CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS POR THE PREPARATION AND MANUFACTURE OF FIBROUS MATERIALS, WHICH IMPROVEMENTS, OR PARTS THEREOF, ARE ALSO APPLICABLE FOR THE TRANSMISSION OF FLUIDS AND AERIFORM BODIES
Year: 1851

page_text: '
TO ALL TO, WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, we, JOHN
PLATT and CHRISTIAN SCHIELE, both of Oldham, in the County of Lancaster.
Machinists, send greeting..
WHEREAS Her present most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by. Her
Royal Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Ireland, bearing date at Westminster, the Twenty-second day of
October, in the fifteenth year of Her reign, did, for Herself.. Her heirs, and
successors, give and grant unto us, the said John Platt and Christian Schiele,
Her especial license, full power, sole privilege and authority, that we, the
said John Platt and Christian Schiele, our exors, admors, and assigns, and
such others as we. the said John Platt and Christian Schiele, our exors.
admors, or 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 in Her Majesty's Islands of
Jersey, Guernsey. Alderney: Sark.. and Man, and in all Her Majesty's
Colonies and Plantations abroad, our Invention of "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS
IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS POR THE PREPARATION AND MANUFACTURE OF FIBROUS
MATERIALS, WHICH IMPROVEMENTS, OR PARTS THEREOF, ARE ALSO APPLICABLE FOR
THE TRANSMISSION OF FLUIDS AND AERIFORM BODIES;" in which said Letters
Patent is contained a 'proviso requiring that we, the said John Platt and
Christian Schiele, by an instrument in writing under our hands and seals," of
Price Sd

page_text: under the hand and seal of one of us, particularly to describe and ascertain
the nature of our said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be
performed, and shall cause the same to be enrolled in Her said Majesty's
High Court of Chancery within six calendar months next and immediately
after the date of the said in part recited Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, we, the said
John Platt and Christian Schiele. do hereby declare the nature of our Inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by this present Instrument in writing as
follows, reference being had to the Drawings hereunto attached, and to the
letters and figures marked thereon, that is to say:-
Our said Invention consists of certain improved arrangements of machinery,
apparatus, or means, to be used in the preparation and manufacture of cotton
and other textile materials, and also as fans or other impelling contrivances.
for the transmission of fluids and aeriform bodies, and consists,-
First, of certain peculiar forms or arrangements of fans, or machinery for
blowing and exhausting. as adapted for scutching or preparing machines for
cotton and other fibrous substances, and for other blowing, exhausting, or
impelling uses.
Second, of improved arrangements for securing the efficient lubrication of
spindle and other bearings.
Third, of certain improvements in the spindles used in various classes
of spinning machinery.
Fourth, an improved arrangement of beater or opener for cleansing cotton
and other fibrous materials.
Fifth, of an improved arrangement of the cop shaper employed in mules for
spinning cotton and other materials.
And, in order that the object of our said Invention may be properly under-
stood, we shall now proceed to describe the several Figures on the Sheets of
Drawings hereunto annexed.
Figure 1, on Sheet One of our Drawings, is an end elevation of our improved
fan or exhausting apparatus, as fitted to a scutching or preparing machine for
cotton and other fibrous substances, a portion of which machine is delineated
in side elevation. Fig. 2 is a plan of the same, corresponding, shewing the
duplex fan arrangement employed in this modification. Fig. 3 is a longitudinal
elevation of the same. one fan being represented in transverse vertical section.
Fig. 4 is an end or face elevation of one of the fans on a larger scale. exhibit-
ing an edge view of the differentially curved wings or vanes fastened thereon,
and revolving with the fan, and which are in this instance slightly modified

page_text: from the form and arrangement in Figs. 1, 2, and 3. Fig. 5 is an end or face
elevation of the expelling or fixed delivering case or shell of the fan, looking on
the concave side. so as to shew the fixed delivery wings. In this arrangement
the cage of the scutching machine. A. has on its upper side two exhaust ports.
opening into the bases of the two branch passages B. C. which are bolted down
upon the cage. These passages are cast in one piece with the outer or receiving
halves D. E. of the fixed fan cases, into the projecting centres of which their
upper ends open. These outer halves have circumferential flanges F, by which
they are bolted to corresponding flanges on the inner or delivering halves G. H.
the two thus connected forming in each instance complete cases for the revolv-
ing fans. The two fans work in concert. the inner side of each case having a
central discharge aperture I. J. opening into the discharge pipe L. having one
extremity closed by the semi-cylindrical cap or cover K: or a second discharge
pipe may be joined to the first. leading from a separate pair of fans. The
pipe L passes away to the point of delivery of the dust and air. The fans are
actuated by the two end pulleys M. fast on the two ends of the horizontal fan
shaft N. This shaft is carried in two end bearings O. cast on the fan cases.
and in the direct axial line of the fans, passing through between the two from
end to end, and through the pipe L: and the fans P are respectively keyed
upon it, so as to fit into and revolve within the receiving halves of the cases.
The peculiar form of the fans is clearly shewn in the section in Fig. 3. being
that of a species of conoidal sawcer, having curved vanes Q. R. S. on the
external coned receiving side. Both fans being driven in the same direction.
from being keyed on a single shaft. their vanes or impelling surfaces are set in
directions opposite to each other, that is to say, one is fitted with right-handed
and the other with left-handed vanes, so that the streams of air are discharged
in contrary directions, meeting and flowing off at their confluence by the pipe L:
the arrows indicate the course of the currents. the air being drawn up along
with the dust from the beater by the two passages B. C, thence passing into
the centre of the outer halves of the cases, where the current meets the revolv-
ing vanes Q. R. S. By the action of these vanes the air is set gradually into
circular motion. and is discharged over the periphery of the disc P into the
annular space U. between the periphery and the interior of the case, where
the two halves join. There it is caught by the fixed wings in the opposite inner
half of the case, which wings gradually reduce its rate of revolution, and
conduct it to the central discharge opening I. The revolving wings on the
exterior of the conoidal fan disc P are attached at right angles, or nearly so. to
the disc surface, their external or projecting edges being shaped to correspond
to the internal contour of that side of the case. so as to revolve close up to but

page_text: clear of contact with the case surface. On the entry of the air and dust from
the beater, the current is first received by the three long vanes Q, which com-
mence close to the centre of the disc and run out tangentially, or nearly so. to
the spindle. They may be either formed shovel-like on their exterior edges (so
that their soft and easy action upon the air. without any harsh beating. may
effectually prevent noise, and bring the air easily and gradually into rotatory
motion), or they may be made as delineated in Fig. 4. perpendicular upon the
disc P. Beginning tangentially, these vanes diverge into a radial direction. or
nearly so, as they approach the periphery of the disc. and terminate at their
outer ends in quick curves. in a direction contrary to the discs' revolution.
These curves sweep round easily and gradually at first. but continually increase
in sharpness of hend until they terminate tangentially with the circumferential
line of the disc. Between these long vanes are smaller ones R. S. T. (Fig. 4)
of precisely the same shape as far as they extend from the periphery towards
the centre of motion. The smallest of the series, marked T. are set next to or
immediately behind the vanes Q in relation to the direction of revolution, and
the next or succeeding ones, S and R. subdivide the remaining space between
the small vanes T. and the following large vanes Q into equal parts: the
vanes S extend a little nearer towards the centre than the short ones T, and
the vanes R again approach still nearer to the centre than the intermediate
ones S.
The whole series are set at equal distances asunder. and when in
motion the rapid succession of the curved or inclined outer ends of the vanes
produce a species of cylindrical casing, acting so as to prevent the air. when
once expelled from the periphery of the fan. from returning between the vanes.
The conoidal form of the fan disc and the relative interior surface of the case
are so shaped that the space between the two gradually narrows towards the
discs' periphery in proportion to the increase of the diameter of the latter. In
other words, the sectional areas enclosed between the two surfaces, measured
at any given diameter of the disc. are equal one to another, in order that the
air. &c., may have a space of uniform extent to pass through on its route from
the centre to the periphery. And the peculiar curvature chosen for these two
surfaces is such as to effect the change in the direction of the passing current
on its way to the periphery in a very gradual manner, as well as to act
on the expelled air at the points outside the edges of the wings, or where
they move close up to the interior of the case a constant tendency towards
the periphery from the repulsive effect of the curved face. The arrow, in
Figure 4. indicates the direction of revolution, so that as the curved ends
come rapidly round, they act as a barricade against the return of the air
from the outer case, and the contours of the wings on the receiving side are

page_text: such as to throw off any cotton or other passing matter. the centrifugal force
constantly acting to prevent adhesion of such foreign matters to the wings.
The external half of the fixed case is also shaped towards the junction of the
two halves, as to present a hemispherical surface to the fan's periphery, in
combination with a similar curve on the corresponding inner case. In this
way the air thrown against this curve, when directed from the disc face, will
he conducted in such manner as to prevent all risk of "back lash" between
the wings and the casing D. E, at the same time conducting the air smoothly
in the inner or delivering half of the case. As the air enters this portion.
having passed over to the concave side of the revolving disc, it encounters a
set of stationary wings. as delineated in Figure 5. placed so as to check the
rotatory current and direct it to the delivering channel. These checking or
delivering wings may either be made shovel-like or as delineated in Figure 5.
where four main wings V'radiate outwards, and terminate in circular sweens
tangential to the periphery. whilst the intermediate spaces are filled up towards
the periphery with shorter wings W. The leading essential feature of this
modification of fan is. that it receives and delivers its current in a right line
coincident with the axial line or centre of revolution. as we have already
herein-before stated.
Although the face views. Figures 4 and 5. exhibit the general arrangement
of the revolving and fixed vanes. they yet represent some features distinct
from those in Figures 1. 2. and 3. inasmuch as in these latter-mentioned
Figure three sets of wings Q. R. S. only are delineated, and their contour is
otherwise modified. both arrangements being on the same principle, and con-
trived to secure the same result. Wherever corresponding parts occur in
the different Figures they are indicated by the same letter of reference.
Figure 6 is a longitudinal section of a single fan. which may be applied to
scutching machines. and connected by pipes to the different exhaust ports.
It may also be applied to various other blowing. exhausting. or impelling
purposes. This Figure corresponds exactly with the two views. Figures 4
and 5. The fan disc is carried upon a short horizontal shaft actuated by the
small pulley X. and carried by the two end bearings Y. Z. The external
bearing Y is formed on what is known as the "anti-friction curve" principle,
in order the better to resist the end pressure due to the air pressure on the
delivering face of the disc, whilst the opposite one Z is formed in projecting
plates or brackets in the interior of the delivering half of the fixed case.
Various other modifications of the fan mechanism are detailed in the detached
Figures on Sheet 2 of our Drawings. On this Sheet. Figure 1 represents the
plan which we adopt for connecting the fixed fan shell with two curved

page_text: branches for leading off the current; and Figure 2 is the same plan adapted
for a single elbow pipe or branch. Figure 3 represents an end view of a
double receiving pipe. The spindle N passes through a hole in the case, on
the exterior of which a leather ring a, or a stuffing box if required, is attached
to prevent the ingress of air. &c. Figure 4 is a side elevation of the parts
shewn in Figure 3. but having a portion of the fixed case in section, to shew
the leather stuffing-box arrangement. Figure 5 shews the single branch
receiving pipe arrangement in end elevation, and Figure 6 is a corresponding
side elevation of the same, with a portion in section. The mode of junction of
the fixed case, with the conducting delivery channels, is also represented fully
in the section Figure 6, on Sheet 1 of our Drawings. where the central
discharge aperture of the fan case has a short external cylindrical collar formed
upon it, for being embraced by a widened collar b. cast or otherwise formed
on the end of the conducting channel: when placed in position, the two collars
are held together by a ring of screws represented in the external Plan. Figure 7.
on Sheet 2 of our Drawings.
Our improvements in the lubrication of spindles, and other revolving or
frictional working surfaces, refer more especially to such surfaces formed on
the anti-friction curve principle. An example of this kind is given in
Figure 6. on Sheet 1 of our Drawings, in reference to the end centre bearing
of the single blowing fan. In this case C is the anti-friction curved end of
the fan shaft, and its correspondingly curved bearing in the supporting bracket
has a small hole bored through its small coned end, to open a communication
with an oil reservoir. d. formed on the outside of the bracket bearing, and
closed by a screw cap e. The oil may be fed into the reservoir by a top plug
in the usual way, and any impurities in the oil may settle to the bottom of the
reservoir. so as to leave clean oil on the working surfaces. In horizontal
spindles like this, it is necessary to employ a species of cap f. which may be
screwed down by end lugs, and fitted to embrace the shaft just beyond the
wide end of the cone. Figure 7 is a plan of hearing so fitted. and Figure S
is a detail, shewing one half of the cap or bush f. Whatever oil is worked
out and discharged from the cone surfaces is caught by inclined wing-like
channels g. in the interior of the cap f. and conducted to the inclined pas-
sage leading back through the bearing into the oil reservoir. By this
arrangement the oil is continually passed and repassed in a clean state over
the working surfaces, and any accumulations of dirt or foreign matter are
removeable by the plug e. To ensure the free regular distribution of the
oil in the bearing, a groove is cut in the upper half of the bearing. The
same bearing is also shewn on a smaller scale in the Plan. Figure 7. on

page_text: Sheet 2, and in the corresponding end clevation. Figure 8 on the same Sheet.
The inside bearing Z in Figure 6, on Sheet 1, is lubricated by the vertical
pipe passing downwards through the fixed case, and screwed into the bearing
beneath, whilst a small trumpet mouth allows of the convenient supply of the
oil. The fluid column must be carried up sufficiently high by the pipe to
furnish a head pressure powerful enough to withstand the internal pressure of
the fan; and to prevent any chance blowing out, the upper feed end of the
pipe must be closed up by a stopper O when the fan is at work.
Figure 9, on Sheet 2 of our Drawings. exhibits a vertical section of the
footstep of a throstle spindle, with a portion of a spindle therein, as formed
to the anti-friction curve, and arranged for lubrication to our improved Plan.
Directly beneath the axial line of the spindle, a reservoir a is formed in the
base of the step, having its bottom filled up with a metal plug b, whilst its
upper conical end opens in the bottom of the footstep by a minute aperture.
The oil is fed in the ordinary way into a cup at the top of the step, and after
working over the rubbing surfaces, any impunities may be pushed through
from the step into the reservoir beneath, leaving clean oil for lubrication.
This contrivance works with the best effect in cases where there is a tendency
to vibration in the spindle, or where it is subject to jerks from its actuating
strap or other cause; but where such disturbing causes do not exist, a
groove c is made down the face of the step, as in Fig. 10, which is a vertical
section of the step detached. This groove admits the oil, and may be made
to extend nearer to or further from the top, as circumstances may point out.
For the heavier kinds of spindles a small hole d should be formed down
through the step, as in the vertical section Fig. 11. This hole connects the
feed cup at the top with the oil reservoir, and the oil, driven out by the effect of
the centrifugal force at the top of the cone, can thus flow back to the reservoir.
Our improvements in spindles used for various kinds of spinning machines
consist in the application of a cast-iron bush to the longitudinal centre or other
convenient part of the spindle, where it works in the bolster of the spindle rail.
The object of this adaptation of a bush is to give a substantial and effective
bearing guide to the spindle, which is removeable at pleasure for refitting,
without subjecting the spindle to any injurious lateral wear. We also use a
cast-iron foot-piece to form the bottom bearing end of the, spindle, as being
more economical in its wearing power.
Our improvements in beaters, as used for opening and cleansing cotton and
other fibrous substances, are delineated in the details, Figs. 12 and 13, on
Sheet 2 of our Drawings.
Fig. 12 is an end elevation of that portion of the beater mechanism to which

page_text: our improvements are applied; and Fig. 13 is a corresponding longitudinal
section of a portion of the beater. The shaft A of the beater has fast upon it
a series of metal rings B, on the peripheries of which are attached wooden
staves C, to form a barrel or cylinder. At certain intervals round the
circumference of this barrel are attached sheets or strips of wire cards, with
long teeth D, and between each pair of card strips is set a projecting arm or
stud E, to carry an opener or disintegrating knife F. Thus the circumference
of the barrel or beater drum is studded over with longitudinal cards and knives
set alternately, the result being, that when the drum or cylinder revolves in its
action upon the cotton, whatever portions of the treated fibrous materials are
left by the disintegrating knives of the beaters in advance of the cards are
combed out by the long teeth of the latter, and dirt so drawn out is thrown
off by the centrifugal force, and let fall through the grate bars below into the
dust chamber. By this arrangement is secured a much more effective
opening and cleansing action than can be obtained from the beaters of the
ordinary class.
Fig. 14, on Sheet 2 of our Drawings, represents a side elevation of our
improved cop shaper rail for spinning mules, and Fig. 15 is a corresponding
plan of the same. In this modification the improvements are represented as
applied to the shaping rail of the self-acting mule, for which Mr. Richard
Roberts, of Manchester, has obtained Letters Patent, but which are now
extinct; but we may remark, that the new arrangement is also applicable to
doubling frames and hand mules. According to our improved plan, a joint is
introduced into the shaper rail, and the centre of this joint rests upon an
additional shaper plate introduced between the two shaper plates, as already
in use. The cop shaping rail A, supported by three studs B, has a joint C
formed in it at the centre or intermediate stud. At D, E, F, are the cop-
shaping plates or incline planes, connected into one line by the longitudinal rod G
and screws H. The shaper frame 1 is formed as in Mr. Roberts' arrangement,
but with an additional slot for the intermediate stud or pin at the joint C to
work through. The plates are actuated by the screw J in the ordinary way.
The plates E, F, give the length of chase as the faller rises during the winding-
on action of the yarn and the "build" of the cop; and the first plate D is of
such a contour that, with the aid of the joint in the shaper rail A, the two
ends of the rail may be in the same plane at the beginning and termination of
the winding on at every stretch of the carriage during the going down of the
faller as the carriage is being run in to the roller beam. This action causes
more crossings and consequently a firmer and more compact cop than can be
obtained by mules of the existing kinds.
25

page_text: Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of our
Invention, and the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried
into effeci. we may observe, in conclusion, that we do not confine or restrict
ourselves to- the precise details or arrangements which we have had occasion
to describe or refer to, as many variations may be made therefrom without
deviating from the principles or main features of our Invention. But what
we consider to be novel and original. and therefore claim as the Invention
secured to us by the herein-before in part recited Letters Patent. is.-
First. the general arrangements of fans. or blowing. or exhausting. or
impelling machinery, as herein-before described.
Second, the system or mode of blowing. or exhausting. or impelling air.
fluids, or aeriform bodies, wherein the current is received and discharged in the
axial line of the fan shaft.
Third, the system or mode of gradual acceleration and retarding of the
current in fans and other impelling apparatus, as herein-before described.
Fourth. the system or mode of constructing fans wherein the passage for
the current between the revolving disc and the case is the same or equal at
all diameters of the disc.
Fifth, the peculiar construction and arrangement of fan wings or vanes, as
delineated in Figs. 4. 5, and 6. on Sheet of our Drawings.
Sixth, the application and use of short vanes or wings, arranged in the
spaces between larger vanes.
Seventh, the peculiar shovel-like formation of the receiving portions of the
vanes or wings. as herein-before described.
Eighth, the peculiar formation of the receiving edges of the wings, for the
prevention of the adhesion thereto of loose fibres or other materials passing
with the current.
Ninth, the system or mode of preventing "back lash" or re-action in the
air current by expelling the current against a curved or rounded surface. as
more especially described in reference to Fig. 3 on Sheet 1 of our Drawings.
Tenth. the system or modes of lubricating spindle and other bearings, as
herein-before described.
Eleventh. the application and use of a return channel for keeping up the
flow of oil over rubbing surfaces, as herein-before described.
Twelfth, the system or mode of separating foreign matters from lubricating
fluids by the use of a separate reservoir in communication with the bearings or
working surfaces.
Thirteenth, the adaptation and use of cast-iron collar bearings for spindles.
as herein-before described.

page_text: Fourteenth, the application and use in spindles of cast-iron feet or bottom
bearing ends, as herein-before described.
Fifteenth, the system or mode of constructing the beating cylinders of cotton
machinery with card teeth or combing wires, in combination with the opening
or beating knives.
Sixteenth, the application and use in beating cylinders of alternate rows of
card teeth or combs and beating knives.
Seventeeth, the system or mode of constructing the cop-shapers of spinning
machinery with an intermediate joint, as herein-before described.
Eighteenth, the adaption and use of the additional shaping plate, as herein-
before described.
In witness whereof, we, the said John Platt and Christian Schiele, have
hereunto set our hands and seals, this Twentieth day of April. in the
year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-two.
JOHN (L.S.) PLATT.
CHRISTIAN (L.S.) SCHIELE.
AND BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the Twentieth day of April. in the
year of our Lord 1852, the aforesaid John Platt and Christian Schiele came
before our said Lady the Queen in Her Chancery, and acknowledged the
Specification aforesaid. and all and every thing therein contained and specified.
in form above written. And also the Specification aforesaid was stamped
according to the tenor of the Statute made for that purpose.
Enrolled the Twenty-second day of April, in the year of our Lord One
thousand night bunduad and Gin the