Improvements in Sheep Shearing and like Apparatus.
Year: 1897

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Sheep Shearing and like Apparatus.
I, JAMES MARTIN, of Clarence Street, Sydney, in the Colony of New South
Wales, Merchant, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
This invention relates to sheep shearing apparatus operated by fluid pressure
and has for object the production of apparatus which comprises the following
improvements:
1. A governing-wheel, whose crank-spindle is set between the cylinders, a
connecting-rod attached to and operated by the pistons controlling their motions
and moving the valve, but not to impart reciprocating motion to the moving
lever as heretofore.
2. A slide so connected to the pistons as to move simultaneously and freely with
them, carrying the connecting-rod attached to the crank of governing-wheel
in a most compact manner.
3. Driving-gear of the valve wherein spurs projecting through the port plate
embrace the operating eccentric, thus producing actuating means that are sealed
from air pressure without the use of a rod or stuffing-box.
4. A conical shouldered screw, screwed into the finger-spring and provided with
a conical seating in the cutter-driver, to adjust the degree of pressure of said
spring upon the cutter, without the danger of working loose, it being always
locked by the spring itself.
5. A keep-spring, folded in a simple manner, whose tooth will lock the tension-
screw from slackening back, and which also provides a measure of resilience.
6. A piston, giving greater strength for a corresponding weight of metal, with
detachable flanges connected by a central ivet, to enable the rings to be placed in
position without springing on.
7. A muffle-plate to deaden the sound of exhaust air, and concentrate its blow
more intensely upon the cutter and comb, whilst directing the waste oil there-
upon.
8. A swivel air-joint at the rear of machine.
9. An automatic oiler, to supply oil regularly to machine.
10. A mechanical starter to throw crank over its centre.
11. A novel tension device rolling upon a bar, and free to follow the recession
curve in radial motion machines. It is designed to give greater freedom of motion
whilst preserving the fullest contact of the rolling faces, following perfectly the
movement of actuating lever in its reciprocating, together with the recession
curve of its radial motion.
I will now proceed more particularly to describe my invention, which the
accompanying drawings illustrate, the same letters of reference indicating corre-
sponding parts in all the figures.
Fio is a sectional elevation of the apparatus.

page_text: Fig. 2 is a plan with the front cover removed, the rear portion being in section-
broken away around the slide.
Fig. 3 sa section on the line A A, of Fig. 2 with some of the parts removed.
Fig. 2 is a plan with the front cover removed, the rear portion being in section-
broken away around the slide.
Fig. 3 s a section on the line A A, of Fig. 2 with some of the parts removed.
Fig. 4 is a plan of the piston slide.
Fig. 5 is a section of the same through the line B B, of Fig. 4.
Fig. 6 a side view of the case, showing the beds of the slide.
Fig. 7 illustrates the roller tension.
Fig. 8 is a back end view of the port face, slide, connecting-rod, and governing.
wheel.
Fig. 9 a. side view of valve, showing the spurs.
Fig. 10 a view of the mechanical starter, with the connecting rod and crank
in several positions.
Fig. 11 an elevation of piston.
+
Fig. 12 a central section of same.
Fig. 13 a plan of keep-spring before it is folded.
Fig. 14 a side elevation of air-joint.
Fig. 15 a section of same through D D.
4
Fig. 16 a side elevation of automatic oiler connected to air-joint.
Fig. 17 a vertical section of same through CC, with the air-tap attached.
a is the emission-port shown in Figs. 1 and 2; a muffle-plate shown in
Figs. 1 and 3; a² air-passages shown in Fig. 3; a³ webs at side of lever-stud
shown in Fig. 2; 6 is the finger-spring shown in Fig. 1; bits screw and conical
seating; bits rivet; is the cutter-driver; c the tension-bar shown separately
in Fig. 7; c¹ the position-pin; 2 slots in wings of rocker; ³ is the rocker; d is the
keep-spring shown in Figs. 1 and 13; d its holding-pin; its locking-tooth;
³ is the tubular nut; and is the adjusting screw and tubular stud; e is
the piston shown in Figs. 1, 2, 11, and 12; e¹ the lever-joint; the piston-ring;
e³ its flanges; et its central rivets; f is the piston-slide shown in Figs. 1, 2, 4,
and 8; fits coupling-feather; the connecting-rod, Figs. 2, 8, and 10; g tho
governing-wheel shown in Figs. 1 and 8; g¹ its crank and spindle, Figs. 1, 2, 8,
and 10; 2 and 3 steel bearings; g' its eccentric; eccentric sleeve; the
wheel cover; h is the port plate shown in Figs. 1, 2, 6 and 8; j is the valve
shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 9;, its driving-spurs; is the air-chest cover shown
in Figs. 1, 2, and 6; is the recess for Hange of air-joint; is the mechanical
starter shown in Figs. 2 and 10; m is the air-joint shown in Figs. 14, 15, and 16;
m its vertical tube; m² the flange; m³ its clamp; m the clamp-screw; m³ its
conical faces; n the automatic oiler shown in Figs. 16 and 17; oil reservoir;
cap for supplying oil; n³ operating cylinder; recess for oil; 5 cup leather
on piston; its piston; n the spiral spring; n is the air-pipe; the cap
and air-passages, m and me being portion of air-joints.
722
The particular kind of motor that I prefer to use in this combination is the
early type (known as the cross cylinder, whose power is applied direct to the
operating or rear end of the actuating lever), consisting of a pair of single-acting
cylinders, whose pistons, being connected by a bridge-piece, are situated one on
each side of the lever, as shown best in Fig. 2.
In the space between the cylinders at the rear of the actuating lever, I place
vertically a steel bearing (g, Fig. 1), which I will hereinafter call the lower
bearing. This carries the lower end of the crank-spindle, the governing-wheel
(g, Figs. 1 and 8) being situated just above the cylinders; its upper end is also
carried in a similar steel bearing (g³, Fig. 1) placed in the wheel cover, which I
shall hereinafter call the upper bearing. This crank-spindle (g, Figs. 1, 2, 8,
and 10) rotates within the port plate on the cylinder side, and carries upon its
body an eccentric (g, Figs. 1, 2, and 8) to operate the valve. My valve (j, Figs. 1,
2, and 9) is of a peculiar kind, being provided at its centre with two steel
spurs (Figs. 2 and 9), that project from its inner face through a slot in the
port plate aforesaid. These spurs embrace a loose sleeve (g³, Figs. 1 and 2)

page_text: that fits upon the eccentric, receiving motion therefrom as the spindle rotates,
moving the valve without the usual connection through the air-chest; the parts
giving motion to the valve being thus sealed from the air-pressure. The peculiar
"slide" (f, Figs. 1, 2, 4, and 8) that I use is flat in form, and slides in two
horizontal grooves (Fig. 6), one on the cylinder side, the other situate in the air-
chest cover.
This slide is slotted at its centre (Figs. 2 and 4), so as to surround
the crank-spindle, the slot being equal in length to the crank stroke. Attached
crosswise at its centre, on the cylinder side, is a feather (Figs. 1, 4, and 5),
descending a suitable distance into the bore of the cylinder to engage a slot pro-
vided to receive it near the centre of connecting bridge-piece (Fig. 11). Thus it
will be obvious that, as the pistons are alternately propelled from side to side,
they must carry this slide with them. At one end of this slide, I place a suitable
steel bearing, to receive the pin of connecting-rod (Figs. 2 and 4); the other end
of this rod embraces the crank. Both the crank and connecting-rod fit into a
recess in the governing-wheel, and are securely attached to said wheel by a nut
on its upper side. Thus the governing-wheel receives its motion direct from the
slide, which is operated by the pistons, and efficiently controls their motion to
prevent knocking at the cylinder ends, also preventing the loss of time, as here-
tofore, at the ends of their stroke, and ensuring a steady even motion, capable
of very high speed, as the momentum received from the pistons, at the instant
of their greatest acceleration, is available at the ends of their stroke, efficiently
controlling and starting their return, thus developing a large amount of power,
a very small space is occupied by the slide, connecting-rod, and crank thus
enabling a most compact as well as durable apparatus to be produced.
My finger-spring (6 Fig. 1) which is provided with a novel adjustment, is
carried in the recess of cutter-driver, and at the extreme rear end I rivet it
firmly to the cutter-driver. About midway from this rivet to the toe of the spring
I provide a screwed hole into which I fit a screw of peculiar form (6¹, Figs. 1
and 2); rising from the square shoulder, next to the spring is a short conical
portion or body, the head from this portion being continued sufficiently for the
usual nick for turn-screw. In the body of the cutter-driver a corresponding
conical seating is formed, the screw being placed in the screwed hole in the
spring. The tension of the rivet at the end of the spring presses the conical
body of the screw into the seating, so that when a greater degree of tension is
required, it is slightly unscrewed from the spring, thus pressing down the toe
upon the cutter, whilst the conical head is pressed more firmly into its seating.
Thus the screw is held firmly from turning in either direction, and as it is con-
tained within the recess it cannot become detached while the spring remains
riveted and intact.
The keep-spring (d, Figs. 1 and 13) has a circular base fitting the cover of
machine, with a small hole to fit over a stop-pin to prevent it turning. At the
centre of this base, which is hollow to give a measure of resilience, a hole is
provided for the passage of the tension-screw, the shoulder of the screw bearing
upon it. The upper portion is folded over, and is provided with a larger hole,
through which the shoulder of the thumb-screw freely passes. The front portion
extends forward and is turned down just behind the rocker-cap. This gives
facility for its release by the pressure of the thumb or finger. At one side of this
extension a tooth or catch is formed (³, Figs. 1 and 13) and turned upward so as
to engage a series of ratchet teeth formed upon the under side of the head of the.
tension-screw: so that, as the tension-screw is screwed downward, this spring
engages its teeth, and securely locks or prevents it from slackening, except when
released.
The piston (e, Figs. 1, 2, 11, and 12) is designed to give great strength per
weight of metal, to provide facility for placing the rings without springing on.
and is formed as follows:-The flanges are connected by a bridge-piece of
peculiar form. At its centre is a square frame to receive the joint of actuating

page_text: lever e, permitting freedom of adjustment therein, whilst giving the best wearing
surfaces. The flanges are connected to this by semi circular pieces, which facilitate
the use of a central rivet (et, Fig. 2) in each flange to attach a washer after the
rings are placed in position. The groove to receive the feather of the slide is
placed centrally (Fig. 11) and above the square framing herein before referred to.
The muffle-plate (a', 'ig. 1) is placed at the front end of the machine-case,
the rear portion of the case being closed. The exhaust air is directed downwards
by a web (a³, Fig. 2) at each side of the stud of the actuating lever, and open
only at the bottom as shown at (a³, Fig. 3). From thence it passes under the
thin plate a¹, that fits into the front part of the case to a passage formed between
the comb-screws, this being the emission port (a, Figs. 1 and 2), so that the blow
of the air is wholly concentrated upon and under the heel of the cutter and upon
the comb, keeping them much cooler than heretofore; while the surplus oil that
passes away in spray will be made available to lubricate the cutter and comb
much better than heretofore, and the noise of escaping air is very much deadened
or subdued.
The air-joint (m, Figs. 14, 15, and 16) is designed to give the fullest freedom
of motion to the machine whilst in the hand of the shearer without twisting the
elastic tubing, as heretofore, causing its rapid wear. At the rear end of machine,
within the air-chest, a tubular opening is provided. Into this is fitted a tubular-
flanged piece, the flange (m², Fig. 14) which is in the air-chest being screwed onto
the tubular portion m after said flange has been placed in position. The other
end is provided with a conical recess, formed upon its side (m5, Figs. 15 and 17).
This receives a corresponding conically-shaped tube, placed upon its side, and
rising vertically from it. To this tube is attached the elastic tubing, so that the
swivelling-tube in the air-chest and the conical joint at the end permits of a
turning movement, having all the advantages of the joint of geared machines;
or, alternatively, my automatic oiler may be attached to this swivel joint and the
elastic tubing to the oiler.
My automatic oiler (n, Figs. 16 and 17) comprises a cylindrical body of two
diameters, with a suitably formed cap, containing air-passages (n³, Fig. 17) to
the pipe (n8, Fig. 17) extending down the side thereof to the swivelling-joint,
the larger one (n¹, Fig. 17) which is screwed internally to receive a threaded
division-plate resting upon a shoulder, is the receptacle for oil, and is placed
above the smaller one, it being divided by the partition plate referred to, which
rests upon a disc or washer of leather, or other material. The lower or smaller
chamber (n³, Fig. 17) is the operating one, wherein the automatic piston operates
by the fluctuating pressure of the air when it is turned on or off. This working
piston (n, Fig. 17) is composed of a circular head, having a cupped-leather
washer attached thereto, whose outer edge is opposed to the incoming air-pressure
(n5, Fig. 17), so that a joint is securely made to the cylinder. Its central rod
extends upward and through the metallic division or partition, the leather washer
being under it. This rod is bored, and open at the upper end to the oil-chamber.
Near the piston a small hole is drilled sideways for a communication between the
cylinders. At the side of the lower cylinder, about midway, a small recess is
made (n, Fig. 17), of suitable size, to contain the required measure or quantity of
oil. I place a spiral spring (n7, Fig. 17) upon the rod between the leather disc
and piston-head, so that when the air-pressure is off it sends the piston down to its
lowest point, and the oil is drawn downward, filling the recess. The lower face of
cylinder is connected to the air-supply pipe, so that when the air is turned on to
the machine its pressure lifts the piston upward past the recess and drives the
oil out of the recess into the air-supply pipe and thence to the machine. An
important feature of this oiler is that whilst the air remains turned on its pressure
keeps the piston up to the leather disc and securely locks the reserve oil from
leaking past the piston, while the spring does the same when the air is turned
off, by pressing down the cupped leather upon the bottom of cylinder. No oil

page_text: can thus be wasted while the cupped leather remains good. Provision is made
by a screwed cap (n³, Fig. 17) at the side of the reservoir to replenish
the oil.
The tension device is constructed as follows:-
I place in the upper part of the case a suitably supported round steel bar c,
which I will hereinafter call the resistance bar. This bar carries at its centre a
crossway tooth or pin c¹. Below this resistance bar is placed a segmental rocker c³
provided with a semi-circular grooved edge, corresponding to and fitting the
bar. In the wings of this rocker slots are formed to receive, the position tooth
or pin c', which maintains it in correct position longitudinally upon the bar,
and permits it to roll freely sideways to the recession curve without other support.
It receives its adjustment in the following manner: The tail end of the cutter-
driver extends rearward to the centre bolt or pivot of the actuating lever *
which is formed tubular. A sliding nut d fits within this bolt, which is also
tubular. These are both, together with the boss of the actuating lever slotted
upon the front side, so as to permit the tail end of the cutter-driver to be passed
into the axial centre. This tail end is formed hemispherical, and fits into a
corresponding cup formed in the bottom of the tubular nut. The upper part of
this nut is screwed internally, and into this is fitted a thumb-screw, the shoulder of
which rests upon the keep-spring on the top of case as hereinbefore described.
When the hollow nut is raised by turning the thumb-screw, the tail of the
cutter-driver is drawn upward, the rocker receiving the pressure and transferring
it to the resistance bar, which becomes the fulcrum of this tension, the cutter-
driver therefrom pressing down the cutter upon the comb to the necessary degree
of tension as may be desired.
The mechanical starter (, Fig. 10) I place at the rear of the machine, immedi-
ately under the governing-wheel. In form it is similar to a bell crank lever,
having as its fulcrum a long stem which is riveted therein. This stem fits in a
small socket provided on the outside of air-chest; the centre of this socket
coincides with the circle of the wheel cover. At the bottom of this socket a short
spiral spring is placed, one end of which is made fast thereto; its other free end stands
crosswise of the socket. The lower portion of the stem has a nick that engages
this free end of spring, and, when in position, the pull of the spring brings the
long arm back to the cover. This arm being equal in thickness to the arm of
connecting-rod it operates under the wheel in the same space. The outside arm
of the lever is broadened at the end for the thumb-rest." Its operation is as
follows: See Fig. 10, where the crank (g) is shown in various positions, two
being straight with the moving slide, the crank being shown upon its centres.
When the starter is pressed in by the thumb its inside limb will push the
crank over to starting position (g¹), and as soon as the thumb is withdrawn it flies
back by the action of the spring. This I prefer should be done (when the machine
stops upon its centre) before the air is turned on. In other kinds of machines
this difficulty is only partially overcome by pushing the cutter over the comb.
Previously, it was often necessary to apply blows to start the crank over its
centre.
1
1
1007

page_text: I, JAMES MARTIN, of Clarence Street, Sydney, in the Colony of New South
Wales, Merchant, 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 sheep shearing apparatus operated by fluid pressure
and has for object the production of apparatus which comprises the following
improvements:-
1. A governing-wheel whose crank-spindle is set between the cylinders, a
connecting-rod attached to and operated by the pistons controlling their motions
and moving the valve, but not to impart reciprocating motion to the moving
lever as heretofore.
2. A slide so connected to the pistons as to move simultaneously and freely with
them, carrying the connecting-rod attached to the crank of governing-wheel
in a most compact manner.
3. Driving-gear of the valve wherein spurs projecting through the port plate
embrace the operating eccentric, thus producing actuating means that are sealed
from air pressure without the use of a rod or stuffing-box.
4. A conical shouldered screw, screwed into the finger-spring and provided with
a. conical seating in the arm which presses the cutter upon the comb (herein-
after called the cutter-driver), to adjust the degree of pressure of said
spring upon the cutter, without the danger of working loose, it being always
locked by the spring itself.
5. A keep-spring, folded in a simple manner, whose tooth will lock the tension-
screw from slackening back, and which also provides a measure of resilience.
6. A piston, giving greater strength for a corresponding weight of metal, with
detachable flanges connected by a central rivet, to enable the rings to be placed in
position without springing on.
7. A muffle-plate to deaden the sound of exhaust air, and concentrate its blow
more intensely upon the cutter and comb, whilst directing the waste oil there-
upon.
8. A swivel air-joint at the rear of machine.
9. An automatic oiler, to supply oil regularly to machine.
10. A mechanical starter to throw crank over its centre.
11. A novel tension device rolling upon a bar, and free to follow the recession
curve in radial motion machines. It is designed to give greater freedom of motion
whilst preserving the fullest contact of the rolling faces, following perfectly the
movement of actuating lever in its reciprocating, together with the recession
curve of its radial motion.
I will now proceed more particularly to describe my invention, which the
drawings filed with the Provisional Specification illustrate, the same letters of
reference indicating corresponding parts in all the figures.
Fig. 1 is a sectional elevation of the apparatus.
Fig. 2 is a plan with the front cover removed, the rear portion being in section―
broken away around the slide.
Fig. 3 is a section on the line A. A of Fig. 2 with some of the parts removed.
Fig. 4 is a plan of the piston slide.
Fig. 5 is a section of the same through the line BB of Fig. 4.
Fig. 6 a side view of the case, showing the beds of the slide.
T
- 11
11

page_text: 4
Fig. 9 a side view of valve, showing the spurs.
Fig. 10 a view of the mechanical starter, with the connecting-rod and crank
in several positions.
.1
Fig. 11 an elevation of piston.
Fig. 12 a central section of same.
Fig. 13 a plan of keep-spring before it is folded.
Fig. 14 a side elevation of air-joint.
Fig. 15 a section of same through D D.
Fig. 16 a side. elevation of automatic oiler connected to air-joint.
Fig. 17 a vertical section of same through CC, with air-tap attached.
a is the emission-port shown in Figs. 1 and 2; a muffle-plate shown in
Figs. 1 and 3; as air-passages shown in Fig. 3; a³ webs at side of lever-stud
shown in Fig. 2; 6 is the finger-spring shown in Fig. 1; its screw and conical
seating; 2 its rivet; b3 is the cutter-driver; c the tension-bar shown separately
in Fig. 7; c the position-pin; c slots in wings of rocker; c is the rocker; d is the
keep-spring shown in Figs. 1 and 13; dits holding-pin; its locking-tooth;
is the tubular nut; and is the adjusting screw and tubular stud; e is
the piston shown in Figs. 1, 2, 11 and 12; e¹ the lever-joint; the piston-ring;
its flanges; e its. central rivets; f is the piston-slide shown in Figs. 1, 2, 4,
and 8; fits coupling-feather; the connecting rod, Figs. 2, 8, and 10; y the
governing-wheel shown in Figs. 1 and 8; g¹ its crank and spindle, Figs. 1, 2, 8,
and 10; g² and g³ steel bearings; g* its eccentric; 5 eccentric sleeve; g the
wheel cover; h is the port plate shown in Figs. 1, 2, 6 and 8; j is the valve
shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 9; j' its driving-spurs; & is the air-chest cover shown
in Figs. 1, 2, and 6; is the recess for Hange of air-joint; is the mechanical
starter shown in Figs. 2 and 10; m is the air-joint shown in Figs. 14, 15, and 16;
m! its vertical tube; m³ the flange; m³ its clamp; m the clamp-screw; m³ its
conical faces; n the automatic oiler shown in Figs. 16 and 17; n¹ oil reservoir;
11º спр for supplying oil; n³ operating cylinder; n' recess for oil; no cup leather
on piston; its piston; n the spiral spring; n8 is the air-pipe; nº the cap
and air-passages, m³ and m³ being portion of air-joints.
The particular kind of motor that I prefer to use in this combination is the
early type (known as the cross cylinder, whose power is applied direct to the
operating or rear end of the actuating lever), consisting of a pair of single-acting
cylinders, whose pistons, being connected by a bridge-piece, are situated one on
each side of the lever, as shown best in Fig. 2.
In the space between the cylinders at the rear of the actuating lever, I place
vertically a steel bearing (³, Fig. 1) which I will hereinafter call the lower
bearing. This carries the lower end of the crank-spindle, the governing-wheel
(g, Figs. 1 and 8) being situated just above the cylinders; its upper end is also
carried in a similar steel bearing (Fig. 1) placed in the wheel cover, which I
shall hereinafter call the upper bearing. This crank-spindle (g, Figs. 1, 2, 8,
and. 10) rotates within the port plate on the cylinder side, and carries upon its
body an eccentric (9', Figs. 1, 2, and 8) to operate the valve. My valve (j, Figs. 1,
2, and 9) is of a peculiar kind, being provided at its centre with two steel
spurs (Figs. 2 and 9), that project from its inner face through a slot in the
port plate aforesaid. These spurs embrace a loose sleeve (9³, Figs. 1 and 2)
that fits upon the eccentric, receiving motion therefrom as the spindle rotates,
moving the valve without the usual connection through the air-chest; the parts
giving motion to the valve being thus sealed from the air-pressure. The peculiar
slide" (f, Figs. 1, 2, 4, and 8) that I use is flat in form, and slides in two
horizontal grooves (Fig. 6), one on the cylinder side, the other situate in the air-
chest cover. This slide is slotted at its centre (Figs. 2 and 4), so as to surround
the crank-spindle, the slot being equal in length to the crank stroke.
crosswise at its centre, on the cylinder side, is a feather (Figs. 1, 4, and 5)
Attached!

page_text: descending a suitable distance into the bore of the cylinder to engage a slot pro-
vided to receive it near the centre of connecting bridge-piece (Fig. 11). Thus it
will be obvious that, as the pistons are alternately propelled from side to side,
they must carry this slide with them. At one end of this slide, I place a suitable
steel bearing, to receive the pin of connecting-rod (Figs. 2 and 4); the other end
of this rod embraces the crank. Both the crank and connecting-rod fit into a
recess in the governing-wheel, and are securely attached to said wheel by a nut
on its upper side. Thus the governing-wheel receives its motion direct from the
slide, which is operated by the pistons, and efficiently controls their motion to
prevent knocking at the cylinder ends, also preventing the loss of time, as here-
tofore, at the ends of their stroke, and ensuring a steady even motion, capable
of very high speed, as the momentum received from the pistons, at the instant
of their greatest acceleration, is available at the ends of their stroke, efficiently
controlling and starting their return, thus developing a large amount of power.
A very small space is occupied by the slide, connecting-rod, and crank thus
enabling a most compact as well as durable apparatus to be produced.
My finger-spring (b Fig. 1) which is provided with a novel adjustment, is
carried in the recess of cutter-driver, and at the extreme rear end I rivet it
firmly to the cutter-driver. About midway from this rivet to the toe of the spring
I provide a screwed hole into which I fit a screw of peculiar farm (6', Figs. 1
and 2); rising from the square shoulder, next to the spring is a short conical
portion or body, the head from this portion being continued sufficiently for the
usual nick for turn-screw. In the body of the cutter-driver a corresponding
conical seating is formed, the screw being placed in the screwed hole in the
spring. The tension of the rivet at the end of the spring presses the conical
body of the screw into the seating, so that when a greater degree of tension is
required, it is slightly unscrewed from the spring, thus pressing down the toe
upon the cutter, whilst the conical head is pressed more firmly into its seating.
Thus the screw is held firmly from turning in either direction, and as it is con-
tained within the recess it cannot become detached while the spring remains
riveted and intact.
The keep-spring (d, Figs. 1 and 13) has a circular base fitting the cover of
machine, with a small hole to fit over a stop-pin to prevent it turning. At the
centre of this base, which is hollow to give a measure of resilience, a hole is
provided for the passage of the tension-screw, the shoulder of the screw bearing
upon it.
The upper portion is folded over, and is provided with a larger hole.
through which the shoulder of the thumb-screw freely passes. The front portion
extends forward and is turned down just behind the rocker-cap. This gives
facility for its release by the pressure of the thumb or finger. At one side of this,
extension a tooth or catch is formed (d, Figs. 1 and 13) and turned upward so as
to engage a series of ratchet teeth formed upon the under side of the head of the
tension-screw; so that, as the tension-screw is screwed downward, this spring
engages its teeth, and securely locks or prevents it from slackening, except when
released.
The piston (e, Figs. 1, 2, 11, and 12) is designed to give great strength per
weight of metal, to provide facility for placing the rings without springing on,
and is formed as follows:-The flanges are connected by a bridge-piece of
peculiar form. At its centre is a square frame to receive the joint of actuating
lever e, permitting freedom of adjustment therein, whilst giving the best wearing
surfaces. The flanges are connected to this by semi-circular pieces, which facilitate
the use of a central rivet (et, Fig. 2) in each flange to attach a washer after the
rings are placed in position. The groove to receive the feather of the slide is
placed centrally (Fig. 11) and above the square framing herein before referred to.
The muffle-plate (a¹, Fig. 1) is placed at the front end of the machine-case,
the rear portion of the case being closed. The exhaust air is directed downwards 5
by a web (a³, Fig. 2) at each side of the stud of the actuating lever, and open
only at the bottom as shown at (a³, Fig. 3). From thence it passes under the

page_text: thin plate a', that fits into the front part of the case to a passage formed between
the comb-screws, this being the emission port (a, Figs. 1 and 2), so that the blow
of the air is wholly concentrated upon and under the heel of the cutter and upon
the comb, keeping them much cooler than heretofore; while the surplus oil that
passes away in spray will be made available to lubricate the cutter and comb
much better than heretofore, and the noise of escaping air is very much deadened
or subdued.
The air-joint (m, Figs. 14, 15, and 16) is designed to give the fullest freedom
of motion to the machine whilst in the hand of the shearer without twisting the
elastic tubing, as heretofore, causing its rapid wear. At the rear end of machine,
within the air-chest, a tubular opening is provided. Into this is fitted a tubular-
flanged piece, the flange (m³, Fig. 14) which is in the air chest being screwed onto
the tubular portion m after said flange has been placed in position. The other
end is provided with a conical recess, formed upon its side (m³, Figs. 15 and 17).
This receives a corresponding conically-shaped tube, placed upon its side, and
rising vertically from it. To this tube is attached the elastic tubing, so that the
swivelling-tube in the air-chest and the conical joint at the end permits of a
turning movement, having all the advantages of the joint of geared machines;
or alternatively my automatic oiler may be attached to this swivel joint and the
elastic tubing to the oiler.
My automatic oiler (n, Figs. 16 and 17) comprises a cylindrical body of two
diameters, with a suitably formed cap, containing air-passages (n³, Fig. 17) to
the pipe (8, Fig. 17) extending down the side thereof to the swivelling-joint,
the larger one (n', Fig. 17) which is screwed internally to receive a threaded
division-plate resting upon a shoulder, is the receptacle for oil, and is placed
above the smaller one, it being divided by the partition plate referred to, which
rests upon a disc or washer of leather, or other material. The lower or smaller
chamber (n³, Fig. 17) is the operating one, wherein the automatic piston operates
by the fluctuating pressure of the air when it is turned on or off. This working
piston (n°, Fig. 17) is composed of a circular head, having a cupped-leather
washer attached thereto, whose outer edge is opposed to the incoming air pressure
(n³, Fig. 17), so that a joint is securely made to the cylinder. Its oantral rod
extends upward and through the metallic division or partition, the leather washer
being under it. This rod is bored, and open at the upper end to the oil-chamber.
Near the piston a small hole is drilled sideways for a communication between the
cylinders. At the side of the lower cylinder, about midway, a small recess is
made, (n, Fig. 17), of suitable size, to contain the required measure or quantity of
oil. I place a spiral spring (n', Fig. 17) upon the rod between the leather disc
and piston-head, so that when the air-pressure is off it sends the piston down to its
lowest point, and the oil is drawn downward, filling the recess. The lower face of
cylinder is connected to the air-supply pipe by an orifice n10, so that when the air is
turned on to the machine its pressure lifts the piston upward past the recess and the
oil passes out of the recess into the air-supply pipe and thence to the machine. An
important feature of this oiler is that whilst the air remains turned on its pressure
keeps the piston up to the leather disc and securely locks the reserve oil from
leaking past the piston, while the spring does the same when the air is turned
off, by pressing down the cupped leather upon the bottom of cylinder. No oil
can thus be wasted while the cupped leather remains good. Provision is made
by a screwed cap (n2, Fig. 17) at the side of the reservoir to replenish
the oil.
The tension device is constructed as follows:
I place in the upper part of the case a suitably supported round steel bar c,
which I will hereinafter call the resistance bar. This bar carries at its centre a
crossway tooth or pin c¹. Below this resistance bar is placed a segmental rocker c³
provided with a semicircular grooved edge, corresponding to and fitting the
bar. In the wings of this rocker slots are formed to receive the position tooth

page_text: or pin c' which maintains it in correct position longitudinally upon the bar,
and permits it to roll freely sideways to the recession curve without other support.
It receives its adjustment in the following manner:-The tail end of the cutter-
driver extends rearward to the centre bolt or pivot of the actuating lever e
which is formed tubular. A sliding nut d' fits within this bolt, which is also
tubular. These are both, together with the boss of the actuating lever slotted
upon the front side, so as to permit the tail end of the cutter-driver to be passed
into the axial centre. This tail end is formed hemispherical, and fits into a
corresponding cup formed in the bottom of the tubular nut. The upper part of
this nut is screwed internally, and into this is fitted a thumb-screw, the shoulder of
which rests upon the keep-spring on the top of case as hereinbefore described.
When the hollow nut is raised by turning the thumb-screw, the tail of the
cutter-driver is drawn upward, the rocker receiving the pressure and transferring
it to the resistance bar, which becomes the fulcrum of this tension, the cutter-
driver therefrom pressing down the cutter upon the comb to the necessary degree
of tension as may be desired.
The mechanical starter (l, Fig. 10) I place at the rear of the machine, immedi-
ately under the governing wheel. In form it is similar to a bell-crank lever,
having as its fulcrum a long stem which is riveted therein. This. stem fits in a
small socket provided on the outside of air-chest; the centre of this socket
coincides with the circle of the wheel cover. At the bottom of this socket a short
spiral spring is placed, one end of which is made fast thereto; its other free end stands
crosswise of the socket. The lower portion of the stem has a nick that engages
this free end of spring, and, when in position, the pull of the spring brings the
long arm back to the cover. This arm being equal in thickness to the arm of
connecting-rod it operates under the wheel in the same space. The outside arm
of the lever is broadened at the end for the thumb-rest. Its operation is as
follows: See Fig. 10, where the crank (g') is shown in various positions, two
being straight with the moving slide, the crank being shown upon its centres.
When the starter is pressed in by the thumb its inside limb will push the
crank over to starting position (g¹), and as soon as the thumb is withdrawn it flies
back by the action of the spring. This I prefer should be done (when the machine
stops upon its centre) before the air is turned on. In other kinds of machines
this difficulty is only partially overcome by pushing the cutter over the comb.
Previously, it was often necessary to apply blows to start the crank over its
centre.
.
Having now particularly described and asecertained the nature of the said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is:
1. The use of a governing-wheel situated at the rear of the moving mechanism,
and independent of same, to govern the motions and store waste power to operate
the valve, and time the return stroke, such as shown (g, Figs. 1 and 8), sub-
stantially as and for the purposes herein described and explained, and as shown
in the accompanying drawings.
2. The use of a governing-wheel, its spindle and eccentric, its bearings situate
and contained within the port plate, such as shown (g, 92, 93, and g, Fig. 1),
substantially as and for the purposes herein described and explained, and as
shown in the accompanying drawings.
3. The use of a governing-wheel, its spindle and eccentric to operate the valve
by its projecting spurs apart from the air-chest, such as shown (j', Fig. 9),
substantially as and for the purposes herein described and explained, and as
shown in the accompanying drawings.
4. The use of a governing-wheel connected to and operated direct by the piston-
slide, such as shown (f Figs. 4 and 5), substantially as and for the purpose's
herein described and explained, and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

page_text: 5. The combination with the pistons and their grooved bridge-piece (such as e,
shown in Fig. 11) 'of a slide and its coupling-feather (such as f, shown in Figs. 2,4
and 5) moving together as one piece, substantially as and for the purposes herein
described and explained, and as shown in the accompanying drawings.
6. In constructing pistons, connecting the central frame of bridge-piece by thin
semicircular webs with the flanges, and the use of a central rivet in each to attach
the ring holding washers, as shown in Figs. 11 and 12, substantially as and for
the purposes herein described and explained, and as shown in the accompanying
drawings.
7. In shearing machine tension devices the use of a round steel bar, such as c
and c, provided with a crossway tooth or pin, shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 7, sub-
stantially as and for the purposes herein described and explained, and as shown in
the accompanying drawings.
8. In shearing machine tension devices the use of a round bar, its tooth as
described together with a semicircular grooved edge rocker (such as c³ Figs. 1, 2,
and 7), substantially as and for the purposes herein described and explained, and as
shown in the accompanying, drawings.
9. In shearing machine tension devices the use of a positional tooth or pin
placed in the centre of bar in combination with slotted wings of rocker, as shown
in, Fig. 7, and as described, to receive the pressure, substantially as and for the
purposes herein described and explained, and as shown in the accompanying
drawings.
10. In shearing machine tension devices, in combination with Claims 7, 8,
and 9, of a cutter-driver (such as b³, shown in Figs. 1 and 2), of a tubular nut,
its adjusting screw and ratchet teeth (such as d³, d and 5, shown in Figs. 1 and 2),
substantially as and for the purposes herein described and explained, and as shown
in the accompanying drawings.
11. In shearing machines the use of a bell-crank lever pivoted in case (such as 1,
shown in Figs. 2 and 10) to push over the crank, substantially as and for the
purposes herein described and explained, and as shown in the accompanying
drawings.
12. In shearing machines the use of a flanged tubular piece, with a conical
recess at its side, and a vertical tubular piece, with a corresponding projecting
cone held in contact by a clamp and screw (such as m, shown in Figs. 14, 15, 16,
and 17), so to permit a free movement in all directions, substantially as and for
the purposes herein described and explained, and as shown in the accompanying
drawings.
13. In automatic oilers for shearing machines, a moving piston, its hollow rod
as oil-channel, its spiral spring, its recess for oil, its reservoir, its air channel,
such as shown (Figs. 16 and 17), to move automatically by the varying air-
pressure, substantially as and for the purposes herein described and explained,
and as shown in the accompanying drawings.
14. The use of a keep-spring of simple form (such as shown in d, Figs. 1
and 13), with its stop-pin, its interlocking tooth, and thumb-rest, substantially
as and for the purposes herein described and explained, and as shown in the
accompanying drawings.
0
15. In finger-spring adjustments, the use of a screw formed with a conical body,
and a corresponding conical bed formed in cutter-driver, to hold it from turning
(such as 6, Fig. 1, Sheet I), substantially as and for the purposes herein des-
cribed and explained, and as shown in the accompanying drawings.
16. The use of a muffle-plate to concentrate the blow of exhaust air upom
cutter and comb (such as a¹, shown in Figs. 1 and 3), substantially as and for the
purposes herein described and explained, and as shown in the accompanying
drawings.
17. The use of a swivel air-joint, supplied by means of a rubber hose (such as m
slide, such as shown (f2, Figs. 4 and 5), substantially as and for the purposes
cribed and explained, and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

page_text: 18. The use of an automatic oiler to supply oil regularly (such as shown in
Figs. 16 and 17) substantially as and for the purposes herein described and ex-
plained, and as shown in the accompanying drawings.
Dated this 11th day of May 1898.
For the Applicant,
W. LLOYD WISE,
46, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C.,
Chartered Patent.Agent.