IMPROVEMENTS IN SEWING MACHINES.
Year: 1858

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Henry Johnson, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in
the County of Middlesex, and of 166, Buchanan Street, in the City of
Glasgow, North Britain, Gentleman, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS
IN SEWING MACHINES. "A communication.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Henry Johnson at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
17th April 1858.
:
I, JOHN HENRY JOHNSON, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the County of
Middlesex, and of 166, Buchanau Street, in the City of Glasgow, North
Britain, Gentleman, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for
IMPROVEMENTS IN SEWING MACHINES," a communication from abroad, to be ag
follows:-
This Invention relates to certain improvements in and modifications of
various parts of sewing machines, whereby a more efficient action combined
with greater economy of construction is obtained.
The improvements consist, firstly, of an improved system or mode of
driving or working the curved or circular vibrating needle or hooked instru-
ment used in a certain class of sewing machines for passing a second thread
through the loop formed by the needle which penetrates the cloth. The
actuating mechanism, herein after described, may also be employed in com-
bination with what, are termed "hookers-on," used for presenting a loop to
a hook-pointed needle, and also in combination with what are technically

page_text: known as "loopers," which make a crochet stitch with joint action with an
eye-pointed needle, such "hookers-on" and "loopers "having an interrupted
vibrating motion imparted to them.
The improvements under the first head of the Invention consistinactuating
a curved or circular needle, "hooker," or "looper," having an interrupted
vibrating motion by means of a shaft or stem fitted to or forming part of the
instrument, having two spiral grooves or projecting ribs formed thereon, one
on either side the commencement and termination of the grooves or projecting
ribs, being straight or parallel with the shaft or stem for a greater or less
distance. In combination with these double spirals a vibrating driver is used,
which embraces or surrounds the stem, and takes into or gears with both the
spirals on each side of the stem, so that as it rises and falls alternately it will
impart to the shaft or stem a reciprocating circular motion, the straight
portions of the spirals serving to maintain the shaft or stem stationary for
a greater or less period after each movement. This driver consists of a
number of flat metal springs combined with layers of raw hide, or leather, or
other similar material for the purpose of di minishing the noise and rattle, and
of better retaining the lubricating oil; spirals of a varying or differential
pitch may be used if requried so as to accellerate or retard the motion of the
shaft or stem at any particular point of its rotation, and the springs of
the driver may be altogether dispensed with by having a suitable actuating
surface formed upon or attached to it. The driver may be actuated in any
convenient manner from any of the working parts of the machine, care being
taken that its actuating surface, whatever it may be, has a proper amount
of travel in contact with the shaft or stem carrying the instrument to be
rotated.
The second portion of this Invention has reference to an improved con-
struction and arrangement of presser foot, and mode of elevating and
depressing the same for holding down the cloth, which may be used in all
classes of sewing machines, and in conjunction with various kinds of feed
motions, whether forming a part thereof or acting simply as a holder to
prevent the cloth from being lifted out of place by the rise or withdrawal of
the needle. This improvement consists in combining a spring with a bar
attached to or making part of the slide, and resting upon a cam or bent lever
having a constantly changing fulcrum, such cam or bent lever being altogether
unconnected with the bar and slide carrying the presser foot, but simplyheld in
contact und in working position therewith by the pressure of the spring. The
cam or bent lever works in a guiding slot or groove on the top of the fixed
bracket carrying the slide, or the thickness of the bar may be increased for

page_text: purpose
the
of preventing lateral displacement of the cam or bent lever:
The spring is contained within a recess in the front of the fixed bracket, and
bears at one end against the top of the recess, whilst its other end rests upon
a bracket formed out of the body of the slide by making three cuts therein,
and turning back the tongue of metal so formed into a position at right
angles to the back of the slide, which tongue forms the projecting bracket
for the spring to rest upon. This is a much more simple mode of forming
the slide than those hitherto employed.
The third portion of this Invention, relates to a mode of mounting and
guiding the straight needles of sewing machines, whereby greater steadiness
and precision of movement of the needle is obtained with greater economy of
construction and the oil employed for lubricating the needle slideis effectually
prevented from being accidentally thrown upon or brought into contact with
the work, as is frequently the case in existing sewing machines where a
straight needle and slide are employed. The improvement consists in
attaching the straight needle to a hollow cylinder or stem, in the hollow of
which is fitted, to work accurately and freely,a fixed rod or spindle serving as
the guide for the hollow needle holder or slide. The upper end of the hollow
needle holder is expanded slightly for the purpose of receiving oil or other
lubricating material, one or more grooves, channels, or passages being cut or
drilled in the spindle to allow the oil to enter between the rubbing surfaces,
and to permit the ingress and egress of air into and from the bottom of the
cylinder in the process of working. As the oil is thus contained inside the
cylinder, there is no possibility of its coming into contact with the work
whilst greater length of bearing is obtained for the needle slide, which con-
sequently works with greater steadiness. The cylindrical slide is actuated by
a vibrating arm connected therewith by a slot and pin or their equivalents.
The fourth part relates to an improved mode of mounting circular or
discoidal shuttles,and to a peculiar construction and arrangement of apparatus
for driving the saine, whereby the passage of the needle-loop over the shuttle
is entirely unimpeded, whilst a considerable reduction in the friction is
effected. According to this portion of the Invention the circular
groove or
race which has been hitherto employed to hold the shuttle, and in which
grooves the shuttle rotated, thereby causing a considerableamount of friction,
is dispensed with, the shuttle being supported merely by a number of pins
taking into corresponding holes near the rim of the shuttle. These pins slide
in and out of a rotating driving plate which is secured to the end of or made
in one piece with the shaft which actuates it. A-cain groove-is-made in a
plate forming part of the bed plate, and in this groove a number of studs

page_text: work, such studs being secured by set screws to the sliding pins before
referred to. On rotating the driving plate the studs on the pins will travel
round the cam groove, and as each pin successively arrives at a particular
portion of the groove, which is of a smaller radius for that purpose, it is
drawn back out of the shuttle, so as not to interfere with the needle, and
the loops to pass freely. 。
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 16th October 1858.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JOHN
HENRY JOHNSON, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the County of Middlesex,
and 160, Buchanan Street, in the City of Glasgow, North Britain, Gentle-
man, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Seventeenth day of April, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-eight, in the twenty-first year of Her
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me,
the said John Henry Johnson, Her special license that I, the said John
Henry Johnson, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as
I, the said John Henry Johnson, 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 SEWING MACHINES," a communication from abroad, upon
the condition (amongst others) that I, the said John Henry Johnson, by
an instrument in writing under my hand and seal should particularly
describe and ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner
the same was to be performed, and cause the same 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 John Henry Johnson, do hereby declare
the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement, reference being had to the accompanying Drawings,
and to the letters and figures marked thereon, that is to say :-

page_text: The said Invention relates to certain improvements in and modifications
of various parts of sewing machines, whereby a more efficient action, combined
with greater economy of construction is obtained.
This Invention consists, firstly, of an improved system or mode of driving
or working the curved or circular vibrating needle or hooked instrument used
in a certain class of sewing machines, for passing a second thread through
the loop formed by the needle which penetrates the cloth. The actuating
mechanism herein-after described, may also be employed in combination with
what are termed "hookers on," used for presenting a loop to a hook-pointed
needle, and also in combination with what are technically known as "loopers,"
which make a crochet stitch by joint action with an eye pointed needle, such
"hookers on" and "loopers" having an interrupted vibrating motion im-
parted to them.
The improvements under the first head of the Invention consist in actuating.
a curved or circular needle "hooker", or "looper," having an interrupted
vibrating motion by means of a spindle or stem fitted to or forming part of the
instrument, and having two spiral grooves or projecting ribs formed thereon,
one on either side, the commencement and termination of such grooves or
projecting ribs being straight or parallel with the shaft or stem for a greater
or less distance. In combination with these double spirals, a vibrating driver
is used, which embraces or surrounds the stem, and takes into or gears with
both the spirals on each side of the stem, so that as the driver rises and falls
alternately, it will impart to the spindle or stem a reciprocating circular
motion, the straight portions of the spirals serving to maintain the spindle
or stem stationary for a greater or less period after each movement. This
driver consists of a number of flat metal springs combined with layers of
raw hide or leather, or other similar material, for the purpose of diminishing
the noise and rattle, and of better retaining the lubricating oil. Spirals of
a varying or deferential pitch may be used if required, so as to accelerate or
retard the motion of the spindle or stem at any particular point of its rota-
tion, and the springs of the driver may be altogether dispensed with by having
a suitable actuating surface formed upon or attached to it. The driver may
be actuated in any convenient manner from any of the working parts of the
machine, care being taken that its actuating surface, whatever it may be, has
a proper amount of travel in contact with the shaft or stem carrying the
instrument to be rotated.
The second portion of this Invention has reference to an improved con-
struction and arrangement of presser foot, and mode of elevating and depressing
the same for holding down the cloth, which may be used in all classes of

page_text: sewing machines, and in conjunction with various kinds of feed motions,
whether forming a part thereof or acting simply as a holder to prevent the
cloth from being lifted out of place by the rising or withdrawal of the needle.
This improvement consists in combining a spring with a bar attached to or
making part of the slide,and resting upon a cam or bent lever having a con-
stantly changing fulcrum; such cam or bent lever being altogether un-
connected with the bar and slide carrying the presser foot, but simply held in
contact and in working position therewith by the pressure of the spring. The
cam or bent lever works in a guiding slot or groove on the top of the fixed
bracket, carrying the slide, or the thickness of the bar may be increased for
the purpose of preventing lateral displacement of the cam or bent lever.
The spring is contained within a recess in the front of the fixed bracket, and
bears at one end against the top of the recess, whilst its other end rests
upon a bracket formed out of the body of the slide by making three cuts
therein, and turning back the tongue of metal so formed into a position at
right angles to the back of the slide, which tongue forms the projecting
bracket for the spring to rest upon. This is a much more simple mode of
forming the slide than those hitherto employed.
The third portion of this Invention relates to a mode of mounting and
guiding the straight needle of sewing machines, whereby greater steadiness
and precision of movement of the needle is obtained, with greater economy
of construction; and the oil employed for lubricating the needle slide is
effectually prevented from being accidentally thrown upon or brought into
contact with the work, as is frequently the case in existing sewing machines
where a straight needle and slide are employed. The improvement under
this head consists in attaching the straight needle to a hollow cylinder or
stem, in the hollow of which is fitted, to work accurately and freely, a fixed
rod or spindle, serving as the guide for the hollow needle holder or slide to
vibrate upon. The upper end of the hollow needle holder is expanded
slightly for the purpose of receiving oil or other lubricating material; oue
or more grooves, channels, or passages being cut or drilled in the spindle to
allow the oil to enter between the rubbing surfaces, and to permit the ingress
and egress of air into and from the bottom of the cylinder in the progress
of working. As the oil is thus contained inside the cylinder, there is no possi-
bility of its coming into contact with the work, whilst a greater length of
bearing is obtained for the needle slide, which consequently works with
greater steadiness. The cylindrical slide is actuated by a vibrating arm,
connected therewith by a slot and pin, or their equivalents.
The fourth part of this Invention relates to an improved mode of mounting

page_text: circular or discoidal shuttles, and to a peculiar construction and arrangement
of apparatus for driving the same, whereby the passage of the needle loopover
the shuttle is entirely unimpeded, whilst the friction in working is greatly
reduced. According to this portion of the Invention, the circular groove or
race which has been litherto employed to hold the shuttle, and in which
groove the shuttle rotates, thereby causing a considerable amount of friction,
is dispensed with, the shuttle being supported merely by a number of pins
taking into corresponding holes near the rim of the shuttle. These pins slide
in and out of a rotatory driving plate, which is secured to the end of, or made
in one piece with the shaft which actuates it. A cam groove is made in a
plate, forming part of the bed plate, and in this groove a number of studs
work, such studs being secured by set screws to the sliding pins before referred
to. On rotating the driving plate, the studs on the pins will travel round the
cam groove, and as each pin successively arrives at a particular portion of the
groove, which is of a smaller radius for that purpose, it is drawn back out
of the shuttle, so as not to interfere with the needle and allow the loop to
pass freely.
And in order that the said Invention may be fully understood, I shall now
proceed more particularly to describe the same, and for that purpose I shall
refer to the several Figures on the Sheet of Drawings hereunto annexed, the
same letters of reference indicating corresponding parts throughout all the
corresponding Figures.
Figure 1 of the accompanying Sheet of Drawings represents aside elevation
of a complete sewing machine; and Figures 2, 3, and 4, are detailed views of
a modification of the apparatus employed for driving or actuating a curved
needle; these details represent respectively a sideelevation, a front elevation,
and a plan of the apparatus. The inachine represented in the Drawing is of
that variety which produces a double chain stitch with two threads, but the
present improvements are applicable to other varieties of sewing machines,
and I wish to premise that what I shall call throughout this Specification a
curved or crooked needle, is not a needle in the usual acceptation of that term,
as it does not pierce the cleth, but performs two functions, first, of causing a
turn of thread to be formed around another needle, and second of putting
a thread through a loop formed by another needle; and I also wish it to be
clearly understood that my actuating mechanism may be and is intended to be
used in combination with what are termed "hookers on," (or in Freuch
"accrocheurs") used for presenting a loop to a crochet or hook pointed needle,
and also in combination with what are teclinically known as "loopers," which
make a crochet stitch by joint action with an eye pointed needle,such "hookers

page_text: on" and "loopers," having an interrupted vibrating motion as well as the
curved needle which is especially described in this Specification.
The machine Figure 1 forms the stitch known to the trade as the
"Grover and Baker stitch;" this machine is provided with a needle arm A,
which carries the needle B, and with proper spool holders, tension apparatus,
feed and driving mechanism, and all necessary adjuncts to make a complete
sewing machine; these however will not be described as they form no part
of this Invention. C is a crooked needle which, whilst sewing, must vibrate
through certain arcs at proper times, and must pause or rest at determined
intervals for such a period as may be necessary; this needle is mounted
upon one end of an irregular spiral shaft or spindle D, supported at the
top and bottom in suitable bearings E, E, so that it is free to vibrate or
rock therein. This shaft or spindle D at or near the centre of its length is
formed with a double threaded screw d, the threads terminating or gradually
run into flat surfaces whose planes are parallel or nearly so to the axis of the
shaft or spindle; these flat surfaces are shewn at e, e.
In close proximity to this shaft works a vibrating or reciprocating driver F,
mounted in the present instance on a centre G, and receiving motion in any
convenient manner from the driving shaft of the machine. This driver
carries one or more springs g, g, which embrace the flat or spiral portions
of the shaft or spindle 1), according to the different positions of the driver,
as will be clearly seen on referring to Figures 2, 3, and 4.
By inspection of the Drawing it will be perceived that when the driver is at
one end of the shaft or spindle D, and commencing to rise, it holds the spindle
rest so long as the springs or driving surface 9 rest against the flat sides of
the spindle; but when the springs reach the spiral they cause the spindle to
turn, until they arrive at the flat surface or surfaces at the other end of the
spindle, when they will stop its revolution, and hold it at rest until the driver,
by reciprocating in the opposite direction, again brings the springs in contact
with the screwed or spiral portions of the shaft.
It will be obvious that the shafts may be vibrated through any required arc,
by using a proper number of turns or parts of a turn of the screw thread of
the spiral, and that its velocity or vibration will depend upon the pitch of the
thread, and the speed of the driver, and that the time and period of its rest
depends upon the location of the flat pieces and their length, as compared
with the velocity of the driver.
Proper attention to these points will enable a competent mechanic to vibrate
the shaft when and to any extent required; and, by using screw threads of vary-
ing pitch, or a screw with reversed threads, he may also accelerate or retard

page_text: any part of a vibration, or cause the spindle to oscillate backwards without
any pause. The driver may have a proper actuating surface formed upon or
attached to it, thus dispensing with springs; but by using springs, the jar
occasioned by the driver striking the screw parts of the spindle on leaving the
flat surfaces will be diminished; and I have found the best arrangement to
consist in letting several pieces of watch or clock springs into an opening in
the driver, as shewn at Figure 3; and in order to diminish the noise and rattle
of these springs, I interpose pieces of raw hide, or leather, or similar material
between them; these serve also as receivers of oil, so that it is not necessary
to apply oil so often to the points of contact of the spindle and driving surface.
The springs are made to embrace the spindle, and are slotted out for that
purpose, as in Figure 4, merely resting in slots in the driver, and free to slide
at right angles to the shaft, or nearly so. This arrangement is found to be
the best, as either the driving arm or the shaft itself may get materially out
of adjustment, without affecting the proper action of the machine, since
the springs will accomodate themselves to any moderate amount of deviation
of either-shaft or driver from their original adjusted position.
In the Drawings, the driver is shown as making part of an arm which
vibrates on a centre, but it may be attached, supported, and moved in any
convenient manner, so long as the actuating surface, whatever it may be,
moves to and fro to a proper distance, in contact with the spindle that
carries the curved needle. This crooked or curved needle being firmly
secured to the spindle partakes of all its movements and pauses, and the
precise duty that such needle is required to perform in order to the success-
ful action of the machine, will, as before referred to, govern the precise
shape of the flattened and screwed spindle, and the speed and length
of vibration of the actuàting surfaces of the driver.
Figures 5, 6, 7, and 8 illustrate the second part of this Invention.
Figure 5 is a front elevation of the presser foot of a sewing machine, with
the appendages or attachments for giving motion thereto; Figure 6 is a
vertical section of the same; Figure 7 is a side elevation thereof with the
foot elevated; and Figure 8 is a top plan view of the whole.
°
This part of the Invention has for its object the simplification and
cheapening of the manufacture of the parts or appendages connected with the
presser foot by means of which it can be moved away from the material to
be sewed or made to press thereon, and is applicable to all classes of
sowing machines. It may also be used in connection with various kinds
of feed motions, either forming a part thereof or acting only to prevent
the cloth from being lifted out of place by the rise of the needle,

page_text: In sewing machines as at present constructed, the feed is usually obtained
by the action of two surfaces, between which the cloth is griped, and one of
tbose surfaces, in addition to its function as a part of the feed, serves to hold
the cloth so that it cannot be lifted from the bed plate of the machine by the
needle on its upward stroke; in other kinds of feed, where the cloth is clamped,
attached, or hung upon, a bar or surface is often employed to perform this
latter duty of stripping the cloth off the needle; and this surface, whether
part of the feed apparatus or not, is usually termed a presser foot" or
"foot," and must be held to the cloth by a yielding pressure to admit of the
passage of seams or accommodate various thicknesses of cloth, whilst at the
same time it must be capable of removal to some distance from the cloth,
in order to permit of the withdrawal or insertion of pieces sewed or to be
sewed, and should further be furnished with means for holding it in this
latter or elevated position during the pleasure of the operator.
It is in this construction and combination of these appendages that the
second part of this Invention relates. In the Drawings the presser foot itself,
having as usual a rounded surface to come in contact with the cloth, is shewn
at A, making part of or attached to a slide or rod B, which is free to play in
proper guides in a fixed plate or bracket C attached to some convenient part
of the machine. This slide or rod is prolonged at its upper end, and rests
upou a cam hereafter described, which transmits motion to the slide. This
slide is furnished at or near its lower end with a bracket D, making part of the
slide, and formed by cutting partially around a portion of the slide and bending
such portion at right angles to the face of the slide, or nearly so. This bracket
when the slide is in place projects into a recess E (Fig. 6), and in this recess
is placed a helical spring, one end of which bears against the top of the recess,
and the other against the bracket D just described. This spring performs its
usual duty in combination with a presser foot, namely, holding the foot upon
the cloth by a yielding pressure, permitting the slide and foot to be removed
from the cloth, and throwing the foot down upon the cloth, when the slide is
relieved by the stop that holds it up, but in my combination it performs the
additional office, or has the function of retaining the lifting and releasing cam
in position and proper working connection with the upper end of the slide B,
holding this cam between the slide and the plate C. On top of the plate is a
cam F, with a handle G, the term cam being not strictly correct, but used for
convenience, as the device is more properly a bent lever with a constantly
changing fulcrum or a rolling wedge. This cam is shaped in its periphery,
substantially as shewn in the Drawings, to produce the desired effect, namely,
that part of it from a tob is made to act against the top of the plate C when the

page_text: handle is lifted or depressed, so that the slide B may be lifted against the
force of the spring,and held lifted, as in Figure 7, or be permitted to descend
to a proper distance, being forced down by the spring, as represented in
Figure 6, that portion of the periphery of the cam from c to d being so shaped
that the slide shall bear upon it in all working positions of the presser foot.
This cam in all working positions prevents the slide from being thrown out
of the guides by the force of the spring, and its shape on ether portions of
the periphery is immaterial, so long as it is not so formed as to impede the
proper action of the slide. The function of the cam is therefore to lift the
slide or lower it, and to hold it lifted by acting between the slide and the
top of the plate C, where it is held in place by the force of the spring. In
the top of the plate C is a slot or groove in which the cam rests to prevent
any lateral motion, but the same result may be obtained by making either
the cam itself thicker, or by increasing the thickness of the slide from front
In putting these appendages of the foot in working position, the
spring is first inserted in the recess, the slide is then entered at the bottom
of the guide and pushed upwards, compressing the spring so far that the
cam can be placed under the top end of the slide. When this is done the
spring bears the cam down on top of the plate C, and all parts are held
in working position by their mutual effect one on the other, without any
hinges or any actual attachment of the slide to the cam.
to rear.
It will be obvious to those acquainted with the art of sewing by machinery
that this apparatus is more simple and much less expensive than those now
used for the purpose of controlling the position of the foot, and also that it is
easy to place in position, and easy to be removed for adjustment or repair
The forms of the cam and end of the slide inay be changed without departing
from this Invention, so long as they produce substantially the same results,
namely, the cam, that of lowering the slide or lifting it, and holding it lifted,
and the upper end of the slide then of transmitting the motion of the cam to
the slide itself by resting upon the cam (there being no.absolute attachment
between the slide and the cam), and of holding the cam in working position
grasped between the upper end of the slide and the plate C. The spring
moreover may be changed in form, so long as it holds the cam in proper
working position and connection with the slide, and prevents their displace-
ment from a working position, whilst the cam is moved only through such
distance as is necessary to lift and lower the foot to perform its proper office
in the machine. The plane of motion of the cam may also be changed, so
long as it produces the required effect and is held in place substantially in the
manner specified. The bracket D may be used in combination with the slide

page_text: cam, and spring, or in connection with other devices for giving and permitting
proper motions to a sewing machine foot.
I wish it to be distinctly understood that I am aware that there are now
in common use a variety of devices for giving and permitting the motion of
presser foot slides, and that amongst them is a bent lever attached to a hinge
to a slide, which is pressed upon by a helical spring, but I lay no claim of
course to such an arrangement. Figures 9 and 10 of the Drawings illustrate
the third portion of this Invention. Figure 9 represents in side elevation
so much only of a sewing machine as is necessary for the elucidation of this
portion of the Invention, and Figure 10 is a vertical section of the needle
guide and holder. The needle is represented at A as attached to one end of
a hollow cylinder B, which is bored out truly.
To any convenient standard or support connected with the framing or bed
plate of the machine, is attached in any suitable manner and with sufficient
firmness to withstand the shocks of the machine, a plunger C, corresponding
in transverse section with the bore of the cylinder, its surface fitting closely
thereto. Along the length of this plunger is formed a slot or groove c, and
the cylinder is expanded at the top as shewn at b, so as to serve as a receptacle
for oil.
The main object of the slot or groove c is to permit a free escape and
entrance of air during the vibrations of the cylinder. This slot may extend
through the centre of the plunger, which will in that case be tubular, or it
may be otherwise located so long as it serves this purpose. A vibrating bell
crank D, pivotted at E, and receiving motion in any convenient manner, is by
means of a slot d, and pin e, connected to the needle carrier or cylinder B,
and forms a cheap and simple apparatus for actuating it. By this: arrange-
ment of apparatus, the reedle carrier is guided and supported over and upon
a long surface, so that the needle is certain at all times to enter and depart
from the same spot in the bed plate, whilst the wear, being distributed over a
considerable surface, will be greatly reduced, and accuracy of movements
during a protected use of the machine will be thus secured. Moreover, the
needle carrier being a hollow cylinder or tube, may be made very light, and
still possess sufficient strength and stiffness, this quality of lightness being of
the utmost importance in fast running machines, as the working parts are
thus in a great measure relieved from the jar incident upon arresting and
again putting in motion a comparatively heavy needle bar. Facility is also
afforded for the use of oil to anyreasonable or proper extent as a lubricator of
the needle bar in its guide, without incurring any danger of drops falling on
the work below. It is further evident that the cylinder and plunger-may be

page_text: manufactured cheaply and without the exercise of any great degree of
mechanical skill, and that the vibrating arm, slots, and pin, or the equivalents
of the two latter, constitute a cheap and simple actuating apparatus.
I shall now proceed to describe the fourth and last head of this present
Invention, which consists in suspending a rotating shuttle of a discoidal form
on the axis of the driver, by means of pins working into corresponding holes
near its circumference, in such a manner that each pin in rotation will slide
back out of contact with the shuttle when passing near the point at which the
needle enters, so as to give room for the loop to pass over the shuttle, whilst
the other pins hold and drive the shuttle. Figure 11 is a section of this
apparatus complete; Figure 12 is a section of the driver detached; Figure 13
is a hack elevation of the driver; Figure 14 is a front view of the same;
Figure 15 is an end view; and Figures 16 and 17 a front and a side view of one
of the driving pins and guiding studs; and Figure 18 is a front elevation of a
portion of the frame, shewing the cam groove which gives motion to the pins.
A is the driver, which has a number of holes a, a, passing at an angle of about
60 degrees through the centre of the shaft B, within which slide the pins b, b;
each pin has a stud c fastened near its centre by a small set screw (see
Figure 16). The inner face of the driver bas a recess & turned out so as to
afford space for the play of the studs c. The under flat faces of the studs (see
Figure 15) bear on the bottom of the recess d, in order to prevent the pins b
from turning. The holes in the shuttle C correspond exactly with those in
the driver, so that the pins may slide into them, and by reason of their oblique
positions hold the shuttle perfectly steady. The groove D of the stationary
cam (see Figure 18) is so shaped that each piu may be drawn out from its hole
in the shuttle when it reaches the upper position near the needle E, in order
not to interfere with the loop and needle, but so soon as it has passed, it will be
forced back again into its place in the shuttle, one of the several pins being
constantly sliding either out or in.
By this arrangement of driving mechanism, I do away with the resistance,
friction, and wear of a shuttle running on its circumference within a race or
bed plate, and the shuttle is kept dry, that is free from oil where it comes
in contact with the thread, as no lubrication of the edge of the shuttle will
be requisite.
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 I do not confine or restrict
myself to the precise details or arrangements which I have had occasion to
describe or refer to, as variations may be made therefrom without deviating

page_text: from the principles or main features of the said Invention; but what I con-
sider 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 general constructions, arrangements, and combinations of parts
of sewing machines, as herein-before described.
Second, the system or mode of imparting a reciprocating circular motion to
the circular or curved needle, "hooker," or "looper," used in certain classes
of sewing machines, by causing an elastic, reciprocating, or vibrating driver
(composed of alternate layers of flat springs and raw hide, leather, or other
similar material) to embrace the two opposite sides of the shaft or spindle of
the circular needle, "hooker," or "looper," and take into or engage simul-
taneously with the two spiral grooves or projections of a double-threaded
screw or spiral formed on such shaft or spindle, both of such spiral grooves or
projections being continued straight for a short distance at their commence-
ment and termination for the purpose of stopping the motion of the instrument
for a longer or shorter period after each vibration, as herein-before described
and illustrated by Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the Drawings annexed.
Third, combining the springs of the driver herein-before referred to with
layers of raw hide, leather, or other similar material for the purpose herein-
before set forth.
Fourth, the peculiar construction, arrangement, and mode of operating
the slide of the presser foot of sewing machines, as herein-before described.
Fifth, the peculiar construction and arrangement of cam or bent lever
with changing fulcrum for working the presser foot slide, as herein-before
described.
Sixth, the combination of the peculiar cam or bent lever, herein-before
referred to, with a bar or transverse pin fitted to or formed on the presser foot
slide, such parts being held together and in working position by the sole
action of the spring which holds down the slide, as herein-before describde.
Seventh, the forming of the slide bracket upon which the actuating spring-
rests by turning back a tongue of metal out of the body of the slide itself,
as herein-before described.
Eighth, the combination of a needle with a cylindrical holder or carrier,
and guiding piston or plunger, as herein-before described.
Ninth, the combination of a cylindrical needle holder or carrier, guiding
piston, or plunger and needle, with a vibrating arm, as herein-before
described.
Tenth, the application and use of a slot, channel, or passage formed in
the guiding piston or plunger for the purpose herein-before described.

page_text: Eleventh, the peculiar system or mode of driving or imparting a rotatory
motion to a circular or discoidal shuttle, as herein-before described.
Twelfth, the system or mode of supporting and driving a circular or dis-
coidal shuttle or its equivalent by means of pins or other similar mechanism
operated partially or entirely by a fixed cam grooved so as to move back-
wards or out of connection with the shuttle whilst passing the loop of
thread, as herein-before described.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Henry Johnson, have hereunto
set my hand and seal this Thirteenth day of October, in the year
of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-eight.
J. HENRY JOHNSON. (L.S.)