IMPROVEMENTS IN SEWING MACHINES
Year: 1881

page_text: "
LETTERS PATENT to John Henry Johnson, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the
County of Middlesex, Gentleman, for an Invention of IMPROVEMENTS IN
SEWING MACHINES." A communication from abroad by Charles Henry
Willcox, of New York City, and James E. A. Gibbs, of Steele's Tavern,
Rockingham County, Virginia, both in the United States of America.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Henry Johnson at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 12th April 1881.
JOHN HENRY JOHNSON, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the County of
Middlesex, Gentleman. "IMPROVEMENTS IN SEWING MACHINES." A communi-
cation from abroad by Charles Henry Willcox, of New York City, and James
E. A. Gibbs, of Steele's Tavern, Rockingham County, Virginia, both in the United
States of America.
This Invention relates more particularly to the class of machines which produce
a lock stitch by means of a rotary hook carrying the loop of an upper thread
around the mass of the lower thread contained in a stationary or comparatively
stationary bobbin case, and completes each stitch separately by means of an
independent take up; and the object of the Invention is generally to increase the
regularity and rapidity of movement and the efficiency in operation in the produc-
tion of the stitches with precision and certainty, and with little friction or strain
upon the thread, except that resulting from the tension, and in fine to attain the
results in which by universal acknowledgment the perfection of sewing machines
consists.
In carrying the loop over the bobbin in machines heretofore constructed, the
thread is subjected to more or less friction against or between the bobbin and its
case, and the rotary hook and the slide ring or other device employed to hold the
bobbin in position in the rotary hook. In this Invention a practically free path is
secured over and around the bobbin case, and the thread is carried over the sides of
the bobbin and case substantially without friction.
Friction of the bobbin case with the hook is also practically avoided. When the
bobbin case rests or bears against the book, it not only retards the machine but

page_text: the surfaces in contact are roughened or become worn, and oil is required for
lubrication which soils the thread. In the present Invention the bobbin case is
hung or suspended like a pendulum from a stationary point so as to be clear of the
hook. Means for suspending a bobbin case have been employed in rotary hook
machines in making a lock stitch, in which each stitch is drawn up by the action of
the rotary hook in taking down the needle loop to form the next stitch, but never,
so far as I am aware, have they been used in combination with an independent
take up, and other elements of a machine completing each stitch separately.
Furthermore, in the present Invention the bobbin case is held upon the stationary
point or hanger by the hook itself instead of by means of stationary fingers or a
supplementary plate, as in the machines referred to, and important advantages in
avoiding strain upon the thread of the needle loop are thus secured.
The rotary hook is cup shaped, and contains within it the bobbin case which is
suspended upon a hanging piece or hanger attached to the bobbin case holder, and
is retained in position thereon by the hook and the bobbin holder with sufficient
freedom to permit a loop of thread to be readily carried around it.
The bobbin case has an enlargement on its face opposite the hanger arranged
above and at one side of the point of the hanger, so as to prevent rotation of the
bobbin case while allowing a free passage of the thread around the said point of
the hanger. The hanger projects into a recess on the face of the bobbin case, which
is also provided with a projection adapted to bear against the side of the hanger,
and extending beyond the side of the recess. The bobbin holder is recessed on its
face, but is provided with an elevated bearing surface at its lower part for the
bobbin case.
With the rotary hooks heretofore generally known and used, the needle loop
passing over the bobbin case places itself diagonally on the point of the hook. In
this Invention the loop is held squarely across the point, i.e., parallel with the axis
of the hook, and is, when carried over the bobbin case straight on both sides
thereof, in such a manner as to require the least possible thread for the loop
according to the size of bobbin case used.
The cup shaped rotary hook, which is of internally cylindrical form, has a portion
of the periphery and also of the back cut away to forin the point, the extreme end
of which extends slightly beyond the edge of the main portion of the book. The
hook is also provided near its edge with an internal concentric shoulder, the edge
of which beneath the point being bevelled to permit the loop of thread when taken
on the point to ride over it easily. A loop shedder or shield is secured across the
opening in front of the point. This shedder is attached upon opposite sides of
the opening, and on the front edge is hollowed out to expose the point of the hook
and to allow the loop to be thrown by the needle. The bobbin case is of general
cylindrical shape open at one end, and is provided upon its periphery with a
shoulder extending around said case, and cut away at the top to form an opening
for the passage of the loop of the needle thread, and having its face bevelled or
slightly cut away towards the bottom to permit the case to swing slightly into
the hook. The bobbin case has on its face at the side at the top an elevation or
rim extending substantially to or beyond the path of the point of the said hook,
in which rim are separate holes for the passage of the needle, and for delivering
the under thread from the bobbin within the case to the cloth, the centre of said
holes being in substantially the same plane perpendicular to the axis of the case.
The hook and case are both formed with concentric shoulders which are the
counterpart the one of the other. The case is held with the centre of its opening
or thread guide in a vertical plane parallel to the feed motion through the axis of
the needle.
In order to give a free path over the bobbin case it is necessary to hold the
bobbin in the case.
In this Invention a split ring is contained in an annular
recess in the barrel of the bobbin, which clasps a spindle in the bobbin case and
retains the bobbin within the case while allowing it to turn freely.
To place and secure the bobbin and case in the rotary hook, or to remove it

page_text: therefrom in machines heretofore devised is a matter of more or less difficulty.
In this Invention a hinged bobbin holder has been provided, on the face of
which the bobbin case is hung and rests, and by turning this holder into an
upright position the bobbin is inserted in its proper place in the hook. When
the holder is allowed to drop, it carries the bobbin and case out of and clear of the
book so that it may be readily removed.
The hinged bobbin holder has the axis on which it turns at right angles to the
axis of the hook. Stops are provided to limit the movements of the said holder,
the stop which limits the outward movement away from the hook being arranged
to bring the holder to rest with the face thereof in an inclined position. Segmental
or curved side pieces are formed on the holder at opposite sides of the face thereof
to retain the bobbin case in position when placed in the face of the said holder,
and for guiding it into the hook.
The needle in descending passes in front of the bobbin and case, and to place the
latter in the hook at such times or to take it out would be impossible without
bending or breaking the needle. In this Invention therefore devices are provided
to automatically lock the bobbin holder to prevent it from being moved into or out
of position except when the needle is clear of the book.
The adjustment of the tension on the under thread has heretofore been effected
by devices placed upon the bobbin case. The removal of the case has usually been
necessary for the purpose. In this Invention the tension plate or washer is placed
upon the bobbin case, and its adjustment is effected readily and without removal
of the bobbin case from the hook. Moreover the adjustment can be effected
without removal of a slide or other part of the cloth plate, a hole being made in
the plate so that a finger of the operator can be introduced through it to operate
said device.
The locking of the holder being effected by an arm which is adapted to be
engaged by the feed in its descent.
The tension washer is inserted in the recess in the bobbin
case, and is provided
with openings for the reception of pins formed on the head of the case for attach-
ment to the head of the said case. The washer is composed of a flat disc turned
up at one edge and slotted from the top downwards for the passage of the
needle.
A spiral tension spring is located in the spindle of the bobbin case; and a nut is
also located in the spindle, the said nut being moveable lengthwise thereof but
prevented from turning; and an adjusting screw is also provided, the head of which
bears against the tension washer or plate, and is exposed through it to admit of
adjustment of the tension. For adjusting the tension of the tension washer for the
under thread a screw driver is provided having a collar or projection on its shaft
carried by said holder and supported so as to turn freely, and also to have a limited
endwise movement and a retractile spring arranged to bear at one end against said
collar or projection on the shaft of said screw driver, which may be operated by a
finger of the operator through a hole in the cloth plate. The screw driver is
supported in such a manner that it is moveable into and out of engagement with
the screw without the removal of the bobbin case from the rotary hook.
In this Invention the movements are all so far as possible continuous, rotary,
positive, and regular. The speed at which machines can be driven is very much
limited by reciprocating parts, and especially those movements are irregular. The
movement of the upper or loop thread in the formation of the stitch irregular,
and it is necessary that the take up should take up and give out the thread
accordingly. This effect has been generally produced by levers or devices operated
by cams, although apparatus of various kinds having a rotary or combined rotary
and reciprocating motion have been devised. In this Invention the irregularity of
action is secured with a perfectly regular rotary motion. The feed movement is
positive in all directions and takes place in an elliptical path, the horizontal axis of
which is longer or shorter according to the length of the stitch. Motion is commu-

page_text: nicated to the needle bar through a pitman from a plane crank on the main shaft,
which rotates in the gooseneck or arm of the machine.
In order to run at great speeds it is desirable that the reciprocating or rotary
parts should be small and light, and that all movements should be made as short
as possible. By making the parts small and light the friction and power are much
lessened, and the same may be said of shortening the movements of the several
parts. If a loop greater than is absolutely necessary is taken down by the hook
the action of the take up and consequently the size and rapidity of movement
must be increased, and also the rate at which the thread is drawn through the
cloth and the eye of the needle. Moreover the same thread has to be worked over
and over more often in sewing the same length of fabric. In this machine the
smallest loop consistent with the size of the bobbin enclosed is taken down, the
bobbin being capable of holding about 80 yards of number 80 cotton, and the
thread required to form the loop being about 2 inches. This result is secured
by placing the bobbin in its case slightly eccentric, so that a beveled surface can be
made upon the bobbin case at the proper point to assist in spreading the loop over
and to the back of it, and still allow the smallest possible diameter of hook that
will encircle the bobbin and bobbing case by placing the hook so that its point will
revolve as near to the cloth as possible and permit a proper loop to be thrown by
the needle, and by carrying the loop when passing under the bobbin case square
across and in the most direct line from and to the cloth.
In this Invention also the feed eccentric is small, and the throw of the needle
and the size of the take up are reduced so far as consistent with efficient
operation.
The arm which locks the bobbin holder is a projection from the bar carrying the
feed, the surface of which is hollowed out in the arc of a circle concentric with the
axis on which the bobbin holder turns, the locking arm being adapted to be
engaged by the feed in its descent. The main shaft upon which the driving pulley
is keyed turns in bearings in the arm or gooseneck of the sewing machine, and
imparts a reciprocating motion to the needle bar by a plain crank on the said shaft
connected with the needle bar through a cross head and pitman in the head of the
frame in which the needle bar works.
The rotary hook receives independent motion directly from the main shaft
through the standard of the gooseneck by a shaft located under the cloth plate and
suitable intervening gear, and geared to make two revolutions for each one of the
said main shaft.
The feed bar is located beneath the cloth plate, and an eccentric or feed operating
device is mounted on the gooseneck or needle operating shaft which communicates
the required motion to the said feed bar. The feed mechanism consists of a rocker
hinged to the machine frame, the feed bar being hinged to the rocker. The
eccentric upon the main shaft is embraced by a slotted bar at its upper end, its
lower end being connected with an arm of the feed bar. The motion of the slotted
bar by which motion is communicated to the feed is regulated by an adjustable
pivoted box sliding within the slotted bar, and capable of vertical movement
therein by means of a rack and pinion by which the length of stitch is adjusted,
and a spring is provided for retaining by its pressure the slide in any position to
which it may be adjusted. A disc is connected with the shaft of the pinion and
marked with divisions indicating the length of stitch formed by the feed in the
different positions of the said disc.
The take up, which is arranged to act upon the thread at a point between the
spool and the needle is located in the head of the machine, and is fastened on the
end of the main shaft whereby a rotary motion is imparted to it.
The take up is
formed of two discs or plates between which the thread is enclosed and protected,
and there are in operation no projecting or exposed parts liable to interfere with
the free movements of the operator, or to be accidentally broken.
The discs or plates of the rotary take up have plain or snooth surfaces opposed
or adjacent to each other, and are separated by a suitable distance for the free

page_text: passage of the thread, and one or more pins cross the space between the said discs
or plates and are located near the circumference of the said disc or plates at
different distances from the centre of rotation. The discs or plates are separated
by washers with grooved edges, and held solidly together by rivets passing through
the said washers.
A curved segment is secured to the head of the machine over the edge of the
discs, and is provided with slots or openings for the reception of the thread.
The take up acts to take up the needle loop independently of the rotary hook so
as to complete each stitch separately, and the bobbin case is suspended from the
hanger in the hook so as to leave a clear passage between the said case and the
hook, whereby the bobbin case is lifted by the feed to allow the loop free passage
between the hanger and the bobbin case.
The upper thread is kept out of possible contact with the needle bar, so that the
soiling of it by the oil with which the needle bar in machines using a straight
needle is covered is avoided by the following means.
A thread protector is provided consisting of a rod or grooved wire secured in
an upright position on the side of the needle bar, adjacent to the guide or opening
through which the thread is delivered to the needle. The said protector is is attached
at its lower end to the needle bar and is provided on the outside, or side most
distant from the needle bar, with a groove, and terminates at its lower end in an
inclined tube.
In sewing at high speed it was found that the thread was liable to be divided or
stranded, or to break for some unexplained reason. I have discovered that this
result is caused by the impaling of the thread upon the point of the needle from
the momentum due to the upward movement of the thread under the action of the
take up, and a shield or finger has therefore been provided which automatically
interposes itself at the beginning of this movement and protects the thread, keeping
it off the point of the needle.
The shield consists of a finger pivotted to the head of the machine and operated
by a pin on the cross head moving in a. slot in the finger, whereby the thread is
warded off the point of the needle as it is drawn through the eye thereof under
the action of the take up.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said John Henry Johnson in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
12th October 1881.
JOHN HENRY JOHNSON, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the County of
Middlesex, Gentleman. "IMPROVEMENTS IN SEWING MACHINES." A communi-
cation from abroad by Charles Henry Willcox, of New York City, and James
E. A. Gibbs, of Steele's Tavern, Rockingham County, Virginia, both in the United
States of America.
The said Invention relates more particularly to the class of machines which
produce a lock stitch. by means of a rotary hook carrying the loop of an upper
thread around the mass of the lower thread contained in a stationary or
comparatively stationary bobbin case, and completes each stitch separately by
means of an independent take up, and the object of the Invention is generally to
increase the regularity and rapidity of movement and the efficiency in operation in
the production of the stitches with precision and certainty and with little friction
or strain upon the thread except that resulting from the tension, and in fine to
attain the results in which by universal acknowledgment the perfection of sewing
machines consists. The following improvements, however, may be here more fully
set forth.
Firstly. In carrying the loop over the bobbin in machines heretofore constructed
the thread is subjected to more or less friction against or between the bobbin and
its case, and the rotary hook and the slide ring or other device employed to hold
the bobbin in position in the rotary hook. In this position a practically free path
is secured over and around the bobbin case, and the thread is carried over the sides
of the bobbin and case substantially without friction.
Secondly. Friction of the bobbin case with the hook is also practically avoided.
When the bobbin case rests or bears against the hook it not only retards the
machine, but the surfaces in contact are roughened or become worn, and oil is
required for lubrication which soils the thread. In the present Invention the
bobbin case is hung or suspended like a pendulum from a stationary point, so as to
be clear of the hook. Means for suspending a bobbin case have been employed in
rotary hook machines in making a lock stitch in which each stitch is drawn up by
the action of the rotary hook in taking down the needle loop to form the next
stitch, but never, so far as my foreign correspondents are aware, have they been
used in combination with an independent take up, and other elements of a machine
completing each stitch separately. Furthermore, in the present Invention the
bobbin case is held upon the stationary point or hanger by the hook itself instead
of by means of stationary fingers or a supplementary plate as in the machines
referred to, and important advantages in avoiding strain upon the thread of the
needle loop are thus secured.
Thirdly. With the rotary hooks heretofore generally known and used, the needle
loop passing over the bobbin case places itself diagonally on the point of the hook.
In this Invention the loop is held squarely across the point, i.e., parallel with the
axis of the hook, and is, when carried over the bobbin case, straight on both sides
thereof in such a manner as to require the least possible thread for the loop
according to the size of bobbin case used.
Fourthly. In order to give a free path over the bobbin case it is necessary to
bold the bobbin in the case. In this Invention a split ring is contained in an
annular recess in the barrel of the bobbin, which clasps a spindle in the bobbin
case, and retains the bobbin within the case, while allowing it to turn freely.
Fifthly. In this Invention the movements are all as far as possible continuous,

page_text: rotary, positive, and regular. The speed at which machines can be driven is very
much limited by reciprocating parts, and especially by those the movements of
which are irregular. The movement of the upper or loop thread in the formation
of the stitch is irregular, and it is necessary that the take up should take up and
give out the thread accordingly. This effect has been generally produced by levers
or devices operated by cams, although apparatus of various kinds having a rotary
or combined rotary and reciprocating motion have been devised. In this Invention
the irregularity of action is secured with a perfectly regular rotary motion. The
feed movement is positive in all directions, and takes place in an eliptical path,
the horizontal axis of which is longer or shorter according to the length of the
stitch. Motion is communicated to the needle bar through a pitman from a
plane crank on the main shaft, which rotates in the gooseneck or arm of the
machine.
Sixthly. In order to run at great speeds it is desirable that the reciprocating or
rotary parts should be small and light, and that all movements should be made as
short as possible. By making the parts small and light the friction and power are
much lessened, and the same may be said of shortening the movements of the
several parts. If a loop greater than is absolutely necessary is taken down by the
look the action of the take up, and consequently the size and rapidity of movement,
must be increased, and also the rate at which the thread is drawn through the cloth
and the eye of the needle. Moreover the same thread has to be worked over and over
more often in sewing the same length of fabric. In this machine the sinallest loop
consistent with the size of the bobbin enclosed is taken down, the bobbin being
capable of bolding about 80 yards of No. 80 cotton, and the thread required to form
the loop being about 27/8 inches. This result is secured by placing the bobbin in
its case slightly eccentric, so that a bended surface can be made upon the bobbin
case at the proper point to assist in spreading the loop over, and to the back of it,
and still allow the smallest possible diameter of hook that will encircle the bobbin
and bobbin case, by placing the hook so that its point will revolve as near to the
cloth as possible, and permit a proper loop to be thrown by the needle, and by
carrying the loop when passing under the bobbin case square across and in the
most direct line from and to the cloth.
In this Invention also the feed eccentric is small, and the throw of the needle
and the size of the take up are reduced, so far as consistent with efficient
operation.
Seventhly. In this Invention the upper thread is kept out of possible contact
with the needle bar, so that the soiling of it by the oil with which the needle bar
in machines using a straight needle is covered is avoided.
Eighthly. In sewing at high speed it was found that the thread was liable to be
divided or stranded, or to break for some unexplained reason. My.foreign corre-
spondents have discovered that this result is caused by the impaling of the thread
upon the point of the needle from the momentum due to the upward movement of
the thread under the action of the take up, and a shield or finger has therefore
been provided, which automatically interposes itself at the beginning of this
movement, and protects the thread, keeping it off the point of the needle.
Ninthly. To place and secure the bobbin and case in the rotary hook, or to
remove it therefrom in machines heretofore devised is a matter of more or less
difficulty. In this Invention a hinged bobbin holder has been provided, in the face
of which the bobbin case is hung and rests, and by turning this holder into an
upright position the bobbin is inserted in its proper place in the hook.
holder is allowed to drop it carries the bobbin and case out of and clear of the hook,
so that it may be readily removed.
When the
Tenthly. The needle in descending passes in front of the bobbin and case, and to
place the latter in the hook at such times, or to take it out, would be impossible
without bending or breaking the needle. In this Invention therefore devices are
provided to automatically lock the bobbin holder to prevent it from being moved
nto or out of position, except when the needle is clear of the hook,

page_text: Eleventhly. The fake up is formed of two disks or plates, between which tlie
thread is enclosed and protected, and there are in operation no projecting or
exposed parts liable to interfere with the free movements of the operator, or to be
accidentally broken.
Twelfthly. The adjustment of the tension on the under thread has heretofore been
effected by devices placed upon the bobbin case. The removal of the case has
usually been necessary for the purpose. In this Invention the tension plate or
washer is placed upon the bobbin case, and its adjustment is effected readily, and
without removal of the bobbin case from the hook. Moreover the adjustment can
be effected without removal of a slide or other part of the cloth plate, a hole being
made in the plate, so that a finger of the operator can be introduced through it to
operate the device.
Thirteenthly. In order to prevent the breaking of the needles or accidental injury
to the hook or other part of the machine by the striking of the point of the hook
against or passing on the wrong side of the needle, the bobbin case is provided
with a vertical hole into which the needle enters, and which thus guides the needle,
and in connection with the needle hole in the throat plate accomplishes the result
in avoiding all liability to the danger indicated.
This Invention also consists in the construction, combination, and arrangement
of parts, as hereinafter more fully set forth.
And in order that my said Invention may be fully understood I shall now
proceed more particularly to describe the same, and for that purpose shall refer to
the several Figures on the annexed Sheet of Drawings, the same letters of
reference indicating corresponding parts in all the Figures.
Figure 1 is a plan of a machine constructed according to the said Invention;
Figure 2 is a front elevation of the same partly in section; Figure 3, a sectional
elevation of the head of the machine; Figure 4 is a plan of the machine with the
upper part removed; Figure 5, an end view looking at the head of the machine,
and Figure 6 an end view from the opposite end; Figure 5ª is a view in perspective
of a portion of the feed mechanism detached; Figure 7, an end view of the goose
neck and head of the machine, as shewn in Figure 5, with the take up and
segments for guiding the thread thereto removed; Figure 8 a sectional elevation of
the standard of the goose neck looking from the rear, the rotary hook shaft and
pinion being also shown; Figure 9, a sectional elevation looking from the right
hand end of the machine showing mainly the gears for communicating motion from
the main to the rotary hook shaft, and Figure 10 a sectional elevation looking
from the left hand end of the machine, illustrating mainly the mechanism for
operating the feed; Figure 11 is a sectional view drawn to an enlarged scale,
showing the rotary hook bobbin and case, and a part of the bobbin holder, the
bobbin case being shown suspended in the hook from the hanger, the latter being
fastened to the bobbin holder; Figures 12 and 13 are enlarged views of the rotary
hook in front and side elevation respectively; Figure 14 is a plan; Figure 15, a
front elevation; Figure 16, a section (taken along the line y, y, Figure 15); Figure 17,
a rear elevation, and Figure 18, a section (taken along the line 2, 2, Figure 17) of
the bobbin case enlarged; Figure 19, an enlarged sectional view of the bobbin,
the split ring in the interior of the barrel thereof being shown in elevation;
Figures 20, 21, and 22, in front and side views on an enlarged scale the tension
washer of the bobbin case, the screw for adjusting the pressure on the tension
washer, and the nut in which the screw turns respectively; Figure 23 shows the
construction of the opening in the bobbin case through which the needle passes,
and Figure 24 the construction of that through which the under thread passes from
the interior of the case to the tension; Figure 24ª is a detail view in section of a
portion of the take up showing the manner of connecting the plates; Figure 25
shows on an enlarged scale and in two views the needle bar with the thread
protector attached; Figures 26, 27, 28, and 29 are respectively a rear view, plan,
end view, and front view of the bobbin holder with the block by which it is
attached to the machine frame, the arm of the feed bar to which the feed surface is

page_text: attached being shown in section in Figure 26 in position, for locking. the holder
and preventing it from being dropped on its hinge; Figures 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35,
36, and 37 constitute a series of diagrams illustrating the different positions of the
stitch forming mechanism and feed surface which they occupy in the formation of
each stitch.
A is the main plate of the machine frame, and B the goose neck or stationary
arm. In the latter the main shaft C turns in bearings, being driven by a belt on
the pulley C or by other suitable ineans. From a gear C² on the main shaft,
power is conveyed to the rotary hook shaft D by two intermediate gears C and C+
and a pinion D' on the shaft D, the pinion D¹ being half the size of the gear C³,
so that the shaft D is revolved at twice the speed of the main shaft. The feed is
operated by an eccentric E (see Figure 10) on the main shaft.
The needle bar F is operated through a pitman F³ by a crank F¹ on the main
shaft C. The take up H is rotary and is fixed to the outer end of the crank F¹.
The rotary hook K is fixed upon its shaft D. It makes therefore two revolutions
for each reciprocation of the needle. The hook most clearly shown in Figures 11,
12, and 13, is in its general form a cylindrical cup having on the inside near the
front edge a concentric shoulder k. At k¹ on the periphery and at 2 at the back
it is cut away as shown to form the point of the hook , the extreme end ³ of
which extends slightly beyond the edge of the main body of the hook. The edge
of the shoulder k under the point is levelled, to permit the loop when taken on
the point to ride over it easily. Across the opening k' is a shield or loop shedder k³
forming a part of the hook. This shedder is attached upon opposite sides of the
opening, and on the front edge is hollowed out as shown in Figure 13 to expose the
point of the hook, and to allow the loop to be thrown by the needle. Above the point /*
the shedder is cut away on the under side, so as to form a shoulder and leave a
space to receive the thread. The shoulder ko extends squarely across the hook. The
bobbin case L is suspended within the rotary hook by means of a hanger 011,
which projects into a recess L² in the face of the bobbin case near its upper edge.
On the periphery of the bobbin case a shoulder is formed opposite the shoulder k
on the rotary hook. At the top a portion is cut away, leaving an open space 1³.
The face of the shoulder is bevelled from about midway of the bobbin case
towards the bottom, as shown by the dotted line in Figure 16, so as to leave at the
bottom a small space between it and the shoulder k, and thus permit a slight
movement of the bobbin case into the hook.
In order to employ as small a bobbin case as possible with the same size of
bobbin, the periphery of the case is turned eccentrically with reference to the
opening or recess for the bobbin, so that sufficient thickness is given on one side
for a bevel or incline to be made, as indicated by 1, see Figures 14, 16, and 18, so
as to assist in carrying the loop to the back of the bobbin case. After the loop has
been spread over the bobbin case it can be carried or drawn as well over a flat as
over a bevelled surface, so that the shell of the case may be reduced except at the
part mentioned. For the sake of lightness the inside of the bevelled portion is cut
away as shown. The recess thus formed also allows a hole to be made outside of the
diameter of the bobbin to carry the thread from the bobbin to the outside of the
bobbin case, so as to be passed through the tension and to the cloth.
The bobbin M turns upon the spindle l'arranged in the centre of the recess or
opening within the case. It is held on the spindle by means of a split ring m
sprung into an annular recess in the bore of the barrel m'. When the bobbin is
slipped into the case the split ring clamps the spindle, and thus while the bobbin is
allowed free rotary motion by the turning upon the ring m in its recess, end wise
movement is prevented. In the centre of the spindle is a screw n which passes
through a hole in the head of the bobbin case, and screws at the opposite end into
a nut n' held from turning by means of a spline working in a slit or slot in the
spindle . A spiral spring n² bears one end against the head of the case, and the
other against the nut n'. The head of the screw n bears against a tension plate or
washer N fitted in a recess in the head of the bobbin case, and the spring n² by
.

page_text: pressure against the nut n¹ holds it against the head of the bobbin case. The
pressure can be regulated by turning the screw n, thereby compressing the spring
more or less according to the direction in which the screw is turned. The edge
of the tension plate N is turned up at one side, see Figure 20, so that the thread
can be readily drawn between the plate and the head of the bobbin case. Two
pins n, Figure 15, on the latter fit into holes in the tension plate, and serve to
prevent the turning of the tension washer or plate, and also to guide the thread
and to equalize it on opposite sides of the screw n. In the upper part of the
bobbin case (Figures 14, 15, 17, 23, and 24) is a hole and slot n³ for the passage of
the under thread from the bobbin to the tension, and another hole and slot no for the
passage from the tension to the cloth, and a vertical hole n to receive the needle.
The tension plate (Figure 20) is slotted at n³ from the top for the passage of the
needle. In order that the thread may not be drawn over the edge of the bobbin
the inner side of the head of the bobbin case is recessed to receive one of the side
plates or flanges of the bobbin, and the hole n³ extends above the edge of the
recess, as shown in Figure 24.
The face of the bobbin case is formed at the top with a projection 1 (Figures 14
and 15) which prevents the turning of the bobbin case, and in which the hole n' is
made. At the bottom of the slot n8 in the tension washer when secured on the
bobbin case is a small hole n³, which extends through the head of the case for the
passage of a pin or other similar instrument for pushing out the bobbin.
The bobbin case is supported by a bobbin holder O, which is hinged at o to a
block O' attached to the machine frame, and extending under the rotary hook.
The block O¹ has two segmental or curved sides o¹³, between which the holder O
moves, and which serve to retain the bobbin case in position to guide it while
being inserted into or removed from the hook. In this bobbin holder the
hanger is fastened so as to project beyond its face. The lower side of the
hanger is curved or bevelled, and upon the top it may be inclined, as shown, or it
may be level.
The face of the holder O is cut away opposite the bobbin case,
except at the lower part, where a bearing o² is left for the bobbin case to rest
against when suspended on the hanger. Near the top the surface is cut away to
form a shoulder o³, between which and the side of hanger O¹¹ the projection 16 is
loosely confined. The bobbin case is prevented from turning in one direction by
contact of one side of the projection with the shoulder o³, and in the other
direction by contact of the opposite side of the projection with the side of the
hanger, sufficient space for the largest thread being allowed. Since this side which
when the case is placed in position on the hanger is adjacent to the side of the
latter extends beyond the edge of the recess L³, as shown in Figures 14 and 15,
the path between the side of the hanger and that of the recess L² is always left
free. A spring catch at the back of the holder retains it in position when turned
on its hinge into the positions shown in the Drawing. This catch is formed by a
pivotted bar 05, against which a spring of placed in a hole in the holder bears.
At the side of the bobbin holder extends an arm o7, which has a projection 08 on
its upper side near the end, the purpose and operation of which will be hereinafter
explained.
In the centre of the holder a short shaft o° is placed, which is free to turn and
also to move end wise, the end wise movement however being limited by suitable
collars or shoulders. At one end of the shaft is a milled head o¹0, and at the other
a small blade o¹¹ of a size to fit in the necks, which are made in the head of the
bobbin tension screw. A spring o¹² surrounds the shaft oº, and by its pressure
holds the blade o¹¹ out of contact with the head of screw n. By pressing on the
head of the blade o" is forced into a nick in the head of the screw n when the
bobbin case is in position, and by turning the head the tension can be regulated
without removing the bobbin from the machine. When the head is released the
spring returns the screw driver, which the shaft, and its blade in fact, form to the
first position.
In order to place the bobbin case in position in the rotary hook it is suspended

page_text: from the hanger against the face of the bobbin holder (this being dropped and its
face being inclined), and by raising the holder the bobbin is brought into position
in the rotary hook; suitable stops limit its movement on the hinge, which stops
are or may be formed by elevations x on one of the sides o¹³ in the part of the
arm o7.
The gearing which conveys motion from the main to the hook shaft is rendered
noiseless by forming the teeth of alternate gears of leather or other deadening
material, the teeth of the other gears being of metal. The intermediate wheel C¹³
and pinion D¹ are formed of a metal boss c and a leather ring c¹, in which the
teeth are cut surrounding the boss, and confined between a flange c² on the boss
and a metal washer c³ by means of rivets. The leather pieces are glued together
and compressed to solidify them; the washer c³ is rivetted on under pressure; the
faces of the leather gears are turned off and the teeth cut as if they were of solid
metal. The width on the face of the leather ring should be slighly greater than
that of the metal gears in order that there may be no contact of metal surfaces.
In order to permit the adjustment of the gearing, either in the first instance or
to take up wear, the pins n on which the intermediate wheels turn are rendered
moveable by making the holes in the standards of the gooseneck, through which
they pass, somewhat larger than the periphery of the pins, and securing them by
screws passing loosely through holes in the flanges u², washers being placed under
the heads of the screws.
The bar (Figures 1, 4, 5, and 6), to one arm of which the feed surface is
fastened, is pivoted at both ends to a rocker P¹, which is hinged by two pins to
the machine frame. The arm to which the feed surface is attached has its centre.
directly over the axis of the pin on which the bobbin holder turns, and on the
underside is hollowed out, as shown at p, Figure 26, on an arc of a circle concentric
with the movements of the bobbin holder. When the feed is depressed below the
throat plate this arm is in the path of the arm 07 of the bobbin holder or of the
projection o8 thereon, so that movement of the latter to open or close the bobbin
holder is prevented. When the feed is raised the path of the arm 07 is clear, and
the bobbin holder may be turned in or out freely. The object of hollowing the
underside of the arm of the feed bar is to secure a free passage, when passage is
allowed at all, and thus prevent binding of the arm 07. Since in this as in other
machines having a four motion feed located beneath the cloth plate the feed and
needle approximately rise and fall together the bobbin holder will be locked when
the needle is below the cloth and unlocked when it has risen clear of the hook.
The other arm p¹ (Figure 10) of the feed bar is jointed by means of a pin to the
lower end of the slotted bar P2, which at the upper ends fits around the feed
eccentric E on the main shaft. In the slot p² in the bar P2 is a box p³, which is
.free to slide up and down in the said slot, the box turning freely upon a fulcrum
pin or stud p* forming part of a slide P³, which is guided in its movement up and
down by a tongue fitting in a groove in the centre plate p, which forms part of
the machine frame.
A bow spring p³ secured upon the side of the slide and bearing against the inside
of the gooseneck presses it against the plate P%, and thus produces sufficient
A rack p
friction to retain the slide P³ in its position in the centre plate P4.
(Figure 8) upon the side of the slide is engaged by a pinion Q journalled in the
side of the upright part of the gooseneck, and operated by a handle on the outside.
By turning it the slide and with it the fulcrum pin p and box p³ is raised or
lowered, thereby increasing or diminishing the back and forth movement of the
lower end of the bar P2, and consequently of the feed and the length of the stitch,
while the up and down movement is constant.
It is obvious on account of the respective length of the levers on each side of
the fulcrum p that when the box is near the lower end of the slot the length of
feed will be short, but when near the upper part it will be long. All the move-
ments of this feed are positive, and no retractile springs are required..
In order to furnish an exact indication of the length of stitch, a plate Q' is

page_text: attached to the shaft of the pinion Q, and the circumference of this is marked up
into divisions at the required distances apart. The handle to operate the pinion Q
is attached near the outer edge of this plate..
It
The needle bar is as already stated operated by a crank on the main shaft.
moves in guide holes in the head of the machine (Figures 3 and 7), and is connected
with a cross head F2, which is guided by the presser bar G. To this cross head
the pitman F connected at the lower end by a stud on the cross head conveys the
movement of the crank in a vertical direction. In order to obtain a slower
movement at the top of the stroke of the needle bar to give time for the action of
the take up, the pitman is made short relatively to the throw of the crank. The
presser bar G is free to move in guide holes in the head of the machine, and is
held down by a spring in any ordinary or suitable manner. In the construction
shown in the Drawings one end of a spiral spring bears against a pin inserted in
a hole in the bar, while its upper end presses against the head of the machine in
order to raise and lower the presser bar. An eccentric or cam lever G' is pivoted
to the head of the machine, and acts upon a pin fixed to the presser bar, which pin
works in a slot and serves to steady the bar.
The tension G is of any ordinary or suitable construction. The thread is led
from the spool holder G³ around the pin g, thence between the washers of the
tension, then through the bend in the upper part of pin g to the take up, as clearly
shown in Figure 2.
The take up H is formed of two discs or plates h, h, held about 1/16 of an inch
apart by two washers with grooved edges, and connected by rivets passing through
the plates or washers in the manner substantially as shown in Figure 24ª. For
convenience the rivets and washers are represented by solid pins h³, h³, (Figures 30-
33), which would in fact answer every purpose. The take up is fastened to the
end of the main shaft by a screw, which passes through the inner plate only, or by
means which will leave the space between the plates at the centre open for the
passage of the thread. The periphery of the plates on the side towards the
operator (which may be entirely around if desired) is covered by a segment of a
ring H', in which are slotted holes 8, 9, Figures 5 and 30 to 37, for the passage
of the thread. In order to keep the thread h8, to which it is led from the pin g, a
short plate or bar h10 is secured to the segment H¹ at one end and projects across
the slot. The bar or plate should preferably be a spring, so as to bear at its free
end against the upper surface of the segment H', and prevent accidental escape of
the thread from this hole. From this hole H³ the thread is passed to the left
(Figure 5) between the plates of the take up into the slotted hole hº. Between
the hole h and the eye of the needle a thread protector I is provided, which
prevents the thread from coming in contact with the needle bar, and thus becoming
soiled by the oil on said bar, and which consists (Figure 25) of a rod or wire
grooved throughout the main portion of its length and terminating at the bottom
in a short inclined tube i, where it is attached to the needle bar. The tube i
guides the thread and delivers it close to the needle I'. The needle is grooved on
the side of the thread protector from the eye upwards, and upon the opposite side
from the eye downwards. In order to keep the thread off the needle point when
running at high speed a thread shield is employed, which consists of a finger I²
pivoted to the head of the machine (Figure 7), and operated by means of a pin on
the cross head F³ moving in a slot in its upper end. Any suitable means may
however be used to impart the required movement to this finger or thread shield.
From the shape of the slot, as shown, the finger is caused to place itself under the
point of the needle as it rises. On the descent of the needle the finger is gradually
withdrawn. The end of the finger is turned to one side, so as to be always placed
on the left side of the thread.
A suitable throat plate with needle hole and feed slots is secured to the cloth
plate of the machine. A slide R permits access to the bobbin holder. In this slide
is a hole, into which a finger of the operator can be introduced to regulate the
tension by means of the milled screw driver in the bobbin holder.

page_text: At the back of the gooseneck or arm C and encircling the bearing of the shaft is
an extension or boss S, which serves as a journal for the boss pulley S'. The
band is caused to run in the groove of the pulley S' when spooling a bobbin. The
spooler S2 may be of any ordinary or suitable construction, and is arranged to be
driven by the band of the machine when it runs upon the loose pulley S'.
The machine operates in the following manner :-The bobbin being filled and
the thread passed from the inside of the bobbin case through the hole n³ the
bobbin is placed in the case, and the thread is then placed under the tension
plate N around the pins n and out through the hole no. The bobbin holder O
being open or dropped the bobbin case is suspended on the face thereof from the
hanger O, and the holder is turned up into an upright position to introduce the
bobbin into the hook, the needle being above the plate. The spring catch retains
the holder in position. The segmental sides guide the bobbin case properly into.
the hook. The upper thread is led from the spool through the tension and take up
and thread protector to and through the eye of the needle, as already stated.
In order that the needle shall always be inserted in the needle bar in the proper
position its shank is grooved, and there is a spline in the hole of the needle bar
over which the groove fits, and the whole is of such depth that the needle may be
pushed to the top.
The work is then introduced, the presser foot let down, and the machine started
by turning the top of the pulley on the main shaft towards the operator. The
arrows indicate the movements of the parts the rotary hook is revolved in the
opposite direction to the main shaft and at twice the speed.
The needle bar descends by the revolution of the crank F¹, carrying with it the
thread protector and forces the needle through the cloth. Upon the ascent of the
needle the point of the rotary.hook is carried through the loop. The point spreads
the loop and the loop shedder turns over the thread leading from the cloth across
the point, so that it rests in contact with the shoulder 6. The continued move-
ment of the hook carries the thread over the left of the bobbin case, while the
thread from the needle is carried over the right, the movement to the back of the
case being assisted by the inclined surface 1. At the time of taking the loop
the point of the hook is opposite the opening in the shoulder on the bobbin case,
but by the continued revolution the point is carried past the opening, and the
shoulder k extends entirely across the said opening, so that the thread leading from
the needle although otherwise free is enclosed and prevented from escaping by the
close proximity of the shoulders k, l. As the loop is carried over the bottom of the
bobbin case the outer thread from the cloth strikes against the side of the hanger O",
and it then passes between the case and, the bearing o² on the face of the bobbin
holder, and in so doing swings the case suspended from the hanger like a pendulum
into the hook just sufficiently to allow the passage of the thread. This end wise
movement is permitted by the form of the shoulder 7, by which space is left at the-
lower part between the latter and the shoulder k. As soon as the loop has passed
over the lowest part of the bobbin case it begins to be drawn up. It is however
held on the hook by means of the shoulders and k, until the point again comes
opposite the opening in the shoulder when the loop is released. The action of
the hook in connection with the other parts will now be described, reference being
had to Figures 30 to 37.
In position I, Figure 30, the needle is at the bottom of its stroke, the thread
being loose between the plates of the take up. By the revolution of the main shaft
the parts are brought into position II., Figure 31, in which the hook has taken and
spread the loop, drawing down the thread as required. The take-up in passing
from position I. to II. is releasing the thread. In position III. the hook has
completed another eighth of its revolution, the take up continuing to give out the
thread but slowly. The finger or shield I2 for the upper thread is approaching
the needle. In position IV. the shoulder 6 of the shedder is directly under the
bobbin case, and the loop is ready to be drawn up having been carried over the
bottom of the bobbin case the needle is slowly rising, having almost reached

page_text: the top of the stroke the finger or thread shield I2 has interposed itself below
the point of the needle, at the side of the upper thread the take up is just coming
into action to take up the thread, the pin or washer h³ being brought into contact
therewith and the feed has began to rise. In position V., Figure 34, the needle is
at the top of its stroke, the take-up has completed its action drawing the thread
rapidly over the thread shield or finger I and through the eye of the needle and
the feed has begun to act upon the fabric sewed. As the hook revolves the take
up continues to draw up the slack of the loop until position VI. is attained, when
the loop is about to be drawn between the hanger and the bobbin case. The feed
has now risen to its highest position, and has lifted and holds suspended the
bobbin case by means of the under thread, so that a free passage is made for the
loop between the upper side of the hanger and the surface of the case against
which it usually rests. In this position VI. the shoulders k. and l on the rotary
hook and bobbin case no longer retain the loop on the hook, but permit it to be
freely drawn around the hanger, as shewn. In position VII., Figure 36, the stitch
is completed, the take-up is at its further limit in reaching which it has drawn off
from the spool through the tension the thread required for the stitch, the feed is
passing below the surface of the throat plate, allowing the bobbin case to drop
back on the hanger and the thread shield or finger has withdrawn from the path
of the descending needle. As the needle descends for the formation of another
stitch little or no additional thread is required, the eye of the needle passing easily
over the thread if held taut. At this time the pin or washer he is swinging in the
bight of the thread, and gives up the thread very slowly. When however the
parts are brought into position VIII. (Figure 37), and the eye begins to descend
below the cloth a rapid giving up of the thread is necessary and the action of the
take up to release the thread is correspondingly rapid.
The several parts are then brought again into position I and the operations
described are repeated. When the rotary hook passes from position VI. to
position VII. since the needle is above the cloth the said hook takes no loop but
makes an idle revolution before the needle descends and throws another loop.
When the take up acts to finish the stitch the under thread is drawn off through
the tension, the bobbin case being drawn against the under periphery of the hook,
which furnishes the resistance required. The needle during the taking up of the
slack has only a slight movement on the crank; F¹ is theu passing over the centre
at the top, and the pitman being very short, as before stated, a comparative pause
is produced.
The take up motion is threefold; from position IV. to VII, the thread is drawn
up rapidly at first, more slowly as the stitch is completed, and fresh thread is
drawn from the spool from position VII.; to return to a point between positions I.
and II. the thread is slackened slowly at first, then more rapidly, and from this
point to position IV. the thread is but little affected by the take up, but is free to
be drawn down by the hook. It will be seen that the pin or washer h³ nearest the
centre does not interfere with the taking up action at all, but in slackening it
regulates the giving up of the thread.
In order to diminish the size of the take up and also the length of the thread
necessary to be drawn up at each stitch the take up is arranged to draw up and
give out the length of thread required for sewing ordinary fabrics.
When very
thick goods are sewed with a long stitch the length of thread required in addition
to the amount furnished by the take up is drawn from the spool through the
tension by the rotary hook as the loop is carried over the bottom of the bobbin
case. The locking of the bobbin holder by means of arm o7 and the feed is effected
periodically in the manner already stated. The object of the thread shield has
already been stated to be to keep the upper thread from the point of the needle.
For running at ordinary speed this device would not be necessary, but when a
speed is attained of from, say, 1,500 stitches per minute up to 2,500 or over, as
has been practically attained with this machine, the shield or finger is required to
keep the thread from impaling itself on the point of the needle. At a speed of

page_text: 2,000 stitches a minute the thread is in this machine drawn through the eye of the
needle at a velocity of more than 1,700 feet per minute, 27 inches of thread
being taken up at each stitch in one third or less of the time of its formation.
The momentum of even a small thread at such speed is very great.
The machine herein before described is regarded as the best manner of carrying
the Invention into effect, but the Invention is not strictly limited thereto, for it is
obvious that parts of the Invention may be used without the others and be applied
to machines of otherwise ordinary or suitable construction, and also that various
modifications may be made in details. For example, the pivoted finger or shield
for the upper thread may be applied to any machine. In case the needle bar is
operated by a lever pivoted to the gooseneck or arm of the machine the shield may
be vibrated by a pin on this lever or attached to the needle bar itself, the hanger
instead of being inclined on the top may be horizontal, and it will answer a good
purpose so far as its operation in the hook is concerned, but by inclining the top
backwards, making it hookshaped, the more certain removal of the bobbin case
from the hook is secured when the holder is dropped and the bobbin case is also
better held out of contact with the hook.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of the said
Invention, and the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried
into effect, I would observe in conclusion that what I consider to be novel and
original, and therefore claim as the Invention secured to me by the hereinbefore
in part recited Letters Patent is,―
First. In a rotary hook double thread sewing machine, the combination of a
cup shaped rotary hook and a bobbin holder having a hanging piece or hanger
with a bobbin se suspended from the said hanging piece or hanger within the
said hook and retained in position on the hanger by the hook and bobbin holder
with sufficient freedom to permit a loop of thread to be readily carried around it,
substantially as herein before described.
Second. The combination in a rotary hook double thread sewing machine of a
bobbin holder and hanger with a bobbin case having an enlargement on the face
thereof opposite the hanger, arranged above and at one side of the point of the hanger
as shewn and described, so as to prevent rotation of the bobbin case while allowing
a free passage of the thread around the said point of the hanger, as set forth.
Third. The combination with a rotary hook stationary bobbin hanger of a
bobbin case provided on its face with a recess into which the hanger projects, and
a projection adapted to bear against the side of the hanger, and extending beyond
the side of the recess aforesaid, substantially as hereinbefore described.
Fourth. The combination with the bobbin case of a bobbin hanger and a bobbin
holder, the latter recessed on its face but provided with an elevated bearing
surface at its lower part for the bobbin case, substantially as hereinbefore
described.
Fifth. A cup shaped rotary hook of internally cylindrical form having a portion
of the periphery and also of the back cut away to form the point, the extreme end
of the said point extending slightly beyond the edge of the main portion of the
hook, substantially as hereinbefore described.
Sixth. The cup shaped internally cylindrical rotary hook having portions of the
periphery cut away from front to back to form the point, and provided near its
edge with an internal concentric shoulder, the edge of the said shoulder beneath
the point being bevelled, substantially as herein before described.
Seventh. The combination of a cup shaped rotary hook having a portion of its
periphery cut away to form the point, with a loop shedder or shield secured across
the opening in front of the point, substantially as hereinbefore described.
Eighth. A bobbin case of general cylindrical shape open at one end, and provided
upon its periphery with a shoulder extending around the said case as explained,
and the said shoulder being cut away at the top to form an opening for the passage
of the loop of the needle thread, and having its face bevelled or slightly cut away
towards the bottom, substantially as hereinbefore described.

page_text: Ninth. A bobbin case having on its face side at the top an elevation or rim in
which are separate holes for the passage of the needle and for delivering the under
thread to the cloth, the centres of the said holes being in substantially the same
plane perpendicular to the axis of the case as described.
Tenth. The combination with a rotary hook of a stationary bobbin case having
on its face side at the top an elevated rim extending substantially to or beyond
the path of the point of the said hook, and provided with separate holes or openings
for the passage of the needle and delivery of the underthread to the cloth, the
centres of the said holes being substantially in the same plane perpendicular to the
axis of the bobbin case, as set forth.
Eleventh. The combination of a bobbin case having a circular or annular
shoulder on its periphery with a cup shaped rotary hook having a portion of
the periphery cut away from front to back to form the point, and provided with
a concentric shoulder on the interior of the periphery corresponding with that
on the bobbin case, the shoulder on the said case being cut away at the top as set
forth.
Twelfth. The combination of the bobbin case having openings at or near its
face side for the passage of the needle and delivery of the under thread to the
cloth with a cup shaped rotary hook and a loop shedder or shield secured across
the opening in front of the point of the said hook, substantially as hereinafter
described.
Thirteenth. The combination of the loop shedder rotary hook with concentric
shoulder on its inner periphery and bobbin case provided with an exterior shoulder
the said exterior shoulder being cut away at the top to form an opening
substantially as herein before described.
Fourteenth. In combination with a bobbin hanger and bobbin case adapted to
be suspended from the said hanger, and provided with an exterior, circular, or
annular shoulder, the upper part of which is cut away as explained, of a cup shaped
rotary hook provided with a concentric shoulder corresponding to that on the
bobbin case, substantially as hereinbefore described.
Fifteenth. The combination with a bobbin hanger and rotary hook with interior
concentric shoulder of a bobbin case suspended from the said hanger and provided
with an exterior shoulder corresponding with the shoulder on the hook, but
bevelled towards the bottom to permit the case to swing slightly into the hook
substantially as herein before described.
Sixteenth. The combination with a bobbin case having a spindle of a bobbin
having an annular recess in the interior of its barrel, and provided with a split ring
sprung into the said recess and adapted to clamp the aforesaid spindle, substantially
as hereinbefore described.
Seventeenth. A sewing machine bobbin having an annular recess in the interior
of its barrel, and provided with a split ring sprung into the said recess,
substantially as hereinbefore described.
Eighteenth. The combination with a bobbin case having an opening adapted to
serve as a thread guide for delivering the under thread from a contained bobbin to
the cloth, of a bobbin holder and support or hanger arranged to hold the said
case, with the centre of the said opening or thread guide in the vertical plane
parallel to the feed motion through the axis of the needle, substantially as herein-
before described.
Nineteenth. The combination with a rotary hook of a hinged bobbin holder
adapted to retain a bobbin case in position on the face of the said bobbin, and a
bobbin hanger attached to the said holder, the axis on which the holder turns
being at right angles to the axis of the hook, substantially as herein before
described.
Twentieth. The combination with a rotary hook of a bobbin holder hinged to
turn on a horizontal axis, means as indicated for supporting a bobbin case in
position on the face of the holder and stops to limit the movements of the said
holder, the stop which limits the outward movement away from the hook being

page_text: arranged to bring the holder to rest with the face thereof in an inclined position,
substantially as hereinbefore described.
Twenty first. The combination with a hinged bobbin holder of segmental or
curved side pieces for retaining the bobbin case in position when placed on the face
of the said holder, and for guiding it into the hook, substantially as hereinbefore
described.
Twenty second. A bobbin holder and means for supporting the same in com-
bination with a locking arm adapted to be engaged by the feed in its descent,
substantially as herein before described.
Twenty third. The combination with a bobbin case having a recess and projecting
pins on the head thereof, of a tension washer having openings therein inserted in
the said recess with the aforesaid pins fitting in the said openings, substantially as
hereinbefore described.
Twenty fourth. A tension washer for the bobbin, composed of a flat disc turned
up at one edge, slotted from the top downwards for the passage of the needle, and
provided with openings for attachment to the head of the bobbin case, substantially
as hereinbefore described.
Twenty fifth. The combination of the bobbin caso having a central spindle, a
tension washer or plate fitted in a recess in the head of the case a spiral tension
spring located in the aforesaid spindle, a nut, also located in the spindle, and
movable lengthwise thereof, but prevented from turning, and an adjusting screw,
the head of the said screw bearing against the said tension washer or plate, and
being exposed through it to admit of adjustment of the tension, substantially as
hereinbefore described.
Twenty sixth. The combination of the bobbin case and the tension washer, and
adjustable pressure devices carried by the bobbin case with a screw driver or
instrument for operating the said devices, and means for supporting the said screw
driver or instrument, the same being movable into and out of engagement
therewith without removal of the bobbin case from the rotary hook, substantially
as hereinbefore described.
Twenty seventh. The combination with the bobbin holder of a sewing machine,
of a screw driver having a collar or projection on its shaft carried by the said
holder and supported so as to turn freely, and also to have a limited end wise
movement and a retrachle spring arranged to bear at one end against the said
collar or projection on the shaft of the said screw driver, substantially as herein-
before described.
Twenty eighth. The combination with the bobbin holder bobbin case under
thread tension located thereon, and a regulating instrument carried by the said
holder, of the cloth plate or slide provided with an opening located with reference
to the said instrument as herein setforth, so that the latter may be operated by a
finger of the operater inserted through the said opening, substantially as herein-
before described.
Twenty ninth. The combination of the rotary hook bobbin case tension for the
under thread carried by the said case hinged bobbin holder, provided with a banger
and an instrument carried by the said holder for adjusting the aforesaid tension,
substantially as hereinbefore described.
Thirtieth. The combination with a hinged bobbin holder and a bobbin hanger
located on the face of the holder near the top, of segmental side pieces arranged on
opposite sides of the face of the holder for retaining the bobbin case in position
on the holder, and guiding it into the hook, substantially as hereinbefore
described.
Thirty first. The combination of the hinged bobbin holder provided with a
projecting locking arm with the feed bar having the arm carrying the feed surface
hollowed out on the are of a circle concentric with the axis on which the bobbin
holder turns, substantially as hereinbefore described.
Thirty second. The combination in a sewing machine with the main shaft
turning in bearings in the arm or gooseneck, and imparting motion to the needle
:
R

page_text: bar of a rotary hook receiving independent motion directly therefrom through a
shaft and suitable intervening gears, and geared to make two revolutions to each
one of the said main shafts, substantially as hereinbefore described.
Thirty third. The combination of a needle operating shaft turning in bearings in
the gooseneck, a rotary hook shaft located under the plate, and connected with the
first named shaft through the standard of the gooseneck, of mechanism for imparting
to the hook shaft twice the speed of revolution of the other, a feed bar located
beneath the plate, an eccentric or feed operating device on the gooseneck or needle
operating shaft, and connections for communicating the required motions to the said
feed bar from the said eccentric or device, substantially as hereinbefore described.
Thirty fourth. The combination with a rotary shaft and eccentric mounted
thereon of the feed rocker hinged to the machine frame, the feed bar hinged to the
rocker, the slotted bar embracing the eccentric at its upper end, and connected at
its lower end with an arm of the feed bar, a pivotted box and means for adjusting
the said box in the said slotted bar, substantially as hereinbefore described.
Thirty fifth. The combination with the slotted bar for conveying motion to the
feed bar from the eccentric of a slide, a box movable in the slot in the said bar,
and pivotted to the said slide, of a rack and pinion for moving the slide, and a
spring for retaining by its pressure the slide in any position to which it may be
adjusted, substantially as herein before described.
Thirty sixth. The combination with the slotted bar for conveying motion to the
feed bar from the eccentric, the pivoted box, the slide and the rack and pinion of a
disc connected with the shaft of the said pinion, and marked with divisions
indicating the length of stitch formed by the feed in the different positions of the
said disc, substantially as hereinbefore described.
Thirty seventh. The combination with the main shaft, turning in bearings in the
goose neck, and imparting motion to the needle bar of a rotary take up in the head
of the machine, a rotary hook and shaft below the plate connected with and
operated from the said main shaft, and feed mechanism operated from the main
shaft by devices independent of those for operating the rotary hook, substantially
as hereinbefore described.
Thirty eighth. A rotary take up adapted to operate substantially as described,
and comprising discs or plates having plain or smooth surfaces opposed or adjacent
to each other, and separated by a suitable distance for the free passage of the
thread, and one or more pins crossing the space between the said discs or plates at
the required distance from the centre as set forth.
Thirty ninth. The combination with the rotary take up discs or plates having
plain or smooth surfaces opposed or adjacent to each other, and separated by a
suitable distance for the passage of the thread, of two pins located at different
distances from the centre of rotation, substantially as hereinbefore described.
Fortieth. The rotary take up formed by discs or plates separated by washers
with grooved edges, and held solidly together by rivets passing through the said
washers, substantially as herein before described.
Forty first. The combination with the head of a sewing machine and a rotary
take up located thereon, and formed of plates or discs, or pin or pins extending
between the said discs, and located near their circumference, of a curved segment
secured to the head of the machine over the edges of the discs, and provided with
slots or openings for the reception of the thread, substantially as hereinbefore
described.
Forty second. The combination of the shaft turning in bearings in the goose
neck, needle bar, and rotary take up connected therewith, and supported in the
head of the machine, and rotary hook shaft arranged under the plate, and geared
or connected with the needle shaft to make two revolutions for each of the latter,
substantially as hereinbefore described.
Forty third. The combination with a reciprocating needle bar, a rotary hook, a
stationary hanger and bobbin case suspended in the said hook by the said hanger,
of a take up acting to take up the needle loop independently of the rotary hook,

page_text: so as to complete each stitch separately, and mechanism for connecting and
operating the said needle bar, hook, and take up, substantially as hereinbefore
described.
Forty forth. The combination of the rotary hook, hanger, and bobbin case
carrying a tension and suspended from the hanger in the said hook as explained,
to leave a clear passage between it and the hook with the feed mechanism, substan-
tially as described, whereby the bobbin case is lifted by the feed, to allow the
loop free passage between the hanger and the bobbin case, as set forth.
Forty fifth. The combination with the needle bar and thread guide or opening
through which the thread is delivered to the needle, of a thread protector consisting
of a rod or grooved wire secured in an upright position on the side of the needle
bar adjacent to the said guide or opening, and adapted to operate, substantially as
hereinbefore described.
Forty sixth. The combination with the needle bar of a sewing machine, of a
thread protector attached at its lower end to the said bar, the said protector con-
sisting of an upright rod or wire provided on the outside or side most distant from
the needle bar with a groove, and terminating at the lower end in an inclined tube,
substantially as hereinbefore described.
Forty seventh. The combination with the needle bar, eye pointed needle, take up
arranged to act upon the thread at a point between the spool and the needle, and
operating device, of a thread shield or pivotted finger, and mechanism for interposing
the said shield or finger as set forth toward the thread off the point of the needle
as it is drawn through the eye thereof under the action of the take up, substantially
as hereinbefore described.
Forty eighth. The combination of the rotary hook and shaft carrying the same,
and located under the plate of the machine, the main shaft located in the goose
neck and geared with the hook shaft, the feed device or eccentric on the main
shaft feed bar under the plate, and connecting devices for imparting movement to
the feed surface from the said device or eccentric, the needle bar, a plain crank on
the main shaft connected with the needle bar through a pitman and a rotary take
up, substantially as herein before described.
Forty ninth. The combination of the head gooseneck, or arm and plate of a
sewing machine with the main shaft turning in bearings in the gooseneck, a plain
crank or the main snaft, the needle bar connected with the said crank through a
cross head and pitman, a thread shield, or finger pivotted to the head of the
machine, and operated by a pin on the cross head moving in a slot in the finger or
rotary take up fastened to the outside of the aforesaid crank, a feed eccentric
located on the said main shaft, the feed bar hinged to the feed rocker and connected
through a slotted bar with the said eccentric, the pivotted box and means of
adjusting it in the said slotted bar, the rotary hook and shaft placed beneath the
plate and spur gearing connecting the main shaft with the rotary hook shaft, so as
to revolve the latter at twice its own speed, substantially as herein before described.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Henry Johnson, have to this my
Specification set my hand and seal, this Twelfth day of October, One
thousand eight hundred and eighty one.
J. HENRY JOHNSON. (L.S.)