IMPROVE- MENTS IN TOOLS, TOOL HOLDERS, AND MACHINERY FOR CUTTING OR DRESSING PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATIONTINGSING STONE, SLATE, MARBLE, COAL, AND OTHER SIMILAR SUBSTANCES
Year: 1875

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Bennet Adamson, of Glasgow, in the
County of Lanark, North Britain, for the Invention of "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN TOOLS, TOOL HOLDERS, AND MACHINERY FOR CUTTING OR DRESSING
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Bennet
Adamson at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his
Petition, on the 2nd June 1875.
I, WILLIAM BENNET ADAMSON, of Glasgow, in the County of Lanark,
North Britain, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention of
" IMPROVEMENTS IN TOOLS, TOOL HOLDERS, AND MACHINERY FOR CUTTING OR
DRESSING STONE, SLATE, MARBLE, COAL, AND OTHER SIMILAR SUBSTANCES," to be
as follows, that is to say:
-
This Invention relates, firstly, to the construction of tools for cutting
and dressing stone, slate, marble, coal, and other similar substances, and

page_text: of holders for holding the same in the machines by which the said tools
are operated.
Under the first modification the cutting portion of the tool forms the
segment of a circle. This tool is constructed out of a bar of half round
or flat steel which is heated, and by means of a punch or die one of
the extremities thereof is pressed into the form of the segment of a
circle, and which, according to the quality of stone, slate, or similar
substance to be operated upon, may be either solid or hollow. The
improved holder for this tool consists of two pieces of metal dovetailed
into each other, and in the smaller or outer piece the tool is inserted
in a recess corresponding to the shape of the shank of the tool; this
portion of the tool holder being that which is liable to be damaged, is,
when damaged, removed at the dovetail and a new piece put in its place,
thereby avoiding the necessity of providing an entirely new tool holder
on occasions of such damage.
Under a second modification the improved tool for cutting stone,
slate, marble, coal, and other similar. substances, is made from flat
pieces of metal of which the cutting portion is straight. These tools
may be in form triangular, trapezoidal, rectangular, or of a T or V
shape, and the section thereof forms a figure with three or more regular
or irregular sides, those tools which are of a triangular shape preferably
having the extreme points taken off. The lower part of the tools
may be slightly bent to give the tool a better hold in the tool
holder.
Under a third modification the improved tool for cutting stone, slate,
marble, coal, and other substances, is of a circular cup or saucer form,
or a segment thereof, bevelled or dished outside, with a corresponding
hollow inside, solid at the back, with a boss or shank attached to the
back for the purpose of securing the tool in the tool holder, thereby
affording additional holding power; and to provide still further holding
power to the tool, in some cases the outside of the narrowest part of
the tool or of the bottom of the shank is slightly turned outwards.
Instead of a circular or segmental form these tools may be elliptical,
oval, or of an elliptical or oval segment; or they may have three or
more sides, or a section of a three-sided or polygonal figure.
The tools under the second and third modification are made from
steel, pressed, forged, punched, or cast; or they may be formed of the

page_text: material of which malleable castings are made and used as cast in sand;
or they may be made of malleable cast iron heated and allowed to cool
in a solution of salt or other saline matter and water; the degree to
which the tools have to be heated, the strength of the solution, and the
length of time in which the tools are kept therein to be regulated by
the degree of temper required. These tools are held by preference in a
tool holder of which the front portion is detached from the main
portion.
By one method this front portion consists of two parts, one of which
is used as a gripper, the gripper, or the main portion of the tool holder,
or both, having a recess or projection in it or them to suit the form of
tool, between which gripper and the main portion of the holder the
tool is held. The other part of the front portion is a thin bar or pin
passing through the main portion of the tool holder to the top thereof
fitted with a screw thread on which a nut is placed, which on being
screwed up tightens the front portion of the holder and keeps the tool
firmly in its place.
By a second method the front portion of the tool holder is attached
to the main portion by means of a pinching screw, either or both of
which portions may have a recess to suit the form of tool, and at the
end of the front portion there may or may not be attached a steadying
pin to enter a corresponding recess in the main portion of the tool
holder. The front portion of these tool holders being the part liable to
be damaged, is, when damaged, removed and a new piece put in its
place, thereby effecting a great economy in tool holders.
Another method of holding these tools is by having a clamp piece
or jaw on the top of the tool holder, one of the ends of which rests
on the tool, and in the other end a hole is bored through which a
pinching screw is passed into the main portion of the holder.
The second part of this Invention relates to improvements in the
mechanism for cutting stone, slate, marble, and other similar substances,
and consists, firstly, in the use of facing plates or drums of a circular
or polygonal form, upon the circumference or periphery of which the
tools are placed either in straight lines or in sets, one tool a little behind
the other. The tools at the edge of the periphery project a little on
each side of the drum, thereby enabling it to work the faces of two
separate stones simultaneously when rotating between them. The drum

page_text: consists of a series of arms radiating from the centre shaft carrying it,
on the extremity of which a rim is cast, and in the circumference or
periphery holes and slots are made for the purpose of securing the tool
holders in. The tool holders may be made to hold one or more tools,
and it or they is or are held in their place in the drum by means of a
projection at the bottom fitting into the slot on the periphery of the
drum, in addition to which there is at the bottom of the projection
a shank let into a hole in the rim, and at the end of the shank there
is a thread on which a nut is placed, which on being screwed up keeps
the holder firmly in its place; or the holder may have on both sides of
it a flange which is attached to the rim of the drum by means of
pinching screws. When a straight face is wanted the contour of the
tool holders is parallel to the periphery of the drum; but when a
moulded or irregular surface is wanted the contour of the tool holders
is the reverse of that part of the moulded or irregular surface required
to be produced on the stone.
Another improvement consists in the use of two facing drums or
plates to cut in the same place, and moving in the same or in contrary
directions, but one of them slightly in advance of the other, so that the
whole surface of the stones may be dressed in one operation.
Another improvement in machines for dressing stone, slate, marble,
and other similar substances, consists in the use of two vertical drums
moving in the same or in contrary directions. Between these drums
a table passes on which two or more stones are placed, and which, by
the operation of the two barrels, may be dressed simultaneously.
Another improvement consists of moveable table tops or boxes to put
on the main table top, and in having two sets of these so that when one
set is at work on the machine another set may be fixed thereon, thereby
effecting a great economy in time. The stones are fastened in these
boxes by means of screws pressing on each side and end of the stone,
but that on which the machine is operating.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said William Bennet Adamson in the Great Seal
Patent Office on the 1st December 1875.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, WILLIAM
BENNET ADAMSON, of Glasgow, in the County of Lanark, North Britain,
send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Second day of June, in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-five, in the 38th
year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give
and grant unto me, the said William Bennet Adamson, Her special
license, that I, the said William Bennet Adamson, my executors,
administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said William
Bennet Adamson, my executors, administrators, or assigns, should
at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times
thereafter during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might
make, use, exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention
for "IMPROVEMENTS IN TOOLS, TOOL HOLDERS, AND MACHINERY FOR CUTTING OR
DRESSING STONE, SLATE, MARBLE, COAL, AND OTHER SIMILAR SUBSTANCES," upon
the condition (amongst others) that I, the said William Bennet
Adamson, by an instrument in writing under my hand and seal,.
should particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said Inven-
tion, and in what manner the same was to be performed, and cause
the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six
calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said Letters
Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said William Bennet Adamson, do
hereby declare the nature of my 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 accom-
panying Drawings, and to the letters and figures marked thereon, that
is to say:
My said Invention relates, firstly, to the construction of tools for
cutting and dressing stone, slate, marble, coal, and other similar sub-
stances, and of holders for holding the same in the machines, by which
the said tools are operated.

page_text: And in order that this first part of my said Invention may be properly
understood, I now proceed to describe the same with reference to some
of the Figures upon Sheet 1 of the two appended Sheets of Drawings.
.
Under the first modification the cutting portion of the tool forms the
segment of a circle, as shewn in front elevation at Figure 1, in side
elevation at Figure 2, and in end view at Figure 3. This tool is con-
structed out of a bar of half-round or flat steel, which is heated, and by
means of a punch or die one of the extremities thereof is pressed into
the form of the segment of a circle, as shown at A, and which, according
to the quality of stone, slate, or similar substance to be operated upon,
may be either solid or hollow. The remaining portion of the bar of steel
forming the shank or stem by which the same is held in the tool holder
of the machines in which the said tool is operated. When the cutting
portion of this tool is worn another part of the bar is pressed into shape,
and so on until the bar is exhausted. The improved holder for this tool
is shown in side elevation at Figure 4, Sheet 1, and it consists of two
pieces of metal marked A and B respectively dovetailed into each other
at the joint marked C, and in the smaller or outer picce the tool is
inserted in a recess corresponding to the shape of the shank of the tool,
as shown at Figure 4. This portion of the tool holder being that which
is liable to be damaged is when damaged removed at the dovetail, and a
new front or tool-holding piece put in its place, thereby avoiding the
necessity of providing an entirely new tool holder on occasions of such
damage. To further secure the dovetailed portion a small screw may be
inserted, as shown at D, Figure 4.
Under a second modification the improved tool for cutting stone, slate,
marble, coal, and other similar substances is made from flat pieces of
metal of which the cutting portion is straight. These tools may be in
form triangular, trapezoidal, rectangular, or of a T or V shape, and the
section thereof forms a figure with three or more regular or irregular
sides, those tools which are of a triangular shape preferably having the
extreme points taken off.
Tools of the kind last mentioned are shown under several different
forms at Figures 5, 6, 7, and 8 respectively, that is to say, the lines on
these several Figures indicate the shapes of the tools and the manner of
cutting them out of thin plates or bars or strips of iron or steel. By
cutting the tools of the several forms there shown there is no waste of

page_text: meterial, as their upper and under parts are so arranged that by alter-
nating the cutting and non-cutting edges to opposite sides of the plate,
bar, or strip of metal the shape of one end of a tool forms in its reverse
the shape of the opposite end or side of the next tool. To cut these
tools out of a thin plate, bar, or strip of metal it is preferred to use a
punch and die of the corresponding shape and size for one or a series of
tools, which are thereby struck out at one operation, as is well under-
stood in the punching of metals. The corners or angles of the cutting
edges of the tools may be left sharp, as at Figure 5, or they may be
taken off as at Figure 8, or they may be turned over at right angles, as
shown in the end view, Figure 9.
The tools now last described are held by preference in a tool holder
constructed, as shown in side elevation at Figure 10, and which is
herein-after more particularly referred to.
Under a third modification the improved tool for cutting stone, slate,
marble, coal, and other substances is of a circular cup or saucer form, or a
segment thereof, solid at the back, with a boss or short shank attached
to the back for the purpose of securing the tool in the tool holder, and
to provide still further holding power to the tool. In some cases the
outside of the narrowest part of the tool or of the bottom of the shank
is slightly turned outwards. Instead of a circular or segmental form
these tools may be of an elliptical or oval segment, or they may have
three or more sides, or be the section of a three-sided or polygonal
figure.
A tool of the kind now last mentioned is shown in side elevation at
Figure 11, and in end elevation, more particularly showing the form of
short shank preferably employed, at Figure 12. Two other forms of
this tool are shown at Figures 13 and 14 with a short conical catch
piece at the back or under side of the former, and with a flat shank at
the back or under side of the latter by which the tools are held in the
tool holder. Another slightly modified form of my improved cup tool is
shown at Figure 15 at A, in which Figure it is illustrated as held in a
tool holder, being retained therein by the small inverted conical tail
piece, being entered and held in a hollow of corresponding shape formed
partly in each half or division of the tool holder B.
The tools under the second and third modifications may be made from
steel, pressed, forged, or cast, or they may be formed of the material of
which malleable castings are made, and used as cast in sand, or they

page_text: may be made of malleable cast iron, heated and allowed to cool in a
solution of salt or other saline matter and water, the degree to which
the tools have to be heated, the strength of the solution, and the length
of time in which the tools are kept therein, being regulated by the
degree of temper required. These tools are held by preference in a tool
holder, of which the front portion is detached from the main portion.
By one method this tool holder consists of two parts B and C, as shown
at the last mentioned Figure, Figure 15, each of which is used as a
gripper, these having a recess or projection in them to suit the form of
tool, and between which the tool is held. The larger portion, or that:
marked B, is the part which is held in the socket of the machine in or
by which the tool is operated; the other part, or the front portion C, being
a somewhat thin bar, provided with a pin or bolt D, passing through
the main portion of the tool holder to the top or upper side thereof, and
which side of the tool holder is shaped as shown to provide a proper :
bearing surface for the nut fitted on the screw thread of the bolt D,
which on being screwed up tightens the front portion C of the holder
and keeps the tool firmly in its place. The tool holder shown at
Figure 10, and herein-before referred to, for holding the tools shown at
Figures 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9, is constructed according to that shown at a
Figure 15, with the exception that the recess for holding the tool
is differently shaped to correspond with tools of the forms Figures
5 to 9.
By a second method the front portion of the tool holder is attached
to the main portion by means of a pinching screw, either or both of 2
which portions may have a recess to suit the form of tool; and at the
end of the front portion there may or may not be attached a steadying
pin to enter a corresponding recess in the main portion of the tool
holder. The front portion of these tool holders being the part liable to
be damaged, is when damaged removed and a new piece put in its place, a
thereby effecting a great economy in tool holders.
A tool holder arranged according to this last mentioned method, and
for holding one tool, is shown in side elevation at Figure 16 as holding
a tool of the form indicated at Figures 11 and 12, namely, the tool
having the short triangular stem. The main part of the tool holder is 3
marked A, and B is the moveable jaw; this being caused to close upon
the short stem of the tool by means of tightening the screw bolt C.
'

page_text: Another improvement consists in the use of two facing drums or
plates to cut in the same plane, and moving in the same or in contrary
directions, but one of them slightly in advance of the other, so that the
whole surface of the stones may be dressed in one operation.
plates to cut in the same plane, and moving in the same ór in contrary
directions, but one of them slightly in advance of the other, so that the
whole surface of the stones may be dressed in one operation.
And in order that these parts of my said Invention may be properly
understood, reference is now made to Sheet 2 of the appended Drawings
.in which,―
Figure 1 is a longitudinal section partly an elevation of a stone
cutting or dressing machine, provided with two facing plates or drums
marked A and B respectively, for facing or dressing the faces of two
stones or sets of stones C and D, placed opposite to one another, and
carried upon the tables E.
Figure 2 (Sheet 2) is a horizontal section (corresponding to Figure 1)
through the several parts of the gearing, the remaining parts of the
Figure being in plan, and Figure 3, Sheet 2, is a transverse section also
through the several parts of the gearing, and corresponding to Figures
1 and 2 on the said Sheet of Drawings. The driving pulley F is carried
loosely upon the shaft G, and connected with it is a step or cone pulley
H from which a driving belt passes to a similar step or cone pulley I on
the shaft J. On the shaft J there is also carried the double clutch K,
which when in gear with the pulley I drives the shaft J in a direction so
that it actuates the bevil pinions L gearing with the bevil pinions M and
thence the spur pinions N, so as to rotate the nuts O in a direction
which will cause the screws P and the tables E to which they are
attached to be slowly and continuously moved in the direction of the
arrow above Figure 1, that is to say, towards the cutting discs or drums
A and B. The cutting discs or drums A and B are slowly rotated by
the action of the pinion Q on the driving shaft G gearing into the spur
wheel R upon the shaft S, on which is situated the pinion Ţ gearing
into the large spur wheel U keyed on the shaft G, upon which the
upper disc or cutting drum A is supported. At the opposite end of the
shaft G, the spur wheel W is carried which drives the spur pinions X
and Y upon the shafts X and Y¹ respectively, the shaft Y' carrying the
under cutting wheel B and the shaft X¹, carrying the two cutting
wheels Z and Z³, these last dressing the top surfaces or beds of the
stones C and D, carried in boxes on the tables E, the said boxes being
herein-after fully set forth.

page_text: By shifting the driving belt from the pulley F on to the pulley F
and throwing the clutch K into gear with the pulley I', the gear for
actuating the nuts O is by means of the cross belt F driven at a quick
speed, and in an opposite direction to that herein-before described for
driving the tables E in the cutting direction. The object of this last-
mentioned gearing being to save time by driving the tables back quickly
when the cutting or dressing operation has been completed.
Another improvement in machines for dressing stone, slate, marble,
and other similar substances consists in the use of two vertical drums
moving in the same or in contrary directions. Between these drums
a table passes on which two or more stones are placed, and which by
the operation of the two barrels may be dressed simultaneously.
This part of my present improvements is shown at Figure 21, Sheet 1,
of the appended Drawings. This Figure is a transverse section of the
machine, in which the table A is that upon which the stones to be
dressed are carried, it being traversed by the nut R revolving upon the
screw C fixed to the table A. Above the table is the cross shaft D
provided with bevil pinions E gearing with the bevil wheels F which
drive the barrels G, the surfaces of which are fitted with tool holders
and tools which operate upon the stone carried on the table A as the
latter is traversed.
Another improvement consists of moveable table tops or boxes to put
on the main table top, and in having two sets of these, so that when onc
set is at work on the machine another set may be fixed thereon, thereby
effecting a great economy in time. The stones are fastened in these
boxes by means of screws pressing on cach side and end of the stone,
excepting that on which the machine is operating.
This part of my said Invention is shown in plan at Figure 22; in sido
clevation at Figure 23; and in end elevation at Figure 24; all respec-
tively on Sheet 1 of the appended Drawings. The boxes A consist of a
bottom, back, and end, all in one piece or casting, the other end B
being moveable and capable of adjustment at any part of the length of
the box, according to the length of the stones to be cut or dressed. At
or through the holes x shown in the bottom, back, and ends of the
boxes, screw bolts pass by which the stones are clamped and firmly held
in any required position in the boxes; the moveable end being first
fixed in the desired position.

page_text: Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of my
said Invention, and the system, mode, or manner in or under which the
same is or may be used or practically carried into effect, I would observe
in conclusion that I do not claim as my Invention all the arrangements
of the mechanism herein-before described and shown in the annexed
Drawings, but what I do consider to be novel and original and therefore
claim as the Invention secured to me by the herein-before in part
recited Letters Patent is,-
First. The tool formed of a bar of steel as herein-before described
and shown at Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the appended Drawings.
Second. The tool holder shown at Figure 4, Sheet 1, of the appended
Drawings, cither for holding the tool there shown or for holding other
tools, and in which the upper or removeable part is attached to the
lower by a dovetail or equivalent joint, as herein-before described.
]
Third. The construction of the tools, out of strips, plates, or bars of 1
iron or steel, as herein-before described and shown at Figures 5, 6, 7, 8,
and 9, Sheet 1, of the appended Drawings.
Fourth. The short stems or shanks at the back or lower part of cup
tools, as shown at Figures 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16, Sheet 1, of the
Drawings, for fixing the same in the tool holders, as herein-before 2
described.
Fifth. The tool holders with the front jaw or holding portion
removeable, as shown at Figures 10, 15, 17, 18, 19, and 20, Sheet 1, of
the Drawings, as herein-before described.
Sixth. Attaching tool holders to the circumferential surface of drums 2
or barrels, by means of screw bolts or studs, as herein-before described,
and shown at Figures 17, 18, 19, and 20, Sheet 1, of the appended
Drawings.
Seventh. The facing plates or drums with tools projecting over each
edge, so as to dress or face two stones simultaneously, as herein-before 3
described, and shown at the Figures on Sheet 2 of the appended
Drawings.
Eighth. Two drums, barrels, or discs, arranged to cut stones on a
travelling table, both at the upper and under sides, as shown at A and B,
on Sheet 2 of the appended Drawings, one such drum, barrel, or disc 3
being in advance of the other, as herein-before described.

page_text: Ninth. The stone cutting or dressing machine having two dressing
or cutting drums or barrels, with a table on which the stone is carried,
travelling between them, as herein-before described, and shown at
Figure 21, Sheet 2, of the appended Drawings.
Tenth. The boxes for containing stones to be cut or dressed, provided
with screw bolts or set pins and with a removable end or its equivalent
as herein-before described, and shown at Figures 22, 23, and 24, Sheet
1, of the appended Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Bennet Adamson, have
hereunto set my hand and seal, this Thirtieth day of November,
One thousand eight hundred and seventy-five.
WILLIAM BENNET ADAMSON. (L.S).