March 12, 1853
1 min read
Add Us On GoogleAdd SciAmSoap Cutting Machine
On supporting science journalism
If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.
Measures to secure a patent for improvements in the above have been taken by James B. Duff of New York City. This machine is intended to cut soap into bars and cakes, and contains several improvements over the apparatus hitherto used. The vertical knives which are of wire, are not kept taut whilst cutting, but are capable of yielding, so that they form a loop, whilst passing through the soap, which will have a smooth and straight appearance when cut in this manner. The material is led up to the cutters by a bed which is made to traverse by means of a rack and pinion, two horizontal wire cutters serving to smooth the top and bottom of the soap. The bars are cut into cakes by a similar plan, except that the wire cutters in this case being short do not require to yield. A self-adjusting spring lever regulates the delivery of the cakes when cut.
It’s Time to Stand Up for Science
If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.
I’ve been a Scientific American subscriber since I was 12 years old, and it helped shape the way I look at the world. SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does that for you, too.
If you subscribe to Scientific American, you help ensure that our coverage is centered on meaningful research and discovery; that we have the resources to report on the decisions that threaten labs across the U.S.; and that we support both budding and working scientists at a time when the value of science itself too often goes unrecognized.
In return, you get essential news, captivating podcasts, brilliant infographics, can't-miss newsletters, must-watch videos, challenging games, and the science world's best writing and reporting. You can even gift someone a subscription.
There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. I hope you’ll support us in that mission.
