IMPROVED MACHINERY FOR SPLITTING, SHAVING, AND 'BUFTING' Leather, Hides, OR SKINS
Year: 1876

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Samuel Holt Sharp, of Leeds, in the County of York,
Currier and Leather Merchant, for the Invention of "IMPROVED MACHINERY
FOR SPLITTING, SHAVING, AND 'BUFTING' Leather, Hides, OR SKINS."
Scaled the 2nd February 1877, and dated the 5th August 1876.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Samuel Holt Sharp at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 5th August 1876.
SAMUEL HOLT SILARP, of Leeds, in the County of York, Currier and Leather
Merchant. "IMPROVED MACHINERY FOR SPLITTING, SHAVING, AND 'BUFTING'
LEATHER, HIDES, OR SKINS."
My improved machinery consists of a circular blade or knife mounted in suitable
bearings, and revolving in the same plane as the material to be operated upon.
The material is supported during the action by a table adjustable by a rack and
pinion over which it passes, and is attached to a roller which draws it into contact
with the edge of the knife, such roller being driven by worm and wheel capable
of being thrown into and out of gear by the foot of the attendant.
A spiral brush is employed for keeping the leather streched or straight upon the
cutting table.
The self-sharpening of the knife is provided for by a series of "hones" fixed so as
to bear upon the edge of the knife, when desired, as it revolves.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by the
said Samuel Holt Sharp in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 5th February
1877.
SAMUEL HOLT SHARP, of Leeds, in the County of York, Currier and Leather
Merchant. "IMPROVED MACHINERY FOR SPLITTING, SHAVING, AND 'BUFTING'
LEATHER, HIDES, OR SKINS."
My improved machinery consists of a circular blade or knife mounted in suitable
bearings, and revolving in the same plane as the material to be operated upon,

page_text: The material is supported during the action by a table adjustable by rack and
pinion over which it passes, and is attached to a roller which draws it into contact
with the edge of the knife, such roller being driven by worm and wheel capable of
being thrown into and out of gear by the foot of the attendant.
A spiral brush is employed for keeping the leather stretched or straight upon the
cutting table.
The self-sharpening of the knife is provided for by a series of "hones" fixed so
as to bear upon the edge of the knife (when desired) as it revolves.
In order that this Invention may be fully understood, I herein give reference to
the accompanying Sheet of Drawings marked with figures and letters of reference.
Fig. 1 is a front elevation of machine, Fig. 2 is side elevation, and Fig. 3 is
detail of knife and cutting table.
A is the knife which is fixed to the end of the shaft or spindle B, carried in
bearings on the framework C; D, D¹, are fast and loose pullies through which
rotation is communicated to to the knife; E is a table, the upper edge of which can
be raised or lowered by racks and pinions F, worm wheel G, and worm H. The
material to be cut passes over this table and is attached to the roller J by which it
is drawn forward. The rotary motion of the roller J is effected by the worm K
gearing with the wheel L on the end of the roller. The shaft M on which the
worm is mounted at one end in the bracket N and at the other end in an arm of
the lever O which is hinged at P. The attendant by pressing on the end p of the
lever raises the worn into gear with the wheel and causes the same to revolvo, and
by removing his foot from the lever the worm falls out of gear and stops the roller;
Qis the spiral brush which is caused to revolve by the belts R, and in so doing
keeps the leather stretched or straight upon the cutting table; Sare hones or emery
rollers which bear against the edge of the knife as it revolves and sharpen it.
These hones are turned round by bands and pullies U so as to wear evenly.
The edge of the knife is pressed against the material to be cut by a series of
spring "pushers" or pads, which can be regulated by hand lever as and how
required.
Having thus described the nature of my Invention, I would have it understood
that I do not confine myself to the precise details of construction or arrangement
as the same may be varied; but what I claim as my Invention is,
Firstly. The use of a circular revolving knife, arranged as and for the purposo
herein shewn and described.
Secondly. The general construction and combination of parts constituting my
improved machinery, substantially as herein described and illustrated by the
accompanying Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said Samuel Holt Sharp, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Thirtieth day of January, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and seventy-seven,
Witness,
A. B. CROSLEY,
Clerk to W. Tasker,
Patent Agent,
Halifax.
S. H. SHARP. (L.S.)