Improvements in and relating to Looms for Weaving.
Year: 1892

page_text: Date of Application, 8th Dec., 1892-Accepted, 18th Feb., 1893
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Looms for Weaving.
We, WILLIAM BELL WHITE of Red Scar Spring Works, Colne, in the County
of Lancaster, Machinist, JAMES MORRISON of 72, Burnley Road, Colne aforesaid,
Overlooker, and HENRY RAWSON of 1, Conduit Street, Nelson, in the said County,
Overlooker, 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:-
The first part of our invention relates to that class of index motions described in
the Specification of the said James Morrison dated 26th January 1891 No. 1380,
in which the pattern cylinder is made to turn first in one direction, and then the
other by intermediate mechanism acting upon another pattern cylinder, so as to
reduce the number of cards or length of the pattern surface in weaving a long and
complicated pattern in the fabric.
This part of the present invention is designed to still further reduce the number
of cards or length of the pattern surface; and consists essentially in a novel mode
or method of presenting the flats of the pattern cylinder at a suitable degree of
inclination when moved in one direction, but the inclination is however reverse
when the pattern cylinder is turned the contrary way. It will be at once obvious
that ordinary cards perforated in the centre will be inapplicable for this
arrangement and disposition of the flats on the pattern cylinder. We, therefore,
form the perforations on one side of the card to act in conjunction with the feelers
or indicating levers when the pattern cylinder is turned in one direction, but when
turned in the other direction, the perforation or perforations will only act when
formed on the opposite side of the card.
It will therefore be obvious, that by the reverse inclination and disposition of
the flats of the pattern cylinder, and the perforation of the cards on either side
thereof, a separate and distinct indication will be presented by the cards or pattern
surface to the feelers or indicating levers for each way or turn of the pattern
cylinder.
The next part of our invention relates to clawker rods of circular box looms,
and consists in attaching one end of a spiral spring to an adjustable boss or the
like secured to the clawker rod, whilst the other end of the spring is attached to a
stationary bracket above, so as to suspend the weight of the mechanism below and
steady the motion of the rods.
The next part of our invention relates to an improved method of retaining
circular boxes in position to prevent an overthrow. For this purpose, we arrange
an horizontal lever centred above and weighted by a spring. This lever bears upon
the flats of the retaining wheel; or instead of a lever, a horizontal bar weighted at
both ends by springs may bear upon the flats of the retaining wheel.
The next part of our invention is designed to apply the brake and throw out the
reed in a positive manner, instead of by the tension of the yarn when the shuttle
is trapped in the shed. For this purpose, we employ a stop rod provided with
On the stop rod
vertical fingers which are operated upon as usual by the swells.
may be loosely mounted, two or more vertical levers, securely fixed by their upper
ends to the back rib of the loose reed, and are sufficiently weighted or sprung, so
as to resist any tendancy of the reed flying out during the beat up of the weft ;
the usual heaters for this purpose may be dispensed with or made to act in con-
junction therewith.
When the shuttle is trapped in the shed, the stop rod tongue is moved and
brought by the sley into contact with a projection on a horizontal rack, which,
being pushed forward by the tongue against a vertical piece, attached to the fork

page_text: lever, breaks the contact subsisting between the said lever and the brake, when the
latter is then instantly applied. Simultaneously with the application of the brake,
a cam, which is actuated by the movement of the rack, is made to raise a horizontal
arm, rigidly fixed to one of the loose levers mounted on the stop rod and attached
to the rib of the loose reed, instantly releasing the same in a positive and certain
manner.
The next part of our invention relates to weft brakes and lever connections there-
with, and consists in the employment of a pinch lever to act upon the brake instead
of having the brake and lever in one.
The next part of our invention is designed to relieve the picking band and picker
from undue shock and strain when the latter strikes the spindle stud at the throw
of the pick. For this purpose, we prevent the picking bowl from leaving the
picking point or nose-bit by means of a rigid or yielding stop piece, (fixed to the
loom side) against which the intervening boss between the picking shaft and picking
bowl bears to prevent the latter from leaving the nose bit or picking point.
The next part of our invention is designed to produce an automatic recoil in the
taking-up motion, when the weft fork fails to act, owing to the absence or breakage
of the weft.
For this purpose, we attach a finger to the catch rod, and instead of its upper
end passing through the slot hole in the shuttle stand in the usual way, it is con-
nected by a stud or the like to the weft fork slide. When, therefore, the weft fork
slide is drawn back in the usual manner on the absence or breakage of the weft, it
causes the catch rod finger to move and release the catch from the teeth of the
ratchet wheel of the taking-up motion, when the latter recoils, until arrested by the
slip catch or the like in the usual way.
The next part of our invention consists in the employment of a vertical lever
mounted on a stud, and having its upper end protruding through the ordinary slot-
hole of the shuttle stand, when it is attached by a connecting part to the weft fork
lever. To the said vertical lever is fixed in a suitable position a serrated pro-
jecting piece, over which the tongue of the stop rod clears, unless the shuttle is
trapped in the shed. In the latter event, the reed is thrown out, whilst the tongue
of the stop-rod being lowered strikes the serrated projecting piece of the vertical
finger, which then applys the brake by drawing off the fork lever.
The next part of our invention relates to the construction of weft forks, and
consists in forming out of sheet metal in one piece the prongs and shanks of the
fork, whilst the fulcrum or centre is a separate piece secured by a bolt or pins to
the intervening part between the shank and the prongs, as hereinafter described
and illustrated.
The next part of our invention relates to picker checks of looms, and consists in
the employment of a slide bar or rod, mounted in suitable brackets fixed to the
front part of the shuttle box. To the centre of the bar, and between the brackets
is secured a boss, on each side of which is a spiral spring, which abuts against its
respective bracket. To the slide bar or rod; on the outside of each bracket, is
secured a vertical finger, bored so as to fit or slide upon the loom spindle. The
force of the picker is checked in either direction by striking one or other of the
vertical fingers, the amount of the resistance being determined by the strength of
the springs abutting against the brackets, and located on each side of the boss
secured to the slide bar or rod.
The next part of our invention relates to metal pickers, and consists in con-
structing the outer shell or skeleton of the picker of sheet metal, which is provided
with an opening or passage through for the spindle, and is chambered out for the
reception of buffalo hide or indiarubber, so as to form a cushion for the shuttle to
strike against.
The next part of our invention consists in the application to the picking stick of
a suitably curved or bent blade spring, to one end of which is secured the upper
end of the picking band, whilst the lower end of the said band is secured to the
picker by means of a metal plate and bolt.

page_text: The next part of our invention consists of a bracket, adjustable upon the picking
stick lengthwise, and is secured thereto by a set screw and key. On the top of the
bracket is formed a slotted opening at a suitable angle. Through this slotted
opening the picking band is passed, and turned round the stick, and is then secured
by a pin in the usual war.
The next part of our invention relates to shuttles and consists in making the heel
spring of the peg to serve the purpose of retaining bobbins or spools upon the
shuttle peg. For this purpose, we lengthen the free end of the spring and slot,
and turn up the lengthened part, so as to stride the peg like two prongs. When
the bobbin or spool is placed upon the peg, and is laid properly in the shuttle, the
prongs of the heel spring, will be in front of the head of the bobbin or spool, so as
to prevent its flying off the peg.
The next part of our invention relates to the retaining spring of circular box
looms, such spring holding or retaining the picker steady after it has passed back-
wards out of any of the series of boxes; and consists in providing a better and
more durable fixing for the retaining spring.
The next part of our invention relates to attachments for connecting the picking
band to the picker. In one mode of attachment, we secure to the picker by means
of a bolt a spring bent in peculiar shape. This spring is attached to the picking
band, so as to form a yielding medium. In another mode of attachment, we secure
a hook of metal, buffalo hide or other suitable material to the side of the picker.
The end of the picking band, after passing through the slot of the picker, is then
attached to the hook.
The next part of our invention relates to arrangements of mechanism for the
application of the weft brake when the shuttle is trapped in the shed, without
interfering with the weft fork and parts connected therewith.
In the accompanying drawings,
Fig. 1 is an end elevation, and Fig. 2 a side view of an index apparatus con-
structed in accordance with the first part of our invention for effecting reverse
inclination and disposition of the flats of the pattern cylinder, when the latter is
moved or turned in opposite directions.
A is the ordinary lifting bar for actuating the indicating levers A³ and A² (seen
in Fig. 2) and for imparting motion to the actuating catches A' and A'. These
catches stride the pattern cylinder B, which is provided with flats B₁ in the usual
way. C is a pegged wheel secured to the arbor A' of the pattern cylinder. The
actuating catches A³ and A' are connected together by the gap link B³ and
spring B only one actuating catch A being engaged with the pegged wheel at the
same time. The mechanism for tilting these catches may be similar to that
described in the Specification of the said James Morrison. The parts above
enumerated are old and well understood, and form no part, in themselves, of this
part of our invention.
The pattern surface or system of cards are essentially perforated with holes on
cach side of each card, instead of in the middle or centre of the card. The object
of this peculiar manner of perforating the cards will be presently seen as we
proceed. Acting on the pegged wheel C or upon the flats of a retaining wheel,
fixed to the arbour of the pattern cylinder is a lock piece C¹ formed somewhat to
the shape of the letter T inverted, the horizontal part thereof bearing upon two of
the pegs of the wheel C in a similar manner, and for the like purpose as the
ordinary retaining piece and wheel, which has a similar number of flats to that of
the patteru cylinder. In the ordinary arrangement, the retaining piece acted upon
the retaining wheel, so as to present the upper flats of the cylinder perfectly level,
whilst by our arrangement of the lock or retaining piece, and by its mode of action
upon the retaining wheel C, the upper flat of the pattern cylinder will assume a
slight inclination when the pattern cylinder is worked in one direction, but when
worked in the other, the retaining piece is made to have a contrary effect upon the
retaining or pegged wheel C, whereby a reverse inclination on the upper flat of
the pattern cylinder is effected, so as to present the hole or perforation on one side

page_text: of the card in proper position for the insertion of the pin of one or other of the
feelers or indicating levers A¹ and A² mounted on the pattern cylinder.
We will now describe more particularly the arrangement of the lock or retaining
piece C¹ to produce reverse inclination of the flats of the pattern cylinder. A
slot C² is formed in the retaining piece C¹, through which protrudes a stationary
stud C³ to admit of vertical movement. To prevent an overthrow of the lock or
retaining piece, and to regulate the amount of inclination to be imparted to the
flats of the pattern cylinder, we employ the adjusting screws or stops C and C³
and over the top of the lock or retaining piece C¹is mounted a depressing spring C
having a sharp bend or shoulder C.
In Fig. 1, the actuating catch A³ is represented as being engaged with the
pegged wheel C, in which case, a ledging A formed at the side of the actuating
catch A³ strikes upwards one end of the horizontal part of the retaining piece C¹
forcing the end of its vertical leg under the shoulder C' of the depressing
spring Co. In this position, the retaining piece remains until the actuating
catch A³ is disengaged from the pegs of the wheel C and the catch A* engaged
therewith when the ledge A' on the catch A strikes up the depressed end of the
horizontal part of the retaining piece or lock, whilst the end of the vertical leg is
pushed under the shoulder C' to the opposite side
گیره
In Fig. 3, the next two parts of our invention, are represented, namely, that of
applying tension springs to the clawker rods of circular box looms. D and D'
represent the clawker rods, to which are attached by means of the adjustable
bosses D2 and D³ the lower ends of the spiral springs. D and D, the upper ends of
which are attached to the stationary plate D to steady the rods, and to suspend or
counterpoise the levers attached at their lower extremity.
۲۹
Our improved mode of arresting and steadying circular boxes is also represented
in this view. We employ. the usual retaining wheel E, on the top of which is
mounted the lever E centred at E' and weighted by the spring E³, so as to act
with more force and certainty upon the flats of the retaining. wheel E on the arbor
of the circular boxes, than in the ordinary arrangement.
.
In Fig. 4 is represented an improved method of applying the brake and throwing
out the reed in a loose reed loom in a positive manner, instead of having to relie
on the tension of the yarn to effect the release of the reed, when the shuttle is
trapped in the shed. Frepresents an ordinary stop-rod provided with vertical.
fingers, which are operated upon as usual by the swells. On this stop-rod may be
loosely mounted two or more vertical levers F2, securely fixed by their upper ends
to the back rib F³, acting against the loose reed. These vertical levers F are
sufficiently weighted or sprung, so as to resist any tendancy of the reed flying out
during the beat up of the weft.
When the shuttle is trapped in the shed, the swells fail to act in raising the stop
rod tongue F¹, which being moved forward by the sley strikes a projection F* on
the rack F, which being pushed further forward by the tongue against the vertical
piece F³ attached to fork lever F, breaks the connection subsisting in the
usual way between the said lever and the brake, when the latter is at once applied.
Simultaneously with the application of the brake, a cam F (represented by dotted
lines) is actuated by the movement of the rack F4, and made to turn and raise a
horizontal arm F branching from the vertical lever F2, and having its end
immediately over the cam F7 at this particular time. The back rib Fis thus
removed from the back of the reed, when the latter will be easily thrown out by
its contact with the shuttle without imparting any strain whatever upon the yarn.
The next part of our invention relates to weft brakes, and is also represented in
Fig. 4, and consists in the employment and combination of a pinch lever G to act
upon the brake G', instead of the brake and lever being in one as in the usual way.
The next part of our invention is also represented in Fig. 4 for relieving the
picking band and picker from undue shock and strain. This is effected by means
of a rigid or yielding stop piece H' (fixed to the loom side H) against which bears
the intervening boss H2, located between the picking shaft H³ and picking bowl H,

page_text: to prevent the latter from leaving the nose-bit or picking point. Therefore, no
tendancy will exist for an overthrow in the picking stick, which being held in
check is prevented from exerting its force upon the picking band and picker, when
the latter strikes the spindle-stud.
In Fig. 5 is represented the next part of our invention, consisting of a novel
connection or combination of the catch rod finger I, and the weft fork slide I' to
produce an automatic recoil in the taking-up motion, when the weft fork 12 fails to
act on the absence or breakage of the weft. The catch rod 13, to which the finger
I is securely fixed extends across the loom, and has attached to its end in the usual
way the retaining catch of the ratchet wheel of the taking-up motion, the end of
the retaining catch projecting by a lug under the actuating catch of the said wheel,
which is provided with the ordinary slip catch. When the weft fork I² fails to
act on the absence or breakage of the weft its hooked end is caught in, the usual
manner by the hammer lever, forcing back the fork slide I, which carrying with
it the weft fork lever 1' throws the spring handle from its detent, and applies the
weft brake in the usual way. During this movement of the weft fork slide I', the
catch rod finger I by its connection with the fork slide is moved also to raise both
the retaining and actuating catches, thereby producing an automatic recoil in the
taking-up motion, the amount of the recoil being determined by the ordinary slip
catch or other similar means.
The next part of our invention is also represented in Fig. 5, and consists of the
vertical lever J mounted on the stud J, and having its upper end protruding
through the ordinary slot hole of the shuttle stand (through which the catch rod
finger usually protrudes) when it is attached by the connecting piece J2 to the weft
fork lever 1. To the said vertical lever J is fixed the serrated projecting piece J³,
over which the tongue of the stop rod clears unless the shuttle is trapped in the
shed. In the latter event, the reed is thrown out, whilst the tongue of the stop-
rod being lowered strikes the serrated piece J³ of the vertical lever J, when the
latter withdraws the fork lever I to apply the brake and at the same time and by
the same means releases the spring handle from its detent.
The next part of our invention is represented in Figs. 6, 7 and 8, and relates to
the construction of weft forks, and consists in forming out of sheet metal in one
piece, the prongs K' and the shank K2 of the fork, whilst the fulcrum or centre
pins K and K are attached one on each side to a separate piece K³, secured by a
bolt K to the intervening part, located between the prongs K' and shank K².
The centre pin K³ is longer than the other, so that it can be pushed through the
eye of the fork holder L at L', when the separate piece K³ is drawn back for the
insertion of the short centre pin K4 in the other eye of the holder at L2.
The fork whilst in the form represented in Fig. 6, and previous to being bent
is in proper shape to be readily polished and got up more efficiently, after which
the prongs K are bent, as seen in Fig. 8 and the end of the shank K² is hooked.
The fork is now ready to be secured to the separate piece K³ carrying the centre
pins K³ and K, and for this purpose the intervening part K' of the fork is placed
upon the separate piece K³, and secured thereto by a bolt, screw or the like. The
width of the intervening part K' is equal to the space between the lugs L' and L2
of the fork holder L, to prevent, the fork and separate piece K³ from moving
laterally when secured together in fork holder..
The next part of our invention represented in Fig. 9, relates to picker checks
of looms, and consists in the employment of the slide bar or rod M mounted in
brackets Mixed to the front part of the shuttle box. To the centre of the bar
and between the brackets is secured the boss M2, on each side of which is a spiral
spring which abuts against their respective brackets. To the slide bar or
rod Mare secured, two projecting fingers M and M³, their upper ends being in
such a position in relation to the loom spindle M6, that the force of the picker M'
will be checked in either direction by striking one or other of the projecting
fingers Mand M³, the amount of resistance being determined by the strength of
the springs M³.

page_text: The next part of our invention represented in Figs. 10 and 11 relates to metal
pickers, and consists in constructing the outer shell N of the picker of sheet metal,
which is bent so as to form two equal sides which are rivetted together, being
previously blocked to form an opening or passage N₁ for the loom spindle to pass
through, and formed with a chamber N2, for the reception of buffalo hide or other
suitable material to form a cushion for the picker to strike against. This kind of
metal picker is very light and durable, and may with advantage be used in
substitution of the ordinary buffalo picker.
The next part of our invention is represented in Figs. 12 and 13, and consists in
the application to picking sticks of a suitably curved or bent spring to form a
yielding medium to relieve the picking band and picker from undue strain. O is the
picking stick, to which is fixed by the bolt O' the curved or bent spring O2, to the
free end of which is secured the upper end of the picking band O³, whilst its lower
end is secured to the picker by the metal plate O and bolt 0%, as seen in Fig. 12.
In Fig. 13, the picking band O³ is represented as being dispensed with and a wire
or chain like connection 0 substituted. The mode of attachment of the connection
to the curved or bent spring O2 and picker will be readily understood by referring
to Fig. 13.
The next part of our invention represented in Fig. 14 consists of a bracket P
adjustable upon the picking stick P₁ lengthwise, and is secured thereto by the set
screw P2 and key P³. On the top of the bracket is formed a slotted opening Pat
a suitable angle, as will admit of a more direct pull of the picking band. Through
the slotted opening P, the picking band is passed and turned round the stick P1,
one or more times, when it is then secured upon a pin fixed to the stick in the usual
way.
The next part of our invention represented in Fig. 15 relates to shuttles, and
consists in making the heel spring of the peg to serve the purpose of retaining
bobbins or spools upon the peg. For this purpose, we lengthen the end of the heel
spring and slot and turn up the lengthened part as at Q1, so as to stride the
peg like two prongs. When the bobbin or spool is placed upon the peg Q² and
is laid properly in the shuttle, the prongs of the heel spring Q will be in front of
the head of the bobbin or spool, so as to prevent its flying off the peg.
The next part of our invention is represented in Fig. 16 and relates to the
retaining spring of circular box looms, and consists in making the retaining spring
and its bracket in two separate parts instead of one as heretofore, whereby the
bracket may be made much stronger and durable and less liable to breakage.
R represent the circular boxes, R' the loom spindle, R2 the picker, R³ the retaining
spring attached to our improved bracket R₁ by a bolt R. The said bracket is
fixed to the plate Re of the stay supporting the outer end of arbor, on which are
mounted the circular boxes.
The next part of our invention relates to attachments for connecting the picking
band to the picker. In one mode represented in Fig. 17 we secure to the picker
by means of a bolt S', the spring S³, to which the lower end of the picking
band is attached, so as to form a yielding medium hetween the picking band aud
picker.
In the next mode of attachment represented in Fig. 18, we secure a hook S' of
metal, buffalo hide, or other suitable material to the side of the picker. The end
of the picking band, after passing through the slot hole of the picker is then attached.
to the hook St.
↓
The next part of our invention is represented in Figs. 19 and 20; and relates to
arrangements of mechanism for applying the brake when the shuttle is trapped in
the shed, without interfering with or disturbing the fork lever, and parts connected
therewith. U is an ordinary brake lever provided with the weight U' whilst the
faller rod U attached to faller U³ projects through an opening or slot in the brake
lever U, and on its projecting end is mounted the spiral spring U₁, below which is
an adjustable boss U to set up the spring, so as to overcome the weight U' and
bring the brake U just clear of the surface of the brake wheel U*.

page_text: The brake lever U, the faller rod U2 and faller U³ act precisely in the usual way
to apply the brake on the absence or breakage of the weft.
By referring to Fig. 19, it will be observed that the end of the brake lever U is
curved to act in contact with the curved surface V' of the lever V, the upper end
of which is serrated. When the shuttle is trapped in the shed, the stop rod
tongue V is lowered, and strikes the serrated end of the lever V thereby applying
the brake, without disturbing or interfering with the weft fork lever. The faller
and falling rod, which are fork lever connections, only operate when the weft is.
absent or broken.
In the arrangement represented in Fig. 20, the brake V5 and its lever are in two.
parts. The serrated lever V at its lower end is connected by a rod V3 at V4 to the
brake V and on the said rod V3 is mounted spiral spring U abutting against the
lower end of the serrated lever, whilst an adjusting boss V regulates the tension of
the spring U when compressed to apply the brake when the shuttle misses boxing..
This is effected by the stop rod tongue, which is lowered when the shuttle is
trapped, and strikes the serrated lever V, throwing the spring handle X from its
detent and applying the brake. The faller, faller rod and pinch or brake lever are
inoperative at this time, and only act when the weft is absent or broken.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we
claim is :-
1. In an index machine, causing the pattern cylinder to assume reverse-
inclinations for opposite rotations of the pattern cylinder, substantially as described
and illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2.
2. In an index machine, retaining piece C¹, having vertical slot C³, stationary
pin C, depressing spring C, and shoulder or bend C', substantially as described
and illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2.
3. In an index machine, the employment of cards, perforated on each side.
thereof, substantially as described and illustrated in Fig. 2.
4. In circular box looms, the application of tension springs D and D' to
clawker rods, substantially as described and illustrated in Fig.
5. In circular box looms, the application of the lever E' weighted by spring E³ to
act upon the flats of the retaining wheel, substantially as described and illustrated
in Fig. 3.
6. The mode or method of applying the brake and releasing the reed in a positive
manner, substantially as described and illustrated in Fig. 4.
7. The employment of the pinch lever G to act upon the brake G¹, substantially
as described and illustrated in Fig. 4.
8. A yielding or rigid stop piece H', against which the intervening boss H
located between the picking shaft and picking bowl bears, to prevent the latter from
leaving the nose-bit or picking point, substantially as described and illustrated in
Fig. 4.
9. Connecting the catch rod or finger I to the weft fork slide I', substantially as
described and illustrated in Fig. 5 for the purpose specified.
10. The serrated projecting piece J³, fixed to vertical lever J, the upper end of
which protrudes through the slot hole of the shuttle stand, and is then attached to
the weft fork lever I in position to be acted upon by the stop rod tongue, when the
shuttle is trapped in the shed to apply the brake, substantially as described and
illustrated in Fig. 5.
11. The construction of weft forks of sheet metal, substantially as described and
illustrated in Figs. 6, 7 and 8.
12. The apparatus for checking the picker, substantially as described and
illustrated in Fig. 9.
13. The construction of metal pickers, substantially as described and illustrated
in Figs. 10 and 11.

page_text: 14. The application to picking sticks of curved or bent springs O2, substantially
as described and illustrated in Figs. 12 and 13.
15. The employment of bracket P for picking sticks, constructed and applied
substantially as described and illustrated in Fig. 14.
16. Making the heel springs of shuttles to serve the purpose of retaining bobbins
or spools upon the peg, substantially as described and illustrated in Fig. 15.
17. The bracket R and the retaining spring R³ attached together by a bolt, the
retaining spring steadying the picker when moved backwards out of any of the
series of circular boxes substantially as described and illustrated in Fig. 16.
18. The modes of attachment of the picking band to the picker, substantially as
described and illustrated in Figs. 17 and 18.
19. The arrangements of mechanism for applying the brake when the shuttle is
trapped in the shed, substantially as described and illustrated in Figs. 19 and 20.
Dated this 6th day of December 1892.
THOS. RICHMOND,
Agent.