AN IMPROVED METHOD OF MECHANICALLY AND AUTOMATICALLY CUTTING GLASSES, GOBLETS, AND OTHER SIMILAR OBJECTS, AND IMPROVE- MENTS IN THE MECHANICAL ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYED FOR THE PURPOSE
Year: 1880

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Edgar Edmonds, of the Firm of Robertson, Brooman, and
Company, of 166, Fleet Street, in the City of London, Patent Agents, for an
Invention of "AN IMPROVED METHOD OF MECHANICALLY AND AUTOMATICALLY
CUTTING GLASSES, GOBLETS, AND OTHER SIMILAR OBJECTS, AND IMPROVE-
MENTS IN THE MECHANICAL ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYED FOR THE PURPOSE."
A communication from abroad by the Firm Volpp Schwarz and Co., of 17,
Boulevard Saint Martin, Paris, France.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Edgar Edmonds at the .
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 5th July 1880.
EDGAR EDMONDS, of the Firm of Robertson, Brooman, and Company, of 166,
Fleet Street, in the City of London, Patent Agents. "AN IMPROVED METHOD OF
MECHANICALLY AND AUTOMATICALLY CUTTING GLASSES, GOBLETS, AND OTHER
SIMILAR OBJECTS, AND IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MECHANICAL ARRANGEMENTS
EMPLOYED FOR THE PURPOSE." A communication from abroad by the Firm
Volpp Schwarz and Co., of 17, Boulevard Saint Martin, Paris, France.
The object of this Invention is a new system of machine for mechanically cutting
the facets of drinking glasses, goblets, and other glassware, whoreby the cut may be
continued automatically all round the glass or other object, the machine stopping
the cut exactly at the proper moment when the facet is completed, and turning the
glass or other object round the exact distance required for commencing and
continuing the next facet in its turn.
The Invention also consists in the various mechanical combinations hereinafter
described, each one and the whole of them co-operating with the object in view;
the said combinations may be utilized equally as well with other systems of machines
for cutting glass as with the system of machine forming the object of this
application.
In order that the novelty of this system shall be well understood, it will first be
necessary to explain the difference of the principle on which it rests from the
principles of the systems previously proposed or adopted.
The principle of the ordinary machines for mechanically cutting glass was that

page_text: of cutting the facets corresponding or identical with each other with regard to the
axis, but glasses and other objects when moulded to a regular shape or form and of
a uniform thickness do not retain this regularity and uniformity after cooling,
consequently the facets are cut irregularly in this case with regard to the glass or
other object.
To remedy the defects of this latter system it has been proposed to regulate the
cut by causing the grindstone to act during an equal number of revolutions for each
facet, but in this system according as to whether the matter to be cut is at the base
of the glass or at the head of the facet, this bead is cut more or less deep, which
causes an inequality in the height of the facet heads, and, further, the "bite" of the
grindstone on the first facet cuts the glass less deeply, whereas on arriving at the
last facet, the surface to be cut having become smaller, the "bite" of the grindstone
is deeper, hence a fresh cause of inequality.
In the present system, in order to ensure the uniform height of the facet heads,
the depth of the cut at the height of the heads is previously adjusted by means of a
"finger" or key, which being pressed by the glass against the heads of the facet,
automatically effects the change of facet to be cut in the glass at the very moment
the cut has attained the pre-arranged depth.
The annexed Drawings represent, as an example, one arrangement of a machine
constructed according to this improved system, with the various mechanical
combinations essential to the good working and proper action of the said machine.
Figure 1 is a front view of the machine, of which Figure 2 represents the
grindstone in profile.
Figure 3 is a cross section of the glass carrier and of the mechanism; Figure 4 is
is a general plan of the machine; Figure 5 is a longitudinal section of the mechanism;
Figure 6 is a plan of the box seen interiorly; Figure 7 shows a front view of the
ratchet movement.
The machine cuts the facets by means of a grindstone of suitable material, grit,
emery, or cast iron and sand; the glass being used as usual. It has the following
properties: A glass is placed on a plug of flexible material and suitable shape, and
having an axis 73, which is prolonged outside the plug by a cone. This conc,.
carrying a "snug" at its base, is introduced into a piece 37 having a suitable
receptacle; the glass then becomes fixed to this piece.
By means of the screw 30 worked by the handwheel the plug is pressed into the
glass by pressing the latter against a flexible "back-centre" 40 for ensuring its
solidity.
The whole pivots on two "centres" 105, 105, and is carried by a box 26, in which
the mechanism is enclosed. This box which moves around a vertical axis permits,
when oscillated, the presentation of the glass to the grindstone at a suitable angle,
so that the surfaces of the glass and of the grindstone coincide.
For the purpose of regulating the depth of the cut and to guard against the
diminution of the diameter of the grindstone, which wears when in use, the piece-
box 26 is carried on a sliding carriage 25, which may slide on the frame of the
machine.
After placing the glass between the centres 73 and 40, the workman lifts the
counter-weight 51, thus removing the fulcrum of the weight 75; the latter then
rests on the glass and the cut is produced, whilst water flows in all directions from
a cock 85, removing the heat produced by the cut, and washing the surfaces in
contact.
"
When the cut has arrived at its proper depth, the glass pressing on the "finger
or key 10 releases the detent 33; the lever 20, to which it was hooked, impelled by
the action of the counterweight S4, lifts the lever 21, which then rests on the
detent 42 provided with a spring r; the springs 94 carried by the movable cone 11
no longer having any opposition, and resting on the shoulder of the shaft 35, press
the movable cone 11 into the idle pulley 10, which the machine constantly causes to
revolve; the movable cone 11 then revolves, carrying with it the shaft on which it
revolves and consequently the cams 64 in the box 26.

page_text: The cams 64 at first produce a recoil of the glass, then an angular advance of one
tooth, then the gradual advance of the glass, which soon comes into contact with the
grindstone. During this time the central piston 34, acted upon by the ratchet cam,
has pressed in its descent against the right angled arm of the lever 20, which is
thus forced to re-hook itself into the detent 33; the counterweight being lifted by
this movement is again ready to act.
The piston 34 rises again and encounters the detent 42 which it disengages; the
lever 21, assisted by the counterweight 83, again falls, disengaging the movable
cone 11 of the idle pulley 10, and by the excess of force it possesses over the
springs 94 presses the cone 11 into the fixed cone 12, which, acting as a break, stops
the movement and keeps the mechanism at rest.
In this position tho weight cam presents a deep notch, which allows the weight to
descend the necessary distance for cutting the largest or deepest facet the machine
may be called upon to cut.
When this facet has arrived at its proper depth, the "finger" or key 70 is again
pressed upon and a fresh facet is produced, and so on to the last one, after which
another change takes place which would cause the first facet to be again acted upon,
but an arrangeinent is provided which prevents this. For this purpose the mandril
or "chuck" 37 has a notch e, into which at this moment the end of the rocking
lever 43 drops, the other end of which lever allows the counterweight 51 to fall
again. This counterweight carries a right angled arm f, which takes under the
'finger" or key 74 belonging to the weight, preventing the latter acting in any way,
this causing the stoppage of the machine.
In this position, simply bringing back the weight 75 to withdraw the glass from
the grindstone, the workman takes out plug 73 and replaces it by another. He
replaces the weight 75 on its stop or catch f, regulates the conicalness or the
approach of the grindstone, and sets the cutting in motion by withdrawing the stop
from the weight 75; this he effects by lifting the counterweight 51, and the notch
will no longer act until the glass has made a complete revolution.
This arrangement dispenses with the necessity of counting the number of facets,
which thus so far avoids all regulating.
To avoid the necessity of regulating has been the inventor's object in view, and
has led to the following arrangements:-
The vertical axis 14, around which the box 26 revolves, has been placed under
the radius of the grindstone and in the middle of the cutting part in such manner
that the length of cut will not vary when the conicalness is regulated.
The pulley 10 carried by the sliding carriage 25 in approaching the grindstone in
consequence of the wearing of the latter, may run on its course without causing any
change of importance in the length of the band or strap.
For the command of the rachet 50 the lever 49 has been arranged in such a
manner that at the end of its active course the end of this lever attached to the
connecting rod 47 shall be exactly in the axis 105 of oscillation of the glass carrier;
the result is, whatever the diameter of the glass may be, and consequently its position
with regard to the vertical, the ratchet 50 will be brought to the same point, and in
order that a change in the number of teeth shall not necessitate regulation, the
ratchet 50 and the counter ratchet 45 are arranged side by side, so that they
both act on the same tooth.
The course of the ratchet 50 alone can vary by changing the lever arm by the
displacement of the point of action of the connecting rod on the lever ring 46.
The machine can cut from 6 to 20 flat sides and more as desired, but in practice
the numbers 10, 11, and 12, which are almost the only ones employed, are made in
one same position of the connecting rod action.
To change the ratchet wheels it is only necessary to turn the hand wheel until
the screw 30 is out of the nut 38, the whole of the piece is withdrawn for the
separation of the parts, the segment 95 is taken out, the piece 38 can then be
withdrawn from the piece 37, and the ratchet wheel 200 being fixed to the piece 37
only by a snug it may be withdrawn and replaced by another.

page_text: The snug hole is always made in the same place in each wheel with regard to one
tooth to avoid regulating the ratchet.
The conicalness is necessarily variable so that the mechanism shall be commanded
by the axis of rotation alone, but this command is fixed without definite relation as
the organ of action; the cam arrangement 64 turns with the box 26, the result
being that the actions or movements are identically the same whatever the degree
of cone may be.
The piston 34 itself, which is intended to act on a lever 21 not subjected to
rotation, should pass by the axis as arranged; it should also act on the detent 42,
and in order that it shall act in all the positions in the same manner it has been
made of a circular form.
The sliding carriage 25, which carries all the mechanism and also the "finger" of
the detent 70, is put into action by the hand wheel 22; the movement serves to
more or less separate the "finger" 70 from the surface of the grindstone in order
that the glass shall be cut more or less deeply before reaching the "finger" and
throwing out of gear.
་
As the finger 70 should remain securely in the position in which it was
regulated, a spring 93 has been arranged, the fixed end 17 of which may be varied.
to guard against the wear of the grindstone. This spring 93 is strong enough to
cause the carriage 25 to move back, but the hand wheel pressing in the contrary
direction regulates it to the required position, where it is securely held in position
by the spring 93 on the one hand and the hand wheel 22 on the other.
The grindstones are mounted on the shaft, which revolves them in such manner
that they may be taken off and replaced with great facility by another one
previously prepared. The grindstones are secured by swivel washers, as shown in
the Drawings.
The-glass carrier 27 is equilibriated by a spring 92 by means of a rocking lever 81,
the glass carrier resting on-a-supporting point situated on the said rocking lover at
the centre of gravity of the piece 27 when in its middle-position, this arrangement
relieving the points 105, 105, and leaving as much freedom to the appārātus¨as
possible.
The guide pulley 78 serves as a stretcher or tightener through the intervention of
the articulation employed, shown in the Drawings, Figures 1, 2, and 4. The tension
is regulated by the screw 110.
To prevent the vibration of glasses with feet when cutting them, also their
frequently breaking in the operation, a "hand" or holder of lead for example is
employed, which envelopes the foot or "baluster" of the glass, and which is secured
by fastenings. Finally the support 24 of the "finger" 70 is terminated at its upper
part by a rest, which may be used for supporting a tool when the grindstone requires
redressing.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Lettors Patent filed
by the said Edgar Edmonds in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 5th
January 1881.
EDGAR EDMONDS, of the Firm of Robertson, Brooman, and Company, of 166,
Fleet Street, in the City of London, Patent Agents. "AN IMPROVED METHOD OF
MECHANICALLY AND AUTOMATICALLY CUTTING GLASSES, GOBLETS, AND OTHER
SIMILAR OBJECTS, AND IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MECHANICAL ARRANGEMENTS
EMPLOYED FOR THE PURPOSE" (A communication from abroad by the Firm
Volpp Schwarz and Co., of 17, Boulevard Saint Martin, Paris, France.)
The object of this Invention is a new system of machine for mechanically
cutting the facets of drinking glasses, goblets, and other glassware, whereby the cut
may be continued automatically all round the glass or other object, the machine
stopping the cut exactly at the proper moment when the facot is completed, and
turning the glass or other object round the exact distance required for commencing
and continuing the next facet in its turn.
The Invention also consists in the various mechanical combinations hereinafter
described, each one and the whole of them co-operating with the object in view ;
the said combinations may be utilized equally as well with other systems of
machines for cutting glass as with the present system of machine.
In order that the novelty of this system shall be well understood, it will first bo
necessary to explain the difference of the principle on which it rests from the
principles of the systems previously proposed or adopted.
The principle of the ordinary machines for mechanically cutting glass was that
of cutting the facets corresponding or identical with each other with regard to the
axis; but glasses and other objects when moulded to a regular shape or form, and
of a uniform thickness, do not retain this regularity and uniformity after cooling,
consequently the facets are cut irregularly in this case with regard to the glass or
other object.
To remedy the defects of this latter system it has been proposed to regulate the
cut by causing the grindstone to act during an equal number of revolutions for
each facet, but in this system, according as to whether the matter to be cut is at
the base of the glass or at the head of the facet, this head is cut more or less deep,
which causes inequality in the height of the facet heads, and further the "bite" of
the grindstone on the first facet cuts the glass less deeply, whereas on arriving at
the last facet, the surface to be cut having become smaller, the "bite" of the
grindstone is deeper, hence a fresh cause of inequality.
In the present system, in order to ensure the uniform height of the facot heads,
the depth of the cut at the height of the heads is previously adjusted by means of
a "finger" or key, which being pressed by the glass against the heads of the facets
automatically effects the change of facet to be cut in the glass at the moment
the cut has attained the pre-arranged depth.
very
The annexed Drawings represent as an example one arrangement of a machine
constructed according to this improved system, with the various mechanical
combinations essential to the good working and proper action of the said machine.
Figure I is a front view of the machine, of which Figure 2 represents the
grindstone in profile.
Figure 3 is a cross section of the glass carrier and of the mechanism.
Figure 4 is a general plan of the machine.
Figure 5 is a longitudinal section of the mechanism.
Figure 6 is a plan of the box seen interiorly.
Figure 7 shows a front view of the ratchet movement.
The machine cuts the facets by means of a grindstone of suitable material, grit,

page_text: emery, or cast iron and sand, the glass being used as usual. It has the following
properties: A glass is placed on a plug of flexible material and suitable shape, and
having an axis 73 which is prolonged outside the plug by a cone.
This cone
carrying a "snug" at its base is introduced into a piece 37, having a suitable
receptacle; the glass then becomes fixed to this piece. By means of the screw 30
worked by the hand wheel the plug is pressed into the glass by pressing the latter
against a flexible "back centre "40 for ensuring its solidarity.
The whole pivots on two "centres" 105, 105, and is carried by a box 26 in
which the mechanism is enclosed. This box which moves around a vertical axis
permits, when oscillated, the presentation of the glass to the grindstone at a suitable
angle, so that the surfaces of the glass and of the grindstone coincide.
For the purpose of regulating the depth of the cut, and to guard against the
diminution of the diameter of the grindstone, which wears when in use, the box
piece 26 is carried on a sliding carriage 25, which may slide on the frame of the
machine.
After placing the glass between the centres 73 and 40, the workman lifts the
counter-weight 51, thus removing the fulcrum of the weight 75; the latter then
rests on the glass and the cut is produced, whilst water flows in all directions from
a cock 85, removing the heat produced by the cut, and washing the surfaces in
contact.
When the cut has arrived at its proper depth the glass, pressing on a "finger" or
key, releases the detent 33; the lever 20 to which it was hooked, impelled by the
action of the counterweight 84, lifts the lever 21, which then rests on the detent 42
provided with a spring. The springs 94 carried by the movable cono 11 no longer
having any opposition, and resting on the shoulder of the shaft 35, press the
movable cone 11 into the idle pulley 10, which the machine constantly causes to
revolve. The movable cone 11 then revolves, carrying with it the shaft on which
it revolves and, cousequently, the cams 64 in the box 26.
The cams 64 at first produce a recoil of-the-glass, then an angular advance of one
tooth, then the gradual advance of the glass, which soon comes into-contact with
the grindstone. During this time the central piston 34, acted upon by the ratchet
cam, has pressed in its descent against the right angled arm of the lever 20, which
is thus forced to re-hook itself onto the detent 33; the counter weight being lifted
by this movement is again ready to act.
The piston 34 rises again and encounters the detent 42, which it disengages; the
lever 21, assisted by the counterweight 83, again falls, disengaging the movable
cone 11 of the idle pulley 10, and by the excess of force it possesses over the
springs 94 presses the cone 11 into the fixed cone 12, which, acting as a break,
stops the movement and keeps the mechanism at rest.
in this position the weight cam presents a deep notch, which allows the weight
to descend the necessary distance for cutting the largest or deepest facet the
machine may be called upon to cut. When this facet has arrived at its proper
depth the "finger" or key 70 is again pressed upon and a fresh facet is produced,
and so on to the last one, after which another change takes place which would
cause the first facet to be again acted upon, but an arrangement is provided which
prevents this. For this purpose the mandril or "chuck" 37 has a notch e into
which at this moment the end of the rocking lever 43 drops, the other end of which
lever allows the counterweight 51 to fall again. This counter weight carries a
right angled arm f, which takes under the "finger" or key 74 belonging to the
weight, preventing the latter acting in any way, this causing the stoppage of the
machine.
In this position, simply bringing back the weight 75 to withdraw the glass from
the grindstone, the workman takes out plug 73 and replaces it by another. He
replaces the weight 75 on its stop or catch f, regulates the conicalness or the
approach of the grindstone, and sets the cutting in motion by withdrawing the
stop from the weight 75; this he effects by lifting the counterweight 51 and
the notch will no longer act until the glass has made a complete revolution.

page_text: This arrangement dispenses with the necessity of counting the number of facets,
which thus so far avoids all regulating.
To avoid the necessity of regulating has been the inventor's object in view, and
has led to the following arrangements:
The vertical axis 14 around which the box 26 revolves has been placed under
the radius of the grindstone and in the middle of the cutting part in such manner
that the length of cut will not vary when the conicalness is regulated.
The pulley 10 carried by the sliding 'carriage 25 in approaching the grindstone,
in consequence of the wearing of the latter, may run on its course without causing
any change of importance in the length of the band or strap.
For the command of the ratchet 50 the lever 49 has been arranged in such a
manner that at the end of its active course the end of this lever attached to the
connecting rod 47 shall be exactly in the axis 105 of oscillation of the glass carrier;
the result is whatever the diameter of the glass may be, and consequently its
position with regard to the vertical, the ratchet 50 will be brought to the same
point, and in order that a change in the number of teeth shall not necessitate
regulation the ratchet 50 and the counter-ratchet 45 are arranged side by side so
that they both act on the same tooth.
The course of the ratchet 50 alone can vary by changing the lever arm by the
displacement of the point of action of the connecting rod on the lever ring 46. The
machine can cut from G to 20 flat sides and more, as desired, but in practice tho
numbers 10, 11, and 12, which are almost the only ones employed, are made in one
same position of the connecting rod action. To change the ratchet wheels it is
only necessary to turn the hand wheel until the screw 30 is out of the nut 38, the
whole of the piece is withdrawn for the separation of the parts, the segment 05 is
taken out, the piece 38 can then be withdrawn from the piece 37, and the ratchet
wheel 200 being fixed to the piece 37 only by a snug it may be withdrawn and
replaced by another.
The snug hole is always made in the same place in each wheel with regard to
one tooth to avoid regulating the ratchet.
The conicalness is necessarily variable, so that the mechanism shall be
commanded by the axis of rotation alone; but this command is fixed without
definite relation as the organ of action; the cam arrangement 64 turns with the
box 26, the result being that the actions or movements are identically the same
whatever the degree of cone may bc.
The piston 34 itself, which is intended to act on a lever 21 not subjected to
rotation, should pass by the axis as arranged; it should also act on the detent 42,
and in order that it shall act in all the positions in the same manner, it has been
made of a circular form.
The sliding carriage 25 which carries all the mechanism, and also the "finger" of
the detent 70, is put into action by the hand wheel 22; the movement serves to
more or less separate the "finger" 70 from the surface of the grindstone, in order
that the glass shall be cut more or less deeply before reaching the "finger" and
throwing out of gear.
As the "finger" 70 should remain securely in the position in which it was
regulated, a spring 93 has been arranged, the fixed end 17 of which may be varied
to guard against the wear of the grindstone..
This spring 93 is strong enough to cause the carriage 25 to move back, but the
hand wheel pressing in the contrary direction regulates it to the required position,
where it is securely held in position by the spring 93 on the one hand, and the
hand wheel 22 on the other.
The grindstones are mounted on the shaft, which revolves them in such manner
that they may be taken off and replaced with great facility by another one
previously prepared. The grindstones are secured by swivel washers, as shown in
the Drawing.
The glass carrier 27 is equilibriated by a spring 92 by means of a rocking
lever 81, the glass carrier resting on a supporting point situated on the said rocking

page_text: lover at the centre of gravity of the piece 27 when in its middle position; this
arrangement relieving the points 105, 105, and leaving as much freedom to the
apparatus as possible.
The guide pulley 78 serves as a stretcher or tightener through the intervention
of the articulation employed, shown in the Drawings Figures 1, 2, and 4. The
tension is regulated by the screw 110.
To prevent the vibration of glasses with feet when cutting them, also their
frequently breaking in the operation, a "band" or holder of lead for example is
employed, which envelopes the foot or "baluster" of the glass, and which is secured
by fastenings. Finally, the support 24 of the "finger" 70 is terminated at its
upper part by a rest, which may be used for supporting a tool when the grindstone
requires redressing.
The right is reserved of employing these new arrangements, either singly or in
combination, in machines for cutting vertical, diagonal, or other facets.
_ It will be readily understood that the special arrangements hereinbefore
described and shown in the annexed-Drawings for--rcalizing_or_constituting the
improved machine for cutting glasses, and for practically effecting its mechanical
application may be employed singly or several together in any other mechanical
arrangement or machine for cutting the facets of glasses.
Having thus described the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner
the same is to be performed, I declare that I claim on behalf of my foreign
correspondents,―
First. The improved machine for mechanically and automatically cutting glasses,
goblets, and other similar objects, arranged so as to automatically effect the change
of facet to be cut in the glass at the very moment when the cut has attained the a
pre-arranged depth as regards the surface of the glass, by means of a "finger" or
_detent acting mechanically for determining the change of position of the glass.
Secondly. The new or improved arrangement of machine-for-cutting_the_facets of
glass and other similar objects, as herein before described and shown in the annexed
Drawings, with the option of varying the shapes, sizes, proportions, and materials a
employed, as also the accessory arrangements.
Thirdly. The special arrangements, hereinbefore described and shown in the
annexed Drawings, whereby the improved system is realized and its mechanical
application is practically effected, the said special arrangements being either
employed singly or several in combination in any mechanical arrangement, or any
other machine for cutting glass.
In witness whereof, 1, the said Edgar Edmonds, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Fifth day of January, One thousand eight hundred and