meanwhile, allen b. wilson developed a shuttle that reciprocated in a short arc, which was an improvement over singer and howe's. however, john bradshaw had patented a similar device and threatened to sue, so wilson decided to try a new method. he went into partnership with nathaniel wheeler to produce a machine with a rotary hook instead of a shuttle. this was far quieter and smoother than other methods, with the result that the wheeler &amp; wilson company produced more machines in the 1850s and 1860s than any other manufacturer. wilson also invented the four-motion feed mechanism that is still seen on every sewing machine today. this had a forward, down, back and up motion, which drew the cloth through in an even and smooth motion. charles miller patented the first machine to stitch buttonholes. throughout the 1850s more and more companies were being formed, each trying to sue the others for patent infringement. this triggered a patent thicket known as the sewing machine war.