IMPROVEMENTS IN ROPE, CORD, AND BAND MAKING MACHINERY
Year: 1879

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to George Frederick James, of Salford, in the County of
Lancaster, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN ROPE, CORD, AND BAND
MAKING MACHINERY.”
Sealed the 19th March 1880, and dated the 20th November 1879.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said George Frederick James at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 20th November 1879.
GEORGE FREDERICK JAMES, of Salford, in the County of Lancaster. "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN ROPE, CORD, AND BAND MAKING MACHINERY."
The object of this Invention is the construction of a compact and efficient com-
bination and arrangement of machinery for twisting the yarn and laying the strands
of cords, ropes, or bands at one operation, and whereby the amount of twist both in
the strands and in the laying can be varied by positive gearing in a simpler
manner than heretofore, and whereby each yarn is regulated and maintained at one
uniform tension.
This Invention further relates to a novel arrangement of knocking off motion for
stopping the machine in case of one or more yarns or strands breaking.
In carrying out my Invention I take a series of bobbins or spools, and after
warping the requisite number of yarns thereon, which will vary more or less
according to the desired strength of strands, I place them upon vertical spindles
provided with flyers similar to the flyers used in braiding machinery. The spindles
have a rotary motion imparted to them, and thus the necessary twist is put into
each of the yarns. These flyer spindles are arranged in the following manner :-I
divide them, say, into three sets (or more if required), arranging each three to
revolve in bearings in a small table, and each of which small tables has a rotary
motion around a spindle (hereinafter called the intermediate axes), but in the
opposite direction to the motion of the flyer spindles before mentioned.
These three small tables have their bearings in a main table, which also has a
rotary motion, and is driven by a shaft; this motion however is in the opposite
direction to the small tables, being in the same direction as the flyer spindles.
The function of the flyer spindles is, first, by their own rotation to put twist into
the yarn as it is drawn off the bobbins; second, by rotation around the inter-

page_text: mediate axes three of the yarns are laid into one strand; and, thirdly, by the
rotation of the entire series around the common centre shaft the three strands are
finally laid into one, so forming a cord or band of nine yarns or three strands at one
operation.
Such being the nature of my Invention I will now proceed to describe, 1st, how
motion is communicated to the centre shaft; 2nd, how motion is communicated to
the intermediate axes with the necessary change motion for obtaining a variation
in the amount of hardness in the first laying operation; 3rd, how motion is com-
municated to the flyer spindles with the necessary change motion for varying the
amount of twist put into the yarns upon the bobbin; 4th, how the yarns are
maintained at one uniform tension; 5th, the action of the self stopping motion for
throwing off the machine in case of one of the yarns breaking.
1st. The motion of the centre shaft is controlled by fast and loose pulleys upon a
horizontal shaft, which carries a mitre wheel gearing with another mitre wheel
upon a vertical shaft. A pulley upon this vertical shaft by means of a strap drives
a loose pulley mounted upon another vertical shaft, and communicates revolving
motion to such shaft through a mounted clutch box & fork. A spur pinion fast
upon the end of the last mentioned shaft drives a spur wheel secured upon the main
shaft, the lower end of which is carried in a lower plate, whilst the main table
supported in an upper plate acts as the bearing for the upper end of such shaft.
Upon the top of the main shaft I mount an eyelet frame fitted with eyelets, each
eyelet being inmediately over the centre of the intermediate axis for guiding the
strands as formed, and from whence they are again gathered for the final laying
operation, which takes place at another eye situated over the centre of the main
shaft.
These
2nd. The intermediate axes (so called) are driven from a sleeve running loose
upon the inain shaft, for which purpose the upper end of such sleeve carries a
spur wheel gearing with spur pinions on the end of the intermediate axes.
intermediate axes have their bottom bearings in a lower table fast upon and
revolving with the main shaft, whilst the small tables resting in the upper revolving
table serve to carry the upper end of the said axes.
The said sleeve is at its lower end provided with a spur pinion, which receives
motion from a train of wheels consisting of spur wheels and pinion mounted upon
.adjustable studs, one being set in a concentric slot, and the other in a radial slot, so
that by changing the pinion a proportional alteration in the speed of the inter-
mediate axes can be effected. The result of this combination is that whilst the
intermediate axes are themselves carried round the main shaft they are driven
round on their own axes at an accelerated rate, and in the opposite direction, the
change wheels giving a ready and positive means of varying the speed and conse-
quently the degree of hardness of the first laying operation.
3rd. Motion is communicated to the flyer spindles in sets of three by a train of
wheel-work arranged in connection with each intermediate axis. very similar to the
last described arrangement.
A sleeve runs loose upon each intermediate axis, carrying at its lower end a spur
pinion gearing through the idle wheel with the change wheels, which are similar to
the change wheels hereinbefore described, and are driven by a spur wheel fast upon
the intermediate axes. Suitable concentric and radial slots are provided in the
table, so that the change wheel may be readily changed, and the relative speed
altered, by which the amount of twist put into the yarns can be adjusted to the
greatest nicety.
By this combination the spindles, whilst they are carried round the intermediate
axes are likewise driven on their own axes in opposite directions, but at a much
higher speed. The lower ends of the spindles are supported in a small table fast
upon the intermediate axes, whilst their upper ends are carried in the small tables,
as before described.
4th. The yarns upon the bobbins are maintained at one uniform tension by means
of flyers, notched bobbin tops, and weights similar to those used in ordinary braiding

page_text: machines. The weights resting upon a pin passing through slots in the flyer
spindles from the drop rod inside the hollow spindles in the manner well known in
connection with braiding machinery, the amount of tension is thus regulated by the
weights, and which can be varied at pleasure.
5th. In case of one of the yarns breaking it will be obvious that the weight
appertaining to such yarn will drop until the pin supporting it comes to the bottom
of the slot, and this is utilised to stop the machine in the following manner:-
The intermediate spindles are hollow, and provided with drop rods, which are
held up by springs. These drop rods through slots support a small table sliding
upon the intermediate spindles, so that when a yarn breaks the weight appertaining
to it drops upon such small table, and overcoming the spring causes the drop rod to
protrude through the end of the intermediate spindle. As the protruding rod is
carried round it strikes against a finger upon a ring supported from the main frame,
carrying it round with it. From this ring a stud projects. The setting on rod is
provided with a spring, giving it a tendency to fly upwards and pull the clutch out.
of gear.
When the attendant sets on the machine he pushes down the setting on rod, so
allowing the clutch to go into gear, and places a trigger finger branching from the
setting on rod under the stud projecting from the ring, as aforesaid, so that if a
yarn breaks and the drop rod of any one of the intermediate axes strikes either of
the fingers the stud is carried off the trigger finger, so allowing it to fly upward and
draw the clutch out of gear, and so stopping the machine.
I do not confine myself to the number of spindles arranged around the inter-
mediate axes, as more or less than three might be used; also more or less than
three small tables and spindles might be arranged around the main shaft according
to the number of yarns and strands required to form the cord, rope, or band. It
will also be obvious that the intermediate axes might themselves constitute the
twisting spindles by carrying bobbins and flyers, and in this latter case a cord of 3
yarns would be produced, and the small tables and corresponding spindles would
be dispensed with.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said George Frederick James in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
20th May 1880.
GEORGE FREDERICK JAMES, of Salford, in the County of Lancaster.
MENTS IN ROPE, CORD, AND BAND MAKING MACHINERY."
"IMPROVE
The object of this Invention is the construction of a compact and efficient combi-
nation and arrangement of machinery for twisting the yarn and laying the strands
of cords, rope, or bands at one operation, and whereby the amount of twist both in
the strands and in the laying can be varied by positive gearing in a simpler manner
than heretofore, and whereby each yarn is regulated and maintained at one uniform
tension.
This Invention further relates to a novel arrangement of knocking off motion
for stopping the machine in case of one or more yarns or strands breaking.
On the accompanying Drawing Fig. 1 is a front elevation, Fig. 2 a side
sectional view, and Fig. 3 a plan of my improved machinery drawn to a scale of
about one fourth full size, and representing a machine arranged for making
banding from cotton yarn composed of three strands, each strand being made of
three yarns. The remaining Figures are sectional plans and will be hereinafter
referred to.
In carrying out my Invention I take a series of bobbins or spools A (in this
case nine in number), and after warping the requisite number of yarns thereon,
which will vary more or less according to the desired strength of strands, I place
them upon vertical spindles B provided with flyers C, similar to the flyers used in
braiding machinery. The spindles B have a rotary motion imparted to them in
the direction indicated by the arrows upon the bobbins seen in plan, Fig. 3, and
thus the necessary twist is put into each of the yarns. These spindles B are
arranged in the following manner:-I divide them into three sets, arranging each
three to revolve in bearings in a table D, each table D having a rotary motion
around a spindle E (hereinafter called the intermediate axes) but in the opposite
direction to the motion of the spindles, as shewn by the arrows in Fig. 3.
These three tables D, D, D, have their bearings in a main table F which also
has a rotary motion and is driven by the shaft G, this motion however is in the
opposite direction to the small tables D, being in the same direction as the
spindles B.
It will thus be seen that the function of the spindles B is, first, by their own
rotation to put twist into the yarn as it is drawn of the bobbins A; second, by
rotation around the intermediate axes E three of the yarns are laid into one strand ;
and thirdly, by the rotation of the entire series around the common centre shaft G
the three strands are finally laid into one, so forming a cord or band of nine yarns
or three strands at one operation.
Such being the nature of my Invention I will now proceed to describe,—
First. How motion is communicated to the centre shaft G.
Second. How motion is communicated to the intermediate axes E with the
necessary change motion for obtaining a variation in the amount of hardness in the
first laying operation.
Third. How motion is communicated to the spindles B with the necessary
change motion for varying the amount of twist put into the yarns upon the
bobbins A.
Fourth. How the yarns are maintained at one uniform tension.
Fifth. The action of the selfstopping motion for throwing off the machine in
case of one of the varns breaking.

page_text: First. The motion is communicated to the centre shaft G from the fast and loose
pulleys H upon the horizontal shaft I. J is a mitre wheel fast upon the horizontal
shaft I, gearing with the mitre wheel K upon the vertical shaft L mounted in the
bearing M attached to the main frame N; O is a pulley upon the vertical shaft L,
which by means of a strap P drives the pulley Q running loose upon the vertical
shaft R mounted as illustrated; this pulley drives the shaft R through the clutch S.
A clutch fork T mounted upon the rod U is provided for operating the clutch, as
will be hereinafter explained.
V is a spur pinion fast upon the end of the shaft R, and drives the spur wheel W
secured upon the main shaft, the lower end of the main shaft G is carried in the
lower plate X, whilst the main table F supported in the upper plate Y acts as the
bearing for the upper end.
Upon the top of the main shaft G I mount an eyelet frame Z fitted with eyelets 1,
each eyelet being immediately over the centre of the intermediate axis E for
guiding the strands as formed, and from whence they are again gathered for the
final laying operation which takes place at the eye 2, which in its turn is situated
over the centre of the main shaft G. Second. The intermediate axes E, E, E, (so
called) are driven from a sleeve 3 running loose upon the main shaft G, for which
purpose the upper end of the sleeve 3 carries a spur wheel 4 gearing with the
spur pinions 5, 5, 5, on the end of the intermediate axes E, E, E, see Fig. 5,
which is a sectional plan of Fig. 1 upon the line c, d. These intermediate axes
have their bottom bearings in the lower table 6 fast upon and revolving with the
main shaft G, whilst the small tables D, D, D, resting in the upper revolving tube F
The sleeve 3 is at its lower end
serve to carry the upper end of the said axes.
provided with a spur pinion 7 which receives motion from a train of wheels (seen
best in sectional plan in Fig. 4 which is taken upon the line a, b, in Fig. 1), con-
sisting of a spur wheel 8 upon the stud 9, gearing in turn with a pinion 10 upon
the stud 11; this latter pinion is fast upon and driven by an under pinion 12 upon
the same stud 11, and this last pinion gears with the pinion V upon the end of the
vertical shaft R driven as herein before described. The stud 9 is set in a consentric
slot 13 and the stud 11 in a radial slot 14, so that the pinion 10 can be readily
changed and a proportionate alteration in the speed of the intermediate axes be
effected. The result of this combination is that whilst the intermediate axes are
themselves carried round the main shaft G, they are driven round on their own
axes at an accelerated rate and in the opposite direction, the change wheels 8
and 10 giving a ready and positive means of varying the speed and consequently
the degree of hardness of the first laying operation.
Third. Motion is communicated to the spindles B in sets of three by a train of
wheel work arranged in connection with each intermediate axis E, very similar to
the last described arrangement, a plan view of which is seen in Fig. 6, which is a
sectional plan of Fig. 1, on the line e, f.
A sleeve 14 runs loose upon each intermediate axis E, carrying at its lower end a
spur pinion 15, gearing through the idle wheel 16, with the change wheels 18,
which are similar to the change wheels herein before described, and are driven by
the spur wheel 17 fast upon the intermediate axes E; suitable concentric and
radial slots are provided in the table 6, so that the wheel 18 may be readily
changed and the relative speed altered, by which the amount of twist put into the
yarns can be adjusted to the greatest nicety. The sleeve 14 has at its upper end a
spur wheel 19 gearing with the spur pinions 20 upon the end of the spindles B; &
plan of this is seen in Fig. 7, which is a sectional plan of Fig. 1, on the line g,
h
By this combination the spindles whilst they are carried round the intermediate
axis E are likewise driven on their own axes in opposite directions, but at much
higher speed. The lower ends of the spindles B are supported in the small table 21
fast upon the intermediate axes E, whilst their upper ends are carried in the small
tables D, as before described.
Fourth. The yarns upon the bobbins are maintained at one uniform tension by

page_text: means of the flyers C, notched bobbin tops and weights 22, similar to those used in
ordinary braiding machines, the weights 22 resting upon a pin passing through
slots 23 in the spindles B. from the drop rod 24 (see Fig. 2) inside the hollow
spindles B in the manner well known in connection with braiding machinery, the
amount of tension is thus regulated by the weights 22, and which can be varied at
pleasure.
Fifth. In case of one of the yarns breaking, it will be obvious that the weight 22
appertaining to such yarn will drop until the pin supporting it comes to the bottom
of the slot 23, and this is utilised to stop the machine in the following manner :-
The intermediate spindles E are hollow and provided with drop rods 25 (see Fig. 2)
which are held up by springs 26; these drop rods through slots 27 (see Fig. 1)
support a small table 28 sliding upon the intermediate spindles, so that when a
yarn breaks the weight appertaining to it drops upon the table 28 and overcoming
the spring 26 causes the drop rod to protrude through the end of the intermediate
spindle. As the protruding rod 26 is carried round it strikes against a finger 29
upon a ring 30 supported from the main frame M (see Fig. 5) carrying it round
with it. From the ring 30 a stud 31 projects (see Fig. 1 and 5).
The setting on rod U is provided with a spring 32 giving it a tendency to fly
upwards and pull the clutch S out of gear.
When the attendant sets on the machine he pushes down the setting on rod U,
so allowing the clutch S to go into gear, and places a trigger finger 33 branching
from the setting on rod U under the stud 31, so that if a yarn breaks and the drop
rod of any one of the intermediate axes E strikes either of the fingers 29 the stud
is carried off the trigger finger 33, so allowing it to fly upwards and draw the
clutch S out of gear and so stopping the machine.
I provide friction drums 34 and 35 for drawing forward the finished cord at a
suitable rate, driven by the worm 36 and worm wheel 37, gearing with the spur
wheel W fast upon the main shaft G (see Fig. 4).
In conclusion, I would remark that, although I have only described my improve-
ments as applied to machinery for the manufacture of cotton banding, it should be
understood that the same combination of mechanism is equally useful in the
manufacture of cords or ropes from hemp, or other suitable fibrous material.
I do not confine myself to the number of spindles arranged around the inter-
mediate axes as more or less than three might be used, also more or less than three
small tables D and spindles B might be arranged around the main shaft G according
to the number of yarns and strands required to form the cord, rope, or band. It
will also be obvious that the intermediate axes E might themselves constitute the
twisting spindles by carrying bobbins and flyers, and in this latter case a cord of 3
yarns would be produced, and the small tables D and corresponding spindles B
would be dispensed with. In conclusion, I would observe, that prior to this
Invention it was necessary to supply the yarn in a twisted state to the bobbins of
this class of machinery, whereas in accordance with this Invention I take a series
of yarns or warps and wind them on the bobbins, and in drawing them off as
aforesaid I impart the requisite twisting.
I claim 1st. The general arrangement and combination of machinery for the
manufacture of ropes, cords, or bands, by which the twist can be put into any
number of yarns and laid with any degree of hardness at one operation, as herein
before described and illustrated on the accompanying Drawing.
2nd. The combination of the loose sleeve 14, spur wheel 19, and pinions 20,
when mounted and operating substantially as and for the purpose herein before
described and illustrated on the accompanying Drawing.
3rd. The change motion consisting of the spur wheels 8 and pinion 10, and the
change wheels 18, when mounted and operating substantially as and for the
purpose herein before described and illustrated on the accompanying Drawing.
4th. The vertical bobbins A, hollow spindles B, flyers C, drop rods 24, and

page_text: weights 22 for keeping the yarns at one uniform tension, as herein before described
and illustrated on the accompanying Drawing.
5th. The combination and arrangement of mechanism for automatically stopping
the machine in case of one of the yarns breaking, substantially as herein before
described and illustrated on the accompanying Drawing.
In witness whereof, I, the said George Frederick James, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this 17th day of May, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and eighty.
TACז
G. F. JAMES. (L.S.)