Improvements in or relating to Step-mitering Machines.
Year: 1899

page_text: Improvements in or relating to Step-mitering Machines.
A communication from FREDERICK PETER ROSBACK, Manufacturer, of 60, South
Canal Street, Chicago, United States of America.
I, ALFRED JULIUS BOULT, of 111, Hatton Garden, in the County of Middlesex,
Chartered Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in
what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement:-
This invention relates to an improved machine for step-mitering box-blanks
at suitable intervals there to adapt them to be bent to form the corners of angular
boxes with the opposite sections of each set of step-mitered cuts intermeshing.
The box-blank, for step-mitering which the present machine is devised, com-
prises a thin sheet of wood reinforced on opposite sides, respectively, with
paralell cleats, and wires the cleats, sheet and wires being fastened together at
intervals, with staples driven through the sheet into the cleats and over the
wires to straddle them.
A top plan view of the blank is shown in Fig. 4, and
an edge view in Fig. 34, of the drawings. The action of this machine is that
of producing the step-mitered cuts in the cleats and under surface of the sheet
of a blank fed to it and also to trim the blank to the proper length.
In the drawings--
Figure 1 is a view in elevation of the machine regarded from one side;
Figure 2, a similar view of the machine regarded from the opposite side;
Figure 3, a longitudinal section taken at the line 3 on Figure 6; Figure 4, a
section taken at the line 4 on Figure 3 or at the line 4 on Figure 6; Figure 5,
a section taken on the line 5 on Figure 3: Figure 6, a section taken at the
line 6 on Figure 1: Figure 7, a section taken at the line 7 on Figure 6;
Figure 8, a section taken at the line 8 on Figure 5; Figure 9, a section taken
at the line 9 on Figure 6; Figure 10, a view in elevation of the parts illustrated
in Figure 9, but regarded from the opposite side; Figure 11, a view in side
elevation of one of the several bed-rails of the machine, with the mechanism
carried by it, but omitting the cross-girders and disk-clusters and their shafts;
Figure 12, a section of the same taken at the line 12 on Figure 13 or at the
line 12 on Figure 14, but omitting the nut-sections for adjusting the bed-rail;
Figure 13, a section taken at the line 13 on Figure 12; Figure 14, a partly
broken top-plan view of the mechanism illustrated in Figure 11; Figure 15, a
broken view showing one of the cutting-saw clusters in position on their verti-
cally adjustable supporting shaft; Figure 16. a broken view in side elevation
of one of the cutting-saw clusters; Figure 17, a view like that presented by
Figure 15, of one of the chipping-disk clusters on their vertically adjustable
shaft; Figure 18. a broken view in side elevation of a chipping-disk cluster:
Figure 19, an enlarged section taken at the line 19 on Figure 12; Figure 20,
an enlarged section taken at the line 20 on Figure 12: Figure 21, a broken
enlarged section taken at the line 21 on Figure 11: Figure 22, an enlarged
section taken at the line 22 on Figure 11, or at the line 22 on Figure 21;

page_text: Figure 23, a section taken at the line 23 on Figure 22; Figure 24, an enlarged
section taken at the line 24 on Figure 12; Figure 25, an enlarged broken sec-
tion taken at the line 25 on Figure 1; Figure 26, a broken view showing the
carrier-feed clutch-device in elevation; Figure 27, a broken enlarged section
taken at the line 27 on Figure 1; Figure 28, a view like that presented by
Figure 26, of the carrier-return clutch-device; Figure 29, an enlarged section
taken at the line 29 on Figure 1; Figure 30, a broken view in end elevation of
the mechanism at the right-hand side of the front of the machine, showing the
relative position of the feed-guide to the step-mitering machine; Figure 31,
a view in the nature of a diaphragm, of the automatic carrier feed-and-return
governing mechanism; Figure 32, an enlarged sectional elevation showing a
detail of construction relating to the adjustment of a bed-rail; Figure 33, a
broken view in sectional elevation of the machine, showing two blanks, respec-
tively in position after delivery past and previous to delivery to the saws;
Figure 34, an edge-view of a box-blank before its subjection to step-mitering;
Figure 35, a similar view of the same after it has been step-mitered; Figure 36,
an enlarged broken view showing a cluster of the cutting-saws and the relative
position of a box-blank as it is fed thereto; Figure 37, a broken view showing
a cluster of chipping disks and the relative position of a blank being fed
thereto; and Figure 38, an enlarged broken view of one corner-portion of a
box, showing how a step-mitered blank is bent to form the corner.
The frame of the machine comprises the two sides A and A¹ provided with
legs A2 toward their opposite ends and with corresponding central upright
cheeks A3 and A4 rigidly connected by a bar A5 bolted to their upper ends; and
the sides are further reinforced by the cross-girders A6 and A7, having along
their upper sides slots, t, t, of inverted-T shape in cross-section.
In the inner sides of the cheeks A3 A4 are formed to extend down to openings r
in the frame-sides, central vertical guide-grooves 92; and back of these open-
ings in the sides A A¹ are openings 1. B is a cross-head in the form of a plate
having a flange extending forward along its upper edge, a ledge pl extending
backward from its lower edge, and a slot t, of T-shape in cross-section, formed
in its front side; and at the ends of the plate B,, are legs B¹ B' provided along
their outer sides with vertical ribs p², extending to the top of the plate and
confined in the grooves q (Fig. 5). These legs terminate in shoes B³ 132, each
provided on its outer side, respectively near the heel-portion and the toe-portion,
with rectangular lugs p³p, forming journal-bearings for the rotary saw-shafts,
as hereinafter described, and surrounded by bosses p³. These lugs extend into
the openings and r¹ and the cross-head B is supported at them in a vertically
adjustable manner hereinafter described. At intervals along the cross-head B
are adjustably supported presser-feet B³ carrying anti-friction rollers in their
bifurcated lower ends, the feet having upright shanks containing vertical
slots 2, through which pass bolts 2 confined in the cross-head slot t¹ and carrying
nuts, whereby, on loosening a nut, a presser-foot may be moved to vary its
position. Each presser-foot is set against vertical upward displacement by a
set-screw device confined at its opposite ends between the flange
shank and to render rigid and prevent tilting of the presser-foot from the
level position its base should always occupy, a head 5 bears against it toward its
rear end, confined by a set-screw 26 depending through the ledge p¹.
and
CC are the bed-rails, of which five are shown, each constructed as represented
in Fig. 13; and a presser-foot is provided for each bed-rail. Each rail has
a T-sockets along its upper side (Fig. 22) and involves bifurcated ends and
an intermediate web-portion having enlargements 1 and 2 affording perpendi-
cular journal bearings, and the transverse openings, and openings 56 having
half-round concave outer ends. The extremities of the bed-rails carry journal-
bearings for the shafts of the sprocket-wheels of the chain-feed hereinafter
described. In the web of each rail C are also provided the vertical recesses $75
coinciding with the enlargements s¹². These bed-rails are supported on the

page_text: cross-girders A6 A7, which pass through them at the openings ³ and are each
adjustably fastened to its supporting girder, as most clearly shown in Fig. 32,
by bolts w confined in the girder-slots t and passing through lateral flanges w
at opposite sides of each rail where it intersects with a girder, the bolts being
fastened by nuts 2. When the nuts w³ of a bed-rail are loosened, it may, by
sliding it, be moved bodily with relation to an adjacent bed-rail, and screw-and-
nut mechanism for so moving it is provided, as hereinafter described.
D2 is the rotary shaft for the clusters of cutting-saws D, and D³ is a similar
shaft for the clusters of chipping-disks D'. The shaft D³ is driven from a belt-
pulley D and the shaft 13 is driven from a belt-pulley Ds. These shafts extend
across the machine, being respectively journaled at their ends in the bearings
afforded by the lugs on the shoe ends of the cross-head legs_B¹, and being
also journaled between their ends at the bed-rail recesses $78. In the base of
each bearing p³ and 7 there is confined, against rotation (as shown of the bear-
ing p³ in Fig. 29) a nut o engaged by the threaded end of a stem o rotatably
confined at its shoulder 2 in a socket o³ for the nut, formed in the frame-side,.
Underneath the socket is a collar o fastened to the stem and carrying a
sprocket 05. The sprockets on the two stems o¹ under the bearings 23 and 24 at
each side of the machine are geared together by an endless chain of; and the.
stem o¹ under each bearing p³ carries on its lower end a miter o meshing with
a similar miter 08 on a rotary shaft o equipped with a hand-wheel olo on one
end and journaled toward its opposite ends in bracket-arms-o supported from
the bases of the frame-sides AA¹. The end of the shaft o beyond the frame-
side A carries a collar 12 to confine the shaft against longitudinal movement.
(Fig. 6).
The shaft o contains a longitudinal groove & for keys, and is supported at
intervals in brackets o¹³ depending from the sides of the bed-rails C. A miter 088
abuts against the bearing-portion of each bracket 3, and is keyed on the shaft o⁹.
In each bed-rail sockets 182 is slidingly confined a nut 09 (Figs. 15, 17, 20)
terminating at its upper and in a ring n, these rings being located within the
bed-rail recesses $7 58. The threaded end of a vertical stem o enters each nut o⁹9
and is rotatably confined in the socket of that nut by a shoulder o; and the
lower projecting end of each stem has fastened to it a collar 44 carrying a
sprocket On the lower end of the threaded stem in each socket s¹ is pro-
vided on the collar a miter o meshing with an adjacent miter 089 on the
shaft ; and the sprockets o on the stems of each pair of the sockets s¹ s³
are geared together by a chain o
The cutting-saw shaft D2, besides being journaled at 233, finds bearing
(though indirect, as will hereinafter appear) in one series of the rings n in the
recesses ; and the chipping-disk shaft D³, in addition to being journaled
at pp, similarly finds bearing in the other series of rings n in the recesses $8.
By turning the shaft o at the hand-wheel o¹0, the following adjustments
ensue.
The four screw-stems o' will be turned correspondingly to raise or lower the
nuts o and accordingly move the cross-head B up or down and with it the
presser-feet B³ it carries and the cluster-shafts D2 D3 journaled in the bear-.
ings p³resting on the nuts o; and the gearing with the shaft o' of the screw-
stems carrying the two intermediate series of bearing-rings n supporting the
two cluster-shafts, causes turning of the shaft 09 to move these rings corre-
spondingly with the bearings p³ p, whereby all the bearings for the two clusters
shafts are correspondingly adjusted. Obviously this adjustment does not affect
the relations between the presser-feet and disk-clusters, but only the distance
between the bases of the presser-feet and bed of the machine afforded by the
tops of the bed-rails C, to raise the presser-feet to admit below them on the bed
thicker blanks and lower them to contact with thinner blanks; the disk-clusters
being raised or lowered accordingly to cut and chip, respectively, higher or
lower, as the case may be, for the thicker or thinner material to be step-mitered.

page_text: At intervals on the shaft D2 are the clusters D of circular cutting-saws of
the form shown in Figs. 15 and 16. Each cluster D between the end-clusters,
(distinguished as D") consists preferably of eight saw-disks, the two outer ones m
being of the same diameter, the two next inner ones m³ of slightly greater dia-
meter, the two next ones m³ of still greater diameter, and the two central
ones m³ m being one of slightly greater diameter than the other and each of
greater diameter than the saws m². The saw-clusters D1 are shown as composed
of five disks m, m³, m², m³ and m with the disk of greater diameter outermost in
each case, and of materially greater diameter than that of the largest disk of a
cluster D, for cutting through and trimming the opposite ends of the blank.
The saw-clusters DJ produce the initial step-mitering saw-cuts, and engage
the blank as indicated most plainly in Fig. 36. The saw-disk clusters are sepa-
rated by interposed collars m³ (Fig. 15) which, with the disks, surround a sleeve /
keyed to the shaft 12 to permit it to be slipped longitudinally thereon but to
rotate with it; and the cluster is confined between a rigid shoulder on the sleeve
and a washer 2 secured by a nut 1, a key serving to connect the saws and
the collars m rotatably with the sleeve. That portion of each sleeve at the
other side of the rigid shoulder from that carrying the saw-disks, enters a
ring n, confined between the rigid shoulder and a washer 15 secured by a nut 16.
On the shaft D³, at intervals to coincide with the clusters D, D are the
clusters of chipping-disks, each consisting of seven toothed disks, of the
relative diameters illustrated in Figs. 17 and 18, to attack the blank, as indi-
cated in Fig. 37, and chip out the wood between the cuts made by clusters D Di
and produce step-miters E, as shown in Fig. 35. The chipping-disk clusters
at the ends are distinguished as D, as they each involve only four disks. Each
cluster DD is fastened to the shaft 13 to rotate with it but permit of
being slid for adjustment lengthwise thereof, by means, shown in Fig. 17, like
those employed for fastening the saw-clusters, namely a sleeve / keyed to the
shaft and in which the cluster is keyed and confined between a flange and a
washer secured by a nut 13, the sleeve extending through the ring n through
which the shaft D³ passes and being confined between the sleeve-flange ", and a
washer secured by a nut 16.
Another adjustment is provided for the cutting and chipping clusters to bring
them, or certain of them, closer together or separate them further apart on their
shafts, according to the relative positions in a blank of the step-miters to be
produced for a square box or one longer in one direction, or on one side, than
the other. This mechanism involves the following construction:
FF are rotary screw-shafts journaled at their opposite ends in the frame-
sides. These shafts are stopped against longitudinal movement, as clearly shown
in Fig. 5, and carry at their ends beyond the frame-side A, miters u and u respec-
tively meshing with miters 2 and u³ on the opposite ends of a rotary shaft u
journaled in bearings on the outer side of the frame-side A. The screw-
shaft F carries on one end a hand-wheel 6. In the openings 55s of each bed-
rail C (Fig. 11) are provided, respectively, the sliding half-nuts 55 and 566, each con-
taining a half-round threaded recess in one end. Each nut-section (see Figs. 21
to 23) is flanged on one side to overlap the opening containing it at one side of
the rail C and provided with a cap on its opposite side there to overlap and
thus confine the half-nut slidingly in place. Between each pair of nuts $55 $66
on the web of each bed-rail C is fulcrumed a lever k connected from one end
by a link with the nut and from its opposite end by one arm of a bell-
crank with the nut 55, the other arm of the bell-crank having connected
with it a rod or handle 3, bent at its outer end to enter either of two holes +
or formed, one in advance of the other, in the side of the respective bed-
rail (Fig. 3).
When the nuts 555 566 are withdrawn from the screw-shafts, turning them at
the hand-wheel u produces no action. When, however, it is desired to adjust
any pair of clusters DD with relation to another pair thereof, on their shafts,

page_text: the respective rod ³ is drawn, to bring it coincident with the opening ³, into
which it is inserted to retain it. Thereby the lever kis turned to move the
nuts 566 into mesh with the shafts FF, when turning them at the hand-
wheel u moves the respective rail C (the nuts of which have been prepara-
torily loosened, to be tightened again after the adjustment) accordingly along
the girders A6 A7. The connection of the cluster-carrying sleeves / with the
rings n, and their rigid connection with the rail, causes the described movement
of the latter to move correspondingly with it the sleeves and the clusters
thereon. Thus adjustment of the clusters DD' may be accomplished to a small
fraction of an inch.
The mechanism for feeding across the clusters a blank to be step-mitered,
carries it slowly through the machine and then makes a quick return for another
blank to be acted on. This mechanism is as follows:
Journaled at jj in the opposite bifurcated ends of each bed-rail C and the
ends of the frame-sides AA' are longitudinally grooved rotary shafts G² G³,
extending across the machine and carrying at corresponding ends, respectively,
the cog-wheels H and H¹. In the opposite bifurcated ends of each bed-rail are
keyed on the shafts G2 G3 to rotate with them, but to permit of their sliding
thereon with the adjusting movement described of the bed-rail, sprocket-wheels G
connected by an endless chain G. A portion of each chain passes through the
base-portion of the longitudinal sockets of a bed-rail C and has fastened to it
a rigid bar G, the shape of which in cross-section is shown in Figs. 6 and 24.
This bar is provided in its upper expanded side with a central T-slot 3, in which
are confined by nuts w³, screw-bolts we having their heads countersunk in
blocks G³ thus adjustably secured to the bar G. The chains G¹ on their sprocket-
wheels, with the bars G and blocks G5, thus form a carrier for the blanks to be
step-mitered, having its path on the bed-rails C and extending across the
shafts D2 D3 and clusters thereon.
On stub-shafts II respectively journaled on the opposite ends of the frame-
side A are fastened pinions I2 I³, meshing with the gear-wheels HH', and belt-
pulleys 115, the latter having a straight-belt connection 15, (Figure 1) with
one drive-shaft 17, for the feed, or advance of the carrier, and the former having
a cross-belt connection I4 with another drive-shaft I for the return of the
carrier. The wheel H, by its gear-connection with the drive-shaft I, is con-
tinually driven in one direction, but idly on its shaft G2 until clutched thereto,
as hereinafter described, and the wheel H¹, by its gear-connection with the
shaft I, is continuously driven, in the same manner, in the opposite direction.
On the shaft G2 is a clutch i and on the shaft G is a clutch ¹, each clutch com-
prising a stationary member on the hub of a gear-wheel and a sliding member
on the respective shaft carrying the gear-wheel, the clutch i being at the outer
side of the frame-side A and the clutch at the inner side thereof. K is a rock-
shaft journaled in bearings near the base of the machine to extend lengthwise
thereof, and carrying at one end an arm engaging the movable member of the
clutch i; and K is another rock-shaft, similarly journaled, and carrying on one
end an arm engaging the movable member of the clutch . On the shafts K
and K are provided, coincident with each other, upward-projecting arms
(Fig. 6) pivotally connected by a trip-bar L extending across and beyond the
base of the machine to the automatic clutch-actuating mechanism M illustrated
in Fig. 31, which may be located in any convenient position relative to the step-
mitering machine. This mechanism comprises a constantly rotating shaft h
carrying a crank-arm h having a thimble at its free end; a lever h³
fulcrumed at h, pivotally connected between its ends with the trip-lever L and
carrying at its free end a thimble adjacent to that on the crank h; and a bell-
crank M fulcrumed at its angle, at 33, with one arm 3 pivotally connected to
the adjacent end of the trip-bar and its free thimble-equipped end extending in
horizontal-alignment with the free end of the lever h², across the path of the
end of the crank h', and with the free thimble-equipped end of its other arm h
20

page_text: extending over the shaft h in the plane between the lever and bell-crank
arm adjacent to the path of the free end of the crank h¹.
The arrangement is such that the clutches and are engaged in contrary
directions and also, of course, similarly disengaged. With the parts of the
mechanism M in the relative positions represented in Fig. 31, both clutches are
disengaged, and the step-mitering machine mechanism is illustrated in the con-
dition with this position of the parts of the clutch-actuating mechanism. There-
fore, in the rotation of shaft has indicated by the arrow in Fig. 31, the
crank engages the lever 2, turning it out of the path and thereby drawing
the arm further into, and accordingly turning the arm out of the path. This
action shifts the bar L to rock shafts K and in the same direction, thereby
engaging the feed-clutch and throwing the loose member of the return-clutch i
still further out of engagement with its companion-member-thus twice the dis-
tance therefrom that the free member of the clutch was initially from its com-
panion-member. This clutch-engagement produces rotation of shaft I to drive
shaft G3 and thus turn all the sprockets G G to actuate the chains G to advance
a blank E imposed on the blocks G³, as hereinafter described, across and beyond
the clusters DD. By that time the shaft h, reaching a half-revolution, will
encounter the arm h³, extending into its path twice as far as the lever he extended
therein; and will throw it out, accordingly, twice the extent of the throw of
that lever, thereby turning the bell-crank arm h into the path of the crank h
to the same extent as the lever is shown in the path, but shifting the trip-
bar L twice as far as before and in the contrary direction, thereby moving the
loose member of the return-clutch into engagement with its companion-
member and that of the feed-clutch i¹ to the extreme end of disengagement with
its companion-member. This engaging of the clutch i causes the rotation of
the shaft I, more rapidly rotating than the shaft I', to be imparted to the shaft G2
to reverse the travel of the chains G¹ and quickly return the blank-carrier to its
initial position to receive another blank to be step-mitered. A quarter-revolu-
tion of the shaft h brings the carrier to that position, when crank encounters
the bell-crank arm h, throwing it out to the position illustrated in Fig. 31,
thereby returning the arm ³ and lever h² to their illustrated initial positions
and, consequently, shifting the trip-bar L far enough to turn the shafts KK
sufficiently to disengage the loose members of both clutches ii from their com-
panion-members, bringing them to their intermediate positions and thus stop-
ping the travel of the carrier until, at the end of the last quarter-revolution of
the shaft h, the crank encounters the lever to repeat the operation described.
Operatively connected with the trip-bar L is mechanism for receiving a
blank E on a plane above that of the carrier, then dropping it upon the carrier
to bring it into position to be step-mitered, and, after the step-mitering opera-
tion, lifting it above the plane of the blocks G5 to permit the carrier to be
returned, as heretofore described, to its initial position for receiving a fresh
blank. This mechanism involves the following construction:
Between the legs A2 on opposite sides of the longitudinal center of the
machine are journaled in suitable standard-bearings g the rock-shafts N and N
On these shafts (Figs. 6 and 7) at the inner sides of a front pair of the stand-
ards g are fastened collars g' carrying upward projecting arms g² bifurcated at
their extremities, there to embrace the trip-bar L, which is fastened to them.
On the opposite ends of each rock-shaft N N¹ are fastened angular arms g³, each
pair of which is pivotally connected at its free end with, and carries, a bar g
At corresponding intervals along the bars g there bear, at anti-friction rollers f
vertical rods f, passing upward through guide-bearings f3f suitably provided
on sides of bed-rails C; and coinciding rods f¹ near opposite ends of the bed-
rails are rigidly connected by bars f extending alongside such bed-rails.
When the mechanism M throws the trip-bar L in the direction, as described,
for engaging the feed-clutch ¹, the connection of the trip-bar with the rock-
shafts N N¹ turns them accordingly and with them the arms 93 to lower the

page_text: bars below the planes at which they are shown in Fig. 6, thereby permitting
the rods to drop by gravity and carry the bars f considerably below the tops
of the carrier-blocks G. The return-throw of the trip-bar L for engaging the
clutch i, rocks the shafts N N' in the opposite direction to turn the arms 93; and
raise the bars, thereby raising the bars f high above the carrier-blocks; and
the throw of the bar L which produces, as described, the disengagement of both
clutches, brings the bars g to the positions shown in Fig. 6, wherein the bars f
project slightly above the carrier-bars.
The operation is as follows:
At the right-hand corner of the front of the machine is shown (Fig. 30) a
guide-support T leading transversely of the carrier in its initial position. From
this guide-support the blanks E are fed to the machine, automatically or by
hand, at proper intervals, endwise with their cleats d undermost and wires e
uppermost. In sliding a blank from the support T upon the machine, the free
advance-ends of the wires e pass under and encounter a bar el extending across
the support in their path, and are thus bent back to the condition shown out of
the path of the saw-clusters D₁ at the farther side of the machine: and the
rear free ends of the wires e, as the blank is being fed to the saws, as hereinafter
described, encounter a rigid deflector provided on the machine, which bends
the wire-ends back out of the way of the saw-clusters D" at the adjacent side
of the machine. Thus the saws are prevented from encountering the wires,
which would tend to dull them.
The outermost blocks G5 present at their inner ends a transverse line of abut-
ments for the cleat d at one side of the blank E fed across them; and the
blocks are so relatively adjusted that the blank fits over a number of them with
one cleat coinciding with the recesses between the outer-end blocks and those
next to them and with the other cleat coinciding with the aligning recesses
between two other adjacent rows of the blocks. In entering the machine, the
blank slides across and rests upon the series of bars f, then raised to receive
it, as hereinbefore described and shown in Fig. 6. The encounter which is
timed to then ensue between the crank and lever h² of the mechanism M,
throws the trip-bar L to engage the feed-clutch and effect lowering of the
bars f. to seat the blank over the carrier-blocks; and the resultant rotation of
shaft G³ moves the chains G¹, and bars G4 and blocks G5 thereon, to carry the
blank under the presser-feet B3 across the rotating clusters in its path. The
clusters I trim the ends of the blank and they with the clusters D cut the
cleats and under sides of the sheet for the step-miters E¹, which are finished by
the clusters D2 D2, which chip out the material between the side-cuts to form
the steps. On arrival of the finished blank (then ready to be folded, as shown
in Fig. 38. at the step-miter cuts to form the sides of a box) past the chipping
clusters, the timing of the mechanism M produces encounter of the crank h
with the arm h³, thereby throwing the trip-bar L to raise the bars f to lift the
blank above the carrier-blocks G5 and permit the latter to be returned to their
initial position by the rotation in the proper direction for the purpose of the
shaft G2, produced by the throw of the trip-bar causing engagement of the
clutch i.
Meantime the finished blank may be removed from the machine by any suit-
able means.
The timing of the mechanism M is such that when the carrier has been
returned to its initial position the consequent engagement of the crank h with
the arm throws the trip-bar L to disengage both clutches and thus stop
the carrier, and raise the bars f to the position shown, for receiving another
blank E to be operated upon as described.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention. as communicated to me by my foreign correspondent and in what
manner the same is to be performed. I declare that what I claim is :-
1-In a step-mitering machine, the combination with the saw and chipping

page_text: disk-clusters on their rotary shafts, of a reciprocatory carrier on the machine-
bed, for the material to be step-mitered, a feed-clutch for engaging the carrier-
driving gear to move the carrier toward said clusters, a return-clutch for engag-
ing said gear to move the carrier in the opposite direction, a reciprocable trip-
bar connected with the movable members of said clutches to actuate them, a
support for said material connected with said trip-bar to be lowered and raised
by its movements to deposit the material on and lift it off said carrier, and
driving means engaging said trip-bar to throw it alternately in opposite direc-
tions to actuate the clutches and support, substantially as described.
2-In a step-mitering machine, the combination with the saw and chipping
disk-clusters on their rotary shafts, of a reciprocatory carrier on the machine-
bed, for the material to be step-mitered, said carrier comprising block-equipped
endless chains on sprockets secured to rotary shafts journaled toward opposite
ends of the machine, a feed-clutch and gearing for connecting one of said
sprocket-shafts with its driving-power to move the carrier toward said clusters,
a return-clutch and gearing for connecting the other sprocket-shaft with its
driving-power to move the carrier in the opposite direction, a reciprocable trip-
bar connected with the movable members of said clutches to actuate them, and
driving-means engaging said trip-bar to throw it alternately in opposite direc-
tions to actuate the clutches, substantially as described.
3-In a step-mitering machine, the combination with the saw and chipping
disk-clusters on their rotary shafts, of a reciprocatory carrier on the machine-
bed, for the material to be step-mitered, a feed-clutch for engaging the carrier-
driving gear to move the carrier toward said clusters, a return-clutch for engag-
ing said gear to move the carrier in the opposite direction, a trip-bar connected
with the movable members of said clutches, and driving-means engaging said
trip-bar to throw it in contrary directions for actuating said clutches, comprising
a rotary drive-shaft carrying a crank-arm, a lever connected with said bar at
one side of said drive-shaft, and a bell-crank having one arm connected with
said bar at the opposite side of said drive-shaft, said lever and bell-crank arms
extending to be engaged successively by the free end of said crank in traversing
its path, substantially as described.
4-In a step-mitering machine, the combination with the saw and chipping
disk-clusters on their rotary shafts, of a reciprocatory carrier on the machine-
bed, for the material to be step-mitered, said carrier having endless chains on
sprockets secured to rotary shafts journaled toward opposite ends of the machine,
a feed-clutch on a rotary shaft geared with suitable driving-power and with
one of said sprocket-shafts, a return-clutch on a rotary shaft geared with suitable
driving-power and with the other sprocket-shaft, the sliding members of said
clutches being movable in opposite directions to engage with their companion-
members, a trip-bar pivotally connected with arms on parallel rock-shafts carry-
ing arms to engage said sliding clutch-members, and driving-means engaging
said trip-bar to throw it alternately in opposite directions to actuate the clutches,
substantially as described.
5-In a step-mitering machine, the combination with the saw and chipping
disk-clusters on their rotary shafts. of a reciprocatory carrier on the machine-
bed. for the material to be step-mitered, said carrier comprising block-equipped
endless chains on sprockets secured to rotary shafts journaled toward opposite
ends of the machine, a feed-clutch for engaging the carrier-driving gear to
move the carrier toward said clusters, a return-clutch for engaging the carrier-
driving gear to move the carrier .in the opposite direction, a reciprocable trip-
bar connected with the movable members of said clutches to actuate them,
driving means engaging said trip-bar to throw it alternately in opposite direc-
tions to actuate the clutches, and bars supported adjacent to said chains to sup-
port said material, deposit it on and then lift it off said carrier, said bars being
connected with said trip-bar to be raised and lowered by its movements, sub-
stantially as described.

page_text: 6-In a step-mitering machine, the combination with the saw and chipping
disk-clusters on their rotary shafts, a reciprocatory carrier on the machine-
bed, for the material to be step-mitered, and its actuating clutch-devices, of a
reciprocable trip-bar connected with the movable members of said clutch-
devices to actuate them, driving-means engaging said trip-bar to actuate said
clutches, and means for supporting said material preparatory to feeding it past
said clusters, then depositing it and finally lifting it off said carrier, said means
comprising rock-shafts extending crosswise of the base of the machine and con-
nected with said trip-bar to be turned by its movements, bars supported on arms
extending from said rock-shafts, vertical rods bearing at intervals on said bars
to be raised and lowered with them, and bars connecting said rods in pairs and
extending lengthwise of the machine, substantially as described.
7-In a step-mitering machine, the combination with a carrier for the material
to be step-mitered, of the saw and chipping disk-clusters on rotary shafts geared
together and journaled in vertically adjustable bearings, a vertically adjustable
cross-head confined in the frame of the machine and carrying presser-feet
depending over the machine-bed, and the end-bearings for said shafts, screw-and-
nut supports on the frame for said bearings and a rotary shaft geared with the
screws of said supports to turn them in their nuts by turning the shaft to. raise
and lower said cluster-shafts and cross-head, substantially as and for the purpose
set forth.
8-In a step-mitering machine, the combination with the frame supporting
bed-rails at intervals and a carrier for the material to be step-mitered, of the
saw and chipping-disk clusters on rotary shafts geared together and journaled
in vertically adjustable bearings, a vertically adjustable cross-head confined in
said frame and carrying pendent presser-feet and the end-bearings for said
shafts, intermediate bearings for said shafts supported on the bed-rails, screw-
and-nut supports for said end and intermediate bearings, and a rotary shaft
geared with the screws of said supports to turn them in their nuts by turning
the shaft to raise and lower said cluster-shafts and cross-head, substantially as
described.
9-In a step-mitering machine, the combination with the frame supporting
bed-rails at intervals and having side-cheeks, and a carrier for the material to be
step-mitered, of a vertically adjustable cross-head confined between said cheeks
and carrying presser-feet, legs on the opposite ends of said cross-head terminat-
ing in shoes provided with journal-bearings and at which the cross-head is sup-
ported in the frame-sides, saw and chipping disk-clusters on rotary shafts geared
together and journaled in said bearings, screw-and-nut supports, for said bear-
ings, bearings for said shafts on said bed-rails and having screw-and-nut sup-
ports, and a rotary shaft geared with the screws of said supports to turn them
in their nuts by turning the shafts to raise and lower said cluster-shafts and
cross-head, substantially as described.
10 In a step-mitering machine, the combination with the frame supporting
the bed, a carrier for the material to be step-mitered and means in the path of
said material for step-mitering it, of a cross-head supported on the frame over
the bed, containing a longitudinal slot and provided with a flange along its upper
forward edge and a backward extending ledge, presser-feet carrying anti-friction
rollers on their bases and provided with shanks at which they are adjustably
bolted in said slot, and adjustable stops depending from said ledge to bear against
the presser-feet, substantially as described.
11 In a step-mitering machine, the combination of the saw and chipping
disk-clusters adjustable longitudinally of their rotary shafts, bed-rails adjust-
ably supported at intervals in the frame and connected with said clusters, screw-
shafts journaled in the frame to extend across said rails, and nut-sections
adjustably supported on a bed-rail to be moved into engagement with said screw-
shafts, whereby turning said screw-shafts moves said rail and the clusters con-
nected therewith, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

page_text: 12 In a step-mitering machine, the combination of the saw and chipping
disk-clusters adjustable longitudinally of their rotary shafts, bed-rails adjust-
ably supported on the cross-girders of the machine-frame and connected with
said clusters, screw-shafts journaled in the frame to extend across said rails,
nut-sections adjustably supported on a bed-rail adjacent to said screw-shafts
and connected together to be moved by a single operation out of engagement
with said screw-shafts or into engagement therewith to cause turning of the
screw-shafts to move said rail and the clusters connected therewith, substan-
tially as and for the purpose set forth.
13 In a step-mitering machine, the combination with the frame having
cross-girders, of bed-rails adjustably supported at intervals on said girders,
rotary shafts journaled in the frame to extend across said rails, supports on the
rails for said shafts, sleeves on said shafts rotating with them and confined by
said supports to move lengthwise of the shafts with the rails, saw-disk and
chipping disk-clusters secured on said sleeves of the respective shafts, screw-
shafts journaled in the frame to extend across said rails, and nut-sections adjust-
ably supported on a bed-rail to be moved into engagement with said screw-
shafts, whereby turning said screw-shafts moves said rail and the sleeves con-
nected therewith, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
14 In a step-mitering machine, the combination with the frame having cross-
girders, of bed-rails bifurcated at their opposite ends and adjustably supported
at intervals on said girders, sprocket-wheels journaled in the bifurcated ends of
said rails and carrying endless block-equipped chains, saw and chipping disk-
clusters secured on rotary parallel shafts to rotate with and be adjustable length-
wise of them, said shafts being journaled in the frame to extend across said rails,
and supported thereon and said clusters being connected with their rail-supports
for adjustment with the rails, screw-shafts journaled in the frame to extend
across said rails, a pair of nut-sections adjustably supported on each bed-rail
adjacent to the screw-shafts and a link and lever connection between the members
of each pair of said nut-sections, having an operating handle for actuating it,
substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
Dated this Brd day of February 1899.
BOULT & WADE,
Agents for the Applicant.