A New or Improved Machine for Carving Wood, Stone, and the like.
Year: 1896

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
A New or Improved Machine for Carving Wood, Stone, and the like.
CHARLES MAURICE LAFONTAINE of 7 Featherstone Buildings Holborn in the
County of London, Civil Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention
to be as follows:-
My new carving machine is constructed in accordance with a geometrical
principle. If a circle is divided by two or more radii and the latter are supposed
to turn on the centre they will describe two or more circular segments, and
every point of each radius will describe according to its distance from the centre
an arc of corresponding length. I have combined the different parts of my
new or improved machine in such a manner as to reproduce the above results
when carving wood, stone and the like. As however the circular motion of the
said radii cannot but describe a segmental area of corresponding size, such motion
would not suffice to produce an enlargement or a reduction of a subject in mathe-
matical proportions, I have combined with the motion of the radii a similar
compensating motion regulated according to the distance between each point of each
radius to the centre of the circle. The first motion is horizontal and serves
for lengthening purposes, but the second is vertical serves for widening
purposes and acts on the working parts of the machine, being dependent of and
complementary to the horizontal motion above set forth, the whole being com-
bined by the aid of intermediate parts which regulate the working of the machine
in the manner hereinafter more fully set forth.
In the accompanying four sheets of drawings, Fig. 1 is an elevation of the
machine.
Figs. 2 and 3 are an elevation and a plan respectively of the counterweight.
Fig. 4 is a plan of the machine.
Fig. 5 is a plan illustrating the second or compensating motion.
Fig. 6 is an elevation of the platten with the nut into which the central shaft
is screwed, the latter carrying the parts producing the compensating motion
aforesaid.
Fig. is a plan of Fig. 6.
Fig. 8 is a side view in elevation of Fig. 6.
Fig. 9 is a plan of Fig. 8.
Fig. 10 shows in elevation the working tools fixed at the end of the spokes or
arms.
Fig. 11 is a plan of Fig. 10.
Fig. 12 is a sectional elevation of Fig. 11.
Fig. 13 is a plan of Fig. 12.
My improved machine is carried by a framework consisting of two transverse
sides connected together by the tie rods a (Figs. 1 and 4). The ends A¹ are
fixed at right angles to the two sides A and have a similar shape being likewise
connected together by the tie rods a. The upper part of the sides and ends A
and A' respectively have the shape of a prismatic notch. On the upper part of

page_text: the frame work rest four plattens C under both sides of which is cut an angular
groove which fits into the prismatic notch aforesaid
This arrangement has for its object to hold the plattens together so as to allow
them a slight lateral motion.
screwed at its base
This shaft may be
The centre of the frame work receives a hollow shaft D
into a platten provided with a nut E Figs. 6, 7, 8 and 9.
of cast iron, steel, or any other suitable material and should have a diameter and
a height proportionate to the size of the working parts.
A central platten Figs. 6, 7 and 9 is fixed inside the frame work by means of
tabs bolted to the lateral ends A', its upper part resting on the extremity of A
and A. This platten is provided with a nut on the lower part of which is placed
a collar carrying the parts imparting a complementary motion (Fig. 5) held
thereon by a nut screwed on the screw f. These parts consist of a boss G on
the outside of which are cast four slotted metal arms g arranged at right angles.
In each slot is guided, by a pin g³, an intermediate rod g' connected with each
platten.
.
The circular motion of the said parts upon the axis is imparted by a rod
one end of which carries a pinion gearing with a cog wheel mounted on the said
boss while its other end has a crank handle which protrudes from the frame work.
This complementary motion has for its object to allow a width proportionate
to the length determined by the spokes of the working parts.
The spokes or arms of the machine consist of two rectangular pieces H and H¹
the first of which is cast on a truncated cone while the other H' is cast on a
sleeve, both the cone and sleeve being mounted on the central shaft D; each
piece is strengthened by longitudinal ribs hand and transverse ribs h and h³.
On the extreme part of each spoke is formed a slot I wherein slides a tool holder
carrying the carving tool. The truncated cone turns on a similar conical
portion of the shaft D, and is held in its vertical position by a nut h. The
sleeve he acts as a bearing at its upper and lower parts to avoid friction on the
shaft D. The piece H¹ has two distinct motions, the first of which is vertical in
order to bring the tool in contact with the material to be carved, while the second
motion is a circular motion around the axle and carries away the piece H.
The driving mechanism comprises the shafts holding the tools & the guides
Figs. 10 and 12. The tool holding shaft K consists of three pieces: a screw
threaded rod terminated at its lower end by a circular head R, this rod being
screwed in a sleeve K' fixed by the nuts K, a socket K2 having a similar shape
to the head R and fixed thereto by a nut K3 which is screwed within the socket K
and a shaft or rod holding the tool K whose upper extremity terminates with a
screw K5 fixed in the socket K. At the lower end of this rod or shaft is formed
a recess having the shape of a truncated cone to hold the working tool.
On one side of the shaft is formed a groove K6 wherein enters the rib L³ of a
pulley L. The shaft K is held rigid by a sleeve having arms L' open at both
sides and made of two superposed parts. The pulley L having been mounted on
the shaft K, the piece L is placed in position so that its ribs may enter the
corresponding grooves of the pulley L ou either side. On the upper part of
the sleeve a piece L2 the opening of which corresponds to half the thickness of the
shaft is secured by screws in the lower part of the same; a similar piece L serves
a similar purpose.
In this arrangement the shaft K is held rigidly in its vertical position by the
head R at one end and by the sleeve L' at the other. At the lower end a
washer L is screwed under the lower part of the sleeve L³ so as to fix the shaft
in the groove I of the arms or spokes.
The rib L5 of the pulley L takes into the groove or feather K
this arrangement
allows the pulley to drive the shaft K while at the same time allowing the latter
to slide vertically whilst it revolves.
Fig. 11 is a plan of Fig. 10.

page_text: Fig. 2 is an elevation of the parts of the counterweight which are fixed on
the upper end of the hollow central shaft D. The object of this counterweight
is to hold the spokes or arms H¹ suspended, so that the tool holder or shaft K+
and hence the tool shall not come in contact with the material to be carved,
this contact only taking place when depressing the guide M. This counterweight
consists of 4 grooved pulleys N (Figs. 2 and 3) mounted on four supports cast in
one piece with a disc N¹, the central perforation of which has a smaller diameter
than the shaft D, the said disc holding the spokes in a horizontal position.
The disc N bears upon balls » arranged in a race formed in the periphery
of the shaft I so that they may roll in the groove 2 of the said disc or plate N¹.
Over these four pulleys pass wire ropes attached at ho to one end to the spokes or
arms H and at the other to a counterweight suspended inside the shaft D; this
counterweight holding the spokes H and hence the driving mechanism in
equilibrium.
DE KATOW & Co.,
Agents for the Applicant.
Ì CHARLES MAURICE LAFONTAINE of † Featherstone Buildings Holborn London,
Engineer 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 new carving machine is constructed in accordance with á geometrical
principle. If a circle is divided by two or more radii and the latter are supposed
to turn on the centre they will describe two or more circular segments, and
every point of each radius will describe according to its distance from the centre
an arc of corresponding length. I have combined the different parts of my
new or improved machine in such a manner as to reproduce the above results
when carving wood, stone and the like. As however the circular motion of the
said radii cannot but describe a segmental area of corresponding size, such motion
would not suffice to produce an enlargement or a reduction of a subject in mathe-.
matical proportions, I have combined with the motion of the radii a similar
feeding motion regulated according to the distance between each point of each
radius to the centre of the circle. The first motion is horizontal and serves
for lengthening purposes; but the second is vertical and serves for widening
purposes and acts on the working parts of the machine, being dépendent of and
complementary to the horizontal motion above set forth, the whole being coni-
bined by the aid of intermediate parts which regulate the working of the machine
in the manner hereinafter more fully set forth.
In the four sheets of drawings, filed with the Provisional Specification, Fig. i
is an elevation of the machine.
Figs. 2 and 3 are an elevation and à section respectively of the counterweight
Fig. 4 is a plan of the inachine.
Fig. 5 is a plan illustrating the second or compensating notion.
Fig. 6 is an elevation of the platten with the nut into which the central shaft
is screwed; the latter carrying the parts producing the compensating motion
aforesaid:
Fig. 7 is a plan of Fig. 6.
Fig. 8 is a side view in elevation of Fig. 6.
Fig. 9 is à plan of Fig. 8.
Fig. 10 shows in elevation the working tools fixed at the end of the spokes or

page_text: Fig. 1 is a plan of Fig. 10.
Fig. 12 is a sectional elevation of Fig. 11.
Fig. 13 is a plan of Fig. 12.
My improved machine is carried by a framework consisting of two transverse
sides connected together by the tie rods a (Figs. 1 and 4). The ends A are
fixed at right angles to the two sides A and have a similar shape being likewise
connected together by the tie rods a. The upper part of the sides and ends A
and A respectively have the shape of a prismatic rib. On the upper part of
the frame work rest four plattens C under both sides of which is cut an angular
groove which fits into the prismatic rib aforesaid.
This arrangement has for its object to hold the plattens together so as to allow
them a slight lateral motion.
The centre of the frame work receives a hollow shaft D screwed at its base
into a platten provided with a nut E Figs. 6, 7, 8 and 9. This shaft may be
of cast iron, steel, or any other suitable material and should have a diameter and
a height proportionate to the size of the working parts.
A central platten Figs. 6, 7 and 9 is fixed inside the frame work by means of
tabs f bolted to the lateral ends A', its upper part resting on the extremity of A
and A. This platten is provided with a nut on the lower part of which is placed
a collar fl carrying the parts imparting a complementary motion (Fig. 5) held
thereon by a nut screwed on the screw f. These parts consist of a boss G on
the outside of which are cast four slotted metal arms g arranged at right angles.
In each slot is guided, by a pin g³, an intermediate rod g' connected with each
platten.
The circular motion of the said parts upon the axis is imparted by a rod
one end of which carries a pinion gearing with a cog wheel mounted on the said
boss while its other end has a crank handle which protrudes from the frame work.
This complementary motion has for its object to allow a width proportionate
to the length determined by the spokes of the working parts.
The spokes or arms of the machine consist of two rectangular pieces H and H¹
the first of which is cast on a truncated cone + while the other H is cast on a
sleeve h6, both the cone and sleeve being mounted on the central shaft D; cach
piece is strengthened by longitudinal ribs h and hand transverse ribs he and h³.
On the extreme part of each spoke is formed a slot I wherein slides a tool holder
carrying the carving tool. The truncated cone turns on a similar conical
portion of the shaft D, and is held in its vertical position by a nut h5. The
sleeve he acts as a bearing at its upper and lower parts to avoid friction on the
shaft D. The piece H has two distinct motions, the first of which is vertical in
order to bring the tool in contact with the material to be carved, while the second
motion is a circular motion around the axle and carries away the piece H.
The driving mechanism comprises the shafts holding the tools and the guides
Figs. 10 and 12. The tool holding shaft K consists of three pieces; a screw
threaded rod terminated at its lower end by a circular head R, this rod being
screwed in a sleeve K' fixed by the nuts K, a socket K2 having a similar shape
to the head R and fixed thereto by a nut K3 which is screwed within the socket K
and a shaft or rod holding the tool K whose upper extremity terminates with a
screw K2 fixed in the socket Kª. At the lower end of this rod or shaft is formed
a recess having the shape of a truncated cone to hold the working tool.
On one side of the shaft is formed a groove K6 wherein enters the rib L5 of a
pulley L. The shaft K is held rigid by a sleeve having arms L' open at both
sides and made of two superposed parts. The pulley L having been mounted on
the shaft K4, the piece L¹ is placed in position so that its ribs 7 may enter the
corresponding grooves of the pulley L on either side. On the upper part of
the sleeve a piece L the opening of which corresponds to half the thickness of the
shaft is secured by screws in the lower part of the same, a similar piece L³ serves
a similar purpose.
In this arrangement the shaft K* is held rigidly in its vertical position by the

page_text: head R at one end and by the sleeve L' at the other. At the lower end a
washer L is screwed under the lower part of the sleeve L³ so as to fix the shaft
in the groove I of the arms or spokes.
The rib L of the pulley L takes into the groove or feather K"; this arrangement
allows the pulley to drive the shaft while at the same time allowing the latter
to slide vertically whilst it revolves.
Fig. 11 is a plan of Fig. 10.
Fig. 13 is an underside view of Fig. 12.
Fig. 2 is an elevation of the parts of the counterweight which are fixed on
the upper end of the hollow central shaft D. The object of this counter-weight
is to hold the spokes or arms H¹ suspended so that the tool holder or shaft K
and hence the tool shall not come in contact with the material to be carried
this contact only taking place when depressing the guide M. This counterweight
consists of 4 grooved pulleys N (Figs. 2 and 3) mounted on four supports cast in
one piece with a disc N', the central perforation of which has a smaller diameter
than the shaft D, the said disc holding the spokes in a longitudinal position.
The disc N bears upon balls n' arranged in a race formed in the periphery
of the shaft D so that they may roll in the groove 2 of the said disc or plate N.
Over these four pulleys pass wire ropes attached at ho to one end to the spokes or
arms H and at the other to a counter weight suspended inside the shaft D, this
counter weight holding the spokes H and hence the driving mechanism in
equilibrium.
This improved carving machine operates as follows: the pattern to be reproduced
is fixed on one of the plattens C, under the guide M. On the three other plattens
is placed the wood or other material requiring to be carved; a suitable tool is
fastened into the truncated cone of the shaft K, and a tracer is fixed to
the spoke of the guide M, and has the same diameter as the tool O.
The three pulleys L are rotated at the same time by an endless strap driven
by the motor pulley.
When carving, the operative places his two hands on the handles of the guide M
which he lowers, so as to bring the tracer in contact with the model and the tools
in contact with the material requiring to be carved and fixed upon the plattens C.
The guide M is now moved horizontally while describing a circular, segment
forward and backward in order that the tracer may follow the sinuosities of model
and that the tools may corespondingly cut or burrow into the material placed
under them.
The counterpoise has follows the same horizontal motion, of the spokes H and H¹
the ring N rolling upon the antifriction balls a.
When a first segment has been covered on the model, the tool of each spoke
having cut out a corresponding portion of the material which is being carved, the
four plattens are moved towards the axis of the machine by the feeding mechanism
shewn in Fig. 5, Sheet 3.
These two horizontal and vertical or forward and backward and up and down
motions are reneated until the whole of the surface of the model has been covered
by the tracer 0¹.
It will be easily understood that, according to the width of the portion cut out
at each segmental stroke of the tracer and to that of the tools the reproduction
of the model will be more or less finished.
To produce a larger specimen than the anodel it is sufficient to bring the
guide M nearer the axis of the machine any suitable distance while the shaft or
shafts K are moved away a corresponding distance from this axis. In this
arrangement the guide M being nearer the axis describes a shorter segment of
circle while the tools, being further apart, describe a correspondingly larger
segment.
But as the model must be proportionally enlarged throughout its surface in
width as well as in length, the compensating mechanism, Fig. 5, is used to
produced a corresponding width similarly as the length was produced by the

page_text: shifting of the tools relatively to the axis of the machine. To attain this end I
adjust the position of the platten by bringing the rod g corresponding to the
platten of the tracer 0 nearer to the axis of the machine the same distance as
the said tracer, while the rods g¹ corresponding to the platten for the tools O
are removed from the axis the same distance as their respective tools.
By this arrangement I may if desired simultaneously carve with one model
three separate re-productions having each a different size, all in mathematical
proportions, by putting the three shafts K and their respective rods 'g' at 'three
different distances from the axis.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is:
1. In a machine for carving or cutting wood stone and the like the horizontal
and vertical motions of the spokes H and H¹ turning around the axle D with the
object of describing a segment of a circle in each motion substantially as herein
described and shown.
2. The new quadrangular arrangement of the framework relatively to that of
the spokes H and H' and the arrangement of the platens sliding in grooves sub-
stantially as herein described and shown..
3. The arrangement of the tool holders K* fitted on the ball joint R and in a
mantle L the arrangement of fixed pulleys L and of the tenon L which fits
in the groove K6 to impart a rotary motion to the tool holders K substantially
as herein described and shown and for the purpose specified.
4. The counterweight whose supporting ring slides upon antifriction balls 'at
the end of a hollow shaft D to equilibrate the rods H and the tool holders K4
which they support substantially as herein described and shown and for the
purpose set forth.
5. The improved machine for carving wood and other material arranged con-
structed and operating substantially as herein described and shown and for the
purpose set forth.
Dated this. 23rd day of June
DE KATOW & Co.,
Agents for the Applicant.