IMPROVEMENTS IN PREPARING AND MANUFACTURING CAOUTCHOUC, APPLICABLE TO VARIOUS USEFUL PURPOSES
Year: 1836

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, CHRISTOPHER
NICKELS, of Guildford Street, Lambeth, in the County of Surrey, Manufac-
turer of Caoutchouc, send greeting.
WHEREAS His present most Excellent Majesty King William the Fourth,
by His Letters Patent under the Great Seal of Great Britain, bearing
date at Westminster, the Twenty-fourth day of October, in the seventh
year of His reign, did, for Himself, His heirs and successors, give and grant
unto me, the said Christopher Nickels, His especial license, full power, sole
privilege and authority, that I, the said Christopher Nickels, my exors,
adñors, and assigns, or such others as I, the said Christopher Nickels, my
exors, admors, and assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others,
from time to time and at all times during the term of years therein
expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within
England, Wales, and the Town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, the Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN PREPARING AND MANUFACTURING CAOUTCHOUC, APPLICABLE TO
VARIOUS USEFUL PURPOSES," partly of my own Invention, and partly communi-
cated to me by a Foreigner residing abroad; in which said Letters Patent
is contained a proviso that I, the said Christopher Nickels, shall cause a
particular description of the nature of the Invention, and in what manner
the same is to be performed, to be inrolled in His said Majesty's High
Court of Chancery within six calendar months next and immediately after
the date of the said in part recited Letters Patent, as in and by the same,
reference being thereunto had, will more fully and at large appear.

page_text: NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, 1, the said
Christopher Nickels, do hereby declare the nature of the Invention, and the
manner in which the same is to be performed, are fully described and
ascertained in and by the following statement thereof, reference being had to
the Drawings hereunto annexed, and to the figures and letters marked thereon
(that is to say):
The Invention relates,-
First, to making caoutchouc thread from caoutchouc ground and pressed.
Secondly, to improvements in machinery, whereby I am enabled to cut
tapes or sheets of caoutchouc into a number of threads at one time, whether
such tapes or sheets be obtained from ground caoutchouc, or from bottle or
other caoutchouc.
Thirdly, the Invention relates to the cutting of thread from the external
edges of a series of discs of caoutchouc, each of them being of the intended
thickness of the thread.
Fourthly, the Invention relates to spirally twisting caoutchouc threads with
threads of cotton, silk, and other fibrous materials, in such manner as to give
a protection or guard to the caoutchouc thread in the process of weaving.
Fifthly, the Invention relates to a mode of making fabrics water and air
proof by the aid of caoutchouc, without the necessity of first bringing such
substance into a state of liquid solution.
Sixthly, the Invention relates to a mode of weaving ornamental elastic webs
or fabrics.
Seventhly, in the application of caoutchouc to book-binding, for combining
the leaves thereof, in place of sewing, and also of covering the backs and covers
thereof, as hereafter described.
According to the ordinary practice of manufacturing caoutchouc into thread,
that description of caoutchouc is employed which comes over to this country
in the form of bottles; and in order to cut and form the same into thread
for weaving purposes, for making elastic fabrics therefrom, the workman takes
a bottle of caoutchouc, and cuts off the two ends, then draws the bottle on to
a roller of wood, and the cylinder of caoutchouc is cut from end to end in a
spiral direction, producing a narrow thin tape or sheet of caoutchouc, which
is cut into threads by a succession of longitudinal cuts, by means of a circular
revolving cutter or knife; these threads are then what is called "spun" that
is, they are considerably drawn out, and wound on to a reel, where they
remain for some length of time, and become set, and have little, if any,
elasticity. And there has been thread produced from that description of
caoutchouc which comes to this country in the form of blocks, for which

page_text: purpose it is necessary to obtain the best qualities of block caoutchouc, such
as are of close texture, and having but few or no pores or cells, both which
descriptions (the bottle and the best block caoutchouc) are of the most
expensive kind, and in cutting the same into thread there is considerable
waste, which has heretofore been only useful for the purposes of being
dissolved by coal oil or other suitable solvents, as is well known and under-
stood. Now, by the first part of the Invention, such cuttings (produced in
the former modes of making thread from the better classes of caoutchouc,
which have heretofore been those used for making thread), or any cuttings or
small pieces of caoutchouc, may be so treated and manufactured as to become
suitable for making thread. Such is the case with the cuttings of caoutchouc
which are at present considered inferior in consequence of their porous condition
or want of equality or closeness.
In order to give the best information in my power for effecting this part of
the Invention, I will proceed to describe so much of the Drawings hereunto
annexed, as relate to this part of the improvements, and the manner of pre-
paring the caoutchouc thereby, in order to its being made into thread..
Figure 1 is a side elevation of what I call the mill. Fig. 2 is a plan
thereof, with the upper parts removed, to shew the internal arrangement.
Figure 3 is an end view thereof. In each of these Figures. the same letters
are used to denote similar parts, a, a, being the framing, b a portion of a
cylinder, bolted or securely affixed to the framing a, the upper part c being the
remainder of the cylinder, which moves on a hinge at d, and having a pro-
jecting flange is fixed on to the lower portion of the cylinder 6 by staples and
wedges, as is shewn in the Drawing. The front portion of the upper part
of the cylinder c is made partly open by a number of slits formed therein,
by which the interior can be seen, and the state of the caoutchouc be examined
as it is ground. e is a roller, with projecting surfaces or strong spikes cast or
formed thereon. f, f, are the axes of the roller e, which turn in suitable
bearings, as is shewn, and the same is put into slow motion by a strap or by
suitable millwork. Into this mill is put the cuttings of caoutchouc to be
ground till the substance thereof becomes equally and uniformily mixed, which
I have found to take about two hours, the quantity of caoutchouc put into
the mill. at one time being about one third of its capacity. The caoutchouc
(whether blocks or cuttings or otherwise) is prepared by cutting the same
into small portions, usually about one to three inches long, and a quarter to
half an inch square. These cuttings are well washed in hot water, to remove
any, dirt or impurities; and the cuttings are then kept warm (about two
hundred degrees of Fahrenheit) in. iron or other vessels, which are acted on

page_text: at the exterior by steam or other means, by which the cuttings of caoutchouc
are dried, they being continually shaken up; and they are also kept to a
suitable temperature for the next process, which consists of passing the same
through a pair of iron rollers, by which the cuttings are in some degree
blended and pressed together, and the cuttings are thus passed two or three
times through the pressing rollers, which are about one sixteenth of an inch
apart. The caoutchouc is then to be placed in the mill above described, and
ground till the mass becomes equal. And from the mill the ground caoutchouc
is next to be placed into a mould, and pressed intimately together, by which
it will be brought to a state of density and closeness resembling that of the
best qualities of bottle caoutchouc. I prefer that the moulds into which such
ground caoutchouc is to be pressed should be of cylindrical form, as it will
facilitate the after process of cutting the same into sheets, and thence into
thread.
Figure 4 is an elevation of part of an hydraulic press, g, g, being a plate
of cast iron affixed to the upper part of the piston or plunger h of the press,
as is shewn. is a strong mould or cylinder into which the ground caout-
chouc is placed to be pressed. j is a piston or plunger accurately fitting the
inner surface of the mould i. This piston or plunger is securely affixed to the
cross head of the press, as is shewn in the Drawing. When the charge of ground
caoutchouc is put into the mould, the pump of the hydraulic press is worked,
which raises the mould i to the piston or plunger j, and hence the caoutchouc
is pressed intimately together, and is obtained to a degree of closeness of bottle
caoutchouc. I use a press equal to seventy tons, and such pressure is not
brought on all at once, but the press is left for two or three minutes between
cach pressing. And when the pressing is complete the caoutchouc is suffered
to remain in the mould till cold, and still under pressure, when it is to be
removed from the mould by forcing out. And in order to facilitate that
operation the mould i is rubbed over with soap water previous to putting a
charge of caoutchouc therein. The removal may be performed all at once
or gradually, by means of a screw (or otherwise), see Figure 5, where the
block of caoutchouc is being raised gradually by a screw, the object of which
is that thin layers of the proper thickness of the intended thread
be cut
off by a suitable knife, the object of which is that a number of such
circular discs of caoutchouc may at the same time be cut into thread, as
hereafter explained. The screw k, Figure 5, is caused to raise a proper
quantity, which may readily be ascertained by having a guage of the thickness
required; and when so much is forced beyond the end of the mould that
portion is cut off by the knife, there being a continuous small stream of water
may

page_text: supplied to the knife, otherwise the knife or cutting edge would heat and injure
the caoutchouc; or in place of baving a solid cylindrical block of caoutchouc
produced in the mould i, a hollow cylinder may be obtained by having a
suitable core placed on the inside thereof, and a hollow piston or plunger, as
is shewn at Figure 6. By this means a cylinder of caoutchouc may be
obtained, to be cut spirally into a tape, as heretofore practised in cutting bottle
caoutchouc for making thread, and is well understood.
Another mode of obtaining like cylinders of such ground caoutchouc is by
means of a pair of pressing rollers, having equal and smooth surfaces. The
ground caoutchouc directly from the mill is placed between the rollers, and
they by their revolution pass a continuous thin sheet through them, which is
to be tightly wound on to a wooden roller (suitable for it to be cut on), such
roller being as close as possible to the rollers, and winding on as fast as the
sheet comes from the rollers, whereby any degree of thickness of caoutchouc
may be obtained, and, as the same is warm, in being rolled on the surfaces, will
adhere to each other, and become of one close substance, and when cold be in
a condition to be cut as bottles of caoutchouc have been heretofore cut into.
tapes or narrow thin sheets for the purpose of making thread. Having pro-
duced the manufactured caoutchouc into tapes or thin sheets, they may be cut
into thread by any of the known means, though I prefer the modes hereafter.
described for that purpose. The thread thus obtained is to be drawn out and
spun in like manner to what has been heretofore practised in making thread
from other caoutchouc, but from the mode of manufacturing and preparing
the block above described great uniformity of strength will be obtained to
the thread manufactured therefrom; and thread so made, when woven into.
fabrics, are to be treated or operated on with heat, in like manner to thread of
caoutchouc heretofore employed, in order to obtain elasticity thereto. And I
would remark, that I do not confine myself exclusively to the using of the
mill above described, as other constructions may be used, provided the material
is well ground and intimately pressed or blended; nor do I confine myself
to any particular mode of finishing the process of pressing the ground material
into the required density and degree of closeness, nor the modes herein-after
described for cutting the same into thread, though I believe the arrangements.
of machinery and processes described to be the best for the purpose.
do not claim any mode of grinding caoutchouc, nor for pressing the same.
I will now proceed to describe the second part of the Invention, which
relates to the machinery employed, and the mode of cutting tapes or sheets.
of caoutchouc, whether manufactured according to the first improvement or
otherwise, into threads,
And I

page_text: Figure 7 represents a perspective view of a machine having a series of
circular knives / affixed on an axis m, there being eight knives; but there may
be more or less. They are fixed between circular plates, one of which is
capable of movement, and of being tightly affixed on the axis when the
knives are in their places, there being a washer or disc of metal between each
knife for regulating the distance apart according to the thickness of thread
required. The circular knives as used are three inches in diameter, and are
made to revolve with considerable velocity. n is another axis having a cylin-
drical block of wood (the wood should be hard, and I find wainscott oak the
best), against which the cutting edges of the knives come, and slightly cut
into this block of wood, which should be made of several parts or sectors, in
order that the grain may run from the centre outwards in all directions. The
axis n revolves but slowly in comparison with the cutters, as will be seen by
the dimensions of the driving pulleys to each, which is clearly shewn in
the Drawing, and will readily be understood. According as I work the
machine the axis m makes about fourteen hundred revolutions in a minute;
and the axis n makes twenty-four revolutions in a minute. But I do not
confine myself to the dimensions shewn and described, or the speeds of the
same, as others would answer, but I believe the above to be the best. o repre-
sents a tape or sheet of caoutchouc being cut; it is guided between the
pins p, and between the spring guide plates q, there being a constant stream
of water supplied to and amongst the knives by the pipe r; and s is a piece
of wood in cuts of which the knives work, and thus are cleaned, and any
portion of caoutchouc which might otherwise remain between the knives
are removed.
Having thus described so much of the second part of the Invention, I
would have it understood that I do not claim any part of the machine
separately, nor do I confine myself to the mode of driving and constructing
the parts.
Figure 8 represents another arrangement of apparatus for cutting a series
of threads at one time, and consists of a number of discs of equal thickness;
and of the thickness of the intended thread. They are affixed on two shafts or
axes, which are geared together by cogged wheels; and between each pair
of discs is placed a washer of the thickness of the intended thread. The upper
and lower dises are so affixed on their respective shafts that they act between
each other, and the sheet or tape of caoutchouc is conducted between the
two sets of cutting discs; and there is a similar means for cleaning any
pieces of caoutchouc from between the cutters, as is shewn and described
to the the previous machine; and there is to be a stream of water constantly

page_text: lowing on the cutting discs, in order to their being kept in good working
condition, and also in order to prevent the thread being injured by the cutting
surfaces becoming hot. I have not thought it necessary to show the framing
or bearings of the cutters in Figure 8, but they will readily be applied; and
the shafts or axes are shewn broken off, with a view to state that several sets.
of cutters may be applied on the same shafts.
I will now describe the third part of the Invention. Figure 12, a front
view; Figure 13 is a plan; Figure 14 is a transverse section of a machine
for cutting threads from a series of discs of caoutchouc of the thickness of the
intended thread, each disc having a hole in the centre. A number is placed on
a revolving axis,-and-slightly pressed to keep them together, and I prefer that
a sheet or disc of an inch or more thick should be placed at top and bottom,
which will give support to the thin discs, and whilst such thin discs are being
cut into thread the thicker discs will be cut into tapes, which can be subse-
quently divided into thread. In each of these Figures the same letters
indicate similar parts. a, a, are fast and loose pulleys or riggers. b, b, are
two drums over which is placed an endless band of steel with a knife edge c, c,
or the same may be notched every quarter of an inch, as by that means the
edge will carry more water, which will facilitate the cut. d, d, the support
for the bearing of the lower drum b, with a rising and falling screw, for the
purpose of tightening the endless band knife. e, e, the framework to support
the whole of the machinery. f., f, the framework to support two double
slides g, g. Each slide is attached or fastened together by the two crosses h,.
so that the top and bottom both move at the same time, thereby keeping the
hollow spindle and square key shaft i inside it at a right angle with the edge
of the endless knife. j is a bevelled toothed wheel which takes into teeth on
the face or flat side of a revolving nut k. This nut revolves on a worm cut on a
fixed shaft l, and its periphery is filled with cogs about six inches long, and
gears into a worm m, the rotation of which causes the nut k to revolve on the
fixed screw shaft 1; and for every revolution it causes the bevel wheel j, with
the hollow spindle and key shaft, to revolve according to the relative number of
teeth on the flat side of the revolving nut k. On the end of this nut at n
there is an axis revolving in a plummer block. Every revolution causes the
slide to move nearer to the edge of the endless knife c according to the
thickness to be cut for threads. When the worm m has worked upon the
nut until it has gone the length of the worm l, it will leave its gear, and
consequently stop that part of the process, when by turning the handle n of
the winch o, it will raise the plummer blocks p and the worm m above the
of the revolving unt, and allow it to be brought to its starting place, which is
gear

page_text: done by turning the handle at the end of the screw shaft, first moving the
click which holds the shaft fast while the worm turns the nut k. On the
horizontal shaft r there is a cut wheels gearing into a worm on the shaft t
which shaft receives motion by bevel wheels u from the driving shaft v. The
whole of the machine may be stopped by moving the driving band on to
the loose rigger, or either of the slides by turning the handles o. w, w, are
two water taps (the water being laid on from any convenient place), for the
purpose of supplying the edges of the knife with a constant supply of water,
which is very essential to keep the knife cool, and to make the knife run
smooth and easy. At the top and bottom of the framework there are to be fixed
four pieces of wood endways with a slot, the ends of which come on to the edge
of the knife as far as the band of brass or other suitable material fixed at the
back of the knife. This will keep the knife up to the flange on the two
drums 6 and the cutting part in a straight line. z is a water tank to catch
the water and the threads and tapes as they fall from the knife. It will be
evident that if the block of caoutchouc produces in the moulds first described
be only cut into thicknesses suitable for tapes or narrow sheets, they may be
divided into threads by the machines first above described for that purpose.
And I would remark that I do not confine myself to the use of an endless knife
for cutting a series of thin discs into thread, as above described, as other
arrangements may be used, such as a circular or other knife, the Invention
not relating to the particular instruments employed, but to the placing a
series of discs or sheets of caoutchonc, thereby forming a cylindrical block, and
cutting the same into thread, as above described.
The fourth part of the Invention consists in a mode of preparing thread
of caoutchouc more suitable for the process of weaving, where it is intended
to cover the elastic thread in such process. According to the most general
practice now pursued in weaving elastic fabrics by the aid of elastic strands
or threads, it is usual to cover the same by braiding or twisting fibrous
materials of cotton, silk, or other fibrous material, as is well understood,
thus producing a close covering which perfectly encloses the caoutchouc thread,
but in some cases it is desirable to work with thread neither braided nor
covered with twist, but the requisite covering thereto is produced in the
act of weaving; and although it is by no means a new Invention in
weaving elastic fabrics to employ thread of caoutchouc not covered, yet
from the nature of the material it is prejudicially acted on by passing
of the bare or not covered thread of caoutchouc through the eyes of the
harness and through the reed of the loom in beating up the weft in the
act of weaving, in consequence of the friction produced thereby, and hence

page_text: the use of such thread has not been generally introduced, and at the
same time the wholly covering of the thread by braiding or by twisting
or winding is not desirable in all classes of weaving, and is expensive.
Now the object of the fourth part of the Invention is the preparation of
the thread of caoutchouc by winding around the same a thin thread of
cotton, silk, or other fibrous material spirally in such manner that the
thread of silk or other material shall pass around the thread of caoutchouc
about every eighth of an inch, which may readily be performed by an
ordinary twisting machine with one bobbin, giving the caoutchouc thread
such a speed as that the bobbin will pass once round for about every
eighth of an inch. This, however, may be varied, though I believe the above
to be well arranged for the purpose, the object of which is, that the
cotton, silk, or other thread will, in the act of weaving the caoutchouc thread
into elastic fabrics, come in contact with the eyes of the heddles or harness
and with the reed in weaving, and prevent the prejudicial action by the
friction thereof acting on the caoutchouc; and the silk, cotton, or other thread so
spirally wound round the elastic strand or thread of caoutchouc may be said
to be a guard thread or protection thereto, and hence the elastic thread so
prepared will be suitable for receiving that class of elastic fabrics wherein
the elastic strands are desired to be covered in the act of weaving. The modes
of weaving such fabrics being well understood, and forming no part of the
Invention, it will not be necessary to enter into any description thereof in
this my Specification; and I would have it understood that I make no claim
to the closely covering of elastic threads produced from caoutchouc by braid-
ing or twisting.
I will now proceed to describe the fifth part of the Invention, which
relates to a mode of applying caoutchouc in making air and water proof
fabrics.
Figure 9 represents an end view of a machine constructed according to this
In these Figures
part of the Invention, and Figure 10 is a plan of the same.
the same letters indicate similar parts, A, A, being the framing of the
machine; B, B, are two cylinders, the axes of which turn in suitable bearings
which are capable of adjustment. These cylinders are to be hollow in order.
to be heated by steam or otherwise, as is well understood by engineers, in
order to the cylinders being kept to about two hundred degrees of Fahrenheit..
C, C, are toothed wheels affixed to the axes of the cylinders B, B, the toothed
wheels gearing into each other, and receiving motion by a drum and strap
affixed to either axes of the cylinders B. The fabrics which are to be made
waterproof are to be wound on to the rollers D, D, which have weighty

page_text: friction bands, as is shewn in the Drawing. E is a roller on to which the
waterproof fabric is to be wound as it is made by means of a weighted cord.
F, F, are two guages or angular plates by which the caoutchouc is prevented
spreading out too far. In order to apply the caoutchouc it is to be pre-
pared by grinding in like manner to that described for making thread. The
mass immediately it is taken from the mill is drawn out as nearly as possible
to the width of the fabric by the hands, and is put between the two rollers
and on to the two fabrics, which are first partly passed between the rollers,
motion being given to the cylinders B, B, in the direction of the arrows, the
fabrics with a thin layer of caoutchouc pressed between them will be carried
down, thus producing a waterproof fabric, the nature of which will depend on
the fabrics wound on the two rollers D, D, whether cotton, silk, linen, or
other material. I would here remark that similar air and water proof fabrics
have been before produced by the aid of dissolved caoutchoue, which being
spread means of brushes or other suitable means on two fabrics the same
have been pressed together by rollers or other suitable means.
And I am
aware that it has been proposed to grind caoutchouc into a similar pulp or
mass, as above described, but by a different description of machine. Such
ground caoutchouc is then to be pressed between two rollers or cylinders in
order to produce a thin sheet, which being met by two fabrics and passed
between other rollers, the fabrics are proposed to be stuck together and thus
form a waterproof fabric. And I would further remark, that I have found
by mixing ten pounds of wheaten or other flour to twenty pounds of
caoutchouc, and grinding them together in the mill, as above described, that
a very cheap material for making waterproof cement or coating for fabrics
may be obtained, and such is the case with using plaster of Paris and other
matters or powders in dry state, and I have found that by grinding in about
one twentieth by weight of bees wax the caoutchouc does not require so
much power. If it is desired to have the waterproofing or cementing material
of caoutchouc applied to one fabric only, one will be applied on one roller D.
The machine in other respects will be worked as above described.
I will now proceed to describe the sixth part of the Invention, which
relates to a mode of weaving elastic fabrics wherein strands or warp of
covered caoutchouc are employed with ornamental patterns. In the manu-
facture of elastic fabrics with braided or covered threads of caoutchouc, the
same has been for the most part performed by the simple arrangement of plain
weaving, wherein the weft thread has alternately passed under and over each
succeeding warp thread, as shewn at Figure 11. Now the object of the sixth
Part of the Invention is so to weave ornamental patterns of elastic web or

page_text: abric with caoutchouc thread (braided or closely covered by twisting, as is
vell understood), that ornamental patterns may be produced by varied numbers
f warp thread flushed across on the surface, by which means I am enabled
o obtain ornamental patterns in the weaving of elastic webs or fabrics of
The
great diversity of design, and depending on the taste of the weaver.
workman in preparing this loom will readily make such arrangement for the
particular pattern desired; by observing that the warp is to consist wholly of
covered elastic strands, or partly of covered elastic strands of caoutchouc
thread, and partly of cotton, silk, or other non-elastic strands; and having deter-
mined on the pattern to be produced, he will so harness the loom as to raise
and lower the determined number of threads of the warp, as when the weft
thread is thrown through by the shuttle, and successively shut in, the pattern
will be produced on the surface by the varying numbers of warp threads
across which the weft thread is flashed at the successive crossings of the shuttle,
and is well understood.
Fig: 12 shews an arrangement of warp and weft for producing a sort
of diamond pattern, which will serve as a key to the weaver for other patterns.
I would remark that I lay no claim to the modes of weaving ornamental
fabrics by such throwing on to the sarface of varying numbers of warp threads
and weft, when uncombined with the employment of elastic or caoutchouc
thread, nor do I claim the mixing of elastic and non-elastic warp threads.
I will now proceed to describe the seventh part of the Invention, which
consists of the application of caoutchouc to the binding of books, in placo
of sewing the leaves, as has heretofore been practised, and also to the
covers and backs of books. In order to perform this part of the Inven-
tion, the sheets of which the books are to be made. are to be folded,
as heretofore, as if they were to be sewed. The number of sheets being
folded which are to compose the volume or book, they are to be put
together side by side, and placed in a press, such as are employed by book-
binders, and well pressed. The back, or that portion of the leaves of the book
which has heretofore been sewed, is to be cut or ploughed off, so that the
leaves are all separated, and each leaf if the pressure were removed would
be separate from its neighbour. I then, by the aid of a brush or the fingers,'
or otherwise, apply a coating of dissolved caoutchouc, which is a thick fluid
well known, and may readily be purchased, as india rubber or caoutchouc
solution, and permit the same to stand for a few minutes, and then apply
another coating of the same material. Two or three coatings of this material
well rubbed into the back of the books well, when dried, be found sufficient to
cause the various leaves to be joined to each other; and at the back of the

page_text: whole I apply either a thin sheet of caoutchouc, or a woven fabric, or a piece
of leather, with a coating of caoutchouc, which, adhering to the caoutchouc
cement, will produce a back to the book which will be found highly useful, the
solvent of the caoutchouc in the solution evaporating leaves the caoutchouc
as an elastic hinge or back to each leaf, and combines the one to the other,
and to the further elastic back when sheet caoutchouc is employed, or to the
woven fabric or leather or other suitable material; and the binding, so far as
the covers, is then to be completed in a like manner to what has heretoforo
been pursued when the leaves have been combined by sewing, or in place
thereof a covering of sheet caoutchouc is to be applied to the covers and backs
of books, in place of leather, cloth, or ornamental paper, heretofore employed.
I pass ground caoutchouc between two rollers, such as described for making
waterproof fabrics, by which I obtain a thin sheet of caoutchouc; over this
surface I rub the white of eggs, to act as a coating, which, when dry, prevents
the surfaces of caoutchouc being injuriously acted on by the ordinary heat to
which books are subjected, and such sheets are then to be applied in like
manner to that pursued by bookbinders when using leather or other usual
materials, using the solution of caoutchouc for sticking the same to the covers
or backs. And such covers of caoutchouc may be ornamented by pressure
and heat by the tools usually employed by bookbinders. And in some cases I
apply the caoutchouc to one side of paper or woven fabric, when the ordinary
paste may be employed. And I would remark that such caoutchouc may, in
the process of grinding, have coloring matters applied, which is preferable to be
performed by the colors being in the state of a dry impalpable powder and a
portion of flour or other material, as described with respect to the waterproof
fabrics, in order to prevent the sticky property of caoutchouc when subject to
heat; and in some cases it will be desirable to have the rollers so engraved as
to imitate various patterns, such as Russia and other leather, or other designs,
as heretofore practised when pressing cotton and other fabrics for bookbinding
purposes, by which means the sheets of caoutchouc will be impressed with
such designs and of the desired color.
Having thus described the Invention, so far as relates to bookbinding, I
would remark that variations may be inade; but what I claim as the first
part of the Invention is, the making of caoutchouc thread from caoutchouc
ground and pressed as above stated and described.
Secondly, I claim the combining a series of circular knives on an axis with
a suitable roller on which they may act, and whereby the knives may revolve
at a greater speed than the roller; but I do not claim the using of circular
knives for cutting caoutchouc, they separately having been before employed.

page_text: for that purpose; and I also claim the application of a series of discs, as
shown at Figure 8, for the purpose of dividing tapes or narrow sheets of caout-
chouc into thread, as above described.
Thirdly, I claim the cutting of thread from a series of circular discs of
caoutchouc kept together in the form of a cylindrical block, each circular disc
being of the thickness of the intended thread, as above described; but I do
not claim the cutting from the external surface of a cylindrical block of caout-
chouc when not in the act of making thread, that having been practised
before by similar machinery, neither do I confine myself to the particular
machinery here described for that purpose.
Fourthly, I claim the preparing thread of caoutchouc for weaving purposes
by twisting thread of cotton, silk, or other suitable fibre spirally around the
same, in such manner that the wound thread may act as a guard or protection
against the friction in the act of weaving which arises from beating up with
the reed, and moving through the eyes of the harness, which friction is found
to act prejudicially on the caoutchhouc, such guard thread not closely covering
the elastic threads, but only passing around the same at intervals, to act as a
guard, as above described.
Fifthly, I claim the mode herein-before described of making waterproof
fabrics by the aid of caoutchouc, whether pure or compounded with other
matters, the essential properties of which is, that the caoutchouc is applied by
the pressure of a pair of rollers directly to the fabrics, without being brought
to a state of liquid solution, and without being previously prepared by rolling
into sheets before it is brought in contact with the fabrics to be made water
or air proof, as above described.
Sixthly, I claim the weaving of such patterns in elastic webs or fabrics as
require three or more of the warp threads at some parts to be flushed or
covered over at any time by the crossing of the weft thread.
.
Seventhly, I claim the application of dissolved caoutchouc as a cement for
binding the leaves of books, and also the application of caoutchouc, whether
pure or compounded, to the covers of books, as above described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Christopher Nickels, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Twenty-fourth day of April, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and thirty-seven.
CHRISTOPHER (L.s.) NICKELS.

page_text: AND BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the Twenty-fourth day of April,
in the year of our Lord 1837, the aforesaid Christopher Nickels came before
our said Lord the King in His Chancery, and acknowledged the Specification
aforesaid, and all and every thing therein contained and specified, in form above
written. And also the Specification was stamped according to the tenor of
the Statute made for that purpose..
Inrolled the Twenty-fourth day of April, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and thirty-seven.

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, CHRISTOPHER
NICKELS, of Guildford Street, Lambeth, in the County of Surrey, Manufacturer
of Caoutchouc, send greeting.
WHEREAS His late Majesty King William the Fourth, by Letters Patent
under the Great Seal of Great Britain, bearing date at Westminster, the
Twenty-fourth day of October, in the seventh year of His reign, after reciting
that I had, by Petition, humbly represented to His said late Majesty that I
had (partly by a communication from a Foreigner residing abroad, and partly
by my own Invention) in my possession an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
PREPARING AND MANUFACTURING CAOUTCHOUC, APPLICABLE TO VARIOUS USEFUL
PURPOSES," granted to me, my exors, admors, and assigns, the sole use and
exercise of my said Invention within that part of the United Kingdom called
England, His said late Majesty's Dominion of Wales, and the Town of
Berwick-upon-Tweed: And whereas I did, in pursuance of a proviso contained
in the said Letters Patent, by an instrument in writing under my hand and
seal, cause to be enrolled in His said Majesty's High Court of Chancery
within six calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said
Letters Patent, a particular description of the nature of my said Invention,
and in what manner the same was to be performed: And whereas I, the said
Christopher Nickels, did, by the said instrument so enrolled as aforesaid,
declare that my said Invention related to seven objects as therein particularly
mentioned and described, and after having stated to what matters the first and
second parts related, I thereby declared that my said Invention also related,-
Thirdly, to the cutting of thread from the external edges of a series of dises
of caoutchouc, each of them being of the intended thickness to the thread.
Fourthly, the Invention related to spirally twisting caoutchouc threads with
threads of cotton, silk, and other fibrous materials, in such a manner as to give
a protection or guard to the caoutchouc thread in the process of weaving.
Fifthly, to a mode of making fabrics water and air proof by the aid of caout-
chouc, without the necessity of first bringing such substance into a state of
liquid solution.
Sixthly, to a mode of weaving ornamental elastic webs or fabrics. And,
Seventhly, in the application of caouchouc to bookbinding, for combining the
leaves thereof in place of sewing, and also of covering the backs and covers
thereof, as in the said instrument described.

page_text: And whereas I did, in and by the said instrument, particularly describe the
said 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th parts of my said Invention, and also what I
claimed in respect of the said 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th parts, and added certain
Drawings explanatory of the saine: And whereas it has been objected that I
have claimed more in the said instrument in writing or Specification than I was
empowered to claim under the title given to my Invention in the said Letters
Patent, and I am therefore advised to disclaim the parts of my Invention
herein-before set out:-
NOW KNOW YE, that I do hereby disclaim the said 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and
7th parts of my Invention, and all such parts of the said instrument in writing
or Specification, and all such parts of the Drawings thereon or annexed
thereto as are explanatory of the same or relate thereto. And I, the said
Christopher Nickels, do further declare and protest that the above Disclaimer
does in nowise extend or purpose to extend the exclusive right granted to me by
the said Letters Patent.
In witness whereof, I, the said Christopher Nickels, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Eighteenth day of June, Oue thousand eight hundred
and thirty-eight.
above-named Christopher Nickels,
in the presence of
CHAS STEVENS, J",
Clerk to Mr Turner,
To the Clerk of the Patents of England.
Of Clifford's Inn.
This is to certify, that Christopher Nickels, of Guilford Street, Lambeth, in
the County of Surrey, Manufacturer of Caoutchouc, bas applied to me for
leave to enter with you the above-written Disclaimer of part of the Title and
of the Specification of a certain Invention for which Letters Patent were duly
granted to him under the Great Seal, dated the Twenty-fourth day of October,
1836, and the Specification of which was enrolled on the 24th day of April,
1837, and on considering of the said application I directed him to advertize
his said Disclaimer in the London Gazette, and in the Times and Morning
Chronicle newspapers, and such advertisements have been duly made in the said
Times and Morning Chronicle on the 4th day of this instant month, and in the
said Gazette on the 8th day of this said month, and no objection having been
made to the said application, I have accordingly granted leave to the said

page_text: Christopher Nickels to file his said Disclaimers, pursuant to the Statute
passed in the sixth year of His late Majesty, entitled An Act to amend the
Law touching Letters Patent for Inventions.
AND BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the Eighteenth day of June, in the
year of our Lord 1838, the aforesaid Christopher Nickels came before our said
Lady the Queen in Her Chancery, and acknowledged the Disclaimer aforesaid,
and all and every thing therein contained and specified, in form above written..
And also the Disclaimer aforesaid was stamped according to the tenor of the
Statute made for that purpose.
Inrolled the Eighteenth day of June, in the year of our Lord One thou-

page_text: In the Matter of a Patent granted to Christopher Nickels, of
Guildford Street, Lambeth, in the County of Surrey, Manufacturer
of Caoutchouc, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN PREPARING
AND MANUFACTURING CAOUTCHOUC, APPLICABLE TO VARIOUS USEFUL PUR-
POSES," bearing date at Westminster, the Twenty-fourth day of
October, One thousand eight hundred and thirty-six, to which a
Specification was duly enrolled.
DISCLAIMER AND MEMORANDUM OF ALTERATION proposed to
be entered by the said Christopher Nickels, with the Clerk of the Patents
of England, pursuant to an Act passed in the fifth and sixth year of the
reign of His late Majesty King William the Fourth, entitled "An Act
to amend the Law touching Letters Patent for Inventions."
WHEREAS I, the said Christopher Nickels, did, on the Twenty-fourth day
of April, One thousand eight hundred and thirty-seven, enrol in His Majesty's
Court of Chancery a Specification of the said Invention: And whereas
also I, the said Christopher Nickels, did, on the Eighteenth day of June,
One thousand eight hundred and thirty-eight, cause to be enrolled in the
said Court of Chancery a Memorandum purporting to be a Memorandum
of Disclaimer of parts of the said Invention, but such Memorandum was
not first entered or filed with the Clerk of the Patents in England; and I,
the said Christopher Nickels, having lately discovered such omission, and
having been thereupon advised that the said Disclaimer is wholly inoperative,
do, for that reason, and also because the said Disclaimer is in other respects
insufficient, inaccurate, and defective, desire to make a more complete and
perfect Disclaimer in the words and manner following:-
Whereas I, the said Christopher Nickels, did describe the Invention as
consisting of seven parts, and since the enrolling of the Specification the
first part of my Invention has turned out to be so highly and extensively
valuable as to induce me to wish that the Patent should not be incumbered
with any other claims which might in any way injure or tend to injure the
validity of so much of the Invention as is claimed as the first part of the
Invention j and I have found that the second part of the Invention, so far as
cutting thread from india rubber in the state it comes to this country, had, to
a slight extent, been in public use before the date of my said Patent; for
which reason I do wish to disclaim, and I hereby disclaim, such part of the
Invention and the parts of the Specification which relate thereto. And with

page_text: respect to the third, fourth, and fifth parts of the Invention, although I
believe them to have been new, I have not found them of that extent of
practical value as to induce me to desire to retain them as part of the Patent;
for which reason I wish to disclaim, and I do hereby disclaim, such parts of
the Invention and all parts of the Specification relating thereto. And with
respect to the sixth and seventh parts of the said Invention, I have been
advised that in claiming them I have claimed more than I was empowered to
claim under the title given to my Invention in the said Letters Patent; for
which reasons I wish to disclaim, and do hereby disclaim, such parts of the
Invention and all parts of the Specification relating thereto. And in order
that the effect of this Disclaimer may be fully understood, I have hereunto
annexed a copy of my said Specification, with the parts disclaimed struck out
with red ink, and such copy of the Specification is to be taken as part of this
Disclaimer; and I have left the descriptive parts of the Specification which
relate to means of cutting india rubber into thread for the information of the
workman, and not that I retain any claim thereto.
And in order that the title of the Invention may be reduced in extent,
and be made only co-extensive with the Invention which will remain described
and claimed in the said Specification, I wish to alter, and I do hereby alter,
the said title by introducing the word "Thread" after the word "Caoutchouc,"
so that the title will read "Improvements in Preparing and Manufacturing
Caoutchouc Thread applicable to various useful Purposes."
In witness whereof, I, the said Christopher Nickels, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Thirtieth day of April, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and forty-six.
CHRISTOPHER NICKELS. (L.S.)
CHRISTOPHER NICKELS. (L.S.)
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, СHRIS-
TOPHER NICKELS, of Guildford Street, Lambeth, in the County of Surrey,
Manufacturer of Caoutchouc, send greeting.
WHEREAS Ilis present most Excellent Majesty King William the
Fourth, by His Letters Patent under the Great Seal of Great Britain, bearing
date at Westminster, the Twenty-fourth day of October, in the seventh year
of His reign, did, for Himself, His heirs and successors, give and grant unto
me, the said Christopher Nickels, His especial licence, full power, sole
privilege and authority, that' 1, the said Christopher Nickels, my exors,
aduiors, and assigns, or such others as I, the said Christopher Nickels, my
exors, adiñors, or assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others, from
time to time and at all times during the term of years therein expressed,
B 2

page_text: should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within England,
Wales, and the Town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, the Invention of IMPROVE-
MENTS IN PREPARING AND MANUFACTURING CAOUTCHOUC THREAD* APPLICABLE TO
VARIOUS USEFUL PURPOSES," partly of my own Invention and partly com-
municated to me by a Foreigner residing abroad; in which said Letters Patent
is contained a proviso that I, the said Christopher Nickels, shall cause a
particular description of the nature of the Invention, and in what manner
the same is to be performed, to be inrolled in His said Majesty's High Court
of Chancery within six calendar months next and immediately after the date
of the said in part recited Letters Patent, as in and by the same, reference
being thereunto had, will more fully and at large appear.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the said
Christopher Nickels, do hereby declare the nature of the Invention, and the
manner in which the same is to be performed, are fully described and ascer-
tained in and by the following statement thereof, reference being had to the
Drawings hereunto annexed, and to the figures and letters marked thereon,

page_text: country in the form of bottles. And in order to cut and form the same into
thread for weaving purposes for making elastic fabrics therefrom, the workman
takes a bottle of caoutchouc and cuts off the two ends, then draws the bottle
on to a roller of wood, and the cylinder of caoutchouc is cut from end to
end in a spiral direction, producing a narrow thin tape or sheet of caoutchouc,
which is cut into threads by a succession of longitudinal cuts, by means of a
circular revolving cutter or knife; these threads are then what is called
66 spun,"
," that is, they are considerably drawn out and wound on to a reel,
where they remain for some length of time and become set, and have little,
if any, elasticity. And there has been thread produced from that description
of caoutchouc which comes to this country in the form of blocks, for which
purpose it is necessary to obtain the best qualities of block caoutchouc, such
as are of close texture and having but few or no pores or cells, both which
descriptions (the bottle and the best block caoutchouc) are of the most
expensive kind. And in cutting the same into thread there is considerable
waste, which has heretofore been only useful for the purposes of being
dissolved by coal oil, or other suitable solvents, as is well known and under-
stood. Now, by the first part of the Invention, such cuttings (produced in the
former modes of making thread from the better classes of caoutchouc, which
have heretofore been those used for making thread), or any cuttings or small
pieces of caoutchouc may be so treated and manufactured as to become
suitable for making thread; such is the case with the cuttings of caoutchouc,
which are at present considered inferior, in consequence of their porous
condition, or want of equality or closeness.
In order to give the best information in my power for effecting this. part of
the Invention I will proceed to describe so much of the Drawings hereunto
annexed as relate to this part of the improvements, and the manner of preparing
the caoutchouc thereby, in order to its being made into thread.
Figure 1 is a side elevation of what I call the mill; Figure 2 is a plan
thereof, with the upper parts removed to shew the (internal arrangement;
Figure 3 is an end view thereof. In each of these Figures the same letters
are used to denote similar parts; a, a, being the framing; b, a portion of a
cylinder bolted or securely affixed to the framing a, the upper part c being
the remainder of the cylinder which moves on a hinge at d, and having ȧ
projecting flange is fixed on to the lower portion of the cylinder b, by staples
and wedges, as is shewn in the Drawing. The front portion of the upper
part of the cylinder c is made partly open by a number of .slits formed therein, bý
which the interior can be seen, and the state of the caoutchone be examined as
it is ground. e is a roller with projecting surfaces or strong spikes cast or formed

page_text: thereon. ff, are the axes of the, roller e, which turn in suitable bearings
as is shown, and the same is put into slow motion by a strap or by suitable
millwork. Into this mill is put the cuttings of caoutchouc to be ground
till the substance thereof becomes equally and uniformly mixed, which I have
found to take about two hours; the quantity of caoutchouc put into the mil
at one time being about one third of its capacity. The caoutchouc, whether
blocks or cuttings, or otherwise, is prepared by cutting the same into small
portions, usually about one to three inches long, and a quarter to half an inch
square. These cuttings are well washed in hot water to remove any dirt or
impurities, and the cuttings are then kept warm (about two hundred degrees
of Fahrenheit) in iron or other vessels, which are acted on at the exterior by
steam or other means, by which the cuttings of caoutchouc are dried, they
being continually shaken up; and they are also kept to a suitable temperature
for the next process, which consists of passing the same through a pair of
iron rollers, by which the cuttings are in some degree blended and pressed
together; and the cuttings are thus passed two or three times through the
pressing rollers, which are about one sixteenth of an inch apart. The
caoutchouc is then to be placed in the mill above described, and ground till
the mass becomes equal; and from the mill the ground caoutchouc is next to
be placed into a mould and pressed intimately together, by which it will be
brought to a state of density and closeness resembling that of the best
qualities of bottle caoutchouc. I prefer that the moulds into which such
ground caoutchouc is to be pressed should be of a cylindrical form, as it will
facilitate the after process of cutting the same into sheets, and thence into
'thread.
Figure 4 is an elevation of part of an hydraulic press; 9, 9, being a plate
of cast iron affixed to the upper part of the piston or plunger h of the press,
as is shown; i is a strong mould or cylinder into which the ground caoutchouc
is placed to be pressed; j is a piston or plunger accurately fitting the inner
surface of the mould i. This piston or plunger is securely affixed to the cross
head of the press, as is shown in the Drawing. When the charge of ground
caoutchouc is put into the mould the pump of the hydraulic press is worked,
which raises the mould i to the piston or plunger j, and hence the caoutchouc
is pressed intimately together, and is obtained to a degree of closeness of
bottle caoutchouc. I use a press equal to seventy tons, and such pressure is
not brought on all at once, but the press is left for two or three minutes
between each pressing. And when the pressing is complete the caoutchouc
is suffered to remain in the mould till cold, and still under pressure, when it
is to be removed from the mould by forcing out; and in order to facilitate

page_text: that operation the mould i is rubbed over with soap water previous to putting
a charge of caoutchouc therein. The removal may be performed all at once
or gradually by means of a screw (or otherwise), see Figure 5, where the
block of caoutchouc is being raised gradually by a screw, the object of which
is that thin layers of the proper thickness of the intended thread may be cut
off by a suitable knife, the object of which is that a number of such circular
discs of caoutchouc may at the same time be cut into thread, as hereafter
explained. The screw k, Figure 5, is caused to raise a proper quantity, which
may readi'y be ascertained by having a guage of the thickness required. And
when so much is forced beyond the end of the mould that portion
cut off
by the knife, there being a continuous small stream of water supplied to the
knife, otherwise the knife or cutting edge would heat and injure the caout>
chouc. Or, in place of having a solid cylindrical block of caoutchouc pro-
duced in the mould i, a hollow cylinder may be obtained by having a suitable
core placed on the inside thereof, and a hollow piston or plunger, as is shewn
at Figure 6; by this means a cylinder of caoutchouc may be obtained to be
cut spirally into a tape, as heretofore practised in cutting bottle caoutchouc for
making thread, and is well understoood.
Another mode of obtaining like cylinders of such ground caoutchouc is by
means of a pair of pressing rollers, having equal and smooth surfaces. The
ground caoutchouc directly from the mill is placed between the rollers,
and they by their revolution pass a continuous thin sheet through them,
which is to be tightly wound on to a wooden roller (suitable for it to
be cut on), such roller being as close as possible to the rollers, and winding
on as fast as the sheet comes from the rollers, whereby any degree of
thickness of caoutchouc may be obtained; and, as the same is warm in
being rolled on, the surfaces will adhere to each other and become of one
close substance, and, when cold, be in a condition to be cut, as bottles of
caoutchouc have been heretofore cut into tapes or narrow thin sheets for the
purpose of making thread. Having produced the manufactured caoutchouc
into tapes or thin sheets, they may be cut into thread by any of the known
means, though I prefer the modes hereafter described for that purpose.
thread thus obtained is to be drawn out and spun in like manner to what has
been heretofore practised in making thread from other caoutchouc; but, from
the mode of manufacturing and preparing the block above described, great
uniformity of strength will be obtained to the thread manufactured therefrom;
and thread so made, when woven into fabrics, are to be treated or operated on
with heat in like manner to thread of caoutchouc heretofore employed, in
order to obtain elasticity thereto.
The

page_text: And I would remark, that I do not confine myself exclusively to the using
of the mill above described, as other constructions may be used provided the
material is well ground and intimately pressed or blended; nor do I confine
myself to any particular mode of finishing the process of pressing the ground
material into the required density and degree of closeness, nor the modes
hereinafter described for cutting the same into thread, though I believe the
arrangements of machinery and processes described to be the best for the
purpose. And I do not claim any mode for grinding caoutchouc, nor for
préssing the same.
I will now proceed to describe the second part of the Invention, which relates to
the machinery-employed-and the mode of cutting tapes or sheets of eaoutchoue,
whether manufactured according to the first improvement, or otherwise, into threads.
Figure 7 represents a perspective view of a machine having a series of
circular knives 1 affixed on an axis m, there being eight knives; but there
may be more or less. They are fixed between two circular plates, one of
which is capable of movement, and of being tightly affixed on the axis when
the knives are in their places, there being a washer or disc of metal between
each knife for regulating the distance apart according to the thickness of
thread required. The circular knives as used are three inches in diameter,
and are made to revolve with considerable velocity. n is another axis having
a cylindrical block of wood (the wood should be hard, and I find wainscot oak
the best), against which the cutting edges of the knives come and slightly cut
into this block of wood, which should be made of several parts or sectors in
order that the grain may run from the centre outwards in all directions. The
axis n revolves but slowly in comparison with the cutters, as will be seen by
the dimensions of the driving pulleys to each, which is clearly shewn in the
Drawing, and will readily be understood; as I work the machine the axis m
makes about fourteen hundred revolutions in a minute, and the axis n makes
twenty-four revolutions in a minute. But I do not confine myself to the
dimensions shewn and described, or the speeds of the same, as others would
answer, but I believe the above to be the best. o represents a tape or sheet
of caoutchouc being cut; it is guided between the pins p, and between the
spring guide plates q, there being a constant stream of water supplied to and
amongst the knives by the pipe r; and s is a piece of wood, in cuts of
which the knives work, and thus are cleaned, and any portion of caoutchouc
which might otherwise remain between the knives are removed.
Having thus described so much of the second part of the Invention, I would
have it understood that I do not claim any part of the machine separately, nor do I
eenfine-myself to the mode of driving and constructing the parts.

page_text: Figure 8 represents another arrangement of apparatus for cutting a series
of threads at one time, and consists of a number of discs of equal-thickness,
and of the thickness of the intended thread; they are affixed on two shafts or
axes, which are geared together by cogged wheels; and between each pair of
discs is placed a washer of the thickness of the intended thread; the upper and
lower discs are so affixed on their respective shafts that they act between each
other, and the sheet or tape of caoutchouc is conducted between the two sets
of cutting discs. And there is a similar means for clearing any pieces of caout-
chouc from between the cutters, as is shewn and described to the previous
machine; and there is to be a stream of water constantly flowing on the
cutting discs in order to their being kept in good working condition, and also
in order to prevent the thread being injured by the cutting surfaces becoming
hot. I have not thought it necessary to shew the framing or bearings of thè
cutters in Figure 8, but they will readily be applied, and the shafts or axes are
shewn broken off with a view to state that several sets of cutters may be
applied on the same shafts.
I will now describe the third-part of the Invention.
;
Figure 12, a front view, Figure 13 is a plan, Figure 14 is a transverse
section of a machine for cutting threads from a series of discs of caoutchouc
of the thickness of the intended thread, each disc having a hole in the centre;
a number is placed on a revolving axis, and slightly pressed to keep them
together; and I prefer that a sheet or disc of an inch or more thick should be
placed at top and bottom, which will give support to the thin discs, and whilst
such thin discs are being cut into thread the thicker discs will be cut into tapes
which can be subsequently divided into thread. In each of these Figures the
same letters indicate similar parts. a, a, are fast and loose pulleys or riggers;
b, b, are two drums, over which is placed an endless band of steel with a knife
edge c, c, or the same may be notched every quarter of an inch, as by that
means the edge will carry more water, which will facilitate the cut; d, d, the
support for the bearings of the lower drum b with a rising and falling
screw, for the purpose of tightening the endless band knife; e, e, the frame-
work to support the whole of the machinery; f, f, the framework to
support two double slides g, g. Each slide is attached or fastened together
by the two crosses h, so that the top and bottom both move at the same
time, thereby keeping the hollow spindle and square key shaft i inside it
at a right angle with the edge of the endless knife; j is a bevilled toothed
wheel, which takes into teeth on the face or flat side of a revolving nut k, this
nut revolves on a worm cut on a fixed shaft 7, and its periphery is filled with
cogs about six inches long, and gears into a worm m, the rotation of which

page_text: causes the nut k to revolve on the fixed screw shaft l; and for every revolution
it causes the bevel wheel ; with the hollow spindle and key shaft to revolve
according to the relative number of teeth on the flat side of the revolving nut
k. On the end of this nut at n there is an axis revolving in a plummer block;
every revolution causes the slide to move nearer to the edge of the endless
knife c, according to the thickness to be cut for threads. When the worm m
has worked upon the nut k until it has gone the length of the worm l, it will leave
its gear, and, consequently, stop that part of the process, when by turning the
handle n of the winch o it will raise the plummer blocks p and the worm m
above the gear of the revolving nut, and allow it to be brought to its starting
place, which is done by turning the handle at the end of the screw shaft, first
moving the click which holds the shaft fast while the worm turns the nut k on
the horizontal shaft r. There is a cut wheel & gearing into a worm on the
shaft t, which shaft receives motion by bevel wheels u from the driving shaft v.
The whole of the machine may be stopped by moving the driving band on to
the loose rigger on either of the slides by turning the handles o; w, w, are
two water taps (the water being laid on from any convenient place) for the
purpose of supplying the edges of the knife with a constant supply of water,
which is very essential to keep the knife cool and to make the knife run
smooth and easy. At the top and bottom of the framework there are to be
fixed four pieces of wood endways with a slot, the ends of which come on to
the edge of the knife as far as the band of brass or other suitable material
fixed at the back of the knife; this will keep the knife up to the flange on
the two drums b, and the cutting part in a straight line; z is a water tank
to catch the water and the threads and tapes as they fall from the knife. It
will be evident, that if the block of caoutchouc produced in the moulds first
described, be only cut into thicknesses suitable for tapes or narrow sheets,
they may be divided into threads by the machines first above described for
that purpose.
And I would remark, that I do not confine myself to the use of an endless knife
for cutting a series of thin dises into thread, as above described, as other arrange
ments may be used, such as a circular or other knife, the Invention-not-relating to
the particular instruments employed, but to the placing a series of dises or sheets of
eaoutchouer-thereby forming a cylindrical block, and outting the same into thread,
as-above described.
The fourth part of the Invention consists in a mode of preparing thread of
enoutehoue more suitable for the process of weaving. Where it is intended-to
cover the elastic thread in such process according to the most general practice
now-pursued-in-weaving elastic fabrics by the aid of elastie-strands or threads, it

page_text: is usual to cover the same by braiding or twisting fibrous materials-of-cotton, silk,
or other fibrous material, as is well understood, thus producing a close-covering
which-perfectly encloses the eaoutchoue thread; but in some cases it is desirable to
work with thread neither braided nor covered with twist; but the requisite cover-
ing-thereto -is-produced in the act of weaving; and although it is by no means a
new Invention, in weaving elastio fubrios, to employ-thread of eaontehone-not
covered, yet, from the nature of the material, it is prejudicially acted on by the
passing of the bare or not covered thread of eacutehoue through the eyes of the
harness, and through the reed, of the loom, in beating up the weft in the act of
wearings in consequence of the friotion-produced thereby, and hesee the use of
such thread has not been generally introduced; and at the same time the wholly
covering of the thread, by braiding, or by twisting or winding, is not desirable-in
all-classes of weaving, and is expensive. Now the object of the fourth part of the
Invention is the preparation of the thread of caoutchoue by winding around the
sane a thin-thread of cotton, silk, or other fibrous material spirally in such manner
that the thread of silk or other material shall pass around the thread of caoutchoue
about every eighth of an inch, which may readily be performed by an ordinary
twisting machine with one bobbin, giving the caoutchoue-thread such a speed-as
that the bobbin will pass once round-for-about-every-eighth of an inch. This
however, may be varied, though I believe the above to be well arranged for the
purpose. The object of which is, that the cotton, silk, or other thread will,-in-the
net of weaving the caoutchoue thread into elastic fabrics, come in contact with the
eyes of the heddles or harness, and with the reed in weaving, and prevent the pre-
judicial action by the friction thereof noting on the caoutchoue; and the silk,
cotton, or other thread so spirally wound round the elastic--strand-or--thread-of
eaoutchoue-may-be said to be a guard thread or protection-thereto, and hence the
elastic thread-se prepared will be suitable for weaving that class of elastic-fabrics,
wherein the elastie strands are desired to be covered in the act of weaving.―The
modes of weaving such fabries being-well understood, and forming no part of the
Invention, it will not be necessary to enter into any description thereof-in-this-my
Specification; and I would have it understood that I make no claim to the closely
eovering of elastic-threads produced from eaoutchoue by braiding or twisting.
I will now proceed to describe the fifth part of the Invention which relates to a
mode of applying eacutehoue in making air and water-proof-fabrics.
Figure-g-represents an end view of a machine constructed according to this-part
of the Invention;-and-Figure 10 is a plan of the same. In these Figures-the
same-letters-indieate-similar-parts, A, A, being-the-framing of the machine.-B, B;
are two eylinders, the axes of which turn in suitable bearings which are capable of
adjustment. These-eylinders-are-to-be-hollow, in order to be heated-by-steam-or

page_text: "otherwise, as well understood by engineers, in order to the cylinders being kept to
about two hundred degrees of Fahrenheit. C, C, are toothed wheels affixed to the
exes of the cylinders B, B, the toothed wheels gearing into each other and receiv
-ing motion by a drum and strap affixed to either axes of the cylinders B. The
fabrics which are to be made waterproof are to be wound on to the rollers D, D,
which have weighty-friction bands, as is shown in the Drawing. E is a roller on
*to which the waterproof fabric is to be wound, as it is made, by means of a
*weighted cord. F, F, are two guages or angular plates by which the caoutchoue
is prevented spreading out too far. In order to apply the caoutchoue it is to be
prepared by grinding in like manner to that described for making thread.-The
mass, immediately it is taken from the mill, is drawn out as nearly as possible to
the width of the fabric by the hands, and is put between the two rollers and on to
the two-fabrics which are first partly passed between the rollers, motion being
given to the cylinders B, B, in the direction of the arrows. The fabrics, with a
thin layer of caoutchoue-pressed between them, will be-earried down, thus pro
ducing a waterproof fabric, the nature of which-will depend on the fabries wound
on the two rollers D, D, whether cotton, silk, linen, or other material. I would
here-remark, that similar air and water-proof fabrics have been-before-produced-by
the aid of dissolved eacutehoue, which being spread, by means of brushes or other
suitable means, on two fabrics, the same having been pressed together by rollers or
other-suitable means; and I am aware that it has been proposed to grind-eaout-
ehoue into a similar pulp or mass, as above described, but by a different description
of machine. Such ground enoutehoue is then to be pressed between two-rollers
or cylinders, in order to produce a thin sheet, which being met by two fabrics,
and-passed between other rollers, the fabrics are proposed to be stuck together, and
thus form a waterproof fabric. And I would further remark, that I have found, by
mixing ten-pounds of wheaten or other flour to twenty pounds of eaoutehoue, and
grinding them together in the mill, as above described, that a very cheap material
for making waterproof cement or coating for fabrics may be obtained, and such is
the ease with using plaster of Paris and other matters or powders in a dry state-;
and I have found that, by grinding in about one twentieth by weight of beeswax,
the caoutchoue does not require so much power. If it is desired to have the
waterproof or cementing material of eacutehoue applied to one fabric only, one
will be applied on one roller D, the machine in other respects will be worked-us
above described.
I will now proceed to describe the sixth part of the Invention, which relates to a
mode of weaving elastic fabrics wherein strands or warp of covered caoutehoue are
employed with ornamental patterns. In the manufacture of elastie fabries with
braided or covered threads of eacutehoue, the same has been for the most part

page_text: performed by-the-simple-arrangement of plain weaving wherein the weft thread has
alternately passed under and over each succeeding warp thread, as shewn at.
Figure 11. Now the object of the sixth part of the lavention is so to weave-orna-
mental patterns-of-elastic web or fabric with eaoutehoue thread (braided or closely.
covered by twisting, as is well understood,) that ornamental patterns may be pro
duced by varied numbers of warp thread flushed across on the surface, by which
means I am enabled to obtain ornamental patterns in the weaving of elastic webe-or-
fabrics of great-diversity of design, and depending on the taste of the wearer. The
workman, in preparing his loom, will readily make such arrangement for the par
ticular pattern desired, by observing that the warp is to consist wholly of covered,
elastie strands, or partly of covered elastic-strands of eaoutchoue thread, and partly
of cotton, silk, or other nonelastic strands; and having determined on the pattern.
to be produced, he will so harness the loom as to raise and lower the determined.
number of threads of the warp, as when the weft thread is thrown through-by-the
shuttle, and successively shut in, the pattern will be produced on the surface-by
the varying numbers of warp threads across which the weft thread is flushed at the
successive crossings of the shuttle, and as is well understood. Figure 12 shows an
arrangement of warp and weft-for-producing a sort of diamond pattern, which will
serve as a key to the weaver for other patterns. I would remark, that I lay no
elaim to the modes of weaving ornamental fabrics by such throwing on to the
surface of varying numbers of warp threads and weft when uneombined with the
employment of elastic or caoutehoue thread; nor do I claim the mixing of elastie.
and nonelastie warp threads.
I will now proceed to describe the seventh part of the Invention, which consiste,
of the application of eaoutchoue to the binding of books in place of sewing the
leaves, as has heretofore been practised, and also to the covers and backs of books..
In order to perform this part of the Invention the sheets of which the books are to
be made are to be folded as heretofore, as if they were to be sewed. The number,
of sheets being folded which are to compose the volume or book, they are-to-be
put together side by side, and placed in a press, such as are employed by book-
binders, and well pressed. The back, or that portion of the leaves of the book
which has heretofore been sewed, is to be out or ploughed off, so that the leaves
are-all-separated, and each leaf, if the pressure were removed, would be separate
from its neighbour. I then, by the aid of a brush or the fingers, or otherwise,
apply a coating of dissolved eaoutehoue, which is a thick fluid well known, and
may readily be purchased as india rubber or eaoutchoue solution, and permit the
same to stand for a few minutes, and then apply another coating of the same
material-;-two or three coatings of this material, well rubbed in to the back of the
book, will, when dried, be-found-sufficient to cause the various leaves-to-be joined

page_text: choue, or a woven fabric, or a piece of leather with a coating of eaoutchoue
which, adhering to the eacutehoue eement, will produce a back to the book, which
will be found highly useful. The solvent of the caoutchoue in the solution, in
evaporating, leaves the caoutchoue as an elastic binge or back to each leaf, and
combines the one to the other, and to the further elastic back when sheet caout-
ehoue is employed, or to the woven fabric or leather or other suitable material;
and-the-binding-so far as the covers, is then to be completed in a like manner to
what has heretofore been pursued when the leaves have been combined by sewing;
or in place thereof, a covering of sheet caoutehoue is to be applied to the covers
and backs of books in place of leather, cloth, or ornamental-paper-heretofore
employed. I-pass-ground caoutchoue between two rollers such as described for
making waterproof fabrics, by which I obtain a thin sheet of eaoutchoue; over this
surface I rub the white of egge to not as a coating, which, when dry, prevents
the surfaces of oaoutchoue being injuriously-acted on by the ordinary heat to which
books are subjected-;-and such-sheets are then to be applied in like manner to that
pursued-by-bookbinders when using leather or other usual materials, using the
solution of eacutehoue for sticking the same to the covers or backs; and such
covers of eacutehoue may be ornamented by pressure and heat by the tools
usually-employed by bookbinders-;-and-in-some-eases I apply the caoutchoue to one
side of paper or woven fabric, when the ordinary paste may be employed.-And-I
would remark, that such-eaoutchoue may, in the process of grinding, have color
ing matters applied, which is preferable to be performed by the colors being in the
state-of-a-dry-impalpable powder, and a portion of flour or other material, as
described-with-respect to the waterproof fabrics, in order to prevent the sticky pro-
perty of caoutchoue when subject to heat; and in some cases it will be-desirable
to have the rollers so engraved as to imitate various patterns, such as Russia and
other leather, or other designs, as heretofore practised when pressing-cotton-and
other-fabries-for-bookbinding purposes, by which means the sheets of caoutchoue
will be impressed with such-designs, and of the desired color.
Having thus-described the Invention so far as relates to bookbinding, I would
remark, that variations may be made; but what I claim as the first part of the
Invention is the making of caoutchouc thread from caoutchouc ground and
pressed as above stated and described.
Secondly, I claim the combining a series of circular knives on an axis with a
suitable-roller on which they may act, and whereby the knives may revolve-at-a
greater speed than the roller; but I do not claim the using of circular-knives for
outting caoutchoue, they separately having been before employed for that purpose.
And I also claim the application-of-a-series of dises, as shewn-at-Figure-8,-for-the

page_text: Dirály, I claim the cutting of thread from a series of circular dises of eaout-
eheue, kept together in the form of a cylindrical block, each circular dise being of
the thickness of the intended thread, as-above-described; but I do not claim the.
eutting from the external surface of a cylindrical block of caoutchoue when not in
the act of making thread, that having been practised before-by similar machinery;
neither do I-confine myself to the particular machinery here described for that
purpose.
Fourthly I -olair-the-preparing-thread of eaoutehoue for weaving purposes ву
twisting thread-of-cotton, silk, or other suitable fibre spirally around the same in
such manner that the wound thread may act as a guard or protection against the
friction in the act of weaving, which arises from-beating up with the reed, and
moving through the eyes of the harness, which friction is found to act prejudicially
on the caoutchone, such guard thread not closely covering the elastic threads, but
only-passing-around the same at intervals to net as a guard, as above described.
Fifthly, I claim the mode herein before described of making waterproof fabrics
by the aid of caoutchone, whether pure or compounded with other matters, the
essential properties of which is that the caoutehoue is applied by the pressure of
a-pair of rollers directly to the fabrics without being brought to a state of liquid
solution, and without being-previously prepared by rolling into-sheets-before it is
brought in contact with the fubries to be made water or air proof, as above
deseribed.
Sixthly, I claim the wearing of such patterns in elastic webs or fabrics as require
three or more of the warp threads at some parts to be flushed or covered over at
any time by the crossing of the weft thread.
Seventhly, I claim the application of dissolved eaoutehoue as a cement for bind-
ing the leaves of books, and also the application of caoutchoue, whether-pure-or
compounded, to the covers of books, as above described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Christopher Nickels, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty-fourth day of April, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and thirty-seven.
To the Clerk of the Patents of England.
This is to certify, That the within-named Christopher Nickels has applied
to me for leave to enter the within-written 'Disclaimer and Memorandum of
Alteration of part of the title and Specification of a certain Invention for
which Letters Patent were duly granted to him under the Great Seal of Great
Britain, dated at Westminster, the Twenty-fourth day of October, One thou-

page_text: sand eight hundred and thirty-six, and the Specification of which was duly
enrolled on the Twenty-fourth day of April, One thousand eight hundred and
thirty-seven; and having considered of the said application, and no objection
have been made to the same, I hereby grant leave to the said Christopher
Nickels to enter and file his said Disclaimer and Memorandum of Alteration
pursuant to the Statute passed in the Session of Parliament held in the fifth
and sixth years of the reign of His late Majesty King William the Fourth,
intituled "An Act to amend the Law touching Letters Patent for Inventions,"
and let the same be entered and filed accordingly.
Dated this Eleventh day of May, in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and forty-six.
AND BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the Thirtieth day of April, in
the year of our Lord 1846, the aforesaid Christopher Nickels came before
our said Lady the Queen in Her Chancery, and acknowledged the Dis-
claimer aforesaid, and all and every thing therein contained and specified, in
form above written. And also the Disclaimer aforesaid was stamped
according to the tenor of the Statute made for that purpose.
Enrolled the Thirteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and forty-six.