Improvements in and relating to Band-saw Mills.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 3rd May, 1889-Accepted, 28th Sept., 1889
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Band-saw Mills.
1, DE WITT CLINTON PRESCOTT, of the City of Marinette, in the County of
Larinette, and State of Wisconsin, one of the United States of America, Manufacturer
hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is
be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
llowing statement
My invention relates to band-saw mills, and has for its object to provide an
oparatus of this description, which shall be effective in operation and possess various
Ivantageous features which will be hereinafter pointed out. To these ends my
vention consists in certain novel features hereinafter described.
In the accompanying drawings
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Band-saw Mills.
1, DE WITT CLINTON PRESCOTT, of the City of Marinette, in the County of
Marinette, and State of Wisconsin, one of the United States of America, Manufacturer
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
My invention relates to band-saw mills, and has for its object to provide an
apparatus of this description, which shall be effective in operation and possess various
advantageous features which will be hereinafter pointed out. To these ends my
invention consists in certain novel features hereinafter described.
In the accompanying drawings
Figure 1 represents a side elevation of a band saw-mill embodying my invention.
Figure 2 is a front elevation of the same.
Figure 3 is a vertical sectional view.
Figure 4 is an enlarged detail sectional view, showing the ball bearings.
Figure 5 is an elevation of the same.
Figure 6 is an enlarged detail sectional view, showing the knife-edge bearings.
Figure 7 is a rear elevation of the upper saw guide.
Figure 8 is a plan section, taken on the line 1, 1 of Figure 7.
Figure 9 is a side elevation of the same.
Figure 10 is a plan view of the same, partly in section.
Figure 11 is a sectional view, taken on the line 2, 2 of Figure 10.
Figure 12 is a similar view, taken on the line 3, 3 of Figure 10.
Figure 13 is an elevation of the lower guide.
Figure 14 is a plan view of the lower guide.
Figure 15 is a plan view of the carriage.
Figure 16 is a detail sectional view, taken on the line 4, 4, of Figure 15.
Figure 17 is a transverse sectional view, taken on the line 5, 5 of Figure 15.
Figure 18 is a central transverse sectional view of the cam-shifting device.
Figure 19 is a plan view of the elements of the shifting mechanism detached.
Figure 20 is a sectional view of the same, taken on the line 6, 6, of Figure 19.
Figure 21 is a plan view of the modified form of shifting device.
Figure 22 is a plan view of the mechanism on the carriage proper cooperating
therewith.
Figure 23 is a sectional view, taken on the line 7, 7 of Figure 21, and
Figure 24 is a detail sectional view, taken on the line 8, 8, of Figure 22.
Like letters refer to like parts in all the Figures of the drawings.
A represents the base, upon which is mounted a hollow column B, which constitutes
the upright portion of the main frame. This column consists of two parts a lower
section 6, which is fastened permanently to the base, and is therefore stationary, and
an upper section 61, which is telescoped upon the upper portion of the stationary
part 6 and is movable vertically thereon. I leave both ends of this section open
so that ready access may be had to the interior of the upper end of the column
A bracket a 1s secured to the stationary portion of the column and constitutes a
hanger for one end of the shaft c of the lower baud-wheel, C The lower portion
of the stationary part of the column is enlarged somewhat, at least on one side
thereof, and in this portion, near the base, is cut a man-hole 6, as shown in Figure 3
of the drawings, whereby access may be had to the interior of the column at its base.
The upper or movable section of the column is supported by a strong short post b³,
which is threaded, and enters a suitably-threaded socket or nut a', in the upper
portion of the hanger a. The upper end of the post is journalled in a cross-piece

page_text: or any suitable projection on the lower end of the movable part 6' and may be turned
by a hand-lever 64, for the purpose of adjusting the movable section b¹, this post
operating as a sort of Jack-screw for the purpose. It will be noticed that in the
drawings this supporting device is located in front of the column. This arrangement
is desirable, because the upper band-wheel is also located on the same side of the
column, so that here is the greater weight, and the location of the support here will be
very nearly at the middle of the entire weight on the section 61, quite sufficiently
near for practical purposes. A bracket D, is attached to the lower end of the movable
section 6. This bracket projects outward horizontally a short distance from the
column, and is then turned upward at a right angle, being projected up above as high
as the upper end of the section to which it is attached. It is hollow and open at each
end. At the lower end of the bracket, where it is attached to the section b' a slot d,
is cut in the latter and a similar slot d¹ in the stationary section b thereby providing
an opening from the bracket into the column, and at the elbow of the bracket a slot, d³,
is cut, being arranged about opposite to the opening d in the column. Just outside of
the elbow and on each side of the slot d' are lugs d.
At the upper end of the movable section b¹ a sleeve bracket E, is attached, being
arranged at the back side of the column. At the lower end of this same movable
section, and immediately beneath the sleeve E are two horizontal lugs e, attached to
the section A slot e¹ is cut in the section b', between these last named lugs, and a
similar slot, e, in the stationary section 6 for the purpose which will be described
presently. It will be observed that these lugs and the bracket E, as well as the
bracket D extend out diagonally from the column, so as to overhang the same
considerably at the front and thus carry the upper band-wheel cam shaft almost to
the forward edge of the column, thereby giving a considerably greater clearance or
open space between the band-saw, where it operates upon the work, and the column,
as shown more particularly in Figure 1.
The upper band-wheel F, is secured to a shaft f which is mounted in boxes fl.
These boxes are in turn mounted upon bearing-blocks G and (1, the former at the
front and the latter at the rear of the column The bearing-blocks are provided with
yokes g within which the journal-boxes are supported by trunnions g¹ which may
slide in the yokes. The front bearing-block terminates below in a stem g³, which is
adapted to, fit the upper open end of the bracket D and to slide up and down therein.
The rear bearing-block terminates in a similar stem 9 which is adapted to fit the
sleeve E and move vertically therein. The rear journal box is moved laterally in its
yoke by means of a screw G³ which engages a suitable nut on the box and which is
provided with a worm wheel g' which meshes with a worm G on the upper end of a
vertical shaft G* mounted on the bearing-block and extending down along the sleeve
bracket E, which latter is provided at its lower end with a bearing g', through which
said shaft slides freely. The shaft is itself provided at its lower end with a hand
wheel G³, by the rotation of which the rear journal box f' may be shifted laterally as
desired.
A lever H, is pivoted at one end to the lugs ď³, on the bracket D, and extends
inward horizontally through this bracket and the walls of the column into the interior
of the latter. A similar lever I, is pivoted at one end to the lugs e on the other
side of the column, and is extended inward horizontally through the slots in the
column into the interior of the latter. The inner ends of these levers are connected
to the lower end of a connecting-rod J inside of the column, the upper end of which is
pivoted to the short arm of a lever K, which is also, pivoted to a lug k, on the
inside of the upper end of the movable section of the column. This lug is arranged
on the side of the column next to the band-wheel, and the lever K extends across
nearly to the other side of the column.
A supporting post or rod is attached at its upper end to the stem 9² of the
front bearing-block by a screw thread connection. The lower end of this supporting-
rod rests upon the lever H a short distance in front of its pivot, a similar post or
rod, is attached by a screw-thread connection to the stem 9, of the rear bearing-
block, and at its lower end is pivoted to the lever I a short distance in front of its

page_text: pivot. For convenience this post may be divided, as shown in Figure 2 of the
drawings, and provided with a nut and ratchet device L, for the purpose of
adjusting the length of the rod, the upper section of which can,
of course, be turned,
while the lower one cannot. The device, as shown in the drawings, consists of a sleeve-
nut i, threaded right and left at its opposite ends. This nut receives the ends of the
respective sections of the post, which are threaded right and left for this purpose.
The nut is provided with external teeth around its centre, with which an ordinary
ratchet-lever is arranged to engage, thereby providing an ordinary and well known
device for turning the nut. Obviously the turning of the nut in one direction will
force the sections of the support apart, while turning in the other direction will
draw them together, by which operation the rear end of the shaft may be adjusted
to bring the shaft into a level position. Any other suitable device may be used for
this particular nut for this purpose. The post h is also adjusted suitably in a similar
way by turning it in its threaded socket; but as it is not positively connected to the
lever at its lower end it is not necessary to divide it
It is obvious that any vibration of the lever K will cause a vibration of the levers H
and I, and consequently a simultaneous adjustment of the two bearing-blocks of the
upper band-wheel shaft in a vertical direction The distance from the outer pivots of
the levers H and I to the common pivot at their inner ends within the column 19
practically the same, as is also the distance between each outer pivot and the bearing
point of the respective supporting posts upon their respective levers; hence the vertical
movement of the bearing-blocks and the journals which they support will be practically
the same.
It will be seen that if the outer or long arm of the lever K be drawn
downward the inner or short arm will be raised, thereby pulling upward the inner ends
of the levers H and I, which movement will simultaneously raise the bearings of the
upper band-wheel shaft, thereby tightening the saw upon the wheels.
In order to effect a constant pull downward upon the lever K, I attach a rod M,
to the long arm of the lever, which rod, for convenience, is extended down within
the column nearly to the base of the latter, and at its lower end 13 adapted to receive
weights m, which are introduced through the man-hole in the base-portion of the
column, this hole being made mainly for the purpose of placing and removing these
weights. This also permits the weight to be readily increased or diminished, as may
be desired. Obviously by this arrangement of levers and weights the shaft of the
upper band-wheel is held upward constantly, so as to keep the saw taut upon its wheels,
and it is evident from the arrangement of the levers that the adjusting device is very
sensitive, so that the least little slack in the saw will be taken up and the latter
maintained in that taut condition which is necessary for its satisfactory operation.
I am aware that the lower band-wheel in mulls of this class has been made adjustable
automatically for the purpose of taking up slack. There is, however, an objection
to this latter mode of adjustment. The momentum of the wheel produces what is
known as " over-throw of the saw as the latter runs over to the front from the
upper wheel. This over-throw produces a slight slack in the saw between the point
where it leaves the upper band-wheel and the point where it enters the log It is
not serious, but sufficient to destroy the proper action of the saw. When the adjust-
ment for taking up slack is made at the lower band-wheel, this over-throw slack
must be taken up by pulling the saw back over the upper band-wheel and in opposition
to the action of the said wheel, for of course it cannot be taken up down through
the log while the saw is at work. This action brings an additional strain upon the
back portion of the saw and greatly increases the danger of breaking. With the
present improvement, whereby the upper band-wheel is made automatically adjustable,
it must be obvious that this objection is entirely overcome, for the upward movement
of the wheel will take up the over-throw slack immediately and directly. The same
remark applies also to the back portion of the saw, for the action is equally direct on
that side of the wheel, so that this adjustment of the upper band-wheel takes the slack
on both sides directly, thereby preventing extra strain upon the saw, and at the same
time keeping the latter perfectly taut while in operation.
The proper levelling of the shaft of the upper band-wheel is effected by the adjusting

page_text: device at the back of the column, whereby the connecting-rod i is made adjustable in
length. The alignment of this wheel, to bring it into the same plane as the lower
wheel, is effected by means of the adjusting mechanism described, by means of
which the shaft may be set back and forth in a horizontal direction to perfect the
adjustment of the wheel to its proper plane.
The
In order to render the mechanism just described still more sensitive I construct
all the joints, where possible, with knife edge or other antifriction bearings
front supporting post. has a knife edge h¹, at its lower end, which rests directly
upon a curved-bearing surface h³, on the lever H. The lever H at its outer end is
provided with a pivot-bolt h³, which has a knife edge on its under side. The lugs or
ears which receive the ends of this bolt are provided with small curved bearing plates h*,
on which the knife edges of the pivot-bolt rest, and the apertures ho, in the lugs which
receive this pivot bolt are made somewhat larger than the latter, so as to permit it to
rock slightly on its bearing-edge. The lever I is jointed to its support in a similar
manner; it is provided with a knife-edge bolt ¹ resting on bearing plates, in the
lugs e and the apertures e³, in the latter are enlarged to permit the rocking of the
pivot-bolt. At these two joints the pivot-bolts are fast on the lever. The lever K is
mounted upon a stationary pivot K³, fixed on the lug k on the inside of the column,
and having a knife-edge on its upper side and at each end. A steel bearing plate k³,
is fitted in the lever K, and the plates rest directly upon the knife edges of the pivot,
openings & being also provided in the lever somewhat larger than the pivot which
they receive. The weighted rod M is connected to the outer arm of the lever K in a
The upper end of this rod terminates in a fork and the end of the
lever is provided with a fixed pivot-pin m², having a knife-edge upon its upper side.
Bearing plates m², are inserted in apertures m³, in the two arms of the fork on the
end of the rod and these plates set upon the knife-edged pivot on each side of the
lever, the apertures in the fork, which receives the respective ends of the pivot, being
somewhat larger than the latter to permit of vibration. The back post is provided
at its lower end with a fork, having bearing plates, fixed in enlarged apertures,
in the two arms of the fork, which plates rest upon the respective ends of a knife-
edge pivot-bolt 2, fixed in the lever.
similar manner.
It will be seen from this description that every joint of the supporting and
adjusting mechanism for the upper band-wheel has delicate knife-edge bearings with
the exception of the joints at the upper and lower ends of the connecting rod J. At
the lower end of this rod where the horizontal levers H I, are connected to it, it
is evident that there is necessarily a slight separation of the levers as they are moved
up and down by the connecting rod J; this movement prevents the use of a knife-
edge bearing and is accommodated by enlarging the lower end of the rod J and
forming therein sockets J¹ and J, which receive the ends of the levers H and I
respectively. Each socket is provided with a concaved base, as shown, and the ends
of the levers are correspondingly concaved. In each socket there is inserted, between
the concaved base and the end of the lever, a ball J', which, being free to move in
all directions, will reduce the friction to a minimum at this point and permit the free
play of the levers H and 1 in their different arcs; the motion being an extremely
slight one at this point, the balls will not be displaced, but will be retained in position
in the concaved seats formed for them in the levers and connecting-rod.
At the upper end of the rod J there is a similar connection between it and the
lever K. A socket ), is formed in this end of the rod, at the upper end of which
is a concaved-bearing 2. The inner end of the lever K is provided with a similar
concaved-seat or bearing 2, and betweon these two concaved surfaces a ball is
placed, the concaved bearings being slightly larger than the ball, which is also the
same in the ball-bearings at the lower end of the rod. A knife-edge bearing, like
those already described, may be applied to this connection at the upper end of the
rod J, but I prefer the ball-bearing just described.
I have found that the addition of this improvement produces highly satisfactory
results. The supporting devices of the band-wheel shaft are so extremely sensitive
that with the light load they carry, they respond instantly to even slight variations in

page_text: the work thrown upon the saw, so that all strains are taken up so quickly as to prevent
any damage to the lumber or saw. I am able to use saws of the least possible
thickness, consistent with the cutting work to be done, and to run them at a very high
rate of speed.
A represents a vertically adjustable arm mounted on the framing of the mill for
supporting the top guide, and A' a fixed arm for supporting the lower guide.
Each arm is provided with a way a³, upon which is mounted the member O,
forms the base of the guide proper.
which
The arm A is adjusted in the following manner. It is mounted upon a suitable
way a³, on the upper section 61 so as to move freely thereon and is supported by
a chain A³, running over a suitable pulley a, at the top of the section and provided
at its other end with a suitable counterweight within the column. A represents a
screw-shaft threaded at its upper end and passing through a suitably threaded
aperture in the arm A¹, said screw shaft being provided at its lower end, within the
column, with a bevelled friction gear a³. A indicate a longitudinal movable shaft,
mounted in suitable bearings within the base and provided with corresponding
beveveled friction gears a' and a', arranged on opposite sides of the friction gear a
The shaft A is driven by means of a belt A, which passes over a pulley a", on the
The shaft A'
shaft A and over a similar pulley a, on the lower band-wheel shaft c
may be shifted longitudinally, so as to bring either the gear aº or a into gear with
the gear a, by means of a lever A', connected by means of a link A, to a loose
collar A, on said shaft By means of this mechanism, the screw-shaft A' may be
rotated in either direction, as desired, so as to either raise on lower the arm A' until
it assumes the desired position. In the position of the parts shown, which is the
normal position, neither of the gears a or a² is in contact with the gear a³, and the
screw shaft and arm are constantly stationary.
The two guides are arranged the one above the log and the other below the same,
the former forming the top guide and the latter the bottom guide. These guides are
identical so far as the main features of their construction are concerned, differing only
in certain details. I will therefore proceed to describe the construction of the top
guide, it being understood that the same description is, in the main, equally applicable
to the bottom guide, and will then describe those features wherein the two constructions
differ. The base O consists of an upright plate O¹, and a horizontal plate 0², arranged
at right angles to each other. The plate O¹ is provided with a dovetailed groove o,
which fits upon the corresponding way a³, and thus serves to adjustably connect the
whole guide to the arm A'. The horizontal plate O2 is provided with an upwardly
projecting rib ol, extending diagonally across the same from front to rear and having
a slight curvature, as shown more particularly in Figure 8 of the drawings.
P represents a block which is mounted upon the bottom plate 02 of the base O and
which is provided with a curved groove, p, to receive the rib o'. The block P is
adjustable upon the base O, so as to vary its angle with relation to the same, by moving
it outward or inward thereon, since it is obvious that, owing to the curvature of the
rib o', any such movement will cause a variation in the angular relation of the two
parts. To effect this adjustment I employ a bolt 03, mounted on a lug o³, on the
base O and passing loosely through a similar lug o³, on the block P. Nuts o, mounted
on the bolt on each side of the lug o³, serve to effectuate the adjustment, in an
obvious manner.
In order to secure the parts after adjustment, I employ a bolt P¹,
which passes up through the base O and through the rib o' thereon, extending upward
through the block P, which is slotted, as shown at p. A clamping nut P, and
washer p, serve to clamp the block P firmly to the base O after adjustment, while
the slot p permits the parts to move upon each other during the operation of adjusting
them. In the front face of the block P there is formed a recess P³, which is open at
that end adjacent to the saw, and in this recess there is arranged an armı Q. This arm
1s adjustable longitudinally within the recess, and for effecting this adjustment
I employ a bolt Q1, secured to the arm Q and extending through the wall p*, of the
recess P. Nuts y, are mounted on the bolt Q' on each side of the wall p³, serve,
and

page_text: in an obvious manner, to effect the longitudinal adjustment of the arm Q. In order
to clamp the arm in position after adjustment, there is formed in the said arm a slot, q',
and a bolt Q, mounted on the block P, extends through this slot and is provided
with a clamping nut q², and washer 28, by means of which the said arm may be
clamped firmly in position after adjustment. The arm Q tapers slightly from its inner
to its outer end, as shown in Figure 11 of the drawings, and its outer end is vertically
adjustable to vary its angle with relation to the block P, by means of adjusting
screws Q³, which bear upon the same at the top and bottom. At the outer end of
said arm, there is formed, on the front face thereof, a way q', upon which the inner
cheek piece R, of the guide is mounted. This cheek piece is adjustable upon this
way, being provided with an adjusting bolt r, which passes through a lug q, on the
arm Qand is provided with adjusting nuts ', on each side of said lug, as clearly
shown in Figures 8 and 10 of the drawings. At its outer end the arm is provided
with a hemispherical socket Q*, and the outer cheek piece R¹, is provided with a
corresponding hemispherical boss, R2, which fits within said socket The boss R$ 19
apertured at its crown, as shown at r³, and a bolt R³, mounted in the arm Q, extends
outward through the said aperture, which is of considerable greater diameter than
said bolt. The boss R³ is hollow, and in the hemispherical socket formed by this
hollow in the face of the boss, there is arranged a washer R*, fitting snugly on the
bolt and having a hemispherical inner face to fit the outer face of the boss. The outer
face of this washer is flat, and a clamping nut ³, mounted on the bolt R³ outside of
the washer, serves to secure the several parts together. It will be seen that the
construction just described forms a species of universal or ball and socket joint, by
means of which the outer cheek piece is connected to the arm Q
The features of construction just described are common to both the top and bottom
guide. The guides differ, however, in the construction of the cheek pieces and in
the location of the saw-supporting roller In the top guide these parts are constructed
and arranged as follows. Each of the cheek proces R and R is provided with a
downward extension, and a facing 1, of vulcanized fibre or other suitable material,
is mounted on the inner face of each cheek piece. This facing is preferably extended
along that portion of the inner face adjacent to the front and top edge thereof, as
shown in dotted lines in Figure 9, the facing being omitted from the remaining
surface. The saws supporting roller is mounted in the following manner.
The arm Q
is provided at the bottom of its outer end with a way s, extending from front to rear,
and in this way is mounted the roller support S, which is adjustable longitudinally
thereon. This support is provided with a longitudinal slot s', and a bolt, ST, mounted
in the arm Q extends downward through said slot and is provided on its projecting
end with a clamping nut ³, by means of which the support may be clamped in
position on the way after adjustment. The support is provided with a forward
extending lateral arm S³, and on this arm the roller, S' is mounted by means of a
bolts, which forms the axis of the said roller
The supporting roller of the bottom guide is mounted in the same manner as is
the roller of the top guide, its location being, however, different. As shown in the
drawings the roller of the bottom guide is mounted above the arm and cheek pieces,
the ways being formed on the top of the end of the arm Q, instead of on the
bottom. The cheek pieces R and R' of the bottom guide are provided with an
upward extension, in place of the downward extension of the top guide cheek
pieces. The facing R³ of these cheek pieces extends upward along the front edge
of each cheek piece and then rearward along the top edge of each extension
where it terminates. It begins again at the bottom of the extension 1 and extends
rearward, as shown, almost but not quite to the line of the roller. By reason of this
construction there is a space left at the point, Fig. 10 where the inner faces of the
cheek pieces are not provided with a facing and where, consequently, there is a clear
space left between the face of the saw and the faces of the cheek pieces, thus forming
an aperture, the purpose of which will be hereinafter pointed out. The cheek pieces
of the bottom guide are also provided with dust-chutes T, which, beginning at the

page_text: rear upper corner of the extensions, extend forward, and downward and at the
same time expand laterally, as shown in Figure 14, terminating at the front of
the guide
The operation of the guides is as follows The band-saw being properly strained
between the upper and lower wheels, and the upper arm A¹ being a ljusted to the
desired height, the base O may be adjusted to the front or rear, in order to bring
the guides, as a whole, into proper relative position with the siw. The adjustment
of the block P upon the base O adjusts simultaneously the angle of both cheek pieces
of the guide, so that the said cheek pieces will be in proper parallelism with the
saw-blade, so far as the lines extending from front to rear in a horizontal plane are
concerned. Both cheek pieces may be simultaneously adjusted in and out by adjusting
the arm Qin and out upon the block F, and their parallelism with the saw so far as
the vertical lines are concerned is obtained by tilting the sud arm Q up or down, as
desired, by means of the screws Q The outer cheek piece R', may, of course, be
brought into a position of absolute parallelism to the inner cheek piece through the
medium of the ball and socket joint, which connects it to the arm Q, this adjustinent
being independent of the adjustment of the cheek piece R. Moreover, the distance
between the cheek pieces may be varied, as desired, by adjusting the inner cheek
piece R in or out upon the arm Q through the medium of the mechanism provided
for that purpose.
The supporting roller may also be adjusted up to its proper
position to accommodate saws of different widths, while the adjustment of the cheek
pieces towards and from each other will accommodate saws of different thicknesses.
It will thus be seen that by means of the various adjustments hereinbefore referred to,
the cheek pieces may be brought into such a position with relation to the saw as to
accomplish their work with the highest efficiency. The facing R prevents, of
course, the contact of the saw with the metal of which the cheek pieces are com-
posed The arrangement of the facing on the lower guide by which an aperture is
lett at, provides a clearance space at this point through which the saw dust which
may adhere to the saw can pass down and out The chutes T, however, dispose of
the greater portion of this dust, collecting the same from the saw and carrying it
forward clear of the guide, thereby preventing clogging of the parts
N³ represents the frame of the saw-mill carriage, this being of any approved con-
struction, and being provided with the usual means for securing the log in position
thereon and for setting it up to the saw at each cut. This frame is mounted on a
series of trucks composed of axles U, each provided with wheels u and u¹, secured
thereon and revolving therewith These wheels travel upon the rails U¹, and U2, the
said wheels and rails being constructed in any approved form, although I prefer that
shown, in which one of the rails as U2, is provided with a projecting rib, while the
corresponding wheel u¹, is grooved to fit upon the rib and prevent lateral displace
ment of the trucks.
The carriage N³ is free to move laterally upon the axles, so as to clear the log of
the saw upon the return movement of the carriage, and allow it to be moved up into
position again upon the forward movement In order to effect this lateral movement
of the carriage I employ cam-shifting devices mounted on one or more of the axles.
In this construction V represents a sleeve mounted loosely on the axle so as to be
capable of a rocking or oscillating movement around the same, and provided on its
upper side with a cam groove V¹, formed by means of parallel inclined projections V.
This cam groove co-operates with a suitable fixed projection on the frame N³, which
projection enters the groove V1 between the cam projections V, so that when the
sleeve Vis oscillated or vibrated a lateral movement will be imparted to the frame.
In its preferred form this projection consists of a roller W, mounted on a suitable axis
or support w, carried by a transverse beam W', attached to the frame N³ or forming
a portion of the said frame.
The cam projections V are provided with bearing surfaces v, of steel or anti-
friction metal, against which the roller W way act, and these surfaces are detachable
for the purpose of renewal or repair, being secured to the projections by bolts v¹ or in
any other suitable manner.

page_text: In order to properly lubricate the sleeve V, I provide within the walls of the same
oil chambers V, shown more particularly in Figures 18 and 23 of the drawings, the
said oil chambers being provided with filling passages &³, and with lubricating
passages, leading to the bearing surface of the sleeve V.
In order to operate the sleeve V, I employ collars X, mounted on the axle U at
each end of the sleeve, fixed on the axle so as to rotate therewith, and having a
frictional contact with the ends of the sleeve sufficient to actuate the same within the
limits of its motion. The collars X are adjustable upon the axle U, being secured
thereon after adjustment by means of set-screws x. In order to obtain an efficient
friction surface, I form upon each collar a friction disc X', provided with a pro-
jecting marginal flange, and I form upon the adjacent end of the sleeve Va
corresponding friction-disc V, over which the flange r¹ projects slightly when the
parts are in position, so as to protect the friction surfaces. Between the fiiction-
discs X and V, I prefer to employ a washer X², constructed of wood, vulcanized
fibre or other suitable material, which serves to increase the friction between the discs,
this washer lying in a suitable groove ², in the friction-discs X¹ In order to
provide means for adjusting the frictional contact between the collars and the sleeve,
independently of the adjustment of the collars on the axle U, I make the groove a
in one of the friction-discs ✗1 of increased depth, and locate therein a metallic
annulus X³, against the back of which bear springs, x³, arranged in suitable
housings X, provided with screw-caps, by means of which the pressure of the
springs upon the annulus X³ may be nicely regulated Each of the sleeves V is
provided with a downwardly extending arm V³, to the lower end of which is pivoted
one end of a connecting rod Y, the other end of which is connected to a vibrating
arm Y¹, mounted in a suitable bearing Y, on the frame N³.
In the construction in figures 15 and 16, in which two cam-shifting devices are
employed, one at each end of the carriage frame, the two connecting rods Y are both
connected to the same vibrating arm Y₁, which arm is located at about the middle of
the carriage frame. Y³ represents adjustable stops serving by their contact with the
projecting upper end of the vibrating arm Y¹ to limit the motion of the same, and
consequently the motion of the sleeves V.
Y represents a lock consisting of an L-shaped arm pivoted on the housing of one
of the stops Y³, or any other suitable base, and serving, when hooked or caught over
the upper end of the vibrating arm Y, to lock the same, and thereby prevent any
rotation of the sleeves V.
The location and construction of the lock and stop mechanism which I have just
described is the one which I prefer, chiefly for the reason that it locates these parts
at the middle of the carriage, where they are within convenient reach of the operator,
who is seated upon the carriage at this point and may reach the lock without leaving
his seat. In case, however, a more compact form is desirable, as, for instance, where
the device is to be applied to a saw mill carriage already in use in which instance it
is desirable to have the whole device self-contained and capable of ready application
as a whole. I may employ the modified form shown in Figures 21 to 24 of the
drawings. In this construction the stops Y are mounted on the cross-beam W' on
opposite sides thereon, and also preferably on opposite sides of the axis of the roller W.
I also form upon the sleeve V projecting wings Z, arranged on opposite sides, as
shown, and in line with the respective stops Y3, which limit their motion.
z indicates a locking arm secured on a short rock shaft, which is mounted in
bearings z, on the beam W₁, and is provided with a handle or lever 21, for operating
the same.
This locking arm may be swung down into the position shown in full lines
in Figure 23 of the drawings, to bear upon the arm z¹ and thus lock the cam shifting
device during the return motion of the carriage: or it may be swung out into the
position shown in dotted lines, when the said shutting device is free to operate.
The operation of the apparatus is as follows: When the carriage starts upon its
forward travel to make the first cut, the collars X will, by reason of their frictional
engagement with the sleeves V, rotate the same along with the axles U to the extent
permitted by the stops Y', and this motion of the sleeves will, by reason of the cam

page_text: grooves thereon, impart to the frame N³, a lateral movement upon the axles U suffi-
cient to present the logs to the saw in proper position to make the first cut. When
the carriage has completed its forward journey and the direction of its travel is
reversed, the collars & will, by reason of their engagement with the sleeves V, impart
a partial movement of rotation to said sleeves in the reverse direction, and will move
the frame N3 bodily upon the axles away from the saw, thereby clearing the log from
the saw and preventing any contact between them during the return movement of the
carriage. It will be observed that by arranging the friction collars at the ends of the
sleeves, I not only obtain a very simple and compact device, but I also utilize
the lateral thrust which the rollers W exert upon the inclines V2 to press the sleeves
more firmly against the friction collars, and thus obtain a better contact, whereby the
efficiency of the device is increased It will be understood of course, that when the
sleeves have reached the limit of their motion in either direction the frictional contact
between the collars and the said sleeves is not sufficient to prevent the free rotation
of the axles and the further travel of the carriage.
The locking device is chiefly employed in the case where, when a cut has been
partially made, it is desired to withdraw the log without completing the cut. In this
case it is of course necessary that no lateral motion of the carriage should occur, and
that the saw should pass out of the kerf already formed, and this is effected by locking
the shifting device by the means already described, so that when the motion of the
carriage is reversed no lateral movement of the carriage-frame will occur
Zindicates a roller arranged back to the lower supporting arm A' and mounted
on a shaft Z³, which is provided with a pulley ³, by means of which it may be driven
from any suitable source of power. This roller is so located that the board, which is
cut from the log, travels over the same, so that when the saw has passed completely
through the log and thereby severed a board from the log, this roller will feed the
severed board along and will carry it clear of the mill, thus preventing it from stopping
as soon as severed.
It is obvious that various modifications in the details of construction may be made
without departing from the principle of my invention, and I therefore do not wish to
be understood as limiting myself strictly to the precise details hereinbefore described
and shown in the drawings.
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 :-
First. In a band-saw mill, the upper band-wheel shaft, in combination with
independent vertically-movable bearings, in which the ends of said shaft are separately
mounted, and automatic-adjusting mechanism applied to each of the bearings of said
shaft, substantially as and for the purposes specified
Second. In a band-saw mill, the vertically-adjustable column-section 61, in com-
bination with vertically-adjustable bearings for the upper band-wheel shaft mounted
on said movable section, and automatic-adjusting mechanisoi applied to said bearings,
whereby the upper band-wheel is adjusted substantially as and for the purposes
specified.
Third. In a band-saw mill, the horizontal levers H and I, pivoted to the supporting-
frame and extending inward toward each other, in combination with the upper band-
wheel shaft, vertically-adjustable bearings for said shaft, supports for said bearings
sustained at their lower ends by said levers, respectively, and an automatic device
applied to the inner ends of said levers and continuously operating to draw them
upward, substantially as and for the purposes specified
Fourth. In a hand-saw mill, the horizontal levers H and I, pivoted to the
supporting frame, in combination with the vertically-movable bearings of the upper
band-wheel shaft supported by said levers, the levers K connecting-rod J, and weight m
applied to the lever K, substantially as and for the purposes specified.
Fifth. The upright hollow column, in combination with the horizontal levers on
which the bearings of the upper band-wheel shaft are mounted the lever K mounted
D

page_text: at the upper part and within said column, the rod J, connecting said horizontal
levers and the lever K, the weight-rod M, and the weight m, arranged within the
column, substantially as and for the purposes specified.
Sixth. The upper band-wheel shaft, in combination with the bearing blocks G
and G¹ terminating in stems, substantially as specified, the sleeve-supports D and E,
adapted to receive the stems of said blocks, the supporting-rods and 2 and the
supporting and adjusting levers H and I, substantially as and for the purposes specified.
Seventh. The hollow column B, composed of stationary sections 6 and movable
section 61, provided with vertical registering slots therein, substantially as specified,
in combination with the adjusting-levers H and I, pivoted to the movable section 6¹
and extending inward through said slots to the interior of the column, the vertically-
adjustable bearings of the upper band-wheel shaft, supported by said levers, and
weight applied to the inner ends of said levers to constantly pull them upward, sub-
stantially as and for the purposes specified.
a
Eighth In a band-saw mill, a band-wheel in combination with a vibrating mecha-
nism, on which said wheel is supported, all the bearing joints of which are provided
with knife-edge bearings, and a constantly operative tension device applied to said
mechanism, substantially as and for the purposes specified.
Ninth. In a band-saw mill, the upper band-wheel, in combination with supporting
levers, on which said wheel is mounted, adjusting-levers connected to the former, and
a pressure-device applied to the adjusting levers, the bearing joints of all these parts
being constructed with knife-edge bearings, substantially as and for the purposes
specified.
Tenth. In a band-saw mill, the upper band-wheel and its shaft, in combination with
the supporting posts and i, the supporting-levers H and 1, the connecting-rod J,
the adjusting lever K, and the weighted rod M, with knife-edge bearings at h¹, h³,
2, 3, j, K¹ and m' substantially as and for the purposes specified.
Eleventh. In a band-saw mill, the horizontal levers H and I, pivoted to the
supporting-frame, overhanging the same at the front and extending diagonally
inward toward each other, in combination with the upper band-wheel shaft, vertically-
adjusting bearings for said shaft, supports for said bearings sustained at their lower
ends by said levers, respectively, and an automatic device applied to the inner ends
of said levers and continually operating to draw them forward, substantially as and
for the purposes specified.
Twelfth. In a band-saw mill, the combination, with the levers which support the
upper band wheel shaft, and the connecting rod to pull said levers upward, said levers
and rod being provided with concaved seats, of balls interposed between said levers
and rod in said seats, substantially as and for the purposes specified.
Thirteenth. In a band-saw mill, the combination, with the upper band shaft and its
Journal boxes provided with trunnions, the rear box being provided with a suitable
nut, of yokes supporting said trunnions, the screw shaft G engaging the nut on the
rear shaft and provided with worm wheel 9, and the shaft G, provided with worm G⑈
to operate said screw-shaft, substantially as and for the purposes specified.
Fourteenth. The combination, with the upper guide supporting arm, vertically
movable on suitable ways, of a screw-shaft for moving said arm, and friction
gearing driven by the lower band shaft and adapted to operate said screw-shaft in
either direction to raise and lower the supporting-arm, substantially as and for the
purposes specified.
Fifteenth. In a band-saw mill, the combination, with the band-saw and the carriage
which feeds the log to the saw, of a continuously rotating feed roller arranged in the
rear of the saw to carry off the severed board, substantially as and for the purposes
specified.
Sixteenth. In a band-saw guide, the combination, with the supporting-arm and the
inner cheek piece mounted thereon, said supporting-arm being provided with a
hemispherical socket at its outer end, of the outer cheek piece provided with
a corresponding hemispherical boss to fit said socket, and the bolt connecting the
two, substantially as and for the purposes specified.

page_text: Seventeenth. In a band-saw guide, the combination, with the supporting-arm
and the inner cheek piece R mounted thereon, said arm being provided with the
hemispherical socket Q, of the outer cheek piece R' provided with a hollow hemi-
spherical boss R' to fit the socket Q, said boss having an enlarged aperture, the
bolt R' passing through said aperture the washer R having a hemispherical inner
surface to fit the boss, and the clamping nut r³, substantially as and for the purposes
specifiel.
Eighteenth. In a band-saw guide, the combination, with the arm Q and the outer
cheek piece R¹ connected to said arm by a ball and socket joint, of the inner cheek
piece R mounted in suitable ways on said arm and adjustable towards and from the
outer cheek, piece, substantially as and for the purposes specified.
Nineteenth. In a band-saw guide, the combination, with a suitable base or block,
provided with a recess open at its end, of the supporting-arm Q arranged in said
recess, carrying the cheek pieces, and tapering gradually from rear to front, and
adjusting screws bearing on said arm at the front of the recess at top and bottom to
tilt the same, substantially as and for the purposes specified.
Twentieth. In a band-saw guide, the combination, with the base O, of the block P
mounted thereon and adjustable to various angles with relation thereto, and the cheek
pieces and their supporting-arm connected to said block substantially as and for the
purposes specified
Twenty-first. In a band-saw guide, the combination, with the base O, provided with
the curved diagonal rib o' of the block P, provided with a corresponding groove p,
adjusting and clamping screws connecting the block and base, and the cheek pieces
and their supporting-arm connected to the block, substantially as and for the purposes
specified
Twenty-second In a band-saw guide, the combination, with the base 0, of the
block P, adjustable angularly thereon, and the arm Q, carrying the cheek pieces,
mounted on the block P, and adjustable in and out with relation to said block, and
suitable adjusting and clamping screws for moving and securing said arm substantially
as and for the purposes specified.
Twenty-thud. In a band-saw guide, the combination, with the cheek pieces inde-
pendently adjustable with relation to each other, of supporting devices for said cheek
pieces substantially such as described, whereby both cheek pieces may be simultaneously
adjusted to various angles both vertically and horizontally and also in and out and
forward and back, substantially as and for the purposes specified.
Twenty-fourth. In a band-saw guide, the combination, with the lower guide cheek
pieces, of the facing R interrupted at to form a clearance space for the saw-dust,
substantially as and for the purposes specified...
Twenty-fifth. In a band-saw guide, the combination, with the lower guide cheek
pieces, of the dust-chutes T, substantially as and for the purposes specified.
Twenty-sixth. In a saw-mill carriage, the combination, with the truck axles, of the
carriage frame capable of lateral movement on the axles, one or more cam shifting
devices mounted on the said axles, capable of a limited oscillation thereon, and each
consisting of a sleeve provided with a cam groove, a suitable fixed projection from the
carriage-frame to enter said groove, and mechanism for partially rotating or oscillating
the said cam shifting devices in each direction to shift the carriage, substantially as
and for the purposes specified.
Twenty-seventh. In a saw-mill carriage, the combination, with the truck axles, of
the carriage-frame capable of lateral movement on the axles, cam shifting devices
supported on the axles and each provided with a cam groove, corresponding pro-
jections on the carriage to enter the said grooves, and actuating mechanism connecting
the can shifting devices and one or more of the axles, substantially as and for the
purposes specified.
Twenty-eighth. In a saw-mill carriage, the combination, with the axle U, of the
carriage-frame N³, capable of lateral movement thereon, the roller W, mounted on a
projection from said frame, the sleeve V, mounted on the axle and provided with cam
projections V, arranged to embrace said roller, and separate bearing pieces v for the

page_text: roller, detachably secured to the projections v³, substantially as and for the purposes
specified.
Twenty-ninth. In a saw-mill carriage, the combination, with the axle U, of the
sleeve V, mounted thereon and provided with cam projections to operate the carriage-
frame, said sleeve being provided with oil chambers V on each side thereof, having
filling apertures 2 and lubricating passages 3, and the carriage-frame provided with
a projection engaging with the cams of the said sleeve, substantially as and for the
purposes specified.
Thirtieth. In a saw-mill carriage, the combination, with the truck axles, of the
carriage-frame capable of lateral movement on the axles, one or more cam shifting
devices mounted loosely on the axles, corresponding projections connected to the
carriage-frame and engaging with said cam shifting devices, and friction collars
secured on the axles at each end of the cam shifting devices to operate the same,
substantially as and for the purposes specified.
Thirty-first. In a saw-mill carriage, the combination, with the truck axles, of the
carriage-frame capable of lateral movement on the axles, one or more cam shifting
devices mounted loosely on the axles, corresponding projections on the carriage
engaging said cam shifting devices, stops to limit the motion of the cam shifting
devices, and friction collars secured on the axles at each end of the cam shifting
devices to operate the same, substantially as and for the purposes specified.
Thirty-second. In a saw-mill carriage, the combination, with the truck axles, and
the carriage-frame capable of lateral movement thereon and provided with a pro-
jection, of a sleeve mounted loosely on one or more of the axles and provided with a
cam groove with which the said projection engages, friction discs on the ends of
the said sleeve, and collars secured on the axle at each end of the sleeve and
provided with friction discs to bear against the corresponding discs on the sleeve,
substantially as and for the purposes specified.
Thirty-third. The combination, with the truck axle U and the carriage-frame
laterally movable thereon and provided with a suitable projection, of the sleeve V,
mounted loosely on the axle and provided with a cam groove to receive the pro-
jection, the end friction-discs V, the collars X, secured on said axle at each end of
the sleeve and having flanged discs X', and the washers X' arranged between the
said discs substantially as and for the purposes specified.
Thirty-fourth. The combination, with the axle U, sleeve V, with friction discs V₁,
and collars X, with friction-discs X', of the washers X', the annulus X', arranged
behind one of said washers, and the springs, of adjustable tension for regulating
the friction, substantially as and for the purposes specified.
Dated this 3rd day of May 1889.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, Agents for the Applicant.