IMPROVEMENTS IN SEWING MACHINES
Year: 1865

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Robert Barclay, Engineer, of Kilmarnock, in the
County of Ayr, North Britain, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
SEWING MACHINES."
Sealed the 22nd August 1865, and dated the 27th February 1865.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Robert Barclay at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 27th
February 1865.
I, ROBERT BARCLAY, Engineer, of Kilmarnock, in the County of Ayr,
North Britain, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention of "Im-
PROVEMENTS IN SEWING MACHINES," to be as follows, that is to say :-
The improvements embodied in this Invention consist chiefly in so com-
bining and arranging many of the working parts in sewing machines that they
are rendered much more efficient and durable than heretofore.
The body of the machine, consisting of a sole plate and projecting trunk,
may be similar to many now in use, and the main or actuating shaft which
passes through the trunk has an overhung pulley and fly wheel keyed on one
end, and on the other end there is keyed a particularly shaped cam for
working the forward motion of the feed bar. At a certain short distance
from the centre of the main shaft a crank pin is passed through the cam,
upon which pin two friction rollers run loose, one on each side of the

page_text: cam. The overhung part of this crank pin with its friction rollers gears and
works within a heart-shaped quadrant attached to the needle bar, and gives to
it the required reciprocating vertical motions at each revolution. The inside
part of the crank pin comes in contact with a small bell crank, which at each
revolution raises the spring detent of the feed bar and admits of the backward
motion of said bar when little or no weight is on the cloth. The needle and
feed bars work vertically and nearly parallel with each other in guides formed
on the inside of the front plate of the machine. Notwithstanding the vertical
motion of the feed bar, it is also, at its lower end only, free to move trans-
versely to an extent equalling the required pitch of feed, and the backward
motion of this feed bar is accomplished by a projection on the needle bar
acting through a small lever on the feed bar. When the needle bar with its
needle has risen sufficiently high to clear the cloth the feed cam comes in
contact with a small lever, which being connected through a slot in the feed
bar gives to it the forward or take-up motion, and for so much of the revo-
Jution retains the bar in position until the downward motion of the needle bar
and its projection comes in contact with the small lever acting on the feed
bar; at the same moment the cam has turned so as to disengage the feed
bar, and the backward motion of it is accomplished when the needle is so far
through the cloth. The novelty in this arrangement of feed motion consists
in causing the descent of the needle bar to produce the backward motion of
the feed bar. The motion for working the shuttle slide or driver in this
machine is communicated from an overhung crank pin through the inter-
vention of a connecting rod to a horizontal rocking shaft just underneath the
sole plate.
This shaft has an overbung spanner on each end, the one
receiving motion from the connecting rod, and the other transmitting it through
'a short link attached to the shuttle slide or driver. The tension holes in this
shuttle are similar to those of other machines, but in addition to these holes a
small projecting arm is fixed in the inside of the shuttle, and an eye or hole is
formed in the projecting end of this arm so that the thread may be laced
through it and one or more of the shuttle holes, producing, as it were, the
lacing of the even numbers as well as the odd numbers, so that by this means
the tension may be adjusted to the greatest nicety. The saddle supporting
the work in this arrangement is fluted in the direction of the stitch on each
side of the needle hole and guides the cloth in a straight line.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Robert Barclay in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
26th August 1865.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, ROBERT
BARCLAY, Engineer, of Kilmarnock, in the County of Ayr, North Britain, send
greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Twenty-seventh day of February, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-five, in the twenty-eighth year
of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto
me, the said Robert Barclay, Her special licence that I, the said Robert
Barclay, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I,
the said Robert Barclay, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should
at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time and. at all times
thereafter. during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might
make, use, exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Ireland, the Chanuel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IM-
PROVEMENTS IN SEWING MACHINES," upon the condition (amongst others) that
I, the said Robert Barclay, my executors or administrators, by an instru-
ment in writing under my, or their, or one of their hands and seals, should
particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in
what manner the same was to be performed, and cause the same to be
filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar inonths next and
immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Robert Barclay, do hereby declare
the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be
perforined, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the fol-
lowing statement, reference being had to the accompanying Drawings, and to
the letters and figures marked thereon, that is to say:-
My said Invention consists chiefly in so combining and arranging many of
the working parts in sewing machines that they are rendered much more
efficient and durable than heretofore.
The body of the machine, consisting of a sole plate and projecting trunk,
may be similar to many now in use, and the main or actuating shaft which
passes through the trunk has an overhung pulley and fly wheel keyed on one
end, and on the other end there is keyed a particularly shaped cam for working
the forward motion of the feed bar. At a certain short distance from the
centre of the main shaft a crank pin is passed through the cam, upon which

page_text: pin two friction rollers run loose, one on each side of the cam. The overhung
part of this crank pin with its friction roller gears and works within a heart-
shaped quadrant attached to the needle bar, and gives to it the required
reciprocating vertical motions at each revolution. The inside part of the
crank pin comes in contact with a small bell crank, which at each revolution
raises the spring detent of the feed bar and admits of the backward motion of
said bar when little or no weight is on the cloth. The needle and feed bars
work vertical and nearly parallel with each other in guides formed on the
inside of the front plate of the machine, notwithstanding the vertical motion
of the feed bar; it is also at its lower end only free to move transversely to
an extent equalling the required pitch of feed, and the backward motion of
this feed bar is accomplished by a projection on the needle bar acting through
a small lever on the feed bar. When the needle bar with its needle has risen
sufficiently high to clear the cloth the feed cam comes in contact with a
small lever, which, being connected through a slot in the feed bar, gives to it
the forward or take-up motion, and for so much of the revolution retains the
bar in position until the downward motion of the needle bar and its projection
comes in contact with the small lever acting on the feed bar; at the same
moment the cam has turned so as to disengage the feed bars, and the back-
ward motion of it is accomplished when the needle is so far through the cloth.
The novelty in this arrangement of feed motion consists in causing the descent
of the needle bar to produce the backward motion of the feed bar. The
motion for working the shuttle slide or "driver" in this machine is communi-
cated from an overhung crank pin through the intervention of a connecting
rod to a horizontal rocking shaft just underneath the sole plate. This shaft
has an overhung "spanner" on each end, the one receiving motion from the
connecting rod, and the other transmitting it through a short link attached to
the shuttle slide or "driver." The tension holes in this shuttle are similar to
those of other machines, but in addition to these holes a small projecting arm
is fixed in the inside of the shuttle, and an eye or hole is formed in the pro-
jecting end of this arm so that the thread may be laced through it and one
'or more of the shuttle holes, producing, as it were, the lacing of the even
numbers as well as the odd numbers, so that by this means the tension may
be adjusted to the greatest nicety. The saddle supporting the work in this
arrangement is fluted in the direction of the stitch on each side of the needle
hole, and guides the cloth in a straight line.
And in order that my said Invention may be properly understood, I shall
now proceed to describe the several illustrative Figures upon the Sheet of
explanatory Drawings which I have hereunto appended-for the purpose of

page_text: showing certain modifications under which my improvements may be judiciously
carried out in practice, similar reference letters being employed to indicate
similar or corresponding parts in all the Figures.
Figures 1 and 2 are respectively a side and end elevation of a complete
sewing machine, shown as detached from its supporting table and driving gear
or prime mover, constructed in accordance with and embodying one modifi-
cation of several of the improvements embraced in my Invention. The sole
plate a and standard and projecting trunk b, forming the body of the machine,
as well as the main driving shaft c and mechanism for working the needle
bar d, and several of the working parts, are or may be made very similar to
many sewing machines now in use.
The first important improvement embodied in this Invention consists
essentially in the arrangement and mechanism for working what I term the
" upper feed bar" A, shown detached in Figures 3, 4, and 5 respectively in
side and edge elevation and horizontal section. This "upper feed bar " A,
which, by preference, takes somewhat the appearance and position of the
ordinary "presser foot bar" in machines fed by a motion below, is carried in
recesses or guides formed in the back of the front plate K, shown detached in
back vertical elevation in Figure 6, so as to be capable of moving steadily in
a vertical direction and also laterally at its lower end for a short distance
equal to the greatest feed or length of stitch required. The feed bar A has a
toothed foot formed on its lower end, which rests on the cloth or other work to
be stitched as near the needle as possible, and near its centre a slot is formed
for the reception of the free end of the lever B, which slot, although much
longer than the end of the lever B, is a good fit laterally. This lever B,
which is jointed at its back end to a snug C on the lower side of the trunk b,
as shown in Figure 1, has two motions, a vertical and a lateral one, commu-
nicated to it near its free end during one revolution of the shaft c, or one up-
and-down stroke of the needle. The vertical motion is caused by the
spring D, which presses the lever B and feed bar A down, and also by the
cam roller E coming in contract with the vertical arın of the small bell
crank F, which causes the end of the horizontal arm acting on the under side
of the lever B to raise it against the power of the spring D for an instant, and
allows the feed bar to rise, so that its foot or teeth will be clear of the cloth.
The backward lateral motion of the feed bar A and lever B is caused by the
downward motion of the usual needle bar d, which has the small cam or pro-
jection G fixed on it, and when the needle bar d has descended so far that the
needle is through the cloth the cam G comes in contact with the upper end
of the vertical lever H, which presses back the feed bar A by the projection I
.:

page_text: on its lower end. The lever H, working on a central stud in the inside of
the front plate K, is shown detached in edge and side views in Figures 7
and 8 respectively, and also dotted in position in Figure 2. The front plate K
is removed in Figure 2, and shown as turned round in Figure 6, so that by
examining the recesses or guides the position and action of the lever H and
the feed and needle bars A and d will be understood. The forward lateral
or up-take motion of the feed bar A and lever B
may
be more particularly
described and understood by referring to Figures 9 and 10, which show in
detailed side and end views the small intermediate slide M and lever N, which
transmit the motion from the actuating cam O on the shaft c. A projection L
on the slide M at each revolution of the shaft c comes in contact with the
lever B when the cam O has turned into position to act on the upper end of
the lever N. The shape of the cam O, as shown in Figure 2, which is formed
by two concentric arcs joined two short straight surfaces, shows that for
about one-fourth of a revolution the lever N is held stationary after it has
received the full stroke of the cam; in this position corresponding to the
extreme forward stroke of the feed bar A. To enable the attendant to vary
or adjust the stroke of the canı O, a small screw P is inserted through the
lower end of the lever N, and is retained in position by a friction spring on
the back of the lever N. It will now be understood that if the screw P,
which acts on the end of the slide M, be withdrawn for one or two turns, the
effect will be a diminution of the stroke of the slide M, and consequently a
less transverse notion is imparted to the feed bar A in its forward or up-take
motion, or vice versa, thereby varying the amount of feed in accordance with
the work required in a very simple and efficient manner. The saddle plate Q
underneath the cloth is fluted or formed with smooth parallel grooves in the
direction of the seam, as shown in the plan, Figure 3, of the sole plate a, the
object of which is to produce a more perfectly straight seam than heretofore,
whilst at the same time, if required, the cloth may be turned to suit any curve
or pattern with the greatest ease or nicety. The arrangement of mechanism
for working the shuttle slide, which is also one of the improvements embodied
in this Invention, will be understood by referring to Figures 1 and 2. The
overhung crank pin R in the side of the band pulley of the main shaft c and
its connecting rod S give motion to the rocking shaft T through the lever or
spanner" U, which again gives motion to the shuttle slide e through the
"spanner" V and its connecting link W. The heart-shaped quadrant f
attached to and through which the needle bar d receives its motion, being
pearly the same in some machines heretofore in use, need not be further
described, as the position and motion of the quadrant or cam platef and

page_text: needle bar d in relation to the new improvements embraced in this Invention
will be sufficiently understood by referring to Figures 1 and 2.
Figure la is a side elevation of the front end of the trunk b, actuating
shaft c, and needle bar d of a sewing machine analogous to that shown and
described in reference to Figure 1, except that in this case it is fitted with
and illustrates a new and improved arrangement of "positive take-up motion"
of or for the slack of the upper thread caused at the first of the descending
stroke of the needle bar, and which I would in some instances prefer to use
or adopt along with my other improvements in sewing machines in preferencé
to those at present in use for the same purpose. In this arrangement the
thread g from the bobbin h is passed direct from the point of the usual tension
spindle i, or other tensional mechanism, through the stationary eye X, and
then through an eye in the end of the upper arm of the duplex or bell-crank
lever Y, carried by and fulcrumed on a stud in the bracket j before passing
through the eye d at the upper end of the needle bar d on its way to the eye
of the needle. Upon the shaft c a small disc Z, with an inclined segment or
cam surface, is so fixed and fitted as to act upon the pendent arm of the
lever Y that its upper arm carries up the loose thread g, caused by the descent
of the needle bar d, at the proper rate and time to prevent all slackness at the
parts
and also of g, between the cam and the eye of the needle, at the
first part of the descending stroke of the needle bar, or just before the needle
enters the seam or work.
.
Figures 12 and 13 are two vertical elevations of a sewing machine shuttle
fitted with my improved projecting arm and additional hole for giving a more
perfect adjustment of the tension to the thread passing out from it than here-
tofore. This small thin projecting arm J is attached to the under side of the
top of the shuttle in the inside just behind the first of the five or other number
of the usual small tension holes for lacing the thread through before passing
off from the shuttle. That portion of the arm J which projects under the first
of the holes is turned slightly, so as to leave a narrow space between it and the
under side of the top of the shuttle, and it has a small hole pierced through it
in a line with or opposite to the first hole of the series. In Figure 12 the
thread from the bobbin is shown as only passing through the eye or hole in the
arm J on its way to the first hole of the series, through the whole of which it
is laced in succession, passing off at the last or fifth hole, and indicated by
dotted lines as pasing off at the first or third when desired, or as only possible
by this arrangement passing out at the odd numbers or holes marked 1, 3,
and 5 in this Figure in the usual manner.. In Figure 13 the thread is shown
as laced through the additional hole in the arm J, and passed over its upper

page_text: surface, so as to miss the first hole in the top of the shuttle and pass out
at the second, and along the outside of the shuttle and in through the third,
and along the inside, and finally out through the fourth hole, or, as possible by
this arrangement when required, passing out through the even numbers of the
holes, as indicated by the dotted and sharp lines marked 2 and 4 in the Figure,
thus giving an intermediate number of turns or lacings to the thread between
those possible by the usual means, and consequently a much more perfect
power of adjusting the tension of the under thread passing out from the shuttle
of sewing machines than heretofore.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of my said
Invention, and the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried
into effect, I may observe that I do not confine or restrict myself to the
precise details or arrangements which I have had occasion to describe, delineate,
and refer to, as many variations may be made therefrom without departing
from the main or essential features of my Invention, neither do I claim the
form and arrangements of several of the parts by themselves which I have
thought it necessary to delineate and name or refer to for the purpose of
making my Invention understood, and which may to some extent be the same
or analogous to other sewing machines, except in combination with the new
parts and movements forming the main features of my Invention; but what I
consider to be novel and original, and therefore claim as the Invention
secured to me by the herein-before in part recited Letters Patent is,-
First, the general arrangement and construction of sewing machines
essentially as herein-before described, and shown in the accompanying
Drawings, or any mere modification thereof.
Second, the system or method of actuating an "upper feed bar" in sewing
machines, substantially as herein-before described and shown in the accom-
panying Drawings, or any mere modification thereof.
Third, the system or method of forming the "saddle or a portion of the
upper surface of the sole plate of sewing machines which carries the the cloth,
near where the needle works or passes through the cloth and sole plate, with
parallel flutes or grooves in the direction of the seam, substantially as herein-
before described, and shown in the accompanying Drawings, or any mere
modification thereof.
Fourth, the general arrangement and construction of mechanism for trans-
mitting motion to the shuttle slide or "driver" of sewing machines from a
crank pin on the main actuating top shaft, substantially as herein-before
described, and shown in the accompanying Drawings, or any mere modification
thereof.

page_text: Fifth, the system or method of introducing an arm with an additional
tension hole in the shuttle of sewing machines for the purpose of producing a
more perfect tension of the thread, substantially as herein-before described,
and shown in the accompanying Drawings, or any mere modification thereof.
In witness whereof, I, the said Robert Barclay, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this the Twenty-third day of August, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-five.
Witness,
W. R. M. THOMSON,
Patent Agent,
20, Buchanan St.,
Glasgow.
ROBERT BARCLAY. (L.B.)