CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN POWER LOOMS
Year: 1855

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Jonas Marland, of Sun Vale Iron Works, Walsden,
in the County of Lancaster, and Samuel Marland, also of Sun Vale Iron
Works, Walsden, in the County of Lancaster, for the Invention of
Sealed the 6th June 1856, and dated the 6th December 1855.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Jonas Marland and
Samuel Marland at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with
their Petition, on the 6th December 1855.
We, JONAS MARLAND, of Sun Vale Iron Works, Walsden, in the County of
Lancaster, and SAMUEL MARLAND, also of Sun Vale Iron Works, Walsden,
in the County of Lancaster, do hereby declare the nature of the said Inven-
tion for "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN POWER LOOMS" to be as follows:-
Our first improvement relates to power looms in which the beam or roller.
on which the cloth is wound during the process of weaving derives its motion
from being held forcibly in contact with another beam, which is acted upon by
the taking-up motion in the usual manner. It consists in a novel and peculiar
application and adaptation of a spiral or worm spring or springs, by which the
contact betwixt the two beams or rollers is produced.

page_text: The pivots of the cloth beam work or turn in two blocks of metal, which
are acted upon by the spring or springs above mentioned, the tension of which
is produced by compression. It will be seen, that as the diameter of the cloth
beam becomes greater by the cloth folding round it, the tension of the spring
or springs will be thereby increased, and consequently also the adhesion of the
two rollers. The tension of the spring or springs is regulated by means o
screws, by turning the nuts of which also the spring or springs are compressed
when the cloth beam has to be released from the contact with the taking-up
roller, in order to remove the cloth from it.
Another improvement consists in the application and adaptation of a spring
or springs of a similar construction to the above, to the purpose of producing the
requisite tension on the warp during the process of weaving. The warp beam
has coiled round it at one or both ends a rope or chain in the usual manner;
this rope or chain, instead of being kept in a state of tension by a lever and
weight, as is usual, is, in our present improvement, kept in a proper state of
tension by means of the spring or springs before mentioned, which are applied
in the manner following:-One end of the rope or chain is made fast to the
framework of the loom or to a fixing or spring attached to it; it is then passed
round the collar of the beam a sufficient number of times to give the necessary
friction, and the end attached to a short rod or bar of metal, the other end of
which has a screw formed on it This rod passes through the centre of the
spiral spring (which is fixed in an adjustable tube or frame), and also through
a loose collar or tube, which is acted upon by a nut, which turns on the screw
before mentioned; by this means the spiral spring is compressed or relaxed,
so as to produce the necessary tension on the warp. It will be seen that ių
this case also the tension of the spiral spring or springs is produced by
compression.
The apparatus for giving the necessary tension to the warp, just described,
requires to be regulated from time to time, as the diameter of the warp beam
becomes less by the unrolling of the warp during the process of weaving; in
some cases it is desirable that this operation should be performed by the
machine itself. This we effect by the application of mechanism, which, being
put in motion by the warp or warp beam, turns the nut on the rod, just
described, and by that means relaxes the spiral spring, which reduces the
tension of the rope or chain, and so regulates the tension of the warp.
Another improvement consists in dispensing with the emery, pounded glass,
or sand usually cemented to the surface of the taking-up roller, for the purpose
of producing the necessary adhesion by which the cloth beam is carried round

page_text: during the process of weaving, these last appliances being found to be more or
less injurious to the fabric. This we effect by covering the taking-up roller
with a woven fabric lapped on its surface in one or more folds.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Jonas Marland and Samuel Marland in the Great Seal
Patent Office on the 6th June 1856.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, we, JONAS
MARLAND, of Sun Vale Iron Works, Walsden, in the County of Lancaster.
and SAMUEL MARLAND, also of Sun Vale Iron Works, Walsden, in the County
of Lancaster, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Iler Letters
Patent, bearing date the Sixth day of December, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-five, in the nineteenth year of Her
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto us,
the said Jonas Marland and Samuel Marland, Her especial licence that we, the
said Jonas Marland and Samuel Marland, our exccutors, administrators.
and assigns, or such others as we, the said Jonas Marland and Samuel
Marland, our executors, administrators, and 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 IMPROVEMENTS IN POWER
LOOMS," upou the condition (amongst others) that we, the said Jonas Marland
and Samuel Marland, our executors or administrators, by an instrument
in writing under our, or their, or one of our or their hands and seals,
should particularly 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 we, the said Jonas Marland and Samuel Marland,
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 and the accompanying Drawing (that is
to say):

page_text: It consists in improvements in those parts of the mechanism of power looms
by which the cloth is wound (when woven) on the. cloth beam, and the warp
let off from the warp beam during the process of weaving.
In order to make our Invention more clearly understood, we have hereunto
annexed a Sheet of Drawings (before mentioned), to which, and to the letters
and figures of reference marked thereon, the following description relates; it
being premised that in all cases where the same letters of reference or letters
and figures conjoined are found, they indicate the same parts of the machinery
or apparatus; and also, that in order to prevent confusion, those parts of the
mechanism which do not relate to our Invention are omitted.
Fig. 1 represents a side view, Fig. 2 a front view, and Fig. 3 a back view,
of a loom to which our improvements are applied; and Figs. 4, 5, 6, and 7
represent certain variations in the mode of applying part of our Invention.
Our first improvement relates to power looms in which the beam or roller
on which the cloth is wound derives its motion from being held forcibly in
contact with another beam, which is acted upon by the taking-up motion in
the usual manner. It consists in a novel and peculiar application and adapta-
tion of a heliacal or worm spring (usually called a spiral spring) or springs, by
which the contact of the beams or rollers is produced.
A, A, framework of the loom; A 1, A 1, breast beam; B, B, taking-up
beam or roller, which is actuated in the usual manner, and round part of the
circumference of which the cloth passes to the cloth beam B 1, B 1. This last
is forcibly held in contact with the taking-up bean B, B, in the following
manner-C, C, two hollow cylinders, (one of which is shewn in section,)
attached by adjustable brackets to the framework A, A. In the interior of
these cylinders are two heliacal springs, one of which is shewn at C1; these
springs abut upon internal flanges at the bottoms of the cylinders, and their
tension is regulated by placing the adjustable bracket higher or lower on the
framework of the loom. Through the middle of the spring and cylinders
passes the rods C2, C 2, at the upper ends of which are the two blocks of
metal C 3, C 3, in which the pivots of the cloth beam B 1, B 1, turn or work.
The heliacal springs C 1, C 1, are thus compressed betwixt the blocks of metal
C 3, C 8, and the internal flanges at the bottom of the cylinders C, C, and as
the cloth on the cloth beam B1, B1, increases in diameter, so the springs
become more and more compressed, and produce a greater degree, of adhesion
betwixt the cloth beam and the taking-up beam B, B. C 4; rail which extends
across from one of the rods C.2 to the other; the lower ends of these rods are
furnished with threads and nuts which support the rail. C 5, C.5, catches

page_text: which move on centres attached to the blocks C3, C3; these catches take
into ratchets formed on the outsides of the cylinders C, C. When the cloth
beam is full the attendant places his foot on the rail C 4; this compresses the
springs C1, C1, which are retained in that state by the catches C 5, C 5,
taking into the ratchets on the cylinders C, C. The full beam is thus released
from the contact of the taking-up roller, and being removed an empty beam is
put in its place; the catches are then detached from the ratchets, and tho
beliacal springs extending themselves, the empty beam is brought into contact
with the taking-up beam B, B, and the operation of weaving is continued as
before. It is obvious that screws and nuts on the rods C2, C 2, may be used
to compress the heliacal springs when a bean full of cloth has to be removed
from the loom, though the arrangement is not so convenient as that above
shewn.
Our second improvement consists in the application and adaptation of a
spring or springs of a similar construction to the above, to the purpose of
producing the necessary tension on the warp during the operation of weaving.
D, D, warp beam of the usual construction; D 1, D 1, rope or chain, one end
of which is made fast to the framework A, A, or to a fixing or spring attached
to the framework. It is then passed round the collar of the beam a sufficient
number of times to give the necessary friction, and the other end attached to
the short rod or bar of metal E 2. E, E, two hollow cylinders (one of which
is shewn in section), attached by means of adjustable brackets to the frame-
work A, A; in the interior of these cylinders are two heliacal springs E1, E1;.
these springs abut against internal flanges at the upper ends of the hollow.
cylinders E, E. The rod E 2 passes through the middle of the spring and
cylinder, and has at its lower end a screw or thread, on which turns the nut
E3; this nut acts against the heliacal spring E 1, and by turning it the
tension of the spring is regulated, so as to put a greater or less strain on the
yarn, as may be required. E 4, bracket attached to the hollow cylinder E, E;
on a pin on this bracket, as a centre, turns the lever E 5, one end of which
passes under the rod E2, the other end forming a pedal. E 6, catch turning
on a centre on the lever E 5, and which takes into a ratchet formed on the
bracket E 4. When the warp beam is empty the attendant places his foot on
the pedal end of the lever E 5, and pressing it downwards, the other end of the
lever forces upwards the rod E2 and nut E 3, which compresses the spring
E 1, E1; the catch E6 taking into the ratchet secures the spring in a
compressed state; this relaxes the rope or chain D 1, D1, and enables the
attendant to remove with facility the empty warp beain, and replace it with a

page_text: full one, which being done, and the chain or rope replaced, the catch E6 is
detached from the ratchet; the spring E 1 extending itself, the proper amount
of tension is put on the chain or rope D 1, D1, as before. This apparatus is
also used in the same manner when the rope or chain D 1, D 1, has to be
relaxed, in order to turn the warp beam D, D, when the warp has at any
time to be tightened or relaxed.
Another modification of this part of our Invention is shewn in Figs. 4 and 5 ;
Fig. 4 representing a portion of a loom as seen from the interior, and Fig. 5 a
back view of the same. Here the heliacal springs acting by compression are
applied in a manner somewhat different to the purpose of letting off the warp,
and regulating its tension during the operation of weaving. A, A, portion of
the framework; F; vibrating beam or rail, over which the warp passes from
the beam D; it has liberty to slide vertically in recesses formed for that
purpose in the framework A, A, and also on two studs supported on brackets
attached to the framework. Each of these studs has an heliacal spring coiled
round it, which by its elasticity supports the vibrating beam or rail F. In the
Figures only one of the studs F 1 and springs F2 is shown, as also only one
end of the vibrating beam F; the other end of the vibrating beam, and also
the stud and spring, is precisely of a similar construction. To the vibrating
beam is attached the bracket F 3, which carries an adjustable arm F 4; on
a centre or pin on this adjustable arm turns the lever G 1; which is acted upon
by the cam G fixed upon the crank axis. The lever G1 carries the catch G2,
which acts on the ratchet wheel G 3, from which the motion is conveyed by
means of the bevil wheel G 4 to the bevil wheel 1 on the worm shaft H,
supported by a bracket attached to the framework A. On the worm shaft II
is the worm H 2, which takes into the worm wheel H 3 on the warp beam D.
The quantity or length of the warp let off from the warp beam, therefore,
depends upon the quantity of motion given to the ratchet wheel G 3 by the
catch G2, which depends again upon the position of the centre (on which the
lever G 1 turns) with respect to the cam G; the lower the centre of the lever
the more is the motion. conveyed to the ratchet wheel G3, and, on the contrary,
the higher the position of the centre of the lever the less is the motion con-
veyed to the ratchet wheel. When the warp becomes tighter it depresses the
vibrating beam F, by compressing the heliacal springs by which it is supported;
this depresses the centre of the lever G 1, and increases the action of the cam
G on the ratchet wheel G 3; and consequently a greater length of the warp is
let off from the warp beam D, and its tension is reduced.
When the warp
becomes too slack, the vibrating beam F rises by the extending of the springs,

page_text: and the centre of the lever G. 1 rising with it, the action of the cam G on the
ratchet wheel G 3 is reduced; a less length of the warp. is let off from the
warp beam D, and the warp is thus brought to its proper tension.
A further modification of this part of our livention is shown in Figs. 6
and 7; Fig. 7 representing a portion of the loom as seen from the interior,
and Fig. 6 a back view of the same. The vibrating beam or rail F, the
stud F1, and heliacal spring F 2, are of the same construction as before
described, and are acted upon by the warp in the same manner. I, catch
turning on a centre attached to the vibrating beam F; it acts upon the ratchet
wheel 11, turning on a stud attached to the framework A, A. This ratchet
wheel carries the pinion I 2, which takes into the toothed wheel I 8, which in
this case forms one of the flanges of the warp beam D. The vibration of the
rail F during the operation of weaving, therefore, assists in letting off and
regulating the tension of the warp, and is used in conjunction with the appa-
ratus shewn in Figs. 1 and 3. As adapted and applied in the manner above
described, the vibrating beain or rail F and the heliacal spring F 2 also
modify and regulate the tension of the warp in another manner.
This is by
operating as what is called a "shedding motion," that is, when the tension
of the warp is increased, by its being opened by the action of the heddles for
the passage of the shuttle, the heliacal springs yield to the pressure, and the
vibrating rail: becoming depressed, the tension of the warp is relieved. This
application of the vibrating rail and heliacal springs.is shewn in Fig. 3 as used
in conjunction with the heliacal springs E 1, E 1, but may be used in. like
manner to modify and assist any other apparatus or mechanism: for producing
the tension on the warp. Instead of employing the means: described for
regulating the tension of the warp, we sometimes vary the mode of effecting
the same in the following manner-We convey motion to the nuts E 3, E 3;
so as to relax the heliacal springs E 1, E 1, as the diameter of the warp on the
warp beam becoming less. This motion may be derived from the vibrating
rail F, already described, the periphery of the nuts E 3, E 3, being formed into
ratchets for that purpose; or any other of the usual and known mechanism
adapted for the purpose may be used
Another improvement relates to the mode of forming the surface of the
taking-up roller or beam B, B. This we effect by covering the surface with a
woven fabric in one or more folds cemented upon it, or otherwise attached, as
may be convenient. This woven fabric may be made of any fibrous material
commonly used, a tufted or piled fabric being preferable for this purpose, as
producing a greater amount of adhesion on the cloth and cloth beam. By this

page_text: means we obtain the necessary amount of adhesion without any injurious effect
being produced on the surface of the fabric under process of weaving.
By the improvements above described we are enabled to construct power
looms which combine superior efficiency in their operation, with convenience,
facility, and economy in the use.
Having thus described the nature of our Invention, and the manner in
which the same is to be performed, we would observe that we do not confine
ourselves to the precise details of construction and arrangement of parts as
herein sot forth and described, so long as the peculiar characteristics and main
features of our Invention are retained; but that what we claim as new and of
our Invention is as follows:-
First, we claim the application and adaptation of heliacal or worm springs
acting by compression, to the purpose of producing the necessary amount of
contact and adhesion betwixt the taking-up beam or roller and the cloth beam,
as set forth and described:
Second, we claim the application, combination, and arrangement of parts
constituting the mechanism by which the cloth beam B1, B 1, is held in
contact with the taking-up beam or roller B, B, as set forth and described.
.
Third, we claim the application and adaptation of heliacal or worm springs
acting by compression, to the purpose of producing the necessary tension on
the warp during the operation of weaving, as set forth and described..
:
Fourth, we claim the application, combination, and arrangement of parts
constituting the mechanism or apparatus for producing the necessary tension
on the warp, namely, the parts marked E, E 1, E 2, E 3, E4, E 5, and -E 6, as
set forth and described. ..
Fifth, we claim the application and adaptation of heliacal or worm springs
acting by compression, to the purpose of letting-off and regulating the tension
of the warp, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, and described.
Sixth, we claim the application, combination, and arrangement of parts
constituting the regulating and letting-off' motion, shewn in Figs. 4 and 5, and
described.
Seventh, we claim the application and adaptation of heliacal or worm
springs acting by compression, to the purpose of assisting and modifying the
action of the letting-off motions of power looms, as shewn in Figs. 6 and 7,
and described.
Eighth, we claim the application and adaptation of heliacal or worm springs
acting by compression, to the purpose of assisting and modifying the action of
the letting off motions of power looms, as set forth and described.

page_text: Ninth, we claim the application and adaptation of a woven fabric to the
purpose of forming the surface of the taking-up beam or roller B, B, so as to
produce the necessary amount of adhesion betwixt it and the cloth and cloth
beam B1, B1, as set forth and described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Jonas Marland, (in behalf of the within-
named Samuel Marland as well as for myself,) have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Fifth day of June, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-six.
JONAS MARLAND. (L.S.)
Signed by the within-named Jonas Marland,
in the presence of
JOHN POTTER, C.E.,
Office for Patents,
9, Corporation Street, Manchester.