Abstract: A combined heel end assembling, backpart moulding and heel seat lasting machine comprises a shoe support for supporting a shoe bottom uppermost. For gripping and tensioning the shoe upper on its last prior to the combined operation taking place, two grippers are provided with each of which is associated a reaction lever/presser member, the latter serving to hold the last in position while the grippers tension the upper heightwise. Thereafter, the grippers are moved lengthwise of the shoe to tension the upper about the heel end of the last. The machine also comprises a heel band for backpart moulding and wipers for lasting the heel seat region of the shoe, adhesive applying means being provided for applying adhesive in the heel seat prior to lasting. A plurality of positional adjustments within the shoe support is provided.

Abstract: A computer-controlled machine for progressively roughing marginal portions of shoe bottoms comprises a tool carrier on which two rotary roughing brushes (168) are carried side-by-side, and a shoe support (18) between which and the tool carrier relative movement takes place lengthwise, widthwise and heightwise of the shoe bottom. Each tool (168) is mounted so as to "float" heightwise in relation to the tool carrier, resilient means (175) being provided for urging each tool independently downwardly towards the shoe support (18). In this way the pressure applied by each tool to the shoe bottom in the operation of the machine can be controlled and/or regulated. For effecting relative movement between tool carrier and shoe support, numerically controlled motors are provided, operating in response to a programmed instruction. Such instruction can be made using the machine in a path-determining mode.

Abstract: A shoe support for supporting a shoe, bottom uppermost, with the bottom thereof exposed for an operation to be performed thereon, has a heel end support arrangement and toe end support means moveable relative thereto to accommodate shoes of different sizes. Associated with the toe end support means is a "shoe present" sensing device which, when actuated, initiates movement of the toe and support means. The shoe support also has a shoe length sensing device and an arrangement, associated with the heel and support arrangement and including an inductance sensor, for sensing whether the shoe is a left or right.

Abstract: A computer-controlled machine for progressively roughing marginal portions of shoe bottoms comprises a tool support arm, on which two rotary roughing brushes are carried side-by-side, and a shoe support between which and the arm relative movement takes place lengthwise, widthwise and heightwise of the shoe bottom. The relative lengthwise movement is fore-and-aft, and the left hand tool is arranged to operate along the right hand side of the shoe bottom as relative movement takes place in one direction, and vice versa in the opposite direction. For effecting such relative lengthwise movement, furthermore, the shoe support is mounted for movement along an arcuate path about an axis extending transversely of the shoe bottom. Conveniently, two shoe supports are provided, arranged side-by-side, the tool support arm being aligned alternately with each shoe support.

Abstract: Apparatus for the combined marginal roughing and toe scouring of shoe bottoms has a shoe support movable in an arcuate path past marginal roughing tools and a scouring tool, the roughing tools being movable widthwise and heightwise of the shoe bottom, and the scouring tool heightwise. All the movements are under the control of n.c. motors. The scouring tool thus follows a pre-determined path, giving enhanced control of the degree of scouring. To assist in accuracy, the shoe support has height datum means which, after use and subsequent to toe support means being locked in adjusted position, are moved out of the way so as not to impede the roughing and scouring.

Abstract: Machine for performing a progressive roughing operation on shoe bottoms has a three-axis computer controlled stepping motor arrangement for moving two rotary radial roughing tools along a pre-determined path in relation to the shoe bottom being operated upon. The tools are also mounted on a common sub-frame for pivotal movement about a transverse axis which extends tangential to the shoe bottom engaging portion of the operating surface of the tools, again by computer-controlled stepping motor. Grinding stones are provided for grinding the tools, and a further stepping motor operates to move the tools relative to the sub-frame to maintain the shoe bottom engaging region of the operating surface of each tool in the datum plane in which said transverse axis lies.

Abstract: An automatic shoe bottom roughing machine has tool supports mounted on movable carrier arms to permit movement of the arms widthwise across the shoe bottom, the tool support being pivotable heightwise, both the tool supports and the arms being light in weight to reduce unnecessary movement or bounce in the tools, the machine including a one-way hydraulic damping arrangement effective to resist upward movement of the tools.