CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN HEALDS OR HARNESS FOR WEAVING, AND IN THE METHOD OF AND MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR FABRI- CATING THE SAME
Year: 1853

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Vaughan, of Stockport, in the County
of Chester, Gentleman, John Scattergood, of Heaton Norris, in
the County of Lancaster, Machinist, and Charles Grimshaw, of
Brinnington, in the County of Chester, Manager, for the Invention
of CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN HEALDS OR HARNESS FOR WEAVING,
AND IN THE METHOD OF AND MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR FABRI-
CATING THE SAME."
Sealed the 25th April 1854, and dated the 27th October 1853.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Vaughan,
John Scattergood, and Charles Grimshaw at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents, with their Petition, on the 27th
October 1853.
We, WILLIAM VAUGHAN, of Stockport, in the County of Chester,
Gentleman, Joux SCATTERGOOD, of Heaton Norris, in the County of
Lancaster, Machinist, and CHARLES GRIMSHAW, of Brinnington, in the
County of Chester, Manager, do hereby declare the nature of the said
Invention for "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN HEALDS OR HARNESS FOR
WEAVING, AND IN THE METHOD OF AND MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR
FABRICATING THE SAME," to be as follows:-

page_text: The said Invention relates to the peculiar structure or form of
certain kinds of healds to the processes whereby they may be con-
structed, and to machinery or implements for expediting and facilitating
such processes; and it consists, firstly, in the form of and modes of
constructing healds of new and peculiar character in which correspond-
ing links, loops, or parallel strands of yarn are connected together in
pairs, either by metallic rings, which rings form the eyes of the healds,
or by metallic plates pierced with holes," which holes serve as the eyes
of the healds. Secondly, in the processes or manipulations whereby
the links and other parts are formed and bound together, and the rings
or plates inserted in the construction of the healds herein mentioned.
And, thirdly, in the mechanical combination and arrangement of certain
machinery or apparatus-for-expediting-the- processes of forming the
links or loops, and inserting the rings or eyes of such healds. By this
apparatus the loops or links are formed on a reel to which the yarn is
supplied by a travelling guide or trumpet mouth. The latter is caused
to traverse by the action of a screw rack or other suitable mechanical
means, and the rate of its motion is susceptible of regulation so as to
vary the spaces or intervals between the links or loops formed on the
reel, thereby adapting them to any given reed or scale. Fourthly, in a
mode of binding together the loops of healds by means of a list,
tab, or narrow slip of woven fabric as a substitute for the heald bands
commonly used, and in which the strands, yarns, or loops of the healds
are incorporated with the binding material by the process of weaving
in a loom, such list; tab; binding, or woven heald band being after-
wards attached to the heald'shaft. This mode of forming the heald
bands by weaving is applicable to one or more of the improved
forms of healds herein-before mentioned, and also to another form or
modification to be herein-after described. It may be carried into
effect in different ways; either the heald yarn which is to constitute the
loops and carry the eyes may be drawn in as, warp; and the binding
material be interwoven therewith as weft, the set of the reed used
being proportioned to that of the healds to be produced, or otherwise
the binding material may be drawn in as warp, occupying a few
dents of the reed on each side of an interval corresponding to the

page_text: the
proposed depth of the healds, and then the heald yarn may be inserted
across the whole space as weft, the distances between the loops or eyes.
being regulated by the rate of taking up. The latter mode may be
further varied by weaving in the manner followed for the formation of
fringe, or by causing the heald yarn, to be interwoven with the binding
material at one side or selvage only, and passing it half round a cord or
wire, instead of forming a woven selvage or list at the other side so as-
to produce a connected series of loops which are to constitute one half of
the healds, the open ends of the loops being afterwards connected with
open ends of the loops of another corresponding and similar half or
set by metal rings. Fifthly, in making each loop of healds constructed
with woven tabs or heald bands slightly elastic or capable of yielding
individually and independently of the others by interweaving strings or
strands of caoutchouc or india-rubber in the lists, tabs, or binding
thereof. Sixthly, in a mode of constructing healds wherein the process
of forming the heald bands or tabs by weaving is combined with one,
whereby the eyes are produced in the yarn by knotting. In this
modified process two parallel ends or lengths, of heald yarn are simul-.
taneously passed through the hands of an operator, who forms the eyes
by knotting the ends together at regular and predetermined intervals.
A number of these double ends thus knotted together in pairs so as
to form the eyes are then placed in a loom after being drawn into lealds
and through a reed of the required set, and a row of the eyes being
brought into a straight line parallel to the reed, a space or portion in the
length of the knotted yarns of the warp is interwoven with a binding
yarn or weft, such space or part being of a length equal to about twice
the intended breadth of the proposed tab or heald band. Another
portion of fabric is similarly woven intermediately between the next two
lines or rows of eyes, and so on to the end. The fabric thus formed is
divided into sets by cutting through the middle of the interwoven parts
from selvage to selvage; the separated halves of each woven portion
thus going to form the tabs or heald bands of two different sets..
Seventhly, in certain new and improved arrangements or modifications
in or additions to the loom to adapt it to the herein-before mentioned
purposes, the principal features of which are the substitution of a creel
0

page_text: of bobbins in lieu of a warp beam, a pair of delivering rollers for
regulating the advance of the warp, and an apparatus fitted for taking
up the work in the required manner. Eighthly, in a mode of making
the eyes or loops of healds capable of yielding slightly by inserting a
thin layer or cushion of caoutchouc, felt, wool, or other similar clastic
substance between the heald shafts and the parts of the healds in contact
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said William Vaughan, John Scattergood, and Charles
Grimshaw in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 27th April 1854.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, we,
WILLIAM VAUGHAN, of Stockport, in the County of Chester, Gentleman,
JOHN SCATTERGOOD, of Heaton Norris, in the County of Lancaster,
Machinist, and CHARLES GRIMSHAW, of Brinnington, in the County of
Chester, Manager, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Twenty-seventh day of October, in the
year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-three, in the
seventeenth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and suc-
cessors, give and grant unto us, the said William Vaughan, John
Scattergood, and Charles Grimshaw, Her special licence that we, the
said William Vaughan, John Scattergood, and Charles Grimshaw, our
executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as we, the said
William Vaughan, John Scattergood, and Charles Grimshaw, our exe-
cutors, administrators, or assigns, should at any time agree with, and no
others, from time to time and at all times thereafter during the term
therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and
vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the
Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "CERTAIN IMPROVE
MENTS IN HEALDS OR HARNESS FOR WEAVING, AND IN THE METHOD OF AND
MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR FABRICATING THE SAME," upon the con-
dition (amongst others) that we, the said William Vaughan, John Scat-
tergood, and Charles Grimshaw, by an instrument in writing under our
hands and seals, or under the hand and seal of one of us, should par-

page_text: ticularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in
what manner the same was to be performed, and cause the same to be
filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar months next
and immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said William Vaughan, on behalf of
myself and the said John Scattergood and Charles Grimshaw, do
hereby declare the nature of our said Invention, and in what manner
the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement (that is to say):
Our improvements have for their object the production of weavers'
lealds or heddles more durable, more convenient for use, and capable
of being fabricated more cheaply and expeditiously, than the healds in
ordinary and present use. They apply as well to the form of the healds
as to the mode of constructing them. And in explaining the nature of
and manner of carrying into effect such improvements we shall pursue
the method of describing them severally and distinctly under three heads,
arranging them, firstly, into such as have reference to or consist in
peculiarity of structure or form; secondly, into such as appertain to the
processes or manipulations whereby heals of such new forms or con-
struction are to be fabricated; and, thirdly, into such as consist in new
combinations or arrangements of parts involved in the construction of
machinery or apparatus to be used for expediting and facilitating some
or any of the aforesaid processes of fabrication, and which new
mechanical combinations and arrangements we claim as new, and as
part of this our Invention. For the purpose of rendering our explana-
tion more easily intelligible we have appended to these presents two
Sheets of illustrative Drawings, in which the parts of the figures or
representations referred to from time to time in the course of ou
statement are indicated by corresponding letters of the alphabet and
numerical characters.
Adopting the order or arrangement before mentioned, we shall com-
mence by describing our improvements so far as they relate to or con-
sist in the arrangement, structure, or conformation of the "healds" or
heddles. A "leaf of healds," as commonly used in plain weaving, may
be considered as composed of four parts, namely:-Firstly, the " eyes
"

page_text: .
"
or openings through which the warp threads pass, and by the elevation
or depression of which the latter are drawn out of their rectilinear
course into the angular position constituting what is technically termed
the "shed." Secondly, the "links" or loops, which are vertical yarns
or cords supporting the eyes, and connecting them with the upper and
lower heald bands and heald staves. Thirdly, the "heald bands,"
which are horizontal cords to which the links are knotted at their upper
and lower extremities, and by which they are united into a continuous
series or chain. Fourthly, the "heald staves," which are slight staves
or bars of wood to which the heald bands are attached when in use, and
which impart to the leaf of healds the rigidity and tensión requisite to
retain the links in the same vertical plane, and the eyes in an uniformi
line. They are also the parts through which the leaf of licalds is
connected with the mechanism which governs its movements in the
process of weaving. The relation which these parts bear to each other
in a leaf of healds will be seen by a glance at Figures 9 and 10, in
Sheet 1, of the Drawings, where a', a', are the " eyes;" b, b, the
links; c, c', the "heald bands;" and d, d, the heald staves. And we
"would here premise that in the following statement the words "eyes,"
links," "heald bands," and "heald staves," are to be understood as
signifying and referring to the parts of healds now explained, or to
such new parts or things as are or may be by our present Invention
introduced or substituted in lieu of such old and known parts or things,
whether such words in their ordinary and popular sense shall be strictly
applicable to such new parts or things, or otherwise.
Of eyes we use three kinds, the first of which is a metallic ring or
eyelet, the configuration of which will be best understood by an in-
spection of the enlarged sectional views represented in Figures 4, 5,
and 6, Sheet 1. Figure 4, shews a section of one of the rings in its
first shape or stage, as received from the manufacturer. By the appli-
cation of a suitable punch and matrix actuated by a press this form is
altered by distending and pressing downwards the upper edge, and by
slightly recurving upwards the lower edge of the ring into the shape
represented at Figure 5, in which it will be seen that the annular plate
or hoop of metal is altered so as to present a concave or grooved exterior

page_text: to receive the yarn or cord composing the link. The latter being intro-*
duced into the groove or cavity; the ring is subjected to further com-
pression between a pair of nippers by which it is pressed into a form
whose section is shewn in Figure 6; the compressed' edges of the hoop
or ring being thereby made to embrace and retain the link with con-
siderable tenacity. "These rings or metal eyes are represented attached
to their links according to one mode in Figures 1 and 2;'Sheet 1, and
according to a second mode in Figures 7 and 8, on the same Sheet.
In the first of these modes the links are formed in two loops which are
carried over and under the ring, so as to encircle and embrace the
opposite parts of its circumference. Figure 3, Sheet 1,' shews one of
the eyes a, with the bends of the loops 6, 6, enclosing 'it between
them, as they may be supposed to appear before being drawn together
in the operation of inserting the eye. After the loops have been drawn
together so as to apply closely to the ring or eye; the latter is to be
twisted round a few times so as to cause the yarn of the links to be
pressed tightly into the grooved margin. The sides of the eye are then
to be closed upon the yarn with sufficient force of compression to make'
them retain a firm hold of it. It will be seen that by this mode of
insertion the eyes connect together the upper and lower portions of the
links, and the upper and lower halves of each leaf. See the sectional
view at Figure 2, Sheet 1, in which b, b, is the link composed of an
upper and lower loop, and a, the metal eye. In the second of the
before-mentioned modes of inserting these metal eyes their circum-
ferences, instead of being enclosed within the bends of two opposite
loops, are inserted between and made to clasp with their edges two
corresponding vertical and parallel yarns or cords which constitute the
links, and which are stretched continuously from one heald stave to
the other. Figure 8, Sheet 1, shews á sectional view of this arrange-
ment; b, b, being the links, and the eye, as before. The links
b, b, extend from one heald stave to the other. In other respects the
structure so nearly resembles that last described as to be sufficiently
intelligible from an inspection of the Drawing without a more length-
ened explanation. This form of insertion is very well adapted for
use in the weaving of light fabrics. It may be observed that the metal

page_text: eyes here described are not necessarily circular, but may be of au
elongated, oval, or any other convenient shape. A metal eye con-
sisting of a mail ring or pierced metallic plate is shown at a', a',
Figures 9 and 10, Sheet 1. The improvement which we apply in
this case, however; consists entirely in the mode of suspending the
eye; and in the manner of inserting it in the process of fabricating
the links, which, belonging more properly to other branches of our sub-
ject, we shall defer explaining until we come to treat of them in their
proper places. We introduce the mention of them here only for the
purpose of stating that, although represented in our Drawing for the
purpose of explanation, we do not claim as of our Invention the parti-
cular form or general use of the eye itself. A third kind of eyes appli-
cable to some purposes we produce by knotting the heald yarn in the
manner and form shewn at a, Figures 11 and 12, Sheet 1. But in
this as in the last-mentioned case we make no exclusive claim to the
mode of forming the eye, except in so far as we apply it in a novel
manner in combination with a mode to be hercin-after described of
constructing the links and heald bands; in connection with which part
of the subject we shall therefore consider it in its proper order.
In describing our modes of forming the links of healds we shall con-
siler them more especially with reference to their individual structure
or conformation and adaptation to the reception of the eyes of which
they are the vehicles, inasmuch as that part of their arrangement which
relates to their collocation in chains or rows to form what are techni-
cally termed leaves of healds belongs more appropriately to the subject
of heald bands. Ir constructing links which are intended to be fur-
nished with the metallic eyes first before mentioned, and illustrated in
Figures 1 and 2, 7 and 8, Sheet 1, we proceed in one of the following
modes: Firstly, to produce the links represented in Figures 1 and 2,
we provide two staves or stretchers connected together by end pieces
so as to form an oblong frame, of which the staves or stretchers compose
the longer and parallel sides, and the width of which frame measured be-
tween the external edges of such staves is equal to about half the depth
of the leaf of healds to be fabricated. Round these staves or stretchers
we cause to be wound successive circumvolutions of yarn or cord until

page_text: their number is equal to that of the eyes which the leaf of healds is in-
tended to receive. The points in which the yarn intersects the outer edges
of the staves or sides of the frame falling at equal distances to be deter-
mined by the intended sett of the healds. The line represented by the
track of the yarn round the frame is such as if described on a cylin-
drical surface would be a helix or spiral curve. Those parts of the yarn
which are in contact with the outer edge of one of the staves is then to
be permanently fixed in its position, or attached on the heald band by a
method to be hereafter mentioned, the loops formed by the turns of the
yarn round the outer edge of the other stave being reserved.to receive the
metal eyes. One complete round of the yarn is represented at b, Figure
2, Sheet 1, and two of these being united by the insertion of the ring
a form one complete-link in the leaf of healds. To produce the links
represented in Figures 7 and 8, Sheet 1, the staves or stretchers are to be
so fixed that the distance between their outer edges shall be equal to the
whole depth of the leaf of healds to be produced. The yarn is then to.
be wound round them in a manner similar to the foregoing, the links
formed extending in this case from the top to the bottom of the leaf, at
both which extremities they are to be attached to a heald band by the
method to be hereafter pointed out, as before mentioned. The eyes are
to be introduced by inserting corresponding yarns or cords into the
marginal cavities or grooves of the eyes, and compressing the sides of
the latter, as herein-before mentioned. In placing the eyes in this mode
it will be necessary, in order to preserve their rectilineal position, to
thread them on a straight rod or wire, which may be withdrawn after
they are partially or entirely fixed in their proper positions on the links.
To facilitate the two last-mentioned processes of forming links we have
contrived a certain machine, the structure and operation of which will
be hereafter described in its proper order. An advantage of some im-
porfance attending the modes of constructing links last described may
be properly noticed before dismissing this part of our subject. If the
links suspending the eyes in Figures 1 or 7, Sheet 1, consisted of cords
simply wound round the heald staves, so as to meet again in the same
point, so that the course followed by them would, if described on a
cylindrical surface, represent a ring or circle, it is obvious that the eye

page_text: a, when inserted, would lie in a vertical plane coinciding or parallel
with that in which lies the line of the warp thread. f, passing through
the eye. Under these circumstances the warp thread would be deflected
by the sides of the eye from its straight course, and be pressed con-
stantly into close contact with the sides of the eye, which would exert
upon it an injurious rubbing action in shedding. But the slight incli
nation in contrary directions of the two opposite cords forming each
link, consequent on the spiral direction in which the yarn is wounil,
causes the plane in which the eye lies to be slightly oblique to the line
of the warp thread, and this oblique position presents' the eye to the warp
thread in such manner as to permit the latter in its course to pass through
the former without suffering the deflection inevitable in the former case.
In Figure 13, Sheet 1, these positions of the eye are exhibited com-
paratively in horizontal section. a³ represents an eye suspended as in
the first case; and a another eye suspended according to the mode
herein-before described; f, is the warp thread passing through each,
but deflected from its direct course in the former case, and passing in a
straight line in the latter. We also fabricaté links of the two descrip-
tions last mentioned by certain arrangements of parallel cords or yarns
connected together by the process of weaving in a loom the interwoven
parts of the materials forming the heald bands. We shall enter more
fully into this part of the subject in connexion with heald bands. The
system of links shewn in the Drawings at Figures 9 and 10, Sheet 1,
is produced by the common mode of knitting or knotting, but it has
this peculiarity, in which our 'improvement consists, namely, that each
pair of heald staves suffices for two leaves of healds. The links (repre-
sented in front view in Figure 9) are composed of loops of heald yarn
b, knotted to the heald band c', and after passing upwards or down-
wards and through the small holes in the ends of the metal eyes a³, they
are returned in a contrary direction, and again knotted to the heald
band c', like the links in common healds, except that the portions of
yarn forming each loop are disposed on the same side of the heald
stave, whilst the spaces intervening between the knots of these loops on
the heald band are occupied by the knots of another and similar set of
loops extending upwards or downwards on the opposite side of the same

page_text: leald stave, and form parts of the links of another leaf, the correspond-
ing loops extending from the opposite staves being in both cases con-
nected into links by the pierced metal plates or eyes a'. In the Figures
referred to b', b', Figure 9, shew the links on one side of the heald
staves only, but the sectional view, Figure 10, shews a link extending
on each side of the heald staves d, and the repetitions of these links on
each side of the heald staves form the double row or chain constituting
the two leaves before referred to, which it will be apparent require only
one pair of heald staves for their mounting. In Figures 11 and 12,
Sheet 1, we have delineated another form of link in which the eye is
formed by knotting, as mentioned in a preceding part of this statement.
The peculiarity of these links consists in their being formed conjointly
with the knotted eyes in continuous lengths by a separate and indepen-
dent operation from that whereby they are united to form leaves. They
are specially adapted for being combined into leaves by heald bands
formed by weaving, the process being as follows:-We take a parcel of
heald yarn, and place it on a swift or reel fixed in such a situation that
the yarn can be conveniently unwound from it by the operator. Another
portion of yarn is wound on a netting needle or bobbin. The operator
draws the yarn from the swift as he requires it with one hand, and
holding the netting necale or bobbin in the other ties the knots requi-
site to form the eyes at the proper distances, forming a long and con-
tinuous line or length of double yarn containing eyes at equal intervals
throughout its length. The intervals between the eyes are regulated by
applying the yarn to two parallel straight edges or bars placed at the
proper distance. As the operation proceeds the double ends of yarn
after being knotted are wound on another swift placed conveniently for
the purpose either in front of the operator or at one side of him. A
stated length of the knotted double yarn being thus formed, other lengths
are proceeded with and completed in-like manner until they equal in
number the links and eyes to be contained in one. leaf of the healds
proposed to be made. These ends are now to be wound on separate
bobbins, and drawn into a set of healds and reed, a lease being formed
in them as in the usual process of weaving. In this stage of the
process, they will constitute a warp," by which term we shall hereafter

page_text: designate them. The bobbins are then to be placed in a creel provided
for them, which may be either of the vertical or inclined form as pre-
ferred. The creel is to stand behind the loom in which the heald bands
are to be woven. The loom may be one worked either by hand or by
power, but is to be provided with a pair of delivering rollers in place of
a back rest, which rollers are to have their motion retarded by weighted
levers pressing upon the necks or journals of the upper roller during-
the time that the weaving process is procceding, but these levers are to
be capable of being raised by hand so as to leave the rollers free to allow
the casy passage of the warp during the intervals between the weaving,
when the warp requires to be drawn forward in order to leave the inter-
vening spaces of unwoven yarn which are to form the links between the
woven portions. The work may be taken up either by a regulating
roller in conjunction with a work beam by what is commonly known as
a "positive motion" derived from the action of the sley or tappet shaft,
or upon one beam only actuated by a ratchet wheel and weighted catch
lever, which operates to turn the work beam as the woven fabric is
pushed forward by the reed acting on the accumulated weft before it.
Both these modes are well known and in common use, and as the regu-
larity of the intervals between the picks is in this case of little impor-
tance, we prefer the latter arrangement as the more simple. The only
alteration which we make in the ordinary apparatus is the addition of a
winch handle to the ratchet wheel, by which the cloth beam can be
turned by hand in order to take up the blank or unwoven parts of the
fabric. With the exception of the above variations which will be
readily intelligible to any person conversant with the process of plain
weaving, the loom employed may be of any of the common descriptions,
the reed and healds being adapted to the nature of the work. In order
to regulate the lengths of the links and the distance of the eyes from
the heald bands a wire or small rod may be passed through each row of
eyes as soon as they are drawn forward in front of the reed, and the
winding up of the work beam is then to be continued until the ends of
the rod are brought to coincide with two stops or notches on the sides
or breast beam of the loom at such a distance from the reed when at
the beat up as is equal to the proposed interval between the eyes and

page_text: the inner side or edge of the heald band. The weaving is to be carried
on as follows:-First, a small portion of the warp is to be interwoven
with the binding material used as weft, the first row of eyes having
been brought previously into a straight line parallel with the reed by
passing a rod or wire through them behind the healds. The first por-
tion now woven is only to bind the materials together and "gait" the
warp. The wire or rod being now withdrawn the fabric is to be wound
on the work beam by hand until the part of the warp corresponding
with the outer edge of the first heald band is brought to coincide with
the line of the beat up, its distance from the first row of eyes being as-
certained by measurement along the line of the warp. The delivering
rollers are now to have the drag of the weighted levers applied, and the
binding yarn or weft is to be interwoven in the usual manner until a
breadth of woven fabric has been formed sufficient for the first heald
band. The drag being now taken off the delivering rollers the taking
up wheels are to be turned by the winch handle until the first row of
eyes presents itself in front of the reed. The wire or rod is then to be
passed through the eyes for the purpose of correcting any deviation
from the right position in any of them, and the work roller further
wound up until the wire coincides with the stops or notches before
mentioned. The drag is then to be again applied to the delivering
rollers, and the weaving to be renewed and continued until a breadth
of fabric has been woven equal to the breadth of two heald bands, for
the woven portion between each set of links has ultimately to be divided
so that one of the parts into which it is separated may form a heald
band to the leaf which precedes and the other to that which succeeds
it. These operations are to be repeated until the whole length of
double knotted yarns forming the warp have been interwoven with weft
at the stated intervals between the eyes, so as to be intersected by the
necessary transverse strips of woven fabric, which being afterwards cut
across from selvage to selvage form the heald bands. As two of these
will remain attached to the links of each set of eyes they will therewith.
form a complete leaf of healds. The woven heald bands are when used
to be affixed to the heald staves in any convenient manner.
It will be observed that inasmuch as the distance between each row

page_text: of eyes and the commencement of the woven portion of the fabric is
determined by the use of the rod or wire in the manner explained, the
proportionate dimensions of the several parts of the leaves will be pre-
served so long as the length of warp interwoven between the several
leaves is kept uniform, which may be done by admeasurement, and this
admeasurement, may be facilitated by having a second pair of stops or
notches at the requisite distance from the first pair, and allowing the
rod to remain inserted through the eyes while the weaving proceeds
until the warp is so far, advanced that the rod or wire is brought to
coincide with this second pair of stops or notches. The structure of
healds of this form is illustrated in the first Sheet of Drawings by
Figures 11 and 12, in which a represents the eyes formed by knotting
as herein explained; the links composed of double yarn; c, the
heald, bands formed by interweaving the links with a weft of heald
yarn or other suitable binding material,
In the last foregoing portion of this statement we have explained.
one of our modes of forming heald bands. We shall now proceed to
the description of others, commencing with those of them which, like
the last, are effected by the process of weaving. The first of these is
intended to unite into leaves links of a form adapted for use in the
manner represented at Figures 7 and 8, in Sheet 1. The process in
this case consists simply in drawing in the yarn which is to form the
links b, as warp, and interweaving it with the binding yarn or weft
at the proper intervals to form a heald band, winding the blank
portions on the work beam without weaving as before, and com-
pleting the operation by dividing the fabric thus produced into leaves
by cutting across through the woven parts from selvage to selvage
as in the former instance.
The weaving process is so nearly similar to the one last described as
to need no further explanation to render it intelligible; but it is to be
remarked that in this case the creel of bobbins and delivering rollers
are dispensed with, and the warp beamed in the ordinary mode, and
that the rod or wire used to regulate the even position of the eyes is to
be applied at a subsequent stage of the process as we have previously
explained, no other precaution being requisite in the weaving than to

page_text: ensure the woven portions being introduced in their proper places and
of the proper lengths. It will be seen that by this mode of proceeding
both the heald bands and links are produced by one operation.
Another mode of forming heald bands and links by the weaving pro-
cess is applicable to links of the kind represented in Figures 1 and 2,
Sheet: 1. In this, mode we draw in the binding material as warp,
causing it to occupy a certain number of dents at one side of the reed.
We also draw in a few ends of small cord or yarn to form a temporary
selvage at the contrary side of the reed, or even a single cord or wire
round which the weft is passed at each return of the shuttle. The
yarn which is to form the links is inserted as weft, the reed space
between the ends drawn in for the heald band, and those for the
temporary selvage corresponding to half the depth of a leaf of healds.
In this mode the weaving of course proceeds without interruption
throughout the length of the leaf to be made, and the sett of the healds
is determined by the rate at which the fabric is taken up, the taking up
motion in this case being positive in order to obtain regularity in the
intervals of the links. The heald band formed in this case will of
course have a selvage on its outer edge; and the fabric produced will
form only one half of a leaf, two of them being afterwards connected by
the metal eyes, as shewn in Figures 1 and 2; Sheet 1. The ends of
cord or yarn drawn in as selvage at the side of the reed opposite to
that occupied by the heald band are to be picked out so as to leave the
yarn at that side in the form of open loops. Heald bands attached to
links of the form represented in Figures 7, and 8, Sheet 1, may also be
formed at the same operation with 'the links by a process of weaving, in
which, as in the last instance, the yarn which is to constitute the
binding material is drawn in as warp at each side of an interval of reed
space equal to the proposed depth of the healds, the yarn forming the
links being inserted as weft, and the sett of the healds being determined'
by the rate of taking up, as in the foregoing case. The method will be
sufficiently understood from its similarity to that last described, without
further explanation. In Figures 9, and 10, Sheet 1, the heald band
represented is formed by knotting the links on a cord in the usual
manner, and not being new requires no notice here.

page_text: The last mode which we shall describe is applicable to the forms of
links shewn at Figures 1 and 2, 7 and 8, Sheet 1. These links it will be
remembered are produced according to modes before explained by wind-
ing a continuous coil of heald yarn upon a frame, the distance between
the successive coils corresponding to the sett of the healds. It is evident
that the links so formed require binding together in some manner to
enable them to retain their continuity and uniformity of sett so as to
form a perfect leaf of healds. It is done in the following manner :-Over
the outer edges of the staves which form the sides of the frame we fix
temporarily a narrow strip of some thin pliable material, such as a piece
of tape or slip of parchment. We will at present suppose the former,
which we find to answer the purpose well. The coils of yarn forming
the links are wound.over and lie in contact with this tape, and after
having wound on the coils of yarn, but before disturbing its arrange-
ment on the frame, we apply to the tape and to the parts of the yarn in
contact with it a coat of some strong cement, such as common glue,
and then over these we again apply a second piece of tape, which
becomes united by the cement to the first piece of tape, and to the
intersecting parts of the yarn lying upon it, so as to form with them a
continuous band which serves as a heald band, and after the cement is
properly set the frame is taken to pieces and the links withdrawn. In
Figures 1 and 2, 7 and 8, these slips or pieces of tape are represented at
C, C. With respect to heald staves those which we use are of the
common description, but in connection with them it will be proper to
explain one of our improvements, the object of which is to impart a
slight degree of clasticity or yielding quality to the links. This im-
provement consists in applying a thin layer or cushion of some elastic
and yielding substance as a bed for the links, so as to enable them, on
the infliction of any extra strain, to yield slightly. By this means we
diminish considerably the rigidity of healds made of cotton yarn.
The
substances which we would point out as most applicable to this p purpose
are india-rubber, hatters' felt, and flannel of the description used for
covering the drawing rollers employed in spinning machinery. The
forms in which this improvement may be applied are susceptible of
much variation without departure from its essential character. The

page_text: heald stave.may be covered or partially covered with thin sheet india-
rubber, or flannél; or felt, or a small strip of any of these substances
may be attached to the outer edges, or to the sides of the heald staves.
In Figures 9, and 10; Sheet 1, it is shewn as carried into effect by the.
insertion of a piece of india-rubber tube or pipe e, into a groove formed
for its reception along the whole length of the outer edge of the heald
stave. The yielding of this to the compression exerted upon it by any
individual link allows a little play to the eye when the warp thread
passing through it is subjected to more than usual tension: In healds
formed with woven: heald bands in any of the modes herein-before
described we attain the same end of making each link capable of yield-
ing individually and independently of the others by incorporating strings
or strands of india-rubber with the portion of woven fabric constituting
the heald band.
We have now described and explained our improvements so far as
they consist in the structure or form of the healds. According to our
original arrangement we shall now advert to those which appertain to
the processes or manipulations whereby such healds as we have described
are to be fabricated. The modes of construction which we have
described involve a multitude of simple inanual operations, which being
in common use and practice need not be here noticed. Of processes.or
applications of processes which we claim as new in this our Invention
there are five, namely: .
Firstly, an easy and expeditious mode of inserting the eyes during
the operation of knitting the healds, represented in Figures 9 and 10,
Sheet 1: This consists in stringing the pierced metal plates used for the
eyes on the yarn, of which the loops of one half of the leaf is to 'be
formed,, and. between the formation of the knots; drawing them forward
and slipping their eyes on a long flat: wire or slender bar placed at such
a distance from the heald band. as to measure the loops, made to a
proper and uniform length. The previous Stringing of the plates or
ejes in this manner saves much time in the operation of knotting."
Secondly, the process of forming the links-represented in. Figures i
and 2, 7-arid 8, Sheet 1, by winding a continuous coil of yarn round a
frame ör reel. We accomplish this by a machine or apparatus the

page_text: construction and operation whereof are to be herein-after described; and.
inasmuch as to explain the operation of the machine is to describe the
process now mentioned, we shall refer for the particulars thereof to that
part of our statement in order to avoid useless repetition.
:
Thirdly, the processes of knotting the yarn and weaving the heald
bands in constructing healds of the form delineated in Figures 11 and 12,
Sheet 1.
Fourthly, the process of forming by weaving heald bands attached to
links of the form represented in Figures 7 and 8, Sheet 1.
And, fifthly, that of forming by weaving heald bands attached to
links of the form represented in Figures 1 and 2, Sheet 1.
.
The descriptions of all these three last processes have already been
given, having been introduced in previous parts of this statement out of
their regular order for the better elucidation of the nature of the several
modes of construction in which they are used. It will therefore be
unnecessary further to advert to them. The third head of our subject
relates to apparatus to be used in expediting and facilitating some of
the processes by which certain parts of the healds herein described are:
to be formed. This apparatus consists in a certain machine by the:
operation whereof the links of the healds represented in Figures 1' and
2, 7 and 8, Sheet 1, are formed, by winding yarn continuously and at
regular intervals upon a frame or reel, according to the mode herein-
before explained of forming the links of such healds. This machine
is represented in plan view at Figure 14, and in profile at Figure 15, in
Sheet 2, of the Drawings. Figure 16, on the same Sheet exhibits a
view of the pulley end and driving gear of the machine, the construc-
tion of which we shall explain by reference as we proceed to the several
parts thereof, and their arrangement as exhibited in these views. a, is
the fixed framing of the machine; a¹ being a slotted rail extending
longitudinally through the middle thereof under the screwed shaft'd,
for a purpose to be presently explained. b, b, are staves or bars shaped
like heald staves, and which fit into the forked ends of transverse end.
pieces b, b, being temporarily jointed thereto so as to form a frame in
the form of a parallelogram, the extreme width of which is either equal:
to half, or to the whole of the depth of a leaf of healds, according to

page_text: the kind purposed to be manufactured. represents the strip of tape
or other material interposed between the heald yarn and the stave for
the purpose of forming part of the heald band, according to a method
herein-before pointed out. ², c, are bearings in which are carried the
necks or journals c, c. Each of these necks extends into a flat palm at
its inner end c. Upon these latter the end pieces of the reels or
frames are secured when in use by bolts and winged nuts, or in any other
convenient manner. When so secured the frame or reel b, b³, and necks
or journals c, c, are united, so that they all revolve together as one piece.
There are two of these reels or winding frames in the machine, as will
be best seen in the plan view, Figure 14, in which one is shewn as pre-
sented with its edge upwards. d, is a screwed shaft turning on journals
or necks in the bearing brackets d', d, which are capable of adjust-
inent to a higher or lower position as occasion may require, for a reason
which will presently appear. On the screwed shaft d; traverses a block
or screw nut, having an internal thread corresponding to that on the
shaft, and which has also a leg d projecting downwards through the
slot in the rail of the framing a before mentioned.
As this leg pre-
vents the nut from turning round on the shaft, it is evident that the
rotatory motion of the latter will cause the nut to traverse in a longi-
tudinal direction, passing through a space equal to the pitch of the
screw at every revolution of the shaft, and having the direction of its
motion determined by that in which the screw revolves. The nut d
carries the guide tubes d, d, through which the yarn is directed to its
proper place on the reels; e, e, are a pair of stationary guide tubes
carried by brackets projecting from the framing: ff. are two swifts or
reels revolving loosely on upright spindles or shafts f¹, f, carried by
brackets ff. These swifts are adapted to receive each a quantity of.
heald yarn in hanks, which is drawn off them by the action of the reels
or winding frames b, b, through the guide tubes e, e, and d, d, and
wound by the action of the machine, as seen at æ, to form the links.
At the other end of the machine g, g, are fast and loose pulleys on the
same shaft on which the spur wheel h, and friction pulley k, are keyed;
is another spur wheel, and another friction pulley, both keyed on
the same shaft, and respectively similar to h, and k. The spur wheels h,

page_text: and h', are in gear, and therefore revolve together in contrary directions,
carrying with them their respective friction pulleys. k, and k¹. These
wheels and pulleys are all carried in bearings springing from the sliding
frame or saddle, which is moveable. to and fro longitudinally. on its
bed by the action of the screw m, the collar of which works against a
fixed boss in the framing, and is governed by the hand wheel m'. n, is
a friction pulley keyed on the journal c, of one of the winding frames or
reels b, b. It is covered with leather, and is caused to revolve in either
direction by the contact of one of the friction pulleys k, or ¹, either
of which can be applied to it at. pleasure, or both of them withdrawn as
the sliding frame is moved by the screw m into eithor of its extreme
or its intermediate positions. On the same shaft with n is keyed the
spur wheel, gearing with a pinion p, on the end of the screwed shaft
d. The pinion p again gears with another spur wheel o¹ on the journal
c of the other winding frame or reel, and which is similar to the spur
wheel o. The brackets which carry the screwed shaft d are moveable
up and down, for the purpose of allowing for the adjustment in gear
of pinions of different sizes, as the pinion pacts as a change wheel to
regulate the relative speed of the revolutions of the shaft d, as compared
with that of the winding reels b, b, and thereby determines the magni-
tude of the intervals between the coils of yarn wound on the reels, or,
in other words, the sett of the healds to be constructed. When power
is not employed, the driving. gear and reversing apparatus may be
removed, and the machine worked by a band wheel turned by hand,
and a hand pulley fixed on the same shaft as the spur wheel o. The
operation of the machine is as follows:-The hanks of yarn to be used
are placed on the swifts f. f, and an end y from each swift is drawn
through the guides, e; e, and dd, the nut de having been previously
placed opposite to the points on the winding reels b, b, at which it is
desired to commence forming the intended chain of links or loops.
Each of the ends is made fast to a stave of one of the winding frames
or reels b, b. The driving strap being set on the fast pulley, communi-
cates motion in contrary directions to the spur wheels h, h, and friction
pulleysk, k. The operator by means of the hand wheel m¹ turns the
screw m,, so as to apply to the friction pulley, one of the friction

page_text: pulleys, or.k, namely, that which will cause the nut d to travel in
the direction required. Motion is now communicated to the spur
wheel, o, the.. pinion p, and spur. wheel o', and 'the winding frames
or reels b, b, and screwed shaft. d, are caused to revolve. The rotation
of the winding frames b, b, winds the yarn yupon them, whilst that of
the shaft.d, causing the nut d to traverse lengthways upon it, gives to
the coils of yarn upon the reels the spiral direction required, the inter-
vals between the successive coils being greater or less according to the
relative speed of the shaft d, which can be regulated by changing the
pinion or wheel p. When the coils of yarn have been wound on to the
proposed length of the leaf of. healds the yarn is cut off, and the end of
the part wound on each winding frame secured to one of its staves.
The frames, are then removed from the machine, and other similar ones
substituted for the next operation, while the links formed on that last
used are made secure by applying the cement and the covering of tape,
which have been before mentioned as forming the heald bands in leaves
of healds of this description. After the cement is set the row of loops
or links may be taken from the frame and the metal eyes inserted.
Having now described the' nature of our Invention, and the manner
in which the same to be performed, we shall close this statement by
declaring further that the particular parts or improvements in' the forms
or, structure of healds in the processes whereby the same are fabricated,
and in the machinery or apparatus herein-before described for expe-
diting such processes which we claim as new and of our Invention, are
as follows, namely:
-
eyes
Firstly, the modes of inserting and attaching the metal herein-
before described in connection with. Figures 1 and 2, 7 and 8, Sheet 1,
of the Drawings hereunto appended, but not the use of metal eyes
generally, nor any special forin or 'configuration thereof. :
Secondly, the mode of inserting eyes in the process of forming the
links by previously stringing the said eyes on the yarn, and transferring
them successively to a flat wire or.bar, as described, with reference to
the eyes represented in Figures 9 and 10, Sheet 1
"
Thirdly, the mode of forming the links and eyes of healds represented
in Figures 11 and 12, Sheet 1 in. continuous lengths, and afterwards

page_text: uniting them into leaves of healds by weaving, and the processes
described for that purpose.
Fourthly, the mode and process herein described of forming the links
represented in Figures 1 and 2, Sheet 1, by winding yarn on a frame
and afterwards connecting the loops into links by metal eyes.
Fifthly, the mode of forming the last aforesaid links by the process
of weaving, as described.
Sixthly, the mode and process of forming the links represented in
Figures 7 and 8, Sheet 1, by winding yarn on a frame, as described.
Seventhly, the two several modes and processes of forming such last-
mentioned links by weaving, as described.
Eighthly, the arrangement of the links so as to form two leaves of
healds on opposite sides of the same heald staves, as shewn in Figures
9 and 10, Sheet 1, and herein described.
Ninthly, the various modes herein pointed out for rendering the
links of healds capable of yielding slightly to casual strains individually
and independently, of each other.
Tenthly, the mode herein pointed out of forming heald bands such as
are represented in Figures 1 and 2, 7 and 8, Sheet 1.
Eleventhly, the various modes of and processes for forming heald
bands by weaving, herein described.
Twelfthly, the special combination of eyes, links, and heald bands
shewn in Figures 1 and 2, Sheet 1, as herein explained.
Thirteenthly, the special combination of eyes, links, and heald bands
shown in Figures 7 and 8, Sheet 1, as herein explained.
Fourteenthly, the special combination of eyes, links, and heald bands
shewn in Figures 9 and 10, Sheet 1, as herein explained.
Fifteenthly, the special combination of eyes, links, and heald bands
shewn in Figures 11 and 12, Sheet 1, as herein explained.
Sixteenthly, the general arrangement and combination of mechanical
parts constituting the machine for forming the links of healds herein
described and represented in Figures 14, 15, and 16, Sheet 2, or any
mere modification thereof, and whether driven by power or manual
labor.
Seventeently, the mode of regulating the sett of healds made in

page_text: such last-mentioned machine by the action of the screwed shaft and
travelling guides forming parts of such machine.
But we do not make any claim to the Invention or exclusive use of
the winding frames or reels on which the links are formed by winding
in such machine, except when used in connection with the screwed
shaft and travelling guides employed in concert therewith in the above-
mentioned machine.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Vaughan, on behalf of
myself and of the aforesaid John Scattergood and Charles
Grimshaw, have hereunto set my hand and seal, this Twenty-
fifth day of April, in the year of our Lord One thousand eight
hundred and fifty-four.
Signed, sealed, and delivered by the
before-named William Vaughan in
the presence of
J. TAYLER,
Patent Agent,
Manchester.
WM VAUGHAN. (L.S.)