The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1878-03-14
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 car"
pet that in its finished stage would ap.
pear as a velvet pile. At that period
this description Of carpet was woven
much in the manner Of Brussels, the
loops being afterward 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they are then withdrawn.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 a bright thought-came to the conclu-
sion that If these wires were so construct.
ed rs, on being withdrawn, to cut the
loops, thus instantly completing the
formation of the pile, it would bea 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 inserted it in 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 a perfect
success, the pile being cut with great
evenness.
The weaver, with shrewdness often
wanting in inventors, doubled up the
rod and hid it away, wove down the line
of cut loops upon the roll, then /" knock
ed off," or stopped his loom, and pro-
ceeded to the Office of the mill, where he
demanded to see the principal. The
clerk demurred to this, asking if he him
self could not do all that was required |;
but no, the weaver persisted. Then the
manager tried, with the same result !;
only the principal would suit the weaver.
| The employer was informed of the oper-
ative's persistence in determining to see
him so he at once ordered him to be
admitted. This was done, and the weav-
er stepped into the well furnished and
handsomely carpeted Office of the manu-
facturer. His employer addressed him
"Well, John" (for so we will call him),
"what is it you want ?" "Well, master,
I've getten summit yo nun hev," re-
piled John. "Wodn't yo like a way ut
maxim t. loom cut tn velvet piles ?"
continued the weaver. eyes that
would !" replied the employer "and I
will reward any man handsomely who
brings me plan of doing it," added he.
Gavin yore mon, then," said the opera
tive. "Wod'll yo gi' me ?" he further
asked. After some further conversation
a bargain was struck, and sum agreed
upon, which the weaver should be en-.
titled to claim in the event of his plan
for automatically cutting the pile of the
carpet being success. Arrangements
were made its trial the weaver made
his preparations the master, the man.
ager, and one or two confidential EN-
ployees 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 with.
drawn, leaving we'll cut pile upon the
face of the carpet. The weaver had won
his reward, for it was honorably paid.
An annuity of 9100 was settled upon him
which he continued to enjoy until within
a recent date, and for anything we know
to the contrary may be enjoying yet
He retired from the weaving shed, de.
termined to spend the rest of his days in
ease and comfort. His employer Sc
cured by patent the benefits OF his in
vention, it being one, among severa
others. which contributed to place tha
manufacturing establishment in the fore
most rank in the trade, while its owner
attained wealth and social eniinence a
the reward of their prudent enterprise
-1eGtite Manufacturer.