451,350. Boot-making machines. BRITISH UNITED SHOE MACHINERY CO., Ltd., GOULDBOURN, J., and KESTELL, T. A., Union Works, Belgrave Road, Leicester. Jan. 1, 1935, No. 11. [Class 17 (i)] Heels, attaching.-Relates to machines of the kind described in Specification 23031/11, [Class 17 (i)], and consists in the provision of a fluid pressure piston and cylinder device by which the work clamping plunger may be first moved by the operator, into engagement with the work, to measure it, when pressure of a predetermined amount is applied to the work by power, and finally the plunger is locked against the work during the insertion of the fastenings. The work clamping plunger carries arms terminating in pads for engaging the opposite sides of the heel end of the shoe to prevent lateral movement when pressure is applied to the shoe. The work clamping plunger 1 is actuated by a segment 7 secured to a shaft 11 actuated by a treadle as described in the prior Specification. The plunger is formed with a fluid-containing chamber 13 sliding on a tube 15 secured to the frame by bolts 17, 'the tube having at its lower end a valve member 23 bored to receive a piston 35 having a head member 37, actuated by a lever 43 and power actuated toggle linkage as described in the prior Specification. A valve 53, co-operating with the valve member 23, is carried by a rod 51 actuated by a lever 59, linked to a power-oscillated arm described in the prior Specification. The valve member 23 is formed with recesses 69 alternating with vertical holes 27 closed at their upper ends by a ring 31 urged to operative position by a spring 33 the strength of which can be adjusted by a screw collar 19. Further ports 67 are formed in the tube 15. In operation, a shoe having been positioned, the treadle is depressed to measure the work. Continued depression of the treadle engages a clutch to start the machine, as described in the prior Specification. The piston 35 then descends, closing the ports 69 and forcing liquid up the holes 27 until the predetermined pressure of the spring 33 closes these holes. The valve 53 is then closed, maintaining this predetermined pressure until the attaching nails have been driven. On release of the treadle, all parts return to starting position. The last engaging plate and its connection with the shoe positioning means are described in Specification 451,410. The side pressers, for supporting the shoe laterally, comprise leather covered blocks 223 carried by levers 227 on pivots 229 at the end of arms 231 carried by pivots 233 on a sleeve 201 surrounding the plunger 1. The plunger 1 loosely carries and engages a lever 243 engaging recesses in the arms 231 for closing the blocks 223 on the shoe as the plunger descends, the levers 227 being guided at their upper ends in fixed grooves 235. The levers are urged toward each other by a spring 241, and the arms 231 are urged to their open position by a spring 249. The normal distance between the blocks 223 is determined by an eccentric pin 255, having a square adjusting head, and, normally, supporting the sleeve 201 and its connected parts by engaging the lower edge of an opening in the plunger 1. Normally, all parts return to starting position on release of the treadle.