IMPROVEMENTS IN MANUFACTURE OF MESHED AND LOOPED FABRICS AND OTHER WEAVINGS, AND IN RAISING PILE ON LOOPED FABRICS AND OTHER WEAVINGS
Year: 1851

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, wc, JOHN
and JAMES THORNTON, both of Melbourne, in the County of Derby, Mechanics,
send greeting.
WHEREAS Her present most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Royal Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the United Kingdom of
Great Britain and Ireland, bearing date at Westminster, the Nineteenth
day of December, One thousand eight hundred and fifty-one,) in the fifteenth
year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant
unto us, the said John and James Thornton, our exors, adññiors, and assigns,
Her especial licence, full power, sole privilege and authority, that we, the
said John and James Thornton, our exors, adñiors, and assigns, or such
others as we, the said John and James Thornton, our exors, adñiors, or
assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time
and at all times during the term of years therein expressed, should and
lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within England, Wales, and
the Town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, our Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
MANUFACTURE OF MESHED AND LOOPED FABRICS AND OTHER WEAVINGS, AND IN
RAISING PILE ON LOOPED FABRICS AND OTHER WEAVINGS;" in which said Letters
Patent is contained. a proviso that we, the said John and James Thornton,
or one of us, shall cause a particular description of the nature of our said
Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, by an instru-
ment in writing under our hands and seals, or under the hand or seal of
one of us, to be inrolled in Her Majesty's High Court of Chancery within
six calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said in part

page_text: recited Letters Patent, as in and by the same, reference being thereunto had,
will more fully and at large appear.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, we, the said
John and James Thornton, do hereby declare that the nature of our said
Invention, and the manner in which the same is to be performed, are fully
described and ascertained in and by the following statement thereof, reference
being had to the Drawings hereunto annexed, and to the figures and letters
marked thereon, that is to say:-
Our Invention consists, first, of improvements in manufacturing meshed
fabrics.
Secondly, our Invention consists of improvements in the manufacture of piled
warp fabrics, by producing pile on both sides of the fabric by warp machinery.
Thirdly, our Invention consists of making pile warp fabrics with the suc-
ceeding rows of pile being of different lengths.
Fourthly, our Invention consists of manufacturing felted knit fabrics, the
body or ground of the fabric being composed of yarn of felting material, and
the pile of non-felting material.
And in order that our Invention may be most fully understood, and readily
carried into effect, we will proceed to describe the means pursued by us.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS MARKED A.
The nature of each of the views shown by the Drawings being written
thereon, it will not be necessary to repeat the same here; and it will only be
desirable to remark, that the same letters of reference are used to indicate
the same parts in all the Figures. The machinery is so arranged that each
two neighbouring threads are formed into and drawn through a loop produced
in their length by the working of the machinery, thus forming a tight knot,
the several threads being so worked that any two neighbouring ones having
been tied together they do not again, at their next process, knot together; on
the contrary, two neighbouring threads having met and having been formed
into a loop, and both having been drawn through such loop and thus formed
into a fast knot, they separate and pair and knot with other threads, one
pairing and knotting with its neighbouring thread to the right hand, and
the other thread pairing and knotting with its neighbouring thread to the
left hand; then at the next time of pairing they again pair and knot
together, and so on. This is supposing that the fabric is to be composed
of plain net; but this may be varied: the arrangements shown, however,
are for making nets, as above explained; and it is a peculiarity of this
mode of knotting, that in addition to cach two neighbouring threads being

page_text: fastened together by a tight knot, each thread makes a knot in itself, by
reason of each thread in knotting with its neighbouring thread also being
caused to pass through a loop formed in its own length. The workman
keeping this peculiar mode of knotting in his mind, will more readily follow
the description of the working of the various parts of the machinery. The
threads are wound on bobbins which are placed in carriages a, a, similar to
those employed in bobbin net or twist lace machinery, and they work in two
comb bars b, b, one of which is caused to rise and fall, and the other to swing
to and fro, as hereafter explained. The carriages a, a, are retained in the
combs by means of springs c, c, there being a projection or convex form
given to the under side of each carriage, so that when the carriages are forced
into their combs beyond the ends of their springs, they will be locked or
retained in the combs in such manner as to prevent them dropping out
therefrom when the combs descend and dip downwards, as is shewn in the
Drawings. The front and back comb bars are worked by means of cams fixed
on the main shaft A. The cams B, by means of the levers B¹, gives motion to
the front comb bar so as to raise the same; and this is done by the levers B
being connected by links B2 to the levers B³, which by links B is connected to
the sliding bar B, at each end of the machine. The sliding bars B³ slide in
sockets or eyes carried by the lever B, which turns or moves on an axis at its
lower end, as is shown; and the spring B' has at all times a tendency to
force this lever Be towards the left-hand end of the machine. The axes or
necks of the front comb bar bare carried by the sliding bars B', which, as
before explained, are raised and allowed to fall by the cams B, there being
counterbalance weights and straps B³, B, to assist in raising and for tilting the
front comb bar, and such front comb bar 6 is governed in its tilting or turning
on its axes by means of the cam C which acts on the lever C', there being a
bracket on the lever C through which the bar or link C passes, and at its
upper end is connected by a pin joint to the front of the front comb bar b:
when the cam C depresses the lever C it brings the bracket C³ thercon in
contact with the projection C' on the bar or link Cs and depresses it, and
consequently brings the combs to range with the other combs for the pas-
sage of the carriages from one to the other. At each end of the front
comb bar there is a short bar C³ attached by a pin joint which slides"
through an eye fixed to the sliding bar B5; and by screw nuts at the ends.
of the short bars C³ the extent of movement of the front comb bar on its
axes is regulated; the front, comb bar is shogged endwise towards the
right-hand end of the machine by a lace wheel D, the comb bar being at
all times pressed by a spring, before mentioned, with a tendency to move
it towards the left-hand end of the machine. The back comb bar b is worked

page_text: in the following manner :-E is a cam on the main shaft A, which gives
motion to the lower end of the lover E¹ which moves on an axis at E2, and by
means of a connecting link E³ the lever E¹ is attached to the back of the back
comb bar, the connections at the ends of the link E being by means of ball
and socket joints, as is shewn. The back comb bar b is suspended on arms or
links E, so as to allow it to be moved to and from the front comb bar.
There are three point bars in this machine, F, G, H, which are worked in the
following manner :-The front point bar F and the back point bar G have
each one half as many points as there are carriages, and the lower point bar H
has also half as many points as there are carriages. The front point bar F
is worked in the following manner:-On the main shaft A there are two
cams F for raising and lowering the front point bar F, such cams acting on
levers F, which, by means of connecting rods Fs, attached to the levers F and
to arms on the spindle bar F, give motion to the spindle bar F, and the front
point bar is suspended by links F to arms on the spindle bar F. The to-and-fro
motions of the front point bar F are obtained thereto by means of two cams F
fixed on the main shaft A. The cams F act on the levers FF, which, by the
bent connecting rods FS, give motion to the front point bar F towards and
from the back of the machine. This front point bar F, and also the other
two, are constantly moved towards the left-hand end of the machine by
springs, and they are moved towards the right-hand end of the machine by
means of lace wheels shown in the Drawings. The back point bar G is
actuated in the following manner :-It is suspended by bent links or bars G¹,
and it receives a to-and-fro motion by means of the arms G on the main
shaft A, which act on the levers Gs, which, by means of the connecting links
Gattached to arms G affixed to the back of the back point bar, give motion
to that point bar. The lower point bar H is actuated in the following man-
ner It has necks or axes at its ends, which are received in bearings in the
upper ends of the sliding bar H', and it has regulating screws H which slide
against the fixed guides H³ which prevent the lower point bar coming too for-
ward. The sliding bars E' move in eyes or sockets fixed in the levers II*, and
an up-and-down motion is communicated to the lower point bar by means of
cams H* fixed on the main shaft or axis A, together with the weights H5, which
at all times have a tendency to raise this point bar. The cams H' act on the
levers H, which, by means of connecting rods I, give motion to the
levers H', which, by means of the links Hs, give motion to the sliding rods or
bars H; and in order to cause the lower point bar H to be tilted back at the
proper time there is a cam H° which acts on the lever H, which, by means
of the connecting rod EI", on which there is a nut H, which coming against
the arm H on the back of the lower point bar H (through which the con-

page_text: necting rod passes), tilts the lower point bar H. In order to push the work
off the back points there is a blade I carried by arms on links 1'; and motion to
and from the front of the machine is obtained to this blade I by means
of cains I fixed on the main shaft A, which act on levers I³, there being
connecting links I' attached to the arms I fixed on the back of the blade bar I;
In order to give motion to the carriages in their combs, front and back pusher
bars are used. The front pusher bar J carries half as many pushers as there
are carriages, and motion is given to these pusher bars in the following
manner: The front pusher bar J is suspended by means of links, the bar. J
being guided in its swing by means of curved guides J at each end of the
machine, against which the trucks of the arms J fixed to the bar J come; on
the main shaft A are fixed two cams J which act on the levers J³, which,
by means of connecting links J, give motion to the levers J5, to which thic
suspending links of the front pusher bar J are attached by pin joints. The back
pusher bar K is carried by links K', and this pusher bar, is controlled in its
action to and fro means of the trucks on the arms Ke coming against the
fixed guides K; and the requisite to-and-fro motion is given to the back
pusher bar by means of the cams K' fixed on the main shaft A which act on
the levers Ks, which, by means of the links K, are attached to the suspending
links which carry the back pusher bar.
In order that the working of this machine may be understood, it will
now be desirable to describe the working of a course. The machine is
put in motion by a crank axis L, which gives motion to the cog wheel M,
which taking into gives motion to the intermediate wlicel. N, which gives
motion to tho cog wheel O on the main or cam shaft or axis A, which
which at its other end gives motion to the lace-wheel axis, as is shown. We
would remark, that we have not shown means of giving motion to the work
roller P, in order to avoid complexity in the Drawing, but à frame smith will
readily apply the same. Supposing the machine to have been at work, and to
be stopped in the position shown in the Drawings, the front comb bar
being down at its lowest position, the other parts at the same moment
being in the positions shown by the Drawings; at this time, the front
point bar having pushed the work to the extremeties, or up to the leads
of the back points, and the lower points having entered between the
same threads as the back points, the front comb bar holds the carriages
two spaces of the combs to the left of the lower points. The front comb
bar then rises, and leaves two of the bobbin threads under each of
the lower points, which points rise with the carriages. The front points go
out of the work, and rise out of the way of the front comb bar which raises

page_text: the carriages above the back points, and then shogs two spaces of the combs
to the right hand. The front comb bar then descends, laying two bobbin
threads over each of the back points. The front and back combs and lower
points then assume the position shown at Figure Z to allow half of the car-
riages to be pushed into the back combs. The bobbin threads over the back
points being pushed back upon them by the front point bar, both comb bars
shog one spaco of the combs to the left hand, the carriages in the back comb
are moved into the front comb, and the other half of the carriages are pushed
from the front comb into the back comb. The comb bars then shog one space
to the left hand, and the carriages in the back comb are moved into the front
comb. The front comb bar rises and moves on its axis, and then descends
nearly to its lowest position. The lower point bar then moves one space to
the left hand, and rises to the top as the front comb bar descends and allows
the knot to each pair of threads to be drawn up around the lower points and
the back points. The front point bar then descends below the lower points,
and the front points enter between the same threads as the lower points, or
those points which are at the time forming a knot, the lower points in their
ascent opening those threads for the passage of the front points into them.
The lower points are then moved out of the work, the front comb bar descends
to its lowest position, and draws the knot of each pair of threads on the back
points. The front point bar then rises up to the back points, the back point
bar shogs one space of the combs to the left hand, and the back points aro
moved towards the back of the machine, and the knots are pushed off those
points by the blade I. The front points then rise and tighten the knots, there
being sufficient resistance upon the bobbins to hold the threads tight for that
purpose. The back comb bar shogs two spaces to the right at the time the
front comb bar is rising, thus finishing a course.
We will now describe the second part of our Invention, which consists of
improvements in the manufacture of piled fabrics in warp machines, the pile
being made on both sides, and the pile on both sides may be of the same or
of different colours and materials. We would remark, that we are aware
that warp fabrics have before been made with true pile on one side, and then
raised on the other side, or a portion of the face pile drawn through to the
back; but this part of our Invention has for its object the making of two
piled surfaces by the act of working of a warp machine. In carrying out
this part of our Invention the arrangement of warp machinery employed may
be varied; that which we prefer is similar to what was described in a former
Patent granted to Thomas Haines, John Webster Hancock, Albert Thornton,
and James Thornton, dated May Tenth, One thousand eight hundred and

page_text: require one set or row of needles.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS B.
These Drawings show several views of so much of the principal parts of a
warp machine, together with a cut of wheels, as will enable us to describe
this part of our Invention; and although the needles are shown to be vertical,
the description given will equally apply to warp machines were the needles
are in a different position; and although the needle bar is moveable, a
mechanic will readily understand that, though that is convenient in the
arrangement shewn, it is not essential, as like relative motions of the parts
may be performed without movement being given to the needle bar. The
needle bar has a rising and falling motion communicated to it by means of a
cam and suitable apparatus. The sinker bar has a to-and-fro motion by a
cam and suitable apparatus; and we would state that, although we have.
shown guide bars with fixed guides for lapping the several warp threads, we
do not confine ourselves thereto, as independent guides, worked by any suit-
able pattern surface, may be employed; and this will be desirable when it is
wished to make the fabrics of different patterns. These Drawings show the
principal parts in the different positions they assume in working by which a
workman will readily understand the cams and apparatus to be employed in
carrying out this part of our Invention, whether the machine to be used have tho
needles vertical or otherwise. These Drawings shew the parts in five different
points of a course of work. There are three guide bars used: two for making
pile on the two sides of the fabric, and the other for making the body or
ground of the fabric. Each of the guide bars carry as many guides as there
are needles; but this may be varied, and two or other number of threads
may be used to each needle as heretofore in manufacturing warp fabrics..
The guide bar a carries the pile threads for making the pile on one surface;
the guide bar b carries the pile threads for making the pile on the other side
of the fabric, and the guide bar c carries the threads for making the body or
ground of the fabric. The sinking and pressing apparatus we prefer to be of
the form shewn in the Drawing. d is the sinking and pressing bar, which, as
before stated, has a to-and-fro motion communicated to it, so that in working
it is caused to assume in succession the positions shewn by the five several
views of the Drawings, and the needle bar in its rising and falling is at the
like periods of its motion caused to assume the several positions shewn by
the same views of the Drawings. The pile on one side is produced by the
several instruments e, one to each needle; but this may be varied. The pile

page_text: on the other side is made by means of laying in a wire, as is shown at No. 4
position of the parts, and which is similar to what has been done when
making piled warp fabrics with pile on one side only. The nature of each of
those views being written thereon, the same will not be required to be repeated
here. We would remark, that the apparatus shown is for making terry pile;
but, if desired, the same may be cut, or one of them, as is well understood in
inaking warp fabrics, cach piled only on one side.
We will now describe tho third part of our Invention, which has for its
object the making of piled warp fabrics, the rows of pile being of different
lengths. In carrying out this part of our Invention we prefer to employ warp
machines so arranged to have the needles in a vertical position, as described
in the said former Patent; but this is not essential, as a like fabric may be
made in other arrangements of warp machines.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS C.
These Drawings show so much of the principal parts of a wasp machine,
together with a cut of wheels, as will enable us to describe the nature of and a
manner of performing this part of our Invention. The views, Nos. 1, 2, 3,
show three positions that the parts assume in working a course. In this as in
the previous fabric, three sets of warp threads are used, two for making the
pile, but, in this instance, both on the same same side of the fabric, and the
other set of warp threads make the body or ground of the fabric; each guide
bar carries as many guides as there are needles; but this may be varied.
The needle bar has a rising and falling motion communicated to it, so that it
may assume the position shown in regard to the other parts; and the sinker
and presser bar has a to-and-fro motion given to it, so as assume the positions
shewn in working a course. The sinking apparatus carries a rod or wire x,
which acts as a presser.
The pile-making apparatus consists of a series of blades a fixed in leads, and
they are fixed to the bar b, which has a vertical and horizontal motion com-
municated thereto. Each of the blades has formed on it two hooks a', a²,
formed by bending back angular ends or pieces, as shown, and the stems of
these blades are such as to allow of their being bended downwards for the
purpose of releasing the loops or pilo therefrom, and this is done by the
apparatus c on the bar d. This bar d is caused to turn so as to carry the
cutting and depressing instruments out of the way when the pile is being
formed, and it is again caused to turn in its bearings so as to bring the
cutting apparatus down over the stems of the instruments a into a position to
enter the loops; the bar d being caused to slide, the instrumente in its passage

page_text: over, the stems of the hooks a, by depressing them, will cause the hooks a¹ a²,
to leave the loops upon the point of the cutters e, f, which in their onward
motion will cause the several loops to be cut. There are several apparatus c, e, f,
on the bar d, so that they come in close succession one after tho other, and the
distance moved by the knives e, f, will be somewhat more than their own
length, so as to ensure that all the loops from selvage to selvage shall be cut.
The nature of each of the views shewn by the Drawing being written
thereon, it will not be necessary to repeat the same here..
We will now describe the fourth part of our Invention, which relates to
making knit fabrics in knitting machines, which are to be afterwards subjected
to the process of felting or fulling. We would state that various means have
heretofore been employed in making knitted fabrics with two classes of threads,
the one being on one face and the other on the other face of the fabric; and
in some cases the yarn employed on one side has been caused to protrude and
form a pile in character of terry pile, and in other cases the pile has been cut;
and we mention these matters in order to state that we make no claim to such
modes of making knit fabrics in knitting machines, although in carrying out.
this part of our Invention we employ any of such means in knitting the fabrics,.
nor do we claim the submitting of knitted fabrics made in knitting machines
to the process of felting or fulling knit fabrics composed or partly composed of
wool or other felting fibres having before been subjected to such process;
this part of our Invention consisting of employing yarn which will felt for
making the body or ground of the fabric, and yarn of silk or other non-felting.
fibre for producing the pile face of the fabric. And in carrying out this part of
our Invention, we prefer to produce the fabric so that the silk or other non-
felting fibre shall be made into terry pile, as is well understood, and we cause
the fabric so: made to be subjected to the process of felting, by which the
portion or face of the fabric made with yarn which will felt becomes felted
more or less closely, according to the materials used and the extent of the
felting process to which it is subjected. The fabric thus produced is then
subjected to the process of raising either on the pile side only, or on the pile
face and the felted face, according to the effect desired to be obtained.
Having thus described the nature of our Invention, and the manner of
performing the same, we would have it understood that we do not confine
ourselves to the details as herein described, so long as the peculiar character
of any part of our Invention be retained; but what we claim is,―
First, the combining machinery and producing thereby the manufacture of
meshed fabrics herein described.
Secondly, we claim the manufacture of piled warp fabrics by making

page_text: pile on both sides of the fabric when the same is being produced by warp
machinery.
Thirdly, we claim the manufacture of piled warp fabrics, the rows of pile
being of different lengths.
Fourthly, we claim the manufacture of felted knit fabrics herein described.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Thornton, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Nineteenth day of June, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-two.