Patent GB-190219677-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in Machines for Pressing and Finishing Cloth.
Inventor: PRATT TOM
Filed: 1902-09-09
Granted: 1903-09-09
Abstract: 19,677. Pratt, T., and King, C. Sept. 9. Calendering and pressing; compound processes; cooling; straightening; nap, raising and dressing.- Relates to machines, particularly of the class described in Specification No. 15,401, A.D. 1899, for finishing cloth. The fabric x, Fig. 1, is drawn from a roller w over stretching-bars y<111>, and passes between hot pressing-rollers a, b to receive a finish, and then between cold pressing-rollers to set the finish, being finally wound on a roller or folded. The arrangements of the hot and cold pressing- rollers are identical, and consist of two upper rolls a adjustably mounted in the frame a<1>, and a lower roller b mounted in slides f at each side of the machine. An endless paper or other apron c<1> passes round the rollers a, c<x>, and against an adjustable tension roller c<11>, and another similar apron passes round the roller b and adjustable tension roller c. The slides f are linked to levers g, which are mounted on pivot blocks h<11> carried by brackets i, and weights g<1> suspended from the levers exert an upward pressure on the slides and roller b. The brackets i may be moved to vary the position of the blocks h<11> in graduated slots h in the levers, and thus regulate the pressure imparted to the roller b, by screwed rods i<1>, which are rotated by bevel gearing from a cross-shaft j<1> carrying a hand-wheel j. Coupling-rods h<111> hold the levers g steady, and a stepped cross-bar k operated by a lever k<1> or a screw, is moved below the ends of the levers g to support the weights, during adjustment of the blocks h. The pressure between the rollers a, b is rapidly exerted or released by means of a steam cylinder l<1>, the piston-rod l<11> of which acts on a lever m fixed to a shaft carrying arms n with bowls n<1> acting against the weights g<1>. Steam is admitted, by hand or preferably automatically, above the piston, to support the weights and allow the roller b to descend by gravity, the steam being shut off from the upper part of the cylinder, and in some cases admitted below the piston, to remove the bowls n<1>. and allow the weights to act. The roller b is driven by a train of spur-wheels from the main shaft, and in its raised position drives the rollers a by frictional contact between the aprons c<1>. When the roller b is lowered, friction clutches are brought into action to drive the rollers a at the same surface speed as the roller b thus avoiding inertia effects when the roller b is raised again. The clutch devices consist of driven wheels t<11>, Fig. 5, loosely mounted, preferably on the shafts of the rollers a, and friction cones t<111>, which are moved laterally into, and out of, engagement with the wheels t<11> by the descent and ascent of the roller b. For this purpose, the slides f are connected by adjustable rods v with slides u<11>, which are provided with inclined slots embracing the trunnions y of collars engaging grooves in the bosses of the cones t<111>. An endless blanket z, Fig. 1, passing round rollers z<1>, and travelling at a quicker speed, than the cloth, brushes and straightens the cloth and cleans the aprons. In a modification, a single upper roller a may be employed, and the aprons dispensed with, and the steam cylinder may be arranged horizontally, the piston-rod terminating in a wedge, which is moved below a weight carried on a pivoted lever supporting the lower roller.