IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR SEWING BOOTS AND SHOES
Year: 1867

page_text: "
LETTERS PATENT to William Robert Lake. of the International Patent
Office. No. 8. Southampton Buildings. Chancery Lane, in the County of
Middlesex. Consulting Engineer. for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
MACHINERY FOR SEWING BOOTS AND SHOES."-- communication from abroad
by Augustus Destouy. Machinist, and Frederic Renaud. Engine Turner,
both of the City and State of New York. United States of America.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Robert Lake
at the Ollice of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on
the 2nd October 1867.
"
1. WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the International Patent Office." No. 9.
Southampton Buildings. Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex. Con-
sulting Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for
IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR SEWING BOOTS AND SHOES," a communication,
to be as follows:
The object of the said improvement is to produce sewing mechanism
by which soles and welts can be united to the other portions of boots and
shoes.
The said sewing mechanism is so made and arranged as to imitate in its
operations the motions of the hand in hand sewing. The periorations through
which the needle goes are made by an awl which recedes as the needle
advances, the awl and needle being hung point to point on separate spindles
Price 84.1

page_text: or axes or on the same axis if desired. The work is placed on a last which is
held adjustably in a last holder, and this last holder is movable on a vibrating
or adjustable table which is pressed upwards by a weighted lever so as to press
or bear the work constantly against the sewing mechanism or against the
sewing gauge.
The frame which carries the sewing mechanism is made to
vibrate on a weighted lever instead of the table if preferred. The sewing
mechanism is combined with devices for stripping the leather from the awl
and needle, and both the awl and the needle are operated by means of cam
grooves or cams. The feed is produced by means of a feeding awl which has
two movements, a vertical movement and a reciprocating lateral movement,
and in conjunction with the feeding awl there is a feed dog which is connected
to the same lever or arm that carries the feeding awl, the said dog having a
blunt edge which rests in the usual "channel"made in the sole of a boot or
shoe to receive the stitches, and the feed dog consequently serves to guide the
work. The said feed dog has no vertical movement but only a recipro
cating lateral movement, and it serves also as a gauge for the work to rest
against.
The said improvements also relate partly to the waxed thread heater. The
table which carries the work is supported by a vertical post. The said post ig
made hollow to receive a pin projecting from the bottom of the table which
rotates on the post in a horizontal plane. The hollow post is supported by
two levers which are so arranged as to impart a parallel motion to the post
and table in changing their elevation. One of these levers is pivoted to the
lower part of the frame of the machine, and is preferably made double for a
portion of its length. The forward end of this lever is connected to the upper
end of the post and its rear end is provided with an adjustable weight. The
other lever is connected to the lower end of the post, beyond which it is
extended to form a handle, and is pivoted to the frame below the fulcrum of
the first lever. The work is placed on a last which is supported by a last
frame or holder with three vertical arms. One of these arms has a square
tenon on its end. The said arm enters a mortice or socket formed in the top
of the last behind the instep and prevents its moving independently of the
frame or holder. The other two arms of the latter are arranged opposite to
each other and the frame or holder is suspended upon legs extending from
their outer sides, which are carried in open bearings on the top of vertical
standards. The frame or holder vibrates upon these standards and can be
removed or replaced at pleasure. The vertical standards are united at the
bottom to a platform which lies upon the table and can be moved to any desired
position thereon. The last frame is vibrated by means of a worm to raise or

page_text: depress the toe or heel of the last to bring either part into the proper relation
to the awl and needle or hook. The said worm is operated by its ends which
are formed into handles for that purpose.
My improvements may be modified by making the table stationary and
arranging the sewing mechanism on a vibrating frame, which will enable the
operator to bring the said mechanism down to the work to follow automatically
the curves on the last.
The motion of the feeding and sewing mechanism is derived from dises
mounted on a shaft supported in suitable bearings upon the frame of the
machine. The feeding mechanism consists of an awl combined with a feed
dog the latter guides the work while the awl propels it in the intervals
between the stitches. The said awl projects downward from the forward end
of an elbow lever into the channel cut in the sole to receive the stitches; the
said lever is pivoted to the stock of the feed dog. and its other end is con-
nected to one end of a rod, whose other end is provided with a pin or roller
which works in a cam groove formed in the face of one of the discs. The
said rod is so arranged that its forward end can move laterally with the stock
of the feed dog, whose edge runs in the channel in the sole; the said dog is
rigidly connected to its stock which extends backward, and is attached to the
frame of the machine in such a manner as to allow the said stock and dog to
move laterally to and fro: this lateral movement is derived through the
medium of a sliding rod from another cam groove in the disc which operates
the elbow lever. The said rod is formed with a diagonal slot and slides upon
a part of the frame above the stock from which a pin projects through the
said slot. The slotted bar moves in a straight line between guides attached
to the frame. and by means of the said pin imparts the required lateral
reciprocating movement to the stock.
The stitch produced by my improved sewing mechanism is that known as
the chain stitch, and the said mechanism consists of the following devices:
A spindle or axis is supported in suitable bearings upon an extension of the
frame and an awl stock is mounted upon the said spindle: the upper part of
this stock forms an are of a circle, and is slotted concentrically with its centre
of motion. A pin projects through the concentric slot from the arm of the
needle stock, which pin is secured upon a connecting rod extending backward.
and compled by a crank pin to two dises on the main shaft: by this means
the awl stock is partially rotated, the motion of the connecting rod being com-
municated to the said stock when the pin strikes the end of the slotted arm.
The awl is also curved concentrically with its centre of motion and is forced
through the leather by a lever which continues the rotation of the stock after

page_text: the connecting rod has drawn the same backward: this lever is elbow-shaped,
and is rigidly supported near iis centre upon a spindle carried in bearings on
the upper part of the frame. The rear end of this lever is furnished with a
pin or roller which works in a cam groove in one of the discs. The free end.
of the forward arm of this lever extends in a line with the awl stock, over
whose slotted part it comes when the connecting rod is at the end of its back-
ward movement. The cam groove which operates the elbow lever is so formed
that at the time of this movement it causes the said lever to vibrate and forces
the forward arm of the same down upon the slotted arm of the awl stock and
continues its movement, thereby driving the awl steadily and forcibly through
the leather. The said awl is guided by a stationary rest which is slotted at
one side to form a passage for the awl: the said rest also forms a stripper to
remove the leather and welt from the awl as the latter retires. The said awl
is also supported and guided by a socket through which it moves freely: this
socket is formed on the lower end of a vibrating quadrant which is mounted
upon the spindle which carries the awl stock. The said socket is slotted
concentrically with its centre of motion, and a pin from the awl stock works
in its slot: this pin by striking against the ends of the said slot imparts
motion to the quadrant. When the awl has descended nearly to its lowest
point and has pierced the sole and welt of the shoe or other article being
sewn, the quadrant will have been forced down to a point near the stationary
rest or stripper: at this time the completion of the stroke of the awl stock
brings its lower edge or a shoulder formed thereon against a pin projecting
from the quadrant: by this means the latter is driven still farther down until
the socket piece is forced against the sides of the rest or stripper and is held
stationary by friction while the awl stock is withdrawn and until the pin on
the said stock strikes the upper end of the slot in the quadrant, which is then
carried up again to its highest position.
The needle or hook is formed with a barb which catches the thread and
draws a loop thereof through the leather as the needle or hook retires. The
said needle or hook is fixed upon a stock which is fitted to revolve freely upon
an oscillating spindle hung in the end of a lever. which vibrates on a pivot
and receives motion from a cam groove on one of the dises. While the needle
or hook is passing through the leather the said oscillating spindle coincides
with the spindle which carries the awl stock and quadrant, but when the
needle bas left the work the oscillating spindle is projected forward, so as to
carry the needle or hook outward clear of the work. The needle stock is
meanwhile caused to revolve backward. so as to be ready for a fresh stitch.
and before it comes to a state of rest the oscillating spindle is again carried

page_text: backward into line with the other spindle.
The vibration of the needle on its
spindle is effected by means of a connecting rod pivoted to the arm of the
needle stock. The barb of the needle is covered ai ceriain times by an
auxiliary needle. which is also curved and projects from a vibrating plate
fitted to turn freely on the spindle which carries the needle stock. The said
auxiliary needle is caused to vibrate by a cam on one of the discs, to which it
is connected by an elbow lever pivoted in the said disc. The said lever is
also pivoted to the rear end of a connecting rod, whose forward end is attached
to the top of a plate which carries guides for supporting the needle or hook.
In this arrangement of parts the auxiliary needle is attached directly to the
said guides. The lower guide serves as a stripper to remove the well or other
The
part of the work from the needles when the latter recede therefrom.
cam which gives motion to the guide plate and the anxiliary needle is so
formed as to cause the said needle to remain stationary after both needles
have passed through the hole formed in the work by the awl, while the other
needle or hook continues to advance until its barb is uncovered and is brought
opposite to a rotating thread carrier. The latter throws its thread around the
needle barb and forms a loop which is drawn by the needle or hook through
the leather when it is rejoined by the auxiliary needle. Both needles then
move together out of the work, the auxiliary needle serving to retain the loop
on the barb, and to prevent injury to the leather, and also stiffening and
strengthening the needle or hook. When the needles are moved clear of the
work the feed takes place: the loop is thereby drawn aside, and by the next
descent of the hook is opened or spread. The auxiliary needle at this time
remains stationary and allows the thread loop to expand beyond its point, so
that when the said needle descends it resumes its place alongside of the hook.
the loop being then outside the auxiliary needle. The latter and the hook in
passing again through the leather leave the loop behind, and on their return
bring with them a new loop which they draw through the preceeding loop.
It is of the greatest importance that the sewing should be performed with
the thread and wax at a high temperature.
The thread is drawn from a reel
or spool which is mounted on a spindle in a heater attached to any convenient
part of the frame. The bottom of the said heater is left open to allow the
flame of a lamp to act directly upon a curved plate which deflects the flame
towards the sides of the heater and around the spool, and protects the thread
from the flame. The top of the heater extends upward to the thread carrier.
and the thread is conducted from an aperture in the top of the heater through
the axis of the thread carrier to the hollow shank of the same, through which
it extends to the work. The said thread carrier is fitted to revolve in

page_text: Lake & Improvements in Machinery for Sewing Boots and Shoes.
bearings attached to the frame. Its forward or delivery end is hent in such a
manner that it describes a circle around the needle or hook when the latter is
in the position for receiving the thread. The thread carrier is caused in
revolve at the proper time and in the required direction by means of a cam
on one of the discs.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said William Robert Lake in the Great Seal Patent Oflice on
the 31st March 1868.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME. I. WILLIAM
ROBERT LAKE, of the International Patent Office." No. 8. Southampton
Buildings. Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex, Consulting Engineer,
send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent. bearing date the Second day of October, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-seven, in the thirty-first year of Her
reign, did. for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me. The
said William Robert Lake. Her special licence that I, the said William
Robert Lake, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as
J, the said William Robert Lake, 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 Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVE
MENTS IN MACHINERY FOR SEWING BOOTS AND SHOкS," upon the condition (amongst
others) that 1. the said William Robert Lake, 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 10 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 1. the said William Robert Lake, do hereby
declare the nature of the 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
forming a part of this Specification:
The object of the said improvements is to produce sewing mechanism,

page_text: by which soles and welts can be united to the other portions of boots and
shoes.
The said sewing mechanism is so made and arranged as to imitate in its
operations the motions of the hand in hand sewing. The perforations through
which the needle goes are made by an awl, which recedes as the needle
advances. the awl and needle being hung point to point on separate spindles
or axes, or on the same axis if desired. The work is placed on a last which
is held adjustably in a last holder, and this last holder is movable on a
vibrating or adjustable table, which is pressed upward by a weighted lever so
as to press or bear the work constantly against the sewing mechanism or against
the sewing gauge.
The frame which carries the sewing mechanism is made
to vibrate on a weighted lever instead of the table if preferred. The sewing
mechanism is combined with devices for stripping the leather from the awl
and needle. and both the awl and the needle are operated by means of cam
grooves or cans. The feed is produced by means of a feeding awf which has
two movements, a vertical movement and a reciprocating lateral movement,
and in conjunction with the feeding awl there is a feed dog, which is con-
nected to the same lever or arm that carries the feeding awl. the said dog
baving a blunt edge which rests in the usual "channel" made in the sole of a
boot or shoe to receive the stitches, and the feed dog consequently serves to
guide the work. The said feed dog has no vertical movement, but only a
reciprocating lateral movement, and it serves also as a gauge for the work to
rest against.
The said improvements also relate partly to the waxed thread heater.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.
Figure is a side elevation. partly in section. of my improved machine;
Figure is an elevation of the opposite side of part of the mechanism:
Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the awl stock and some of the adjacent parts
detached: Figure 4 is a side elevation, partly in section, of the same side of
the machine as Figure 1. the last holder being omitted: Figure is a plan
of the said machine: Figure 6 is a front view of part of the sewing mechanism;
Figure is a detached view of the last holder: Figures 8 and 9 are eleva-
tions of opposite sides of my machine. Showing a modification by which the
sewing mechanism is mounted on a vibrating frame. while the table is
kept stationary or at the same level. These two views also show a modifi-
cation of the sewing mechanism. Like letters indicate the same parts in each
of the Figures.
A designates the table which supports the work. This table is supported

page_text: by the vertical post F. which is hollow, and receives a pin G from the bottom
of the table. so that the latter can be freely rotated thereon in a horizontal
plane. The post F is supported by two levers, which are connected to it at
its top and bottom respectively, and their construction and arrangement are
such as to produce parallel motion in the post and table whatever the changes
in their elevation may be. To the lower part of the frame of the machine at C
is pivoted the lever B. which for greater strength and to obtain steadiness is
made double for the greater part of its length. The forward end of the said
lever is connected to the upper end of the post F by being pivoted to cars E
which project from it, and its rear end is weighted by the adjustable weight D.
To an ear on the lower end of the post is connected a parallel lever H, whose
rear end is pivoted to the machine vertically below the pivot C of lever B.
the forward end of the lever H being extended forward beyond the post, and
formed into a handle for raising and lowering the levers, and so adjusting the
table A to the required height. The work is placed on a last M which is
supported by a last frame or holder L. The said holder has three vertical
arms, one of which, L'. the rear one, bas a square tenon on its end, and enters
a straight-sided mortise or socket made in the top of the last behind the
instep. and holds it so that it cannot move independently of the frame or
holder L. The two other arms of the frame or holder L are opposite each
other, and from them the frame or holder is supported, being hung by lugs
extending from their outer sides, which rest in open bearings on the top of the
vertical standards J, so that the last frame or holder can vibrate on the standards
and be removed and replaced at pleasure. The standards J are united at
bottom in a long narrow flat-bottomed platform which lies upon the table A
without being fastened thereto, being free to be moved by the operator on the
said table to any desired position. The last frame or holder is vibrated to
raise or depress the toe or heel of the last as may be required to bring those
parts into proper relations to the awl and needle or hook by means of a
worm K, which is arranged on the platform 1 between the standards J. and
engages a curved rack N formed on the bottom of the frame L. The worm is
operated by its ends which form handles, whereby the workman can operate it
to throw the heel or toe of the last up or down. By means of the devices
above described the work is placed in the required position with respect to the
sewing mechanism. The work is elevated by raising the table, and the last is
adjusted to the proper level by the worm and rack. The platform which
carries the last holder is moved to the proper position on the table A. and the
table itself is rotated by the hand of the operator as the sewing progresses,
From the above explanation it is apparent that the work is borne or pressed

page_text: upwards constantly towards the sewing mechanism by the operation of the
weight D. the sole of the shoe bearing against the feed dog c, which con-
stitutes a sewing gange, and projects into the "channel" cut along the edge
of the sole to receive the stitches following the curves and depressions of the
last by reason of the weighted table as the work is fed along.
My improvements may be modified by making the table stationary, and
arranging the sewing mechanism on a vibrating irame. which will enable the
operator to bring the same down to the work so as to follow the curves on
the last automatically; but the principle of operation is essentially the same.
The motion of the feeding and sewing mechanism is derived from discs R
mounted on a shaft R'. The feeding mechanism consists of an awl combined
with a feed dog that guides the work, while the awl propels it in the intervals
between the stitches. The feeding awl b projects downwards into the channel
that is cut in the sole to receive the stitches from the forward end of an elbow
lever which is pivoted to the stock of the feed dog, see Figures 4 and 5; the
other end of the said elbow lever is connected to one end of a rod a. whose
other end has a pin or antifriction roller which moves in a cam groove 3
formed in the face of one of the discs R. The connecting rod a is so arranged
that its forward end can move laterally with the stock of the feed dog c. whose
edge runs in the said channel in the sole. The said dog is rigidly connected
to its stock which extends backwards, and is attached to the frame of the
machine in such a manner as to allow the stock and dog to be moved
laterally to and fro. The lateral movements of the feed dog and its stock are
derived from the cam groove of the disc R acting on the slotted bar e
which extends forward and slides upon the part X of the frame of the
machine. The slot in the bar e is diagonal to the direction of its motion,
which is confined to a right line by suitable guides on the part X. and the
said slot receives a pin (see Figure 5) which projects upward from the face
of the stock of the feed dog. It results from this arrangement that the
bar e by its reciprocation gives to the stock the required lateral reciprocating
motions.
The stitch made by my improved sewing mechanism is the well-known
chain stitch, and the same is produced by the following devices: On the
spindle or axis Z. which is supported by the extension of the frame X, is
mounted an awl stock whose upper part has the form of an are, and is
slotted concentrically with its centre of motion. Through its slot projects a
pin from the arm of the needle stock #: this pin is made fast to a con-
necting rod i which extends backward, and is coupled by the crank pin i¹ to the
two cam discs R. By these caus the awl stock is caused to rotate partially

page_text: on its axis, the movements of the connecting rod i being communicated to the
said stock whenever the pin a' strikes the ends of the slotted arm. The awl
seen at g, Figures 1. 2. and 3, is curved concentrically with its centre of
motion, and is forced through the leather by a lever 10, which continues the
rotation of the stock h after the connecting rod i has drawn the said stock
backward to the full extent of the throw of its crank i'. The lever 10 is
elbow shaped, and is rigidly mounted at its bend upon a spindle that has
its bearings in the highest part of the frame of the machine; the hinder arm
of the said lever having on its end a pin or antifriction roller which moves in
the cam groove 2 of one of the cam discs R. The free end of the forward
arm extends in line with the awl stock, over the forward end of whose slotted
part it comes when the connecting rod i has come to the end of its backward
movement. The cam 2 is so timed as at this moment to vibrate the lever 10 and
force its forward arm downwards on the slotted arm of the awl stock and con-
tinue its movement, and thereby drive the awl with a steady force through the
leather. The awl is steadied during its passage through the leather by a sta-
tionary rest m which projects backward from the arm X at a point beneath the
spindle 2. the said rest being slotted at one side to form a passage for the
awl. The rest m also forms a stripper to remove the leather and welt of
the shoe from the awl as the latter retires. The awl is also supported
and guided during its movements by the socket which surrounds it and
through which it is free to move. This socket is formed on the lower edge
of the vibrating quadrant which is mounted on the spindle Z next to the
and awl stock are seen in Figures and 4 and
The quadrant is
awl stock. The quadrant
more clearly at the other side, as shown in Figure 3.
slotted concentrically with its centre of motion, a pin from the awl stock moves
in the slot and by striking against its ends carries the quadrant along with
it. When the aw descends, and has nearly reached its lowest point. and has
pierced the sole and welt of a shoe or other work being sewn. the quadrant
will have been forced down also to a point near the stationary rest or
stripper m, and at this time the completion of the stroke of the awl stock
brings its lower edge, or a shoulder formed thereon, against a pin 12 which
projects from the quadrant. By that means the latter is driven down still
further until the socket piece is forced against the sides of the rest or
stripper m. which then holds it stationary by friction while the awl stock is
being withdrawn, and until the pin on the said stock striking the upper end
of the slot of the quadrant releases the socket and carries the quadrant up again
to its highest position. The object of forcing the quadrant down and of locking
its socket
to the rest or stripper m as described while the awl is rising is

page_text: to provide a stationary guide for the awl and to steady it while it is being
withdrawn from the work, the socket while in its lower position performing
that office effectually. The needle or hook p is of the kind known as "crochet"
having a barb on it which catches the thread and draws a loop thereof through
the leather when the needle or hook retires. The needle or hook p is drawn
to a curve of the same radius as the awl, but its point is turned. and it moves
in a reverse direction so as to follow the point of the awl as the latter retires
and enters the hole made by it in the work. The needle or hook is fixed
upon a stock which is mounted to revolve freely upon an oscillating spindle Z
hung in the end of a lever 7 which vibrates on a pivot 8 and is moved from
the cam groove 4 of one of the cam discs. At certain times, to wit, while the
needle or hook is going through the leather the spindle Z' coincides with the
spindle Z, but when the needle has left the work the spindle is oscillated
and projected in a forward direction by the cam 4 so as to carry the needle or
hook outward clear of the work. The needle stock meanwhile is revolved in
a backward direction so as to be ready for a new stitch and before it comes to
a state of rest the spindle Z is carried backward again into line with the
spindle Z. The vibration of the needle on its spindle is effected by the con-
necting rod i which is pivotted at n' to the arm n of the needle stock. The
barb of the needle is covered at certain times by an auxiliary needle q
Figure 6. The said auxiliary needle is curved like the needle or hook p and.
projects from a vibrating plates which is mounted on the spindle Z' so as to.
turn freely thereon, being vibrated from a cam 5 on one of the cam discs R,
through the elbow lever which is pivoted at 6 to the said cam disc; the
upper longer part of the said elbow lever being pivotted to the rear end
of a connecting rod whose forward end is attached to the top of the
plate 8. The needle or hook p is supported in its movements by two
guides r, seen in Figures and 6, both of which form rigid parts of the
plate s, and in this example the auxiliary needle q is directly attached to
the said guides and through them to the plate s, the auxiliary needle being
on the outer side of the said guides, and the needle or hook p consequently
in going through the guides passes between the auxiliary needle and the
flat surface of the plate s. The lower guide serves as a stripper to strip the
leather or welt or other work from the needles when the latter recede from
it. The cam groove 5 which gives motion to the plates and its auxiliary
needle is so timed as to cause that needle to remain stationary after
both needles have gone through the hole made in the work by the awl,
while the needle or hook p whose movement is derived from the crank

page_text: continues to advance until its barb is uncovered and is brought opposite
to the rotating thread carrier W. This carrier, which is herein-after
described, throws the thread around the barb of the hook and forms a loop
which is drawn by the said hook (as the same begins to retire) through
the leather where it is rejoined and its open side closed by the auxiliary
needle. Both thence move together out of the work, the auxiliary needle
serving to retain the loop on the barb and protecting the leather from
being injured by the barb, and also stiffening and strengthening the hook
or needle p. When the needles are raised or brought clear of the work the
feed of the material takes place, and the loop is thereby drawn sideways, and
by the next descent of the hook is opened or bulged, the auxiliary needle at
that time remaining stationary and allowing the loop to expand laterally
beyond its point, so that when the said auxiliary needle next descends it
passes into the loop and resumes it place alongside of the hook to close it,
with the loop outside of the auxiliary needle; the hook and auxiliary needle
in traversing the leather the next time leave the loop behind, and when
they return bring with them a new loop which they draw up through the
old one.
It is of the greatest importance to sew with the thread and wax
at a high temperature; the thread is drawn from a reel or spool O, which
is mounted on a spindle in a closed heater P attached to a convenient part
of the frame. The said heater is formed as shown in Figure 1, where one
side is taken away, its bottom being open to admit the flame of a lamp to
act directly on a curved plate Q which deflects the flame and heated air and
gases and directs them towards the sides of the heater and around the spool,
at the same time protecting the body of the thread from contact with the
flames. The top of the heater is carried upward to the height of the thread
carrier or nearly to that height, and the thread is conducted from it through
the axis of the thread carrier to its hollow shank, through which it proceeds to
its end, emerging thence, as seen in Figure 1, on its way to the work. The
thread carrier W is sustained by the part X of the frame in such a manner
that it can revolve in its supports; its forward end where the thread emerges
is bent to a right angle, so that its delivery end describes a circle around
the needle or hook p when the latter is in place to receive the thread.
The carrier is revolved at the proper times, in one direction only by means
of a cam S on the periphery of one of the cam discs R which strikes
successively in its rotary travel one of the four cam studs T formed on the
face of the wheel U; this wheel is provided with teeth whereby it transmits its
motion to a small bevel wheel V and thence through the shaft X of the latter

page_text: to two toothed wheels V. The smaller of these wheels is formed on the
inner end of the hollow carrier, the wheels and other parts being so arranged
that a complete revolution of the carrier is effected during the time that the
wheel U is performing one-quarter of a revolution.
Having thus fully described the said improvements as communicated to
me by my foreign correspondents, and shown how the same may be con-
veniently and advantageously carried into practice, I claim,--
First. The self-adjusting table A for supporting the last holder, the same
being arranged to exert pressure against a sewing gauge, substantially as
described.
Second. The last holder L having a rack N on its under side in combination
with the worm K by which it is vibrated in conjunction with the said rack
substantially as described.
Third. The feeding awl b arranged in combination with the feed dog or
gauge c substantially as described.
Fourth. The thread heater P with an opening at bottom to admit the
flame of a lamp in combination with the deflecting plate Q which also
protects the spool from the contact of the flames substantially as described.
Fifth. The arrangement of the thread heater below and at the rear of
the thread carrier substantially as shown in Figure 1.
Sixth. The thread carrier W revolving intermittently in one direction in
combination with the needle or hook p substantially as above described.
Seventh. In combination with the needle or hook p the auxiliary needle q
arranged and operating substantially as described.
Eighth. The lever 10 and, cam groove 2 in combination with the awl
stock substantially as set forth.
Ninth. The oscillating spindle Z' arranged in combination with the lever 7
and cam groove 4 substantially as described.
Tenth. The stripper m in combination with the socket which supports
the awl arranged to operate substantially as described.
Eleventh. The pin 12 on the quadrant plate in combination with the
awl stock h substantially as described.
Twelfth. The connecting rod a and cam groove 3 in combination with the
feeding awl substantially as described.
Thirteenth. Connecting the feeding awl b to the rod a by means of an
elbow lever pivoted to the stock of the feed dog or gauge substantially as
described.
Fourteenth. The diagonally slotted plate e arranged in combination with

page_text: the lever of the feed dog or gauge c and made to reciprocate by the cami
groove substantially as described.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Robert Lake, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, this Thirtieth day of March, in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-eight.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE. (..s.)
Witness,
THOS. M. PALMER,
Clerk to Messrs. Haseltine, Lake, & Co.,
8, Southampton Buildings.
W. C.