US1347615A

US1347615A - Cutting-machine

Info

Publication number: US1347615A
Application number: US98199A
Authority: US
Inventors: Ira C Buckminster
Original assignee: United Shoe Machinery Corp
Current assignee: United Shoe Machinery Corp
Priority date: 1916-05-17
Filing date: 1916-05-17
Publication date: 1920-07-27
Anticipated expiration: 1937-07-27

Description

I. C. BUCKMINSTER.

CUTTING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED MA'YII. I916.

Patented July 27, 1920.

7 SHEETS-SHEET I.

I. C. BUCKMINSTER. CUTTING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED MAYI7. 1916.

1,347,615. Patented July 27,1920.

7 SHEETSSHEET 2.

I. C,- BUCKMINSQER. cunme MACHIN E APPLICATION .FILED MAY 17, I916.

1,347, 5, PatentedJuly 27,1920.

7 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

2 Fig.3.

l. C. BUCKMINSTER.

CUTTING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED mwn. 191s.

Patented July 27, 1920.

7 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

ww/ NNN wwwww @KQM I. C. BUCKMINSTER. cumwa MA'C HI NE. APPLICATION FILED MAY 17. 1916.

1,347, 6 1 5. Patent d uly 27, 1920.

7 SHEETSSHEET 5.

Fig. 5.

l. C. BUCKMINSTER.

CUTTING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED MAYI7. 1916.

1,347, 6 1 5 I Patented July 27, 1920.

7 SHEETS-SHEET 6.

|.-c. BUCKMINSTER.

CUTTING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED MAY '7. 1916. 1,347,615, Patented July 27, 1920.

7 SHEETS-SHEE UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

IRA C. B CKMINSTER, CRBEVERLY, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR, BY MESNE AssIGN- MENTS, To UNITED snon MACHINERY CORPORATION, or PATERSON, NEW JERSEY,

A CORROBTATIQN .05 NEW JERSEY.

CUT ING-MACH NE. 7

Application filed May 17,

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that, I,-IRA C. BUCKMINsTER, a citizen of the United States, residing at Beverly, inthe county of Essex and State of Massachusetts, have invented certainlmprovements in CuttingMachines, of which the following --des'cription, in connection with the accompanyingdrawings, is a specification, like reference characters on the drawings indicating like parts in the several figures. V

This invention rel-ates to 'machines for producing blanks from sheet material, and is herein shown as embodied in a machine for dieing out heel lifts for use in the manufacture of boots and shoes. In its broader aspects, however, the invention, in :many of its features, is notlimit-ed to dieing-out machines, but is of broader applicability to machines of various types; nor is the invention restricted to the production of articles of the precise character herein shown.

An important object of the invention is to provide a machine of this class which shall perform its operations rapidly and effectively with a minimum of waste-of the stock. A further object is to provide a machine which shall operate with an economy of power and without undue wear.

To the above and other ends, an important feature of the invention consists in novel means for effecting a positive and exact feed of the stock. In the construction shown, wherein the blanks are produced by the action of a cutting die, the feeding ofthe stock is effected by lateral movement of the die. More specifically, the illustrated construction provides means for cutting out each blank progressively in two successive steps, with means for moving the die to feed the stock in the interval between the two cutting operations while the edge of the die is in efiec-tive engagement with the stock. An important advantage in feeding the stock by movement of-the die is that positive advance of the stock the precise dis'-' tan e required to bring it into position for the cutting of each succeeding blank is insured, and as a result the cuts may be made close together with a minimum-of waste.

Another important feature of the invention, also contributing to economy in the use of the stock, consists in novel means for determinin the initial position of the sheet Specification of Letters Patent. Patented July 27 1920,

1916. Serial Nor 98,199.

of stock at the beginning of a seriesof operations. The illustrated machine is adapted to cut blanks in successive rows from the side of a sheet, and includes-a pair of stops for determining different successive initial positions of the sheet to cause the blanks in each row to be cut from portions of the stock which are opposite to the intervals between the cuts of the preceding row. In the use of'dies with Curved or tapered ends the rows of cuts may thus be made to overlap and a portion of stock remaining between twocuts in one row may .be utilized for a portion of a blank in the next row. In order to insure further the proper positioning of the stock for this result, the machine herein shown includes .an edge guide for the stock and means for'shearing off a portion .ofthe waste between cuts to provide edges for subsequent engagement with said guide. 7

The invention provides, further, novel means for operating the stock positioning stops to render them alternately effective. The machine herein shown is caused toistop at the end of'each series of operations Whereby a row of blanks are out from the sheet, in order to permit the stock to be reinserted in proper position for the next row of cuts; and in this construction the stops. are operated by the starting and stopping of :the machine to cause them to be alternately projected in operative position.

Still another feature of. the invention consists in novel means for controlling the operation of the machine to cause it to stop at the end of each series of operations. According to this feature the stopping of the machine is effected through mechanism controlled by engagement with the stock. As long as sufficient stock remains in the line of cuts to form a complete blank the operation of'the machine continues, and the ma-v chine is stopped in time to avoid the possibility of cutting an incomplete blank.

Other novel and important features of the invention reside in. the general organization of the machine for the purposes in view, in means for supporting the stock to assist the die in its feeding movement and for insuring against accidental displacement of the stock, in the provision for various adjustments, and in certain details of construction and combinations of parts, all

of which will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings and pointed out in the claims.

In the drawings, v Figure 1 is a view in front elevation of a machine in which the invention is embodied,

Fig. 2 is a side elevation showing the ma- 7 chine as viewed from the left in Fig. 1,

Fig. 3 is a view on an enlarged scale of a portion of the machine as seen in Fig. 1, showing the parts in greater detail, portions being sectioned in order to show the interior construction more-clearly, v

- Fig. 4 is a plan-view of the portion of the machine seen in Fig. 3,

Fig. 5 is a side elevation showing the portion of the machine seen in Figs. 3 and 4 as viewed fromthe left in said figures,

Fig. 6 shows detached and in front elevation mechanism with which the machine is provided for determining the initial position of the stock,

Figs. 7 and 8 are detail views of portions of the mechanism seen in Fig. 6,

Fig. 9 shows in front elevation mechanism for effecting adjustment of the position controlling means seen in Fig. 6,

Fig. 10 shows in front elevation'means through the action of which the machine is brought to a stop after a row of blanks has been cut,

Fig. 11 is a detail view of portions of the mechanism that cooperate with the parts seen in Fig. 10 to control the stopping of the machine,

Fig. 12 is a detail of a portion. of the clutch controlling means,

. Figs. 13. and 14 show in detail the shape and relation of different cams through which the operative movements of the machine are effected, and 1 Fig. 15 is a diagrammatic plan view illustrating the relative locations of the cuts in a sheet of stock.

The operative portionsof the machine are supported by a frame 2; andthe machine comprises, in general, a stock support 4, a die 6 movable upwardly in'two successive steps to cut the stock andmovable also laterally in the interval between the two cutting movements to feed the stock, and a cutting block 8 above the die having vertical movements in correlation with'the movements of the die, as will be hereinafter explained. Operative movements are imparted to the cutting block and the die from a cam shaft 10 mounted in a bracket 12 on the frame 2 and arranged to receive operative movement from a pulley 14 through a suitable clutch, such as a Horton clutch, of which the usual controlling member is seen at 16, this member having in its Periphery a notch 18 to receive a latch 20. The latch 20 is secured to a rock shaft 22 arranged to be rocked by means of a foot treadle 24 through connections comprising an arm 26 secured to the shaft 22 and a rod 28' connected at its opposite ends to the arm 26 and the treadle 24 respectively. A spring 30 connected to the arm 26 holds the rock shaft 22 normally in such position as to cause the latch 20 to engage in the notch 18 of the member 16 and maintain the pulley 14 and the shaft 10 in disconnected relation. WVhen the treadle 24 is depressed the member 16 is released and the operative parts of the machine are driven until such time as the latch 20 is again permitted to engage in the notch 18 to effect the disconnection of the clutch.

The cutting block 8 is carried by a plun:

ger 32 which' is mounted for vertical mo'vement in a socket in the upper portion of the frame 2 and is maintained normally in its uppermost position by means of springs 34 which are connected at their opposite ends respectively to a rod 36 in the frame and a rod 38 projecting from the plunger 32 through vertical slots 40in the frame. The plunger 32 and theblock 8 are reciprocated by means of a path cam 42 (Fig. 13) on the shaft 10 through connections including a bell crank44 provided with a roll 46 that runs in a groove 48 of the cam 42, and a bell crank 50connected by a link 52 to the knee joint of a toggle 54 the arms of which are pivoted respectively on the

rods

36 and 38,

the two bell cranks being connected through .rods 56' and 58 and an intermediate toggle 60. The

rods

56 and 58 are guided in

lugs

62 and 64. respectively, as seen in Fig. 2. When the machine is idle the toggle '60 is broken. as shown, and the block 8 is maintained by the springs .34 in its uppermost position to permit a sheet of stock to be freely inserted between the block and the support 4. The knee joint of the toggle is connected by means of a link 66 to a lever 68 fast on the rockshaft 22 to which the clutch controllinglatch 20 also is secured, as here- 1 inbefore explained, By reason of this construction the operation of the treadle 24 to start the machine serves at the same time,

through the straightening of the toggle 60, to force the block 8 downward toward the support 4. By reference to Fig. 13 it will be seen that when the machine is at rest the roll 46 is positioned in a concentric portion.

a of the cam groove 48, which, as compared with an opposite concentric portion 0, is relatively near to the axis of the cam. The block 8 is therefore depressed through the action of, the treadle to its lowermost position in readiness to oppose the cutting action of the die and in this position is in substantial engagement with the stock. Immediately after the first upward cutting movement of the die, the roll 46 is caused to trav erse' the portion 6 of the groove 48, whereby the, block 8 is lifted sufiiciently to permit the stock to be fed by the lateral movement while the roll 46traverses the concentric portion a of the cam groove to the starting po sition indicated in the drawings, during which time the die is lowered and returned to its first position in readiness for the next cut. This cycle of operation is repeated until a row of blanks has been cut entirely across the sheet. In order to render it'unnecessary forthe operator to keep his foot upon the treadle, the lever 68 carries a laterally projecting lug 70 which hooks over a spring catch '72 when the treadle is first depressed, and the catch 7 2 thus insures the continuous operation of the machine until the lug 70 is automatically released in a manner which will be subsequently explained. It will be apparent by reference to 'the drawings that the movements of the cutting block after its initial depression by the treadle are comparatively short.

The stock support 4 includes a plunger 7 4 which fits in a vertical socket formed in the frame 2 and rests upon a coil spring 76.

The support is thus permitted to yield slightly in order to accommodate the machine to variations in the thickness of the stock, as will be hereinafter explained. The

support 4 comprises two side portions which are grooved to provide guideways 78 for sliding

plates

80 and 82, which constitute a stock supporting table, these plates being movable in unison with the stock feeding movements of the die 6. It follows that during the forward feeding movement of the die there is no relative movement between the stock and the

plates

80 and 82 but that during the backward movement of the.

die the plates must slide relatively to'the stock, the plate 82 being positioned at that time beneath that portion of the stock which is in front of the die. In order to prevent the stock from being displaced during the retraction of the die and the plates, the plate 82 is formed with two slots 84, and bolted to the support 4 is a standard'86 which presents two parallel bars 88 positioned within the slots 84 and projecting slightly above the upper surface of the plate 82. Above the bars 88 is a clamp member 90 carried by the reciprocatory plunger 32 to which the block 8 is attached, the lower surface of this member being substantially in the plane of the lower surface of the block. The bars 88 and the member 90 thus serve as clamp members to hold the stock against accidental displacement during the retraction of theplate 82. Itwill be evident from the preceding description that the stock is clamped andreleased alternately by the members 88'and 90, and that the feeding movement ofthe stock is permitted by reason of the fact that the clamp member 90, as well as the block 8, is'then in its uppermost position. The provision for yielding movement of the support 4 against the tension of the spring 76, as previously described,'permits stock of varying thickness to be clamped between the

members

88 and 90.

Mounted upon the support 4 is an edge guide 92 for the stock, this guide being adjustable for dies of different lengths through the provision of a slot 94 in the, guide which cooperates with a guiding pin 96 and a clamping screw 98 to keep "the guide in parallel relation to the proper path of movement of the stock in all positions of its adjustment, the screw 98 serving to retain the guide in adjusted position. The

slot 94 is formed diagonally tocause the end of the guide to sustain substantially the same relation to the adjacent corner of the die in all positions-of adjustment, without projecting beneath the cutting block.

The die 6 is supported on a carrier 100 which is slidable horizontally on guides 102 formed on a die support 104 which includes a plunger 106 mounted for vertical movement in bearings provided by the plunger 74 and by the frame 2. The plunger 106 at its lower end is connected to one arm of a toggle 108 which comprises operating means whereby the plunger is reciprocated, the connection consisting ofa sleeve 109 having right and left threads on its exterior and interior respectively to permit the sleeve to be screwed at one end within a threaded bore at the lower end of the plunger 106 and to receive within its other end a threaded plug 111 upon which the arm of the toggle '108 is pivoted. This construction permits the die support to be vertically adjusted relatively to its operating means through comparatively short turningmovements of the sleeve 109. The other arm of the toggle 108 is pivoted to the

frame

2 and 118 in one side of a cam disk 120 on the shaft 10. In the idle position of the parts, as shown in the drawings, the .die is in its lowermost position, the roll 116 engaging in a concentric portion 6 of the cam groove 118 (Fig. 14). Immediately upon the starting of the machine the portion f of the groove approaches the roll, causing the die to be moved upward through the connecedge embedded in the stock a sufficient time to permit it to move laterally to feed the stock. The portion h of the groove 118 then imparts a further upwardmovement to the die sufficient to sever the blank, after which the die is returned to its lowermost position, and during the backward lateral movement of the die the roll 116 is in the.

concentric portion 6 of the groove.

The lateral feeding movements of the die are effected by means which operates to slide the carrier 100 forward and backward upon the support 104. This means coinprises. a lever 122 pivoted at 124 on the tion of Y the die.

bracket 12 and connected by a link 126 to a shaft .128 the opposite ends of which are 'journaled in shoes 130 mounted to slide in horizontal guideways 132 formed in the support at. .The shaft 128is also journaled in boxes 134 which are mounted in vertical slots or guideways 186 formed in lugs 138 projecting from the carrier 100. Horizontal movement may thus be imparted to the carrier 100 from'the lever 122through connections that are not affected by the vertical die operating movements of the carrier hereinbefore described, since by reason of the arrangement of the slots 136 and the boxes 13% the lugs 138 are permitted to move upwardly and downwardly with the die carrier relatively to the shaft 128 without movingthe shaft. The lever 122 has a slot 140 curved about the'shaft 128 as a center on a radius equal in length to the link 126, whereby the link 126v may be connected to the lever at different distances from its axis 12 1 to vary the extent of the feed movements of the die carrier for different sizes of dies without varying the starting 1905i? Thelever 122 carries at its lower end; a roll 1&2 engaging in agroove 144 formed in the opposite side of the cam disk 120 from the groove 118. By reference to Fig.v 1 1 it will be seen that the feeding movementwill not begin until the first cutting movement of' the die has been com pleted, whereupon the roll 142 will be caused to traverse the outwardly receding portion of the groove 14A, thereby swinging the lever 122 and effecting the forward feeding movement of the die carrier 100. The

roll is thenpositioned in the outer concen-' tric portion of the groove during the sec ond cutting movement and a portion of the following downward movement of the die, after which the roll is again forced inward to cause the die carrier to be retracted to starting position.

The die 6 is held securely in position on the carrier 100 between a rigid upstanding ber 1 18 provided with wings 150 mounted to slide on guides 152 on the carrier, the flange and the clamp member having ledges to support the die, as shown in Figs. 3 and 41. The clamp member 1 18 is operated upon by screws 15st threaded through upstanding lugs on a portion of the carrier 100 and bearing at their ends against the clamp member to hold the die securely in place. It will be seenthat whatevermay be the size of the die, the front edge of the die is positioned invariably in the same location by means of the flange 146, while the clamp member 118 is slidable on the guides 152 in accordance with variations in the size of the die. In order that the

stock supporting plates

80 and 82 may slide in their guideways in unison with the movements of the die carrier 100, the plate 80 is provided with depending pins 156 which enter vertical sockets in the clamp member 148, andrthe plate 82 carries similar pins 158 which enter sockets formed in the lugs 188011 the front of the carrier 100. This arrangement of pins and sockets permits vertical movement of the die carrier rela' tively to the

plates

80 and 82, and since the sockets in which the pins 156 engage are formed in the clamp member 1 18, the rear plate 80 will be moved in unison with the ad ust1ng movements of the clamp member to enlarge or restrict the'widt-h of the opening between the two plates in accordance 100 with the size of die in use.' It will be observed that the plates support the sto'ck' close to the edge of the die, the opening being only of sufiicient width to permit the cutting movements of the die.

The die 6 is preferably formed with spurs 160 which enter the stock in the first cutting movement of the 'die and serve in addition to the cutting edge to insure that the stock shall be carried forward by the die in 11S feeding movement. These spurs are so to be discharged upon a sloping surface 162' j of the support 101 whence they will fall into a receptacle positioned to receive them. The vertical movements of the support 10& serve i to insure 'dislodgment of the lifts from the surface 162, as will be readily understood. r

In order that the stock shall be utilized economically, the machine is provided with means for effecting relative displacement of the cuts in successive rows in the direction of the feed of the stock adistance equal sub stantially to half the width of the die, to

.cause the blanks ineach row to be cut from portions of the stock that are opposite to the intervals between the cuts of the pre ceding row, and the die 6 moreover is provided with a straight blade 164 projecting from one side in position to trim off the waste in front of each cut and provide alined straight edges for engagement with the guide 92, the blade 164 being positioned at such a distance from the end of the die as to cause the blanks in each succeeding row to be cut, in part, from stock left between the curved ends of the cuts in the preceding row. The means for effecting relative displacement of the rows of cuts in the direction of the feed movements comprises two

stops

166 and 168 arranged to be projected alternately above the plate 80, through slots formed in the plate, in position to engage the front edge of the sheet of stock and determine its first position for each row of cuts before the machine is started, the gaging ends of these stops be ing relatively displaced in the direction of the feed a distance substantially equal to half the width of the die. These stops are operated to cause the one which is uppermost to be withdrawn immediately upon the starting of the machine and to cause them to be projected alternately above the table in gaging position, by means which will now be described.

The stop 166 is slidably mounted in a guideway formed in a depending portion 17 0 of the plate 80, and the stop 168 is vertically slidable in a carrier 17 2 the purpose and function of which will be hereinafter described. The two stops are slotted at 174 and 17 6 respectively to receive studs 178, 180 carried by a rocker arm 182 which is pivoted on a lug 184 depending from the plate 80 and is connected by means of a pitman 186 to a crank disk 188 mounted on a shaft190 journaled in lugs 192and 194 on the plate 80. The opposite end portions of the pitman 186 are slidably connected to permit them to yield relatively against the tension of a spring 196 under certain conditions, as will be hereinafter explained. Mounted rigidly on the rear end of the shaft 190 is a ratchet disk 198 having diametrically opposite teeth, and mounted loosely on the shaft at opposite sides of the disk 198 are pawl

carriers

200, 202 carrying respectively

pawls

204, 206 spring held in engagement with the periphery of the disk 198. The

pawls

204 and 206 are formed respectively for pulling and pushing action upon the ratchet disk 198. The

pawl carriers

200, 202 are connected respectively by

rods

208, 210 to bell cranks 212, 214, pivoted respectively on lugs 216, 218 that; project from the die clamp slide 148. cranks 212, 214 carry rolls 220, 222 arranged to engage forward The bell 1 extending arms 224,

springs

244, 246, which tend to move the rods in such direction as to depress the rolls 220, 222 on the bell cranks 212, 214 and swing the depending portions of the

levers

228, 230 to the right (Fig. 6). Since movement of the rod 210 under the influence of the spring 246 serves through the pawl 206 to turn the ratchet disk 198 and move the stops, while movement of the rod 208 under the influence of the spring 244 only serves to move the pawl 204 idly over the crank disk into position to engage a tooth on the disk, the spring 246 is made considerably stronger than the spring 244. Downward movement of the

arms

224, 226 when the

levers

228, 280 are released is limited by

stops

247, 249 respectively.

In the drawings, (Figs. 3 and 6) ,the front stop 166 is shown in elevated position with its front end close torthe die, and'a sheet of stock A. is shown with its front edge in engagement with this stop in position to receive the first cut. Upon the depression of the treadle to start the machine, the arm 68 is swung to the right (Fig. 6) and through the link 242 and the

connections

240, 238 causes the arm 236 to swing the

rolls

232, 234 in a direction to release the

levers

228, 230, thus permitting the

springs

244, 246 to move the

rods

208, 210 toward the right, swinging the

pawl carriers

200, 202 in opposite directions on the shaft 190, whereby the pawl 206 is caused to turn the ratchet disk 198 and the shaft 190 a quarter revolution and pushthe tooth which it engages far. enough toqbe caught by the pawl 204 which moves simultaneously into position to engage it. This movement of the shaft 190 through the crank disk 188 and the pitman 186 causes the rocker 182 to swing far enough to depress the stop 166 below the path of the stock, bringing both

stops

166 and 168 to neutral position substantially flush with or slightly below the upper surface of the plate 182 against the action of the spring 196 po-: sitioned between the two end portions of the pitman 186. When the arm 68 is released from the catch? 2 after a row of blanks has been cut, as will be hereinafter explained, and swings to its starting position, it causes the

rolls

232, 234 to move into position to engage the

levers

228, 230 at the end of a.

rearwardmovement of the die carrier and thus effect a reversal of the movements of the pawl operat ng connections above de-.

scribed, swinging the

levers

228, 280 to lift the rolls 220, 222, thereby causing the bell cranks 212, 21t'to force the

rods

208, 210

toward the left (Fig. 6) and impart to the

pawl carriers

200, 202 reverse movements in opposite directions about the shaft 190 during which the pawl 1 serves to turnthe shaft 190 another quarter revolution to a the feed of the stock, and when the machine is againstopped the pawl 204 brings the connections to the positions'in which they.

r are shown in the drawings, with the stop 166 once more raised to gaging position. In this manner the stock is alternately positioned for cutting different rows of blanks to obtain the effect indicated diagrammatically in Fig.

15. 'Although the stop 166 has been described as occupying the gaging position for the first row of cuts on a sheet, it will be apparent that it is immaterial which of the stops first serves as a gage when a fresh sheet is presented;

It will be observed that all the connections for operating the

stops

166 and 168 move in unison with the die carrier 100 and the table plates and 82 during the stock feeding operation, with the exception of the arm 236, together with the

rolls

232, 28 1, and the gether with the connections between these bell cranks and the

stops

166, 168, which are supported on the plate 80, will move in unison with the clamp and the plate during the adjustment of the clamp, the rolls 220, 222 at such time moving lengthwise of the

arms

224, 226. The bell cranks 212, 214; and the

levers

228, 230 will also have a slight vertical movement with the die carrier in the cutting operation of the die without materially altering the positions of other elements of the stop operating mechanism.

In order to vary the distance between the stops to correspond to differences in the width of different dies, the machine includes provision for adjustment of the stop 168 lengthwise of the table plate 80 in proportion to the extent of adjusting movement of the die clamp148. To this end the carrier 172 in which, as previously explainechthe. stop 168 is vertically movable is formed on the end of a toothedrackbar 248 '(Fig. 9), which is slidablymounted in an extended guideway formed in a lug 250 thatdepends from the plate 80, the teeth of the rack bar 2&8 engaging apinion 252 carried by a shaft 254: which is journaled in bearings'in'the lug, 250 and in a bracket 256 that depends fronr the plate-80. On the shaft 254 is secured also I a larger pinion 258 the teeth of which engage vents the'rack 260 from moving relatively to the carrier Asthe clamp slide 1 18 and the plate 80, therefore, are moved in adjustment in one direction or. the other, the shaft 254 will be rotated through the engagement of the pinion 258 with the stationary rack 260, and through the pinion 252 and the rack 248 the stop 168 will be moved relatively to.

the plate 80 in the direction of movement of the plate. The

pinions

252 and 258 are so proportioned as to cause the stop 168 to move half the distance of the plate 80 and the clamp 1 18 in either direction, thus maintaining the distance longitudinally of the table between the stock engaging ends of the. stops 166 and 168 equal to half the width of the die forall sizes of dies. The elongated slot 176 in thestop 168 permits adjustment v of the stop relatively to the rocker 182.

Upon the depression of the treadle 24, the arm 68 is swung into position to cause the lug 70 to be caught by the latch T2, whereby the continuous operation of the machine while cutting a row of blanks is insured, as

previously explained In-order to stop the machine automatically after the row of blanks has been cut, the machine is provided with mechanism arranged to be controlled by the sheet of'stock for effecting the release of member 68. This mechanism comprises a member 272 arranged to project normally above the table in position to engage the sheet of stock 011 its lower side, this member being carried by an arm 274 secured to a rock shaft276 which is mounted in lugs 278 on the lower side of'the table slide 82. On the rear end of the shaft 276 is secured an arm 280, and a spring 282attached at one end to this arm and at its other end to the shaft 128 tends to maintain the-rock shaft 27 6 in such position as to cause the member 272 to project considerably above the table plate 82 and the bars 88. The latch 72' is there is no stock upon the table the member 272, through the action of the spring 282, is maintained in its uppermost position and the roll 290 in its lowermost position, thus causing the arm 28% to position the latch 72 be low the pa h of movement of the lug 7 0 determined by the swinging of the arm 68. The tension of the spring 282 and the weight of the parts are so proportioned as to permit the member 272 to be depressed normally by the weight of a sheet of stock above it, and consequently when a sheet is placed upon the table the depression of the member 272 effects the operation of the described,

- connections in such manner as to elevate the latch '72 in position to catch and engage the lug 7 0 when the starting treadle is depressed, and the latch is maintained in its operative position as long as any portion of the stock remains above the member 272. Should the weight of the stock not be suflicient to hold the member 272 depressed, particularly toward the end of a series of cutting operations, the close relation of the cutting block 8 and the clamp member 90 to the stock will be sufficient to keep the member depressed as long asa-ny stock remains between the member and the block since the reciprocatory movements of the block during the operation of the machine, as previously explained, are veryshort. As soon as the member 272 slides from under the stock upon any backward movement of the die following a forward feed movement, the member will rise and cause the latch 72 to release the arm 68, whereby the operation of the machine will be stopped, as previously explained. It will be noted that the member 272 is so close to the die that its forward edge projects slightly beyond the outward curve of the cutting edge on the side toward the member. In consequence of this relation, the machine will not be stopped while any portion of the stock remains of sufiicient width to provide a complete blank, but will be stopped in time to prevent an incomplete blank from being cut by the die.

The connections between the cutting block 8 and the sleeve plunger 32 by which the block is supported comprise a member 292 which screws within the plunger 32 to permit vertical adjustment of theblock relatively to its operating means, and a plate 29 1 to the lower side of which the block is clamped, this plate being pivoted to turn in a horizontal plane on a bearing screw 2% threaded in the 'member'292. In order to impart turning movements to the block for the purpose of rendering the wear uni form on all portions of the working surface, the plate 294 is formed with ratchet teeth on its upper surface adjacent to its periphery, and an operating pawl 298 for engagementwith these teeth is pivotally supported on a bell crank 300 ,pivotally mounted on the frame. Through a pin and slot connection indicated at 302 (Fig. 2) beween the bell crank 300 and the'block operating rod '56, the bell crank is operated to cause the pawl to turn the block a short distance during the upward movement of the block, the pawl being retracted through the same means to engage the next ratchet tooth during the downward movement of the block. The lost motion connection provided by the pin and slot arrangement in-' sures that the block shall not begin to turn until it has been moved from engagement with the stock.

In the operation of the machine, with the parts positioned as shown in the draw ings, a sheet of stock A, such as leatherboard, the edges of which are substantially straight, is placed in position with its side eoge in engagement with'the guide 92 and its front edge in engagement with the uprai'sed stop 166. The weight of the stock depresses the member 272 and thereby causes the latch 72 to be elevated. The operator net; depresses the treadle 24: to rock the shaft 22, thereby swinging the arm 68 and through the straightening of the toggle 60 bringing the block 8 downward to its lowermost position. At the same time the clutch is released by the latch 20, and the arm 68 through the engagement of the lug 70 with I the latch 72 is caught and retained in'the position to which it is swung by the treadle. The movement of the arm 68 to the right also serves to release the

levers

228 and 230 and cause the stop 166 to. be withdrawn from the pathof movement of the stock. As the shaft 10 begins to turn, the die 6 is moved upwardly a sufficient" distance to cause its cutting edge, and alsothe spurs 160,- to be forced part way through the stock. At the end of this initial cutting movement of the die the block 8 and the clamp member 90 are slightly raised in order to permit'the stock to be fed. The die carrier and the parts connected therewith, including the

table plates

80 and 82, are now moved forwardly a distance substantially equal to the width of the die to advance the stock into position for the next out following the severence of the partially cut blank. At the completion of the forward feed movement of the die the block 8 is again moved to its lowermost position and the die is forced farther upwardly to

members

88 and 90 prevent retraction of the stock while permitting the table to slide freely under the stock. This series of move- I I ments is repeated until finally the controlling member 272 is released and the machine stopped 1n the manner pointed out.

' 'As the arm 68 returns to its starting position the

levers

228 and 230 are operated in the manner previously described to cause i the other stop 168 to be projected above the table. V

I During the operations described the operator preferably holds the outer edge of the sheet, particularly while the-first few rows are being cut, and upon the completion of one series of cutting operations he carries the sheet again to starting position and places it with the edges formed by the straight blade 164 in contact with the guide 92 and with its forward edge in engagement with that stop 166 or 168 which is uppermost. Should any portion of the waste remain unsevered by the blade 164:, it should be removed by the operator before the sheet is positioned for the next series of cuts It will be evident that the provision for movement of the die to feed the stock before the die has completed its out through the stock insures an efi ective engagement of the die with the stock to feed it, even though no substantial portion of the material of the sheet remains in advance of the die at the time of its feed movement. The arrangement of the spurs 160, moreover, to engage a portion of the material which is at the side of the die next to the uncut portion in the line of feed further insures a positive and exact feed by reason of the fact that the material engaged by the spurs is firmly united to the sheet.

Having described the invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Let ters Patent of the United States is:

1. A machine of the class described having, in combination, a cutting block, a die, means for effecting successive relative movements of said block and die to cause the die first to cut partly through the stock and then to complete the cut, and means for mov ing the die to feed the stock in the interval between said two relative cutting movements ofthe die and the block.

2. A machine of the class described having, in combinatioma cutting block, a die, means for moving the die toward the block to cause the die to cut a blank from the stock progressively in two successive cutting movements, and means for moving the. die 1n the interval between said two cutting -movements to feedthe stock into position to permit the die to cut another blank.

7 3'. A machine of the class described having, in combination, a cutting block, a die, means for effecting successive relative move ments of said block and dieto cause the die first to cut partly through the stock and then to complete the cut, means for moving the die to feed the stock in the interval between said two relative cutting movements of the die and the block, and means for moving the block in a direction away from the die prior to the feeding movement of the die. V r

4. A machine'of the class described having, in combination, a cutting block, a die,

means'rfor moving the die progressively toward the'block in two successive steps to cause it first to cut partly through the'stock and then to complete thercut, means for moving the die in the interval between said two cutting movements to feed the stock, and means for moving the block in a direction away from the die prior to said feeding movement and toward the die at the end of said feeding movement.

5. A machine of the'class described having, in combination, a cutting block, a die, means for moving the die to feed the stock, and means for effecting relative movement of the block and die at the end of the feeding movement of the die to sever a blank from the stock.

6. A machine of the class described, having, in combination, a cutting block, a die, means for moving the die to feed the stock, and means for moving both the die and the block toward each other at the end of the feeding movement of "the die to sever a blank from the stock.

, 7. A machine of the class described having, in combination, a cutting block,'a die, means for moving the die to feed the stock, and means for moving the die toward the block to effect a preliminary engagement with the stock prior to said feeding movement andfor moving the die farther toward the block to sever a blank from the stock at the end of said feeding movement.

8. A machine of the class described hav- 9'. A machine of the class described having. in combination, a die constructed and arranged to cut and remove shoe part blanks from a sheet of stock close to an edge thereof and contiguous to an opening left by the removal of a preceding blank, said die being operable also to feed the stock, a cutting block above the die, means for moving the die upward to cut the stock, and means for moving the die in such a way as to feed the stock laterally.

10. In a machine for cutting blanks from sheet stock, a cutting block, a die, and means for causing the die to cooperate with different areal portions of the block to cut a single blank from the stock.

11. In a machine for cutting blanks from sheet stock, a cutting block, a die, and means for operating the die to cut shoe part blanks and to feed the stock from which the blanks are out after the beginning of a cutting operation for a given blank and before the cutting operation results in .the complete severance of said blank.

12. A machine of the class described having, incombination, a cutting block, a die support movable toward and from said block, a die carrier mounted on said support for movement transversely of the direction of movement of the support, a die on said carrier, and means for operating said support and carrier to effect respectively the cutting and the feeding of the stock.

13. A machine of the class described having, in combination, a die, a cutting block above the die, a die support, means for moving said support upwardly to cause the die to cut the stock, a die carrier mormted to slide on said support transversely of the direction of movement of the support, and means for operating said carrier to cause the die to feed the stock.

14. A machine of the class described, having, in combination, a cutting block, a die, a table for supporting a sheet of stock between the block and the die, means for effecting relative movement of the block and the die to cut the stock, and means for moving the die and the table relatively to the cutting block in a direction to feed the stock.

15. A machine of the class described having, in combination, a cutting block, a die, a table for supporting a sheet of stock between the block and the die, means for effecting relative movement of the block and the die to cut the stock, means for moving the die and the table relatively to the cutting block to feed the stock and for then retracting the die and the table, and means for preventing retractive movement of the stock with the table.

16. In a machine of the class described, a

the table forwardly in unison with feeding movements of the stock and for retracting the table after each feeding movement, and means for clamping the stock in a plane above the stock supporting surface of the table to prevent it from being retracted with the table.

17. In a machine of the class described, a stock supporting table, means for moving the table forwardly in unison with feeding movements of the stock and for retracting he table after each feeding movement, the table being provided with a slot, a clamp member positioned in said slot for engagement with the lower side of the stock, and a clamp member over the stock arranged to cooperate with said lower clamp member to prevent the stock from being retracted with the table.

j 18. In a machine of the class described, a stock supporting table, means for moving the table forwardly in unison with feeding movements of the stock and for retracting the table after each feeding movement, a clamp member for engaging the stock on its lower side, a cutting block positioned over the table and movable v toward and from the table, and a clamp member movable with the cutting block and arranged to cooperate with said lower clamp member to prevent the stock from being retracted with the table. v

19. In a machine of the class described, a stock supporting table, means for moving the table forwardly in unison with feeding movements of the stock and for retracting the table after each feeding movement, a

clamp member having a clamping surface projecting above the stock supportingsurface of the table in position to engage the lower side of the stock, a cutting block movable toward and fromthe table, and a clamp member movable with said block and having a clamping surface in substantially the same plane as the working surface of the block, said last named clamp member being arranged to cooperate with the lower clamp member to control the position of the stock during the retraction of the table.

20. In a machine of the class described,

the combination with stock feeding means and a cutting block movable toward and from the stock, of means for controlling the position of the stock comprising a substantially stationary clamp member and aiclamp member movable with theblock and arranged to cooperatewith said stationary clamp member to clamp and release the stock alternately. V I 21. A machine of the class described having, in combination, a die, a cutting block movable toward and from the die, means for effecting relative movement of the block stock supporting table, means for moving and the die to cut the stock, means for initi ating said relative movement comprising a starting member, and means connecting said member to the block to cause the block to be moved initially toward the die by said member.

22. A machine of the class described having, in combination, a die, a cutting block movable toward and from the die, means for reciprocating the block, means for initiating the operation of the machine comprising a manually operated starting member, and means connecting said member to the block to cause the block to be moved by said member to an initial starting position.

23. A machine of-the class described having, in combination, a die, a cutting block movable toward and from the die, a power shaft, connections between said shaft and the block for reciprocating the block, said connections including a toggle arranged to be operated while the machine is idle to effect relative movement of portions of said connections to cause the block to approach or recede from the die. a manually operated starting member, and means for operating the toggle from said member to cause the block to be moved toward the die by the straightening of the toggle prior to its reciprocation by the power shaft.

24:. A machine of the class described having, in combmation, a (he, a cutting block movable toward and from the die, a power shaft, connections between said shaft and the block for reciprocating the block, said connections including a toggle arranged to be straightened or broken to render said connections operative or inoperative respectively, and manually ope ated means for operating said toggle.

25. A machine of the class described having, in combination, a die, a cutting block, means for effecting a series of relative movements of said die and block to cut a plurality of blanks fromthe stock, means for starting the machine and means controlled by said starting means for shortening the distance between the die and the block prior to the initiation of said series of relative cutting movements. 1

26.'A machine of the class described having, in combination, a die, a cutting block, manually operated means for moving the block initially toward the die, and power operated means, operating in properly timed relation with respect to said manually operated means, for effecting relative move- .Inentof the die and the block to cut the block initially into position to oppose the cutting action of the die.

28. A machine of the class described having, in combination, a die, a cutting block above the die, means for supporting a sheet of stock between the die and the block, power operated means for reciprocating the block and the die, a manually operated starting member, .and means connecting said member to the block to cause the block to be moved initially to its lowermost position by said member.

29. A machine of the class described having, in combination, a die, a cutting block above the die, a stock supporting table between the die and the block, means for maintaining the block upraised from the table when the machine is at rest to permit the stock to be positioned on the table, manually operated means for initially lowering the block into position to oppose the cutting action of the die, and power operated means for effecting relative cutting movement of the die and the block.

30. A machine of the class described having, in combination, a die, a cutting block, a stock supporting table between the die andthe block, means for effecting relative movements of the die and the block to perform a series ofcutting operations, manually operated means for initiating said relative movements, and clamping means for controlling the position of the stock onthe table arranged to be operated by said manual means to clamp the stock prior to the first cutting operation.

31; A machine of the class described having, in combination, a die, a cutting block, means for effecting relative movement of the die and the block to cut the stock, and means for clamping the stock to control its position in the machine comprising a clamp member movable toward. or from clamping position and a cooperating clamp member yieldable to accommodate differences in thickness of the stock.

32- A machine of the class described having, in combination, a die, a cutting block, means for effecting relative movement of the die and the block to cut the stock, a stock support, means for clamping the stock on said support, and means for yieldingly upholding said support to accommodate differences in thickness of the stock.

A machine of the class described having, in combination, a stock support, a cutting block mounted above the support and movable toward and from said support, a clamp member movable with said block to clamp the stock upon the support, and means for yieldingly upholding said support.

34L. In a machine of the class described, the combination with a frame, of a cutting block and a die relatively movable to cut the stock, and a stock support arranged to present a sheet of stock for the action of said block and die, said support being provided with a depending plunger, a socket in the frame to receive said plunger, and a spring in the socket for yieldingly upholding the plunger.

35. In a machine of the class described, the combination with a frame, of a stock support provided with a depending plunger, a socket in the frame to receive said plunger, a spring in said socket for yieldingly upholding said plunger, a cutting block above the support, and a die support mounted for reciprocatory movement in said plunger to carry a die toward and from the cutting block.

36. A machine of the class described having, in combination, a die carrier, a die on said carrier, a cutting block over the die, a table for supporting a sheet of stock between the block and die, means for moving the carrier to feed the stock, and means connecting the table to the carrier to cause the table to move with the carrier.

37. A machine of the class described having, in combination, a die carrier, a die on said carrier, a cutting block over the die, a table for supporting a sheet of stock between the block and the die, means for moving the carrier to feed the stock, means supporting the table for sliding movement with the carrier, pins depending from the table, and sockets in the die carrier for receiving said pins to cause the table to move in unison with the feeding movement of the carrier.

38. A machine of the class described having in combination, a die carrier, a die on said carrier, a cutting block over the die, a table for supporting a sheet of stock between the block and the die,means for moving the carrier toward the block to cause the die to cut the stock and also laterally to feed the stock, and means connectingthe table to the carrier to cause thetable to move in unison with the feeding movement of the carrier, said connecting means being constructed to permit the carrier to move relatively to the table in its movement toward the block.

39. A machine of the class described having, in combination, a die carrier, a support for said carrier, means for moving said support to cause the die to cut the stock, and means for moving the carrier relatively to the support to feed the stock, said last named means being constructed to maintain the carrier in fixed relation to the support during said movement of the support.

40. A machine of the class described having, in combination, a die carrier, a support for said carrier, means for moving said sup port to cause the die to cut the stock, and

connections for moving the carrier rela-.

movement of said support to maintain the carrier in fixed relation to the support dur-' ing said cutting movement.

41. A machine of the class described having, in combination, a die carrier, a support for said carrier, and connections for moving the carrier relatively to the support to cause the die to feed the stock, said connec tions comprising portions relatively adjustable to vary the limit of feeding movement of the carrier without varying the starting position of the carrier.

42. A machine of the class described having, in combination, a die,'a cutting block, means for effecting relative movement of the die and the block to cut the stock, means for moving the die to cause the stock to be fed through the engagement of the die with the stock, and additional means for engaging waste portions of the stock to insure movement with the die.

43. A machine of the class described having, in combination, a die, a cutting block, means for effecting relative movement of the die and the block to cut the stock, means for moving the die to feed the stock, and a spur on the die for engaging the stock to insure the movement of the stock with the die.

44. A machine of the class described having, in combination, a die, a cutting block, means for effecting relative movement of the die and the block to cut the stock, means for moving the die to feed the stock, and a spur near each end of the die arranged to engage a Waste portion of the stock to insure the movement of the stock with the die.

45. A machine of the class described having, in combination, a die, a cutting block, means for relatively moving the die and the block to effect a series of cuts along one side of a sheet of stock, an edge guide for the stock, and a blade having a cutting edge opposed to the block and extending in a line intersecting the die in substantially parallel relation to the path of movement of the stock to "sever the waste material between successive cuts and provide substantially straight edges for engagement with the edge guide during a subsequent series of cutting operations.

46. A machine of the class described hav I ing in combination, a die, a cutting block, means for relatively movingthe die and he block to eifect a series of cuts along one side of a sheet of stock, and a blade mounted on the die and extending longitudinally of the path of movement of the stock between the ends of the die to sever the waste material between successive cuts.

47. A machine of the class described having, in combination, a die, a: cutting block, means for relatively moving the die and the block to effect a series of cuts alongone side I 7 and for maintaining the stop out of the path ends, and a blade mounted on and extend ing laterally from the die in substantially parallel relation to the line of cuts and at a distance from one end of the die to sever the waste material between successive cuts and permit a subsequent series of cuts to be made partly from material left between the cuts of the preceding'series.

48. In a machine of the class described, the combination with a cutting block, of a double heel lift die for cutting a pair of lifts with their breast ends adjacent, means for relatively moving the die and the block to effect a series of cuts along one side of a sheet of stock, and a blade mounted on and extending from one side of the die in substantially'parallel relation to the line of cuts and at a distance from one end of the die in position to sever the waste material between successive cuts.

49, A machine of the class described having, in combination, a die, a cutting block, means for effecting relative movements of the die and the block to cut a plurality of blanks in succession from a sheet of stock, a stop at the rear of the die for determining the first position of the stock in the machine,and means for withdrawing the stop to permit the stock to be fed, said last named means being constructed and arranged to maintain the stop in an idle position during the continued operation of the machine.

50. A machine of the class described having, in combination, a die, a cutting block, means for effecting relative movements of the die and the block to cut a plurality of blanks in succession from a sheet of stock, a table for supporting the stock between the die and the block, a stop arrai'iged to project above said table at the rear of the die to determine thefirst position of the stock in the machine, and means for lowering said stop to permit the stock to be fed.

51. In a machine of the class desi'zribed, the combination with a stock supporting table, of a cutting block positioned over the table and movable toward and from a sheet of stock on the table, a stop arranged to be projected above the table to determine the first position of the stock, and means for operating said stop including parts relatively movable against yielding resistance to permit the stop to be depressed by the cutting block.

.52. In a machine of the class described, the combination with means for cutting a plurality of blanks in succession from a sheet of stock, of a stop for engaging an edge of the stock to position it for the first cutting operation, and means for withdrawing the stop to permit the stock to be fed of movement of the stock during the continued operatlon of the machme.

53. In a machine of the class described, the combination with means for performing a series of operations in succession upon a sheet of stock, of a stop for engaging an edge of the stock to determine the first position of the stock in the machine, means movable to start the machine and means for moving said stop to an idle position in unison with the movement of said starting means.

54. In a machine of the class described,

the combination with means for performing a series of operations in succession upon a sheet of stock, of a stop for engaging an edge of the stock to determine the first position of the stock in the machine, means movable to start the machine, and connections between the stop and said starting means to cause the stop to be moved to'an idle position upon the movement of the starting means to start the machine.

55. In a machine of the class described, the combination with means for performing a series of operations in succession upon a sheet of stock, of a stop for engaging an edge of the stock to determine the first position of the stock in the machine, said stop being movable into or out of operative position, means for stopping the operation of the machine, and means for moving the stop into operative position in unison with the movement of said stopping means ,to stop the machine.

56. In a machine of the class described, the combination with means for performing a series of operations in succession upon a sheet of stock, of a stop for engaging an edge of the stock to determine the first po sition of the stock in the machine, said stop being movable into or out of operative position, a controlling member movable in one direction to start the machine and in the opposite direction to stop the machine, and means connecting said controlling member to the stop for moving the stop into operative position through the movement of said member to stop the machine.

57. 11 a machine of the class described, the combination with means for cutting a plurality of blanks in successive'rows from a sheet of stock, of a pair of interconnected stops for determining respectively different initial positions of the stock, and means for moving the different stops into operative position alternately upon the completion of successive rows of cuts.

58. In a machine of the class described, the combination with means for cutting a plurality of blanks in successive rows from a sheet of stock, ofa pair of stops for determining respectively different initial positions of the stock, the stops being movable alternately into operative position, and means operative in time relation to the movement of said cutting means for Withdrawing a stop from operative position to permit the feeding of the stock as the machine starts to cut a row of blanks and for moving the other stop into operative position after said row of blanks has been cut.

59. In a machine of the class described, the combination with means for cutting aplurality of blanks in successive rows from a sheet of stock, of a pair of stops for determining respectively different initial positions of the stock, means for stopping the machine after each row of blanks has been cut, and means for moving said stops into operative position alternately through successive movements of said stopping means to i stop the machine.

60. In a machine of the class described, the combination with means for cutting a plurality of blanks in successive rows from a sheet of stock, of a pair of stops for determining respectively diflerent initial positions of the stock, a controlling member movable in one direction to start the machine and in another direction to stop the machine, and connections between said member and the stops to cause a stop to be withdrawn from operative position upon the starting of the machine and the other stop to be moved into operative position upon the stopping of the machine.

61. In a machine of the class described, the combination with a cutting block and a die, of a pair of stopsat the rear of the die for determining respectively different initial positions of the stock in the machine, one of said stops being positioned in the rear of the other at a distance of substantially half the width of the die, and means for causing said stops to be alternately positioned for engagement with the front edge of the stock.

62. In a machine of the class described, the combination with a cutting block and a die, of a table for supporting a sheet of stock between the block and the die, and a pair of stops arranged to be projected alternately above the table for determining different initial positions of the stock, the construction and arrangement being such that the projected stop may yield downwardly to pressure from above.

68. In a machine of the class described,

the combination with a die support, of means for securing dies of different sizes in position on the support, a pair of stops for determining respectively different initial positions of the stock with respect to the die, and means for causing said stops to be relatively positioned in accordance with the size of the die. v

64. In a machine of the class described, the combination with a die support, of means for securing dies of different sizes in position on the support, a pair of stops for determining respectively different initial positions of the stock with respect to the die,

and means for causing said stops to be relatively spaced at a distance of substantially half the width of the die whatever the size of the die.

65. In a machine of the class described,

different initial positions of the stock with respect to the die, and means for effecting relativev adjustment of the stops through the movement of the clamp member.

66. In a machine of the class described, the combination with a die support, of a clamp member adjustable to secure dies of different sizes in position on the support, a pair of stops for determining respectively different initial positions of the stock with respect to the die, one of said .stops being adjustable in unison with the clamp memher, and connections between the clamp member and the other stop for effecting a proportional adjustment of said other stop rela tively to the first named stop.

67. In a machine. of the class described, the combination with a'die support, of a clamp member adjustable to secure dies of different sizes in position on the support, a pair of stops for determining respectively different initial positions of the stock with respect to the die, said stops being movable with the clamp member, and means for imparting to one of the stops an additional movement relatively to the clamp member in the same direction and equal to substantially lgalfthe distance of movement of said mem- 68. In a machine of the class described, the combination with a cutting block and a die, of a table for supporting a sheet of stock between the block and the die, said table comprising two portions spaced for the reception of the die and relatively adjustable to accommodate dies of different sizes.

69. In a machine of the. class described, the combination with a cutting block and a die, of a table for supporting a sheet of stock between the block and the die, the table comprising a front and a rear portion spaced for the reception of the die, and means for securing dies of different sizes in the same relation to the front portion of the table, the rear portion of the table being adjustable in accordance with the size of the die.

70. In a machine of the class described, the combination with a cutting block and a die, of a table for supporting a sheet of stock between the block and the die, the table comprising a front and a rear portion spaced for the reception of the die, a die support having means for positioning dies of different sizes in the same relation to the