12,769. Boult, A. J., [United Shoe Machinery Co.]. May 30. A machine for trimming an insole in position on a last is provided with automatic means for varying the inclination of cut in conformity with the contour of the last, thereby avoiding any space between the insole and the upper &c. in an assembled boot. Specification 24,561/10 is referred to. The invention is shown applied to the trimming of the heel end of an insole and embodied in (1) a hand-operated machine in which the work is rotated against a cutter and (2) a power-driven machine in which the cutter is traversed against the work. (1) Vertical-cutter type for cutting sheet material in direction of feed; bevelling &c. -The last L, Fig. 2, carrying the insole I is clamped between a self-adjusting foot 26 and a support 8 carried on a treadle-raised spindle 6 and provided with last-engaging pins 14, 16. The work is rotated by hand against the action of a spring, to carry its edge past a cutter 31, which is clamped in a block 32, Fig. 3, pivoted at 34 in a holder 36 provided with a stud 44 by which it is mounted loosely in a spring-controlled pivoted carrier 46, adapted to keep the cutter against the work. The stud 44 is so mounted that its axis intersects that of the pivot 50 of the carrier 46. The inclination of the cutter is controlled by the engagement with the last of the top of the block 32 and a lug 40 on this block. The last may be inclined towards its toe end to counteract the effect of a rise of the cutter when passing round the heel end thereby securing the continued use of the same portion of the cutter. A spring 59 bears on the work in advance of the knife, and a guide 37 serves to deflect the severed edge. (2) Traversing-cutter type for cutting designs ; bevelling &c.-The last L, Fig. 4, carrying the insole is placed on a fixed but adjustable support 26* and is pressed rearwardly into engagement with a forked member 114, which, through a slide 112 and spring- controlled lever 108, effects the coupling of a friction clutch of ordinary type on the shaft 102. The consequent rotation of a cam 100 serves to lower the clamp 8* on to the last through suitable resilient link-work. The cutter 30, which is mounted as before described on a carrier 46* is then constrained to travel round the work. This is effected by a crank 120, bellcrank lever 126, rack 132, and bevel-gear 134 carried by the sleeve 136 on which the carrier 46* is pivoted. The crank 120 and lever 126 are so proportioned as to secure a quick return of the cutter to its initial position, and means are provided for withdrawing the cutter from the work during this movement. Such means comprise a counterweighted latch 150 on the carrier 46* carrying a roller 158 adapted to engage the under surface of the table 2* provided with lugs 162, 160 for operating the latch at each end of the movement of the carrier. During the cutting movement of the carrier the latch occupies the position shown in Fig. 7, but on its return, the latch, which has passed beneath the lug 162, is rocked thereby into locking engagement with a stop 166 on the carrier 46* and occupies such a position as to depress the carrier and withdraw the cutter from the work. This position is maintained until the latch encounters the stop 160 on its subsequent cutting movement.