IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR POINTING WIRE USED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF NEEDLES, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Pra CARD OR HACKED TRETH "
Year: 1873

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Thomas Richards Harding and Thomas Walter
Harding, Card, Comb, and Pin Manufacturers, Tower Works,
Leeds, in the County of York, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS
IN MACHINERY FOR POINTING WIRE USED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF NEEDLES,
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Pra
CARD OR HACKED TRETH
"
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Thomas Richards
Harding and Thomas Walter Harding at the Office of the Com-
missioners of Patents, with their Petition, on the 21st July 1873.
We, THOMAS RICHARDS HARDING and THOMAS WALTER HARDING,
Card, Comb, and Pin Manufacturers, Tower Works, Leeds, in the
County of York, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for
"IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR POINTING WIRE USED IN THE MANufacture
OF NEEDLES, PINS, CARD OR HACKLE TEETH, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES," to be as
follows:-

page_text: In those machines the wires are rolled forward under a roller, the
surface of which is covered with india-rubber, and in their progress are
subjected to the grinding action of a revolving stone, the surface of
which is curved to suit the diameter of the roller.
It is found in practice that the grinding stone wears away much more
on that side at which the wires enter than on that at which they pass
out, and our first improvement consists in equalizing the grinding effect
by using a stone (curved to suit the roller as before), but of conical
shape, so that that side of it at which the wires enter is larger in
diameter than that at which they pass out. By this arrangement we
obtain on that side of the stone where the greatest grinding effect must
take place, both a greater development of grinding surface and a greater
surface speed, in consequnce of which the stone wears away more
equally.
Our conical stone has this further great advantage that on that side
where the under plate approaches nearest to the stone the stone is
smallest in diameter, so that relatively a larger stone can be used than
in the present arrangement, where the diameter of both sides of the stone
is the same.
Our improvements consist further in the superior adjustment of the
top part or table of the machine. This table we make to move vertically
on a hinge, to which by suitable screws, levers, or other suitable
mechanical means actuated by hand wheels or their equivalents a lateral,
longitudinal, and dipping movement can be given. By these means the
table of the machine may without stopping the work be adjusted in any
direction, so as to produce any modification in the grinding effect which
may be desired. Upon the main table of the machine we adapt a second
table or frame secured by set screws, and carrying the pressing roller
and all its accessories, by the adjustment of which the path of movement
of the wires may be readily set at any angle relative to the line of axis
of the stone, so as to obtain various lengths of points.
Instead of making the pressing wheel or roller in one width we make
it of several parts, which may be either brought together or placed at
suitable distances apart, and the iron rim or presser is also separate,
so that its distance from the front edge of the rubber pressing (or
holding) roller may be varied. We drive the roller shaft by a worm and
wheel,

page_text: In the feeding of the wires to the main roller we introduce other.
rollers, tappets, or their equivalents, in order to keep the wires moving
so as to dispense with the action of the hand, and to make the feeding
self-acting.
We also make adjustable the steel band, between which and the main
pressing roller the wires are held and moved forward, and by this
arrangement we are enabled to grind on the same machine wires of very
various diameters or gauge.
Our improvements further consist in the use of artificial stones and
emery wheels moulded to suitable shape, instead of the natural hewn
stones now in use.
The grinder for certain work may be made of artificial stone or metal,
or any other substance, acting with a continuous stream of sand or
emery upon the wires. We are thus able to obtain a more homogeneous
as well as more durable grinding surface.
We construct the framework of the machine of solid and heavy cast-
iron side frames bolted together upon wrought-iron boiler plate ends,
so as to form a very strong box which serves as safeguard in case of a
stone breaking, and (the driving pulleys being outside) also effectually
keeps in the dust produced in working.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said Thomas Richards Harding and Thomas Walter.
Harding in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 21st January
1874.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, we, THOMAS
RICHARDS HARDING and THOMAS WALTER HARDING, Card, Comb, and
Pin Manufacturers, Tower Works, Leeds, in the County of York, send
greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Twenty-first day of July, in the
year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-three, in the thirty-

page_text: seventh year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors,
give and grant unto us, the said Thomas Richards Harding and Thomas
Walter Harding, Her special licence that we, the said Thomas Richards
Harding and Thomas Walter Harding, our executors, administrators,
and assigns, or such others as we, the said Thomas Richards Harding
and Thomas Walter Harding, our 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 Channel Islands, and Isle
of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR POINTING WIRE
USED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF NEEDLES, PINS, CARD OR HACKLE TEETH, AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES," upon the condition (amongst others) that we, the said
Thomas Richards Harding and Thomas Walter Harding, our executors
or administrators, by an instrument in writing under our, or their, or
one or 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 we, the said Thomas Richards Harding and
Thomas Walter Harding, do hereby declare the nature of our said
Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be
particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement,
reference being had to the accompanying Drawings, and to the letters
of reference marked thereon, that is to say:-
Our Invention consists in certain improvements in machinery already
in use for pointing wires in the manufacture of pins, needles, card or
hackle teeth, and for other purposes.
In order that our Invention may be completely understood reference
is given to the accompanying Sheets of Drawings.
In machines of ordinary construction the wires are rolled forward by
a pressing roller, and in their progress are subjected to the grinding
action of a revolving stone the surface of which is curved out of a
cylindrical stone to suit the diameter of the roller. The diameter of the
stone is the same at both sides and is least in the centre. This arrange-
ment is elementarily shewn in Fig. 1, Sheet 4.

page_text: It is found in practice that the grinding stone wears away more on
the side at which the wires enter than at that at which they pass out, so
that those parts of the stone which wear the least have to be kept down
artificially by "racing" or rubbing them with hard emery stone, or
again, by occasionally taking out and reversing the stone.
One of our improvements consists in equalizing the grinding effect by
using a stone curved to suit the pressing roller as before, but of a
conical shape, so that the side of it at which the wires enter is larger in
diameter than that at which they pass out. By this arrangement we
obtain on that side of the stone where the greatest grinding effect takes
place both a greater development of grinding surface and also a greater
surface speed, in consequence of which the stone wears away much more
equally.
Our conical stone is shewn elementarily at Fig. 2, Sheet 4, where it
will be noticed that the centre of the pressing roller a in our arrange-
ment is vertically over the side of the stone b, while in the old arrange-
ment it is over the centre of the stone, the axis of stone being in
both cases horizontal. The conical arrangement possesses this further
advantage that on the side where the under plate (on which the wires
are rolled) approaches nearest to the stone, the stone is smallest in its
diameter, so that relatively a larger stone can be used and shorter wires
can be ground than in the present arrangement where the diameters of
both sides of the stone are the same.
Our improved machine consists essentially of two parts,―
Firstly. The grinding trough or body of the machine.
Secondly. The adjustable inclined table carrying the pressing roller
and its accessories, shewn on Sheets 1 and 2 of the accompanying
Drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a plan; Fig. 2 a side elevation; Fig. 3, a
back clevation; and Fig. 4, a front elevation of the machine; and in
order not to confuse the Drawings the upper part or table is omitted in
Figs. 1 and 2, and in Figs. 3 and 4 it is shewn without its accessories,
its inclined position and all its adjustments being however clearly
indicated.
The table itself with all its detailed parts is shewn on Sheet 3, in
which Fig. 5 represents a front elevation, and Fig. 6 a back clevation;
Fig. 7 a plan; and Fig. 8, a side clevation. The table it will be
by
seen,

page_text: reference to Figs. 3 and 4, Sheet 2, occupies in the machine an inclined
position; but for the sake of clearness it is shewn on Sheet 3 in a hori-
zontal position; the relative position of the stone being there indicated by
dotted lines, it must be understood that the feeding arrangement shewn
horizontal on Sheet 4 occupies the same angular position as the table.
The body or trough of the machine we construct of solid and massive
cast iron securely bolted together upon wrought-iron boiler plate ends,
or preferably we make it in one massive cast-iron box, which latter
arrangement is shewn in Drawings at Figs. 1, 2, 3, and 4, Sheets 1
and 2. By this means we obtain a safeguard against injury to the
workman in case of the stone breaking, and the driving pulley a being
outside the trough and the space necessarily left for adjustment between
the trough and the table being closed by a canvas or metal covering,
the pernicious grinding dust is effectually kept from the workman and
passes away at b, Fig. 1, through the bottom of the box which is there
connected with suitable exhaust apparatus. The conical stono C
(Sheet 1), is mounted on a strong shaft d and is firmly held by plates e
screwed up so as to grip it from side to side. The stone shaft runs in
cylindrical bearings finstead of points as before.
On account of the superior adjustments adapted in our improvements
to the table of the machine it is unnecessary as hitherto to give to the
stone shaft any dipping movement, and we are enabled as the stone
wears to raise the shaft horizontally. This we perform by connecting
the bushes with the bell-cranked levers which are acted upon by
screws h; these screws are worked simultaneously through worm wheels i
and i actuated by the large hand wheel j, which arrangement admits of
the most delicate vertical adjustment of the stone.
Our improvements further consist in the superior adjustment of the
table or upper part of the machine so that without stopping the work
the table can be adjusted in any direction to produce any required
modification on the grinding effect. The table is carried wholly upon
the two strong studs k and k², Sheet 1; the lever is adapted to the back
stud k, the shaft m passing through it and the lugs n, n, of the table
form a hinge upon which the table may be raised up off the stone when
it is required to get at the interior of the trough.
-
When in order to stop the grinding it is desired that the wires be
raised off the stone the table is acted upon by the lever and cam

page_text: mounted on the front stud (as shewn on Sheet 3 under the letters J, K,)
or their equivalents.
By means of the screw and hand wheel (on the back stud), q and q¹
Sheet 1, the table may be moved longitudinally on its two studs, while
by the lever 1, Sheet 2, and traversing screw and tread wheels it may
be dipped or pivotted on its studs as may be desired to press the wires
more or less on one side or other of the stone.
A lateral adjustment is obtained as follows:-The hinged shaft mat
the back of the machine, and the shaft m¹ at the front, are both screwed,
so that being acted upon simultaneously through the worm and wheel t
and t¹, Sheet 2, the table may be moved in either direction along the
shafts m and m¹. Above the main table of the machine we employ a
second one or frame secured to it by bolts, and carrying the pressing
roller and all its accessories. By the adjustment of this upper table
upon the lower one the path of movement of the wires may be set at
any desired angle with the axis of the stone so as to obtain the necessary
variations in the length of the points. Both tables are clearly shewn on
Sheet 3, Figs. 5, 6, 7, and 8. The upper plate carries the standards a, a,
(Sheet 3), which serve to support the shaft b, carrying the pressing
roller c and disc d. Motion is transmitted to this shaft and roller
through the worm wheel e (Figs. 5 and 8). The bearing, in which
revolves the worm facting on the worm wheel e, is made to pivot at g,
so that by the action of the lever h upon the fixed plate i the worm
shaft is dipped down and the worm wheel e thrown out of gear, when
by the action of the lever J and cam K already referred to the table is
raised. By this arrangement we gain an important advantage, viz.,
that the moment the wires are raised off the stone the revolving and
feeding of the wires are also stopped. The worm shaft f¹ is driven by
cones or their equivalents from the stone shaft, as shewn particularly in
Figs. 1 and 2, Sheet 1, the swing lever allowing the driving bands to
adapt themselves to every adjustment of the stone or table.
The pressing roller itself we cover with a thick band of india-rubber
put on tight, and the roller is made with shallow flanges on either side
to prevent the india-rubber band from slipping off. The bed upon which
the wires roll we cover with sheet india-rubber, or in some cases it is of
metal, and we bore it carefully out and dispense with the rubber
lining.
•

page_text: We now proceed to describe our improvements in connection with the
feeding in of the wires.
For the sake of clearness these improvements are omitted to be
shewn at Sheets 1, 2, and 3, but are shewn on an enlarged scale at
Sheet 4.
In the machines now in use the pressing roller has at its front side a
flange, of the diameter of which is kept about the same as that of the
india-rubber with which the roller is covered. The object of the metal
flange is to press firmly on the wires during the grinding operation, and
as it is necessary that it should press the wires within a short distance
off the ends which are being pointed it follows that the pressing roller
is always at the front or grinding end of the wires, and that if these are
long they do not balance on the roller, the end therefore which is not
in contact with it has to be supported by the hand of the attendant.
Our improvements consist in making the metal pressing flange referred
to entirely distinct from the pressing roller, as shewn at Sheet 3, Fig. 8,
in which c is the pressing roller and d the pressing disc, which disc
takes the place of the flange in the old arrangement. To the disc d may
be adapted a flange covered with india-rubber or its equivalent with the
object of more firmly holding the wires at their point or grinding end;
or instead of the disc a pressing roller covered with india-rubber may be
used in the same manner. Both the pressing roller c and the disc d may
be freely moved along the shaft 6 by slackening the set screw with
which each is provided.
The pressing roller and disc being in our system independent of each
other we are enabled to place the disc at the front of the wires at such
a distance from the points as may be required, and to move the pressing
roller itself away to the centre of the wires. When after each pointed
end is cut off the wires become shorter, the roller c is moved nearer to
the plate d so as to remain always near the centre of the wires under
operation. By this arrangement, which we call "the central feed," we
obtain the important advantage that the wires being always balanced
on the pressing roller they feed freely without the assistance of the
attendant. In this system also the pressing roller need not be wider
than is just necessary for safely holding the wires. The bottom plate,
between which and the pressing roller the wires are rolled and held, we
find it best to make a little over half the length of the longest wires.

page_text: The machine is intended to feed so as to be co-extensive with the
traverse of the pressing roller. Where the bottom plate is covered with
india-rubber we use at the feeding end an angle plate, as shewn at c on
Sheet 4, similar to those now in use.
It is of material importance to the easy feeding of the wires, more
especially of the longer and finer ones, that where they are first held or
rolled between the pressing roller or bottom plate they should be held
only over a short portion of their length, and this may be attained by
either using a narrow pressing roller with a broad angle plate, or a
narrow angle plate with a broad pressing roller, or both a narrow
pressing roller and narrow angle plate. As however it is convenient
that the india-rubber surface of the pressing plate be as previously
explained of considerable width, involving an equal length of the angle
plate c (Sheet 4), which is used chiefly to keep down the front edge of
the rubber, we find it necessary to introduce a second angle plate of a
suitable width, which may be equal to that of the pressing roller, say
about 4 inches for the longest wires. In this arrangement the pressing
roller and narrow upper angle plate are always at or near the centre of
the wires that are being fed, and when the wires are first seized out of
the hopper and rolled they are held in their centres, both ends being
free. This system has the important advantage that the wires are not
liable to get across and go one over the other as in the old system, but
that they feed in with perfect ease and regularity without the assistance
of the "feeder." The upper angle plate may also be made adjustable,
so that while at the point where it joins to the lower angle plate the
wires are held tightly the top part of the plate may be set sufficiently
wide to allow of the wires dropping freely and without interval.
In order to prevent the wires, especially the finer ones, from passing
too suddenly from the narrow width of the upper plate to the broad
width of the lower one we make the upper angle plate to gradually
widen on the front side of the wires where the pressing plate is.
Figs. 3 and 4, Sheet 4, shew the way of applying our "narrow central
feed." a is the narrow pressing roller placed in the centre of the wires ;
b is the bottom plate covered with india-rubber; c is the lower angle
plate; d is the upper angle plate adjustable by its set screws e, e, so as
to be set rather wider at the top than the bottom. Fig. 3 shews clearly
the inclined or gradually widening form of the upper angle plate; f is

page_text: the pressing disc%; 7 is the steel plate or guage against which the wires
are levelled, and determining their projection over the stone, it is carried
on the saddle h, which works on the slide i, and is adjustable by milled
wheel and screw J and J¹. A second saddle / carries the short slide or
saddle m, to which is fastened the upper angle plate d by the set screws
e, e. By acting on the screw n the saddle carrying the upper angle
plate can be traversed so as to be always opposite the pressing roller,
which as we have explained is moved as the wires get shorter so as to
always act in their centre. The use of the upper slide m is to allow of
the upper angle plate d being drawn back if by any accident the wires
should get across each other; they may then easily be withdrawn and
the plate brought up again to its place by turning the hand wheel o.
Our improvements in feeding consist further in giving to the wires in
the hopper a motion as hereafter described so as to prevent intervals in
the feeding and to keep the wires in a parallel position, dispensing with
the action of the hand which has hitherto been necessary. This may be
done in various ways, some of which are shewn on Sheet 4.
In Figs. 4 and 5, Sheet 4, the angle plate d forms the bottom of the
hopper, and its back is formed by the plates p and p¹ which hinge at q
on the angle plate d. By taking hold of the rod q² connecting the two
plates p and p they may be moved simultaneously on their pivots at q,
and so move all the wires in the hopper. This motion may be made self-
acting by adapting under the plates p and p¹ a cam or eccentric which
may be connected with the worm wheel e (shewn on Sheet 3) or driven
direct from the stone shaft over guide pullies.
Another plan which may be used in connection with the above is the
roller covered with india-rubber and driven by the roller s, to which
motion is given in the direction of the arrow by friction on the pressing
roller a. Both rollers are carried by a levert mounted on the pressing
roller shaft.
In Fig. 5, Sheet 4, is shewn another arrangement of hopper. The
sides of the angle plate d are projected as shewn at a, and upon them is
hinged at the back c of the hopper. d is a cam, the shaft of which
is driven from the worm wheel e, Sheet 3. It works within the arms or
sides of the angle plate d, and to allow of. being traversed with it its 3
key is made to work in a key bed cut the whole length of its shaft. By
the action of the cam the plate c keeps all the wires in the hopper in

page_text: motion. A similar motion can be given to the front plate by allowing
a projection on either side of it to work on the flanges of the pressing
roller, which are furnished with teeth or shaped as shewn in the
Drawings at f¹, Sheet 4.
Another way of actuating the wires is to let the cam d', instead of
actuating the back of the hopper work through the back and act direct
upon the wires; an eccentric or its equivalent may be used in a similar
manner. Other equivalent means may be employed for giving the
required motion to the wires.
Our improvements further consist in the use of artificial stones and
emery wheels, moulded to suitable shape, instead of the natural hewn
stones now in use.
The grinder for certain work may be made of artificial stone or metal
or any substance acting with a continuous stream of sand or emery upon
the wires.
Having now described the nature of our said Invention and the
manner in which the same is to be performed, we would remark in con-
clusion that we do not limit ourselves to the exact limits, details, and
configuration of parts we have described and illustrated, as the same
may be varied or modified without in any way departing from the nature
of our Invention. We will also remark that many of our improvements,
as will be seen by any competent person, are either separately or in
combination applicable to grinding machines of ordinary construction ;
but we claim,-
Firstly. The arrangement, construction, combination, and method of
action of machinery or apparatus for pointing wires used in the manu-
facture of needles, pins, card or hackle teeth, and for other purposes,
substantially as herein set forth.
Secondly. The relative position and configuration of the pressing
roller and grinding stone, substantially as and for the purposes herein
set forth.
Thirdly. The general arrangement and means of adjusting the table
or tables, substantially as herein described and set forth.
Fourthly. The arrangement and construction of grinding trough or
box, also of the bearings for grindstone shaft and parts connected
therewith for adjusting the same, substantially as herein set forth.

page_text: Fifthly. The arrangement and construction of driving apparatus and
parts connected therewith for giving the required motion to the pressing
or feeding roller, substantially as herein set forth.
Sixthly. The arrangement and construction of a pressing disc or front
pressing roller in combination with a separate central pressing roller,
substantially as and for purposes herein set forth.
Seventhly. The general arrangement and construction of angle plates,
feeding hopper, and parts connected therewith, substantially as and for
purposes herein set forth.
In witness whereof, we, the said Thomas Richards Harding and 1
Thomas Walter Harding, have hereunto set our hands and seals,
this Twentieth day of January, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and seventy-four.