IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR CLEANING AND SHARPENING TABLE CUTLERY
Year: 1854

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Harvey Hilliard, of Glasgow, in the County of
Lanark, North Britain, of the firm of Hilliard and Chapman, Cutlers,
for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR CLEANING AND
SHARPENING TABLE CUTLERY."
Sealed the 21st April 1854, and dated the 20th February 1854.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Harvey Hilliard at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 20th
February 1854.
I, HARVEY HILLIARD, of Glasgow, in the County of Lanark, North Britain,
of the firm of "Hilliard and Chapman," Cutlers, do hereby declare the nature
of the said Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR CLEANING AND
SHARPENING TABLE CUTLERY" to be as follows:-
This Invention relates to various modifications of existing cutlery cleaning
apparatus, wherein the drum or containing box and polishing discs are made
entirely or chiefly of cast metal, to avoid the tendency to warp and get out of
shape attending those of wood as hitherto constructed. The box is made in
two halves, hinged, or otherwise held together, so as to open up easily, and
expose the inner parts for examination, and allow of these being taken out or
put in entire. The polishing wheels are discs with radial ribs cast upon them,
and the cleansing surfaces, of leather or other material, are formed by small

page_text: rectangular, and occasionally small circular pieces, placed on edge, and dis-
posed radially, and in circular rows, or in any other convenient manner.
.
Holes are punched in these pieces of leather, and they are strung upon
common or helical spring wire, india-rubber or gutta percha cord, or similar
material, and such wire or cord is passed through perforations in the radial
ribs upon the discs, being thereby held down to the surface of the latter.
An elastic action is given to these cleansing surfaces in the following way:-
Certain of the pieces of leather are punched out of line; in such a manner as
by their projecting on the inside to cause the remainder of the pieces to stand
out from the discs; then on pressure being applied to the surface, the spring
wire or elastic cord admits of its giving way to a certain extent, immediately
resuming its position on the removal of the pressure. Or the pieces which
stand out of line may be composed of india-rubber or other elastic material,
whereby elasticity of surface will be obtained, either independently of or in
combination with the elastic fixing wire or cord. Under another modifica-
tion, the discs, are grooved and perforated, and the cleansers are secured by
wires, or thongs, passing through the perforations to the back of the disc. It
is also proposed in some cases, to make the metal surfaces to which the
cleanser are attached in separate segmental pieces, .connected in such a
manner to the discs as to yield slightly to the knife, whilst they are pressed
forward by metal or india-rubber springs. These segmental pieces are faced
with leather, felt, bristles, or metallic, sharpening surface, or a combination of
two or more of these substances, set alternately round the polishing wheels.
The dippers for catching up, the cleaning powder, and scattering it over the
cleaning surfaces, are cast upon the discs instead. of being fixed thereto by
nails or screws as heretofore. After the machine is used a certain time, the
surfaces become worn, and it is necessary to bring the polishing wheels close
together! Hitherto this has been done by means of a screw nut on the spindle,
but this is a very expensive, and at the same time a defective arrangement,
for unless the discs are screwed up to a certain precise point, the action of the
machine will be injured. Instead of this arrangement, a collar or small disc
is cast or wrought on one end of the spindle; a loose collar is also provided
for the other end, and a spring abútting against each of these collars, and on
each side of the polishing discs, presses the latter together, keeping the acting
surfaces in contact, notwithstanding the wear that may take place. If desired,
collars or washers may be substituted for the springs, a washer being added
occasionally, according to the wear of the surfaces. The discs are fitted on
the spindle with feathers entering grooves in the latter, and the loose collar is
also formed with a feather, and is passed on to the spindle in the same way;

page_text: but. on reaching its permanent position it is turned round the feather
entering a circumferential groove on the spindle, and so holds the whole
together..another plan of fixing the loose collar is by, means of a cotter or pin
running through the axle, instead of the feather; and,circumferential.groove.
The. mountings of the knife holes on the rim of the .drum, and the stays
against which the knife handles rest, and which, enables, them to: resist the
forward pressure of the polishing surfaces;; are cast or moulded in one straight
piece of flexible metal, gutta percha, or other material; so as afterwards to be
bent to the form of the rim, to which it can be easily, secured by. small bolts or
screws. These bolts or screws may also serve to fix straps of leather or
other similar. materials under, the holes in the rim of the drum.These straps
are formed with slits sufficiently, large for: the passage of the blade <of the
knife, but prevent the shoulder. from being pushed in; thus obviating the
wearing away of the latter, and of.the.outer edge of the. polishing, surfaces, as
well as the increased resistance to the working of the machine due to the
introduction of, the shoulder...These. leather straps also prevent the regress
through, the knife holes of the emery, or cleansing powder. At one side of
the, drum, is placed a knife sharpener made of steel discs nor. segments. It is
proposed to make these discs or segments of larger. diameter than usual, so as
to give a more tapering edge to the knife. The attendant, after taking the
knives out of the drum in their cleaned condition, can then at once draw them
through the; sharpeners, thereby perfecting the combined operation of cleans-
ing. and sharpening... It is. further proposed, in some cases, to construct the
machine so as in addition to contain a circular brush fixed.on: the outer..side
of one of the, discs, within the drum; for. cleaning forks.and, the shoulders.of
knives, in nearly the same manner as the knife blades are cleaned by the inner
surfaces of the discs.
P
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Harvey Hilliard in the Great Seal. Patent Office on the
19th August 1854..
i
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, HARVEY
HILLIARD, of Glasgow, in the County of Lanark, North Britain, of the firm of
Hilliard and Chapman, Cutlers, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
5 Patent bearing date the Twentieth day of February, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-four, in the seventeenth year of Her reign,

page_text: did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the said
Harvey Hilliard, Her special license that I, the said Harvey Hilliard, my
executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said Harvey
Hilliard, 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
APPARATUS FOR CLEANING AND SHARPENING TABLE CUTLERY," upon the condition
(amongst others) that I, the said Harvey Hilliard, 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 calen-
dar months next and immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Harvey Hilliard, do hereby declare the
nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed,
to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement,
reference being had to the accompanying Drawings, and to the letters and
figures marked thereon, that is to say :-
My said Invention relates to various modifications of existing cutlery
cleaning apparatus, wherein the drum or containing box and polishing discs
are made entirely or chiefly of cast metal, to avoid the tendency to warp and
get out of shape attending those of wood as hitherto constructed. The box is
made in two halves, hinged, or otherwise held together, so as to open up
easily, and expose the inner parts for examination, and allow of these being
taken out or put in entire. The polishing wheels are discs with radial ribs
cast upon them, and the cleansing surfaces, of leather or other material, are
formed by small rectangular, and occasionally small circular pieces, placed
on. edge and disposed radially and in circular rows, or in any other con-
venient manner. Holes are punched in these pieces of leather, and they are
strung upon common or helical spring wire, india-rubber or gutta percha
cord, or similar material, and such wire or cord is passed through perfora-
tions in the radial ribs upon the discs, being thereby held down to the surface
of the latter. An elastic action is given to these cleansing surfaces in the
following way-Certain of the pieces of leather are punched out of line, in
such a manner as by their projecting on the inside to cause the remainder of
the pieces to stand out from the discs; then on pressure being applied to the
surface, the spring wire or elastic cord admits of its giving way to a certain
extent, immediately resuming its position on the removal of the pressure; or

page_text: the pieces which stand out of line may be composed of india-rubber or other
elastic material, whereby elasticity of surface will be obtained, either indepen-
dently of or in combination with the elastic fixing wire or cord. Under
another modification the discs are grooved and perforated, and the cleansers
are secured by wires or thongs passing through the perforations to the back
of the disc. It is also proposed in some cases to make the metal surfaces to
which the cleaners are attached, in separate segmental pieces, connected in
such a manner to the discs as to yield slightly to the knife, whilst they are
pressed forward by metal or india-rubber springs. These segmental pieces
are faced with leather, felt, bristles, or metallic sharpening surfaces, or a
combination of two or more of these substances, set alternately round the
polishing wheels. The dippers for catching up the cleaning powder, and
scattering it over the cleaning surfaces, are cast upon the discs, instead of
being fixed thereto by nails or screws as heretofore. After the machine is
used a certain time, the surfaces become worn, and it is necessary to bring
the polishing wheels closer together. Hitherto this has been done by means
of a screw nut on the spindle, but this is a very expensive and at the same
time a defective arrangement, for unless the discs are screwed up to a certain
precise point the action of the machine will be injured. Instead of this
arrangement, a collar or small disc is cast or wrought on one end of the
spindle; a loose collar is also provided for the other end, and a spring abutting
against each of these collars, and on each side of the polishing discs, presses
the latter together, keeping the acting surfaces in contact, notwithstanding
the wear that may take place. If desired, collars or washers may be sub-,
stituted for the springs, a washer being added occasionally, according to the
wear of the surfaces. The dises are fitted on the spindle with feathers
entering grooves in the latter, and the loose collar is also formed with a
feather, and is passed on to the spindle in the same way, but on. reaching.
its permanent it is turned round, the feathers entering a circumferential
groove on the spindle, and so holds the whole together. Another plan of
fixing the loose collar is by means of a cotter or pin running through the
axle, instead of the feather and circumferential groove. The mountings of
the knife holes on the rim of the drum, and the stays against which the knife
handles rest, and which enables them to resist the forward pressure of the
polishing surfaces, are cast or moulded in one straight piece of flexible metal,
gutta percha, or other material, so as afterwards to be bent to the form of the
rim, to which it can be easily secured by small bolts or screws. These bolts are
screws may also serve to fix straps of leather or other similar material under
the holes in the rim of the drum.. These straps are formed with slits suffi-

page_text: ciently large for the passage of the blade of the knife, but prevent the shoulder
from being pushed in; thus obviating the wearing away of the latter and of
the outer edge of the polishing surfaces; as well as the increased resistance to
the working of the machine due to the introduction of the shoulder. These
leather straps also prevent the egress through the knife holes of the emery or
cleansing powder. At one side of the drum is placed a knife sharpener, made
of steel cylinders, discs, or segments. It is proposed in some cases to make
these discs or segments of larger diameter than usual, so as to give a more
tapering edge to the knife. The attendant, after taking the knives out of
the drum in their cleaned condition, can then at once draw them through
the sharpeners, thereby perfecting the combined operation of cleansing and
sharpening. It is further proposed in some cases to construct the machine
so as in addition to contain a circular brush, fixed on the outer side of one of
the discs, within the drum, for cleaning forks and the shoulders of knives, in
nearly the same manner as the knife blades are cleaned by the inner surfaces
of the discs.
.: !.
:
And in order that my said Invention may be properly understood; I shall
now proceed to describe the several explanatory Figures on the Sheet' of
Drawings hereunto attached. Figure 1 on the Sheet of Drawings is a front
elevation of a knife cleaning machine complete, as constructed according to
one modification of my Invention. Figure 2 is a plan of the apparatus, with
the cover of the case removed to expose the polishing wheels inside; 'and
Figure 3 is a sectional elevation with various parts broken away to shew the
details of the portions behind. Figures 4, 5, and 6, represent detached
details of the apparatus represented in Figures 1, 2, and 3. Figure 7 is a
front elevation of a knife cleaning machine also constructed according to my
Invention, and mounted upon an ornamental cast-iron stand. Figure 8 is a
front elevation of a polishing disc constructed and arranged differently from
the disc represented in Figure 3. Figure 9 is an edge view of a pair of discs
like that represented in Figure 8; and Figure 10 is an elevation of a detached
detail: Figure 11 is an elevation, and Figure 12 is a plan of a box cover,
shewing a modified form of mounting for the knife guards and holes; -and
Figures 13, 14, and 15, represent detached details thereof. Figure 16 is an
elevation, and Figure 17 is a plan of the form of knife sharpeners I prefer
to use in combination with the cleaning mechanism. In my improved appa-
řatus the knife cleaning operation is effected in the usual way, by means of a
pair of polisliing discs, to which rotatory motion is given, whilst the knives are
held between the revolving surfaces. The discs are mounted in a cylindrical
box or case A, B, of cast iron, which is formed in two halves A, B, the division

page_text: passing through the bearings C of the disc spindle D. Thus when the upper
half A of the case is removed, the discs E are exposed, and may be lifted out
upon their spindle without any further trouble with screws or other fästenings:
The cover A may either be screwed" to the lower part B of the case; as
represented, or it may be hinged to it at one side, so as to turn over when it
is wished to examine the discs. The lower part B of the case, as represented
in Figures 1, 2, and 3, is cast with ornamental feet F, upon which the
apparatus stands. The apparatus represented in Figure 7 is mounted upon an
ornamental cast iron stand G, which raises it to a convenient level. for the ope-
rator. The back of one of the polishing: discs E is represented in Figures 3, and
and it is broken away to exhibit the front of the disc opposite to it. Radiating
ribs H are 'cast upon the faces of the dises; and holes I; 'are formed in the
discs at various parts immediately under the ribs, so that the wires or cords
J; for securing the polishing leathers K; may be passed under the ribs. The
polishing leathers K consist of strips placed on edge and arranged radially:
Strips of cork or other suitable material are placed between each strip of
leather, and the cork strips are of the same depth as the leather strips, but
they are strung upon the wires J, so as to lie below the front edges of the
leather strips, but project beyond the leather strips at the back. This
arrangement gives a degree of elasticity to the polishing surfaces, as the
pressure falls upon the cork strips which project at the back. A portion only.
of the polishing leathers are represented as in position in Figure 3, another
portion being removed to shew the ribs H and wires J. In Figures 8 and 9 is
represented an arrangement of polishing surface, wherein segments of leather
strips are alternated with segments of bristles. There the discs L are per-
forated, and consist of radiating angular portions M, alternately with open
spaces crossed by annular bars. N. The bristled portions O, of the polishing
surfaces are fixed on wooden backs like ordinary brushes, and these brushes
are screwed to the angular pieces M. The annular bars N are dovetailed in
section so as to retain the strips of leather P, which have notches cut out at.
their ends for the purpose. The strips of leather are alternated with strips of
cork or other suitable material, the leather projecting in front of the cork.
After the leather and cork strips are slipped into position between' the bars N;
the brushes are introduced laterally, and are contrived to tightly wedge up
the masses of leather and cork strips on each side of them. The dipper for
taking up the polishing powder may be cast either on the outside of the disc,
as in Figure 8, or on the inside, as in Figure 8. In the former case a raised
rim Q is formed on the outside of the dise, and this serves to catch up the
polishing powder, and causes it to fall into a species of pocket R, also cast

page_text: upon the disc. This pocket Rhas an opening S, through the disc, by which
opening the polishing powder enters between the discs, and is distributed over
the polishing surfaces. The opening S, which is seen in Figure 3, is that
appertaining to the hindmost disc, the dipper of which is supposed to be
directly opposite to that of the front disc. When the dipper is formed on the
inside of the disc, as is represented in Figure 8, a channel T is formed extend-
ing from the circumference to near the centre, and a projecting scoop U is
formed at the circumference, so as to dip into the polishing powder in the
bottom of the case and take it up into the channel T, through which it finds
its way to the centre of the disc. The channel T is covered over to prevent
the knives from catching in it. The eyes V of the discs are formed with
feathers which enter corresponding longitudinal grooves upon the spindle D,
so that the discs are forced to turn with the spindle. The discs are pressed
together by powerful springs W, one of which is shewn in a distended state
in Figure 4. These springs act upon the outsides of the discs E, and abut
against small discs X, Y, upon the spindle D. One, X, of these discs is fixed
or cast upon the spindle D, and the other, Y, is in a separate piece, and is
passed upon the spindle after the discs have been placed in position. The eye
of this disc Y is made with feathers which enter the longitudinal grooves
upon the spindle D already mentioned. On reaching its position, however,
the disc Y is turned a quarter round, the feather entering a circumferential
groove Z, made for the purpose of retaining the disc in position. The disc is
then prevented from turning upon the spindle, by small wedges passed into
the longitudinal grooves on the spindle and likewise entering small notches in
the eye of the disc. A winch handle a is finally fixed on the squared end b
of the spindle D, and the apparatus is deposited in its case A, B.
In Figures
8, 9, and 10, is represented a slight modification of the arrangement for fixing
the discs upon their spindle; and for pressing them together. Here the
spindle c is plain and grooveless, but it has a small disc d fixed or cast upon
it near one end. This disc d is formed with four or other convenient number
of eyes e, into which are entered corresponding pins f, cast upon the back of
one of the discs L. The other dise L is likewise cast with pins f, which
enter eyes in a small disc g, which is passed on the spindle c, after the other
details are in position, being fixed on the spindle by a pin h. By these means
the discs are connected to the spindle so as to be carried round by it, and they
are pressed together by helical springs i, upon the pins f, these springs acting
upon the backs of the discs L, and abutting against the small discs d, g. The
top A of the case is formed with suitable apertures for the introduction of the
knives j, and the mountings of these knife holes, together with the stays k,

page_text: against which the knife handles rest, are cast or formed in a single straight
piece of flexible metal or other material, this piece being afterwards bent
round to the curvature of the top of the case. The mountings are secured to
the rim of the case by small screw bolts 1, which also serve to secure leather
or metal straps m; on the inside of the cases, which straps have slits in them
for the passage of the knife blades, but prevent the entrance of the shoulders
of the knives as well as the escape of the polishing powder; or instead of this
system of mountings, the knife rests may be arranged and fitted in the manner
represented in Figures 11 to 15. Here each knife rest is cast or formed in a
separate piece, as represented on an enlarged scale in vertical section in
Figures 14, and in plan in Figure 15. The knife rests n are entered into a
slot o, formed in the rim of the case top A, extending round as far as the
knife holes reach, flanges p being formed upon the rests to fit upon the slides
of the slot. The rests n are retained in position by intermediate key pieces q,
a plan of one of which on an enlarged scale is given in Figure 13. These
key pieces are formed with flanges r, which overlap the ends, of the rests n.
whilst other flanges s, entering under the sides of the slot o, serve to hold the
whole down to the rim of the case. The key pieces are entered into the sloto,
at one end, where it is enlarged for the purpose. When the slot is filled the
whole of the rests are finally secured by screwing down the extreme piece, to
prevent its removal out of the slot. The knife sharpener is fixed at t, on the
top of the case, and to one side, as represented in Figure 7, or it may be
placed in any other position, so that it may be convenient for the operator who
draws the knives through it after they are polished, thereby completing the
operation. The form of sharpener I prefer is represented on an enlarged
scale in end elevation in Figure 16, and in plan in Figure 17. The sharpener
consists of two small steel rollers u, the surfaces of which are scored circularly
to give them the requisite sharpening power, whilst portions of their circum-
ference may be file-cut, these portions being used when necessary for taking
out notches on the edges of the knives. The rollers u are carried by the
turned-over ends of a pair of strong blade springs v, which are screwed down
to the plate w, and press the barrels into close contact. The knife to be
sharpened is drawn between the barrels u, and receives a more tapering edge
than can be given by the ordinary arrangement of sharpeners of a similar
description.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of my said
Invention, and the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried
into effect, I may observe, in conclusion, that I do not confine or restrict
myself to the precise details or arrangements which I have had occasion to

page_text: describe or refer to, as many variations may be made therefrom without
deviating from the principles or main features of my Invention;. but what I
consider to be novel and original, and therefore claim as the Invention secured
to me by the herein-before in part recited Letters Patent, is-
First, the general arrangement and construction of machinery, or apparatus
for cleaning and sharpening table cutlery, as herein-before described.
.... Second, the system or mode of constructing the polishing discs, and cases
of rotatory cleaning apparatus for table cutlery of cast iron, as herein-before
described.
Third, the system or mode of forming the case or box of rotatory cleaning
apparatus for table cutlery, in two halves, so that on the turning over or lifting
off of one half the internal mechanism may be removed without further
unfastening, as herein-before described.
Fourth, the herein-before described systems or modes of constructing,
arranging, and fixing. the details forming the polishing surfaces of rotatory
cutlery cleaners.
ifth, the system or mode of regulating the pressure between the polishing
surfaces of rotatory cutlery cleaners, by means of springs arranged to compress
the polishing discs together, as herein-before described.
Sixth, the system or mode, of constructing the mountings for the knife rests
and holes of rotatory cutlery cleaners-in a single straight piece, to be sub-
sequently bent to the curvature of the case or drum, as herein-before
described.
Seventh; the system or mode of constructing and fitting the knife rests and
sockets in the manner more particularly herein-before described in reference
to Figures 11 to 15 on the Sheet of Drawings hereunto attached.
Eighth, the application and use in rotatory cutlery cleaners of a pair of
knife sharpeners, fixed in a convenient position upon the case or stand of the
apparatus, as herein-before described.
CFLOATE
In witness whereof, I, the said Harvey Hilliard, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Sixteenth day of August, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-four.
HARVEY HILLIARD. (L.S.)