Improvements in Conjoined Staples for Securing the "Tops or "Cards" to the Metal "Flats" used or employed in Carding- engines, and Machinery or Apparatus for carrying into effect the said Improvements in Conjoined Staples.
Year: 1892

page_text: Date of Application, 1st Feb., 1892
Complete Specification Left, 1st Nov., 1892-Accepted, 7th Jan., 1893
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
"
Improvements in Conjoined Staples for Securing the "Tops or
"Cards" to the Metal "Flats" used or employed in Carding-
engines, and Machinery or Apparatus for carrying into effect the
said Improvements in Conjoined Staples.
We, WILLIAM GREAVES of Hartford Old Works, Oldham, in the County of
Lancaster, Foreman, and JOSEPH WARDLE of the same place, Machinist do
hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
Our invention consists in improvements in conjoined staples for securing the
66 tops" or
"
"cards
to the metal "flats" used or employed in carding-engines and
in machinery or apparatus for carrying into effect the said improvements in
conjoined staples.
In the Complete Specification filed in respect of the application of James
Edward Platt for Letters Patent No. 6656 dated May 4th, 1888 conjoined staples
for use in securing the "tops" or "cards" to the metal "flats" used or employed
in carding-engines and the manner in which such conjoined staples may be used are
described and it is in improvements in the said conjoined staples that our invention
firstly consists.
"
"
The conjoined staples described in the Specification aforesaid are formed of wire
and the prongs or teeth of such conjoined staples are of the same width as the
parts by which one "prong" or tooth is connected to the next. It follows there-
fore that when conjoined staples of the form described in the aforesaid Specification
are used to secure the "top" or "card" to a metal "flat" by being inserted and
clinched in holes formed through the said metal "flat," portions of the "foundation"
or "back" into which the wires or teeth of the "top" or "card are mounted or
set project beyond the conjoined staples and although the "top" or
"card is
securely held to the metal body of the "flat" the edges of the "foundation
"back" of such "top "card
or
are not held close to the metal body of the
"flat" and are liable to be chafed or roughened while the "flat" is in use.
Our invention consists firstly in an improvement by which the objections or
defects above described are remedied by the conjoined staples being made to hold
the edges of the "foundation "back" of the "tops "cards
"
"
or
"
or
"
"
"
or
close to the
edges of the metal body of the "flats" to which they are applied while at the same
time the prongs of the conjoined staples are passed through holes in the metal
body of the "flat" in such manner that the "top or "card" will be securely
held upon the "flat."
27
According to the first part of our invention we employ for securing "tops" or
"cards" to metal "flats" used in carding-engines, metal wire bent into the form of
a continuity of conjoined staples but we make them of a form which is an improve-
ment upon that described in the Specification above mentioned and in so doing we
employ a metal wire rolled of such width that when bent into the form of a series
of conjoined staples and inserted in the usual way in order to secure the "tops" or
"cards
to the "flats" one of the edges of each of the series of conjoined staples
inserted into each "flat" will be level or flush or in the same plane with the
adjacent planed edge of such "flat." In order that the "legs" or "prongs" of the
conjoined staples may be inserted into the holes formed in the "flats
"
وو
"
we reduce
the width of such "legs" or "prongs." We thus provide for fully securing the
edges of the "tops" or "cards" to the metal "flats" and at the same time ensure
that when the selvedges of the cloth foundation of the "tops" or "cards" have.
been cut off the "flats" shall present clean and neat edges.

page_text: the
Our invention consists secondly in a machine or apparatus by means of which
the "legs" or prongs "of the continuity of staples may be reduced in width for
purpose above described by portions being punched cut or nipped therefrom.
The machine or apparatus constructed according to this part of our invention
comprises firstly, means by which each of the prongs or spikes of a continuity of
conjoined staples may be brought in turn into position for having a portion nipped,
cut or punched therefrom. For this purpose we provide a guide, groove or slide in
which the continuity of conjoined staples to be operated upon is placed and employ
a pusher or lever which we so operate by means of suitable cams, cranks or
excentrics or other suitable means that at the required times it will advance into
engagement with the continuity of conjoined staples and move the continuity of
conjoined staples in the required direction and to the required extent by acting
upon one of the teeth or prongs of such continuity of conjoined staples and then
withdraw from the said continuity of conjoined staples and return to the position
which it first occupied in readiness for performing a similar series of operations in
which series of operations it will act upon the next tooth or prong of the continuity
of conjoined staples.
The machine or apparatus constructed according to this part of our invention
comprises secondly arrangements of guides and holders for seizing and moving the
prongs or teeth of the conjoined staples into position to have portions punched,
nipped or cut therefrom and holding the said prongs or teeth in position while
portions are pinched, nipped or cut therefrom, and arrangements by means of which
the said guides and holders are caused to advance, guide, hold, retire from and release
the prongs or spikes of the continuity of conjoined staples. For these purposes we
provide jaws which are hinged together or mounted upon a suitable slide or part
moved to and fro by means of a crank, cam or excentric acting by means of
suitable levers or rods and when moved in one direction are caused to approach
each other by sliding in contact with inclined guides or by the action of suitable
links and on being moved in the opposite direction are caused by a spring or other
suitable means to separate. While moving in that direction in which they are
caused to approach each other the jaws above mentioned seize a prong or tooth of
the continuity of conjoined staples being operated upon and push or move such
prong or tooth into position and hold it, so that it can be operated upon by the
pinchers, nippers or cutters to be hereinafter described and to hold the said prong
or tooth in such position for the required time. When the required portion has
been cut, nipped or pinched off the tooth or prong the jaws aforesaid are caused to
release the said tooth or prong and move back to their original position whence
they are moved in a manner similar to that above described to act upon the tooth
or prong to be next operated upon. The cams, cranks or excentrics are so arranged
and disposed in relation to the means by which the lever or pusher referred to
under the first head of the description of this part of our invention and to the
mechanism to be described under the third head of this description of this part
of our invention that the movements of such jaws will take place at the times
required.
The machine or apparatus constructed according to this part of our invention
comprises thirdly means for cutting, nipping or pinching from the teeth or prongs
of the continuity of conjoined staples the portions which are required to be removed.
For this purpose we provide pinchers nippers or cutters consisting in jaws which
are provided with cutting edges of a suitable form and are mounted upon a pivot
or pivots or upon or in suitable guides and operated by means of a suitable cam,
crank or excentric or cams, cranks or excentrics and a spring or springs. We
prefer to so operate the said jaws that the cutting edges with which one of such
jaws is provided will never come into contact with the cutting edges with which
the other of such jaws is provided. In order that the parts to be pinched, nipped
or cut from each tooth or prong to be operated upon may be cleanly and completely
removed therefrom we prefer that the cutting edges of one of the said jaws shall
be passed through more than half of the thickness of the tooth or prong being

page_text: operated upon and then withdrawn while the cutting edges upon the other of the
said jaws are in turn passed through more than half of the said tooth or prong.
After the jaws aforesaid have been moved to cut, pinch or nip from a tooth or
prong of the continuity of conjoined staples the portion required to be removed
therefrom the jaws aforesaid are so moved that the cutting edges with which one
of such jaws is provided are moved away from the cutting edges upon the other of
such jaws so that the portion removed from the tooth or prong operated upon will
be released. The cam, crank, or excentric or cams, cranks or excentrics above
mentioned in the description of this head of this part of our invention is or are
so arranged and disposed that the movements of the jaws operated thereby will
bear the requisite relations to the movements of the pusher or lever and the guides
and holders described in reference to the first and second heads of this description
of this part of our invention.
The machine or apparatus constructed according to this part of our invention is
provided with a drum or other suitable part upon which the continuity of conjoined
staples operated upon is wound; the said drum or part being operated in any
suitable manner.
The machine or apparatus constructed according to this part of our invention is
provided with such means for the adjustment of its various parts as may be
necessary or desirable.
Dated this Thirtieth day of January 1892.
HOWARD CHEETHAM,
Manchester, Agent to the Applicants.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
or
Improvements in Conjoined Staples for Securing the "Tops"
66 Cards to the Metal "Flats" used or employed in Carding-
engines, and Machinery or Apparatus for carrying into effect the
said Improvements in Conjoined Staples.
We, WILLIAM GREAVES of Hartford Old Works Oldham, in the County of
Lancaster, Foreman, and JOSEPH WARDLE, of the same place, Machinist 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 :-
"
Our invention consists in improvements in conjoined staples for securing the
"tops" or "cards to the metal "flats" used or employed in carding-engines and
in machinery or apparatus for carrying into effect the said improvements in con-
joined staples.
In the Complete Specification filed in respect of the application of James
Edward Platt for Letters Patent, No. 6656 dated May 4th 1888, conjoined staples
for use in securing the "tops" or "cards" to the metal "flats" used or employed
in carding-engines and the manner in which such conjoined staples may be used are
described and it is in improvements in the said conjoined staples that our invention
firstly consists.
In the accompanying drawings,
Fig. 1 is a side view and Fig. 2 an end view illustrating a portion of a continuity
of staples such as is described in the Specification aforesaid.
The conjoined staples which are described in the Specification aforesaid and are
illustrated by Figs. 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings are formed of wire and
the prongs or legs a of such conjoined staples are of the same width as the parts b
by which one prong or leg a is connected to the next. It follows therefore that
when conjoined staples of the form described in the Specification aforesaid and
illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 are used to secure the " "top or "card" to a metal
"flat" by being inserted and clinched in holes formed through the said metal
"flat" portions of the " "foundation or "back" into which the wires or legs of the
"
"

page_text: "
"
"
"
66 top" or
"card
are mounted or set project beyond the conjoined staples and
although the "top" or "card" is securely held to the metal body of the "flat
the edges of the "foundation or "back" of such "top
"
or card are not held
close to the metal body of the flat and are liable to be chafed or roughened while
the flat is in use.
"
"
"
"
"
one of
"
"
or
"
Our invention consists firstly in an improvement by which the objections or
defects above described are remedied by the conjoined staples being made to hold
the edges of the "foundation or "back" of the "tops" or "cards" close to the
edges of the metal bodies of the "flats to which they are applied while at the
same time the prongs of the conjoined staples are passed through holes in
the metal bodies of the flats in such manner that the "tops" or "cards" will
be securely held upon the "flats." According to the first part of our invention
we employ for securing "tops" or "cards to metal "flats" used in carding-
engines, metal wire bent into the form of a continuity of conjoined staples but
we make such conjoined staples of a form which is an improvement upon that
described in the Specification aforesaid and illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 of the
accompanying drawings and in so doing we employ a metal wire rolled of such
width that when bent into the form of a series of conjoined staples and inserted
in the usual way in order to secure the "tops" or "cards" to the "Hats"
the edges of each of the series of conjoined staples inserted into each "flat"
will be level or flush or in the same plane with the adjacent planed edge of such
"flat." In order that the legs or "
"
prongs of the conjoined staples may be
inserted into the holes formed in the "flats we reduce the width of such "legs
or "prongs." We thus provide for fully securing the edges of the "tops"
"cards" to the metal "flats" and at the same time ensure that when the selvedges
of the cloth foundation of the "tops" or "cards have been cut off the "flats
shall present clean and nent edges.
This part of our invention is illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4 and Figs. 7, 8 and 9 of
the accompanying drawings. Fig. 3 is an end view and Fig. 4 a side view of a
portion of a continuity of conjoined staples made according to our invention.
Fig. 7 is a side view, Fig. 8 a plan and Fig. 9 a cross section illustrating the
manner in which lengths of a continuity of conjoined staples made according to
our invention are employed to secure the "cards
66
or tops" to metal "flats."
The manner in which we reduce the width of the "legs or " prongs
of a
continuity of conjoined staples is indicated in Figs. 3 and 4 in which it is shown
that we remove portions of the "legs'
prongs c in such manner that the
<<
legs" or prongs" (c) are made of less width than the parts (d) by which one
leg or prong (c) is connected to the next. In Figs. 7, 8 and 9 which illustrate the
manner in which lengths of a continuity of conjoined staples made according to
our invention are employed to secure the "cards or tops" it is shown that
while the "legs" or "prongs" (c) of the continuity of conjoined staples are suffi-
ciently narrow to be passed through holes formed in the "foundation" or "back"
of the "card"
or top to be applied to a metal "flat" and in the metal "flat"
itself and "clinched "at their ends (e) so as to be securely retained in the holes
formed in the metal "flat" (e) the parts (d) connecting the "legs" or "prongs" (c) of
the continuity of conjoined staples extend so far as to be level with or in the same
plane as the adjacent planed edge of the metal body of the "flat." Thus when
the superfluous parts of the "foundation or "back of the "card" or 66 top
have been cut away in the usual manner such "foundation" or "back" will
nowhere project beyond the continuity of conjoined staples at either edge of the
flat and as is indicated in Fig. 8 the parts (d) which connect the "legs
"prongs" (c) of the continuity of conjoined staples to one another will present a
practically continuous strip of metal along each edge of the flat so as to preserve
the edges of the "foundation
or "back of the " top or "card" from being
chafed or roughened while the flat is in use and cause the flat to present clean and
neat edges.
15
"
39
"
or "
"
"
"
"
"
66
"
"
23
"
""
or
Our invention consists secondly in a machine or apparatus by means of which

page_text: "
the "legs
"
or prongs" of the continuity of conjoined staples may be reduced in
width for the purpose above described by portions being cut, nipped, or pinched
therefrom.
The machine or apparatus constructed according to this part of our invention
comprises firstly means by which each of the legs or prongs of a continuity of
conjoined staples may be brought in turn into position for having a portion nipped,
cut or pinched therefrom. For this purpose we provide a guide, groove or slide in
which the continuity of conjoined staples to be operated upon is placed and employ
a pusher or lever which we so operate by means of suitable cams, cranks or
excentrics or other suitable means that at the required times it will advance into
engagement with the continuity of conjoined staples and move such continuity of
conjoined staples in the required direction and to the required extent by acting
upon one of the legs or prongs of such continuity of conjoined staples and then
withdraw from the said continuity of conjoined staples and return to the position
which it first occupied in readiness for performing a similar series of operations
in which series of operations it will act upon the next leg or prong of the continuity
of conjoined staples.
Fig. 10 is a plan and Fig. 11 a side view of a machine constructed according to
our invention for the purpose of enabling our improvements in conjoined staples to
be carried into effect.
Fig. 12 is a cross section of the said machine taken upon the plane indicated by
the line A. A of Figs. 10 and 11.
Fig. 13 is a plan drawn upon a larger scale than Figs. 10 and 11 and showing
certain parts more clearly than Fig. 10.
and
Fig. 14 is a cross section taken on the plane indicated by the line B B of Fig. 13
Fig. 15 is a plan showing certain parts upon a scale much larger than that upon
which they are shown in Fig. 13, in order that the construction and action of such
parts may be more fully understood.
ጎን
Fig. 16 is a cross section and Fig. 17 a partial front view of a portion of the
machine aforesaid showing an alternative manner of accomplishing the "feeding'
or moving forward of the continuity of conjoined staples to be operated upon.
Fig. 18 is a view of certain parts shown detached for convenience of illustration.
In the accompanying drawings (f) is the pusher or lever which when arranged
in the manner illustrated in Figs. 10, 11, 13, and 14 to which we will first refer is
mounted upon a stud (9) secured in a carriage or slide (1) mounted between suitable
V guides formed in a table (j) secured to a suitable bed plate (k). In brackets (¹)
secured to the table (j) is mounted a shaft (m) upon which is mounted a pulley (n)
by means of which motion may be imparted to the working parts of the machine.
Upon the shaft (m) are also mounted a loose pulley (o) and a fly wheel (p). From
the carriage or slide (h) projects an arm (h) upon which is mounted a bowl (2) by
means of which a cam (9) mounted upon the shaft (m) and made of suitable shape
forces the carriage or slide (h) at the required times in the direction indicated by
the arrow C through a distance such that the end (f) of the pusher or lever (f)
will pass into engagement with the continuity of conjoined staples (D) to be
operated upon. To the table (j) is secured a guide (r) in which is formed a groove
or channel (r) by which the continuity of conjoined staples (D) being operated
upon is guided on its way to and from the parts by which it is operated upon.
From the guide (r) parts are removed at (E) and (F) in order that the pusher or
lever (f) and certain parts to be hereinafter mentioned may be able to act upon
the continuity of conjoined staples passing along or resting in the guide (r) and in
order that the said continuity of conjoined staples may be kept in position in the
guide (") parts (s¹) projecting from a guide (s) which will hereinafter be more
particularly mentioned extend over the groove or channel (1) in the guide ("). At
the side of the cam (q) is formed a projecting part or cam face (9) of suitable
shape which acts at suitable times in the revolution of the shaft (m) against a
part (ƒ³) projecting from a plate (f³) secured by means of screws. (f) to the

page_text: pusher or lever (f) and thus at such times turns the pusher or lever (ƒ) in the
direction indicated by the arrow (G). To the pusher or lever (f) is connected
one end of a spring (t) which is connected at its other end to a stud or screw (¹)
secured in the table () and tends to turn the pusher or lever (f) in the direction
opposite to that indicated by the arrow G. A spring (u) secured in position in any
suitable manner presses at one end against the end of the recess in the table () in
which the slide or carriage (h) is mounted and at the other end against the slide or
carriage (h) and tends to force the slide or carriage (h) in the direction opposite to
that indicated by the arrow (C) either against the cam (9) or against a plate (v)
secured by set screws (¹), (v) to the table (j). In the table () is secured a
stud (3) through which passes a screw (2) capable of being secured in position in
the stud (1) by means of a lock nut (³). The end (*) of the screw (12) acts as a
stop to limit the movement of the pusher or lever (f) in a direction opposite to
that indicated by the arrow (G). At a certain time in each revolution of the
shaft (m) the cam (9) will act against the bowl (2) and push the slide or carriage (h)
in the direction indicated by the arrow (C) and cause the end (f') of the pusher or
lever (f) to pass through the opening formed for the purpose in the side of the
guide (r) and into the space between two of the legs or prongs of the continuity
of conjoined staples to be operated upon. While the slide or carriage (h) is pushed
forward in the direction indicated by the arrow (C) by the cam (9) the projecting
part or face cam (9) at the side of the cam (g) acts upon the projecting
part (2) upon the plate (f) upon the pusher or lever (f) and turns such pusher
or lever (f) in the direction indicated by the arrow (G) so that such pusher or
lever (f) will cause the continuity of conjoined staples (D) being operated upon
to be moved in the direction indicated by the arrow (H) through a space equal to
the distance between one leg or prong and the one next to it. By means of the
cam (g) and pusher or lever (f) the continuity of conjoined staples (D) is thus
caused to advance, one leg or prong at a time to the mechanism to be hereinafter
described by which the portions to be removed from it are severed. The plate (ƒ³)
may be adjusted in relation to the pusher or lever (f) by means of the screws (f)
and the set screw (5) which is secured in position in the pusher or lever (f) by
means of a lock nut (f).
A simpler form of the above described means for causing the continuity of
conjoined staples (D) being operated upon to be advanced so that the legs or prongs
of such continuity of conjoined staples (D) will be successively presented to the
mechanism by which portions are removed from such legs or prongs is illustrated
in Figs. 16 and 17. In the arrangement shown in Figs. 16 and 17 the pusher
or lever (f) is mounted upon a stud (g) which is secured in the table () instead of
being secured in a slide moved upon such table (j) by means of a 'cam (9) and
consequently such pusher or lever (f) is capable only of being oscillated upon the
stud (g) by means of a projecting part or cam face (9') upon the disc or cam (g)
secured upon the shaft (m). The projecting part or cam face (q¹) acts in conjunction
with a part (2) upon a plate (3) secured and adjusted upon one end of the pusher
or lever (f) in a manner similar to that above described in reference to Figs. 10, 11,
13 and 14. In the other end of the pusher or lever (f) is secured a stud (f) upon
which is mounted a pawl (8) the end (f) of which acts upon one of the legs or
prongs of the continuity of conjoined staples (D) being operated upon each time
that the pusher or lever (f) is oscillated in the direction indicated by the arrow (G)
by the projection or cam face (9'), and so pushes the said continuity of conjoined
staples (D) in the direction indicated by the arrow (H) through a space equal to
the distance between two adjacent legs or prongs of the continuity of conjoined
staples (D). When the pusher or lever (f) is oscillated in the direction opposite to
that indicated by the arrow (G) the pawl (f) slides or moves over the prong or leg
of the continuity of conjoined staples (D) with which it comes in contact and does
not move such continuity of conjoined staples (D). In order to ensure that when-
ever the pusher or lever (f) is oscillated in the direction indicated by the arrow (G)
the pawl (f) shall become engaged with a leg or prong of the continuity of

page_text: conjoined staples (D) and move the said continuity of conjoined staples (D) in the
direction indicated by the arrow (H), a spring (10) secured upon the pusher or
lever (f) by means of the nut (11) by means of which the stud (f) is secured in
position in the lever (f) is caused to press slightly upon the upper surface of the
pawl (8) so as to tend to turn such pawl (8) in the direction indicated by the
arrow (J). When the arrangement illustrated in Figs. 16 and 17 is employed,
the guide (r) and the parts by means of which the continuity of conjoined staples (D)
being operated upon is retained in proper position must be so formed and arranged
that the pawl (8) may be able to act upon the continuity of conjoined staples
when the pusher or lever (f) is oscillated in the direction indicated by the
arrow (G).
The machine or apparatus constructed according to this part of our invention
comprises, secondly, arrangements of guides and holders for seizing and moving the
legs or prongs of the conjoined staples into position to have portions pinched,
nipped or cut therefrom and holding the said legs or prongs in position while
portions are pinched, nipped or cut therefrom and arrangements by means of which
the said guides and holders are caused to advance, guide, hold, retire from, and
release the legs or prongs of the continuity of conjoined staples. For these
purposes we provide jaws which are hinged together or mounted upon a suitable
slide or part moved by means of a crank, cam or excentric acting by means of a
suitable lever or rod or levers or rods and when moved in one direction are caused
to approach each other by sliding in contact with inclined guides or by the action
of suitable links and on being moved in the opposite direction are caused by a
spring or other suitable means to separate. While moving in the direction in which
they are caused to approach each other the jaws above mentioned seize a leg or
prong of the continuity of conjoined staples being operated upon and push or move
such leg or prong into position and hold it so that it can be operated upon by the
pinchers, nippers or cutters to be hereinafter described, and to hold the said leg or
prong in such position for the required time. When the required portion has been
cut, nipped or pinched off the leg or prong the jaws aforesaid are caused to release
the said leg or prong and move back to their original position whence they are
moved in a manner similar to that above described to act upon the leg or prong to
be next operated upon. The cams, cranks or excentrics are so arranged and
disposed in relation to the means by which the lever or pusher referred to under the
first head of the description of this part of our invention is operated and to the
mechanism to be described under the third head of this description of this part of our
invention that the movements of the jaws or guides or holders above described will
take place at the times required.
In the accompanying drawings (w) (w) are the jaws above described. The
jaws (w) (w) are mounted upon a stud (x) secured in a slide (y) mounted in suitable
guides (2) secured to the table (j) by means of set screws (13). A spring (2)
mounted at each end in a hole or recess formed in each of the jaws (w) tends to
press the jaws (w) (w) apart from each other. To the slide (y) are secured
projecting parts (y) in which is secured a stud or pin (y³) which is embraced by
jaws formed upon the end of one arm (2ª) of a lever (2) mounted upon a pin (3)
secured in jaws (4*) formed upon a stud (4) secured in one of the vertical supports
of the table (). The lever (2) is provided with another arm (2b) to which at its
end is secured by screws (5) a plate (6) which may be adjusted in relation to the
arm (2) by means of the screws (5) and a set screw (7) which is provided with a
lock nut (7). A spring (8) which abuts at one end against the arm (2b) of the
lever (2) and at the other end against the support (k) upon which the table (j) is
mounted tends to turn the lever (2) in a direction opposite to that indicated by the
arrow (K). In conjunction with the plate (6) acts the edge or periphery (9) of a
cam (9) mounted upon the shaft (m). The edge or periphery (9) of the cam (9)
is made of such form that during each revolution of the shaft (m) the lever (2)
shall be moved at the time required in the direction indicated by the arrow (K)
into a certain position and be kept in such position for the required period. The

page_text: movements of the jaws (w) (w) are performed between guides (s) and (10) each of
which is adjusted into position upon the guides (y) upon the table (j) by means of
a set screw (11) which passes through a stud (12) secured in the table (j) and is
provided with a lock nut (11). Each of the guides (s) and (10) may be secured to
the table (j) by set screws (13) after being adjusted into position by means of the
set screw (11) employed in conjunction with it and each of such guides (s) and (10)
is provided with a part (14) which is so formed that its surface is so inclined to the
path in which the slide (y) is moved by means of the cam (9) that when the
slide (y) is moved in the direction indicated by the arrow (L) the curved inclined
surface formed upon the jaw (w) adjacent to such guide (s) or (10) will arrive
against and pass along the part (14) of the said guide (s) or (10) so that the
parts (w) (w) of the jaws (w) (w) will be caused to approach each other while
continuing to move in the direction indicated by the arrow (L) and seize and hold
that one of the legs or prongs of the continuity of conjoined staples (D) which is
opposite to the space between the parts (w¹) (w¹) of the jaws (w) (w) when they are
moved in the direction indicated by the arrow (L). In order that the distance to
which the legs or prongs to be held by the jaws (w) (w) may pass between such
jaws (w) (w) may be regulated a projection (102) is formed on one of such
jaws (w) (w) so that such projection (w) by arriving against each leg or prong to
be held by the jaws (w) (wo) will prevent such leg or prong from passing further
between such jaws (w) (w) and in order that the projection (w²) may not prevent
the jaws (w) (w) from being pressed together to the extent necessary for the legs
or prongs to be operated upon to be securely held a notch (w³) is formed in the
other jaw (w) to receive the projection (w2). It is very important that the legs or
prongs when ready to be seized and held by the jaws (w) (w) shall be in proper
position as regards their distance from the bottom of the groove (r). We there-
fore form upon the ends of the guides (s) and (10) ▼ guides (15) (15) and mount
upon such guides (15), (15), blocks (16), (16) each of which as is indicated in
Fig. 18, is provided at its upper end with a plate (17) to which is connected one
end of a spiral spring (18) connected at its other end to the guide (15) in which
the said block (16) is mounted. The springs (18) tend to draw the blocks (16) in
the direction indicated by the arrow (M) and cause them to press upon the points
of the legs or prongs of the continuity of conjoined staples (D) resting in the
guide (r) and keep such continuity of conjoined staples (D) in contact with the
bottom of the groove or channel (r) formed in the guide ().
At a certain part of each revolution of the shaft (m) the edge or periphery (9ª)
of the cam (9) will act upon the lever (2) and turn it in the direction indicated by
the arrow K so as to move the slide (y) and the jaws (w) (w) in the direction
indicated by the arrow (L). Before the extremities (w¹) (w) of the jaws (w) (w)
arrive in line with the groove or channel (1) formed in the guide (*) the pusher
or lever (f) will have been caused to place one of the legs or prongs of the con-
tinuity of conjoined staples (D) resting in the said guide (2) into a position in which
the jaws (w) (w) will advance, one at each side of it so that it will be nipped or
held by such jaws (w) (w) when they are pressed together by being caused to move
against the inclined parts (14) (14) of the guides (s) and (10). The projection (w2)
formed on one of the jaws, (w) (w) by acting upon the leg or prong embraced by
the jaws (w) (w), will press such leg or prong forward in the direction indicated
by the arrow (L) so that such leg or prong will be placed in position for being
acted upon by the pinchers, nippers or cutters to be hereinafter described. After
the said leg or prong has been acted upon by the pinchers, nippers or cutters
aforesaid the further revolution of the cam (9) will allow the lever (2) to be moved
in the direction opposite to that indicated by the arrow (K) by the spring (8), so
that the said leg or prong will be released by the jaws (w) (w).
The machine or apparatus constructed according to this part of our invention
comprises thirdly means for cutting, nipping or pinching from the legs or prongs of
the continuity of conjoined staples the portions which are required to be removed
therefrom. For this purpose we provide pinchers, nippers or cutters consisting in

page_text: jaws which are provided with cutting edges of a suitable form and are mounted
upon a pivot or pivots or upon or in suitable guides and operated by means of a
suitable cam,crank or excentric or cams, cranks or excentrics and a spring or
springs. We prefer to so operate the said jaws that the cutting edge with which
one of such jaws is provided will never come into contact with the cutting edge
with which the other of such jaws is provided. In order that the part to. be
pinched, nipped or cut from each leg or prong to be operated upon may be cleanly
and completely removed therefrom we prefer that while the cutting edges of the
said jaws are caused to commence to act upon a leg or prong at the same time the
cutting edge of one of the said jaws shall be passed through more than half of
the thickness of the leg or prong being operated upon and then withdrawn while
the cutting edge upon the other of the said jaws is in turn passed through more
than half of the said leg or prong. After the jaws aforesaid have been moved to
cut, pinch or nip from a leg or prong of the continuity of conjoined staples the
portion required to be removed therefrom the jaws aforesaid are so moved that the
cutting edge with which one of such jaws is provided is moved away from
the cutting edge upon the other of such jaws so that the portion removed from the
leg or prong operated upon will be released. The cam, crank or excentric or cams,
cranks or excentrics above mentioned in the description of this part of our inven-
tion is or are so arranged and disposed that the movements of the jaws operated
thereby will bear the requisite relations to the movements of the pusher or
lever and the guides and holders described in reference to the first and second
heads of this description of this part of our invention.
A stud (19) passes through a block (19") inserted in a recess formed in the
table () and also passes through the table (1) being secured therein by means of a
nut (19). Upon the stud (19), are mounted two jaws (20) (21) each of which bears
upon the block (194) and is provided with a cutting edge (22) formed upon a part
secured to such jaw by means of screws (22") and adjusted into position thereon by
means of the set screw (22) which is provided with a lock-nut (22). Upon each
of the jaws (20) (21) is mounted a bowl or roller (24). The bowls or rollers (24)
bear against the sides of the cam (9) there being one of the bowls or rollers (24) at
each side of the cam (9). A spring (25) is connected at one end to the jaw (20)
and at the other end to the jaw (21) and tends to draw the arms (20") (21) of the
jaws (20) (21) together and so separate the cutting edges (22) (22) with which
such jaws (20) (21) are provided. Upon the faces (9b) (9) of the cam (9) are
formed projections or cam surfaces (26) (27). The projection or cam surface (26)
acts upon the bowl (24) which is mounted on the jaw (20) once during each
revolution of the shaft (m) and causes such jaw (20) to turn in the direction
indicated by the arrow (N) and so causes the cutting edge (22) upon such jaw (20)
to act upon the leg or prong of the continuity of conjoined staples (D) being
operated upon which may be presented to it. When the revolution of the
shaft (m) causes the projection or cam surface (26) to pass out of contact with the
bowl or roller (24) upon the jaw (20) the spring (25) will cause the jaw (20) to
turn in the direction opposite to that indicated by the arrow (N) and so cause the
cutting edge (22) upon the said jaw (20) to be removed from the prong or leg upon
which it has operated. In like manner the projection or cam surface (27) acts
upon the bowl or roller (24), which is mounted upon the jaw (21), once during each
revolution of the shaft (m) and causes the jaw (21) to be turned in the direction
indicated by the arrow (0) so that the cutting edge (22) upon such jaw (21) will
be caused to act upon the leg or prong of the continuity of conjoined staples (D)
being operated upon, which is presented to it, and when the revolution of the
shaft (m) causes the projection or cam surface (27) to pass out of contact with the
bowl or roller (24) upon the jaw (21) the spring (25) will cause the jaw (21) to
turn in the direction opposite to that indicated by the arrow (0) and so cause the
cutting edge (22) upon the said jaw (21) to be removed from the prong or leg upon
which it has operated. In order that the portion which it is required to remove
from each prong or leg of the continuity of conjoined staples being operated upon
B

page_text: may be completely severed therefrom, we so form the projections or cam
surfaces (26) (27) that the cutting edge (22) upon each of the jaws (20) (21) will
be caused to pass more than half way through cach leg or prong operated upon and
in order that the cutting edge (22) upon the jaw (21) may never come into contact
with the cutting edge (22) upon the jaw (20) we so form the projection or cam
surface (26) and the projection or cam surface (27) and so place them in relation to
each other that while the cutting edges (22) upon both of the jaws (20) (21)
commence to act together upon the prong or leg of the continuity of conjoined
staples (D) being operated upon, the cutting edge (22) upon the jaw (20) will be
partially withdrawn from the leg or prong upon which it has been caused to operate
before the cutting edge (22) upon the jaw (21) is so far advanced into the said leg
or prong as to pass within the limits of the stroke of the cutting edge (22) upon
the jaw (20). The diagram (Fig. 15) serves to show the manner in which the
cutting edges (22) upon the jaws (20) (21) completely sever from the continuity of
conjoined staples (D) being operated upon the portions to be removed from the
prongs or legs of such continuity of conjoined staples (D). In Fig. 15 it is shown that
the cutting edge (22) upon the jaw (20) is caused to pass more than half way through
the prong or leg (D') being operated upon while the cutting edge (22) upon the
jaw (21) is only caused to enter the said prong or leg (D¹). As the cutting
edge (22) upon the jaw (20) is withdrawn from the prong or leg (D¹) being
operated upon, the cutting edge (22) upon the jaw (21) is in turn caused to pass
more than half way through the said prong or leg (D). The cuts made in the
said prong or leg (D¹) by the two cutting edges (22) being thus caused to
communicate the portion (D2) to be removed from such prong or leg (D¹) will be
completely severed therefrom.
Upon the shaft (m) is mounted a pulley (28) which by means of a band which
is not shown in the drawings and a pulley (29) communicates rotary motion to a
shaft (30) mounted in bearings formed in brackets (31) (32) secured to the bed (k)
upon which the table () is mounted. In the brackets (31) is mounted a shaft (33)
which is free to revolve in the said brackets (31). Upon the shaft (33) is mounted
a drum (34) on which the continuity of conjoined staples (D) being operated upon
may be wound after a length of such continuity of conjoined staples (D) sufficient
to extend from the place where the prongs or legs are operated upon to the winding
drum (34) has been operated upon. The winding drum (34) is provided with a
ratchet wheel (35) into which engages a pawl (36) which is mounted loosely upon
the shaft (30) and serves to prevent the ratchet wheel (35) from being turned in a
direction opposite to the indicated by the arrow (P).
A lever (37) is mounted loosely upon the shaft (33) upon which the winding
drum (34) is mounted and upon such lever (37) is mounted a pawl (38). When
the lever (37) is turned in the direction opposite to that indicated by the arrow (P)
the pawl (38) passes over the teeth of the ratchet wheel (35) without acting
thereon but when such lever (37) is turned in the direction indicated by the
arrow (P) the pawl (38) passes into engagement with the teeth of the ratchet
wheel (35). Upon the shaft (30) is mounted a projection or cam (38) which in each
revolution of the shaft (30) acts upon a projection (37) upon the lever (37) and
turns it in the direction opposite to that indicated by the arrow (P). The lever (37)
is connected to one end of a spring (39) which is secured to one of the brackets (31)
secured to the bed (k) and tends to turn the lever (37) in the direction indicated
by the arrow (P) and so to turn the ratchet wheel (35) and drum (34) in the
direction indicated by the arrow (P). Having thus described the construction and
arrangement of the machine constructed according to this part of our invention we
will now proceed to describe the manner in which the said machine is caused to
operate upon the continuity of conjoined staples from the prongs or legs of which
portions are to be removed for the purpose described in reference to the first part
of our invention.
As the cutting edges (22) (23) with which the jaws (20) (21) are provided will
only make a cut in the direction of the height of each leg or prong operated upon

page_text: they can not be employed to entirely sever from each leg or prong operated upon
the portion to be removed therefrom. In order therefore to enable the cut made
by the cutting edges (22) in each leg or prong to completely sever from each leg or
prong the portion to be removed therefrom we cause a cut or nick (D³) to be
formed near the root of each leg or prong where it is intended that the portion to
be removed from such leg or prong shall terminate as is indicated in Figs. 5 and 6.
Fig. 5 is a side view and Fig. 6 an end view of a portion of a continuity of conjoined
staples prepared for being operated upon by the machine above described. We
find that the cut or nick (D³) in each leg or prong may very conveniently be formed
by passing the continuity of conjoined staples to be operated upon through a fixed
guide into a space in which projects a portion of the circumference of a circular
saw mounted and driven in any manner which may be suitable. When any desired
length of a continuity of conjoined staples with a nick or cut formed in each leg or
prong has been prepared and it is desired to remove from each leg or prong thereof
the portion which is to be removed therefrom the said length of the continuity of
conjoined staples is coiled upon a drum or otherwise arranged so as to be capable of
being passed to the machine above described and illustrated in the accompanying
drawings and drawn forward thereby without becoming twisted or otherwise
injured. Then one end of the said length of the continuity of conjoined staples is
passed into the groove or channel (¹) of the guide (r) in such position that the
portions (D) by which each prong or leg of the continuity of conjoined staples is
connected to the prongs or legs adjacent to it will be in contact with the bottom of
the said groove or channel (1) and that the nick or cut (D³) formed in each leg or
prong of the said continuity of conjoined staples will while such leg or prong is
passing along the groove or channel (¹) be directed in the direction indicated by
the arrow (Q) towards the front of the machine as is clearly indicated in Figs. 10
and 13. Then the said end of the continuity of conjoined staples is passed along
the groove or channel (¹) until one leg or prong of such continuity of conjoined
staples has been placed in a position such that the pusher or lever (f) or the
pawl (f) carried thereby in case the arrangement of pusher or lever (f) illustrated
in Figs. 16 and 17 is employed can pass into engagement with the said leg or prong.
Rotary motion is then communicated to the shaft (m) and the pusher or lever (f)
is caused to move the continuity of conjoined staples (D) aforesaid forward in the
direction indicated by the arrow (H) one leg or prong at a time. As soon as a leg
or prong of the said continuity of conjoined staples has been placed opposite to the
space between the jaws (w), (w) the action of the cam (9) will cause the
jaws (w) (w) to advance and embrace such leg or prong and causing such
jaws (w) (w) to be pressed together by the inclined parts (14) (14) of the guides (s) .
and (10) will also press the said leg or prong forward in the direction indicated by
the arrow (L) so that it will project to the required extent across the paths of the
cutting edges (22) (22) provided upon the jaws (20) (21) when the jaws (w) (w)
have been caused to hold a leg or prong of the continuity of conjoined staples (D)
the pusher or lever (f) is by the cam (9) allowed to be moved by the action of the
springs (u) (t) provided for the purpose into position to act upon the leg or prong
next to that upon which it last acted. While the leg or prong aforesaid is held and
pressed forward by the jaws (w) (w) as above described the projecting parts or cam
surfaces (26) (27) upon the cam (9) will act upon the jaws (20) and (21) so that
the cutting edge (22) upon the jaw (20) will pass through more than half of
the thickness of the prong or leg held by the jaws (w) (w) and the cutting
edge (22) upon the jaw (21) will just enter such prong or leg and as
the jaw (20) is allowed by the projecting part or cam surface (26) upon the
cam (9) to be turned by the spring (25) in the direction opposite to that
indicated by the arrow (N) the projecting part or cam surface (27) upon
the cam (9) will further act upon the jaw (21) and cause the cutting edge (22)
provided upon such jaw (21) to also pass through more than half of the thickness of
the leg or prong held by the jaws (w) (w) and so completely sever from the said
leg or prong the portion which it is desired shall be removed therefrom for the.

page_text: purpose of carrying our above described improvements in conjoined staples into
effect. After the said portion has been removed from the said leg or prong the
jaw (21) will be allowed by the projecting part or cam surface (27) upon the
cam (9) to be turned by the spring (25) in the direction opposite to that indicated
by the arrow (0) so that the cutting edge (22) upon the said jaw (21) will be with-
drawn from the leg or prong which has been operated upon. The continued
revolution of the cam (9) then allows the spring (8) to turn the lever (2) in the
direction opposite to that indicated by the arrow (K) and move the jaws (w) (w) in
the direction opposite to that indicated by the arrow (L) so that the spring () will
be allowed to cause such jaws (w) (w) to release the prong or leg which has been
operated upon.
Then the continued revolution of the cam (4) will cause the pusher or lever (f)
to move another leg or prong of the continuity of conjoined staples (D) into
position to be operated upon in a manner similar to that above described and
afterwards the above described series of operations is continued until all or nearly
all of the prongs or legs of the prepared length of the continuity of conjoined
staples have been operated upon or until the pusher or lever (f) is unable to
further act upon the said continuity of conjoined staples. When the portion of the
continuity of conjoined staples upon the legs or prongs of which the cutting
edges (22) upon the jaws (20) (21) have acted is sufficiently long to extend to the
drum (34) the end of such continuity of conjoined staples is connected to the said
drum (34) and the revolution of the shaft (30) causing the cam (38) to turn the
lever (37) in the direction opposite to that indicated by the arrow (P) and then
allowing the spring (39) to turn such lever (37) in the direction indicated by the
arrow (P) the continuity of conjoined staples will be wound upon the drum (34)
as it is released by the jaws (w) (w) and pushed forward by the pusher or
lever (f).
It is obvious that many of the details of the machine above described are
susceptible of variation for instance the pusher or lever (f) may be arranged and
caused to act either in the manner illustrated in Figs. 10, 11, 13 and 14 or in the
manner illustrated in Figs. 16 and 17. The arrangement of pusher or lever (f)
illustrated in Figs. 16 and 17 is preferable to that illustrated in Figs. 10, 11, 13
and 14 for the reason that the pawl (8) illustrated in Figs. 16 and 17 may very
readily be caused to act upon that leg or prong of the continuity of conjoined
staples which is next to be held by the jaws (w) (w) and thus slight irregularities in
the distances between the legs or prongs of the continuity of conjoined staples
are prevented from causing inaccuracy in the placing of the leg or prong to be
operated upon.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed we declare that what we
claim is :-
1. For use in securing "tops" or "cards" to the metal "flats" used or employed
in carding-engines conjoined staples of which the legs or prongs (c) (c) are made
of less width than the parts (d)(d) by which such legs or prongs are connected, for
the purposes and substantially in the manner herein before described in reference to
and shown in and by the accompanying drawings.
2. For reducing in width the legs or prongs of conjoined staples for the purpose
above described the hereinbefore described machine or apparatus constructed,
arranged, employed and operating substantially in the manner hereinbefore
described.
3. In the machine or apparatus for reducing in width the legs or prongs of con-
joined staples for the purpose above described the combination of a guide (r) to
receive the continuity of the conjoined staples being operated upon, a pusher or
lever () and a pivot (g) for supporting such pusher or lever (f) and a cam (g)
and spring (t) for turning the said pusher or lever (f) in order to advance the
conjoined staples one leg or prong at a time, jaws (w) (w) and a block (y) and

page_text: stud (x) for supporting such jaws (w) (w) and cam (9) for operating the
jaws (w) (w) and guides (s) and (10) provided with inclined surfaces (14) (14) for
guiding the said jaws while seizing and holding the leg or prong to be operated
upon, jaws (20) (21) each provided with a cutting edge (22) and side cams (26)
and (27) for operating the jaws (20), (21), all constructed, arranged, employed and
operating substantially in the manner hereinbefore described and illustrated in and
by the accompanying drawings.
4. In a machine or apparatus for reducing in width the legs or prongs of con-
joined staples for the purpose above described the guide (r) arranged, employed and
operating substantially in the manner hereinbefore described and illustrated in and
by the accompanying drawings.
5. In a machine or apparatus for reducing in width the legs or prongs of con-
joined staples for the purpose above described the hereinbefore described means for
causing the continuity of conjoined staples being operated upon to be advanced one
prong or leg at a time and consisting in the combination of a pusher or lever (f)
a pivot (g) for supporting the said lever or pusher, a cam (7) and a spring (t) for
turning the said lever or pusher, a longitudinally moving part (h) carrying the said
pivot and a cam (q) and a spring (u) for producing the longitudinal movement of
the said part (1) all arranged, employed and operating substantially in the manner
herein before described and illustrated in and by the accompanying drawings.
6. In a machine or apparatus for reducing in width the legs or prongs of con-
joined staples for the purpose above described the hereinbefore described means for
causing the continuity of conjoined staples being operated upon to be advanced one
prong or leg at a time which means consists in the combination of a lever (f) pro-
vided with a finger or pawl (8), a pivot (g) for supporting the said lever (f), a
cam (q) and a spring (t) for turning the said lever on the said pivot and the
spring (10) for producing the engagement of said finger or pawl (f) with the
continuity of conjoined staples when the said lever and pawl move one direction,
all constructed, arranged, employed and operating substantially in the manner
herein before described and illustrated in and by the accompanying drawings.
7. In a machine or apparatus for reducing in width the legs or prongs of con-
joined staples for the purpose above described the hereinbefore described means for
seizing and moving the legs or prongs of the continuity of conjoined staples being
operated upon, into position to have portions pinched, cut or nipped therefrom
which means consists in the jaws (w) (w), the slide (y) and stud (a) secured therein
upon which the said jaws (w) (w) are mounted, the guides (s) and (10) provided with
inclined surfaces (14) (14) for guiding the said jaws, the lever 2, for moving the
said slide and the cam (9) and spring (8) for moving the said lever all constructed,
arranged, employed and operating substantially in the manner hereinbefore described
and illustrated in and by the accompanying drawings.
8. In a machine or apparatus for reducing in width the legs or prongs of con-
joined staples for the purpose above described the hereinbefore described means for
cutting, nipping or pinching from the legs or prongs of the continuity of conjoined
staples being operated upon, the portions which are required to be removed there-
from which means consists in the combination of jaws (20) (21) each provided
with a cutting edge (22) and side cams (26) and (27) for operating the said jaws,
substantially in the manner herein before described and illustrated in and by the
accompanying drawings.
Dated this Thirty-first day of October 1892.
HOWARD CHEETHAM,
Manchester, Agent to the Applicants.