IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PRODUCTION OF RAW AND THROWN SILK
Year: 1853

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Chadwick, of Manchester, in the County
of Lancaster, Silk Manufacturer, and Thomas Dickins, of the
Spring Vale Works, near Middleton, in the County of Lancaster,
Silk Dyer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PRODUCTION
OF RAW AND THROWN SILK."
Sealed the 13th October 1853, and dated the 14th April 1858.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Chadwick
and Thomas Dickins at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents,
with their Petition, on the 14th April 1853.
We, JOHN CHADWICK and THOMAS DICKINS, do hereby declare the
nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PRODUCTION OF
RAW AND THROWN SILK" to be as follows:-
Our Invention has reference to a new system of producing threads
of silk for the purposes of the manufacturer. According to the usual
process the silk is wound from the cocoon into hanks of considerablo
climensions, in the loose state of which they are imported into this
country, and subsequently undergo the various operations of winding,
doubling, twisting, &c. We propose to dispense altogether with that
operation; that is, the operation which involves a loose skein previous

page_text: to the processes of winding, doubling, and others which are conducted
in this country; and this we effect by commencing with the cocoon, and
performing the various operations without removing the material, as a
hank or skein, from the apparatus upon which it is wound, doubled,
twisted, &c. This constitutes the leading feature of our Invention; but
the order of operations and practical method of carrying the same into
effect will be varied according to the article to be produced, or desire
of the manufacturer.
Secondly, our Invention refers to a method of winding silk from the
cocoon into the loose hanks, such as are now imported by this country.
According to the processes conducted abroad, the products of a certain
number of cocoons (say five) are joined together, to be wound upon the
reel; these are crossed by another set on their progress to the
winding apparatus, in order that the friction thus generated may cause
the threads constituting each set to adhere together. But this course of
operation is productive of much waste; we propose, therefore, to avoid
the said crossing, and to obtain the necessary friction for joining the
threads by causing the cocoons to revolve, so as to effect a twisting
action; or, in place of this, to convey the threads to be joined in contact
with rods, revolving tubes, or other apparatus, which, by causing them
to move in close contact, will effect the desired object.
Thirdly, our Invention consists in producing a thread suitable for
the dyer or manufacturer, during the process of winding from the
cocoon, for which purpose we apply suitable apparatus for effecting
a twisting action, so as to render the usual subsequent process of
throwing unnecessary.

page_text: WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Fourteenth day of April, in the
year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-three, in the
sixteenth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors,
give and grant unto us, the said John Chadwick and Thomas Dickins,
Her especial licence, that we, the said John Chadwick and Thomas
Dickins, our executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as
we, the said John Chadwick and Thomas Dickins, our executors, ad-
ministrators, 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 Channels
Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE
PRODUCTION OF RAW AND THROWN SILK," upon the condition' (amongst
others) that we, the said John Chadwick and Thomas Dickins, by an
instrument in writing under our hands and seals, should particularly
describe and ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in what
manner the same was to be performed, and cause the same to be filed
in the Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar months next and
immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that we, the said John Chadwick and Thomas
Dickins, do hereby declare the nature of our said Invention, and in
what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described
and ascertained in and by the following statement and accompanying
drawings (that is to say):
Our Invention has reference to a new system of producing threads of
silk for the purposes of the manufacturer. According to the usual pro-
cess, the silk is wound from the cocoon into hanks of considerable
dimensions, in the loose state of which they are imported into this
country, and subsequently undergo the various operations of winding,
doubling, twisting, &c. We propose to dispense altogether with that
operation; that is, the operation which involves a loose skein previous
to the processes of winding, doubling, and others which are conducted
in this country; and this we effect by commencing with the cocoon,
and performing the various operations without removing the material,

page_text: as a hank or skein, from the apparatus upon which it is wound, doubled,
twisted, &c. This constitutes the leading feature of our Invention; but
the order of operations and practical method of carrying the same into
effect will be varied according to the article to be produced, or desire
of the manufacturer.
Secondly, our Invention refers to a method of winding silk from
the cocoon into the loose hanks, such as are now imported by this
country. According to the processes conducted abroad, the products
of a certain number of cocoons (say five) are joined together to be
wound upon the reel; these are crossed by another set on their progress
to the winding apparatus, in order that the friction thus generated may
cause the threads constituting each set to adhere together. But this
course of operation is productive of much waste; we propose, therefore,
to avoid the said crossing, and to obtain the necessary friction for join-
ing the threads by causing the cocoons to revolve so as to effect a
twisting action; or, in place of this, to convey the threads to be joined
in contact with rods, revolving tubes, or other apparatus, which, by
causing them to move in close contact, will effect the object desired.
Thirdly, our Invention consists in producing a thread suitable for the
dyer or manufacturer during the process of winding from the cocoon,
for which purpose we apply suitable apparatus for effecting a twisting
action, so as to render the usual subsequent process of throwing un-
necessary.
Having thus stated generally the leading features of our improve-
ments, we will proceed to describe more particularly how the same
may be carried into practical operation. In reference to the first part
of our Invention, three methods may be adopted for obtaining a thread
suitable for the dyer or manufacturer. Firstly, the silk of a single
cocoon may be wound on to a small bobbin, and a thread of the
required substance produced by doubling and spinning a number of
these wound single threads together. Secondly, we can proceed by
winding the silk of two, three, or more cocoons on to one bobbin and
double, and spin such a number of these combined filaments as are
necessary to form the required thread. Thirdly, by winding and spin-
uing on to a bobbin the silk of as many cocoons as will be necessary at

page_text: one operation to produce the required thread. The machinery required
for the purposes of our improvements may be varied to a considerable
extent; but in order that our Invention may be fully understood, we
have appended to this our Specification a drawing of certain apparatus,'
which will serve to illustrate the description of machinery necessary,
and to explain further the manner in which we propose to carry on our
new manufacture. The first operation to be observed is that of soften-
ing the gummy matter by which the filaments composing the cocoon
are fastened together, so that they may freely be wound off by the
operation of the machinery. The exact treatment will depend upon
the quality and nature of the cocoon; some are of a hard, firm, and
close texture; the softening of these is best attained by placing them
in a vessel from which air may be exhausted by a pump or other
means, and then allowing hot water, or soap and water, to flow into the
vacuum; by this means every pore of the cocoon will become saturated,
and the filaments softened and deprived of their attachments. Other
cocoons of a more porous nature will be sufficiently prepared by immer-
sion for some hours in hot water, or in soap and water. But experience
will readily instruct the operator in the treatment necessary for a par-
ticular class of material. The cocoons then having been softened,
as stated to be necessary, we will supposo it desired to wind single
threads on to bobbins. The apparatus we use for this purpose is shown
in section at Figs. 1, and 2, the lattter being a top view of the apparatus
employed for holding the cocoons. To the front of the framework is.
adapted a table a, upon which is placed a flat metal chamber b, steam being
admitted thereto by a pipe c. Abovo this chamber is situate a moveable
trough d, partly filled with water, which is consequently kept heated by
the steam admitted to the chamber b. The trough d, is provided with a
serics of upright pins e, upon each of which is placed a tube consti-
tuting the centre of a box f: this box has (in the present case) six
partitions, each one provided with a lid turning upon a hinge; the
lids, however, have apertures in front through which a thread can pass.
The box f, has apertures formed in it, whereby the water in the trough d,
can flow into the several partitions. Supposing, as before stated, that
a single thread is to be wound, a cocoon is placed in one of the parti-
tions of the box f; and the thread, when loosened therefrom, is conducted

page_text: through the aperture formed in the lid; from thence it passes through a
guide g, and between rods or rollers h, which serve to impart a slight
amount of tension; after passing through a second guide i, the thread
is wound upon a bobbin j, to which rotary motion is communicated by
a surface roller k, driven by a pulley 1, upon a shaft m, connected in
any ordinary manner to the motive power. The guide i, is mounted
upon a rail n, which is traversed backward and forward by a lever o
turning upon a centre at p, and caused to vibrate by means of a cam q
mounted upon the shaft m, whereby the thread is distributed over the
surface of the bobbins. According to this arrangement the cocoon
previously saturated is kept moist by the action of warm water, so as to
cause the thread readily to leave it. It will sometimes happen that the
weight of the cocoon is not sufficient to assist the unwinding, and it
therefore becomes lifted from the water; in such case, however, the lid
of the partition will prevent the cocoon from being lifted entirely out
of the box. A number of bobbins may, of course, be ranged side by
side according to convenience, there being a corresponding number of
boxes f, and guides, &c. The bobbins thus filled with single threads
may be removed to another machine, several filaments being there
doubled and spun according to the usual process.
The above described apparatus will also illustrate the second method
of proceeding. If, for instance, it should be desired to wind on to
bobbins a thread composed of the produce of six cocoons, then one'
will be placed in each of the divisions of the box f; and the separate
filaments united at the guide g, from whence they will proceed as
before described. It has been stated that the boxes f, are mounted
upon centre pins e: our object in this is to be able to turn the
said boxes round so as to get a back cocoon to the front, for the
purpose of more readily obtaining the end when broken. It will,
of course, be obvious that a greater or lesser number of cocoons than
six may be doubled, if desired. Figs. 3, and 4, represent, in sec-
tion and partial plan views, a machine adapted for producing upon
bobbins a spun thread. The apparatus for holding the cocoon is as
previously described, and similar letters are marked thereon. The
driving shaft is at r, giving motion, by means of the gearing shewn, to
two tin drums s, t. The former of these drives, by means of bands, a

page_text: series of warves, one of which is seen at u. These warves turn loosely on
spindles v, and carry bobbins w, which they cause to rotate by means
of a pin connexion; the warves are supported by a copping rail a, which
is caused to move upward and downward by the ordinary heart-wheel
motion y, and thereby traverse the bobbin within the flyer z. The tin
drum t, drives the spindles v; and the bands used for that purpose, as
well as for driving the bobbins, are kept in tension by rollers 1, mounted on
rods 2, borne downward by weighted levers 3, turning upon a centre at 4.
There are separate rollers 1, rod 2, and lever 8, for each spindle; so
that when it is desired to stop the winding and spinning of one only,
the attendant, by placing his foot upon the corresponding lever 3, can
loosen the driving bands. The threads from the cocoons having been
united at the guide 5, pass over a vane wheel 6, constructed so as to
turn readily upon its axis, and from thence proceed to the flyer, which
being driven as before mentioned puts in the twist, the bobbin at the
same time winding on. The amount of twist to be put in will of course
be regulated, as is well understood, by adjusting the relative speeds of
the flyer and bobbin, to effect which any ordinary arrangement of
change wheels may be adapted. In the machine last described, it will
be observed that as the bobbin and flyer are both driven, the amount
of twist in a given length of yarn will not be exactly constant, owing
to the increasing diameter of the bobbins; but if the bobbins used be
of large diameter, and a small thickness of material be wound thereon,
the variation will be very slight. Should, however, an exactness in this
respect be required, then a differential motion, well known as applied
to roving and slubbing frames and other machines, may be adapted. The
bobbins of material may be used as they are by the dyer or manufac-
turer; but, if desired, they may be removed to the throwing machine,
and there doubled in order to produce the article known as organzine.
We would remark generally, in reference to winding and spinning from
the cocoon, that some little practice will be necessary to enable the
attendant to find the ends of the filament. The outside of the cocoon
consists of detached portions, which will not wind as a continuous
thread. These (the whole having been moistened) are first to be removed
by the finger, or by the assistance of a brush; a little experience will

page_text: enable the attendant to know when he has arrived at the continuous
thread; a portion of it should then be unwound by hand, and laid over
the edge of a vessel containing water, in which the cocoon is placed.
A reserve of cocoons, so prepared for the machinery, should be at hand;"
and it will be found convenient to adapt this to the machine as at 7,
in this instance they are kept moist by the water warmed by the pipe c,
and the detached end may be laid over the front edge of the trough,..
ready for the application to the winding or spinning process. The
degree of heat to be imparted to the water in the vessel f, will depend
in some measure upon the quality of the cocoons; it is not, how-
ever, a matter requiring exactness, if the first saturation be properly
attended to.
The second part of our Invention may be illustrated by Figs. 1, and
2, before described, by supposing that in place of the bobbin j, an
ordinary reel is adapted, to which notatory motion is communicated by
hand or by power. The cocoons will be placed as before in the box f;
but in this case we cause it to revolve with a slow motion, through the
intervention of any ordinary and suitable machinery, by which means a
slight twist will be put into the material, serving to consolidate the
threads; or the tension put upon them by the rollers h, will answer the
same purpose to a certain extent. The threads thus produced in a
hank may undergo the usual subsequent processes to suit them for the
dyer or manufacturer.
In carrying out the third part of our Invention, we procced precisely
in. a similar manner, causing the box f, to revolve, and winding the
twisted threads upon a reel in place of the bobbin j; by this means a
suflicient amount of twist may be imparted for producing a thread
suitable for some purposes of the manufacturer; but as the box f
cannot practicably be caused to revolve beyond a certain rate, we do not
contemplate producing an article to supersede all thrown silk.
Having thus described and ascertained the nature of our said
Invention, and the manner in which the same is to be performed,
we desire it to be understood that we do not confine ourselves to the
use of the apparatus shewn and described, as many modifications of
machinery may be adopted, which will readily suggest themselves to all

page_text: competent persous. That which we claim as secured to us under the
above in part recited Letters Patent, being, firstly, the production of
threads of silk, by winding, doubling, or spinning direct from the
cocoon on to a bobbin or other surface, which does not involve the
necessity for a loose skein. Secondly, in reference to winding into a
hank from the cocoon, causing the cocoons to revolve, or the threads
proceeding therefrom to pass in contact with rods or rollers for the
purpose above set forth. Thirdly, winding silk, suitable for the dyer or
manufacturer, from the cocoon into a hank by causing the cocoons to
revolve.
In witness whereof, we, the said John Chadwick and Thomas
Dickins, have hereunto set our hands and seals, the Thirteenth
day of October, in the year of our Lord One thousand eight
hundred and fifty-three.
JN. CHADWICK.
(L.S.)
THOMAS DICKINS. (L.S.)