 along which the connecting rod 49
may be adjusted and the lengths of the oscillations of the jack regulated.
The arc may be struck, to make any point on the jack (for example the toe)
a positive point for any adjustment, using rod 49 as a radius when arm 48 is in
desired position.
With regard to the shape of the cam paths 52 and 41 which control the
oscillation of the jacks and inclination of the rolls it is evident to one acquainted
with the art of levelling soles that many variations may be made therein and
successful results secured; and it is further evident to a person skilled in the art
that by varying the shape of the cam paths any combination of motions can be
secured that can be obtained upon that class of machine in which said motions are
directly under the control of the operator.
The operation of this improved leveller so far as the same need be set forth in
the present application is described as follows:-
Presuming both jacks to rest upon the rests 65, 65 and power to be applied to
the pulleys 30 and 73, a shoe upon its last is placed upon one of the jacks D, the
desired set is given to the roll B by means of the set screws 46, 46, the oscillating
mechanism adjusted to properly present the shoe to roll, by means of the adjustment
slot 81, and the roll rocking mechanism adjusted to give proper inclination to the
roll by the adjustment slot 80.
The vibrating mechanism being set in operation to vibrate the roll B, B, the
operator raises the jack D until the pin 58 (which slides along the segmental
guard 61) engages with the socket 60, he then starts the wheel 42 by a downward

page_text: pressure on the treadle 96 which sets in operation the mechanisms for rocking the
roll B and oscillating the jack D to present it to the roll.
The operator then places a shoe upon the other jack (in practice laying the
-channel after the shoe is placed upon the jack).
In the meantime the wheel 42 is completing its rotation and the connected
mechanism performing the operation of levelling, which is completed during a
single rotation. As the wheel 42 approaches the end of a rotation the dog 84
engages with the pawl 63 and by turning the same disengages the pin 58 from the
socket 60, and the cam path 52 being so formed and timed that the roll B is then
passing, or has just passed off of the toe of the last, the jack D falls on to the
rest 65 into a convenient position for the removal of the shoe therefrom.
The operator then raises the other jack until it is connected with the oscillating
mechanism, and, leaving same to the action of the machine, proceeds inmediately
to remove the finished work from the first jack. These operations may be repe.ited
indefinitely, the jacks acting alternately and the proper adjustments being made
from time to time to accommodate the operation of the machine to different sizes
and shapes of last.
The operation of the several parts not specifically described above has already
been sufficiently described in connection with the description of their form and
arrangement already hereinbefore given.
It may be well however to say that by means of the upward bend in fork, 5, 5,
the centres of the rolls B, B, is brought above the centres of the shafts 4, 4, which
are their tipping or rocking centres, which produces a more even working of the
rolls, when changing their lateral inclination, the rolls sliding along the surface of
the sole rather than raising themselves on the same during the operation of tipping.
It will be readily seen that by this arrangement the variation between the amount
of pressure at the edges and in the centre will be greatly reduced and the roll will
more nearly centre itself upon the shoe.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. In a sole levelling machine, the combination of two shoe-supporting jacks, a
vibrating levelling roll, associated with each jack, and means common to both jacks
for automatically presenting each jack independently to its associated roll when
the jack is brought into operative position, substantially as described.
a
2. In a sole levelling machine, the combination of two shoe-supporting jacks,
vibrating levelling roll associated with each jack, mechanism for changing the
relative lateral inclination of the rolls and jacks, mechanism for oscillating the
jacks under the rolls and connected mechanism operating automatically to disconnect
each jack from the oscillating mechanism, substantially as described.
3. In a sole levelling machine having a vibrating levelling roll and shoe
supporting jack, mechanism for oscillating the jack under the roll consisting of a
rocking member and suitable connections with the jack, a rigid arm dependent
from said rocking member, a circular adjustment slot in said arm, a cam actuated
swinging lever, a connecting rod pivotally secured to the swinging lever aud
pivotally and adjustably secured in the circular adjustment slot all substantially as
described.
4. In a sole levelling machine having a vibrating levelling roll, mechanism for
laterally rocking the levelling roll consisting of a suitable roll carrier, a segmental
gear having a laterally curved peripheral face adapted to rock the roll carrier, a
sliding rack engaging with said gear and mechanism for actuating said rack,
substantially as described.
5. In a sole-levelling machine, the combination of a vibrating levelling roll, a
shoe supporting jack, a cam and connected mechanism for oscillating the jack
under the roll, means for, operating the cam, and a' clutch mechanism actuated by
the cam operating means, arranged to stop the rotation of the cam when the jack
'

page_text: is in a convenient position for the removal of a shoe therefrom, substantially as:.
described.
6. In a sole-levelling machine, the combination of a laterally rocking roll-carrying
yoke, longitudinal guide-ways in the yoke above its rocking axis, and a levelling
roll mounted upon and free to rotate about a trunnion, the opposite ends of whichi
are supported by and reciprocate along said guide ways, substantially as described.
7. In a sole-levelling machine, the combination of a vibrating levelling roll
having a predetermined normal lateral inclination or permanent set, mechanism for
changing its lateral inclination, and means for adjusting the normal inclination or
permanent set of the roll when not acted upon by said mechanism; substantially as
described.
8. In a sole-levelling machine having two shoe supporting jacks and a vibrating
levelling roll associated with each jack, the combination of a rocking member,.
means for actuating the same, two sleeves, arranged to tip on the rocking axis of
the rocking member, upon which the jacks are mounted and mechanism for locking
the sleeves to the rocking member, substantially as described.
:
9. In a sole levelling machine, the combination of two shoe supporting jacks, a
vibrating levelling roll associated with each jack, a rocking member and mechanism.
for actuating the same, two sleeves, adapted to tip on the rocking axis of the
rocking member, upon which the jacks are mounted, mechanism for locking the
sleeves to the rocking member and mechanism operating automatically to unlock
the sleeves from said member leaving the same free to rock independently thereof,..
substantially as described.
10. In a sole-levelling machine having a vibrating levelling roll and shoe-
supporting jack, a swinging arm, for oscilating the jack, having a circular
adjustment way arranged to present a predetermined point on the jack to the roll
at the same time, relative to the operation of the machine, for any length of
oscillation of the jack, substantially as described.
11. In a sole-levelling machine, having a vibrating levelling roll, the combination
with suitable mechanism for changing the lateral inclination of the roll, of a
pivotally supported bell crank having in one arm a circular adjustment way for-
adjusting said mechanism, substantially as described.
12. In a sole-levelling machine, the combination of a rocking member, two
sleeves loosely mounted on the shaft supporting said member, a socket in each of
said sleeves, sliding spring pressed pins on the rocking member adapted to engage-
with said sockets, suitably placed pivoted pawls for disengaging said pins and.
mechanism for actuating said pawls, substantially as described.
13. In a sole-levelling machine, the combination of a vibrating levelling roll and
a shoe supporting jack and connected mechanisms operating automatically to.
present the jack, when brought into operative position, to the roll and to return.
the jack after the operation of the roll thereon into a convenient position for the-
removal of the shoe therefrom.
14. In a sole-levelling machine having a vibrating levelling roll mounted in a
suitable roll carrier, the combination of a spring secured to a fixed support for
automatically applying pressure to the roll, and an adjustable stop for limiting the
downward action of said spring, substantially as described.
15. In a sole-levelling machine having a vibrating levelling roll and shoe-
supporting jack, mechanism for oscillating the jack under the roll consisting of a
suitably formed cam, and means for rotating the same, a connecting rod adapted to-
be longitudinally reciprocated by the rotation of the cam, a swinging lever
connected with the jack and pivotally connected with the connecting rod,.
substantially as described.
16. In a sole-levelling machine, the combination with a vibrating levelling roll,
of a shoe supporting jack, mechanism for variably oscillating the jack under the
roll, and means for automatically supplying pressure to the roll during the variable
movement of the jack, substantially as described.
17. In a sole-levelling machine, the combination with a vibrating levelling roll.

page_text: and its carrier, of mechanism for vibrating the roll, and means for laterally rocking
the roll comprising a gear extension on the carrier and a reciprocating rack
engaging the gear extension, substantially as described.
18. In a sole-levelling machine, the combination of two shoe-supporting jacks,
a vibrating levelling roll associated with each jack, and connected mechanisms
operating automatically to change the relative lateral inclination of the rolls and
jacks, and to present each jack, after it has been brought into operative position,
to its associated roll, while the other jack is left in a convenient position for the
removal of a shoe therefrom, substantially as described.
Dated this 28th day of February 1896.
J. G. LORRAIN, M.I.E.E., M.I. Mech. E.,
Chartered Patent Agent,
Acting on behalf of the said E. E. Winckley and B. Phillips.