J. Lewis W. Lewis & W. Davis - Certain Improvements in Shearing Machines

The brief article in the monthly repertory of patents in January 1821 notes improvements from John Lewis's original patent No. 3945 of the 27 July 1815.  

Currently an original copy of this patent has not been found, only Patent 4196 of 15 January 1818. A close up of the patent drawing can be viewed here. The design improvement introduced an "A" frame shearing machine often referred to as a "Perpetual" instead of the familiar flat table design.

On 19 June 1819 Patent 4378 was granted to John Lewis, clothier, William Lewis, dyer, and William Davis, all of "Brimscomb." 

In early 1821 John and William Lewis bought  all of William Davis' shares in joint patents.

On 15 January 1829 there was a case, Lewis v Davis.

On 11 November 1829, as reported in the Law Journal, there was a case involving Lewis and another v Marling.

Later, on 23 December 1830, John Ferrabee registered Patent 6058 for Improvements in Machinery for Woollen Cloths.

On 5 March 1838, John Ferrabee and William Lewis took out Patent No. 7584 entitled "Machinery for dressing woollen and other cloths."

In 1845 there was a sale of William Lewis's Property at Brimscombe, enforced because of debts and legacies claimed under decrees of the Court of Chancery from 1843 between William Lewis and John Ferrabee. This was concerning the afore mentioned Patent No. 7584 of 1838. This, plus the death of William Lewis, led to an auction of the Brimscombe Estates on 24 May 1844.

More info on the Cross Cut machine can be found on the website, and an original Lewis Cross Cutting Machine, Serial  No 1757,

can be seen in the Museum in The Park. There is also an unmarked example of a Lewis-style cross cutter at  Dunkirk Mill, Nailsworth, Gloucestershire.