Improvements in and relating to Sliver Forming and Spinning Mechanism.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 9th Oct., 1894
Complete Specification Left, 4th July, 1895-Accepted, 10th Aug., 1895
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Sliver Forming and Spinning
Mechanism.
We, JAMES NEALE, of 188, Lexington Avenue, in the City of Brooklyn, in
the County of Kings and State of New York, United States of America,
Machinist, and WILLIAM OSCAR SHADBOLT, of 492, Putnam Avenue, in the
same City, County and State, Manufacturer, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to means for forming a sliver from fibre, said sliver to be
spun
into yarn as fast as formed. lt.relates also to means for feeding the fibretto
the sliver-forming mechanism proper.
The mechanism employed comprises, as its essentials, a sliver-guide, which is a
contracted passage through which the sliver passes, as formed, to the spinning or
twisting mechanism, a vibrating fibre-feeder adapted to take a portion of fibre and
carry its bight into the axis of the sliver being formed in the guide, and means for
supplying fibre to said fibre-feeder. The sliver-guide is provided with a tension
device to hold it against rotation while the sliver is being twisted:
As a fibre-feeder we may employ a reciprocating hook, moving in line with the
sliver-guide; but we prefer to employ a longitudinally reciprocating rod or needle,
aligned with the axis of the sliver-guide und having a notch in its front end which
engages a portion of the fibre, pushes its bight into the axis of the sliver in the
guide, and then withdraws, leaving the fibre in place. Any well known mechanism
may be used to impart a reciprocating movement to the feeder or needle.
To supply the fibre to the vibrating feeder, we may employ hand labor, or partly
hand labor and partly automatic mechanism. We prefer to employ an automatic
mechanism having the parts hereinafter mentioned. The attendant spreads the
fibre transversely on a travelling apron, in a rather thin layer, and this apron,
through a pressure roller, transfers the layer of fibre to the surfaces of two drums
mounted on the same shaft and set a little way apart thereon. These drums,
which are alike, are covered with a fabric resembling card-clothing in the teeth of
which the fibres cling, extending across the space between the drums. The drums
are situated in front of the sliver-guide, and the feeding needle vibrates in the
space between them in such a manner as to take its successive supplies of fibre
from the drums as they slowly revolve.
Any well-known twisting and take-up mechanism may be employed.
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page_text: Improvements in and relating to Sliver Forming and Spinning
Mechanism.
We, JAMES NEADE, of 188, Lexington Avenue, in the City of Brooklyn, in
the County of Kings and State of New York, United States of America,
Machinist, and WILLIAM OSCAR SHADBOLT,, of 492, Putnam Avenue, in the
same City, County and State, Manufacturer, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
This invention relates to means for forming a sliver from fibre, said sliver to be
spun into yarn as fast as formed. It relates also to means 'for feeding the fibre to
the sliver-forming mechanism proper.
The mechanism employed comprises, as its essentials, a'sliver-guide, which is a
'contracted passage through which the sliver passes, as formed, to the spinning or
twisting mechanism, a vibrating fibre-feeder adapted to take a portion of fibre and
carry its bight into the axis of the sliver being formed in the guide, and means for
supplying fibre to said fibre-feeder. The sliver-guide is provided with a' tension
device to hold it against rotation while the sliver is being twisted.
As a fibre-feeder, we may employ a reciprocating 'hook, moving in line with the
aliver-guide; but we prefer to employ a longitudinally reciprocating rod or needle,
aligned with the axis,of: the sliver guide and having a notch in its front end which
engages a portion of, the fibre, pushes its bight into the axis of the sliver in the
guide, and then withdraws; leaving the fibre in place. Any well known mechanism
may be used to impart a reciprocating movement to the feeder or needle.
To supply the fibre to the vibrating feeder, we may employ hand labor, or
partly band labor and partly automatic mechanism. We prefer to employ an
automatic mechanism having the parts hereinafter mentioned. The attendant
spreads the fibre transversely on a travelling apron, in a rather thin layer, and this
apron, through 'a' pressure roller, transfers the layer of fibre to the surfaces of two
drums mounted on. the same shaft and set a little way apart thereon. These
drums, which are alike, are covered with a fabric resembling icard-clothing in the
teeth of which the fibres cling, extending across the space between the drums.
The drums are situated in front of the sliver-guide, and the feeding needle vibrates
in the space between them in such a manner us to take its successive supplies of
fibre from the drums as they slowly revolve.
Any, well known twisting and take-up mechanism may be employed.
In the accompanying drawings, which illustrate two similar forms and
embodiments of the invention, Fig. 1' is a side elevation of the entire machine
on, a comparatively small scale; showing both the sliver-forming and spinning
mechanisms. Fig. 2 is a plan view, on a larger scale, of the sliver-forming
mechanism with automatic supplying mechanism; and Fig. 3 is a vertical,longi-
tudinal section of same in the plane indicated by line', in Fig. 2. Fig. 34 is a
longitudinal section, on a larger scale, of the sliver-guide and adjacent mechanism,
the needle-like pusher being seen in side elevation; and Fig. 3 is a cross-section
on line 3 in Fig. 34. Fig. 3º is a detached fragmentary view of the ratchet
device, on a larger scale than Fig. 3, and Fig. 3" is a detail view of the slot in the
pawl-arm on, a large scale. Fig. 3 represents in cross-section and side elevation,
the tension-plate, on a large scale, detached. Figs. 4 and 5 are, respectively, a
side elevation and plan of another form of the sliver-forming mechanism having a
different fibre-supplying device from that illustrated in the principal views.
Referring primarily to Figures 1, 2, 3, 34 and 3, A represents in general the
fibre-supplying and sliver-forming mechanism, and B the spinning or twisting
mechanism, sometimes called a Jenny. This latter, while especially well adapted

page_text: for use in my apparatus, has no novelty in itself and is introduced to illustrate the
entire apparatus and to indicate approximately the relative proportions of the
parts. represents the main frame, 2 the twisting or spinning head, 3 the take-up
sheaves, 4 the guide-sheaves, and the spool on which the yarn is automatically
wound as twisted. This spool has an end wise movement for laying the yarn
spirally as wound; this movement is imparted by a double-spiral device, 6, and the
spool is rotated through the medium of a belt, 7. from a driving shaft, 8, below.
Figures 2 and 3 best illustrate the fibre-supplying and sliver-forming mechanism,
in connection with the detached views, Figs. 34 and 3B.
9 is an endless travelling apron. on which the fibre, z, is laid and spread somewhat
evenly by the hands of the operator. The apron, as here shown, moves in the
direction indicated by the arrow and the fibre extends transversely of the line of
motion. 10 is a roller which, in connection with a guide, or conductor, 11, takes
the layer of fibre from the apron 9, and delivers it to a pair of drums, 12, covered
with card clothing, 12, or some material of a similar character which will hold
the fibre when the latter is pressed into the wire brush-surface by the roller 10.
The apron 9, roller 10, and drums 12, will have the same, or substantially the same
Burface speed. The drums 12 are of the same diameter and are fixed on the same
shaft, 13, in such a manner as to leave between then a space for the sliver-
forming mechanism, to be hereinafter described. The fibre taken up from the
apron 9 extends across this space between the drums, its extremities being held
by the wires or teeth of the brush-surface on the drums. In Fig. 2, I have only
shown the fibre 2 at one point on the surface of the drums.; this will suffice to
illustrate the operation without obscuring the mechanical features.
It will be understood, then, that the fibre-carrying drums 12 rotate inter-
mittently in the direction indicated by the arrow in Fig. 3, carrying a thin lap
or sheet of fibre z up and over the tops of the drums and down on the other or
front side of the same, where it is taken off, as presented by the drums, by the
sliver-forming mechanism. This mechanism will now be described.
A block or cylinder, 14, is mounted on the frame 1, in front of the twister 3,
and has in it a bore or passage, 15, which is aligned with the axis of the twister
and forms a guide for the sliver, 2. In the block 14 is a longitudinal slot to
receive a tension plate, 16, the, lower edge of which rests on the slivor in the
guide. We prefer to form in the lower edge of this plate, (see Fig. 3B) a narrow
groove, 16, so that when there is very little fibre in the guide the plate will bite
or press into the same. This groove may be enlarged at the end, as seen at 16",
so that when the feeding pusher enters it will not strike the plate. The plate 16 is
pressed down by means of a lever, 17, and weight, 17, with a view to providing
an adjustable yielding pressure.
Mounted to reciprocate in bearings, 183, in front of the block 14, is a sliding
bar, 18, to which a reciprocating movement is imparted by any suitable mechanism,
and carried by this bar 18, is a needle-like pusher, 19, which is aligned with the
axis of the sliver-guide 15. This pusher has a forked point, 19, (seen in Fig. 3*,)
adapted to take into the bight of an increment of fibre on the drums 12, and carry
the same into the axis of the sliver which is being formed at the mouth of the
sliver-guide. We prefer to provide the pusher 19, with a grooved guide, 19", and
to suspend in front of the sliver-guide a shield, 20, having a fork or notch in its
lower, pendent edge through which the pusher pushes the bight of the increment
of fibre, but we do not consider these features indispensable in the construction
seen in the principal views. The function of the shield 20 is to fold the fibre
up against the sides of the pusher as the bight of the fibre is carried through the
open notch in the guide.
÷
The pusher, in its advance, carries the bight of the increment of fibre into the
sliver in the guide far enough for the sliver to hold or retain it when the pusher
draws back. The mechanism here shown for reciprocating the pusher-bar com-
prises a cross-shaft, 21, mounted in bearings on that portion of the main frame.
which projects into the space between the drums 12. This shaft is driven from

page_text: an upright ebaft, 22, through the medium of gears, 23. On the shaft 21, is an
eccentric, 24, in a yoke on a connecting-rod, 25, which is coupled at its forward
end to the pusher-bar. The shaft 22 may be driven from any convenient source,
but preferably from the same source as the jenny, so that all the parts of the
apparatus may operate in unison.
The drums 12 are driven intermittently from the pusher-bar. Ou the shalt 13,
between the drums is mounted loosely a radial pawl-arm, 26, which carries a
spring-pawl, 27, the nose of which engages a fine-toothed ratchet, 28, on the end
of one of the drums. The pawl-arm 26 is vibrated by means of a stud, 29, on
the pusher-bar, which stud plays to and fro in a cain-slot, 30, in a branch or part
of the pawl-arm. This elot has a slight upward incline at its rear or inner end,
and when the pusher-bar shall have moved back far enough for the point of the
pusher to clear the fibre on the drums, the stud 29, by entering the inclined portion
of the cam-slot, will draw down the pawl-arm and cause the pawl thereon to
advance the drums far enough to bring another increment of fibre in front of the
pusher. The forward movement of the pusher-bar retracts the pawl.
As here shown, the apron 9 is driven from the drums through the medium of a
belt, 31, connecting a pulley on the drum-shaft 13, with a pulley on one of the
rollers carrying the apron; and the roller 10 is driven from the same roller on the
apron through a cross-belt, 32, and suitable pulleys. This driving mechanism may,
however, be varied to suit the circumstances and conditions and is within the skill
and knowledge of any good mechanic.
The apparatus above described is substantially automatic in its fibre-supplying
mechanism, and one operative may attend a number of such machines.
In Figures 4 and 5, we have illustrated', in plan and elevation, another forin of
apparatus in which the fibre-supplying mechanism differs from that described, and
is less automatic in its character. In these views the pusher, its bar and guide,
the sliver-guide, and the shield 20, are substantially the same as those already
described. In lieu of the drums 12, however, I arrange at each side of the
pusher-guide two fibre-holders, 12, in the nature of hackles; that is, each
comprises a board or surface in which are set upright teeth, wires or needles.
The fibre, held at its ends by the teeth, lies in a sort of pocket formed in the
pusher-guide and the shield 20, just above the path of the pusher. As the pusher
draws back, an increment of the fibre is pushed down into a small lower pocket
in the path of the pusher by a tucker, 33. This tucker is hinged to a lever, 34,
fulerumed at 34, and is coupled at its pendent end to a connecting-rod, 35:
This connecting-rod has an eccentric yoke which embraces an eccentric, 36, ou
the transverse shaft 21.
The extent of movement of the tucker is not great and it may be varied by
means of the slotted, adjustable connection of the lever 34 with the rod 35. The
tip or nose of the tucker may have a slight groove the better to gather the fibres
and press them down.
The device 19, which we have called a pusher is slender, smooth and in form
like a needle provided with a forked tip to aggregate and gather a portion of the
fibre and is aligned with the sliver-guide, so that in its forward movement it pushes
the bight of the increment of fibre into the mass of fibre in the guide. Other
forms of pushers might be utilized; but this specific needle-like 'form is well
adapted for lodging the bight of the fibre in or near the axis of the mass in
the guide. Of course it is not at all essential that the pusher shall strike each
fibre at the middle of its length nor will it usually do so; indeed the fibres might
be so placed that the pusher would strike them near their ends. The teeth or
points on the fibre-holders or carriers, represented in one form by the cylinders 12
and in the other by the stationary hackles 12", are teusion devices for the fibres
and serve to keep the latter straight and untangled while being drawn into the
guide. If the cylinders or drums 12 are made to move very slowly, they might
move' continuously with good results, but a measured intermittent movement is
preferred.
:
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page_text: Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this inven-.
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, we claim
1. In a slivér forming and spinning mechanism, the improved means for forming
the sliver, comprising a sliver-gilide, a tension device for the sliver in the "guide,
means for drawing the sliver longitudinally through the guide as formed by
successive supplies of fibre added thereto, a vibrating fibre-feeder having its path.
aligned with the sliver-guide and terminating at the mouth of said guide, and.
mechanism for imparting movement to said féeder, substantially as set forth.
2. A sliver-forming mechanism "comprising a tubular sliver-guide, a vibrating
fibre-feeder, the path of which is aligned with said guide and terminates in the
mouth of the same, means for imparting vibrations to said feeder and means for
drawing the sliver through its guide in proportion as supplies of fibre are added
thereto, whereby a continuous sliver is formed, as set forth.
3. In a sliver-forming and spinning mechanism, the mechanism for forming the
sliver, comprising a sliver-guide, a tension device for the sliver in the guide, means.
for drawing the sliver through the guide as formed by successive supplies of fibre.
added thereto, a reciprocating bar, a pusher 19, carried by the bar and having a
fork or recess at its front end, said pusher being aligned with the axis of the sliver-
guide, and means for feeding the fibre in small portions in front of said pusher,
whereby the bight of the portion of the fibre is carried into the core or heart of
the sliver in the guide.
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4. In a sliver-forming and spinuing mechanism,, the mechanism for forming the
sliver, comprising a sliver-guide, a tension device for the sliver in the guide, means
for drawing the sliver through the guide as formed, a reciprocating pusher-bar, a
pusher carried by said bar, said pusher being aligned with the axis of the sliver-
guide and provided with a fork or recess in its tip, a pusher-guide, a forked
shield 20 through which the pusher plays, a tension device and holder for retaining
the fibre in position transversely of the path of the pusher, and means for feeding
the fibre in small quantities into the path of the pusher, substantially as set
forth.
5. In a sliver-forming and spinning mechanism, the mechanism for forming the
sliver, comprising a sliver-guide, a tension device for the sliver, means for drawing
the sliver through the guide as it is formed, a reciprocating pusher aligned with.
the sliver-guide and adapted to push the bight, of a supply of fibre into the mouth
of the guide, a tension device for the fibre arranged to hold the latter in position
transversely of the path of the pusher, said device comprising a backing beset.
with numerous teeth, and means for feeding said fibre, thus held in small quantities.
across the path of the pusher, substantially as set forth.
6. In a sliver-forming and spinning mechanism, the combination with a sliver-.
guide and a reciprocating pusher for pushing the bight of a supply of fibre into
the mouth of the said guide, of the drums 12, studded with teeth to hold and put
a tension ou the fibre, the axes of the drums being transversely to the path of the
pusher, aud said drums being arranged at opposite sides of the pusher, and means
for rotating said drums whereby the fibre is brought in front of the pusher,
substantially as set forth.
7. The combination with the spaced drums 12, provided with closely set teeth,.
the travelling apron 9, to receive the fibre, and the roller 10 and conductor 11,
arranged to transfer the fibre from the apron to said drums, of the sliver-guide, of
the needle 19, the reciprocating pusher-bar 18, carrying the pusher and arranged
between the drums, and mechanism intermediate to the said pusher bar and drums,
substantially as described, whereby the said bar imparts intermittent rotary
motion to the drums at each backward movement of the pusher, substantially
as set forth.
8. In a sliver-forming mechanism; the combination with a sliver-guide, and a.
reciprocating pusher aligned with said guide, of a tension device or holder for the
fibre comprising two sections arranged on opposite sides of the pusher and each.

page_text: '
- consisting of a backing arranged transversely to the path of the pusher, the
surfaces. of said backing being studded with numerous teeth to receive the fibro,
and means for feeding the fibre so held by the tension device, in small quantities
into the path of the pusher, substantially as set forth.
Dated the 3rd day of July 1895.