IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF NETS FOR FISHING AND OTHER PURPOSES
Year: 1853

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Georges Edouard Gazagnaire, of Marseilles,
in the Empire of France, and of 16, Castle Street, Holborn, in
the City of London, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE
MANUFACTURE OF NETS FOR FISHING AND OTHER PURPOSES."—A
communication.
Sealed the 10th June 1858, and dated the 20th January 1853.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said Georges Edouard
Gazagnaire at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with
his Petition and Declaration, on the 20th January 1853, pursuant
to the 9th section of the Patent Law Amendment Act, 1852.
I, GEORGES EDOUARD GAZAGNAIRE, of Marseilles, in the Empire of
France, and of 16, Castle Street, Holborn, in the City of London; do
hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
THE MANUFACTURE OF NETS FOR FISHING AND OTHER PURPOSES," com-
municated to me by a foreigner residing abroad, to be as follows:-
- Figure 1, represents an elevation of the machine. Figure 2, a 'plan
As these two Figures are of too great dimensions to be
shewn in a sheet of the required size, a part of the machine is shewn
in Sheet 2, indicated by the lines X, Y, and v', '. Figure 8, repre-
sents a side view of the machine..

page_text: The different parts constituting the machine are as follows:-Two
lateral frameworks A, and B, and an intermediate framework, fixed
to each other by the front cross beam D, a bench E, and the two
back cross pieces F, G, the three interior cross pieces H, I, J, serving
as resting points to the moving pieces of the machine. The piece L
supports the blades. The bar M is the bar of the needles. The
workman turns the handle N, on the shaft of which is a pinion v,
gearing with a wheel P, connected with the pinion Q; the two latter
are loose on their bearings. The pinion Q gears with the wheel R,
set on the shaft S, and transmitting its rotary motion to the shaft T, by
means of the pinion U, and of the wheel V; this latter has a diameter
double that of the pinion U. The shaft T thus only performs one
revolution, while the shaft S makes two. One rotation of the shaft T
produces two operations, that is to say, that if in an operation of the
machine four hundred meshes are made, a rotation of the shaft T will
produce eight hundred; and as in the first operation the mesh must
be taken to the right, and in the second to the left, it is essential that
the working eccentrics fixed on the shaft T should have a differ-
ence in their effect, that is to say, that they should produce these two
motions. Without this circumstance the two shafts T, and S, would
have the same rapidity of motion.
I will now explain the motions that are required for a range of
knots or meshes, so as to show how to proceed with the series, and
how to class and develope them separately.
The net begun must have all its meshes hanging on small needles
with curved points (see Figure 4), kept at equal distances by ratchet
teeth fixed to the bar of the needles M; each needle has a basis
retained between two of these teeth, so as it may bear the tension when
the machine is at work The first operation gives a half turn to the
needles, so that all the meshes are crossed, and at once pass from the
position shown in Figure 5, to that represented in Figure 6. In this
position the piece that binds X, and which is furnished with a number of
teeth equal to those of the needles, lowers. The teeth of this piece are
arranged as indicated in Figures 7; and 8. In this position the points
of each tooth of this piece are placed to the left of the crossed string.
The second point of the tooth forming a fork with the first takes then the

page_text: string by a motion of the machine without the trunnion of this piece
changing its position; the piece which ties turns of itself, and each
point of the teeth issues from between the two branches of the thread
or string taken by the needle; the blades bear small hooks, shaped
like bayonets (represented Figures 9, and 10), and are situated between
the needles; at this moment they advance, and are maintained in this
position by the latch that each blade bears, and which acts against the
ratchet of the bench E; the backward motion is produced by copper
springs fixed to the support I, and at the lower part of the blades,
which they keep drawn back. At this moment, in the hole of each
tooth which makes the knots, and by the motion of the machine, a
needle passes, whose length is equal to the width of the net; the split
head of this needle is then placed outside, the last tooth of the tyeing
piece; the string from the reel k, is placed in it, and in its motion the
needle deposits it in the hole of the teeth, and before each bayonet
shaped hook. The part z, consists of a small car or traveller rolling on
two rollers, having at its upper part a tooth with a rectilinear motion
on the bar a, passing under the latchets of each blade, which raises and
unhooks them one after another; the bayonets that these bear go
backwards, dragging with them a certain portion of the string that
passed in the holes of the teeth of the piece making the knot, and then
each of these bayonets makes a new mesh, of which the length may be
varied, by retaining them more or less distant from the end of the
needles. The piece that ties is developed, and ascending again lowers
on the side not furnished with teeth, passes the knots made which
have remained on the needles which have turned the knotting piecè,
again presents the heel to avoid the string passing beyond, the press
serving to stretch the net acts in such manner as to tighten the knots,
and the knotting piece ascends to begin a second operation.
So as to make it better understood how the knotting is effected
I will describe this operation separately. The net begun is hooked
on to the needles, as indicated in Figure 5, after which the needles
having made half a turn, it is then as represented in Figure 6. In
this position the string on the right d, is on the opposite string. It
is at the point a¹, that the first branch of the teeth of the piece
that makes the knots seizes the string "between it and the other

page_text: branch which is in the crossing of the mesh. Figures 7, and 8, repre-
sent one of the teeth of the knotting piece as when seizing the
string elevation, and plan view. The string seized by this tooth at
the point a' is between the two branches of the tooth at the point b'.
When the string is caught the knotting piece turns and makes a
sideway motion, so that the point p¹ of the tooth issues from the point
g¹ in a tangent at the end of the needle; when the knotting piece has
ceased its motion it is then in the position indicated by the black lines
on Figure 9. Then the tooth has on the greater branch the crossing
of the string; the part of the string marked a remains between the
prongs of the tooth; its continuation d' on the other side of the
crossing then places itself on the right of the tooth, as well as the part
.m; the part remains on the left, beside the great branch; in this
position the bayonets advance, impelled by the bar C, and take the
position indicated in red. It is at this moment that the string from
the reel passes through the hole of each tooth, and by this position is
knotted to the mesh that is in the tooth. It is then that the piece, a,
and the tooth of the same, raising the latches of each blade, the copper
springs are set in action, and the blades may return to their position;
thus it is easily understood that the latter drawing the string between
the teeth of the knotting piece makes a new mesh. The knotting
piece being developed, and in ascending having turned to go beyond the
knots after the needles in lowering, it is then that the needles come
and seize the mesh in turning upwards the hooks of each needle which
were turned downwards. The knotting piece divides the two branches
of the mesh on each side of the needle, the blades lowering as they
advance deposit the mesh on the end of the needles, and the string
hooking on to these needles occupies the same position as the string of
which the several movements have been just described. Figures 11,
12, and 13, indicate the kind of knot obtained by this machine; it is
similar to that obtained by hand.
The motions of the different parts of the machine may thus be
divided:-
1st. Motion of the needles.

page_text: 5th Motion of the needles.
6th Motion of the car.
7th. Motion causing the blade to lower.
8th. Pressing motion.
Figure 14, represents the shape of the first eccentric of the needles.
Figure 15,
ditto
the second
ditto.
Figure 16, represents the eccentrics of the dividers of the knotting
piece.
Figure 17, represents the eccentric of the knotting piece.
Figure 18, represents the eccentric impelling the blades.
Figure 19, represents the eccentric of the great needle.
Figure 20, represents the first eccentric of the car.
Figure 21, represents the second eccentric of the car.
Figure 22, represents the eccentric that lowers the blades.
Figure 10, represents the blade, the needle, and the tooth that makes
the knot.
The following is a detailed description of the several movements:-
First, Motion of the needles: As herein-before described, the needles
seize the mesh once on the right and once on the left, but they always
cross the string on the same side, viz., from left to right. From this it
may be seen that the motion to be produced consists in giving three
half turns to the right to the needles, and half a turn to the left; to
accomplish this with more facility the wheel b, fixed to the mover c, of
the motion of the needles, half the size of the one bearing on it, so
as only to produce this effect by quarters of rotation, that is to say,
three quarters of a turn to the right and one quarter to the left, to
produce which effect I employ two eccentrics e, d, the first e, which
effects the three quarters of a turn to the right, has on its circum-
ference three cams, of which the montée is similar, they act on the
pulley of the lever f, communicating by the crank 9, with the lever h;
this latter has at its extremity a second crank i, which seizes the lever
, from the catch of the four toothed ratchet 7, and every time the cam
passes the lever lowers, taking with it the four toothed ratchet, and
giving it a quarter of a turn, the lever ascends again, the spherical
counterweight fixed at the other extremity of the lever causing it to

page_text: rise; it is only the third time that the cam keeps the catch of the
ratchets lowered, so that at the moment of the retrograde-motion-the
catch may ascend to its former position. The retrograde motion is
caused by the second eccentric d, of which the ascent of the cam
coincides with the descent of that of the other eccentrice; then when
the pulley of the lever o ascends the crank m; elevates the small
lever n, bearing the crank o of the divider, which has pointed: teeth p,
gearing with the wheel q, fixed in the same socket as the chain-wheel
r, through which the shaft s, passes. When the following cam makes
the ratchet 1, take the tooth, the wheel in turning ungears' the divider.
The motion is then transmitted to the wheel b, by a Vaucanson chain.
The small chain wheel-b, thus produces the required effect, as well as
the angle wheels fixed on its sbaft; the latter gear with other similar
wheels fixed on Scranks, which 'regulate the bar perforated, and
receiving the crank of each' needle.
.
Secondly, Motion of the knotting piece: Four eccentrics u, v;` x, y,
produce this motion, but as two coincide with the other two I will only
describe the motion. There is a double motion in the action of the
piece the motion by which it ascends and descends, and that by
which it returns these motions often act independently and sometimes
together, according to the effect to be produced; that which causes the
piece to turn needs to be set in equilibrium, as the trunnion of the
latter..being sideways when it is horizontal, it is necessary that
the sectors a, b, may be able to maintain them in this position. The
second eccentrics v; y, act upon the pulley of the two levers c, d, and
communicate with the sector by the two cranks ef; the equilibrium is
made by means of counterweights acting on the levers g, h, of which
the centre of oscillation is upon the supports i, j;. the two levers are
connected with the harness levers c, d, by two small cranks; the motion
causing the piece to ascend and descend is simply given by the eccen-
trics u,, acting on the pulleys of the knees l, m, the latter by the
cranks n, o, set in motion, the levers p, q, bearing the pieces; it
being necessary to balance the weight of the latter, weights are placed
on the knees......
:
Thirdly, Side mötion of the knotting piece: This motion is effected
by means of two washers fixed on the wheels r, s, of the knotting
.

page_text: piece, in which hollows and projections are made oppositê to one
another. Abutment pieces are fixed to the levers p, q, from the
piece z, and as it turns it executes side motions, as required for the
knots it makes..
Fourthly, Motion causing the bayonets to .advance: The two
eccentrics t, u, effect this motion on the pulleys of the harness levers
v, a; the latter, by means of cranks y, z, lower the two knee levers
A, B, which are connected by a cross beám C, passing behind the
other blades and making them advance when they recede it is by
copper springs fixed at their lower part.
Fifthly, Motion of the needle: A single eccentric D, produces it; it
is on the-pulley of the harness lever E, that the cam of the eccentric.
operates. The motion is transmitted to the harness lever F, by the
crank G; at the extremity of this harness lever is fixed a band or
strap, which, passing on the return pulley H, has a pull on the small
pulley I, of the drum J; the latter, by a combination of ropes.attached
to the framework of the needle L, produces the throw motion of the
latter, which slides in the groove M; its return is effected by à
counterweight fixed to a rope passing on the second pulley of the drum
J, and making-it turn in a contrary direction
Sixthly, Motion of the car or 'traveller: The two eccentrics N, O,
have opposite curves, that is to say, the projecting curves of the one
are inward. to the other; they produce their effect upon the pulley of
the two harness levers P, Q; the latter: by bands passing on the return
pulleys R, S, send backwards and forwards the ratchet T,-gearing with
the pinion U, on the shaft of which is fixed a small drum V; the latter
turns once to the right and once to the left; by a combination of ropes
it effects the throw and backward motion of the car X, (called Che-
vallet,) rolling on the bar a, and of which the range equals the width
of the net being manufactured.
Seventhly, Motion causing the blades to descend: The support of
the blades F., is effected by two springs Y, Z, rolled on 'two'rods fixed
on the bar H, and in the two sockets fixed on the support of the
springs I. It is by the two cranks a, b, fixed by one extremity to the
lower piece of the support of the blades, and by the other extremity
to the two harness levers, bearing pulleys c, d, on which two ecen-

page_text: trics e, f, act; when the cam passes the harness levers lowers and.
carries away the support which tightens these two springs; imme-
diately the cam is passed the two springs act and send the support
back to its place; this motion acts in concert with that which causes
the blades to advance.
Eighthly, Pressing motion: This motion is produced also by an
eccentric g, acting on a pulley fixed to the harness levers h, the object
of which is to tighten the knots as they are made; the regular tension
is given by a counterweight i, attached to a rope rolled on the drum j,
having a catch which acts on the teeth of a ratchet 1, fixed upon a
roller m. The catch of the lever of the pressing motion acts in
réceding; the balance n, of the catch o, strikes against a small pulley
p, of which the position is regulated, and frees the second ratchet q,
fixed at the other end of the roller; then at the moment that the
knotting piece surrounds the net the work in pulling lifts the counter-
weight attached to the drum j, and causes the net to recede; and
afterwards, by the pull of the weight, everything is restored to its
former position, when it is stretched.
I claim as new in this Invention,―
First, the herein described method of manufacturing mechanically
the meshes and knots of nets for fishing and other purposes.
Secondly, the herein described means of setting in motion the
different moveable pieces of the machine, so as to cause them to take
the required positions for the manufacture of meshes and knots.
In witness whereof, I, the said Georges Edouard Gazagnaire,
have hereunto set my hand and seal, the Eighteenth day of
January, One thousand eight hundred and fifty-three.
GEORGES EDOUARD GAZAGNAIRE.
(1.8.)
GEORGES EDOUARD GAZAGNAIRE. (L. s.)