IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY OR. APPARATUS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF METAL REEDS FOR WEAVING.
Year: 1862

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Charles de Bergue, of Strangeways Works, Man-
chester, in the County of Lancashire, Engineer, for the Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY OR. APPARATUS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF
METAL REEDS FOR WEAVING.."".
Sealed the 28th April 1863, and dated the 22nd November 1862.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Charles de Bergue at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 22nd
November 1862..
I, CHARLES DE BERGUE, of Strangeways Works, Manchester, in the County
of Lancashire, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of the Invention for
"IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF METAL
REEDS FOR WEAVING," to be as follows:-"
My improvements have reference, firstly, to the application of files for
equalizing, rounding, and smoothing the edges and surfaces of flattened metallic
wire as produced by or after it has come from the operation of ordinary
flatting rollers, and consist of a machine or apparatus which I call a filing
machine, and which embraces the following distinctive features, namely, the
so guiding the wire while being wound off or in its passage from one drum
to another as to give to it a twist or partial twist instead of its running or
passing simply flatways from one to the other. Also the mounting a line or

page_text: series of files with their surfaces not strictly but generally in one plane above,
or to act in one direction upon the wire, and a corresponding series with
surfaces in a generally parallel plane below, or to act in the opposite direction;
(these two series I call a set of files). Also the so mounting the files in
double sets that either set may be brought into operation accordingly as the
wire is being wound in one or in the other direction between the drums, one
set having the cut arranged for cutting in one direction, and the other set for
cutting in the opposite direction. Also the so mounting the files as to permit
of adjustment both separately or in series for regulating the amount of pressure
or action against the wire. Also an adjustment for shifting or varying the
position of wear of or upon the files.
My improvements have reference, secondly, to the giving a finishing polish
to the edges and surfaces of the flattened wire after it has been properly shaped
or treated by the filing machine, and consist of a machine or apparatus which I
call a polishing machine, and which embraces the following distinctive features
namely, the so guiding the wire as to produce a twist or partial twist in its
passage, as set forth in respect of the filing machine. Also the mounting a
suitable polishing material, such as emery cloth, upon a board or presser for
pressing upwards or in one direction upon the wire, or against which the wire
may be pressed, and the mounting a suitable polishing material (as above)
upon or in a presser or frame having a yielding bottom, preferably of leather
or of cloth, and containing shot or some approximate equivalent for a fluid, so
as to yield, press upon, and produce the polishing effect by means of the emery
cloth or polishing material during the passage of the wire, as above set forth,
by pressing upwards or in the opposite direction. It is to be understood that
an actual fluid may be substituted for either one or both of the two pressers
referred to. Also, the providing the two pressing apparatus either jointly or
separately with a traverse or motion so that the wear may not be continuously
over one line or position, but may be changed. Such change may be either
continuously going on or intermittent.
My improvements have reference, thirdly, to the making up the prepared
wire into reeds, and consist of a machine or apparatus which I call a "setting"
machine; and which embraces the following distinctive features, namely,
the working or giving motion to bobbins and fliers by means of toothed
heart wheels, or otherwise, so as to turn at a speed varying during the complete
turn or rotation. Also the constructing and working to time a driver or
beater for cutting off and beating up the dents to gauge, so as to act during
the retarded or slackened portion of a complete rotation of the bobbins. Also
the constructing and causing the bobbins and fliers to revolve in opposite

page_text: directions, so as to admit the use of larger bobbins, and obtain a better angle
for or more direct line of the band or binder between the bobbin and its flier.
Also arrangements for regulating the number of rotations of the bobbins and
fliers relatively to or in respect of each separate dent to be placed and
bound between the "ribs" or framing of the reed. Also the constructing the
setting machine with a self-acting arrangement for stopping its motion when
the prepared wire which is fed into it is faulty by reason of a kink, or when
a knot occurs as at the end of each length of wire. Provision is made for
working the machine either by hand or power.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Charles de Bergue in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
22nd May 1863.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, CHARLES
DE BERGUE, of Strangeways Works, Manchester, in the County of Lancaster,
Engineer, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Twenty-second day of November, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-two, in the twenty-sixth year of
Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto
me, the said Charles de Bergue, Her special licence that I, the said Charles
de Bergue, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I,
the said Charles de Bergue, my executors, administrators, 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 Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an
Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR THE MANU-
FACTURE OF METAL REEDS FOR WEAVING," upon the condition (amongst others)
that I, the said Charles de Bergue, my executors or administrators, by an instru-
ment in writing under my, or their, or one of their hands and seals, should par-
ticularly 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 imme-
diately after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Charles de Bergue, do hereby
declare the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same is

page_text: to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement thereof, that is to
say:-
My improvements have reference, firstly, to the application of files for equa-
lizing, rounding, and smoothing the edges and surfaces of flattened metallic
wire as produced by or after it has come from the operation of ordinary flatting
rollers, and consists of a machine or apparatus which I call a filing machine,
and which embraces the following distinctive features, namely, the so guiding
the wire while being wound off or in its passage from one drum to another,
as to give to it a twist or partial twist instead of its running or passing
simply flatways from one to the other. Also the mounting a line or series of
files with their surfaces not strictly but generally in one plane above, or
to act in one direction upon the wire, and a corresponding series with surfaces
in a generally parallel plane below, or to act in the opposite direction;
(these two series I call a "set" of files).. Also the so mounting the files in
double "sets," that either set may be brought into operation accordingly as
the wire is being wound in one or in the other direction between the drums,
one set having the cut arranged for cutting in one direction, and the other
set for cutting in the opposite direction. Also the so mounting the files 'as to
permit of adjustment both separately or in series for regulating the amount
of pressure or action against the wire. Also an adjustment for shifting or
varying the position of wear of or upon the files.
My improvements have reference, secondly, to the giving a finishing polish
to the edges and surfaces of the flattened wire after it has been properly
shaped or treated by the filing machine, and consist of a machine or apparatus
which I call a polishing machine, and which embraces the following dis-
tinctive features, namely, the so guiding the wire as to produce a twist or
partial twist in its passage, as set forth in respect of the filing machine. Also
the mounting a suitable polishing material, such as emery cloth, upon a board
or table, or presser, for pressing upwards or in one direction upon the wire, or
against which the wire may be pressed, and the mounting a suitable polishing
material (as above) upon or in a presser or frame having a yielding bottom,
preferably of leather or of cloth, and containing shot or some approximate
equivalent for a fluid, so as to yield, press upon, and produce the polishing
effect by means of the emery cloth or polishing material during the passage
of the wire, as above set forth, by pressing downwards or in the opposite
direction. [The substitution of an actual fluid for either one or both of the two
pressers, as mentioned in my Provisional Specification, I do not now consider
to possess any advantage.] Also the providing the two pressing apparatus,
either jointly or separately, with a traverse or motion, so that the wear may

page_text: not be continuously over one line or position, but may be changed. Such
change may be either continuously going on or intermittent.
My improvements have reference, thirdly, to the making up the prepared
wire into reeds, and consist of a machine or apparatus which I call a "setting
5 machine," and which embraces the following distinctive features, namely, the
working or giving motion to bobbins and fliers by means of toothed heart
wheels or otherwise, so as to turn at a speed varying during the complete
turn or rotation. Also the working to time a driver or beater for cutting off
and beating up the dents to guage, so as to act during the retarded or
slackened portion of the complete rotation of the bobbins. Also the causing
the bobbins and fliers to revolve in opposite directions, so as to admit the use
of larger bobbins, and obtain a better angle for or more direct line of the band
or binder between the bobbin and its flier. Also arrangements for regulating
the number of rotations of the bobbins and fliers relatively to or in respect of
each separate dent to be placed and bound between the "ribs " or framing of
the reed. Also the constructing the "setting" machine with a self-acting
arrangement for stopping its motion when the prepared wire which is fed
into it is faulty by reason of a kink, or when a knot occurs as at the end of
each length of wire. Provision is made for working the machine either by
hand or power.
"
The manner of performing my said Invention is explained by the accom-
panying five Sheets of Drawings, and the following description of them,
including a special reference to and illustration of the above-mentioned dis-
tinctive features of the several machines.
The Figures in Drawing No. 1 and the bottom Figure in Drawing No. 2
represent several views of the "filing" machine, which is intended specially to
replace and supersede the process now generally practised, and which requires
much skill of the workman in properly holding the four smooth files between.
which the flattened wire is mechanically passed. The Figures are drawn to
a scale of the full size. Not quite one half of the machine is represented, the
second half being similar, but reversed from the centre line or middle of the
length.
A is the flattened wire to be operated upon, and which is slightly twisted or
turned in its passage through the dies or guides, as herein-after mentioned;
Bis the bed or lower framework of the machine; C is one of two frames
at the ends of the machine, the two being joined by the horizontal shafts
which support the tools, and capable of being adjusted transversely by
screws D, and (when adjusted) fixed by stop nuts E. At each end of the bed
frame is a standard F, with bearings carrying a pulley G for leading the wire

page_text: in a central position into and from the machine. H, H, are bearings for the
axes I of the two main tool carriers. There are longitudinal frames or bars
of a generally half-round shape, furnished with two series of strongly ribbed
arms K, and having fixed to or upon their flat sides or surfaces the stiff but
somewhat flexible steel blades L. The files M are preferably "single" fine
cut files, and consist of small flat (or very nearly flat) steel plates, fitted by a
dovetailed and slightly tapering fitting into and near the ends of the blades L,
and with the teeth or cuts inclined across the surface at an angle (with the
wire) of about 30 degrees, one half of them being inclined in one direction,
and the other half of them in the opposite direction. And in order to accom-
modate themselves to the flexibility or deflection of the wire between the points
or positions of support, the files have either very slightly spherically convex
surfaces, or are rounded off at the edges. N, N, are screws passing through
the arms K for separately regulating and adjusting the pressure of each file
respectively against the wire; and if desired an additional separate adjustment
for each file may be provided to accommodate the slightly inclined (instead
of horizontal) lines formed by the top and bottom edges of the (twisted) wire
by furnishing the ends of the blades L with file holders, so screwed to or
mounted upon them as to permit of the desired adjustment. Figure 3 shews
the files on the left-hand side of one tool carrier presented with cutting faces
downwards, and the files on the right-hand side of the other tool carrier pre-
sented with faces upwards. The two series of files so in use together
constitute a "set" of files, as above defined; and the other files of each tool
carrier constitute another "set," as they also may be brought into use together
(instead of the first set) by turning these tool carriers on their axes, as
denoted by the arrows. The two "sets" constitute a "double set," as above
defined. The top and bottom files of each set are intended to be adjusted
with their faces parallel to each other, at distances apart varying according to
the guage of the wire, the position in the machine, and the twist or inclination
which in its passage the wire is caused to assume at any such position. The
one set is for use while the wire is passed in one direction, and the other set
for the reverse direction. By a greater length of machine and increased
numbers of files the passage in one direction might possibly suffice, but I
prefer the arrangement as shewn, and to wind the wire from one drum to
another drum backwards and forwards as often as may be required.
According to direction these tool carriers are held bodily either in the position
shewn at Figure 3, or in the reverse position, by spring arms or catches O
taking into recesses in the moveable slides Ox worked by screws 0%, which
also serve thereby to regulate or adjust a whole series of files together, so as

page_text: to cause more or less cutting action of the entire series; P, P, are pins to be
pressed upon when it is desired to release the catches O for changing the
position of the tool carriers. The separate adjustments for each file have
been already described. The adjustment for shifting or varying the position
of wear upon the files is effected in respect of the entire double set bodily by
the transverse movement of the end frames C. The inclination or twist to be
given to the wire is effected by its passage through a series of dies or guides Q
held firmly by screws R. in fixed supports projecting up from the bottom of
the framework of the machine, thereby causing a firm resistance and steadi-
ness of the wire, and presenting it properly to the action of the files. There
are 17 such dies in the complete machine (but the number of these and. of
the files may be varied if desired). The bottom Figure in Drawing No. 2
shews the construction of the dies; each consists of two pieces of very hard-
tempered steel fitted together, and so proportioned that the line of fitting is
distant from the centre by half the thickness of the wire, the slot or opening
being entirely in one of the two pieces. Also this Figure shews the varying
inclination of the dies; the first and last are horizontal, the fifth and thirteenth
at an angle of 45 degrees, the ninth or central one vertical, and the remainder
at intermediate inclinations.
66
The Figures in Drawing No. 2 (excepting the bottom Figure already
referred to represent on a scale of one half the full size several, views, of
the "polishing" machine, the use of which is intended to follow that of the
filing" machine, and with that object the polishing machine is, for con-
venience, made to replace the position of the filing machine between the drums,
on to and from which the wire is alternately wound and unwound. a is a
sliding plate or frame, constructed with two longitudinal ribs, one on each
side, and having a transverse and reciprocal motion upon the three surfaces
, b, b, of the bed or main framework b, c, the middle one being clipped by
the frame a (as shewn in Figure 1), and serving to guide its sliding motion.
This motion may be effected in any convenient manner. According to the
method represented the passage of the wire through the machine gives motion
to the rollers d, d, between which it is nipped or pressed by the force of the
springs e, e. The lower roller, by the agency of the pinions f and. g, the
worm h, the worm wheel i, the worm k, and the worm wheel 1, drives the
eccentric.m. The pin n, which takes into a groove in this eccentric is fixed to
the frame a, and thus the traverse motion is effected. The object is to
bring into use the whole surface of the emery cloth or paper, which is
stretched and secured upon the plate a by the spikes or points a*. Over or
above this, and forming the bottom of a box o, is a cloth of a similar descrip-

page_text: tion fastened (not on a rigid material, but) on a flexible substance, such as
wash leather or india-rubber, or other suitable cloth. The sides of the box
are rigid, and the space or interior is filled with lead shot, dry sand, or a fluid,
so as by its gravity to produce a yielding pressure for following the motions of
the wire, which it is to be noted is passed through the machine with a twist,
so as to offer successively all its faces and edges (both above and below) to
the action of the emery cloth. The box is connected with the frame a at its
ends and moves transversely therewith on the machine. To effect and regulate
the twist in the length or distance between the rollers d, d*, by which the
wire is led into and from the machine (as it is drawn through it backwards
and forwards successively as often as required), there are three pairs of
horizontal flat bars or guides p, supported on brackets 9 screwed to the frame-
work b, c. The guides, which are in thickness a fraction less than the
breadth of the flattened wire, serve to hold it vertically in certain places or
positions, so as to prevent the transverse motion of the plate or frame a and
the friction of the cloths from upsetting or curving or injuring the wire, and
from following such transverse motion, and to present it properly to the action.
of the cloths; and they are made removeable, so that the middle pair only, or.
the two outer pairs only, may be in use at the same time. According to the
quality and thickness of wire, I pass it through the machine either with one-
half twist, or with one whole twist in the length between the rollers; in the
former case the middle pair only is to be used, and in the latter case the two
outer pairs of guides only are to be used.
The Drawings, Nos. 3, 4, and 5, represent (on a scale of the full size)
several views of the "setting" machine, some parts of which are similar to
certain machines for the purpose hitherto in use, and among these parts the
following may be particularly mentioned, namely, the bed 1 (like a lathe bed),
on which the framing 2 slides, which supports the whole system or apparatus,
and the bobbin "horse" or carrier 3, the bottom only of which is represented,
but the top of which carries the very deep sheave or pulley on which the
prepared wire to be cut into pieces or dents to form the reed is wound, and
except as herein stated I have not altered the ordinary mode of binding
together the ribs and separating and securing the dents with a pitched or
adhesive strand, or with wire or other binding. The first novelty to be
described is the introduction of two intermediate pinions 4, 4, instead of one
only, as heretofore, for the transmission of the movement of one flier 5 to the
other 6, to cause their turning in opposite directions instead of in the same
direction; also the arms 7, 7, are placed further from the centres of the
fliers. These conditions are favorable to the operations of binding, because the

page_text: bindings on the ribs of the reed will stretch or pull away from each other instead
of both in one direction, as hitherto, the ordinary plan having been found to
produce an undue and improper strain upon the reed; and by widening the
distance between the bobbins, my improvements admit their size to be
increased, and consequently a change is not so often required, and the
binding is to this extent more regularly effected. 10, 11, are the toothed
heart wheels or excentric pinions for producing at regular intervals the desired
accelerated and retarded motion of the fliers. The effect is similar to or
rather supersedes the skill required of a workman in quickly tying in the
binding against the dent by giving time to the drivers 12, 12, (carried by the
tubular rods 13, 13,) to cut the dent, and put it in its proper place; 14 is a
friction roller, carried by a bar which connects together the tubes 13, 13; and
15 is a cam (upon the shaft 48; herein-after referred to,) pressing against the
roller to effect the forward motion of the drivers, the rim or edge of the cam
projecting so as to enclose and act against the stud or pivot 16 for effecting the
withdrawal or backward motion of the drivers. By thus working the driver
to time, in combination with the other movements lastly above explained, 'I
am enabled still more satisfactorily to accomplish the round or series of effects
of the machine, namely, the binding, the placing the dents in position, and the
cutting off between each successive return or action of the drivers. And. (as
now to be explained) I vary or regulate the number of rotations of the
bobbins and fliers relatively to each separate dent to be fixed or bound
between the ribs 17 of the reed. The prepared wire (for the dents) after
passing through the guide 18 is pushed or fed into the machine by the pair
of double rollers 19, 20, and 19, 20. The bearings of the shaft 23 of the
upper roller are fixed, but one of the bearings of the lower shaft 24 is free
to slide vertically in a slot or groove, in which it is pressed upwards by the
spring 30, as elsewhere herein mentioned. Each roller has two acting rims
or faces, namely, an inclined or bevilled rim or face 19 for feeding in the wire,
and an outer face or rim 20; and on the upper roller the outer rim is formed
with a projection or cam surface in advance of its general periphery, and also
is constructed of two plates or thicknesses, as herein-after explained. When
during rotation this projection does not come into contact with and bear.
against the rim 20 of the lower roller the wire is fed into the machine by the
bevilled surfaces 19 and 19 being pressed together by the action of the spring.
and so nipping the wire, but when in contact the feeding or supply ceases in
consequence of the rollers separating from each other; a movement of the
bearing of the lower roller permitting this to take place; and thus is obtained.
the time requisite for cutting off, tying, and securing each separate dent...The.

page_text: interval between feeding may be varied by varying the developement of the
projection upon the upper roller in respect of its length upon the periphery.
This is to be effected by shifting or turning round the external one of the two
plates or thicknesses forming the outer rim 20, as before mentioned. When
two or three revolutions of the bobbins and fliers are desired in respect of each
dent supplied, so as to pass two or three thicknesses or coils of binding
between the several dents, there should be placed on the shaft 23 a pinion 23ª,
only one-half or one-third of the diameter of a wheel 25 to be placed on the
axis 25 carrying the cam 25°, which during a part of each revolution bears against
and presses the friction roller 26, mounted on the end of the lever 27, 28.
The part 28 of this lever rests upon the flange 29, projecting from a short
pin or pillar supporting the moveable end of the shaft 24, which is pressed
upwards by the spring 30. While the cam is in action the upward pressure
of the spring is prevented, and consequently the rollers 19, 20, and 19, 20,
cannot close together, and the feeding in of the wire is delayed. The supply
of the prepared wire into the machine is effected by two rollers, the bearing
the one 31 being fixed, and of the other 32 being supported at the upper end
of a bent lever 33, and a pair of equal pinions gearing together (see Plan)
is fixed one on the axis of each of the rollers for causing them to feed equally.
The lower limb 33" of the lever is formed with a counterweight for exerting
the pressure between the rollers necessary to pull the wire off the drum, but
before reaching them it is caused to pass through a guide 34, the opening of
which corresponds to the guage of the particular wire being pulled through it.
This guide is also formed on a bent lever furnished with a counterweight 35,
which ordinarily maintains it in the position shewn. If, however, a fault
occurs in the wire, such as a kink, or a knot, or other obstruction, it will be
arrested by the guide, which being pulled downwards by the motion of the
wire will by the arm 36 on the axis of the lever produce a horizontal move-
ment of the bar 37. This is so placed that when slided forward towards or
against the driving wheel 38 it will come across the passage of the studs or
projections 39 at the back of the wheel as it revolves, and any one of these
striking against the bar will prevent the continuance of the motion, and con-
sequently accomplish the self-acting stoppage of the machine. The driving
of the supply rollers is effected by a band suitably placed (according to speed
required) upon the pullies 31 and 23b on the shafts 31 and 23 respectively.
The improved machine may be worked with power instead of by hand much
more satisfactorily than heretofore. In my machine the reed is constantly held
between two supports, that is to say, after having passed the ribs into the tubes of
the fliers. The continuous sliding of the framework upon the bed 1 is effected

page_text: by the wheel 40, which is mounted upon a nut, for convenience constructed
around the fixed screw 41, extending
The wheel 40 is driven by the wheels
in two halves, and working upon and
from one end of the bed to the other.
42, 43, 44, the shaft 44 and the wheel 44b deriving their first motion from
the wheel 4" of the first flier. These wheels and pinions, or some of them,
may be changed for others for varying the action or rate of travelling upon
the screw 41 according to the pitch of the reed. The entire machine may be
worked either by the crank 45 or by the pulley or driving wheel 38 on the
same axis (a part only of which wheel is represented in the Plan); in the
latter event the ordinary guide or pullies 46 are to be used, leading the driving
cord on to and off the wheel 38, the arrangement permitting the travelling
motion upon the screw.
I would remark that there is no special novelty in feeding and regulation of
the machine according to the depth of the reeds. The motion of the driving
wheel 38 is transferred from its shaft 48 to the shaft 24 by bevil wheels
50, 51, and thence by the spur wheels 52 and 53 to the shaft 23, which gives
motion to the heart-shaped wheels 10 and 11. The shaft of this last drives
the wheel 56, and this drives the wheel 4* of the flier 5, and through the
intermediate gearing 4, 4, and 4b also drives the flier 6.
In witness whereof, I, the said Charles de Bergue, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this First day of May, One thousand eight
hundred and sixty-three.