CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN THE APPARATUS OR MACHINERY FOR DRYING AND FINISHING OF BLEACHED COTTON AND OTHER GOODS
Year: 1845

page_text: CAMPBELL'S SPECIFICATION.
TO ALL TO WHOM. THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, Jons
CAMPBELL, Bleacher, Bowfield, in the County of Renfrew, send greeting..
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Charter.
of Duration or Letters Patent under the Great Seal of Great Britain, sealed
at Westminster, the Sixth day of November, eighteen hundred and forty-five,
did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give. and grant unto me, the
said John Campbell, my exors, adñiors, and assigns, Her special licence,
full power, sole privilege.and authority, that I, the said John Campbell, my
exors, adiñiors, and assigns, by ourselves, or such other person as I or they
should appoint or agree with, and no others, from time to, time and at all.
times during the term of years therein expressed, shall lawfully make,
use, exercise, and vend, within that part of the United Kingdom.of Great
Britain and Ireland called England, Her Dominion of Wales, and Town
of Berwick-upon-Tweed, and in Her. Islands of Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney,
Sark, and Man, and also in all Her Colonies and Plantations abroad,.the
Invention described in the said Letters Patent, as follows, viz.: "CERTAIN
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE APPARATUS OR MACHINERY FOR DRYING AND FINISHING OF
BLEACHED COTTON AND OTHER GOODS;" in which said Letters Patent it is.pro
vided that I, the said John Campbell, within the space of six callender months
from the date of the said Letters Patent, cause a particular description of the
nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed,
by a writing under my hand and seal, to be enrolled in Her Majesty's High
Court of Chancery as in and by the said Letters Patent, reference being
thereunto had, will more fully and at large appear.

page_text: NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the said
John Campbell, do hereby declare that the nature of the said Invention, and
the manner in which the same is to be performed, is described and ascer-
tained in the following explanation and Specification thereof, reference being
first made to the accompanying Drawings, that is to say:―
Fig. 1 is a side elevation view of the machinery drawn to an accurate scale;
Fig. 2 is a bird's-eye view of the same. The referring figures or numbers
are similar in each Drawing, and indicate the same parts in each; both of these
Drawings are referred to together in the description thereof, which follows:-
No. 1 is a roller on which the cloth to be dried is put. No. 2 is a brass
shifting roller breadthener (which may be made of other materials), over which
the cloth moves; this breadthener may be driven by power or by the friction
of the cloth passing over it. The small rollers A, A, are for the purpose of
pressing the cloth into proper contact with the breadthener. No. 3 is a
revolving roller, brush, or cleaner invisable in Fig. 2, for keeping the
breadthener free from coagulated starch or other matter accumulating. A
trough likewise invisible in Fig. 2 is placed below, and is intended to be filled
with water to keep the brush clean and preserve its élasticity. Nos. 4, 4, 4, 4, 4,
abovė, and 4, 4, 4, 4, below, are nine cylindrical reels with spars or laths of
uniform thickness, and with spaces of about half-an-inch betwixt the spars for
the eduction or egress of a stream or current of air produced by means of
fanners (for the figure and size of which see B), which are placed one in the
inside of each of the said cylindrical reels, and which fanners, made of wood,
metal, or other material, being driven at such speed as may be found necessary
by the engine or other power; the said steam or draught of air proceeds there-
from, and operates on the cloth as it passes over the said reels. The shafts
and pulley No. 6, being connected by a belt with the main gearing, communi-
cate power to the fanners by the belt over the pullies 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, above, and
5, 5, 5, 5, below, one on the end of each reel, although the lower or under ones
cannot be well shewn on the Drawing; Nos. 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, above, and 7, 7, 7, 7,
below, are wheels of the same diameter and moving on the axles of the said
fanners; No. 6 and No. 8 are shafts with cone pullies, No. 9 and 15, keyed upon
them driven by the main shaft from the steam engine or other power. On said
shaft, No. 8, is a spur toothed wheel (invisible in both Figures), acting in the
under tier of wheels Nos. 7, 7, 7, 7, giving motion to the five in the upper tier
and moving the nine reels at the required speed. The speeds can be varied at
pleasure by shifting the driving belts on the different diameters of the cones
Nos. 9 and 15; if necessary power can be communicated to the brass
breadthener No. 2 by an intermediate wheel from one of the reels. No. 10 is

page_text: a roller to conduct the cloth as it is delivered from the cylindrical reel to the
softening roller No. 11, 11, of Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a bird's-eye view of the cloth
softening rollers or machine with two pairs of wooden rollers, of which the two
uppermost rollers only are visible in this Figure, and covered with felt or
india-rubber, or any other material best calculated to prevent injurious action
to the cloth. passing through between each pair. These rollers are parallel to
each other, the upper ones in close contact with the under ones (as shewn in
front elevation view Figure 5), each pair to be so placed at such a distance
from one another as may be found.necessary to produce the softening effect on
the cloth delivered from them to the steam drying cylinders Figure 6. The
reversing motion necessary for these four rollers (11, 11, 11, 11, of Fig. 3 and
Fig. 5,) to produce the desired softening effect is communicated by the iron
crank rod No. 12, in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The movements of these rollers for
delivering the cloth in a proper state to the steam cylinders (or other purpose,
is communicated by the chain, pulley, and belt (c; c, c, in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.,)
on the axle of the last or nearest reel. Fig. 4 is an end elevation view of the
cloth softening rollers, from which it may easily be understood that the pivot
parts of the roller axles are inserted into moveable bushes Nos. 13, 13, 13, 13,
13, 13, 13, 13, 13, 13, as shewn in Fig. 3, 4, and 5, which allow each pair of
rollers to move in reverse directions to one another back and forward, so as to.
produce the superior softening effect on the fabric. This may be effected by
thrce or more rollers double or single (see Fig. 8), all parallel to each other,
and one or all traversing longitudinally. Fig. 5 is a front elevation, view of
the forementioned cloth softening rollers 11, 11, 11, 11, shewing them in con-
tact. with each other, and the distance they travel past each other, which can
be varied at pleasure by the crank and iron rod No. 12 (Fig. 1 and Fig. 2);
acting on the upright shafts Nos. 14, 14, 14, in Fig. 4 and 5, which support
the bearers of the moveable bushes and axles of the four rollers. Fig. 6 is a
bird's-eye view. of a frame containing seven steam tin drying cylinders erected.
in the usual manner. The dotted lines ------and arrows
several of the Drawings shew the direction of the cloth when delivered from
the reels to the rollers as it previously comes through them alternately passing
over the uppermost and: undermost in succession (see arrows, Fig. 7); and in
the same manner with the steam tin cylinders. Fig. 7 is a grooved preparing
wooden roller also moved by power.
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Having thus described the construction of the machines conform to the
Drawings herewith produced, I shall now proceed to set forth the manner and
effect of their operation, in doing which it will be. necessary for me to advert.

page_text: to the systems hitherto in use, by way of rendering my descriptions the more
intelligible.
First, with regard to my improvement on the mode hitherto followed of
ilressing, it may be explained that some of the lighter cotton cloths in passing
through the bleaching and starching processes unavoidably become run or frayed
on the weft: threads, and the operation for rectifying this has been hitherto
altogether manual, and at the same time-tedious in its progress, and. imperfect
in its result, being performed by a person taking hold of the selvage with one
hand, and a hold in. the body of the cloth with the other, and giving to the
intervening part or space of the cloth a peculiar turn or twitch, which opera-
tion is repeated. along the whole length of the cloth. My improvement on
this operation is effected by means of the "dressing roller" Fig. 7. This is a
very simple contrivance, is made of wood or other suitable material with a
grooved surface-six inches or thereby in diameter, or of any other size that
may be found convenient, and is elevated to a convenient height. Against
this roller while either revolving or standing still, the cloth, having been first
gathered up so as to bring the whole of each-selvage well together, is struck.
or switched by the hand until the cloth is dressed. This simple action which
may be performed by other than manual power, and by means of any grooved
surface being applied to the selvages completes the dressing at a great saving-of
manuel labour and of time, combined with improvement in the result obtained.
Secondly, with regard to my.improvement in the process or operation of
drying & finishing, it may be explained that one very general mode pre-
sently in use' of drying and finishing those.descriptions of cloths is, by extending
them upon long frames called. stenters, where they remain stretched until
they dry. When dried in this state of extension tlicy possess a peculiar
hardness and want of elasticity. in consequence of the starch being dried up in
the interstices of the fabric. In order to give a soft, elastic, and silky finish to
the cloth it is necessary to. subject the cloth. in course of the drying and
finishing operation to a diagonal motion, and this has been communicated with
a considerable degree of effect by moving one or both sides of the stenter.
frames.
Another mode long practised is that of extending the cloth longitudinally
between two. end; frames fitted. with keepers, where it is held by .shafts
fitted with tenter teeth or needles. While in this extended state, the cloth is
kept out to its breadth by three or four individuals placed on each side
directly opposite to each other, who take hold of. the selvage with. finger and
thumb, and-pull against each other to the necessary.degree.of tension, moving
1.

page_text: constantly along, so as to operate on the cloth from end to end. At an
interval in this process one. shaft is taken off the keeper, and the cloth being
thus let loose, the individuals on each side assume: a.diagonal position. towards
each other, and draw the cloth at an angle until softened. The shaft is then
replaced upon the keeper, and the breadthening goes on:as before.till the
cloth is dry.
Now to describe my improved mode and machinery for effecting the
drying and finishing operations:-The cloth, having undergone the anterior
processes of bleaching, starching, and dressing, is then wound carefully upon a
feeding roller (No. 1 of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2,) as at present customary in
bleaching and calico printing works. The quantity of cloth required having
been thus wound on, the end of the cloth is taken and passed over the
breadthener, as shewn in the Drawing, Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, on to the surface of
the cylindrical reels (Nos. 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2), upon
which it moves from the upper to the lower, and from the lower to another
upper recl, and thence by the same course over or along the whole of tho
reels, as traced by dots and arrows on Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 of the Drawings.
The axes of these reels move parallel with the feeding roller. The external
surfaces or peripheries of the reels being furnished with their spars or lathes of
wood parallel with the axes, and having spaces between the spars, the stream
or current of air from the revolving fans inside the reels, obtaining egress
through the spaces between the spars, is blown through the veticulated texture
of the cloth while passing over or along upon the reels, and the cloth is thus
cleared and dried. It is not material that the reels should be of any given
number or size; neither is it material that the surface of the recls should be
furnished with spars to leave space for egress of the current of air, for the same
effect might be nearly obtained by covering the surface of the reels with
network, or any other porous or perforated substance. The effect may like-
wise be increased by the use of heated air or steam, which may be introduced
through the axle of the fanner into the fanner wings or blades, which blades,
as well as the axle, may be hollow framed for that purpose, or which may be
otherwise introduced to heat the air inside the reel, as may be found con-
venient. The cloth after being cleared and dried, as above explained, to the
extent wished, then passes between two pairs of softening rollers (Fig. 3 and
Fig. 5,) about four inches diameter, or of such diameter as is found most
suitable for the quality of the cloth under operation. These rollers ought to
be covered with some elastic substance, such as flannel, or india-rubber cloth,
or other suitable matter, to prevent injurious action to the cloth, and to give
free passage. to the wires, threads, or other substance by which the pieces. of
;.

page_text: •
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cloth are. connected together. Each pair of these rollers is so constructed (as
shewn by the Drawings, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4,) as to be capable of being set to
the distance best calculated to produce the finish required, and they are fur-
nished with horizontal cranks, or other suitable means, to give them while
revolving an alternate or reciprocating movement longitudinally and in
opposite directions, so as to give a diagonal action or movement to the fibres
of the cloth. Some variations might be made, however, on the softening or
dingonal process; for instance, instead of the two pairs of rollers above
described, three or more rollers, double or single (as shewn in Drawing
Fig. 8,) might be arranged in a triangular or other suitable order, and one or
more of them be made, while revolving, to traverse longitudinally. From the
softening rollers the cloth passes on to a series of revolving heated cans,
(Fig. 6 of the Drawings,) over which it passes from upper to lower, and from
lower to upper, and thus acquires, without danger of being glazed, flattened;
or mangled, the smoothness of surface and silky appearance required; and is
said to be finished. The same effect as to finishing might be obtained from
passing the cloth over a heated surface of a. flat formation. The Drawings,
Fig. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, are referred to as shewing the arrangement of the
machines, and as tending to develop my Invention. It may be proper to add
that if the cloth is not dried and softened by the series or number of recls and
rollers shewn, any additional number thought necessary may be used requisite
to attain the end. It will be observed that the whole of the machines being
connected together by wheels or bands and pulleys, the whole processes of
clearing, drying, softening, and finishing proceed in constant succession, and
without any pause or intermission between the one of these operations and the
other. On contrasting the mode presently and hitherto in use for clearing,
drying, softening, and finishing, with my improvements thereon, as now
described, it will appear that the advantages effected are economy in the
space or room occupied by the machinery, saving of time in performance of
the operations, saving of manual labour to the extent of nearly altogether
superseding it, diminution of the risk of tearing or damaging the fabrics, the
obviating of tenter teeth or clamp marks, as well as of all soiling & injury
from fingering the selvages, and the attainment of great superiority. in the
finish of the goods.
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Having thus described the nature of my Inventions, and the mode of
working the same, I have to state that I do not claim the machines before
described, or parts thereof, if and in so far as the same may have been hitherto
in use; but I do claim,-
First, the improved mode of" dressing," before described, by the use of the

page_text: grooved roller, Fig. 7, and the application of the said grooved roller, or a
grooved surface to that purpose.
Second, the improved mode or operation of clearing and drying, before
described, by the use of the machine, before described (Fig. 1 & 2), as to be
used for that purpose. I do not claim as new the invention of a recl, or of
revolving fans, or other parts of said machine, viewed as seperate and dis-
joined; but I claim as new the arrangement and combination of the said recl
and fans, and parts, which combined together form the said clearing and
drying machine.
Third, the improved mode of "softening," before described, and the applica-
tion thereto of a double, or other set of rollers, having elastic surfaces, as
described, and making while revolving alternate or reciprocating longitudinal
motions, to give a diagonal movement to the fibres of the cloth.
Fourth, the improved mode of finishing, beforo described, by the application
of heate: steam, cans, or cylinders (see Fig. 6), or other heated surfaces, to
impart the finish to the cloth.
Fifth, the arrangement and combined use of the said machines (Fig. 2, 3, &
6), for performing the seperate processes of clearing, drying, softening, and
finishing, in constant succession to each other.
به
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and scal, at Glasgow,
this Second day of May. eighteen hundred and forty-six years.
J. HUTCHINSON, of Glasgow, Clerk-at-law.
AND BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the Second day of May, in the
year of our Lord 1846, the aforesaid John Campbell came before our
said Ladly the Queen in Her Chancery, and acknowledged the Specification
aforesaid, and all and every thing therein contained and specified, in form
above written. And also the Specification aforesaid was stamped according to
the tenor of the Statute made for that purpose.
Enrolled the Sixth day of May, in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and forty-six.