Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 28th Dec., 1894
Complete Specification Left, 2nd Sent., 1895-Acceptel, 2nd Nov., 1895
I, VICTOR ISIDORE FEENY, of 60 Queen Victoria Street, London in the
County of Middlesex, Chartered Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of
this mvention to be as follows
This invention relates to improvements in machines for combing cotton and
other fibre and is more particularly applicable to combing machines of the
Heilmann class having reciprocating action
In reciprocating combing machines the work is completed in four principal
operations
S
1 Combing the head of fibe
2 Consolidating the web into fleeer on shiver.
3. Diawing the web through a stationary comb, and
4. Compensating or strengthening the web
In our improved machine we effect the first operation of combing the bead, in
the ordinary manner by means of a combing cylinder furnished with needles
aanged in rows parallel with the axis In order to increase the out put we
airange for the combing to be done on nearly the entiro circumference of the
combing cylinder, which for this pin pose is caused to make several complete
evolutions during the "period "of the machine te. during one entire operation.
Preferably we aange for three revolutions of the combing cylinder during this
period, the mpper or feed regulating device being arranged to deliver the fibre ou
to the needles for only one-thnd of the period Under these conditions the
combing of the fibre being effected by a single revolution of the cylinder, other
stages of the operation proceed during the two other evolutions.
The mpper is aanged to advance towards and receed from the needles
alternately during the combing of the fibre, in order to successively submit
cvery portion thereof to the action of the needles, and for this purpose the
traverse of the nipper is designed to be in the form of a double cuve or
S-shape. To ensure the effectual action of the needles upon the filaments when
the upper holding the web is at the extremity of its traverse remote from the
combing cylinder, we set the needles in progressive series of varying inclination
anging from a nearly tangential angle relatively to the circumference, to an
approximately radial angle with the cylinder, so that the needles which fust
operate upon the fibre when it is held at a distance by the nipper, ie at the
commencement of its traverse, ale aanged at nearly a tangential angle, the
succeeding series gradually approaching the radial position being designed to act
upon the fibre as it is brought closer to them. By this arrangement deeper
portions of the web are successively combed. We prefer to set the nipper in
such a manner that its traverse commences at a distance of about 45 m from the
combing cylinder. It is found in practice to be a necessary condition to the
combing of the fringe on filament diawn out from the web, that the funge nust
form an acute angle with the needles, hence we arrange the mclination of the latter
Pl

page_text: to vary as above stated according to their distance from the nipper or delivery
device.
In the second part of the operatione consolidating the web so as to form a
slive, the upper carrying the combed head of fibre returns along its S-shaped
tinverse, and by this movement delivers it underneath the tail of fibre which is
drawn through the stripping rolls which compiess or consolidate the two portions
of web into a sliver. An upper comb fixed upon a horizontal bar carried by a
pivoted lever is arranged to descend and bite the web between the nipper and the
stripping rolls, by which means the head of fibre and the tail are simultaneously
combed, this being the first combing of the tail on its passage from the nipper, and
the second combing of the head
For performing the third or stripping operation we employ two rolls turning on
fixed centies, one immediately above the other, the lower roll driving the upper
which actuates an endless apron of leather or other suitable material passing around
it and around a conveniently arranged pulley.
Both stripping rolls are fluted and by then rotation diaw the fibre through the
upper comb already referred to, and compiess it The fibre or web having thus
been stripped is delivered by the stripping rolls to a pan of intermediate rolls
which by contact with the underside of the endless apron detach the loose filaments
therefrom and throw them upon an inclined tiny, the lower end of which discharges
into a funnel. The intermediate rolls in rotating also draw the web between them
from the stipping rolls during which operation the nipper feeds the web slowly
forward in a similar manner to the action of the Offeimann Ziegler comb foi
producing slow movement. Our aangement for effecting the stripping operation
is however distinguished from that of the Offermann Ziegler comb and of other
existing types in that the tail portion of fibie is combed twice, and that the head
portion is laid underneath it instead of being super posed
When the web has been drawn through the intermediate rolls it is delivered to
the funnel at the lower end of the inclined tray above mentioned, and is drawn
through the narrow outlet whereby it is compressed together with the loose
filaments into a shiver, suitable delivery rolls being arranged at the back of the
funnel to draw the shiver between them from the outlet and deliver it into a can or
other receptacle behind the funnel This completes the fourth and final part of
the operation.
In producing the movements above described we construct the principal working
parts as follows -The upper is operated by a reciprocating shaft receiving
motion from double eccenties or cams of special construction hereafter described
Between the jaws of the mam mipper is contained a small nipper the lower jaw of
which is formed on or fixed to the lower jaw of the main nipper, whilst the
apper jaw of the main nipper is fixed upon aŭ aim formed upon the reciprocating
shaft
The lower jaws are called upon an atm hinged or pivoted to the end of the
arm upon the reciprocating shaft.
Elastic pressme in an upward direction is excited upon the lower jaws by means
of a spial spring fitted around a pivoted rod tuning at its lower end on a fixed
axis, and jointed at its upper end to the atm canying the lower jaws, in such a
manner, that when the nipper closes the whole force of re-action of the compressed
sping is concentrated in the jaw of the nipper holding the fibre. By the motion of
the reciprocating shaft which operates the nipper as a whole, the biting points of
the jaws e caused to describe a line of traverse alternately approaching to and
receeding from the revolving combing cylinder, in an Ş-like path, at the same time
that the opening and closing of the jaws is effected at the requned intervals
without any separate mechanism.
Om device to actuating the reciprocating shaft consists of two distinct
eccenties each operating a separate lever and the whole acting together as a
single eccentric.
One of these levels is keyed or other wise secured upon the reciprocating shaft,

page_text: whilst the other lever is loose upon the shaft, but is rigidly connected with the
fist mentioned lever by means of the pressure of a strong plate spring screwed or
otherwise attached to the first named lever.
Suitable function rollers are provided on the ends of the levers to hear upon the
two eccentrics at opposite points, and these eccentrics being formed and arranged
so that the depressions of the one correspond with the projections of the other,
the angle formed by the two levels remains constant under all conditions. By
this arrangement the shaft is alternately actuated opposite directions though
the intermediary of the levers operated by their respective e centrics
66
It will be seen from the foregoing that the equal and energetic pressure of the
two levels upon the eccentures prevents any play "of the reciprocating shaft
caying the nippe aim, moi cover as the plate spring secured upon the levers 13
provided with a set screw for adjusting it to a constaut tension, no regularity is
possible in the pressure exerted upon the hearings as is the case with a single lever
having a spung pressure against an eccentric or cam.
Foi cleaning the combing cylinder of short fibies and dust we employ as usual a
rotary bush, a doffer and a clearing comb. The special auangement we apply to
these parts consists in canying them all upon one piece pivoted on a fixed axis, so
that the three parts may be moved simultaneously without altering their relative
positions. Provision is however made for advancing the brush towards the combing
cylinder when necessary on account of wear, and also for independently advancing
o withdrawing the doffer to and from the rotary brush.
To effect these purposes the brush is mounted on two levels forming the upper
part of the pivoted piece and the doffer is supported on two bent levels piroted
upon the lower part of the pivoted piece, and carrying near their further ends the
aim of the cleaning comb. By means of a set-screw provided in the lower
extremity of the pivoted piece the rotary brush may be raised or advanced towards
the combing cylinder without altering its position relatively to the duffer aud
clearing comb These two last named parts may be moved close to the brush, by
means of a second set screw provided at the extremity of the bent levels, without
altering the position of the brush with iclation to the 'combing cylinder.
Dated this Twenty-eighth day of December 1894.
Improvements in Machines for Combing Cotton and other Fibrous
Material.
1, VICTOR ISIDORE FEENY of 60 Queen Victoria Street, London in the
County of Middlesex, Chartered Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of
this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly
described and ascertained m and by the following statement
-
This invention relates to improvements in machines for combing cotton and
other fibre and is more particularly applicable to combing machines of the
Heilmann class having reciprocating action.
Upon the accompanying drawings illustrating my invention-
Figure 1 is a vertical section of my improved combing machine
Figures 2 and 3 being enlarged views of the combing mechanism.
Figures 4 and 5 represent on an enlarged scale a part of the nipper and part of
the combing cy linder.
Kiamo chaus the mechanism for operating the ninner.

page_text: In general arrangement my improved combing machine as will be better under-
stood by reference to Figures 1, 2 and 3 compuses feed rolls R for delivering the
material to be combed on to an mclined shelf K, below which is a small nippet of
which the upper jaw X is attached to a lever X pivoted at X3, while the lower
Jaw X1 rests upon an aum E of the main mipper The upper jaw E of the main
nipper is attached to the end of a level Datanged to oscillate on a reciprocating
shaft A, while the lower jaw E' is carried upon another lever E pivoted to Eat B.
Immediately outside the jaws of the main nipper is a horizontal comb Q carried on
a lever Q which is pivoted to a short link at the end of the lever E, and below
the opening of the nipper jaws is aanged a rotary dium or combing cylinder Z
furnished on about two-thirds of its cucumference with inclined needles set in 10WS
parallel to the axis. Stupping rolls F F are arranged to stup the fibres and pass
them to the intermediate rolls H II', a leather apion or endless band M being
cated around the upper stipping-roll Fin contact with the lower rolls F and H,
for this purpose. An inclined table I receives the fibre from the intermediate
rolls and guides it downwards into a bell shaped outlet through which it is
drawn by delivery-rolls K' K'.
Below the combing cylinder Z is arranged in contact therewith a rotary brush L
(see Fig 1) carted upon levers 133 pivoted on an axis T Underneath and in
contact with the brush I. 15 mounted a doffer O upon a lever C³ pivoted at S on
the levers B Upon an upward extension of the pivoted level C is attached an
arm carrying a cleaning comb Parranged to operate upon the doffer O
For operating the main nipper E E so as to give the point D of its lower arm a
reciprocating movement in a double cuve as indicated on Figs. 2 and 3 by the
dotted line D, D³, D³, its upper jaw E is secured to an aim E³ keyed upon the
reciprocating shaft A whose movement controls that of the entire mipper.
The lower jaw E' is secured to a lever aim E3 pivoted at B to the end of arm E²,
and at C to a rod & pivoting around a fixed axis o. By this aangement the
point D of the lower jaw is caused to describe a double cut ve D D D Inst convex
and then concave as shewn the pivots C and B passing into positions C¹ C
and B B respectively during the movement This arrangement also causes the
opening and closing of the nipper during the above described movement without
any separate driving mechanisin, moreover the mpper is caused to close with
eluetic pressure produced by spial spung U arranged around the rod t in such a
manner as to be slightly compressed when the nipper closes whereby the latter is
caused to exert the requisite gup upon the fibre.
As
The reciprocating shalt A receives motion from a cam, Figure 6, comprising two
distinct eccentrics e e¹ operating separate level aims mm², the combined action of
which is equivalent to that of a single eccentric. The eccentrics e e e keyed on
the end of a shaft A' arranged below the reciprocating shaft A. Lever au m
19 secmed on shaft A. whilst m' tuins freely theicon, but is united to m by a strong
plate spring aanged to exert considerable pressure upon ainm. By this
atangement shalt A is moved in opposite directions alternately by the cam.
the projections on one eccentric are made to correspond with the depressions on the
other a constant angle is maintained between the arins m m', and consequently equal
pressure is exerted by the arms upon their respective eccentrics, thus preventing
play or jerking in the operation of the upper by shaft A; moreover the plate-
spring being kept at a constant tension obviates any sudden or irregular strain
upon the driving pulley.
As mentioned above the needles of the combing cylinder Zare set in parallel
rows at inclinations graduated from low to row, and in such a manner that the first
needles to operate are inclined almost tangentially to the circumference of the
cylinder, and the last 10ws are nearly radially inclined. By this arrangement the
combing of the fibre can be done even when the nipper is removed some distance
from the needles The advantage over existing machines is that when the needles
have a regular inclination as in ordinary combing cylinders (see Fig. 4), a tuft of
hbe held at a distance from the needles will float above them and not come into

page_text: contact therewith until the nipper is brought close to the needles, whereas if
tangentially inclined the needles will operate upon the fibre while the nipper is at
some distance If the angle formed by the needles with the fibre is acute, as in
Fig. 5, the needles will draw out a fringe and comb it, but when the nipper is at
a distance, as in Fig. 4, this angle is obtuse and the fringe floats above the
needles
Although the needles are arranged on nearly the whole encumference of the
cylinder Z, the mpper ouly holds the fibre to the needles for one-thud of the entire
period; therefore cause the cylinder to make three evolutions during the entire
period, one being for combing, and the other two taking place during other parts of
the operation
Or, may arrange for 2 o1 4 revolutions of the cylinder during
the operation provided the revolutions are complete.
Foi cleaning the combing cylinder the following aangements are provided:
A rotary cleaning brush L is supported below the cylinder Z on two bent levers 13³
one on either side pivoted on an axis T Upon each of the levers B³ is pivoted a
bent-lever C3 at S, to carry a dofter O and cleaning comb P. To bung the
brush L nearer to the cylinder Z when required, a set sciow V 15 provided on the
lower end of the bent lever B³, and as the rotary bush the doffer and cleaning
comb are united they move around a common centre T without changing their
relative positions
A separate screw W is provided on lever C to adjust the
elative position of the dofter O to the rotary brush L.
In operation the action is as follows The combing operation begins when the
nipper occupies the position D' of its path (see Fig. 3) and it is then about 45
distant from the first row of needles on cylinder Z At first only the extreme
ends of the fuge are combod but as the mpper is advanced the needles operate
upon the fibre more and more deeply until the upper reaches the point D'. Then
the greater number of needles will have operated and combed out the fleece; the
hemaining needles are graduated in fineness for the purpose of cleaning and combing
out the filaments.
The fibrous material being fed between the rolls R down the inclined shelf K 15
gupped by the small mapper X X' contained within the main Dipper E E
reciprocating with the shalt A The head of fibre passes within about 20
of
the pot and thus the head which has been combed in the preceding
operation
When the combing is huished the head of fibre is at the position D2 and the
mpper travels in the direction D2 D'D whereby the head of fibre is brought under
the tail held between the tripping tolls FF which commence to rotate thereby
uniting the head of fibre with the tail. When the nipper is close up to the
combing cylinder, at the po-ition D' the upper comb Q descends and the stripping
commentes
This part of the operation is done by grooved rolls FF, the lower one F
diving the upper F" which latter carries an endless band or apron M of leather or
other suitable material, by means of which the stripped hibie is conveyed from
the supping rolls 10 intermediate rolls 11' These latter take off the libre from
the apron and drop it on to au inclined table whence it diseids to a funnel
having a contracted passage whereby the fibre is compressed into a sliver Though
this passage the finished sliver is diawn by delivery rolls K' K and delivered to
a can or other receptacle.
By the complete operation the tail of fibre combed twice by the upper comb
which operates upon it when the head is laid under the tail taken in by the stripping
1olls, in addition to the first combing it receives from the upper comb in the usual
mannel
During the stripping the web is slowly fed forward by the movement of the small
upper XX within the main nippel
When the stripping rolls stop the upper comb ascends and the main upper
returns in the direction D D D whereby the fibre remaining in the stripping rolls
and that left in the upper is removed, this being the first combing of the tail

page_text: passing through the stripping rolls F by the upper comb Q. At the middle of its
stroke at D the nipper closes, the upper comb ceases to follow the movement of
the upper and the preparatory disentangling of the head by the needles on cylinder Z
commences and continues until the upper reaches the position D² as already
explained.
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 1
claim is:
1. In machines for combing cotton and other fibie the arrangement of
levels EE Joined by a link and carrying the main upper EE', operated by a
reciprocating shaft A and a spring rod t, in combination with a small slidable
mipper XX contained within the main mipper for the purposes and as specified.
2. In machines for combing cotton and other fibre, à reciprocating shaft A
operated by a double eccentric cam eel and lever aims mm maintained at a
constant angle by an adjustable sping for the purposes and as described.
3. In machines for combing cotton and other fibre, a rotary brush L doffer O
and cleaning comb P in combination with bent levers B C and adjusting screens V
and W substantially as described and for the purposes specified.
4. A combing machine for cotton and other fibre constructed combined and
arranged substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Dated this Second day of September 1895.