The Toledo chronicle. [volume] (Toledo, Tama County, Iowa) 1873-1924, 1878-01-31
The Story OF an Invention.

1t may not be generally known that
an important invention in connection
with the manufacture of carpets origi-
mated as follows: An operative weaver,
in one of the largest establishments in
this country, was engaged in weaving a
carpet that in its finished stage would
appear as velvet pile. At that period
this description of carpet was woven
much in the manner of Brussels, the
loops being afterwad cut by hand-a
slow and costly process. These loops
are formed by the insertion of wires of
the requisite thickness to form the
loop; they are then withdrawn. This
weaver-whether by cogitation or as
the result of bright thought-came to
the conclusion that if these wires were
so constructed as, on being withdrawn,
to cut the loops, thus instantly COM
pleting the formation of the pile, it
would be a great saving of labor and
time, and great economy. Taking
one of the rods, he changed its form to
the required shape, ground knife edge
upon it, took it to his looms, and in
serted it into the web-all the while
maintaining strict secrecy-and with
some degree of excitement watched its
weaving down until the moment for its
withdrawal. This came, the rod was
drawn out, the loops were cut, and the
experiment was perfect success, the
pile being cut with great evenness.
The weaver, with shrewdpess often
wanting in inventors, doubled up the
rod and hid it away, wove donw the
line of cut loops upon the roll, then
knocked off" or stopped his loom,
and proceeded to the office of the mill,
where he demanded to sec the princi-
pal. The clerk demurred to this, ask
ing if he himself could not do all that
was required; but no, the weaver per-
sisted. Then the manager tried, but
with the same result; only the princi-
pal would suit the weaver. The en-
ployer was informed of the operatives
persistence in determining to see him;
so he at once ordered him admitted.
This was done, and the weaver stepped
into the well-furnished and handsomely
carpeted Office of the manufacturer.
His employer addressed him: swell,
John" (for so we will call him), "what
is it you want?'' .'Well, master, I've
getten summit you mum hev," replied
John. Wodn't you like a way ut
maxim t loom cut tn velvet piles?"
continued the weaver. ''Yes! that l
would" replied the employer; sand I
will reward any man handsomely who
brings me plan of doing it," added
he. lawn yore mon, then," said the
operative. .'Wod'n yo gi me?'' he
further asked After some further
conversation a bargain was struck. and
a sum agreed upon, which the weaver
should be entitled to claim in the event
of his plan for automatically cutting
the pile of the carpet being success.
Arrangements were made for its trial;
the weaver made his preparations; the
master, the manager, and one or two
confidential employees gathered around
the loom upon which the experiment
had to be made, all others being sent
outside the range of observation. The
new form of wires were inserted. woven
down, and withdrawn, leaving q we'll
cut pile upon the face Of the carpet.
The weaver had won his reward, for it
was honorably paid. An annuity of
E100 was settled upon him, which he
continued to enjoy until within q recent
date, and for anything we know to the
contrary may be enjoying yet He re-
tired from the weaving shed, deter
mined to spend the remainder of his
days in ease and comfort. His employer
secured BY patent the benefit of his in
it being one. among several
oilers, which contributed to place that
establishment IN the
foremost rank in the trade, while its
owners attained wealth and social emf
hence as the reward Of their prudent
enterprise. Textile Manuf actsrer.