CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN WEAVING
Year: 1825

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, FRANCIS
GYBBON SPILSBURY, of Leek, in the County of Stafford, Silk Manufacturer,
send greeting.
WHEREAS His most Excellent Majesty King George the Fourth did,
by His Letters Patent under the Great Seal of Great Britain, bearing
date at Westminster, the Eleventh day of January, in the fifth year of His
reign, for Himself, His heirs and successors, give and grant unto me; the said
Francis Gybbon Spilsbury, His special licence that I, the said Francis
Gybbon Spilsbury, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or my or their
servants or agents, or such others as I; the said Francis Gibbon Spilsbury, my
executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any time agree with, and no
others, from time to time and at all times during the term of fourteen years
from the date of the said Letters Patent next ensuing, should and lawfully
might make, use, exercise, and vend, within England, Wales, and the Town of
Berwick-upon-Tweed, my Invention of "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN WEAVING;"
in which said Letters Patent there is' contained a proviso obliging me,
the said Francis Gybbon Spilsbury, 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

page_text: same to be inrolled in Ilis Majesty's High Court of Chancery within six
calendar months next and 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.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the said
Francis Gybbon Spilsbury, do hereby declare that the nature of my said
Invention, and the manner in which the same is to be performed, is described
and ascertained as follows, that is to say :-
The object of my improvements is to form, by the aid of mechanism, fabrics
as varied as those of the Gobelins manufacture, without that immense consump-
tion of time or that extraordinary skill hitherto required. The principle upon
which looms for weaving figured goods have been constructed is heretoforo
only an extension of the common loom, requiring as many levers and headdles
as there are colors (at least where the color has been produced from the
warp), much skill is thus required to set up a loom or to arrange the number
of headdles and levers in such a way as to produce the required pattern. To
do away with this will be sufficiently easy if, instead of this complication of
headdles we make use of only one set or pair, giving instead to each series of
warp thread the power of presenting to the headdle working it that colored
thread necessary at any particular moment of time to the execution of the
intended pattern, and such is the Invention claimed under this Patent.
Plate 1 illustrates the mode by which the above selection of the warp
threads is effected; Plates 2 and 3, the modo by which the loom is put into
action by one main spindle.
I shall commence by describing Plate 1.
Figure 1 is an elevation of the loom divested of any of the actuating
machinery. Figure 2 is a bird's-eye view of the same. Figure 3, an
enlarged view of the revolving plates by which the selection of the warps is
effected.
In these three Figures similar letters denote similar parts. A, A, is a
metal or other barrel pierced with regular lines of holes at equal distances,
into which may be screwed wires of different lengths. This barrel differs
from an organ barrel only inasmuch that the latter has it's pegs all of the
same length but placed on it's surface at varied distances from each other,
while the former has it's surface everywhere covered with pegs but of unequal
length. B, B, the axis on which the barrel revolves. D, D, D, D, is a frame-
work of wood carrying a row of brass or metal racks E, the lower ends of each of
which rest upon the pegs of the barrel A, and are elevated or depressed by its
revolution, according as the pegs on it's surface increase or decrease in length.

page_text: The number of these racks E must equal half that of the series of warps
F, F, F, F. Each series of warp threads F consists of as many threads as there
are colors arranged one under the other, as seen in Figure 1. These series of
warp threads rise alternately from the two giving-off rollers 1 and 2, as in the
ordinary looms, and from them, after traversing the racks E, and the apparatus
attached to them, pass to the machinery where the operations of the shuttle are
conducted also, as in the ordinary loom. G, G, G, G, are a series of circular
plates, very thin and slight, and equalling in number that of the series of warp
threads, or double that of the racks E. Between every two of the plates G is
placed a small toothed wheel H, to which they are attached, and to whose
motion they are consequently obedient. All these pairs of plates G and their
wheels H are strung like a row of beads on the axis I on which they revolve,
but each pair has its revolution, and that of its wheel H, independent of its
neighbour, being only actuated by the rack E, opposite to each pair, whose.
teeth moving in the little wheel H will cause it and it's attached plates
to revolve according to the teeth or pegs of the barrel A in its revolutions
elevate or depress the said rack E. On reference to the Plate it will be
observed, that the lower quadrant of cach plate G, on the side nearest to the
usal situation of the shuttle, is pierced with several small holes; through these
the threads composing each series of warp are passed, as seen in Figures
1 and 3; that series of threads which comes off the roller 1 passes through the
one of the pair of plates G, and the other series belonging to the roller 2
passes through the other, and so with all the other pairs of plates G, thus
causing every wheel H and rack E, by means of their attached plates G,
to actuate two of the series of the warp threads. From this arrangement it is
evident that as often as any of the wheels H are moved in the direction of
the arrow (Figure 1, Plate 1), that thread which was the lowest thread of
the series will ascend, and those which were above it descend, and according
as the rack E ascends in a greater or less degree will.be the color of the bottom
thread; thus if the rack E were elevated to its greatest height, the blue thrend
which is in the Drawing Figure 1 the upper thread, would become the lowest,
and so in proportion. The intention of this will be presently seen.
and K 2 are two bars of wood, metal, or other material, carrying straight
wires b, b, a little crooked at their end; those wires act as the strings of the
headdles on the warps F, F, and when elevated, being prolonged below the
lowest thread, will, if the bar have at the same time a slight motion to one
side, carry up with it that lowest thread only, consequently permit the shuttle to
pass under it, as represented in Figure 1, where the headdle K 1 is elevated.
K 1 actuates the series of warps coming from the rollor 1, and K 2 those
K1

page_text: from the roller 2; of course each of the bars K 1 and K 2 have each as
many wires 6, arranged side by side like the teeth of a comb, as there are series
of warp threads arising from the rollers 1 or 2, whose threads it actuates.
M is the reed. N, the beam on which passes the shuttle. O is a small roller
over which the cloth passes to be rolled on the receiving roller P. These parts
do not differ from the same parts in a common loom. In order to set the
figure on the barrel A, the barrel must be taken from it's sutiation, and all its
teeth taken out, and a colored drawing of the pattern to be worked being
made on a sheet of thin paper, of a size exactly sufficient to cover the barrel
entirely, the drawing must be pasted upon it; the paper being thin, the
holes on the surface of the barrel may be seen through. Suppose then, as in
the Drawing annexed, the colors of the design required to be five, viz', blue,
yellow, green, orange, red, place before you five series of pegs, each differing
in length; call the longer size blue, the next yellow, and so on to the shortest,
red. Then, according as Drawing which is pasted on the barrel A varies in
color, so vary the pegs corresponding by their different lengths to the required
colors, until every hole in the barrel A has a peg fixed in it to correspond with
the color of that part of the design exactly over it. The barrel A being then set,
it is to be replaced, and the series of warp threads to be passed each through
it's corresponding plate G, and each thread of the series to be passed exactly in
the order that has been chosen for the pegs to represent them, namely, in the
present example, the blue at the top and the red at the bottom. The machine
is then ready for use, and the operations required will be in the following
succession:-First, the barrel A must revolve the distance of one row of pegs
to the next row; this revolution places the color required at the lowest
point in each series to be ready for the headdle to act on it. Secondly, the
headle K 1 must be elevated, drawing up with it the thread required in
Figure 1, the red thread. Thirdly, the shuttle must be shot across and under
the thread so elevated. Fourthly, the lay must be beaten up, that is, the
beam N, N, carrying the reed M, and revolving on the axle Q, pushed with
a certain force again the shute just formed by the shuttle, so as to lay it tight.
Fifthly, tho headdle K 1 must be depressed, and the headle K 2 elevated,
so as to take up the corresponding thread of the alternate series passing from
the roller 2. Sixthly, the shuttle is again to be shot as before under the
thread thus elevated. Seventhly, the lay to be again beaten up. Eighthly,
the headdle K 2 to be depressed, and all the threads being then in their place,
the barrel A is again to be revolved another space so as to present another row
of pegs, which in their turn presenting other threads, will require a series of
operations similar to the above to be passed through.

page_text: The machinery by which the above eight motions are effected is represented
in Plate 2 and 8.
Figure 1 is a side elevation; Plate 8, a bird's-eye view; and Figure 2,
a front elevation, similar letters denoting similar parts. T is the main spindle,
to which is attached a drum U, from which the first motion is given. This
drum U is shewn in Plate 8 and Figure 2, but not in Figure 1. Behind the
drum U, and attached to the main spindle T, is a circular wheel V, V, V, one
third of the periphery of which is toothed, and the remainder plain. Into
this wheel V, V, V, is geared a small bevelled wheel W, of a number of teeth
exactly equalling the quantity contained in one third portion of V, V, V.
It will be seen that this construction will cause every one third revolution
of the main spindle T to drive the wheel W exactly one round, and
that during the other two thirds the same wheel W will remain stationary.
This wheel W drives a spindle S, S, bearing an endless screw, which in
its turn actuates a toothed wheel R, attached to the spindle B of the barrel A,
and, consequently, the barrel A itself; the wheel R, and enless screw S, S,
are so adjusted to each other that every revolution of the screw S, S,
shall move the barrel A exactly the distance of one row of pegs on its
surface to another, as from 5 to 8. Behind the wheel V, V, V, and attached
to the same main spindle T, is a cam or eccentric wheel of the form of
X,X,X,X,X, X, X, or better described at Figure 8. To save trouble, I shall
mark this cam henceforward by the single letter X. It will be observed, that
this cam X is composed of portions of three different circles 1,2,3, each of greater
diameter than the other; it will also be remarked, that these three different
circles are so placed as that, supposing a circle to be described on the centre T
sufficiently large to include the larger portion of the cam X, they will divide
the said circle into three equal parts, and the part which includes the lesser
portion 8 of the cam X will also include that portion of the wheel V, V, V,
which is toothed, as is shewn by the dotted circle, Figure 1. Y, Y, is a lever
of wood or metal, revolving on an axis Z, attached to the frame of the loom,
and having its longer arm resting on and moved by the different elevations of
the cam X. On the extremity of the shorter arm is jointed a rod AK 1,
and on the longer arm, at an equal distance from the axis Z, is jointed a similar
rod AK 2. These rods AK 1 and AK 2 move up and down in the
slits of a plate I of wood or metal attached to the frame of the loom
accordingly as they are lifted by the action of the cam X on the longer arm of
the lever Y, and as the upper end of the extremities of the rods AK 1 and
AK 2 are attached by a joint to the two beams K 1 and K 2 of the

page_text: headdles, these necessarily follow the motions of the cam X. It will be
observed, on reference to Figure 2, that the plates (
☹ have the
.
faces against which the headdle beams K 1 and K 2 slide so constructed as
to give them a slight motion from left to right as soon as they begin to rise,
the purpose of which is to permit the wires of the headdles to carry up the
lowest thread only of each series of warp threads; were it not so, they would
all be included in the work and all elevated. Behind the cam X, and
attached to the main spindle T, are two small projecting arms y, y, so placed
in reference to the highest portion 1 of the cam X and the lowest portion 3
of the same cam, that as soon as these two portions have elevated either of
the headdles K 1 or K 2 tho continued revolution of the main spindle T
shall cause one of the arms y to press against the small lever 8, 8, revolving
on a fixed axis E. The lower end of this lever 8, 8, is attached by a joint to
a rod 8, 0, the termination of which is again attached by a joint to the beam
of the lay N, N, also revolving on a fixed axis Q. The action therefore of
either of the little arms y, y, pressing on the small lever 8, will be to draw
forward to rod 8, 0, which, pulling the lever N, N, causes it to fall in the
direction of the dotted line n, n, and thus beat up the lay. A small spring s, s,
adjustable by a screw and fixed to the frame of the loom, serves both to
regulate the force of the stroke and also to replace the beam in it's situation
as soon as the small arm y cease to act on the lever 8, 8. 5, 5, 6, 6, 7, 7,
8, 8, 9, 9, are toothed wheels, also actuated by the main spindle, serving to
convey motion to the shuttle box. These must be so adjusted that the shuttle
shall be shot twice in every revolution of the main spindle; viz', the first time
when the end of the levor Y, Y, rests on the portion No. 1 of the cam X; s
and secondly, when the end of the same lever rests on the third or lower
portion of the cam X. As any of the modes employed for actuating the shuttle
may be used, and as it is not intended by this Patent to claim any thing
relating to that instrument, we need not describe it here.
Having now described all the parts of the loom separately, we will proceed s
to shew how they act when put into motion.
First, let the main spindle T, by aid of the barrel U, be turned in the
direction of the dart, Figure 1, Plate 2; the toothed portion of the wheel V
causing the bevelled wheel W, and endless screw S, S, to revolve once, drives,
by means of the wheel R, the barrel A a distance equal to from 6 to 3, S
thus effecting the first motion required, (i.e.) that for setting the threads of
the warp to the proper color.

page_text: Second, the main spindle continuing to revolve, causes the toothed part of
the wheel V, V, V, to pass the bevelled wheel W, which therefore remains
stationary during the remainder of the spindle T's revolution, and as the upper
portion 1 of the cam X coming in contact with the lever Y, Y, elevates the
headdle K 2, and with it the threads of the colors required, which is the second
action required.
Third, the revolutions of the wheels 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, shoot the shuttle, as before
stated; it is immaterial what means are employed to effect this, any of those in
use in the common power looms being sufficient.
•
Fourthly, the revolution of the spindle T carrying one of the little arms y
against the lever 8, 8, causes the lay to be beat up.
Fifthly, the continued motion of the cam X causes its highest portion 1
to pass the lever Y, Y, which being no longer supported, falls until it comes
in contact with the lowest portion E of the cam X, and thus elevates K 1,
and depresses K 2, being the next motion required.
.
Sixthly, the continued revolution of the wheels 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, again shoot
the shuttle as before described.
:
Seventhly, the other small arm y is in its turn pressed against the lever
8,8, causing the lay again to be beaten up.
Eighthly, the continued motion of the cam X brings its middle portion in
contact with the lever Y, Y, which depresses K 1 and elevates K 2 to the
situation in which they were at the beginning of the operation, at the same
time the toothed portion of the wheel V, V, V, having fallen into the bevilled
wheel W, the motion of the barrel again sets the threads of the warps, and
the main spindle T continuing to revolve, again passes through the eight
evolutions above mentioned.
The mode of keeping the warps and work tight, the frame of the loom, &c.,
are similar to the ordinary loom, and need not therefore to be described here.
The Patentee considers himself as warranted in claiming as his particular
Invention a loom which has these following properties :—
First, the power of employing any variety of colors, with a greater facility
and readiness than has been hitherto in practice, and of selecting and bringing
into application any single warp thread which the pattern may require, without
any previous arrangement of the headdles.
Secondly, the power of causing one pair of headdles to work any variety
of coloured threads, however varied or numerous.
Thirdly, the use of headdles unattached to any of the warps.
Fourthly, the apparatus of the plates G, or any other similar apparatus
capable of causing, by the agency of a barrel covered with teeth, the threads

page_text: of each series of warp to change or shift their situation in any required
degree.
In witness whereof, I, the said Francis Gybbon Spilsbury, have here-
unto set my hand and seal, this Eleventh day of July, One thousand
eight hundred and twenty-five.
J. S. HARVEY.
FRANCIS GYBBON SPILSBURY. (L.s.)
AND BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the same Eleventh day of July, in
the year above mentioned, the aforesaid Francis Gybbon Spilsbury came before
our Lord the King in His Chancery, and acknowledged the Specification
aforesaid, and all and every thing therein contained, in form above written.
And also the Specification aforesaid was stamped according to the tenor of
the Statute in that case made and provided.
Inrolled the same Eleventh day of July, in the year above written.