IMPROVEMENTS IN THE METHOD OF ACTUATING SEWING MACHINES. APPPLICABLE TO LATHES AND OTHER MACHINES FOR · STARTING, STOPPing, and RegulaTING OR GOVERNING THE SPEED THEREOF.”
Year: 1881

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to James Holden, of Swindon, in the County of Wilts,
Engineer, for an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE METHOD OF ACTUATING
SEWING MACHINES. APPPLICABLE TO LATHES AND OTHER MACHINES FOR
· STARTING, STOPPing, and RegulaTING OR GOVERNING THE SPEED THEREOF.”
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said James Holden at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 5th January 1881.
"
JAMES HOLDEN, of Swindon, in the County of Wilts, Engineer. 'IMPROVEMENTS
IN THE METHOD OF ACTUATING SEWING MACHINES, APPLICABLE TO LATHES AND
OTHER MACHINES FOR STARTING, STOPPING, AND REGULATING OR GOVERNING
THE SPEED THEREOF."
This Invention has for its object the more effectual control over the speed of
sewing and other machines, and is applicable to machines actuated either by foot
or by power.
"
For this purpose I make use of two frictional disc wheels placed at right angles,
commonly known as "brush wheels or "buff wheels," whereby the relative
speeds can be varied by changing the distance of one disc from the centre of the
other.
On the face of the driving disc I make a recess, and when the driven disc
approaches the limit of its travel towards the centre of the driving disc the two
discs lose contact, and the side of the driven disc coming against a frictional surface
the machine is instantly stopped.
י
The apparatus may be applied to the driving shaft or counter shaft of the
machine and the effect be transmitted to the sewing or other machine by a belt or
other means.
The application of my improvements to lathes and other machines may be varied
to adapt the apparatus thereto as required.
t
The apparatus may be operated by the foot or by other means.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said James Holden in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 4th July
1881.
JAMES HOLDEN, of Swindon, in the County of Wilts, Engineer. "IMPROVEMENTS
IN THE METHOD OF ACTUATING SEWING MACHINES, APPLICABLE TO LATHES AND
OTHER MACHINES FOR STARTING, STOPPING, AND REGULATING OR GOVERNING
THE SPEED THEREOF.".
This Invention has for its object. the more effectual control over the speed of
sewing and other machines, and is applicable to machines actuated either by foot
or by power.
For this purpose I make use of two frictional disc wheels placed at right angles,
commonly known as brush wheels or buff wheels, whereby the relative speeds can
be varied by changing the distance of one disc from the centre of the other.
According to my present improvements I mount two discs on axes, and place
one so as to run at right angles to the other, as shewn by Figure 1 of the Drawings
hereto annexed, which represents a side elevation, and Figure 2 a plan of mechanism
or apparatus arranged in accordance with my Invention.
The larger disc A is fixed rigidly on to the driving shaft K, and has a recess B
cut or formed in its face.
The smaller disc C is placed at right angles to the disc A, and is, arranged so as
to slide or travel along the countershaft D, which has a key or feather projecting
from it in order that when the small disc C revolves with the countershaft D the
disc may be caused to move or travel towards or from the centre of the driving
disc A at the same time.
Attached to the countershaft D is a small pulley G, over which a cord or belt
is carried to the machine required to be driven.
The pedals E and F are carried to the feet of the operator, so that he can move
the small disc C along the countershaft D, and so vary the speed of the countershaft
at will.'
The object of the recess B in the large disc A is that when the operator wishes
to stop the countershaft he presses on the pedal E with his foot, which forces the
small disc C along the countershaft D until it arrives at right angles to the recess,
where it ceases to have contact with the larger disc A, and if it be. the desire of
the operator to stop the countershaft quickly he presses the disc C against the
support H of the main driving shaft which instantly stops it.
Figures 3 and 4 illustrate another mode of driving the machine without a cord
or belt, simply by turning the countershaft upwards and fixing a disc on the top
end, which is placed in contact with the wheel of the machine direct. Corresponding
parts are marked with similar letters of reference to those previously described.
Having thus described the nature of my Invention, and in what manner the
same is to be performed, I would have it understood that I make no claim to the
disc wheels used with machinery, or to any of the mechanical parts separately,
which are well known and in common use, but what I claim is,—
Firstly. The application of two discs, such as A and C, and mechanism combined
therewith, for driving sewing and other machines, substantially in the manner
herein described and represented in Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the Drawings
annexed.
Secondly. The use and application of the recess B formed in the face of the

page_text: driving disc A, substantially as and for the purpose herein described with reference
to Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the Drawings annexed.
In witness whereof, I, the said James Holden, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this First day of July, in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and eighty one.
•
JAMES HOLDEN. (L.S.)