IMPROVEMENTS IN WRAPPERS OR PAPERS FOR NEEDLES, AND IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR STICKING NEEDLES THEREIN
Year: 1863

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to George Davies, of No. 1, Serle Street, Lincoln's Inn,
in the County of Middlesex, and No. 28, St. Enoch Square, in the City
of Glasgow, Civil Engineer and Patent Agent, for the Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN WRAPPERS OR PAPERS FOR NEEDLES, AND IN MACHINERY
OR APPARATUS FOR STICKING NEEDLES THEREIN."-A communication from
abroad by George Penrice Farmer, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the
United States of America.
Sealed the 19th May 1863, and dated the 24th March 1863.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said George Davies at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 24th
March 1863.
I, GEORGE DAVIES, of No. 1, Serle Street, Lincoln's Inn, in the County of
Middlesex, and No. 28, St. Enoch Square, in the City of Glasgow, Civil
Engineer and Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of the said Inven-
tion for "IMPROVEMENTS IN WRAPPERS OR PAPERS FOR NEEDLES, AND IN MACHINERY
OR APPARATUS FOR STICKING NEEDLES THEREIN," (a communication to me from
abroad by George Penrice Farmer, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the
United States of America,) to be as follows:-
This Invention consists, firstly, of a strip of paper or other suitable material
into which the needles are stuck and arranged separately from each other, the
paper with its needles being permanently attached to a wrapper arranged for
folding over and enclosing the needles.

page_text: Tho object of the improved wrapper is to prevent that loss of needles which
frequently takes place on removing them from or replacing them in ordinary
wrappers.
Secondly, this Invention consists of certain mechanism for the sticking of
uniform rows of needles in ridges formed on a continuous strip of paper
preparatory to the formation of the above-mentioned wrappers, and is con-
structed as follows:-In the lower portion of a hopper a number of longi-
tudinal partitions are arranged at equal distances apart from each other, the
space between the bases of two adjacent partitions being sufficient to admit
one needle only, and each partition being bevilled from the base to the top.
Near each lower corner of the hopper is a lug, and from these lugs project
pins, the latter fitting snugly in suitable openings in blocks secured to a table.
These blocks are so arranged in respect to the lugs that the former serve to
guide the latter during a slight lateral movement which has to be imparted to
the hopper. From one side of the hopper projects a bar which passes through
an opening in one of the blocks, a somewhat similar bar projecting from the
opposite side of the hopper and passing through an opening in the other block.
The greater part of the rear end of the table is so cut away as to leave only
narrow side strips, along the inner sides of which are attached guide rods.
Secured to and projecting from the ends of the strips are two brackets, in
which the journals of a cranked shaft have their bearings. To the crank of
the shaft is connected one end of a rod, the opposite end of which is jointed to
a projection on a cross head, which is guided by the rods above named, and to
which a reciprocating motion is imparted by the crank shaft. From the cross
head projects a number of rods, the outer ends of which rest in channels cut
longitudinally in the table, one rod in each channel, the channels and rods
being as regards their number and distances apart the same as the spaces
between the bevilled partitions in the hopper. On the table in front of the
hopper are erected the standards for carrying a flanged spool for containing
the roll of paper into which the needles are to be inserted. The lower ends
of the standards pass through and act as guides for a crimping block, which is
depressed by springs coiled round the standards, and bearing at one end
against collars on the said standards, and at the other end upon the upper
surface of the block. Directly beneath the crimper and across the table are
cut two grooves at right angles to and deeper than the channels, and into
these grooves the projections on the under side of the crimping block fit. To
the top of the crimping block is attached a plate, projections on which carry
pullies bearing upon the upper edge of a yoke which passes around the block
and is jointed at one end to a stationary arm sccured to the side of the table,

page_text: the opposite end of the yoke being provided with a pulley. To the end of the
table are secured two arms, in the ends of which turn the journals of a
triangular block. From each corner of the latter project a series of fine sharp
points, and on each face of this block near one edgo is a flat plate, the ends of
which project through and are guided by slots in the sides of the block,
and near each end of this plato is fastened a hook, to which is secured one end
of a spiral spring, the other end of the spring being held by a hook on the
face of and near the opposite edge of the block. The end of the axle of the
triangular block carries a ratchet wheel, into the teeth of which engages the
end of a flat spring secured to the table, and on the outer face of the ratchet
wheel are placed, at regular distances from each other, three pins carrying fric-
tion rollers. The paper from the spool passes under the crimping block; along
the face of the table, over the upper face of the triangular block and its sliding
plate, and over the outer row of sharp points on the edge of the block; the
paper is thus held at one end by these points, suitable tension being imparted
to it by the friction of a spring against the spool. The needles are then
thrown into the hopper, care being taken that their points shall be directed
towards the crimper, those needles first thrown in being directed by the
bevilled partitions to the bottom of the spaces between the said partitions on
the face of the table, where they rest at points between the channels of the
said table.
When the machine is set in motion the hopper is first pushed transversely
across the table, causing the spaces between the partitions of the hopper to
coincide with the channels in the table, so that the needles, which are also
pushed laterally, must drop one needle into each channel; the hopper is then
immediately forced laterally by a spring to its former position, so that the
partitions are directly above the row of needles, which are thus inclosed in:
covered channels. The cross head is then moved forward by the crank shaft,
and the ends of the rods striking the heads of the needles push them along
the channels beneath the crimping block, and between the projections of the
said block. Prior to this forward movement of the needles the paper bas
been pressed down by the projections of the crimper into the grooves, thereby
forming two ridges, which are penetrated by the points of the needles as they
move along the channels; the crimping block is then raised, the triangular:
block being turned à portion of a revolution advances the paper, and the
operation is repeated.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said George Davies in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
24th September 1863.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, GEORGE
DAVIES, of No. 1, Serle Street, Lincoln's Inn, in the County of Middlesex,
and No. 28, St. Enoch Square, in the City of Glasgow, Civil Engineer and
Patent Agent, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Twenty-fourth day of March, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, in the twenty-sixth year of Her
reign, did, for Herself, IIer heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the
said George Davies, Her special license that J, the said George Davies, my
executors, administrators, or assigns, or such others as I, the said George
Davies, my executors, administrators, or 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 Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
WRAPPERS OR PAPERS FOR NEEDLES, AND IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR
STICKING NEEDLES THEREIN," (being a communication to me from abroad by
George Penrice Farmer, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the United States of
America, upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said Georgo Davies,
my executors or administrators, by an instrument 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 months next and immediately after the date of the
said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said George Davies, do hereby declare
the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be per-
formed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement in writing, and on reference to the accompanying Drawings, that is
to say:
This Invention consists, firstly, of a strip of paper or other suitable material
into which the needles are stuck and arranged separately from each other, the
paper with its needles being permanently attached to a wrapper arranged for
folding over and enclosing the needles, substantially as described hereafter.
The object of the improved wrapper is to prevent that loss of needles which

page_text: frequently takes place on removing them from or replacing them in ordinary
wrappers.
Secondly, this Invention consists of certain mechanism, fully described' here-
after, for the sticking of uniform rows of needles in ridges formed on a
continuous strip of paper preparatory to the formation of the above-mentioned
wrappers.
Such being the nature and object of the said Invention for "Improvements
in Wrappers or Papers for Needles, and in Machinery or Apparatus for
Sticking Needles therein," I will now proceed to describe more in detail the
manner in which the same is to be or may be performed or carried into
practical effect; and in order that the same may be distinctly understood,
I have annéxed hereunto a Sheet of Drawings illustrative thereof, and
have marked the same with figures and letters of reference corresponding
with those in the following explanation thereof, that is to say :-
On reference to the first part of the Invention, which is represented in the
Drawing by Figures 10, 11, and 12, Figure 10 shows the improved needle
holder and wrapper, as it appears when open; Figure 11, a section on the
line 1, 2, Figure 10; and Figure 12, a view of the wrapper and holder when
folded up.
B is a strip of paper or other suitable material, on which are raised two
transverse ridges a, a, and into, these ridges are stuck the needles e. Tho
upper edge of the holder B is gummed or otherwise permanently secured to
the upper edge of the wrapper A, which is of such a size that when folded on
the lines y (Figure 10) it will completely envelope the holder and the needles.
and assume the form represented in Figure 12.
In the ordinary wrapper or case now employed the needles are laid loosely
side by side, and many are lost by dropping from the package while one is
being removed or replaced, which cannot occur in using the improved
wrapper from which one needle may be detached and reinserted in the holder
without the least liability of disturbing any of the others.
In reference to the second part of the Invention, represented by Figures 1
to 9 inclusive. Figure 1 is a sectional elevation of the machine for sticking
needles in strips of paper; Figure 2, a transverse vertical section on the
line 1, 2, Figure 1; Figure 3, a plan view; Figures 4, 5, and 6 detached
views of parts of the machine; Figures 7, 8, and 9 detached views drawn
to an enlarged scale. Similar letters refer to similar parts throughout the
several views.
A is an oblong box or hopper resting on a table or platform B, which is

page_text: supported by suitable legs c, c, c, c, secured to the base plate Z. In the lower
portion of the hopper A, a number of longitudinal partitions i are arranged at
equal distances apart from each other, the space between the bases of two
adjacent partitions being sufficient to admit one needle only, and each partition
being bevelled from the base to the top. Near each lower corner of the
hopper is a lug d, and from these lugs project pins ¹, the latter fitting snugly
in suitable openings in blocks h and h¹ secured to the table B; these blocks
are so arranged in respect to the lugs d, d, that the former serve to guide the
latter during a slight lateral movement which has to be imparted to the
hopper, as described hereafter. From one side of the hopper projects the
bar m, which passes through an opening in the block h, a somewhat similar
bar m projecting from the opposite side of the hopper and passing
through an opening in the block h' (see Figures 2 and 4). A set screw o in
the head of the curved spring V (the latter being secured to the table B)
presses against the end of the block m', and tends to maintain the hopper in
the position shown in Figure 4. The greater part of the rear end of the
table B is so cut away as to leave only the narrow side strips J, J', along the
inner sides of which are attached the guide rods II, H'. Secured to and
projecting from the ends of the strips J and J', are the brackets G and G', in
which the journals of the cranked shaft D' have their bearings, and on one
end of this crank shaft is the cog wheel D, which gears into a similar cog
wheel I hung loosely on a stationary pin l' attached to and projecting from the
side of the table B. The opposite end of the crank shaft D¹ carries the cog
wheel K, which gears into a similar cog wheel K', the latter gearing into a
like wheel T, the latter two wheels being hung on pins secured to the side of
the table B..
In Figure 1 the several cog wheels are shown by simple red and blue lines
To the crank of the shaft D' is connected one end of the rod F, the opposite
end of which is jointed to a projection c on the cross head E, which is guided
by the rods H and H', and to which a reciprocating motion is imparted by the
crank shaft. From the cross head E projects a number of rods k, the outer
ends of which rest in channels t cut longitudinally in the table B, one rod in
each channel, the channels and rods being, as regards their number and
distances apart, the same as the spaces between the bevilled partitions i in the
hopper A. On the table B in front of the hopper are erected the standards M
and M', in the upper ends of which turns the flanged spool Y for containing
the roll of paper into which the needles are to be inserted. .A spring 2 is
attached to the inside of oue of the standards M or M', and is arranged to

page_text: bear against the side of the spool, so as to impart a suitable friction to the
latter. The lower ends of the standards pass through and act as guides for
the crimping block L, which is depressed by springs q, q, coiled round the
standards, and bearing at one end against collars on the said standards, and at
the other end upon the upper surface of the block. Directly beneath tho
crimper L and across the table are cut two grooves y, y, (Figures 1, 6, and 7,)
situated at right angles to and deeper than the channels t, and into these
grooves y fit the projections a on the under side of the crimping block L, the
projections being so arranged as not to obstruct the channels t when the block
is depressed, but to enter the grooves y at points between the channels (see
Figure 6). To the top of the block L is attached a plate S, projections on
which carry pullies e, e, bearing upon the upper edge of a yoke O, which
passes around the block and is jointed at one end to a stationary arm N
secured to the side of the table B, the opposite end of the yoke being provided
with a pulley r. From the side of the block L nearest the hopper project
brackets in which turns the roller p, the object of which will be explained
hereafter. To the end of the table B are secured the arms P and P³, in the
ends of which turn the journals of the triangular block Q. From each corner
of the latter project a series of fine sharp points U, and on each face of this
block near one edge is a flat plate R, the ends of which project through and
are guided by slots in the sides of the block, and near each end of this plate is
fastened a book, to which is secured ono end of a spiral spring 5, the other
end of the spring being held by a hook on the face of and near the opposite
edge of the block. Tho ends of the arms P and P' are rounded off to the
shape illustrated in Figure 1, for a purpose explained hereafter. The end of
the axle 7 of the triangular block Q carries a ratchet wheel Q¹, into the teeth
of which engages the end of a flat spring R', secured to the plate B, and on
the outer face of the ratchet wheel are placed, at regular distances from each
other, three pins, carrying the friction rollers 6, 6, 6. On the outer face of the
wheel T is secured an arm or lever y', and on the inner face a cam block t.
In a projection 8 on the inner face of the wheel I turns a pulley , the object
of which will be rendered apparent hereafter.
The operation of the machine is as follows:-The different parts of the
machine being in the relative positions illustrated in Figures 1, 2, and 3, tho
end of the roll of paper x (shown by blue lines) on the spool Y is passed down
beneath the roller p (Figure 1), under the crimping block L, along the face of
the table B, over the upper face of the triangular block Q and its sliding
plate R, and over the outer row of sharp points U on the edge of the block
(see Figure 8); the paper is thus held at one end by these points, suitablo

page_text: tension being imparted to it by the friction of the spring 2 against the spool.
The needles are then thrown into the hopper A, care being taken that their
points shall be directed towards the crimper L, those needles first thrown in
being directed by the bevilled partitions i to the bottom of the spaces between
the said partitions on the face of the table B, where they rest at points between
the channels t, t, of the said table (see Figure 2). The machine is set in
motion by turning the wheel D in the direction of its arrow, when the follow-
ing operations will be accomplished:-As the wheel I turns, the pulley lis
brought in contact with the block m, thereby pushing the hopper transversely
across the table, and causing the spaces between the partitions of the hopper to
.coincide with the channels t, Figure 4, so that the needles, which are also pushed
laterally, must drop one needle into each channel. As the wheel I continues
i
its revolution, the pulley recedes from the block m, when the hopper is
immediately forced laterally by the spring V to its former position, so that the
partitions are directly above the row of needles, which are thus enclosed in
covered channels. The cros shead E is then moved forward by the crank
shaft D', and the ends of the rods k striking the heads of the needles push
them along the channels t, beneath the crimping block L, and between the
projections a of the said block to the position shown by the red line 9, Figure 1.
Prior to this forward movement of the needles, the paper x has been pressed
down by the projections a of the crimper into the grooves y, thereby forming
two ridges, which are penetrated by the points of the needles as they move
along the channels t (Figure 7). As the rods are drawn back by the crank
shaft, the face of the cam block l on the wheel T moves beneath and raises the
pulley r, and, with it the yoke O and crimping block L, which bears on the
yoke through the medium of the friction wheels e. While the block Lis
being elevated, the end of the arm y', on the outside of the wheel T strikes
the nearest projection 6 on the face of the ratchet wheel Q', thereby causing
the triangular block Q to move to the extent of one-third of a revolution in the
direction of its arrow, and to draw from the spool and from beneath the a
crimping block a quantity of paper equal in length to that of one face of the
block Q. The rods k are then brought to the limit of their backward move-
ment; the block L drops by the action of the springs q, and the movements
are continued as before until the triangular block Q is again caused to make
a part of a revolution by the arm y'. As this block revolves in the directions
of its arrow, and the corner to which the paper is held by the points U passes
the ends of the arms P, the projecting ends of the plate R strike the rounded
ends of the said arms, which push the plate forward to the position shown in
Figure 9, so as to strip the paper from the points U, the points on the opposito

page_text: corner of the triangular block having in the meantime entered the paper at 3
(Figure 1) so as to hold it while the block turns, and draws it forward until
one face of the block is level with that of the table B, in which position the
paper remains stationary for a sufficient length of time to allow the needles to
penetrate the ridges to the extent desired.
It will be observed that a rod w projects from the rear of the hopper A, and
that there is a slot w¹ in the cross head E; as long as the needles are properly
directed from the hopper into the channels t the rod w prosents no obstruc-
tion to the uniform reciprocating motion of the cross head, but should one or
more of the needles remain partly in the hopper and partly in the channel, the
lateral motion of the hopper would be prevented, so that on the forward move-
ment of the cross head the slot w¹ would not coincido with the rod w, tho
latter consequently obstructing the movement of the cross head, and thereby
stopping the machine.
It will now be seen, without further description, that tho result of the above
operations is the sticking of uniform rows of needles in ridges formed on a
continuous strip of paper, the rows being at equal distances apart from each
other.
Having now described the nature and object of the said Invention for
Improvements in Wrappers or Papers for Needles, and in Machinery or
Apparatus for Sticking Needles therein," together with the manner in which
the same is to be or may be performed or carried into practical effect, I would
remark, in conclusion, that I claim as the Invention communicated to me by
the above-named George Penrice Farmer,-
Firstly, the holder B and wrapper A when constructed and arranged for
holding the needles, and folding over and enclosing the same, substantially as
and for the purpose herein set forth.
Secondly, the use of the partitions i, i, in the hopper A for the purpose of
separating the needles from each other, arranging them in a row, and deter-
mining the number contained in each row.
Thirdly, the hopper A with its partitions i, in combination with the channels
t, t, in the table B, when a lateral motion is imparted to the hopper by the
devices described or their equivalents for the purpose specified.
Fourthly, the reciprocating rods k, k, adapted to the channels t, t, of the
table B, and arranged in respect to the hopper A and its partitions, and opera-
ting substantially as specified.
Fifthly, the crimping block L with its projections a, the channels t, t, and
transverse grooves y, the whole being arranged as to act on the paper substan-
tially as and for the purpose herein set forth.

page_text: Sixthly, the use of a block Q, having three or any other convenient number
of sides, with points U at the corners, and having an intermittent revolving
motion for the purpose of drawing the paper forward and determining the
distance apart of the rows of needles to be stuck into the paper.
Seventhly, the plates R arranged on the block Q, and operating so as to strip
the paper from the points U, substantially as specified.
Eighthly, providing the hopper A with the rod wor its equivalent, the
same being so constructed and arranged in respect to the cross head E that
should the partitions in the hopper fail to direct the needles to their destina-
tion, the said rod will at once retard the further movement of the machine.
In witness whercof, I, the said George Davies, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty-third day of September, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-three.
GEORGE DAVIES. (L.S.)