Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1878-03-15
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 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they are then withdrawn.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 bright thought-came to the conclu-
sion that if these wires were so construct
ed as, on being withdrawn, to cut the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 a 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 it's 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 q shrewdness often
wanting in inventors, doubled up the
= m n
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 we'll furnished anG
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, maister
I've getten summit yo nun hev," re
piled John. "Wodn't yo like way u
maxim t. loom cut tn velvet piles p
continued the weaver. Eyes that
would r' replied the employer; "and
will reward any man handsomely whit
brings me plan of doing it," added he
GAVIN yore mon, then, said the opera
tive. Wod'n yo gi' me?" he furthe
asked. After some further conversation
o bargain was struck, and a sum agree,
upon, which the weaver should be en-
titled to claim in the event of his plal
for automatically cutting the pile of tn
carpet being a success. Arrangement
were made its trial the weaver mad
his preparations the master, the man
ager, and one or two confidential EN-
ployees gathered around the loom upo
which the experiment had to be made
all others being sent outside the rang
Of observation. The new form of wire
were inserted, woven down, and with
drawn, leaving a well cut pile upon th
face Of the carpet The weaver had wo
his reward, for it was houorably paid
An annuity of G100 was settled upon him
which he continued to enjoy until With
a recent date, and for anything we kno,
to the contrary may be enjoying yet
He retired from the weaving shed, de
termined to spend the rest of his days i
ease and comfort. His employer sc
cured by patent the benefits of his in
vention, it being one, among sewers
others, which contributed to place tha
manufacturing establishment in the fore
most rank in the trade, while its owner
attained wealth and social eninence a
the reward of their prudent enterprise
-7ertiLe Manufacturer.