SEVERAL IMPROVEMENTS IN DIFFERENT STAGES OF ROPE MAKING, AND IN MACHINERY ADOPTED FOR SUCH IM- PROVEMENTS
Year: 1813

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, GEORGE
DUNCAN, of Liverpool, in the County Palatine of Lancaster, Rope Maker,
send greeting.
WHEREAS His most Excellent Majesty King George the Third did, by
His Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Ireland, bearing date at Westminster, the Thirteenth day of
March, in the fifty-third year of His reign, give and grant unto me, the said
George Duncan, my exors, adñiors, and assigns, His especial licence, full
power, sole privilege and authority, that 1, the said George Duncan, my exors,
adiors, and assigns, during the term of years therein mentioned, should and
lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within England, Wales, and the
Town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, my Invention of "SEVERAL IMPROVEMENTS IN
DIFFERENT STAGES OF ROPE MAKING, AND IN MACHINERY ADOPTED FOR SUCH IM-
PROVEMENTS;" in which said Letters Patent there is contained a proviso obliging
me, the said George Duncan, by an instrument in writing under my hand and
seal, to cause a particular description of the nature of my said Invention, and
in what manner the same is to be performed, to be inrolled in His Majesty's
High Court of Chancery within four calendar months after the date of the
said recited Letters Patent, as in and by the same, relation being thereunto
had, may more fully and at large appear.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the said
George Duncan, do hereby declare that the Plans or Drawings hereunto
annexed, and the descriptions, explanations, and references herein-after con-
A

page_text: tained, do particularly describe and ascertain the nature of my said Invention,
and the manner in which the same is to be performed:
Spinning the Yarn for Cordage, Lines, and Twine of all Kinds.-The part of
my Invention I shall first describe is a new method of spinning yarn for
cordage, lines, and twine of all kinds, the principle and application of which
will appear by the following explanation and annexed Drawings
Two separate railways adjoining and parallel with each other are fixed
along the spinning ground or rope-walk from one end of it to the other; upon
each of these railways a machine for spinning the yarn is made to travel
alternately backward and forward, each always on its own railway, the one
machine setting off from the top of the ground at the same time that the
other sets off from the bottom, and both travelling at the same speed, the
former arrives at the bottom at the bottom at the time the latter arrives at
the top. These spinning machines (in every respect similar to each other) are
each finished with two sets of twisting spindles, one set, at one end of the
machine, having their hooks facing the top of the spinning ground, the other,
at the opposite end of the machine, having theirs facing the bottom of the
ground. One half of the spinners to be employed in spinning by these two
machines are to be constantly stationed in a company at the top, and the other
half in a company at the bottom of the ground. The number of spindles in
each set of each machine should be equal with each other, and also equal
with, or rather not fewer than, the number of spinners in each company; or in
other words, as there are two equal sets of spindles in each machine (four sets
in all), the number of individual spindles in the two machines should not be
fewer than double the whole number of spinners employed, because one set
only in each machine is to be occupied at one time in spinning, the other set
being in the meantime engaged in retaining the yarns last spun from it and
following them back to the winding machine. The manner in which the
operation is to be performed is as follows:-Suppose the spinning machines
placed one at each end of the spinning ground, and each on its own railway
ready to set off, each spinner of both companies immediately attaches his
hemp or flax to a spindle of the machine and of the set nearest or facing
him. The motions of both machines (excepting those of that set of twisting
spindles in each not then to be used) are then struck into gear by signal at
the same time, and each machine recedes from its own company) spinning the
yarn and leaving each yarn on separate guides or hooks as it proceeds cnwards,
the one down and the other up the ground, the one arriving and striking itself
out of motion at the bottom, when the other arrives and strikes itself out of
yarn
motion at the top; each spinner of both companies then detaches the

page_text: in his hand from the hemp or flax from which he was spinning, and fixes the
end of the detached yarn to a winding-up reel in a machine stationed behind
or near him, the other end of the yarn still remaining attached to its spindle-
hook of the machine at the opposite end of the ground. The spinners now
set on to spin from the vacant set of spindles not yet used of the other
spinning machine which has just arrived. The different motions of the two
spinning and winding machines are struck into gear at the same time (with
the exception of the two sets of spindles one on each spiuning machine, to
which the yarns to be then wound up are attached; these remain steady, and
the operation proceeds as before, with the addition of the winding machine at
each end of the ground, which takes up and winds on the
yarns last. spun
regularly, as the spinning machine to which they are attached advances
towards it from the opposite end. The spinning of the two sets of yarn and
winding up of the other two from opposite ends of the spinning ground being
finished at one and the same time, the whole machinery again stops, and cach
spinner as before immediately detaches the yarn in his hand from his hemp or
flax, and then detaches from one of the spindle hooks of the spinning machine
just arrived the yarn which he had on the former occasion spun, and which
has just been wound up as closely as the short length necessarily intervening
between the spinning and winding machines will allow. The two ends of
these yarns he splices together, and the yarn lying on the guides or hooks-
along the whole length of the spinning ground is now ready to be wound up.
The spinners then attach their hemp or flax to the emptied hooks, the
machines are again struck into motion, the spinning and winding from cach 1
end go on as before, and the same procedure continues to be renowed each
time. The general principle which constitutes the mode of operation and
consequent facilities of my Invention being, that one set of spindles in each
machine is always employed in spinning, whilst the yarn spun by the other set,
and attached to their hooks at the opposite end of the machine, are winding
up; every spinner being constantly kept at work in spinning, unless when
splicing the yarn and preparing to set on to the spin; and throughout the
whole operation, whatever one company of spinners may be employed in doing,
he other company is always employed in a similar way.
In like manner,
whatever one spinning machine may be performing, the other is also per-
orming, and when one is at rest, so is the other. And the same with respect
o the two winding machines which are constantly at work, unless when
he spinning machines are not travelling; one endless rope, 'driven by
n external machinery, gives both the travelling and twisting motions to
both spinning machines; all of these motions being connected with and.

page_text: bearing a given proportion to cach other, and all of them are changeable to
suit the speed required. The two winding machines may also be driven by
the endless rope.
All or any of these machines, however, may be driven by
separate endless ropes, or by any other method or methods in use for driving
locomotive machinery, provided the proportionate speeds be kept up. The
plan of the rack, as after described (which forms part of my Invention), will
be the most minutely accurate for regulating the travelling movement of the
spinning machines or any other travelling machines in a rope-walk; but as
the resistance in the present case is very trifling, a motion given to the truck
wheels of the spinning machines, as shewn in the annexed Drawings, will
answer the purpose at less expence.
Additional Apparatus of giving an After Twist.-As a further improvement,
I have invented a method to be connected with and added to these spinning
machines, which either may or may not be adopted, the object of which is to
prevent the yarns losing strength, which otherwise they do whilst they neces-
sarily lose twist by the counter-twist of the strand and other subsequent
operations. This is effected in a simple and convenient way, by continuing
the twisting motion for a given time sufficient for the purpose after the
travelling motion of the spinning machine has ceased, thus giving additional
twist to the yarns after they are spun to their full length; and this is done
whilst the spinners are splicing them at the other end of the spinning ground,
and preparing again to set on to spin without occupying any part of their time
for the purpose. The effect of this part of my Invention for the after twist
has been produced in different ways by others, but by modes either so com-
plicated or expensive as not to be conveniently available in practice. The
principal advantages to be derived from my method of spinning are the
following-In the first place the spinners are enabled to spin a much larger
quantity of hand-spun yarn than by any other method in the same space of
time, and at less expence, because (excepting whilst splicing the threads) the
spinners are constantly occupied in spinning, and not having to hook up the
threads, nor to travel up and down the walk during the operation, their
time and attention are not otherwise engaged, but confined to the one object of
delivering the hemp or flax from their lands; and the speed of the spinning
machine besides being uniform, is proportioned to the full extent of work the
spinners can conveniently accomplish, which in some measure obliges them to
produce the greatest possible quantity. As the spinning machine itself lifts the
threads of the hooks and follows them up to the winding machine, little or no
attendance is therefore required from wheel boys or followers. In the next place
the spinners are enabled to produce a superior quality of yarn, because that

page_text: degree of twist may always be given to it by the machines which is found most
proper for obtaining strength, and the same twist being uniformly preserved
throughout cach size intended for the same purpose, each yarn will elongate
and bear equally when partially untwisted by the counter-twist of the strand
and other operations whilst manufacturing, and also when the rope made
from such yarn comes to be strained in service; and by putting in the addi-
tional twist, as above mentioned, the yarn will retain that part of its strength
which, by such counter-twist, it must otherwise always lose. The spinners are
besides also enabled to produce better workmanship for the same reason that
enables them to produce a larger quantity, viz, that their whole skill and
attention are necessarily confined and directed to one object alone, that of
simply supplying the hemp or flax with due regularity from their figures.
And, further, the hemp to be spun by these machines may either be dressed in
the usual way or prepared and dressed on beckling machines, which draw out
the whole in a long sliver, and in either case spun from the end of the fibres,
by which means the strongest yarn is formed. It may, however, of course, be
spun fromthe spinners' waists, and with more convenience than in the common
way, because as the spinners by my method always remain in a room at each end
of the spinning ground, the hemp is not so liable to be discomposed as when
they have to travel up and down its whole length. Neither, for the same reason,
is it so liable to be waisted, which is another advantage. The great waste in
the common way of spinning is occasioned by the detached pieces of hemp
unavoidably scattered from the spinners whilst travelling backward and
forward along the walk; this waste therefore cannot take place in my method
of spinning. The last advantage I shall mention is, that the expence of
erecting the spinning machinery with all its connections, and the power
required to drive it, are comparatively trifling. The space it occupies in point.
of extent, and in many situations also in that of use and valuc, is much less
than the space required in the common way for the same number of spinners,
independently of the considerations before mentioned, that the same number of
spinners can produce in the same time both a larger quantity and better
quality of yarn. There may be various forms or shapes adopted adopted in
making the spinning machines, for they may be made to travel on railways, on
the ground, or on railways suspended from the beams of the rope-walk, or fixed
upon and above them, as may be thought proper, and the disposition of the
necessary machinery may be arranged and diversified to suit the situation of
the railways, and the construction and conveniences of the rope-walk. The
mode shewn in the Drawing, Figs. 1, 2, 3, and 4, I give more fully in
preference, merely because it occupies least room in proportion.to the number,

page_text: of spindles the spinning machines can employ. The whole width in a rope-
walk required by this mode need not be more than six feet along its length
(excepting at each end, where of course sufficient width convenient for the
spinners, and for the winding machine and dressed hemp, must be allowed).
In that narrow space not less than twenty-four threads may be constantly
kept spinning at one time, and as many winding up, so that besides every
other advantage, the saving in the original cost of a spinning ground on this
plan, and in the expence also of covering it in, will be considerable.
I have also shewn in the Drawings (Figs. 10 and 11) and explanations
how other arrangements may be made, by which any competent mechanic will
be enabled to adapt and diversify the form of the machines, and form and dispo
sition of the machinery, to suit my situation in a ropery most convenient or of
little use for other purposes.
Explanation of the Spinning Machinery more particularly referring to the
Drawings. In that part of the Drawing intitled "spinning," from A to B is sup-
posed to be the spinning ground, shewn as broken off in the middle for want of
room in the parchment to shew the full length. C, C, and C, C, on each side
the break is one railway, D, D, and D, D, the other, also on each side the
break. Fig. 1 is a plan of one of the spinning machines, at the top of the
ground, on the railway C, C. Fig. 2 is the other, exactly of the same con-
struction, at the bottom of the ground, on the railway D, D. Fig. 3 is a
side elevation, Fig. 4 is an end elevation, of these machines, cach side and
cach end of both being alike. Tho' both machines are precisely similar,
yet some parts of machinery are omitted in some of the Figures that other
parts may be seen more distinctly, and in none of the Figures are the whole
shewn together. E, wherever it occurs, shews the endless rope which drives
both machines, and W shews the rollers or pullies, suspended from the beam L
overhead, which guide and carry it. The same characters in all the above
Figures, wherever they may be used, denote the same part. F shews the framing
of the machines. a and b are two grooved sheaves fastened upon the two upright
shafts cand d, as best seen in Fig. 3, driven contrary ways about by the endless
rope. The manner in which the rope goes round and grasps the sheeves, and
occasions their contrary motion, is best seen in Fig. 2. c and fare two spur
wheels (shewn only in Fig. 3), fast upon the shafts c & d, intended merely to
equalize their motion. The twisting motions for one set of spindles at onc
end of the machine in their turn are driven by the shaft nearest that end,
which also at the same time drives all the travelling motions, and in like
manner the twisting motions for the other set in their turn are driven
by the other shaft nearest the other end, which also then drives all the

page_text: travelling motions. But the twisting motions for one end only ard driven at
one time, for whilst the shaft nearest the end from which the spinners aro
spinning is driving the twisting motions of that set of spindles, and also all
the travelling motions (by turning the four truck wheels one way about), the
shaft nearest the other end is not driving either of these motions, tho' both
shafts are then revolving. With regard to the travelling motions, g and h are
two pinions upon loose rounds on these shafts, each in its turn, as afterwards
mentioned, driving the wheel i, which is fast upon the short upright shaft k,
which only appears in Fig. 3. On the lower end of this shaft is the level
wheel, driving, by means of the other bevel wheel m, the cross shaft n, upon
one end of which are fastened the sheeves 1, 2, 3, and upon the other end the
sheeves 4, 5, 6, as best scen in Fig. 1. These sheeves are of different sizes,
and one only at each end of the shaft is in use at a time. o and p are the two
axles of the truck wheels, one at each end of the machine; upon o are fastened
the sheeves 7, 8, 9, and upon p the sheeves 10, 11, 12. The four truck wheels
7 are also fastened upon the shafts o and p, and motion is given to them by
two belts; one belt drives from any one of the sheeves 1, 2, 3, and the other
drives from any one of the sheeves 4, 5, 6, each belt running upon its cor-
responding sheeve on the truck wheel axles, both at one time driving at the
same speed and the same way about; the turning round of these axles of
course impels the machine forward according to the motion given to them.
The different sizes of the sheeves are merely to alter the travelling speed as
occasion may require. With regard to the twisting motions, on the lower end
of the shafts c and d are the sheeves and s, on loose rounds, cach in its turn
carried about by catch boxes as after explained, and driving the upright rollers.
or cylinders G, II, by means of belts going round the sheeves and v, which are
fastened on the axles of the rollers. These rollers give motion to the twisting
spindles by separate bands or belts from them round a wirl on each spindle.
There are twelve spindles at each end, or twenty-four in all in each machine,
six at each corner of each end, the position of which are seen in Fig. 1 and 2,
in which one spindle at each of the four corners only appears, the other five
being ranged in a direct line underneath, but the manner in which they range
is seen in Figs. 3 and 4. In Fig. 3 twelve spindles (half of the whole
number) appear, six, or half a set, at each end, the other half being similarly
situated on the opposite side. Fig. 4 shews also twelve spindles, being a
whole set, or all that belongs to one end, the other set of an equal number
One of these two sets is
being similarly situated at the opposite end.
alternately employed in spinning whilst the other is employed in holding and
following the yarns that are winding up.,, as shewn in Fig. 3, are.ratchet

page_text: wheels and catches on the axles of the rollers G and H, to keep the yarns
from untwisting when winding up.
Figs. 1 and 2 best shew the carriers projecting from the frame in which
the twisting spindles run; the form and use of them and of the whirls and
spindles are so obvious that I do not think it necessary to point them out
in any of the Figures by a distinguishing character of reference. Neither for
the same reason do I mark any of the bands or belts.
Fig. 4 being a front view of one end of the spinning machine, shews the
relative situations of the spindles with the hooks which are to support and keep
separate the yarns. These hooks are fixed in upright posts or boards, at proper
distances, the whole length of the spinning ground on each side of each rail-
way, excepting that one row of uprights between the two railways C, C, and
D, D, serves the use of each machine; each range of these hooks is set in a
straight line from one end of the ground to the other, and at such heights or
distances above each other in the uprights as that the spindles may pass over
and halfway between the hooks, in order that they may receive and bear up
the yarns as the machine travels along. The carriers in which the spindles
run project so far from the framing of the spinning machine, and the hooks.
also project as far from the uprights, as that the spindles (in their journies up
and down the railway) may hang over the hooks sufficiently, so as to lay and
leave one set of the yarns on them from that end of the machine which may
be spinning, and to lift the other set off them from that end which may be
winding up. The hooks are in the form of half a staple. In place of uprights
heing fixed the whole length of the spinning ground, on the right hand of this
Figure, the hooks are represented as fastened in the wall. These ranges of
hooks in the wall bear half the set of yarns spinning and half the set winding
up on that side of the machine. The ranges of hooks to the left of this Figure
are represented as fixed in the upright I, placed between the two railways, which
ranges of hooks bear the other half of the yarns spinning, and of the other half
winding up.. I may be a board and hinged to the beam L, in order that it
may be turned up out of the way in case the ground should occasionally be
wanted for other purposes. This board is reprented as cut out in a serpen-
tine form, merely for the purpose of gaining width in the spinning ground.
The contrary side of these serpentine uprights contain the hooks which bear
the one half of the yarns belonging to the spinning machine in the adjoining
railway D, D, and the row of uprights K contain the hooks which bear the
other half of the yarns belonging to that machine. The room it occupies is
the empty space between the two uprights I and K.
Having so far described the different motions and appurtenances of the

page_text: spinning machine, I shall now proceed more particularly to explain the manner
in which they operate. It will be seen in Fig. 3 that the catch of the catch
box 13 is in contact with the catch of the pinion h, and the catch of the catch
box 14 is in contact with the catch of the sheeve S, and that the catches of
the boxes 15 and 16 are not in contact with their corresponding pinion g
and sleeve . 17 and 18 are two separate levers, one at each end of the.
machine, each of which is used in its turn for stricking into gear the catches
above mentioned; the lever 17 serving for the two boxes 13 and 14, and the
lever 18 for the two boxes 15 and 16. 19 and 20 act as swingers or levers
from the joints 21 and 22, the claw ends of which swingers grasp the catch
boxes 13 and 14, and by being coupled with the main lever 17 by means of
the connecting rod 23, move them either up or down. When in gear they are-
held there by the sneck 24, which is pulled back by going against a
fixture at each end of the spinning ground, and all the motions of the
machine then stop. The machine may, however, be stoped at any time by
pulling back the sneck by hand when occasion requires. The two main levers
17 and 18 are so sufficiently weighted at the handle end that, when disengaged
from their succks, the catch boxes will always fly out of gear. When the
machine at any time is to be put in motion, it is done by raising the main
lever into the sneck by hand. All the machinery on each side of the wheel i,
at each end of the machine, is precisely alike; the description, therefore, given
of one end may answer for the other. The twisting motions at cach cnd are.
never in gear at the same time, for those at one end are engaged in spinning
one set of threads whilst those at the other remain at rest, retaining and
following up the other set of threads to the winding machine, as 'has been
before mentioned. All the four catch boxes 13, 14, 15, and 16, constantly go
round with the shafts c and d, by means of feathers in these shafts acting in
grooves in those boxes.
When the catch box 14 is in contact with the
sheeve S it gives motion to the set of twisting spindles, belonging to the
roller H, at the same time its accompanying catch box 13, by being in contact
with the pinion g, gives a retiring or travelling movement to the whole
machine, which is effected by the wheel i communicating. motion to the four
truck wheels by the means which have before been described. The wheel i
is common to both pinions, being turned one way about by one pinion when
the machine is retiring from the top of the ground, and the contrary way about
by the other pinion when it is retiring from the bottom of the ground; conse-
quently the cross shaft n, which derives its motion from the wheel i, at the
same time turns. both the two truck wheel, axles one way about when retiring
from the top, and the contrary way when retiring from the bottom, the shaft n
being common to both truck wheel axles.

page_text: Fig. 5 is the plan of a winding machine, placed at the top of the spinning
ground, containing twelve reels, corresponding with the number of spindles in
cach spinning machine.
Fig. 6 is a plan of a similar winding machine, placed at the bottom of the
ground, containing the same number of reels; both which winding machines
are mounted so high above the ground as to allow the yarns winding on them
to pass overhead, that the spinners may have room to move underneath. In
the Drawing they are placed rather nearer the spinning machines than they
ought to be from want of room in the parchment. When all the spindles of
the two spinning machines are employed, one half in spinning and the other
half in following up the yarns to the winding machine, as has already been
described, all the reels of both winding machines are of course at the same
time fully employed in winding up.
Fig. 7, at one end of the ground, shews a side view of the reels placed in
their spindles. I do not enter into a description of these winding machines,
as I do not claim them as my own Invention, but a description at any rate is
not necessary, as the movement and construction of such machines are well
known and understood. I have represented them as only winding one yarn
on each reel, to answer the purpose for the improved or patent method of
rope making, but more than one yarn may be wound on one of these or any
other kind of wheel that may be used in my method of spinning, for the
convenience of the common method of rope making or for other purposes. It
is neither necessary nor convenient that the endless rope should stop when the
spinning stops. I will now suppose it to be in motion, and that the machines
are ready to set off, one from cach end of the spinning ground. Tho' the
endless rope
is running, every part of the machinery is at rest, excepting the
two shafts c and d and their catch boxes, for all the catch boxes of both shafts
in both machines are then in the position of 15 and 16, as seen in Fig. 3.
Each company of spinners having attached their hemp to their respective
spindles, nothing remains to be done but to raise by the hand the lever 17,
Fig. 3 (which appears in the Drawing already done), and at the same time the
corresponding lever in the other spinning machine, at the opposite end, on a
signal given in any way most convenient. The spinning and winding up then
proceeds as described in the former part of this Specification. Each spinner,
when the machines stop, having spliced his thread, throws it on the nearest
guide a overhead, to keep it out of the way and to conduct it to the winding
machine. The grooved sheeves on the top of the shafts c and d, to which the
endless rope gives the first motion, may be changed when required for sheeves
of a larger or smaller diameter, for the purpose of diminishing or cntreasing
all the motions in a proportionate degree degree; and for the same purpose the

page_text: wheel or sheeves which give motion to the endless rope itself may also have
grooves of different diameters. The sheeves that may be changed for others
for increasing or diminishing the twisting motions are the four sheeves t, r, for
one end of the machine, and v, s, for the other one, as seen in Fig. 3; and,
for the purpose of obtaining more or less travelling motion, the belts
made to run either on the sheeves 1 and 9 and 6 and 10, or on 2 and 8 and
5 and 11, or on 3 and 7 and 4 and 12, as seen in Fig. 1.
may be
Fig. (within which are Figs. 4, 8, 10, and 11) represents an end view of
a rope-ground building, set down at 18 feet wide inside. It is merely
divided into portions, to shew some different modes of diversifying spinning
imachines upon this principle, the different situations in which they may work,
and the proportion of room they may occupy, according to the number of
spindles.
Figs. 10 and 11 shew end views of two forms of spinning machines, different
from each other and from the one already described, but all upon the same prin-
ciple. The machine in Fig. 10 is represented as moving on a railway M, M,
underneath the beam L, having spindles both above and below. The parts
which are shown in the Figure are as follows:-N, N, two of the trench
wheels. O, P, the endless rope sheeves. Q, one of the rollers for turning the
spindles. R, a sheeve on the end of the roller, answering the same purpose
as t and v in Fig. 3. W, part of a sheeve on the truck wheel axle, answering
the same purpose as one of those on the axles o and p in Fig. 1 and 2. The
carriers, whirls, spindles, and their bands, in this machine are the same as in
the spinning machine already described, and their situations are so obvious as
not to require particular characters of reference. Such part of the Figure as
consists of framing will also be obvious. One side of the railway is fixed to the
post K, the other side is fixed and rests upon the iron fixture S, hanging from
the beam L, which also serves the same purpose for the adjoining railway. X
is one of the guide pullies for the endless rope. T is a rail (which may
occasionally be removed) laid across and answering the purpose of both
railways from post V to K, having upright pins to proper distances for the
purpose of bearing and keeping separate the yarns of the lower spindles.
The hooks fixed to the under side of the beam L are to answer the same
purpose for the yarns of the upper spindles. In order to lay the yarns
upon these hooks a separate guide for each spindle is fixed upright in a
slender rail fastened to, projecting two or three feet from and parallel with
each end of the machine. The shape of those guides is the same as the hooks
in the beam, with this exception, that each one has an eye at the point
to convey the yarns in a slanting direction from the spindles over, and to

page_text: lay them upon their respective hooks in the beam when spinning, and also to
lift them off when winding up. The manner in which the guides pass between
the hooks may be seen in Fig. 8, where a 1 represents the projecting rail,
2 the guides, only two of which are marked. It must be understood that the
spindles are not opposite the eyes of their respective guides, but are exactly
opposite the upright part of them, and on a level with the eyes. There
are many other ways by which hooking up of the yarns may be effected,
but conceive the method which I have just described to be the most
simple.
The space between the post V and the iron fixture S is the room to be
occupied by the other spinning machine. The spinning machine Fig. 11 is
represented as moving on a railway laid upon the beam L. It will be seen
that this machine is nothing more than the lower part of the one last described,
having no spindles upon the upper part. The guide pins in this method are
driven into the beam. The empty space to the right of this machine is the
room to be occupied by its fellow. The letters of reference used in Fig. 10 and
its appurtenances apply to the same parts whenever they are used in Fig. 11
and its appurtenances. Tho' the machines (the end views of which are shewn
in Figs. 10 and 11) are different from each other in form and arrangement of
machinery, and also from the form and arrangement of the one shewn in
Figs. 1, 2, 3, & 4, and particularly described, yet the same principle of the
travelling and twisting motions applies to them all, and therefore I consider it
unnecessary to enter into further explanations respecting them, as any conver-
sant mechanic, after what I have already shewn, will be able to perceive how
the necessary machinery may be adapted, diversified, and arranged, to suit
either these or any other form of spinning machines on the principle of my
Invention; and I think it scarcely necessary to add that I do not limit the
number of them to be used at one time, nor the number of spindles in
each.
Fig. 12 shews one method of giving the after twist, and Fig. 13 another.
First, with respect to Fig. 12, is as follows:-As the apparatus for this
purpose is to be applied to each of the endless rope shafts in each machine, a
description of the apparatus as belonging to one of them may be sufficient.
This Fig. is a side view of the apparatus, and is represented as applied to the
shaft d in Fig. 3, the same characters of reference there used being retained in
the present Figure, where they denote the same parts. The apparatus for the
after twist is merely additions, and these on the lower part of the Fig. arc a
catch on the under side of the sheeve S, its corresponding catch box, and
catch 25, carried round by the shaft and the lever or swinger 26, to act on

page_text: that catch box. The rod 23 is lengthened to connect the swinger with the
other two. On the upper part of the Fig. are the other additions; these aro
a catch on the upper side of the catch box 13; the worm 27, on a loose round.
on the shaft, with a catch on the under side to operate with its corresponding
catch on the catch box 13; the screw wheel 28 to act in the worm; the
arm 29, on a loose round on the axis of the screw wheel, confined near the
circumference of the wheel by the staple 30, but having play the width of the
staple, the end of the arm farthest from the axis being intended to act on and
press down the swinger 19; and the spring 31, fixed on the wheel, which
presses against the back of the arm. The whole of the machinery by the
Figure is represented as out of gear, and is in the position as when ready to
set off from one end of the spinning ground to follow the yarns to the winding
machine. In that position it continues until after it has arrived at the
winding machine and the yarns are disengaged from the spindles, when the
main lever 17 is lifted up by hand into the catch 24 for the purpose of
putting the spinning motions and the travelling motions into gear, as formerly
described. By the raising up of the lever the swinger 19 is pulled down, and
the arm 29 is thus disengaged, which, having play within the staple, swings
forward plumb by its own weight clear of the swinger, which is hollowed or
bent at that place for the purpose. The object of this is that the arm may
into
gocs
not be in the way of the swinger 19 the next time it
with the
gear
worm. When the machine has returned to the other end of the ground, and
the yarns are consequently spun to their full length, the catch 24, on which
the main lever rests, is thrown back by the machine going against a wedge-
formed fixture in the ground, as has been before mentioned, and the lever
(being sufficiently weighted at the handle end) drops down, by which means
the travelling motion is stopped, and the twisting motion would also thereby
be stopped were it not (as will be seen from the Figure), that tho' the catch
box 14 is thown out of gear with the sheeve S on the upper side, the catch
box 25 is at the same instant, and by the same movement, thrown into gear
with it on the under side, the twisting motion therefore continues; and the
under side of the catch box 13 being thrown out of gear with the pinion h
(which stops the travelling motion), the upper side of it is at the same instant,
and by the same movement, thrown into gear with the worm 27, which con-
sequently gives motion to the screw wheel 28, and the arm 29 (which, it will be
recollected, is then hanging plumb down) is now carried round with the wheel,
and when, having nearly made one revolution, it comes in contact with the
swinger 19, which it forces down, and by this means puts the catch box 25, as
well as its own, out of gear, when the whole machinery stops, having then

page_text: returned to the same position with which this description commenced, and as
shewn in the Figure. The use of the spring 31 pressing against the back of
the arm is to cause it to force down the swinger 19 a little further as soon as
the catches 13 and 25 are out of gear, which it will then be enabled to do, in
consequence of the resistance against it being thus decreased. The object of
this is to prevent any jarring of the catches when in that situation. A stop
prevents the spring from forcing too far. Another method of forcing down
the swinger a little further may be adopted by fixing a pin or fang to project
from the framing of the machine, so as the end of the spring above mentioned
may come in contact with it a little before the time when the arm begins to
force down the swinger, in order that the arm may be relieved from the
pressure of the spring until the arm has forced the swinger down nearly to the
point of sending the catches out of gear, at which time the end of the spring,
having got free of the pin, comes with a sudden blow against the back of the
arm, and thus sends down the catches fairly clear of those with which they
were in gear. The spring in this case, also, is prevented from forcing too far
by means of a stop. The time the screw wheel is in going round is the time
allowed for the after twist, but should one wheel not allow suflicient time for
the purpose, the motion may be farther decreased by any usual and well-
known means, and change wheels may be applied to suit the different kinds
of yarn.
With respect to Fig. 13, in addition to the catch boxes 15 and 16, and
their levers, which have been described under Fig. 3, is placed upon the
upright shaft c (the apparatus on each shaft being alike) the catch box 32,
to which is fastened the bevil wheel 33, intended occasionally to drive the
small shaft 35 by going into gear with the other bevil wheel 34. The
motion is still further reduced by a worm on the last-mentioned shaft
driving another wheel, and shaft 36, which is furnished with an arm or
elbow 37, for the purpose of pulling back the sneck 43. The Figure repre-
sents all the motions as out of gear; but their method of operation may be
thus understood:-Let the inain lever 18 be raised on the sneck 24, as is
done when the spinners. are ready to begin; this puts into gear the travelling
and twisting motions, whilst the upper. motions, commencing at the wheel 34,
remain out of gear, and consequently at rest till the machine has travelled to
the other end of the ground, when its travelling motion only is then stopt by s
means of the bended part 38 sliding upon the. wedge 40 fixed on the ground,.
which unclasps the part 38 from the part 39, and allows the catch box 15 to
fly up (effected by either spring or weight), thereby separating the lever 41
from the main lever 18, leaving in. gear the twisting motion.... Immediately

page_text: before the stopping of the travelling motion the bevil wheel 33 is put into
gear by its catch-box lever 42 being raised upon the sneck 43, effected by the
bended arm 44 sliding against another fixture 45 placed on a post or other
convenience situated on one side the railway; the bended arm 44 and lever 42
being both fastened on a cross shaft (not shewn), which projects through the
side of the frame. It will appear evident, from what is here described, that
there are two distinct motions now supposed to be running; the lower one
being the twisting motion, and the upper one which I call the screw motion;
and it is obvious that these two motions will continue until the snccks 24 and
43 (which held them in gear) are pulled back. This is effected by the screw
motion, which goes on till one revolution of its slowest wheel brings round the
arms or elbows 37 and 46 for effecting that object. The time taken up for
this revolution being the measure or continuance of the after twist, therefore
any determinate quantity of additional twist may be given according to the
time taken up by the arms or elbows making one revolution, which can either
be encreased or diminished by change wheels. The shaft 36 is continued
through the frame, in order to admit of the elbow 46 to come over the
sneck 24, which it will pull back by a connecting rod or wire (not shown in the
Fig.), whilst at the same time its other arm or elbow 37 pulls back the
sneck 43. All the motions, except that of the shaft c, then cease and leave
the catches in the same positions as seen in the Figure. The parts 38 and
39 clasp together again at the time of the main lever flying up when going
out of gear, 38 being furnished with a spring to its back.
Tempering the Strands of all Kinds of Cordage, whether Shroud, Hawser,
or Cable Laid. It is well known that from various causes an inequality of
tention between the different strands intended for the same rope takes place,
and it is most commonly apparent during or after the operation of hardening,
some of the strands becoming too slack, others too light, and cousequently of
unequal lengths, and this inequality occurs, even tho' they may have been
originally of equal length, and have received the same twisting or number of
turns by machinery of the most improved and perfect construction. In cases
therefore where this inequality appears, the strands require to be rectified by being
brought to an equal degree of tention, in order that each may bear its equal
portion of strain in the rope when made. The operation for effecting this object
is commonly called tempering the strands, and the method in general practice
is to give more twist to a slack strand, or to take twist out of a tight one, or to
do both; and in some rope grounds where the machinery is driven by steanı or
other considerable power, the method adopted (which amounts nearly to the same
thing as the other) is only to give more twist to the slack strauds, which is done

page_text: by stopping the twisting of the tightest strand by throwing its hook out of
gear, and to keep it waiting in that position until the slack strands have twisted
up to the same tention. These methods in most cases I conceive to be defec-
tive, because the strand to which more twist is given is thereby rendered less
pliable and of smaller circumference, and consequently cannot stop or lay up
in the
rope evenly and regularly with the other strands which have less twist,
for the harder twisted one will sink inwards whilst the others will stand out-
wards in the rope and form more of a spiral round the harder-twisted one,
which will thereby have more than its proportionate strain in the rope to bear,
and will also be least enabled when under a strain to stretch up so as to avail
itself of the assistance of the others, and consequently must be first to break.
And should the irregularity of tention be occasioned by any original inequality
of thickness in the strands, the smallest one will during the process of
hardening become the slackest, and in tempering by twisting it up to the
tention of the tightest, the inequality of size will by that means be increased,
for the more it is twisted, the still smaller in circumference as well as shorter
in length will it become. But supposing all the strands were originally of equal
thickness, and that the inequality in tention proceeded entirely from an error
in the original length, it is plain that by tempering according to the methods
in question (and no other methods after the strands are fixed on the hooks and
the work has commenced, can by any machinery hitherto in use conveniently
be adopted), the same defective principle still applies, which by causing one
strand to be harder twisted, and consequently to become of a smaller size,
and another to be softer twisted and to become of a larger size, prevents the
whole from jointly forming a regular and perfect rope, and to stretch equally
when under a strain, as already described. As a more convenient, accurate,
and certain method than any hitherto practised therefore appeared to me
necessary, I have invented and adopted a new mode of tempering the strands
of all kinds of cordage, whether shroud, hawser, or cable laid, the nature
and general principle of which is to cause any one strand hook of the fore-
board or foreboard machine, when the strand attached; to, it requires to be
tightened, to recede from its corresponding opposite hook of the sledge or
stranding machine to which the other end of the strand is attached, or when
it requires to be slackened to cause it to advance towards its corresponding
opposite hook, thus bringing all the strands to an equal tention without one
strand hook making more revolutions than another. And what is of essential
importance to this Invention, the operation may be performed leisurely, as
occasion, may appear to require, either before, during, or after hardening the
strands, without stopping the twisting or other motions, or occasioning any

page_text: interruption to them whatever, and with more ease, minute accuracy, and
useful effect than by any other method yet practised for the purpose.
Explanation of the Temporary Machinery with reference to the Drawings.
-In order more particularly to exemplify and illustrate the use and design
of this part of my Invention, I annex Drawings of the machinery I have con-
trived and adapted for the purpose, and give as under a description of the
several parts of which it is composed:-In that part of the Drawing entitled
Tempering," Fig. 1, A, B, C, represent the upper part of the framing in
which the machinery placed at the foreboard is fixed, C being the front of it
facing or looking down the rope-walk. D is a toothed wheel, receiving motion
from any external machinery; this wheel drives the other toothed wheel E, and
either of them can be changed to suit the speed of the motion required. The
wheel last mentioned is fixed upon the axis of and gives motion to the toothed
wheel or fluted cylinder F, which cylinder drives the four pinions 1, 2, 3, 4,
and each of these pinions is fastened upon and drives round its own axle, which
axles are the four strand hook spindles a, b, c, d, to the hooks of which the rope
strands are attached when twisting and tempering. So far as described, these
motions, for the purposes intended, do not differ froin the principle in common
practice, but, according to my Invention, the strand hook spindles, besides
having the rotative or twisting motion described, are so contrived for the
purpose of tempering the strands that any one or more of them may (either
while the twisting motion is or is not going on) be made to slide, as occasion
may require, in a horizontal direction parallel with the axle of the cylinder F,
along any part of its length, either backward or forward, as I shall now
explain. The strand hook spindles having to slide, as has been said, in a
direction parallel to the axis of the cylinder, are of course placed in that direc-
tion, and so as their pinions may pass each other. The positions of these
pinions round the cylinder are seen in Fig. 2, which represents a front view
of the machinery, the same references in each Figure being used to denote
the same part.
As all the four strand hook spindles, with their accom-
paniments and immediate connections, are precisely the same, a description of
one will be sufficient. For example, take spindle b, in Fig. 1. G, H, is a long
or male screw, a few inches longer than the cylinder. Upon the screw is
fitted the female screw or screw nut e, having spokes or arms round it by
which it may be turned by hand either way about. Joined fast to this long
screw is a head piece or claw f, within which a carrier or step is fitted for
the adjoining end of the strand hook spindle to involve in. Two collars y and h
on the spindle, one on each side the step, cause the spindle to accompany
the long screw either backward or forward when moved by turning the screw.

page_text: nute, the rotative motion of the spindle going on at the same time, if required.
i and are two steps or guides fixed on the cross framing B and C, through
which the spindle may pass and repass, and in which it also revolves. l is a
carrier of the same description fixed on the cross framing A, through which
the long screw may pass and repass, but without revolving. Fast upon and
projecting from the head piéce f, and consequently accompanying the long
screw and spindle in the sliding movement (see the side view, Fig. 3), is the
tongue m, the end or point of which is fitted to pass along during that move-
ment in a slot in the rail n, fix'd parallel with the long screw and spindle
between the two cross bearers A and B, the object of which contrivance is
to prevent the spindle (one end of which, as has been shewn, revolves
within the head piece of the long screw) from carrying round the screw
along with it, and to keep the screw and its head piece at all times
steady and in a direct line with the spindle; and for the purpose of keeping
the long screw stationary in the situation to which it may have been
last set, the pull of the strand on the hook (by pressing and abutting the
screw nut e against the back of the carrier 1, will always be found to be
sufficient. The diameter of the cylinder F may be about two feet, and that
of each of the four pinions 1, 2, 3, 4, about one foot, more or less, according
to the speed desired and the descretion of the mechanic. The pitch of their
teeth should be the same as that of the teeth of the cylinder. The length of
the cylinder should be at least equal to the greatest difference or inequality of
length ever likely to take place, previous to or during the operation of harden-
ing, between the slackest strand and the tightest strand, intended for the same
rope, when they are both brought to an equal tention by tempering, according
to my method. The inequality of length, or in other words, of tention, which
takes place in the strands. during the process of hardening them, is generally
found to be in proportion to their size in circumference, more in a set of large
strands than in smaller. In rope-walks, therefore, where cordage of the largest
size is manufactured for the use of His Majesty's Navy, the length of this
cylinder should not be less than four feet, but I have found by experience, in
manufacturing cordage on the improved or patent principle for merchantmen
of the greatest burden, that few cases would require the length to be
more than three feet, but in rope-walks where cordage on the common principle
is manufactured some additional length will be necessary. Each of the
four pinions is fastened upon the middle of the length of its strand hook
spindle. Supposing, therefore, that the pinion 2 should be set so as to be
exactly at one end of the cylinder, next to the cross framing B, it must be
enabled to slide along to the opposite end, next the cross framing C, and also

page_text: back again to B, for which purpose the spindle must always be kept in
its steps or carriers i and k, which support it, and in which it both slides
and revolves, and, therefore, it requires to be double the length of the cylinder,
besides an additional length equal to the spaces in its passage occupied by the
necessary steps, framing, clearances, &c. The length of the long screw G, H,
and of the rail n, are each the length of the cylinder, corresponding with the
sliding distance, or a few inches longer, to allow for steps, &c., as above. It has
been shewn that the cylinder drives the four strand hook spindles, and that any
one of them can be moved, by means of its screw, either backward or forward,
without interruping its own rotatory motion or that of any of the others, the
teeth of the pinions being for this purpose kept in gear with, whilst at the
same time they are made to slide along between, the teeth or in the flutings of
the cylinder.
Manner of performing the Operation of Tempering.-Suppose then the
strands are attached to their respective hooks, and the pinions set so as to be
all at an equal distance from each end of the cylinder, and all the strand hook
spindles going round twisting and hardening the strands. The operation of
tempering is performed merely by turning round by hand, as often as required,
any one or more of the screw nuts, either way about, as the case or cases
may require, according as any one or more of the strands require slackening
or tightening, for bringing them all to an equal tention. Thus, in order
to slacken a tight strand, its hook must be advanced forward further from
the front of the framing C; and in order to tighten a slack strand, its hook
must be drawn in towards the framing.
Explanation of some Variation in the Machinery for Tempering, with
reference to the Drawings.-Fig. 4 is a side view, representing some variation
in the machinery for effecting the sliding movement of the strand book
spindles, on the same principle and answering the same purposes as the Plan
in Fig. 1, already described.
After the full descriptions and explanations already given, I consider it
unnecessary to include more in the Specification and Drawings respecting this
alteration or variation in the machinery than may be required for fully under-
standing it. b is a strand-hook spindle, similar to those in Fig. 1, except that
the pinion 2 is not made fast upon it, because it has to pass or slide through
the axle hole of the pinion; and in order that the spindle may at the same
time revolve with the pinion the slot 10 is cut upon one side of the spindle,
the length of the slot being the sliding distance, which slot receives a feather
or key in the axle hole of the pinion, through which hole the sloted part of the
spindle is to pass and repass as occasion may require, the feather always

page_text: remaining in the slot to carry round and give the rotatory or twisting motion
to the spindle. The parts f, g, and h, are exactly the same as the parts having
the same characters in Fig. 1. I is a rack (to answer the same purpose as
the long screw in Fig. 1) which the pinion o, by means of the handle p, moves
either backward or forward. The ratchet wheel g and its catch hold the rack
and pinion stationary in the situation to which they may be set. i, i, and k, are
the steps in which the spindle revolves, and through which it also slides.
r, r, are two rings or washers loose upon the spindle, between the steps i, i,
and the pinion 2, intended to qualify the friction during both the sliding and
rotatory operation of the spindle. S is a guide or step for the rack to slide in,
square at the bottom, which renders unnecessary the tongue and slot shewn in
Fig. 3. The wheel K, receiving motion from any external machinery, drives
the pinion 2; and change wheels for varying the motion may be applied in
the same way to this method as in Fig. 1.
Manner of performing the Operation of Tempering by this Variation in the
Machinery. From what has already been described will appear that the
strand-hook spindle, by means of the rack I and pinion o, may be drawn or
slided, either backward or forward, through its pinion 2, without interrupting
its rotatory motion, the pinion 2 always keeping in gear with the wheel K, by
which it is driven, and which latter may receive its motion from any external
machinery. Referring, therefore, to the former description, it will be evident,
without further explanation, how the strands are to be tempered by this
variation in the machinery.
Another Method of Tempering, combining two Principles.-From what
I have said, it will appear that there are two principles applicable to rope
grounds, by which the strands of cordage may be tempered or brought to an
equal tention: the one is that of causing any one or more of the strand-hook
spindles either to advance or recede, whereby an equal tention is effected
without one spindle making more revolutions than another; and the other is,
that of causing any one or more of the strand-hook spindles to be at rest
whilst the others are revolving, whereby an equal tention is effected by an
unequal number of revolutions. Of these two principles, from experience I prefer
the former (if only is to be adopted) as being, in general cases, more appropriate
and effectual. And I have already described two variations of machinery on
that principle only, by means of which the object may be accomplished with
more accuracy and convenience than by any other method hitherto practised.
But as the nature of the remedy to be applied should be made to depend on
the cause of the defect, and as cases do occur in practice (tho' not frequently)
wherein the application of the one principle, sometimes of the other, and some

page_text: times of both, would be the proper and effectual remedy, I have, therefore,
invented a method still more perfect, by which both of these principles are
combined, and any one or more of them may be practically applied in one set
of machinery, an object which has never hitherto been accomplished, and
which I shall now proceed to shew will be readily effected by merely applying
to either of the two varieties of machinery. I have already described the
additional apparatus which 1 shall specify as adapted for each, so that all kinds
of cordage strands may thereby be tempered, either entirely by the one prin-
ciple of causing any one or more of the strand-hook spindles either to advance
or recede, or entirely by the other, of causing any one or more of the strand-
book spindles to be at rest whilst the others are revolving, or partly by the
one and partly by the other, according as the original cause occasioning the
inequality of tention in the different strands may point out, the whole or any
part of the operations for the purpose going on either together or separately,
as may be found convenient, one without interruption to another.
EXPLANATION OF THE ADDITIONAL MACHINERY FOR TEMPERING BY COMBINING
THE TWO PRINCIPLES WITH REFERENCE TO THE DRAWINGS.
Fig. 5 is a Plan shewing the apparatus adapted for the first-described
machinery represented in Fig. 1. The difference between the machinery of Fig. 1
and that of Fig. 5 consists chiefly in the latter having its pinion 2 loose upon the
twisting spindle b, but confined between colars, which are fast
upon the spindle.
The reason of the pinion running upon a loose round is, that it may be either
put in or out of gear with the spindle, as occasion requires, by means of the
catch box t and lever u. The catch box has a slot fitting a feather on the
spindle, in order that it may revolve with it as well as slide in or out of gear
when moved by the lever. The ratchet wheels v and ware fast upon the
spindle, one having teeth cut the reverse of the other, that either of the two
palls x and y may, when required, prevent the strands from untwisting when
the spindle may be thrown out of gear with the pinion, as the spindle other-
wise would then be at liberty to be acted upon by the force of twist already
in the strand, the pall y being flat towards the point for holding against
the ratchet wheel w for a right-hand twist, and the pall a being hooked
towards its point for holding the wheel for a left-hand twist. So far
this apparatus would serve the purpose either of keeping in gear or stopping
the rotary motion of the spindle, provided it were not also required to
perform the sliding movement. In order, therefore, to complete the appa-
ratus for both these purposes, the arm (being fastened to the claw or head
piece so as to form one piece with the long screw G, H) stretches alongside,.

page_text: parallel with the spindle, as far as that its other end may be nearly opposite to
the pinion, and is there furnished with two ears, having each an eye or
ring 7 and 7 fitting easy upon the round rod 8, which rod is fixed parallel
with the spindle between the cross framing B and C. The step 9 on the cross
framing B serves as a guide for the arm . It will be necessary that the
distance between B and C be as much longer than the distance in Fig. 1 as
the length taken up or occupied by the catch box and ratchet wheels. The
spindle also will require this much additional length. The arm during the
sliding movement has to conduct with it along the rod 8 the lever u and the
two ratchet palls x and y, the rod serving them also as a guide during the
sliding movement, and at all times as an axle. Tho' the pinion 2 is always in
gear with and carried round by the cylinder (F, Fig. 1), yet the spindle only
goes round when put in gear with the catch box by the lever, therefore the
rotatory motion of the spindle may at any time, and for any space of time, be
stopt for the purpose of causing the twist of its strand to cease, whilst at the
same time the other strands are twisting up. Tho' I only speak of one spindle,
it will be plain that all or any of them may (from being furnished with the
apparatus now described) be made either to give twist or to cease from giving
twist as often as required, whilst any one or more of the spindles either may
or may not, as required, be performing the sliding movement.
in
Fig. 6 is a side view, shewing the method adapted for the second-described
machinery, as represented in Fig. 4, the apparatus in this case applying to
the narrow wheel, and that in the former case of Fig. 5 applying to the wide
wheel or cylinder F. The difference between the one and the other is this:
that the spindle and pinion in Fig. 5 slide together as in Fig. 1, whereas in
the Figure now to be described the spindle slides through the pinion, as in
Fig. 4. The spindle 6 in this Figure is similar to that in Fig. 4, having a slot
to receive a feather, which is fixed in the catch box t. The pinion 2 (always
gear with the wheel K) is fastened on the bush 11 running loose upon the
spindle b. This bush, being furnished with the collar 12, serves, by means of
its revolving in the cavity 13, adjoining the step i, to keep the pinion in its
proper place with respect to the wheel K during the spindle's sliding movement.
i and k are two steps answering the same purpose as those of the same
characters of reference in Fig. 4. v and w are two ratchet wheels fast to each
other, but not fast on the spindle, having a feather fitting the slot of the
spindle, in order that they may hold it fast when occasion requires, and that it
may pass and repass through them during the sliding movement. Those
ratchet wheels are furnished with their two palls x and y, altogether answering
the same purpose as those described in the former Fig. 5. The catch box t,

page_text: having also a feather fitting the slot, is furnished with a lever, not shown in
the Figure, answering the sauce purpose as the one marked u in Fig. 5; but,
to suit the present case it works on a stationary pivot fixed to the framing of
the machine. The two ratchet palls also work on pins fixed to the framing,
and their wheels and w, being furnished with the rim or fencing 14, are
kept always opposite to the palls by means of a bracket (fixed to the framing,
but not seen in the Figure) hollowed out to receive the rim. It will be
evident, from what has been here described of this Figure, that the operation
of striking in and out of gear the rotary motion of the spindle is performed
exactly in the same manner, and also answers the same purpose, as that
described in Fig. 5, and that the sliding movement of the spindle in both cases
is performed in the same manner, and answers the same purpose, as described
under Figs. 1 and 4, either one or other of the methods under Figs. 5 and 6
combining the two principles of tempering strands in the manner previously
pointed out.
OBSERVATIONS RESPECTING THE TEMPERING OPERATION.
Though I have shewn, in the first-described machinery, that the sliding
movement of the strand hooks may be effected by means of a male and female
screw, and in the second-described machinery, by that of a rack and pinion, yet.
it will be readily seen that either means may with equal propriety be applied
to either machinery, and a competent mechanic, froin what has been described,
will easily perceive that any other power, such as that lever, weight, or rope and
pulley, or one or more of them combined, may be applied for the same purpose,
tho I give the first preference to the screw, and the next to the rack.
In my descriptions and Drawings the different variations of machinery for
the tempering are represented as placed in fixed framing, and as constituting
part of the machinery necessary for the foreboard of a ropery; but it must be
understood that I claim the application of the same or similar machinery to the
motions of any strand-sledge or other locomotive or travelling machine in a
ropery, tho' I conceive the foreboard the most appropriate and convenient
situation for such machinery. I may also observe that altho' I have repre-
sented machinery having four strand-hook spindles, suitable for a four-strand
rope, yet the number of these spindles need not be limited.
REGULATING THE BACKWARD AND FORWARD MOTIONS OF ALL LOCOMOTIVE
MACHINES USED IN A ROPE-WALK.
The next part of my Invention I shall describe is a new method, more
accurate than any hitherto practised, of regulating both the backward an

page_text: forward travelling movements of any sledge or other locomotive machine used,
or that may be used, in a rope-walk. The backward movement of the
stranding sledge, or the retrograde movement of that machine towards the
bottom of the rope-walk, by which strands are drawn out, in rope-walks where
the improved or patent principle of rope making is adopted, have hitherto
been effected by means of a rope applied in different ways for the purpose.
In some cases the rope is made to haul the sledge backwards by fastening
one end of it to the sledge and the other round a capstan or barrel at
the bottom of the rope-walk; and in other cases the rope is stretched
tight along, and made fast at each end of the rope-walk, and two or more
doubles or bights of it passing round and grasping the same number of
grooved binding sheeves in the sledge, which revolve by connection with
the rotative motion of the strand hooks from which the other motions
are derived, the sledge thus works itself backwards along the rope. The
great object aimed at in regulating this backward motion is to cause it
always to preserve a certain speed in a given ratio with that of the rotative
motion, in order that the strands may always receive the degree and uniform
distribution of twist intended. But in whatever way a rope has hitherto been
applied for that purpose, the object has never been effectually attained, nor
the operation conveniently performed, because from the elasticity and specific
gravity of the rope itself, extended along the whole length of the rope-walk, it
has been found impossible to keep it accurately stretched equally tight from
one end to the other, so that when the sledge is in motion, particularly when
first struck into gear, it pulls up the slack of the rope from the bottom of the
rope-walk, and its retrograde motion is thus retarded in proportion as the rope
may stretch, slip, or give way. The retrograde motion, therefore, loses its
relative speed commensurate with that of the rotative motion of the strand
hooks, which have, in the meantime, without interruption, continued to put
twist into the strands, and instances are not unfrequent (1 speak from expe-
rience) where they have been twisted to such a degree as nearly to break them
asunder before the rope could be tightened sufficiently to cause the sledge to
move on at its proper speed; and, on the whole, it is obvious that by the
present method of drawing out the strands they can neither receive their
proportionate twist nor distribution of it. The labour required in applying
the rope is, besides, extremely inconvenient and troublesome, because it
requires to be first fixed to the sledge or round its binding sheeves at the
top of the rope-walk, then tightened, and afterwards disengaged at the
bottom on every single occasion of drawing out a strand or set of strands.
And the plan altogether is expensive, because the constant tear and wear

page_text: is; considerable, and requires the rope to be frequently renewed. An iron
chain may, indeed, be applied for the purpose, and though not requiring to be
so frequently renewed, it its equally objectionable with the rope in most other
respects, and on some accounts more so. The forward movement of the
[stranding, topping, and dragging sledges is that slow progressive movement
towards the top of the rope-walk necessarily required by the shortening
or shrinking up of the strands in twisting, while forming on the common
principle, and of the strands and cordage, either common or patent, whilst
hardening and topping. It will readily be seen that this movement should
also be unifornily regular in a given proportion to the twisting motion, and
that the travelling distance should be neither more or less than the length the
strand or rope ought to shrink up. According to the usual method a number of
press barrels or weights are placed on the stranding or topping sledge, or on a
dragging sledge attached to their tail end, to serve as a resistance against the
pull of the strand or rope. But as the quantity of weight to be applied is to
be varied and proportioned to the size of the strand or rope, and degree of
twist required, which in no case can be done with accuracy, and as the fric-
tion of the drag on the ground is greater in some parts than on others
(according as its surface may happen to be soft or hard, or in any other
respect unequal), the operation depending on criterions so uncertain is attended
with a great degree of irregularity, both with regard to the sledge sliding
faster or slower at one time than another during the movement, and also with
regard to the whole length to which it may eventually be dragged, thereby
occasioning a proportionate irregularity both in the distribution and total
quantity of twist or lays in the strands or rope corresponding with their length.
The object therefore of my Invention, with regard to the backward movement,
is, to cause the sledge or any other locomotive or travelling machine, used, or
that may be used, in a rope-walk, to travel and recede down the walk at one
uniform speed, such as shall be predetermined as proportionate with the
rotatory speed of the twisting hooks of the machine, so as to cause the twist to
be uniformly regular throughout each operation. And the object of my
Invention, with regard to the forward movement, is, to cause the sledge or other
moveable machine to which any kind of strand or rope may be attached, for
the purpose of being formed, hardened, or laid, to travel slowly and advance
up the walk during the operation at one uniform predetermined motion, and
precisely the length or distance assigned to it equal to that which the
strands or rope ought to shrink up in the operation.
Having stated the objects of this part of my Invention, I now proceed to
shew the nature and fundamental principle of it, and the means for accu-

page_text: The motion of this wheel
rately and conveniently attaining all the objects in view, both regard to
the backward and forward movement, consist in a rack or rack-way of
cast iron or other suitable material laid down and fixed upon and along
the rope-walk from one end of it to the other, parallel with a railway,
upon which the standing sledge or any other sledge or locomotive machine
is to travel. The teeth of the rack-way are of the same pitch as the
teeth of a wheel whose axle is in the machine.
(working in the rack-way either way about, as required) being given and
governed by the other motions in the machine, which also turn the twisting
hooks, the travelling speed of the machine, whether working backward or
forward, becomes at all times uniform, and in a given certain ratio with the
speed of its twisting motion, for the whole machinery being composed of
gear and toothed work, no part of it is liable to slip or yield. The required
speeds both of travelling and twisting motions are adjustable by change wheels
to suit each other in that machine, as well in other machine or machines that
may be employed in one and the same operation. The whole machinery may
be driven by an endless rope receiving its motion from external machinery at
the top of the rope walk, or by any other means in use for driving locomotive
machinery. For I need scarcely observe that it is not necessary for the
purpose of producing accurate work that the motion which governs all the
others should be uniform, because whether the original motion be quicker or
slower at one time than another during the operation, the motions dependant
on it will still keep their proportionate speed. The only difference will be in
the time in which the work may be finished.
I have mentioned the particular cases in which this part of my Invention is
more essentially useful, but I claim the application of the rack in the manner
described as an Invention subservient to every purpose in any stage or process
in rope making, for which regularity of travelling motion to any machine
either backward or forward in a rope-walk or elsewhere may be required.
EXPLANATION OF THE DRAWINGS RELATIVE TO THE BACKWARD AND
FORWARD MOTIONS.
In that part of the Drawing, intitled "Backward and Forward Move-
ment," Fig. 1 represents tho side view of a travelling sledge, or locomotive
machine, of the description and for the purposes referred to, moving on the
railway M, M. A, B, is a side view of the railway, laid down and fixed on
the wood sleeper N, N, or other suitable material, supposed as extending
from the top to the bottom of the rope ground. This machine is represented
as driven by the endless rope O. 13 and 14 are two guide pullies to conduct

page_text: the rope in going on and coming off the large sheeve or grooved wheel P
round which that rope (driven by external machinery and running from top to
bottom of the rope ground) passes, by which the first movement in the sledge
is given. This sheeve, giving motion to the spindle or shaft Q, and coupled
with the shaft R, turns the pinion 1, which drives the pinion 2, upon whose
shaft S is the small bevil wheel 3, driving the large bevil wheel 4, upon whose
shaft again is the spur wheel 5, driving the other wheel o, which last wheel
works in the rack-way. This wheel is not fast upon its shaft, being capable
of sliding thereon for the purpose of being put in and out of gear with the
rack by means of the lever T. The machine travels on the railway on four truck
wheels; the two shewn in this Fig. are marked 7. The pinions 1 and 2 are
changeable, to suit the different travelling speeds required. So far as has been
now described refers only to the backward movement of the machine, which
movement it must be understood is in the direction along the rack-way, as from
A towards B. The contrary or forward movement is of course in the direction
from B to A, and is effected by giving a reverse turn to the wheel 6 which
works in the rack-way. The necessary machine for this purpose is the small
pinion 8 on the shaft Q, driving the wheel 9 on the shaft U, which last shaft,
and the one coupled with it W, lie parallel with and extend to the end of the
shaft R, in order that the pinion 10 fixed on the end of W may, when required,
work in the pinion 2. The shaft S then becomes common to both the pinions"
1 and 10, and may as required be driven by either the one or the other, the
pinion 1 being for the backward movement, and the pinion 10 for the forward
movement, one of them, therefore, must be out of gear whilst the other is in. The
Figure shews the pinion 10 as out of gear; but supposing it to be in gear
with 2, and the pinion one, out of gear with it, the effect is that a contrary
motion is given to the wheel 6, which works in the rack-way, by means of the
intervening wheels 3, 4, and 5, before described. The twisting motions of
this machine are produced by the shaft Q being continued to the front of the
machine, where the wheel 11 on the end of the shaft drives the counter wheel 12
(both of these changeable), from whence the required degree of speed is given
to the twisting hooks. And, from what has been before described, it will be
seen that the backward and forward motions of the machine are produced by
means of the wheel 6 working in the rack-way either way about, as required.
As, therefore, my predetermined quantity of twist may be given by means of the
change wheels 11 and 12, whilst at the same time the machine may be made to
travel at any given predetermined speed, either backward or forward, by means
of the change wheels 1, 2, and 10, and as the twisting as well as the travelling

page_text: motions are driven by one and the same impulse, originating in the machine
at the grooved wheel P, they must always preserve a relative speed to each
other in such proportion as may be assigned to them. A forked lever clasping
on the catch box 15, serves either to put it or out of gear all the motions of the
machine, excepting that of the grooved wheel P.
Fig. 2 is a view of the back end of the same machine, shewing as much
of the machinery as is necessary for understanding it. The same characters
of reference used in Fig. 1 denote the same parts in this.
Fig. 3 is a plan of part of the rack-way. A is the rack, and N, N, is the
wood sleeper upon which it is fastened. The forward motion of the sledge is
a remarkably slow movement; the speed of the wheel 6 therefore requires to
be considerably reduced. The wheels shewn in the Figures will not reduce
the motion sufficiently slow to suit every possible occasion, but enough is
shewn to enable a machine readily to produce any degree of motion that may
bo required. And I think it necessary to observe, that I do not give the
machine itself as an invention or as a pattern. but merely to shew the mode
of connecting the twisting and travelling motions and of communicating the
travelling motions to the wheel 6.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.
All or any part of the machinery I have described may be driven by the
power of steam, water, wind, or animals: In the course of describing the
different machines and their component parts, adapted for the various purposes
of my Invention, I have seldom taken notice either of their dimensions or of
the materials of which they may be made, because no fixed rules can be
given, but any competent mechanic, from what I have shewn, will be enabled
to apply such sizes and use such materials as may be suited or proportioned
to the nature and design of such machine, and to the power which is to
drive it, particularly when I add that all the Figures in the annexed
Drawings are made out on a scale of three quarters of an inch to a foot,
and that the dimensions there given are such as may with effect be applied in
practice, tho' of course it must be understood that I do not confine myself to
these or any other particular dimensions, neither do I exclusively recom-
mend any.
Before I conclude, however, I think it proper to observe that, from actual
experience in most cases, and convincing experiments in others, of the
efficacy of the machinery adopted for the different purposes of my Invention,
I have it in my power to say that no part of my improvements are visionary,

page_text: have ascribed to them.
In witness whereof, I, the said George Duncan, have herounto set my
hand and seal, the Seventh day of July, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and thirteen.
Inrolled the Twelfth day of June, in the year of our Lord One thousand
cight hundred and thirteen.