A NEW METHOD OF SPINNING WOOL
Year: 1832

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, ALEXANDER
BEATTIE SHANKLAND, of Liverpool Street, in the City of London, Esquire,
send greeting.
WHEREAS His most Excellent Majesty King William the Fourth, by His
Letters Patent under the Great Seal of Great Britain, bearing date at West-
minster, the Fifth day of July, in the third year of His reign, did, for Him-
self, His heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the said Alexander
Beattie Shankland, His especial licence that I, the said Alexander Beattie
Shankland, my exors, admors, and assigns, or such others as I, the said Alexander.
Beattie Shankland, my exors, admors, and assigns, should at any time agree
with, and no others, from time to time and at all times during the term of
years therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and.
vend, within England, Wales, and the Town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, and
also within all His Majesty's Colonies and Plantations abroad, my Invention
of "A NEW METHOD OF SPINNING WOOL;" in which said Letters Patent there.
is contained a proviso obliging me, the said Alexander Beattie Shankland,
by an instrument in writing under my hand and seal; particularly to describe
and ascertain the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same
is to be performed, and to cause the same to be enrolled in His Majesty's High
Court of Chancery within two months next immediately after the date of the
said recited Letters Patent, as in and by the same, 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
Alexander Beattie Shankland, do hereby declare that the nature of the said
Invention, and how the same is to be performed, is herein described and
ascertained by the following description, reference being also made to the
Drawings hereunto annexed, that is to say:-
Drawing 1 Fig. 1, A, A, represents a front elevation of a fragment or
portion of an improved spindle for spinning wool into yarns for the purpose of
being manufactured into woollen cloth or other fabrics. a, a, shews a front
elevation of a brass frame, which I call a spindle frame (all the Figures in
this Drawing being made upon a magnified scale in order to shew the parts
more distinctly). Within this frame the toothed roller 6 is placed, when it is
fixed in a swinging or moveable frame, to be hereafter described. c, c, repre-
sents a steel sliding piece dovetailed into the brass spindle frame, where it is
retained by friction, as shown by dotted lines at a, a, but capable of moving
in a small degree towards either end of the spindle. In the centre of the
sliding piece c, c, an oblong slit or aperture is made, which permits a very
small portion of the periphory of the toothed roller 6 to protrude beyond the
external surface of the sliding piece c. The use of this will be shewn here-
after, C, C, are two screws, which fix the frame a, a, to the spindle A,.A, a
recess being formed in the spindle to receive it. Fig. 2 represents a vertical
section of the spindle frame shewn in Fig. 1 by a plane passing through-it
in the direction of the dotted line B, B, in Fig. 1. In Fig. 2, a, a,-shews.a
section of the spindle frame; b shews a side elevation of the toothed roller,
with a few of the teeth projecting beyond the steel sliding piece, which may
be seen between the letters c, c; d, represents a side elevation of the roller
frame, within which the roller turns, the axis entering holes made to receive it
(on each side of the roller frame. The roller frame swings or moves on the
steel pin or axis seen near d, but it is kept stationary by the spring e, which,
pressing at one end against the spindle frame and the other end against the
bottom cross bar of the roller frame d, forces the periphory of the toothed
roller against a curved part of the sliding piece just beneath the upper
letter c, in which state it will remain until it is acted upon in the manner to
be hereafter described. Fig. 3 represents an edge view of the toothed
roller 6 placed in the swinging frame, the pin or axis upon which it swings
or moves being shewn near d. Fig. 4 represents a front elevation of the
sliding piece c, c, detached. The dotted lines show the extent of a recess
within which a portion of the toothed roller 6 enters, being pressed by the
spring against the upper part f, as before described. g represents a passage
cut through the sliding piece c, c, inclining upwards; the use of this is to pass

page_text: -the end of a yarn through; so that it may be placed between the teeth.of.the
roller. b.in the way to be hereafter explained. Fig. 5 represents a side view
of Fig. 4; the inclination of the passage g in this Figure being more plainly
.seen. Fig. 6.represents a vertical section of. Fig. 4, by a plane passing in
5.the direction, of the dotted line D, D, in Fig. 4. Fig. 7 represents; a vértical
section, taken through the centre of the toothed roller b, shewn at bin
Fig. 2.
Drawing 2: Fig. 1 represents a:front: elevation of a machine drawn upon a
scale for spinning wool into: yarns. E, E, E, E; shew the front parts of the.
.frame. A, A, are two. spindles, placed vertically, each having a steel bearing
which enters, a brass cup shewn at h, h, there being a. steel conical point
within the cup upon which each steel pivot or bearing moves or revólves.
F, F, are two whirls. or pullies fixed to the lower parts of the brass spindles,
each being made to receive an endless woollen band, by which they are rapidly
moved when in the act of spinning. i represents a deep groove made in the
brass spindle A, communicating with the spindle frame a; a, below, and uniting
with a similar groove formed in the upper steel bearing k..k, the top or end
part of the bearing.k being made cylindrical, which portion acts as a pivot to
turn in the half. holes or brasses shewn at 1, 1; each of the pivots so con-
structed are also made hollow to permit a yarn to pass through in its passage
to the drawing rollers, herein-after described. H is a grooved. drawing roller
fixed on the axis m. The twisted..yarn passes through this groove, being
pressed upon very firmly by a leather rim, which is let. into a groove in the
roller I; this roller turns: freely on the axis J, which axis.is kept stationary,
and it is likewise pressed: down-by a hook in the'.centre, the lower part.of
which is formed into or combined with a spiral. spring fixed in the frame
below. n is a cylindrical: axis, upon the ends, of which the two armis k, k, turn
or swing. To the upper ends of these arms the axis L of the two recls o;.o,
and p, p, is attached. The arm to the left has a pivot hole. to receive, one
pivot of the axis L, and the other arm has a fork.formed to receive the othér
pivots, by which means the axis and reels may be very easily removed; each
reel being.placed on a cylindrical axis may be fixed.at any. convenient part of
the axis; and, when there, it will be retained a spring,shewn:at.q,.q, which
is sufficiently strong to keep it fixed under ordinary.. circumstances while
receiving, the yarn, .but..under certain circumstances; where the tension' be-
comes:so strong: as to endanger the breaking of the yarn, the. friction.created
by the springs will be overcome, and then the reels will slip or turn upon the
axis.
Drawing No. 3: Fig. 1 represents; a plan or bird's-eye view of the same

page_text: "machine, the same letters of reference being applied to the same parts where-
ever they can be seen. r, r, r, r, represents in dotted lines the place of a
wooden cylinder, having two grooves or hollows turned in it of the shape
shewn beneath the rollers I, I. These hollows or curvatures form recesses
which permit a portion of the two spindles A, A, to enter, and when the
cylinder r, r, r, r, is cloathed with wool, the spindles will by this peculiar con-
struction be conveniently supplied with fibres to be spun into yarns. .M, M,
shews the axis of the cylinder, to which any suitable power may be applied to
set the whole of the acting parts in motion. N is a pulley fixed on the axis M.
Upon this is placed the woollen band s, which passes over the pulley O, and
turns the axis P, giving motion thereby to the following parts: t, t, is a woollen
band which combines the pulleys O'and Q together, by which means, when the
pulley O is set in motion, the axis m will be turned by the pulley Q, and then
the rollers H, H, and I, I, will be turned and draw away the yarn from the
spindles, from whence it will pass under the axis n, and be received upon the
reels 0, 0, 0, 0, and p, p, p, p, they being set in motion by the following means:-
u is a double grooved pulley which turns freely on the fixed axis n. Risa
woollen band combining the pulley O with u. S is also an endless woollen
-band placed in the groove of the pulley v, fixed on the axis L; it gives motion
thereto, and thereby turns the reels o, o, o, o, and p, p, p, p, whenever the
pulley is turned by the endless band R. w, w, are two forked standards,
each of which receives a portion of the axis m of the drawing roller H, which
is turned small at two parts, to act as pivots or bearings, the shoulders on each
side preventing lateral motion. x, x, are two brass bearings which receive
the pivots formed on each end of the axis J; these are retained in the
standards by dovetails, from which they may be withdrawn at pleasure when
the hooked wire T is removed, which, being combined with a spiral spring
fixed in the frame of the machine, presses the leathered rollers I, I, into
the grooves of the rollers H, H, by which means so much friction is produced
that the yarn placed between is readily drawn through, and then received
upon the reel.
:
Fig. 2 represents a plan or bird's-eye view of the same machine; but in
this Figure the reels, drawing rollers, and the upper cover of the machine.is
removed, by which means the feeding cylinder r, r, r, r, is exposed, so as to be
better understood, and also some of the other parts that it will be necessary to
explain. U, U, is a wooden roller having a pulley on one end to receive an
endless band. V, which passes also over the pulley W, fixed on the axis M, by
which means the roller U is set in motion. X, X, are two endless woollen
bands, shewn in dotted lines, which are passed over the roller U, U, and also

page_text: over the whirls or pulleys fixed at the lower ends of the spindles A, A.;
'therefore when the roller U is set in motion by the pulley W, the spindles
will be also made to revolve with a proper velocity. y, y, y, represents three
rows of hooked staples fixed on the surface of the feeding cylinder r, r, r, r.
The wool to be spun being smoothly prepared, should be doubled, and the
central part or staple should be put under one of the hooked wires seen at y,
and then the ends, should be smoothly spread on each side, and behind the
hook, around the cylinder, and in this manner the whole cylinder must be
cloathed, as shewn on the right-hand side, one half of the cylinder being left
uncovered in order that the hooked staples may be more plainly seen.
Drawing 2 Fig. 2 represents a vertical section of Fig. 1, by a plane passing
through the dotted line Y, Y, shewn in Fig. 1. In Fig. 2 the manner of placing
the hooks on the feeding cylinder r, r, will be more plainly seen, and also the
band X which drives the spindle A. Z, Z, Z, shews a verticle section of three
pieces of wood formed with curves internally, which are parallel to the feeding
cylinder; these are used to inclose the cylinder, and also the wool with which
it is cloathed, thereby preventing any waste, which might be the case if this
precaution was not adopted. The form of the cup or bearing his shewn as a
vertical section, and the pall that supports the arm k will be seen placed
immediately under it. The feeding cylinder r, r, shewn in the Figure, is not
covered with wool, the peculiar construction or form of its surface will there-
fore be more plainly seen.
In order to prepare the machine for operation, a yarn of wool must
be fixed at one end to the cross bar of the reel shewn by the letter p,
near z, the other end must then be passed, under the axis n, and between
the drawing rollers H and I, and being passed through the steel bearing k of
the spindle, it must be continued down the groove i, and then the end must
be put through the slanting passage cut through the silding pięce c, sliewn
at g, Fig. 1, and then carried upwards, by which means it will be caught and
held by the toothed roller b, in which state the machine will be ready, provided
the feeding cylinder r, r. Fig. 2, be previously cloathed with the wool to be
spun in the manner before described. When the feeding cylinder r is set in
motion by any suitable power, and in the direction of the darts shewn upon it;
the band V, placed on the pulley W (seen in Fig. 1 in dotted lines, and also
in Figs. 1 and 2, in Drawing 3), will turn the roller U (see Drawing 2,
Fig. 2), and cause the band X to move the spindle A, and whirle it round
with considerable velocity, by which means the projecting teeth of the
toothed roller 6 in its passage round will catch hold of some of the fibres from
the feeding cylinder, and by the revolution of the spindle A they will be imme-

page_text: diately combined or joined to the end of the yarn by. being twisted, and at the
same instant the drawing rollers, being set in motion in the manner to be
hereafter described, will draw forward the thread or yarn from the top of the
bearing, the reel being also put in motion to receive the product of the
spindle as fast as it is delivered from the drawing rollers. It will be easily
perceived that two or more spindles, with the machinery appropriate, as
herein-before described, may be combined and moved by the same power,
when a similar effect will be produced by each spindle.
The uniformity or equal size of the yarn or thread will be produced in the
following manner: In Drawing 1, Fig. 1, the toothed roller 6 is represented
as having hold of some fibres of wool, which being united with a portion of
yarn already twisted, will be drawn into the spindle by the action of the drawing
rollers before described, and as they enter they are released from the teeth of
the roller b, and instantly twisted, by which means every fibre becomes united
in the yarn; and should the teeth of the roller at any time take up too many
of the fibres, they would, by an increase of the bulk, force back the toothed
roller b, and the teeth being by this means drawn back in proportion, they will
of course take up fewer fibres, and by this means the yarn will be equalized;
and whenever the number of fibres are reduced, and the bulk thereby become
smaller, the teeth of the roller will be again protruded, and the proper quantity
of fibres will be caught up and supplied to the spindle. In Figure 5 the dotted
circle represents the periphery of the toothed roller in contract with the curved
part f, to which it should be accurately fitted; but when the yarn or fibres are
passing through, the periphery of the roller will assume the position of the
dotted line shewn in Figure 6. The size of the yarn may be to a certain
degree increased or decreased by the following means; namely, if the sliding
piece c, c, Figures 1 and 2, be moved or slid towards the upper part of the
vertical spindle, the teeth of the roller b will project further outwards, and
consequently they will take up more fibres, and thereby make a larger thread;
but, on the contrary, if the sliding piece c, c, be moved or slid downwards, it
will prèss back the roller 'b, and, as the teeth will in that case not protrude or
project so far beyond the surface of the steel sliding piece, a smaller thread
will of course be produced. By such adjustment a considerable variation in
the size of the yarn may be made with the same sized spindle frame and
apparatus combined therewith. Nevertheless, it will always be requisite to
proportion the spindle and apparatus not only to the size of the yarn but
also to the length of the fibre to be spun: The fibre should only form a
single spiral coil around the spindle when the machine is in action, and if
it is attempted to 'spin wool of great length of staple with a small sized

page_text: spindle, the fibres; would be, wound upon the spindle in coils one over the
other, and bind so tight that it would prevent the drawing rollers'taking the
yarn from the spindle without frequently breaking it.
.
Figure 8 represents an edge view of a roller, the teeth of which are so
formed as to come close to the edge, but they do not project beyond.
Figure 9 is a vertical section of, Figure-8, by a plane passing through the
centre roller and parallel to the axis. This kind of roller is more suited for
spinning, fine yarns than that shewn at Figure 3: The action of the parts
that set the drawing rollers and also the reels in motion is as follows:
Drawing No. 3, Figure 2, N shews a pulley fixed on the axis M. The
endless, band S passes over this pulley and also that seen at O, by which means
the pulley O is set in motion. R, Figure 1,,is an endless band which unites
or combines the pulley u with o, giving motion thereto when the pulley Q
revolves. Si shews, an endless band which passes over and combines the
pullies, and v together with the band S is set in motion by the pulley N, it
will cause the pulley O to revolve, and with it the band t, t, (in the direction
shewn by the darts), the axis m and drawing rollers H, H, being moved in the
same direction, by which means the twisted yarn will be advanced towards the
reels 0, 0, 0, 0, and p, p, p, p, upon which the yarn is finally received in the
manner following: -The motion of the pulley O causes the pulley u to turn
or revolve freely upon the stationary axis n; thereby giving motion to the
band S, by which means the pulley v is turned, and with it the axis L, and
also the reels placed thereon; but should the motion of the reels exceed that
of the drawing, rollers, the springs q, q, will yield and permit them to slip and
remain stationary for a short period, by which contrivance the yarn is pre-
vented from breaking; or, should this even fail, the band R will slip upon the
small pulley u, and thereby tend to prevent any accident of that kind. Spin-
ning machines of this description may be made of any suitable wood, metal,
or materials, according to circumstances, and the size or proportions may also
be varied to suit particular purposes. The spindle A, which in the Drawings
is shewn as placed vertical, may, by adapting the bearings to the purpose in
ways well known, be worked horizontally: By increasing or decreasing the
rapidity of the spindle in proportion to the velocity of the drawing rollers
the yarn or thread will be more or less twisted. The reels or spools that are
used to receive the yarns may also be made to revolve either vertically or
horizontally; they may also be made to remain stationary or to shift latually
or perpendicularly by the application of cams or other well known combi-
nations usually applied to machinery of a similar description to effect such
purposes. The feeding cylinder or cylinders for certain purposes may be

page_text: covered with card wire, which, being covered or charged with the wool to be
spun, will be found equally applicable in feeding, provided the distance of the
toothed roller from the cards be properly adjusted. The method of cloathing
the cylinder with wool may be likewise varied, as, for instance, the cylinder, if
curved upon its surface, should have the projecting curvatures covered with
card wires, but the hollow part opposite the spindle should be left free from
any card teeth, the space being equal to ths of an inch, and, in that case,
the wool should be supplied to the cylinder from a revolving apron, upon
which the fibres being laid parallel to the axis of the feeding cylinder, such
apron must be made to revolve by the rollers upon which it is stretched being
set in motion, by being combined with the machinery at any convenient part,
to produce the desired effect. The wool to be spun should be passed through
drawing rollers upon an apron, and the cylinder should take it immediately
from the drawing rollers, the wool being slightly carded before being put on
to the apron, or the wool may be taken immediately from the carding machine
by the cylinder. The feeding cylinder may also be made perfectly cylindrical,
and without curvatures upon its surface, in which case the whole cylindrical
surface should be covered with card wires, and then it will be necessary to
apply any simple apparatus to cause the cylinder to traverse endways a
distance equal to the space the spindles are fixed apart, by which means. the
toothed rollers will be presented to every part of the surface of the cylinder, and
consequently take off the wool from every part that is covered. When the
cylinder is sufficiently cloathed with fibres the revolving apron must be with-
drawn by throwing the wheelwork by which they are moved out of gear; or
if the motion be obtained by bands, they may be slipped off their pullies in
the usual way adopted for producing such effects, and which are so well
known to workmen as to need no further description here..
The parts of the machinery herein-before described, the use and applica
tion of which in the spinning of wool I claim as belonging to my Inven-
tion of A New Method of Spinning Wool, are the spindle with the spindle
frame, the toothed roller and roller frame with the spring and the sliding
piece, and also the feeding cylinder, as herein-before respectively described;
and also the drawing rollers in combination therewith, as herein-before also
described.
"
In witness whereof, I, the said Alexander Beattie Shankland, have here..
unto set my hand and seal, the Fourth day of September, in the year
of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and thirty-two.
:
A. B. (L.) SHANKLAND.

page_text: AND BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the Fourth day of September, in
the year of our Lord 1832, the aforesaid Alexander Beattie Shankland came
before our said Lord the King in His Chancery, and acknowledged the
Specification aforesaid, and all and every thing therein contained and spe-
cified, in form above written. And also the Specification aforesaid was
stamped according to the tenor of the Statute made for that purpose.
Inrolled the Fourth day of September, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and thirty-two.