Patent GB-190416229-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in Automatic Hackling Machines used for Flax, Hemp and other Fibrous Materials.
Inventor: EVES JOSHUA VALENTINE
Filed: 1904-07-22
Granted: 1905-06-01
Abstract: 16,229. Eves, J. V. July 22. Heckling -machines for flax, hemp, &c. Relates to apparatus for controlling the movements of the holders, stopping the machine in case of misplacement of a holder, and enabling the turntables to effect their object without necessitating a dwell of the main channels in their lowest position. Over-running of the holders B, Fig. 2, in the cross channel A is prevented by fingers C mounted on a shaft C' opposite each position of rest of the holders, the shaft C' being oscillated so as to raise the fingers before the catch-bar D advances the holders and then lower them or allow them to descend in front of the following holder. To effect this, a camgroove on the catch-bar acts on an arm C' on a shaft which is connected by arms and a link C<3> to the shaft C<1>. A special stop finger c<2> extending from the arm C<2> is arranged at the position for filling the holders, and a sheet-metal plate B<1> supports the tails of flax. In modifications, the shaft C<1> may be rocked from the head wheel or other wheel or shaft. To ensure correct movement of the holders, the usual pivoted driving-dogs on the catch-bar D, Fig. 4, are replaced by fixed lugs D<1>, D<2>, &c. and sliding fingers d', d<2>, &c., and the catch-bar, in addition to its reciprocating motion in slides E, is raised and lowered to engage and disengage the lugs with projections on the holders by a cam E<1> and rocking lever connected with the slides. Pegs F<1>, F', &c. on the channel A limit the traverse of the bar D, acting on the sliding fingers d<1>, d<2>, &c., so that at the end of the forward movement of the bar they are moved back against the projections on the holders to determine exactly the position of rest of the holders, and at the end of the backward movement are moved forward to avoid the danger of their striking against the holder projections as the bar rises. The movements of the holders in the main channel H, Fig. 9, are controlled by a lever K pivoted to the channel. As the channel completes its upward movement, the tail end of the lever is acted upon by the curved end of an adjustable rod K<1> fixed to the frame, and the nose end limits the position of rest of the holder. The turntable G, Fig. 12, is carried by a bracket which is caused to slide on a segmental ring g<3>, so as to turn over the holders, by a bridle rod g, and the bracket is secured to a vertical spindle g<1> capable of sliding through bearings carried by the channel H. The spindle is oscillated through a quarter of a revolution, so as to carry the turntable from the cross to the main channel, by a spring rod G', this movement, as well as that of the holder on the ring, being effected by the rise of the channel. To allow sufficient time for the movement of the cross-channel catch-bar without necessitating a dwell of the main channel H in its lowest position, the cross channel A is arranged above the lowest position of the channel H and an adjustable set-screw in set to act against the bottom of the spindle g<1> and maintain the turntable opposite the channel A while the channel H completes its descent and rises again to this position. A stop M connected to a spring-controlled curved arm m may be provided to project into the path of a projection on the back of the holder to prevent its misplacement in the turntable, and a bevelended spring stop M<1> prevents backward movement of the holder. As the turntable is carried into line with the channel H, a projection m<2> thereon presses back the lever m to withdraw the stop M. The catch-bars are driven from a freely mounted arm N<1>, Fig. 15, which is oscillated by a clutch piece N pivoted to the arm and held by a spring N<2> in engagement with a groove in an arm n<1> fixed to the driving-shaft. In case of obstruction, the piece N rises out of the groove and acts through link o<1>, levers O<1>, 0, and rod o to shift the driving- belt on to the loose pulley. The arm N' drives the main-channel catch-bar through a link P, Fig. 17, having a curved and forked end N forming a clutch, a second link p, pivoted at one end between the joint of the forks and held at the other end by a bevel-ended spring button passing through one fork, being fitted on to a stud R on the catch-bar D. A runner r on a stud moves on a support to take the weight of the parts. In case of obstruction to the catch-bar, the link p escapes from the spring button and the parts take up the dotted line position, whereby it may be arranged to lift a lever S<1> on a shaft S connected with the spring belt-shifter. To prevent the bottom-plate of the holder from rising with the top plate in case the nut is not completely unscrewed, it is provided on its lower side with a T-shaped projection which slides in aT-slotted piece arranged throughout the length of the channel or at required places only, and a similar T-slot may be formed in the turntables. With this arrangement, the rod operating the lifting-arm is made in two parts connected by a sleeve. One part is nearly held in the sleeve by a spring button, which allows the rod to slip if the top-plate does not lift freely and may actuate the stop-motion. To stop the machine quickly when the belt-shifter is moved, the driving-shaft is connected by bevel gearing with a countershaft carrying a brake wheel around which a band passes. One end of the band is connected to a weighted bell-crank lever, and the other end is hooked on to the shaft carrying the lever. The shaft also carries a slotted arm embracing a pin carrying the belt fork, the movement of which consequently moves the brake into or out of action. In passing from the main to the cross channel, the heckled strick is pressed against a sheet-iron pan by a flat spring carried by a weighted arm, or by a heavy bar.