An Improved Compound of India Rubber and Fibre, and Processes and Apparatus for Producing the same.
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 31st Oct., 1891
Complete Specification Left, 11th May, 1892-Accepted, 1st Oct., 1892
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Compound of India Rubber and Fibre, and Processes
and Apparatus for Producing the same.
I, WILLIAM GOLDING, of No 4, Portman Street, Moss Side, Manchester,
Inventor and Patentee, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
1. It relates to a new compound of india rubber and fibre in its manufactured
state, such as woven canvas, duck, &c.; felted fabrics; woven knitted or braided
fabrics of asbestos, hemp, flax, cotton, silk or other fibrous material; spun or twisted
yarns, cords &c.; the fibre of which is intimately blended with the rubber, each
fibre being encased in rubber which is continuous throughout the mass, the fibre
and rubber being incorporated together forming a new material to be called rubbric.
2. Up to the present time, compounds of rubber and fibre have been made by
mixing with rubber paste, fibre or pieces of yarn cut or torn into short lengths.
The use of such compounds is very limited, as though the fibre hardens the rubber,
it lessens its elasticity and adds little to its strength.
3. When the distinctive properties of rubber, such as elasticity, resiliency, and
air or water proofness are required, combined with fixity and flexibility of shape
and strength to resist stresses of compression or tension greater than the rubber
alone could stand, thin layers of rubber and fabric are pressed together and
vulcanized. Unless the fabric is very open and the rubber layers are unusually
thick, one layer is not attached to the other through the fabric but simply adheres
to the outermost fibres. During vulcanization, the air imprisoned in the fibres of
the fabric expands and tends to make the layer of rubber still less secure.
result is that in use the rubber layer too easily peels off the fabric and renders the
combination useless. In pipes or pneumatic tyres intended to hold compressed air,
if the inner layer of rubber is faulty, the air passes through and makes its way
along the fibres of the strengthening fabric and unless the outer tube of rubber is
sufficiently thick it accumulates till it blisters, and bursts it.
The
4. The object of my invention is to blend the fibre of the strengthening fabric
as intimately with the rubber as if the loose fibres were mixed with the rubber
paste as described in paragraph 2. I thus obtain a compound much more efficient
for the purposes required, and effect a saving in the quantity of rubber used.
5. This I effect by first cleansing and thoroughly drying the fibrous material and
then, commencing at one end, by slowly immersing the fabric and passing it through
a comparatively weak solution of rubber. The speed at which the material is
immersed depends upon the closeness of its texture and the viscosity of the solution.
The rate of speed is arranged to take advantage of the action of capillary
attraction. It is not immersed more quickly than the solution can spontaneously
ascend, that is, the material should be continuously moist with the solution above
the level of the latter in the vessel containing it. While ascending along and
between the fibres, under the force of capillary attraction, the solution excludes the
air. The solvent is then evaporated and leaves each fibre coated with a very thin
layer of rubber. This process is repeated sufficiently often to fill up the interstices
between the fibres, which may be hastened by rolling or by stretching the fabric
when dry. It may then be passed through a stronger solution of rubber to form a
thicker coating on the outsides. The sheets may afterwards be solutioned together,
or to sheets of rubber, as required, and vulcanized in the usual way.
In the case
of yarns, cotton cords &c., they may be slowly dropped in successive coils upon the
surface of the solution.
6. In carrying these processes into effect, I construct a shallow tray or tank for

page_text: holding the rubber solution and feed the fabric into it by rollers suitably connected
by gearing with the moving power. The fabric may be in strips or of the full
width of the material. In the latter case I prefer to feed it into the solution and
withdraw it therefrom by means of fluted, conical shaped, angular placed guiding
and expanding rollers, such as are used in folding or rolling textiles after bleaching &c.
In the neighbourhood of the solution tauk I construct a chamber through which
a current of warm air is passed. The ends of the fabric are joined together
and the latter is passed backwards and forwards over rollers, arranged to revolve
in suitable bearings within the warm air chamber. The fabric may in this way be
successively immersed and dried, the two processes being carried on simultaneously.
As the power required is small, it may be operated by a weight which may be
wound up daily. The whole process in that case may be carried on automatically
and continuously, the only attention required being to remove and supply the
necessary material.
7. This compound is applicable for use for air-inflated tyres for wheels, air and
water hose pipes, rubber valves and washers, packing for glands and joints in steam
engines, pumps &c., engine buffers, air brake apparatus, foundations for cards used
in preparing fibre, sheathing to prevent leakage in ships, rendering waterproof-
floors, ceilings and walls of houses, for portable baths, sailors mattresses, knapsacks,
waterproof matting, floating ropes, buoys &c., and for all other uses to which
combinations of rubber and textile materials are now applied. To prevent decay,
oxidation, and loss of electrical value in electric wires, the wires are first covered
with strips of fibrous material, rolled on spirally, and afterwards the wire and
covering material are passed together through the solution in the manner described
in paragraph 6. Engine packing is treated similarly. A core of rubber is covered
with fibrous material and then passed through the solution till the latter is
completely saturated with rubber. It is then pressed or rolled into the shape
required and vulcanized.
8. When yarns, cords &c. are treated in this way, they are greatly strengthened
against tensile strains. Cotton cord for driving spindles or pulleys when so treated
does not require periodically tightening up, and a less tension, without fear of slip,
may be employed, thus reducing the friction of the spindle &c. in the bearings.
Hempen cord so treated may be twisted into ropes and cables.
Dated this 30th day of October 1891.
WILLIAM GOLDING.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Compound of India Rubber and Fibre, and Processes
and Apparatus for Producing the same.
I, WILLIAM GOLDING of No. 4 Portman Street, Moss Side, Manchester,
Inventor and Patentee, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in
what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement :-
1. It relates to a new compound of india rubber and of fibre in its manu-
factured state, such as woven drill, canvas, duck, etc.; felted fabrics; woven,
knitted or braided fabrics of asbestos, hemp, flax, cotton, silk, or other fibrous
material; spun or twisted yarns, cords, etc.; the fibre of which is intimately
blended with the rubber, cach fibre being encased in rubber which is continuous
throughout the mass, the fibre and rubber being incorporated together forming
new material or compound which I propose to designate "rubbric."
2. Up to the present time, compounds of rubber and fibre have been made by
mixing with rubber paste, loose fibre or pieces of yarn cut or torn into short
lengths. The use of such compounds is very limited, as though the fibre hardens
the rubber, it, lessens its elasticity and adds little to its strength.
3. According to the methods and processes at present in use,-when the distinctive

page_text: properties of rubber, such as elasticity, resiliency, and air and water proofness, are
required combined with fixity of dimensions, definiteness of shape, and flexibility
of form, and with strength to resist stresses of compression or tension greater than
the rubber alone can bear,-sheets or strips of rubber and fabric are united
together side by side in distinct layers. The most advanced and effective method
employed, which has now been in use for many years, is to spread or overlay the
fabric with thin layers of rubber applied in the form of paste, and also to solution
fabrics, so overlaid or proofed, to strips, sheets, or tubes of rubber, the fabric and
rubber being then pressed together and vulcanized. Unless the fabric is very open
and the rubber layers are unusually thick, one layer is not attached to the other
through the fabric but simply adheres to the outermost fibres of the latter.
During vulcanization, the air imprisoned in and between the fibres of the fabric
is expanded by the heat and tends to make the layer of rubber still less secure.
The result is that in use the rubber layer too easily strips or peels off the fabric
and renders the combination useless. In pipes or pneumatic tyres intended to hold
compressed air, if the inner layer of rubber is faulty, the air passes through and
makes its way along and between the fibres of the strengthening fabric and, unless
the outer tube of rubber is sufficiently thick, it accumulates till it blisters and
bursts it.
4. The object of my invention is to blend the fibre of the strengthening fabric
as intimately with the rubber as if the loose fibre were mixed with the rubber paste
as described in paragraph 2. 1 thus obtain a compound much more efficient for the
purposes required, and effect a saving in the quantity of rubber used. The fabric
is also considerably increased in strength as the rubber is caused to penetrate and
fill every minute interstice and thus to coat the individual fibres and cement them
together, so that the yarn with which the fabric is woven or formed is made stronger
than if the fibres of which it is composed were continuous instead of being in short
lengths. The fabric and its fibres are, as a result of this, completely protected
from moisture and hence preserved from rotting and other similar deterioration.
5. This I effect by expelling the air from among the fibres of the fabric or other
fibrous material and in its place substituting a solution of rubber, and for this purpose
I utilize the natural law known as capillary attraction, which causes fluids to ascend
between surfaces placed indefinitely close together, and in ascending to exclude the
air from between such surfaces.
;
In carrying this out practically, I first cleanse and thoroughly dry the fibrous
material and then, commencing at one end, slowly immerse it and pass it through a
comparatively weak solution of rubber. The speed at which the material is
immersed depends upon the closeness of its texture and the viscosity of the solution.
The rate of speed is arranged to take advantage of the action of capillary attraction.
It is not immersed more quickly than the solution can spontaneously ascend
that is, the material should be continuously moist with the solution above the level
of the latter in the vessel containing it. While ascending along and between the
fibres, under the force of capillary attraction, the solution excludes the air from all
the narrower passages. The solvent is then evaporated and leaves each fibre coated
with a film of rubber. This process is repeated sufficiently often to fill up the
interstices between the fibres and meshes of the fabric, which may be hastened by
rolling or stretching the fabric or cord when dry. It may then be passed through
a stronger solution of rubber to form a thicker coating on the outsides. The sheets
or strips of the compound may afterwards be calendered or they may be solutioned
together, or to a sheet or sheets, or strip or strips of rubber as required, and
vulcanized in the usual way. These layers of the compound and of rubber
may be joined together flat or in the form of tubes, or of any shape as may be
required, and the rubber may form a cover, lining, or core for the compound, or
vice versu.
In the case of yarns, cotton cords, and banding, they may be slowly dropped in'
successive coils upon the surface of the solution.
In most cases, the solution contains the usual admixture of sulphur, preferably
:

page_text: dissolved in carbon disulphide, and mixed with the rubber solution, for the purpose
of vulcanization. In other cases, vulcanization is effected by contact with the
attached layers or core of rubber.
By the term "india rubber" or "rubber" I mean principally caoutchouc or its
compounds, but I intend the term to include all other allied gums, such as gutta-
percha, ballata, jintawin, zapotine, susu poco, euphorbia juice, and Honduras gum,
and their mixtures; and by the term rubber solution," I mean such gums and all
soluble compounds or substitutes analogous thereto, dissolved by means of the usual
solvents, such as turpentine, ether, or the dissolving naphtha of commerce, or by
benzol or its homologues, or mixtures of them; and the solution may contain such
dyes or pigments as are capable of being dissolved therein.
6. For operating these processes, I use a shallow tray or tank for containing the
rubber solution, and feed the fabric into it by hand or by means of guides, templates,
or rollers suitably connected with the moving power. The fabric to be treated may
be in the form of hose or it may be in flat strips, or of the full width of the
material. In the latter case it may be fed into the solution and withdrawn there-
from by means of fluted, conical-shaped, angularly-placed guiding and expanding
rollers, such as are used in folding or rolling textiles after bleaching etc. A plain
roller or fixed bar is placed across the tank and is submerged, or partly submerged,
in the solution, the fabric being passed underneath it. In the neighbourhood of
the solution tank a chamber is constructed, through which a current of warm dry
air is passed. The ends of the fabric are joined together so that it forms a
continuous circuit and it is passed through the tank and backwards and forwards
over rollers, arranged to revolve in suitable bearings, within the warm air chamber.
The fabric may in this way be successively immersed and dried, the two processes
being carried on simultaneously. The top of the chamber may be formed into a
refrigerator for condensing and collecting the evaporated solvent.
An apparatus for treating the fabric in the piece, in the manner just described, is
illustrated on the accompanying sheet of drawings. This constitutes a perfectly
effective arrangement for producing the compound in quantity, and the feeding
rollers are of the simplest kind.
Fig. 1 represents a longitudinal section; and Fig. 2 a transverse section, in both
cases through the middle of the apparatus.
A double frame, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, supports two cylinders C', C², capable of
being revolved on their axes, which are placed horizontal and parallel to each
other. This frame also supports above it the warm air chamber A, with the
refrigerating roof s, s, the framework of the sides and ends being formed
respectively by the pieces 10, 11, 12, and 13; the whole being closed by the
removable sides d', d², and by the gables 14,. 14 which also support the roof.
Within the warm air chamber two or more rollers, or cylinders of comparatively
small diameter, are placed so as to be capable of turning on their axes, which are
all parallel to those of the cylinders C and C. They may be connected together
by gearing with the cylinders C, C2, so as to be revolved with the same surface
velocity. In Fig. 1 six small cylinders are shewn, see c¹, c², c³, c, c, and c
Within and at the bottom of the chamber A a steam chest e, e is placed, into which
steam passes freely through a pipe from a boiler in which the temperature is kept
at about 200°. The condensed steam flows out through the pipes, towards the
water return. The refrigerator is formed by two slabs s, s placed together like a
roof, and having a slope of about 45°. At the apex of the roof and resting
continuously along the ridge is a pipe p, pierced with holes on each side through
which cold water is allowed to trickle upon the outer surface of the slabs 8, s, and
is equally disseminated thereon by means of a piece of coarse canvas b, b fixed
upon and covering the surface of both sides of the roof. Four interior
channels m', m³, m³, and m² run round the chamber for collecting the condensed
solvent, and two channels a, n on the eaves, for collecting the water run along the
roof. Beneath the frame, midway between the two cylinders C¹, C2, is a tank t
containing a liquid solution of rubber . Within the tank t and below the surface of

page_text: the solution, a roller is placed so as to be capable of revolving. Two simila
rollers and are placed symmetrically above it, one on either side, supported by
the lower part of the framework. These three rollers 1, 2, and are slightly
coned so as to be of somewhat larger diameter in the middle than at the ends.
These in connection with the driving and carrying arrangement, to be described,
keep the fabric properly expanded. When more than six rollers or cylinders are
used in the air chamber, one or more should also be coned. Over the two
cylinders C1, C2 and also over the rollers, is passed a stout endless band y, y
which may be tightened at will by means of binding screws upon the bearing blocks
of the axes of the rollers r¹, 2. The outer surface of this band is preferably
coated with a dressing of paste and two or three layers of a mixture of equal
parts of molasses and gelatine. This dressing, which is sufficiently dry not to
stick to the rubber coated fibres of the fabric with which it comes into contact,
keeps supple for a long time by reason of the hygroscopic property of molasses.
The fabrica, a to be treated is passed over and round the cylinders and rollers as
shewn in Fig. 1. It is passed over the stout endless band y from C¹ to r¹, under the
roller, over the band y from to C2, into the warm air chamber A, over c',
round c², c, c, and c, and over c back to the large cylinder C¹. The ends of the
fabrica, a are sewn together in the position shewn at . The cylinders <* and c³
are adjustable so that the circuit of the fabric x, x may be tightened up.
.C
All being thus arranged, the cylinders are slowly revolved, say in the sense
indicated by the arrows, the stout endless band y carries the fabric with it, the
latter leaving the band at the bottom to enter the solution tank, and after rejoining
the band y, and again leaving it to enter the warm air chamber, it again rejoins it
at C, thereby completing one circuit. Upon emerging from the solution tank t
the fabric is saturated with the liquid solution, and upon entering the warm air
chamber A the warmth hastens the evaporation of the solvent.
As the vapour
exhaled from the fabric meets the cold inner faces of the slabs s, s it is condensed,
and, flowing down, collects in the chanuels which take it along the pipe m to a
common receptacle d on each side. The tank t is preferably covered in by a lid,.
not shewn.
The figures illustrate proportionately a length of fabric of about 9 yards in
process of treatment. Any longer length as desired may be joined into one circuit and
treated in the same size of apparatus by carrying part of the circuit upon rollers
outside, after leaving the warm air chamber, as indicated in part by the dotted
lines, on the left hand side of Fig. 1.
When the fabric to be treated is in strips I prefer to use cylinders divided and
edged by raised beadings, as illustrated by Fig. 3. When such strips are cut on the
cross, so that the warp and woof threads cross diagonally from side to side of the
strip, the filling of the fabric with rubber is facilitated and fewer immersions are
required.
In some cases, particularly where the fabric to be treated is somewhat open in
texture, that is neither tightly spun nor closely woven, it may be subjected to the
required number of saturations without being dried between each. In such case it
may be slowly fed successively through a series of tanks, consisting of two or
more, each following tank containing a stronger solution of rubber than the.
preceding.
In an alternative arrangement the fabric may be treated in one operation. In
this case a deep tank is used with the immersed roller placed near the bottom.
After the tank is filled with solution, and before using, it is allowed to stand for
some hours to settle. As a result of this, the solution varies gradually in consistency
from top to bottom. This condition is not disturbed by the slow feeding of the.
fabric into and through the solution, under the bottom roller, and out again. The
action of capillary attraction replaces the air between the fibres by the more. fluid,
solution near the top of the tank, and this is in turn displaced by the slightly,
stronger solution in the stratum below it, and so on until the fabric is thoroughly
permeated by the strong rubber solution at the bottom of the tank.

page_text: As the power required is small, the whole apparatus, as hereinbefore described,
may be operated by a weight which may be wound up daily. The processes in that
case may be carried on automatically and continuously, the only attention required
being to remove and supply the necessary material.
7. This compound is applicable for use, either alone or in combination with thin
sheets or layers of rubber attached and vulcanized to it, for air-inflated tyres for
wheels, air and water hose pipes, rubber valves and washers, packing for glands
and joints in steam engines pumps etc., engine buffers, air-brake apparatus,
foundations for cards used in preparing fibre, sheathing to prevent leakage in ships,
rendering waterproof,--floors ceilings and walls of houses, for sailors' mattresses,
for knapsacks, bags, waterproof matting, floating ropes, buoys, life-saving apparatus,
waterproof tents covers and garments, and for all other uses to which combinations
of rubber and textile materials are now or may be applicable, and for any new use
or application to which it may be found adapted.
To prevent decay, oxidation, and loss of electrical value in electric wires, the
wire is first covered with yarn, wound or braided upon it, or with strips of
fabric or other fibrous material, preferably rolled on spirally, and afterwards
the wire and covering material are passed through the solution in the manner
described in paragraph 6. Engine packing is treated similarly. A core of
rubber is covered with fibrous material and then passed through the solution until
the latter is completely filled with rubber. It is then pressed or rolled into the
shape required and so vulcanized.
8. When yarns, cords, and such like materials are treated with rubber, in the
manner hereinbefore set forth, they are greatly strengthened against tensile strains.
Cotton cord or banding for driving spindles or pulleys, when so treated, does not
require periodically tightening up, and a less tension, without fear of slip, may be
employed, thus reducing the friction of the spindle or pulley in the bearing.
Hempen cord so treated may be twisted into ropes and cables.
As the main constituents of the apparatus hereinbefore described are well known
and are in use for analogous purposes, such as the tanks and feeding rollers for
dyeing and filling fabrics, though not by utilizing the action of capillary attraction,
and the warm air chamber and condensing roof in connection with spreading rubber
on fabrics, I make no claim for the apparatus apart from the processes described.
I am aware that it has in the past been proposed and attempted to impregnate
hose pipes and woven fabrics with india rubber by saturating or immersing them by
or in rubber solution but this bas never been satisfactorily accomplished, owing to
the presence of the air in and among the fibres of the fabric, and the result obtained
has always been inferior to that of the processes now generally in use, such as are
described hereinbefore in paragraph 3.
I wish it to be understood that the essential feature of my said invention is the
enforced exclusion of the air from and between the fibres and interstices of the
fabric or fibrous material simultaneously with its saturation by a weak solution of
rubber, and this I effect in an easy, inexpensive, and perfectly efficient manner, as
set forth. It is possible that other ways of excluding the air at the moment of
saturation may be available, such as by mechanically withdrawing the air and
forcing in the solution in its place, in a similar manner to the recently patented
process by which yarn in cops is dyed, but such processes are more complicated
and cumbrous and not so well suited for the purpose of my invention, even if an
effective result could be obtained.
As the new manufacture or improved compound, as herein before described, is by
my process now obtained for the first time, I claim it per se, however it may be
produced by alternative methods.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is
1. An improved compound or composition of matter formed by the intimate

page_text: combination of india rubber with fibrous material in its manufactured state, which
is effected by concurrently expelling the air imprisoned in and between the fibres
and replacing it by a solution of india rubber, the solvent of which is afterwards
evaporated, thereby coating each individual fibre, and eventually filling up with
india rubber all the interstices between the said fibres, substantially as hereinbefore
described.
2. The new art or process of intimately combining fibrous materials in a manu-
factured state with india rubber, consisting in passing the said manufactured
fibrous material into and through a bath or baths, containing a solution of india
rubber, at such a speed as will cause the said solution to ascend and to be gradually
absorbed or drawn into and between the fibres by the force of capillary attraction,
thereby simultaneously expelling the air and coating each individual fibre with
india rubber, and continuing or repeating such process until all the interstices
between the coated fibres are also filled up with india rubber, and the composition
becomes a perfectly solid and homogeneous mass or compound suitable, alone or
in combination with rubber, for various useful purposes, substantially as hereinbefore
described.
3. The combination of processes by which the manufactured fabric, yarn, cord,
or other fibrous material, is first conducted into a bath of india rubber solution in.
such a manner as to subject the latter to the action of capillary attraction by the fibres.
of such material, at or upon its entrance into the bath, by means of which it
absorbs the solution to the exclusion of the air, and is then conducted through, a
drying chamber where the solvent is evaporated, the two processes being carried
on simultaneously upon different parts of the same material and repeated until,
by the thorough blending of the india rubber with the fibre of the said material,
the whole is incorporated into one, homogeneous body, substantially as hereinbefore
described.
4. The new manufacture consisting of woven, knitted, felted, or braided fabrics,
or of spun or twisted yarns, cords, or ropes, the fibres of which are intimately
blended with india rubber, and its application, alone or in combination with rubber,
for various useful purposes, substantially as hereinbefore described.
5. The combination of my improved compound with a sheet, layer, strip, tube,
covering, lining, or core of india rubber, the two materials being solutioned, pressed,.
and vulcanized together, substantially as herein before described.
6. The combination of a strip, sheet, tube, or layer of my improved compound
with two strips, sheets, tubes, or layers of india rubber, one of which is placed on
each side of the compound so that the latter forms an insertion between the two,
the three layers being stuck, pressed, and vulcanized together, substantially as
hereinbefore described.
7. The combination with india rubber of a sheet, layer, strip, tube, covering,
lining, or core of my improved compound, the two materials being vulcanized
together, substantially as herein before described.
8. The combination of a strip, sheet, tube, or layer of india rubber with two
strips, sheets, tubes, or layers of my improved compound, one of which is placed on
each side of the rubber so that the latter forms an insertion between the two, the
three layers being stuck, pressed, and vulcanized together, substantially as herein-
before described.
ليم
1
M
1000