An Improvement in Fulling Machines.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application 12th Feb., 1889
Specification Accepted, 16th Mar., 1889
An Improvement in Fulling Machines.
This invention relates to an improvement in fulling machines, said improvement
being pointed out in the following specification and claim and illustrated in the
accompanying drawing, in which,
Fig. 1 represents a transverse vertical section in the plane xx fig. 2.
Fig. 2 is a longitudinal vertical section in the plane y. y. fig. 1.
Fig. 3 is a side elevation.
Fig. 4 is a front view.
Figures 5 and 6 are transverse vertical sections drawn on a larger scale than
the previous figures and showing the pleating apron in different positions from
each other and from that shown in figures 1 and 2.
Similar letters indicate corresponding parts.
In this drawing, the letter A designates a tank or vat to the interior of which
access can be had through doors B B. In the interior of the vat A is a drum
or roller C, the shaft D of which is journaled in boxes E E secured to the sides
of the vat and on this shaft is mounted a pulley F so that a revolving motion
can be imparted to the drum C. Over this drum is situated the roller G, the
shaft of which is journalled in boxes II which slide up and down in slots a
in the sides of the vat so that the roller G bears down upon the drum C by its
inherent gravity and that when a piece of felt or cloth is placed between the druin
and the roller and a revolving motion is imparted to the drum, the felt is fed
forward.
On the shaft D of the drum C are loosely mounted two arms J J which carry
the pleating apron K and the roller L. To the arms J J are firmly secured the

page_text: toothed segments M M each of which engages a worm N (fig. 2). These worms
are mounted on shafts O, O which extend out through the back of the vat A
(figs. 1 and 3) and are geared together with a shift Pon which are mounted the
hand-wheels or cranks QQ. By turning the shaft P both worm-shafts 0. O. are
caused to turn and the segments M M together with the arms J J and tho pleating
apron K can be moved from the position shown in fig. 6 to that shown in
6g. 5, and finally to that shown in fig. 1 or to any position intermodiate between
that shown in fig. 6 and that shown in fig. 1.
The felt or cloth to be fulled is placed upon the drum C and ander tho feed-
roller G in the form of an endless band and the plenting apron K is adjusted in the
position best adapted to the material to be fulled.
When the drum is revolved in the direction of the arrow shown on it in fig. 1,
the felt or cloth in being forced over the apron K is caused to form a series of pleats
throughout its entire width and these pleats are more or less close and steep according
to the position of the apron K. If the apron occupies the position shown in fig. 1,
the pleats are close together and almost vertical and a strong fulling action is
produced but if the apron K is adjusted in the position shown in fig. 5 the fulling
action becomes less powerful and if the apron K is adjusted to the position shown
in figure 6 the fulling action becomes a minimum.
It must be remarked, that the drum Cand the feed roller G do not contribute to
the fulling action of the apparatus; thuir object is simply to food the felt or cloth
forward in the proper direction and all danger of injuring the texture or strength of
the fabrics by over-pressure and also the danger of producing wrinkles in the fabric
is avoided.
While the fulling operation progresses, a supply of hot or cold water or other
liquid is kept in the vat A.
For curtain materials the fulling apron K is advanced gradually to a higher position
as the fulling operation progresses.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare what I
claim, is:
In a fulling machine, the combination with the drum C and feed roller G of a
movable pleating apron and mechanism substantially as described, for adjusting the
position of the pleating apron according to the desired intensity of the fulling action
to be produced upon the material passing through the apparatus.
Dated this 12th day of February 1889.