CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN SELF-ACTING MULES
Year: 1860

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to James Potter, of the City of Manchester, Machinist,
for the Invention of "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN SELF-ACTING MULES."
Sealed the 17th July 1860, and dated the 23rd January 1860.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said James Potter at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 23rd
January 1860.
I, JAMES POTTER, of the City of Manchester, Machinist, do hereby declare
the nature of the said Invention for "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN SELF-ACTING
MULES," to be as follows:-
It consists in certain improvements in machines called self-acting mules,.
for which I obtained Letters Patent, the first bearing date the 21st December.
1886, (No. 7268, Old Law); the second the 25th May 1842, (No. 9866, Old
Law); the third the 19th September 1849, (No. 12,771, Old Law); the
fourth the 19th November 1852, No. 780, and which present improvements,
are in part applicable to other self-acting mules.
First, in the novel arrangement and construction of the headstock. of my
self-acting mule instead of that described in the Specification of my Patent of.
1849. I contract or diminish the depth of the framework, and support it upon.
legs or supports which raise it a sufficient height from the floor so that the
bearing portion of the carriage can traverse or pass underneath the framework.
By this means in mules, in which the headstock is placed about the middle of
the length of the mule, I am enabled to make the carriage a continuous one

page_text: instead of two separate carriages, which are necessary when the headstock
described in my Specification of 1849 is used.
Second, in a new arrangement and adaptation of the faller motions by
which they are arranged and adapted to the improved headstock before
mentioned; this is done by varying the form of the weight box so as to act 5
equally on the two separate fallers, and varying and arranging the connexions
to correspond with the altered form of the framework of the headstock.
Third, in a new arrangement and adaptation of the driving shaft, with its
pulleys and geering, by which it is arranged and adapted to the improved head-
stock before mentioned. In this new arrangement the driving shaft is placed 1
below the level of the cam shaft, and the positions of the other shafts and
geering by which the motion is communicated to the various parts of the
inachine are varied to correspond to the improved construction of the
headstock.
Fourth, in a new construction, arrangement, and combination of the crank 1
connecting rod and drag pulley and chain, together with a bell crank (the
connecting rod is a jointed one, and the bell crank of a peculiar construction)
by which motion is communicated to the shafts and pulleys which take in the
carriage during the winding-on. The couplings of this shaft are also of a
peculiar construction, being composed of two discs (with or without projections)
fastened on the ends of the shafts and connected together by means of bolts
or screws. This mode of coupling is also applicable in all cases where two or
more lengths of shafting are to be connected together in the self-acting mule.
Fifth, in an improved arrangement and construction of the apparatus and
its appendages for regulating and adjusting the quantity of twist put into the
The worn wheel is placed above the worm and the other parts of the
apparatus (including the latch attached to the setting on handle) arranged
to correspond.
yarn.
Sixth, in an improved construction and arrangement of the underfaller
weight with respect to the centre on which it turns, so that the same pressure
is maintained on the underfaller wire in whatever may be the position of the
underfaller fingers.
Seventh, in a certain improvement or improvements in my backing off
Inotion which is shewn and described in the Specification of my Patents of
1849 and 1852; this consists in varying the construction of the backing off
motion so as to make it correspond to the altered positions of the driving and
rim shafts.
Eighth, in certain novel arrangements of the stretching motion by which
inore stability and certainty of action is obtained; this is effected by varying

page_text: the construction and position of the several parts from those described in my
Specifications of 1849 and 1852.
Ninth, in the novel application and adaptation of an improved catch box
for the purpose of connecting the winding-on barrel and backing-off wheel
with the rim shaft (when the winding on or backing off is to be effected) in
order to obviate a loss of motion. A disc having two or more notches in its
circumference is keyed on to the rim shaft; in these notches slide two or more
feathers or keys attached to the interior of a projecting rim which forms one
end of the catch box.
Tenth, in certain further improvements in the regulator (described in my
Specifications of 1849 and 1852) which regulates the number of turns given
to the spindle by the winding on motion during the process of winding-on.
A cam keyed on to the backing off regulator shaft acts upon one arm of a bell
crank, the other arm of which moves a slide (by means of a connecting link)
on ono arm of an upright double lever which turns on a centre on the frame-
work; this slide has on it a projection which is acted upon by an apparatus
connected to the underfaller finger. The other arm of the lever is connected
to the tumbler weight by means of a rod, which tumbler again acts upon the
cogger by means of another rod.
Eleventh, in certain further improvements in the construction of the back
plate of the winding-on motion by the introduction of intermediate spirals.
Twelfth, in certain improvements in the apparatus for preventing snarls
(claimed by me under the fourth claim of the Specification of my Patent
of 1842) at the time of lifting the faller wire I apply a regulator which
determines the amount of rotation communicated to the spindles by the
apparatus before mentioned, and also the arrangement and construction of the
same so as to adapt it to the horizontal headstock.
Thirteenth, in the application of mechanism for the purpose of restraining
the backing-off motion whilst in action so as to cause it to act with more
certainty. By an alteration in the cam I apply the break slightly to the rim
or otherwise place a spring so as to restrain the backing off rack during the
process of backing-off.
Fourteenth, in an improved support to the drop rod of the double speed,
I form the retaining lever so as to act as a prop to the drop rod instead of the
catch previously used.
Fifteenth, in the application and adaptation of an apparatus to prevent the
driving strap from being put on to the self-acting pulley whilst either the
drawing out or stretching motions are in gear. The setting on handle acts
upon a double lever provided with a projection by which it is retained when
0

page_text: the drawing out is in geer, and when the stretching motion is in geer the
setting-on handle is retained in like manner by another lever which comes in
contact with another projection attached to a latch which holds the stretching
pinion in geer.
Sixteenth, in the application and adaptation of an improved sliding cop
building motion (which in the present case consists of three slides besides
the weight box rest) and its combination with the winding on motion and the
other parts of the apparatus.
Seventeenth, in the application and adaptation of an improved cop building
motion (operating radially, that is, the principal parts turning on a centre or
centres) and its combination with the winding-on motion and the other parts
of the apparatus. This consists in the application of an apparatus operating
in a manner similar to the two spirals shewn in the Specification of my Patent
of 1836, with the addition of a new apparatus for lengthening and shortening
the traverse of the faller wire during the building of the cop.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said James Potter in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
20th July 1860.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JAmes
POTTER, of the City of Manchester, Machinist, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Twenty-third day of January, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty, in the twenty-third year of ITer
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the
said James Potter, Her special license that I, the said James Potter,
my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said
James Potter, my 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 IMPROVE-
MENTS IN SELF-ACTING MULES," upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the
said James Potter, my executors or administrators, by an instrument in writing
under my, or their, or one of 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

page_text: 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 James Potter, do hereby declare
the nature of my 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 Drawings (that is to say):-
It consists in certain improvements in machines called self-acting mules for
which I obtained Letters Patent, the first bearing date the Twenty-first
December One thousand eight hundred and thirty-six (No. 7268, Old Law);
the second the Twenty-fifth May One thousand eight hundred and forty-two
(No. 9866, Old Law); the third the Thirteenth September One thousand eight
bundred and forty-nine (No. 12,771, Old Law); and the fourth the Nineteenth
November One thousand eight hundred and fifty-two (No. 780); and which
present improvements are also in part applicable to, other self-acting mules.
The Specification of the above Letters Patent were duly enrolled or filed, and
are to be referred to for further information in all cases where it may be
required. And for the purpose of making my present Invention more clearly
understood I have hereunto annexed three Sheets of Drawings, marked 1, 2,
and 8, to which the following description applies, reference being had to the
letters and figures marked thereon, it being understood that the same letters
of reference (or letters and figures conjoined) indicate in all cases the same
parts. It must also be observed, that those parts of the mule which do not
relate to present Invention are for the most part omitted, in order to avoid,
confusion.
My first improvement consists in the novel arrangement and construction of
the framework of the headstock of my self-acting mule, instead. of that
described in the Specification of my Patent of' One thousand eight hundred
and forty-nine. I contract or diminish the depth of the framework, and
support it on legs or supports which raise it just a sufficient height from-the
floor, so that the bearing portion of the carraiage can traverse or pass under-
neath the framework. Fig. 1 represents a view of one side of the improved
headstock; Fig. 2, a plan; and Fig. 8, a view of the outer end of the same.
A, A, main part or bearing portion of the framework which is supported by
the legs or supports A', A'; underneath the bearing portion A, A, passes
or traverses the bearing portion of the carriage shewn in section at A 2;
A, table; and A', bridge tree which supports one end of the driving shaft C.
It will be understood that in this, construction of headstock the spindles and
fallers are set on each side of the bearing portion A, A, in which position they
traverse backwards and forwards with the carriage during the working of th.

page_text: mule. By this means in mules in which the headstock is placed about the
middle of the length of the mule, I am enabled to make the carriage a
continuous one instead of two seperate carriages, which are necessary when
the headstock described in my Specification of One thousand eight hundred
and forty-nine is used. Under this first head of my improvements I claim as
new and of my Invention,-
First, the construction of the framework of tho headstock of the machino
known as Potter's self-acting mule, as shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 3, and herein
described, in which the construction of the framework is such as to admit of
the use of a continuous carriage in cases in which the headstock is placed
about the middle of the mule.
Second, I claim the application of the legs or supports (upon which the bed
or framework of the headstock rests) to my self-acting mule.
Third, I claim the arrangements of the relative positions of the bearings of
the shafts and movements in the framing of the headstock of my self-acting
mule, as shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 3.
My second improvement consists in a new arrangement and adaptation of
the faller motions by which they are arranged and adapted to the improved
headstock before mentioned. This is done by varying the form of the weight
box so as to act equally on the two separate fallers, and varying and arranging
the connexions to correspond with the altered form of the framework of the
headstock; B, B, a weighted frame lever (usually called the weight box),
Figs. 1, 4, and 5; B', B', two radial rods or bars which connect the weighted
part of the weight box or frame lever B, with two centres B³ fixed at the
back of the carriage F¹; B³, B³, two rods which connect the weight box
to the top faller shafts. The weight box is of sufficient length to pass entirely
under the headstock, one of the rods B, B, being situated at each side of
it, and forming the connexion to each of the separato faller shafts. B', the
usual incline for building the cop. The motions for putting down the faller
wires are arranged and adapted to the improved headstock in the following
manner: B', the cam on the shaft B, which are of the usual construction
and put in motion in the usual manner; this cam B acts upon the lever B',
which by means of the rod B³, acts on the lever B, and thus lowers down
the weight box on to the incline, the hook or latch B having been pre-
viously displaced from the stud B on tho arm of the weight box B' by
the upright B, at or about the termination of the stretch, the weight box B
being now supported by the lever B until it comes in contact with the
incline B'. The motions for lifting up the faller wires are arranged and
adapted to the improved headstock in the following manner:-The cam B'

page_text: acting on the lever B' communicates motion to the lever B¹ by means of
the rod B, B, double lever B, and short link B". This takes place
at the termination of the inward run of the carriage, and the lever B" acting
on the stud B raises the weight box B, the hook or latch B again
taking hold of the stud B", the weight box, and consequently the top faller
shafts are again retained in their original position during the next draw out of
the carriage. Under this second head of my improvements I claim as now
and of my Invention,―
First, the construction of the weight box B, the construction being such
that it acts on the two separate fallers.
Second, I claim the arrangement and adaptation of the faller motions and
the combination of the parts above mentioned and described, it being immaterial
what winding-on motion is used.
My third improvement consists in a new arrangement and adaptation of
the driving shaft, with its pulleys and geering, by which it is arranged and
adapted to the improved headstock before mentioned. In this new arrange-
ment the driving shaft is placed below the level of the cam shaft, and the
positions of the other shafts and geering by which the motion is communi-
cated to the various parts of the machine are varied to correspond to the
improved construction of the headstock. C, C, the main driving shaft
(Figs. 1, 2, and 8,) which in this construction is placed on the same level
as the rim shaft C, and below the cam shaft Bo. The main driving
shaft C, C, gives motion to the rim shaft C, by means of the bevils C³ and
Co, and the rim shaft C again gives motion to the horizontal grooved shaft
C", by means of the spur wheels C and C, and the bevils C and C™;
from the horizontal grooved shaft C" the motion is communicated to the
tin roller or drums in the carriage by the spur wheels C™ and C¹³, and
bevils C. The calculation of these wheels is such as to give the spindles
about twenty-five revolutions for one of the wheel C, but the number of
these revolutions may be varied by making a corresponding variation in the
winding-on apparatus. The horizontal grooved shaft Cu having been fully
described in my Specification of One thousand eight hundred and fifty-two,
under the reference B', it will not be necessary again to repeat the description.
Under this third head of my improvements I claim as new and of my
Invention, first, the novel and varied position of the main driving shaft C, C,
it being now placed below the cam shaft B, and by this means adapted to
my improved headstock; second, I claim the arrangement and adaptation of
the grooved shaft C" to my improved headstock, and its combination with the
other mechanism for the purpose of driving the spindles as herein described.

page_text: My fourth improvement consists in a new combination of the crank con-
necting rod and drag pulley and chain, together with a bell crank, by which
motion is communicated to the shaft and pulleys which take in the carriage
during the winding on. D, the crank (on the cam shaft B) which takes in the
carriage (Figs. 1 and 2) which is of the usual construction, and gives motion
to the bell crank D³ by means of the connecting rod D' and link D. The
bell crank D³ turns on the axis a, and gives motion to the drag pulley D*
(on the winding-on shaf D") by means of the chain D'. The action of the
crank D on the drag pulley D is modified by means of the link D³ and
bell crank D³, whilst at the same time the mechanism is by these means
adapted to my improved headstock. De, large driving wheel on the mendoza
shaft D', which gives motion to the squaring shaft D, by means of the
pinion Ds. The couplings of this shaft (D°) are of a peculiar construction,
being composed of two discs (with or without projections) fastened on the ends
of the shafts, and connected together by means of bolts or screws. One of these
couplings is shewn at D, one disc or part of the coupling at the end of one
length of the squaring shaft D, being marked b, and the other disc (marked
c) being fixed at the commencement of the next length. I sometimes con-
struct these discs with teeth or projections which geer into one another; in
which case the discs are attached one to the other by means of common screw
bolts; and I sometimes construct tho discs with plain surfaces, in which case
the bolts are turned in the lathe to fit accurately the holes in the discs through
which they pass. This mode of coupling is also applicable in all cases where
two or more lengths of shafting are to be connected together in the self-
acting mule.
Under this fourth head of my improvements I claim as new and of my
Invention, first, the construction, arrangement, and combination of the
mechanism herein described for taking in the carriage during the process of
winding-on; second, I claim the application of the bell crank Ds and the
compound connecting rod (composed of the rod D¹ and link D³) for the
purpose of communicating motion to the mechanism which takes in the
carriage; third, I claim the method of coupling the wrought-iron squaring
shafts which take in the carriage in self-acting mules as shewn at D10, and
herein described. And I also claim the application of the same mode of
coupling to other wrought-iron shafts used in self-acting mules.
My fifth improvement consists in a new arrangement and construction of
the apparatus and its appendages for regulating and adjusting the quantity of
twist put into the yarn. The worm wheel is placed above the worm, and the
other parts of the apparatus (including the latch attached to the setting-on

page_text: handle) arranged to correspond. E, worm at the end of the driving shaft C
(Figs. 1, 2, 6, and 7) which takes into the worm wheel E, on a shaft which
carries the pinion E, which again drives the wheel Es, which has on it a stud
or projection D, which by the revolution of the wheel Es comes into contact
with a projection on the weighted lever E, and causes the other end of this
weighted lever to lift the latch E³ (which holds the setting-on bandle T in its
position) by means of the adjustable pieco E fixed upon it. The. worm
wheel E', the pinion E³, and wheel Es, with the other moving parts aro,
supported by the bracket E' (attached to the framework). The form of the
bracket E' is such that the worm wheel just described is placed above the
driving shaft, by which I am enabled to place the latch E above the frame-
work instead of through it, as is the case with the corresponding latch shewn
in my Specification of 1849. I also apply the same improved twist regulating
apparatus to the improved headstock shewn in Figs. 1, 2, and 8.
Under this fifth head of my improvements I claim as new and of my
Invention the improved arrangement of the apparatus for regulating the
quantity of twist put into the yarn as above described.
.
My sixth improvement consists in an improved construction of the under-
faller weight, with respect to the centre on which it turns, so that the same
pressure is maintained on the underfallen wire in whatever may be the position
of the underfaller..fingers (Figs. 12 and 13). F, section of the carriago
front, to which is attached the fixing F, which carries the centre, on which
turns the underfaller weight; this underfaller weight is a compound one con-
sisting of two arms, which are nearly at right angles one to the other, namely,
F³, an arm, which is nearly horizontal, and F, the other, which is nearly.
perpendicular to it. The arm F³ consists of a fixed weight, and on tho
arm F is an adjustable one e. The sectors and chains on the faller shafts,
and the connections to the underfaller weight, are the same as described in my
former Specifications (see F' and F. The sliding weight e is adjusted on
the arm F, so that when the underfaller is unweighted the underfaller wire
and fingers, and the compound underfaller weight, mutually balance each
other in all positions. F', pin on which the adjusting weights aro placed,
and F, stud by which the underfaller weight. is raised in the usual
manner; then by applying the weights in the usual manner, the necessary.
tension on the yarn is produced, the weights being varied according to the
fineness of the yarn and the number of spindles in the mules.
. Under this sixth head of my improvements, I claim as new and of my..

page_text: First, the construction and adaptation of the compound underfaller weight,
shewn in Figs. 12 and 13, and herein described.
Second, I claim the arrangement and combination of the various parts of
which this compound underfaller weight is composed.
Third, I claim the application and adaptation of this compound underfaller
weight to other self-acting mules.
My seventh improvement consists in a certain improvement or improve-
ments in my backing-off motion, which is shown and described in the
Specifications of my Patents of 1849 and 1852. This consists in varying
the construction of the backing-off motion, so as to mako it correspond to
the altered positions of the driving and rim shafts, Figs. 1 and 2. II, backing-
off lever; II', backing-off rack; II³, backing-off wheel; II³, regulating lever
and stud; II, regulating cam; II, backing-off bowl. The action of these
parts are the same as described in the previous Specifications.
Under this seventh head of my improvements I claim as new and of my
Invention the arrangement and adaptation of the backing-off motion, so as to
correspond to the altered construction of the headstock.
My eighth improvement consists in certain novel arrangements of the
stretching motion, by which more stability and certainty of action is obtained.
This is effected by varying the construction and position of the several parts
from those described in my Specifications of 1849 and 1852, Figs. 6, 7, 8,
and 9. The mechanism which performs the operation of drawing-out the
carriage during the delivery of the cotton from the rollers is similar to that
described in my Specifications of 1849 and 1852, and will therefore require
no further description. The improved stretching motion will be understood
from the following description :-I, geering lever, which is acted upon by the
backing-off bowl H' on the large cam wheel; it is retained in its position by
the latch I', which catches upon a projection (on the framework) 12. This
catch is ungeered by an incline on the carriage which comes in contact with
the stud I³ (as in previous Specifications), and thus elevates the lever I* on
the axis of which is the arm I', which by means of a link I raises the
latch I', and allows the spring 1', attached to the framework, to operate and
to throw out the catch box, which geers the rollers, and also the mechanism,
which draws out the carriage. The spring 17 operates by means of the
rod I', which extends from the geering lever I to an arm of the upright
shaft I; this upright shaft 1° is similar to that described in previous Speci-
fications, with the exception of the addition of the arm 1, which by means
of the adjustable link 1" (the hole of which is clongated, as shewn in

page_text: the Drawing,) acts on the arm f of the compound lever I"; the arm g of this
compound lever I has a swivel bearing, by which it holds the pinion I"
(on the axis of the shaft I") in geer with the wheel I, on the shaft I".
The shaft I is placed over the shaft I, and the other end of it is
supported by a swivel bearing I", attached to the framework (see Fig. 9,
which is a front view of this part of the apparatus). The upright shaft I'
and the shaft I are in the same positions as the corresponding shafts shewn
in the previous Specifications. This compound lever I has also a third
arm h, which has a projection, by means of which the latch I holds the
pinion I in geer with the wheel F during the drawing out of tho
carriage. When the stretching is ended tho latch 1 is lifted off
the projection h by means of a stud I" on the mendoza wheel acting on the
bell crank I in the manner described in the previous Specifications. It
must be observed that it will be necessary to modify the compound lever I's
in order to adapt it to my improved headstock, shewn in Figs. 1, 2, and 3,
(soo Fig. 81). Z, compound lever of the new form; it turns on the stud or
centre g on the framework; Z' swivel bearing, which receives one end of
the shaft I; Z, upright shaft corresponding to the shaft I.; Z, link
(corresponding to the link I", which communicates motion from the arm t
on the upright shaft Z to the compound lever Z; Z, a latch, which holds
the compound lever Z in its position; Z, a fork depending from the end of
the latch Z, which is acted upon by the stud I", on the mendoza wheel;
Zo, lever, which geers and ungeers the catch boxes Z. The action of tho
parts of this mechanism being the same as already described, the description
need not be repeated.
Under this eighth head of my improvements, I claim as new and of my
Invention,―
First, the application and adaptation of the triple lever I" to the stretching
motion of my self-acting mule, and also the application of the hooked
latch I for the purpose of retaining the said triple lever whilst in operation.
Second, I claim the arrangements, adaptations, and combinations of the
above mechanism by which the stretching motion is effected.
Third, I claim the application of the arrangements, adaptations, and com-
binations of this mechanism by which the stretching motion is effected to other
self-acting mules.
My ninth improvement consists in the novel application and adaptation of
an improved catch box for the purpose of connecting the winding-on barrel
and backing-off wheel with the rim shaft, (when the backing-off or winding-on
is to be effected) in order to obviate a loss of motion. A disc having two or

page_text: more notches in its circumference is keyed on to the rim shaft. In these
notches slide two or more feathers or keys attached to the interior of a pro-
jecting rim, which forms one end of a catch box. An outside view of the
improved catch box is shewn in Fig. 2, and a section of it to shew the internal
construction is shewn in Fig. 14; K, middle and double catch box; K',
winding-on barrel; H³, backing-off wheel; K², the disc, having two or
more notches or openings in its circumference, and which is firmly keyed on
to the rim shaft c"; i, i, two or more keys or feathers attached to the
interior of the projecting rim, which forms one end of the middle catch box K.
By means that the keys or feathers i, i, being by this construction removed as
far as possible from the centre of the rim shaft, the loss of motion from the
inevitable slackness of the feathers or keys in the notches or openings is as far
as possible obviated.
Under this ninth head of my improvements, I claim as new and of my
Invention,―
First, the application and adaptation of the notched disc K' to the catch
boxes, herein-before described, for the purposes before mentioned.
Second, I claim the combination of the improved catch box with the wind-
ing-on barrel K, and also with the backing-off wheel H³, as described.
My tenth improvement consists in certain further improvements in the
regulator described in my Specifications of 1849 and 1852, which regulates the
number of turns given to the spindle by the winding-on motion during the
process of winding on. A cam keyed on the backing-off regulator shaft acts
upon one arm of a bell-crank, the other arm of which moves a slide (by means
of a connecting link), on one arm of a double lever, which turns on a centre
on the framework. This slide has on it a projection, which is acted upon by
an apparatus connected to the underfaller finger; the other arm of the lever
is connected to the tumbler weight by means of a rod, which tumbler again
acts upon the cogger by means of another rod. Figs. 6, 7, 10, and 11 L,
carriage end; L1, underfaller finger; L2, topfaller finger; L3, a lever,
which, when in action, is supported from the underfaller finger L1 by means
of the adjustable link L 5, and the stud L 6, and when out of action is sup-
ported by a projection L7 attached to the drop rod L8, (which is the same
rod as shewn under the previous reference B2), which forms the connection
betwixt the weight box and top faller finger L2. (This I call my first
movement); L4, a projection, which when in action acts upon the piece L18
which projects from the slide L 14 on the lever L12; from the lower arm of
this double lever L 12 passes the rod L 18 to the tumbler L9, which acts on
the cogger L11 by means of the rod L 10 in the usual manner. The cogger

page_text: L11 acts on the star wheel on the winding-on motion, as described in the pre-
vious Specifications. (This I call my second movement); L19, shaft, which
regulates the backing-off motion, (see my Specification of One thousand eight
hundred and fifty-two); on this shaft is the spiral L 16, which acts upon one
arm of the bell-crank lever L 15, the other arm of which is connected to the
slide L 14 by the link L17. Supposing the carriage has commenced its going-
in, and the yarn is being wound on the spindle at proper degrees of tightness,
the underfaller wire is in such a position that the projection L4 passes over
the top of the projection L 18, and produces no variation in the winding-on
motion, the cogger L11 being then out of action. But if the yarn has become
too tight the underfaller wire is depressed, and by its action allows the lever
LS to descend, and the projection L4 then comes in contact with the projec-
tion L 18 and causes the lever L 12 to turn on its centre, the lower arm-of
which acting on the tumbler L9, (by-means of the rod L18) throws it over
the centre, and this motion lifts the rod L 10 and allows the cogger Lil to
act on the star wheel and thus to slacken the winding on. The cogger L11
is thrown out of action by the star wheel at the commencement of each going-
in of the carriage in case it has been in action during the previous drawing
out; but if the cogger is out of action it remains out until put into action
again by the underfaller, as described. Supposing, the projection L1s to-be
a fixture on the lever L 12, the apparatus would have the same action as the
apparatus described in the previous Specifications, but which were found expe-
rimentally to be defective. To remedy the defect I have added the following
mechanism, which I call my third movement, which is composed of the spiral
L16, the bell-crank lever L15, the link L17, and the slide L14, which
carries the projection L18. The spiral L 16 revolving with the backing-off
regulator shaft L 19 (which makes one revolution during the formation of a
cop), allows the slide L 14 (and with it the projection L18) to descend by its-
own gravity, which consequently varies its position slightly 'every stretch, so
that, in fact, the projection L4 has to descend lower every stretch beforo it
can act on the lever L 12, the point of contact varying every stretch until the
cop bottom is formed, (after which it requires no further variation), and which
is accomplished by the spiral L 16.
I do not, however, confine myself to the details here given, as these may
be varied.
Under this tenth head of my improvements I claim as new and of. my
Invention,-
First, the application and adaptation of what I call my third movement in
the apparatus above described, which consists of the following parts, viz., the

page_text: spiral L 16, the bell-crank lever L15, the link L 17, and slide L 14, which
mechanism may be varied, especially the spiral L 16, for which an irregular
screw, or slide, or other eccentric movement may be substituted.
Secondly, I claim the construction, arrangement, and combination of parts
constituting the improved regulator to the winding-on motion, as herein
described.
Third, I also claim the application and adaptation of the said third move-
ment to the purpose of regulating all other winding-on motions, which are
regulated by the action of the underfaller.
My eleventh improvement consists in certain further improvements in the
construction of the back plate of the winding-on motion by the introduction of
intermediate spirals, Figs. 15 and 16. Fig. 15 represents the back plate;
N, spiral of the same construction, and actuated in the same manner as
described in previous Specifications; N1 and N 2, two additional spirals,
which are combined together, and turn on the same stud or centre N 8,
Fig. 15, in which these two spirals are shown by dotted lines, and in a roverse
position one to the other. When in action the spiral N delivers chain to the
spiral N 1, and in like manner the spiral N 2 gives off chain to the rose plate.
At the commencement of a cop the longest radius of the spiral N delivers
chain to the shortest radius of the spiral N 1, but at the completion of the cop
bottom the shortest radius of the spiral N delivers chain to the longest radius
of the spiral N 1. In like manner, at the commencement of a cop the spiral
No delivers chain to the rose plate from its longest radius, but at the com-
pletion of the cop bottom the spiral N* delivers chain to the rose plate from
its shortest radius. In other respects the construction of the winding-on
motion is the same as described in my Specification of One thousand eight
hundred and fifty-two. By this means a correct amount of variation in the
winding-on motion during the formation of the cop bottom is obtained.
Under this eleventh head of my improvements I claim as new and of my
Invention, first, the improved construction of the mechanism of the back plate, 3
as shewn in Figs. 15 and 16, and herein described; second, I claim the
application and adaptation of the intermediate spirals N¹ and N³; third, I
claim the combination of these two spirals with the other parts of the winding-
on motion.
My twelfth improvement consists in certain improvements in the apparatus 3
for preventing snarls (claimed by me under the fourth claim of my Patent of
One thousand eight hundred and forty-two), at the time of lifting the faller
wire. I apply a regulator, which determines the amount of rotation com-
municated to the spindles by the apparatus before mentioned. Figs. 6 and 7

page_text: O, ratchet wheel keyed on the rim shaft C4; 0, bell-crank lever; 0³, catch
actuated by the bell-crank lever O', and which gives motion to the ratchet
wheel 0; 0, guide plate, by which the catch O is put in and out of action,
and which carries the slido O and also the spring 0; 0º, spiral on the
backing-off regulator shaft L 19, which acts on tho slide 0, which again, by
means of an inclined plane at one extremity, elevates the slide O, the action
of which is to regulate the number of turns given to the spindles; O³, rod
which communicates motion from the cam lever to the faller lifter, in its progress
to which it communicates motion to the bell-crank lever O³, and consequently
to the rim shaft C4, by means of the ratchet wheel O and catch 0; j, a stud
or projection from the sido of the catch 0; k and 2 projecting pieces from
the guide plate O', forming a passage betwixt them. In the position shewn
on tho Figure the catch O' is at the termination of its action, at which time
it is thrown out of the ratchet wheel O by the spring O' on to the pro-
jection k, ready to operate at the next movement of the faller wires. At the
time of the backing off, when the faller wires are again put in motion, the
catch O descending the stud jenters the passage betwixt k and 4, and con-
tinues its descent till it is clear of the passage, and rests on the top of the
slide O, ready again to perform its operation of turning the spindles at the
next time the faller wiro is lifted, at which period the stud; drops off the top
of the slide 0%, and the catch 03 drops into the ratchet wheel O, and the
catch rising by the action of the rod 0%, again turns the spindles, as before
described.
Under this twelfth head of my improvements I claim as new and of my
Invention, first, the arrangement and adaptation of the apparatus for preventing
snarls, herein-beforo described, so as to render it applicable to the horizontal
headstock; second, I claim the application of the spiral 0 and slido O', for
the purpose of regulating the quantity of motion given by the catch O³ to the
spindles; third, I claim the combination and arrangement of the mechanism,
as described, for the purpose of preventing snarls, and also the application of
the said mechanism to other self-acting mules.
My thirteenth improvement consists in the application of mechanism for tho
purpose of restraining the backing off motion whilst in action, so as to cause it
to act with more certainty. By an alteration in the cam I apply the break
slightly to the rim, or otherwise place a spring so as to restrain the backing off
rack during the process of backing off. Fig. 17: B6, cam shaft; and B5,
the cam; P, break lever; P', break bowl turning on a stud on the cam B5; P³
restraining bowl on the same cam; P³, projection on the break lever, on which
the bowls operate. After the break has stopped the spindles the backing-off

page_text: takes place, and in order to prevent its exceeding the proper quantity
(through the impetus given to the spindles) the bowl P³ comes into action,
and being of a smaller diameter than the break bowl P', continues the pressure
slightly on the rim, and thus prevents the spindles from overrunning. I some-
times vary this mode by altering the form of the projection P³, so as to con- 5
tinue for a longer time the action of the bowl P³, or apply a spring to it for
the same purpose. In either case the bowl P³ may be dispensed with. For
the second mode see Fig. 32. H', end of backing-off rack; P³, spring
firmly attached to the framework. When the backing-off rack H' is in
action, and has nearly completed its operation, it comes in contact with the 1
spring P, which, reacting against it, prevents it from overrunning the backing-
off bowl, and thus restrains the backing off to the proper quantity.
Under this thirteenth head of my improvements I claim as new and of my
Invention,―
First, the mode of restraining the backing-off motion by the application of 1
the break to the break pulley on the rim, for the purpose of restraining the
impetus of the spindles during the process of backing off, as herein described.
Second, I claim the second mode of attaining the same end by the appli-
cation of the spring P 5 to the backing-off rack, as herein described.
My fourteenth improvement consists in an improved support for the drop 20
rod of the double speed. I form the retaining lever so as to act as a prop to
the drop rod instead of the catch previously used. Figs. 6 and 7: S, the prop,
which consists of a double lever turning on the centre m on the framework
at the lower end of which is an inclined plane acted upon by the stud S 2;
S1, S1, plate which forms the termination of the drop rod; S2, stud on the 25
lover S 8, which forms part of the usual apparatus for putting down the faller
wiro; S4, the retaining stud on the drop rod plate S 1, by which it rests upon
the prop S when in operation; S 5, stud on the lever I 4, which lever is acted
upon by the incline on the carriage. The other parts of the double-speed
motion are described in my Specification of One thousand eight hundred and 30
fifty-two. The operation is as follows:-Supposing the carriage to be coming
out and towards the end of the stretch, it elevates the lever I 4 by means of
the incline on the carriage acting on the stud I 3. The stud S5 on the
lever I 4 passes through a slot in the plate S 1, so that when the lever I 4 is
raised, it raises the plate S 1 at the same time, which it retains in that position 35
until the lever I 4 again drops by the action of the carriage, when the prop S
having been released from the stud $2, takes hold of the retaining stud S 4,
and which thus supports the drop rod plate S1 until it is again detached by
the rising of the lever S 3.

page_text: Under this fourteenth head of my improvements I claim as new and of my
Invention,-
First, the application and adaptation of the prop S for the purpose of
supporting the drop rod during the running in of the carriage.
Second, I claim the arrangement and combination of the several parts of
which the said apparatus is composed.
My fifteenth improvement consists in the application and adaptation of an
apparatus to prevent the driving strap being put on the self-acting pulley
whilst either the drawing out or stretching motions are in gear. The setting-
on handle acts upon a double lever, which is provided with a projection, by
which it is retained when the drawing out is in gear; and when the stretching
motion is in gear the setting-on handle is retained in like manner by another.
lever, which comes in contact with another projection attached to the latch
which holds the stretching motion in gear. Figs. 1, 2, 6, 7, and 8, T, setting-.
on handle, which is held in its position by the catch E 5, to which it is con-
nected at the point a by a stud; T1, upright lever turning on the stud n on.
the framework, and has at its upper end the slot oa, which embraces the stud
on the setting-on handle T on which the catch E 5 turns; at the lower end of
this lever is the projecting piece p; on the latch II, which holds the gearing
lever I in position, is the projection 9, and these two projections are in such a
position with respect to each other, that when the latch Il is on the pro-
jection I 2, in case the setting-on handle T is attempted to be moved at an
improper time, it moves the upper arm of the lever T 1, and the lower arm.
moving in the opposite direction, the projecting piece p comes in contact with
the projection 9 on the latch Il, and the further motion of the setting-on
handle is thus prevented. But when the latch I 1 is lifted, the projection-q is
lifted out of the way of the projecting piece p, and the setting-on handle can
then be moved, so as to place the driving strap on the self-acting pulley,
provided the stretching motion is out of gear also. But if the stretching
motion is not out of gear, the lever T3 (which is connected to the lever T1
by means of the rod T 2) comes in contact with the stud r on the latch I 18,
which holds the stretching motion in gear. But if the stretching motion is
out of gear (and consequently the latch I 18 raised, the lever T3 can pass under
the stud r, and consequently the setting-on handle can then be moved as
required.
Under this fifteenth head of my improvements I claim as new and of my
Invention,-
First the application and adantation of the annasalue above described for

page_text: the purpose of preventing the driving strap from being put on the self-acting
pulley whilst the drawing-out motion is in gear, as described.
Second, I claim the application and adaptation of the apparatus for pre-
venting the driving strap from being put on the self-acting pulley whilst the
stretching motion is in gear, as described.
Third, I claim the arrangement, construction, and combination of mechanism
of which the above apparatus is composed, for the purpose of preventing the
driving strap from being put on the self-acting pulley whilst the drawing-out
and stretching motions are in gear.
5
My sixteenth improvement consists in the application and adaptation of an I
improved sliding cop building motion. Figs. 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, and
25, F, carriage front; V, plate fixed on the carriage front; a similar plate is
fixed on the carriage back, and these two plates support the mechanism which
is placed underneath the carriage. Fig. 19, main horizontal slide, which
carries the other two slides; Fig. 20, incline, which shapes the chase of the 1
cop, and which slides vertically by the action of the other slide; Fig. 21, which
slides horizontally; Fig. 22, apparatus which turns the screws (Fig. 19);
Fig. 23, spring fixed to the slide Fig. 19 at t, and which keeps the slides Figs.
20 and 21 in ther places; Fig. 24, incline fixed on the floor, and by means of
which the outward motion of the carriage gives motion to the ratchet wheel S
V 5 (Fig. 22) at the termination of the stretch; Fig. 25, weight box rest,
shewn in a side and in an end view; V 1, pulley round which a band passes,
each end of which is fastened to the floor, which occasions the motion of the
carriage to give a rotatory motion to the pulley V 1; V 2, pinion on the same
axis as the pulley V 1, and which gives motion to the slide Fig. 19, by means
of the rack V 8; V 4, a keeper attached to the plate V, which retains the
slides in an upright position; V 5, ratchet which turns the screws; V 6,
spring which keeps one end of the slide Fig. 20 in its position; V 7, moveable
slide on Fig. 20, for the purpose of regulating the length of the chase. The
three slides Figs. 19, 20, and 21, are shewn as placed over each other in the
positions in which they are put together. The stud von Fig. 19 passes through
the opening w, Fig. 20, and the spring V. 6 presses against the recess u, also
in Fig. 20, so that when Fig. 20 is in its place, it is held at one end by the
stud and pin v, and at the other by the spring V 6. The projection t, Fig. 19,
passes through the opening y, Fig. 21, and by means of the spring Fig. 23,
the whole are pressed and held together. The projection, Fig. 20, rests on
the end of the slide shewn in Fig. 21 at a 1, at the commencement of the cop;
and the projection V 7 rests in the hollow 61. The weight box rest shewn

page_text: the
at Fig. 25 is placed on the stud c 1, Fig. 20; and the part d 1 rests on the
projection 1, Fig. 21. At the opening f 1, Fig. 21, is placed a screw not,
which by means of the screw a moves the slide Fig. 21, which rests upon
two projections g 1,9 1, so that by turning the screws, the slide, Fig. 21, is
moved forward, and so raises the slide, Fig. 20, according to the increasing size
of the cop. The weight box is gradually lowered during the operation of
backing off until it rests on the weight box rest attached to the slide Fig. 20,
and which by traversing with the slide, Fig. 19, gives the chase to the cop.
The external form of the cop is given by the slide, Fig. 21, sliding horizontally,
and the position of the weight box rest, Fig. 25, is varied by the projection o l
moving with it.
Note. I do not confine myself to the precise construction of the parts as
herein shewn, as these may be varied; also, the weight box may be dispensed
with, and a lever (having a projection so as to rest on the slide Fig. 20) sub-
stituted in its place; the centre on which it turns being fixed at the back of
the carriage, and the other end projecting a little beyond the carriage front; it
acts on the faller fingers by means of a rod, knee-joint and rack, and a sector
placed on the faller shaft, which being on the contrary side of the centre to the
faller wires reverses the motion so as to act in a contrary direction. This being
the case, it requires the slides Figs. 20 and 21, and also the weight box rest
to be reversed, so as to act in a contrary manner also. That is, in placo of
the slide, Fig. 20, ascending as the cop increases, it will have to descend, and
also the weight box rest will be at the commencement of the cop at its highest
point, and which positions and actions are the reverse of those shewn in the
Drawings; and the slide, Fig. 20, in place of having a concavo or hollow
surface will require to have a round or convex one, and the slide, Fig. 21, will
have to be so constructed as to have a reverse action, the lowest point in
the Drawing being required to the highest in this new arrangement.
Under this sixteenth head of my improvements, I claim as new and of my
Invention,
First, the arrangement and construction of the cop building motion herein
described.
Second, I claim the combination of parts of which the cop building motion
is composed.
Third, I claim the application and modification of the varying rest which
supports the faller wire, to other sliding cop building motions which are
attached to the carriage in whatever way or manner the said varying rest may
be applied.

page_text: Fourth, I claim the application and adaptation of the aforesaid apparatus to
other self-acting mules.
My seventeenth improvement consists in the application and adaptation of
an improved cop building motion (operating radially, that is, the principal
parts turning on a centre or centres) and its combination with the winding-on
motion and the other parts of the apparatus. This consists in the application
of an apparatus operating in a manner similar to the two spirals shewn in the
Specification of my Patent of One thousand eight hundred and thirty-six, with
the addition of a new apparatus for lengthening and shortening the traverse of
the faller wire during the building of the cop. Figs. 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30 ;
F, section of carriage front; F1, section of carriage back; y, a stud, firmly fixed
to the carriage front F, and which carries the levers Figs. 28 and 29, and also
the toothed wheel y 2, which receives motion from another toothed wheel y³,
which is attached to the worm wheel y 4, and which receives motion from the
worm y 5, which is again turned by the ratchet wheel y 6, as is shewn in
previous Specifications; y 7, spiral, attached to the worn wheel y 4, which
gives the external shape to the cop; y 8, cam on the shaft y 9, which traverses
the faller wire, which shaft y 9, is supported at one end by the plate y 1,
attached to the carriage front, and at the other end by another fixing attached
to the back of the carriage. On the other end of the shaft y 9, is the bevil
y 10, into which gears the bevil pinion y 11, on the vertical shaft y 12. At the
lower end of the shaft y 12, is the pulley y 13, which receives motion by meaus
of a band passing round it, the two ends of which are fastened to the floor in
such manner that the traverse of the carriage may cause the cam y 8, to make
a revolution backwards and forwards during the running in and running out
of the carriage. On the ratchet y 2, is a stud h 1, on one end of which plays
the connecting rod y 14, the other end of which moves a slide y 15, which
moves in the opening y 16; on a stud in the same slide plays a connecting
rod y 17, which gives motion to the lever Fig. 30, (which turns on a centre
k1, on the carriage back F 1,) on which is the projection 21, on which the
weight box is lowered during the process of backing off. The cam y 8, by its
rotation vibrates the lever Fig. 29, and with it the spiral y 7, which turns on
the stud m²; the spiral y 7 acts on the projection 1, Fig. 28, and the
wheels y 2 and y 3, are so geared together that at the commencement of the
cop the stud 1, is in the position shewn at h 2, and at its termination is at
the position shewn at h 3, and thus by means of the connecting rod y 14, moves
the slide y 15, in the opening y 16, and thus by moving the slide y 15, further
from or nearer to the centre, lengthens or shortens the chase of the cop. The

page_text: spiral y 7, is so placed that the projection o 1, on the lever Fig. 28, is at the
smallest radius at the commencement of the cop, and the cam y 8, at the
commencement of the winding on, acts upon the bowl n 1, (Fig. 29,) at its
greatest radius; it then descends down the short part (to the hollow p',) which
short part represents the varying rest on the incline, and then ascends to the
longest radius which represents the cop nose, and in this manner the spiral y 8,
gives the chase to the faller wire.
Under this seventeenth head of my improvements I claim as new and of my
Invention,-
First, the arrangement and adaptation of the radial copping motion, as
above described.
Second, I claim the combination of the parts of which the said copping
motion is comprised, as described.
Third, I claim the application and adaptation of that part of the apparatus
which lengthens and shortens the chase.
Fourth, I claim the application of the peculiarly formed spiral y 8, as herein
described for the purpose of giving the requisite traverse to the faller
wire.
And lastly, I claim the application and adaptation of this copping motion to
other self-acting mules.
Referring again to my improved headstock shewn in Figs. 1, 2, and 3, I
would observe that certain modifications will be necessary in some of the
apparatus described in previous Specifications, in order to adopt them to the
improved headstock; the winding-on motion is the same as described in my
Specification of One thousand eight hundred and fifty-two, with the exception
of the back plate described in the present Specification, the winding-on chain
being conducted to the winding barrel by a guide pulley, in order to be out of
the way of the carriage when up to the roller beam. With respect to drawing
out the carriage and turning the draft rollers, the wheel on the shaft I14, and
the pinion Z8, are the same as in previous Specifications, but to convey
motion from one to the other it is necessary to introduce two carrier wheels.
Into the wheel which gears into the pinion Z 8, is geered the double carrier
which drives the front roller wheel in the same manner as when a carriage is
placed on both sides of the headstock. The break is also the same as when
5 a carriage is placed on both sides the headstock. The projections on the
great wheel on the cam shaft are also the same as previously in use. And the
method of ungearing the catch boxes is also similar, being performed by an
inclino fixed to the carriage front, which acts on the projection Z9. The

page_text: other movements are the same as those previously described, or which are at
present in use.
In witness whereof, I, the said James Potter, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Eighteenth day of July, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty.
Witness,
JOHN POTTER, C. E.,
9, Corporation Street,
Manchester.
JAMES POTTER. (L.B.)