IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR FINISHING TEXTILE FABRICS A
Year: 1882

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Edmund Edwards, of the firm of Edwards and Co.,
"
Patent Agents and Engineers, of 40, Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane,
in the County of Middlesex for an invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR FINISHING TEXTILE FABRICS A communi-
cation to him from abroad by Messieurs Carret Chollet and J. Chollet, both
of St. Quentin in the Republic of France
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Edmund Edwards at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 10th June 1882.
EDMUND EDWARDS, of the firm of Edwards and Co., Patent Agents and
Engineers, of 40, Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane in the County of
Middlesex "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR FINISHING
TEXTILE FABRICS [A communication to him from abroad by Messieurs Carret
Chollet and J. Chollet, both of St. Quentin in the Republic of France.]
This invention relates to machinery or apparatus operating continuously upon
lengths of textile fabrics passed through it for the purpose of finishing the latter,
and it has for its objects improvements in the construction and arrangement of the
parts of such machinery or apparatus, the material to be treated being carried over
endless chains arranged on each side of the apparatus and carrying clips or holders
which seize and carry it forward.
By the use of the invention, the friction and rubbing arising from the use of
fixed guides is avoided; by the use of the springs fixed to the machine as herein-
after described any desired tension is given to the material automatically across its
width; and lengths of material of about similar width can be passed rapidly and
without changing, through the machine.
The machine or apparatus consists of frames of cast iron or other suitable
material, one on each side, connected together by suitable stays.
Across the ends of these frames are arranged transverse shafts each carrying two
chain wheels round which pass two parallel endless chains.

page_text: *
These wheels are arranged upon the shafts by key ways and keys so that they
can be made to recede from or approach each other whilst still revolving, and
they are provided with grooves into which fit the forks hereinafter described.
The shaft at the front end of the machine is driven by suitable gear and cone
pulleys of the ordinary kind, and is carried in bearings adjustable by means of
screws so that the endless chains may be kept properly stretched. Longitudinal
bars of grooved or channel shaped iron are arranged along each side of the machine
to carry the moveable parts of the apparatus as they travel forward, and similar
bars fixed below the chains support the latter and the parts connected to them
during their return, and bearings fitted with suitable bushes are formed in the side
frames to carry the transverse stretching screws hereinafter described.
The endless chains are exactly similar, and are composed of a series of flat links
jointed together, to which are attached the gripping pieces which hold the fabric,
and at regular distances apart links of greater length than the remainder are
inserted, upon which are fastened the tops of catch boxes, each of which is fitted
with an arm or pall which can oscillate round a centre, allowing it to slide upon a
notched iron bar or retaining it fixed as may be desired. The lower part of the
boxes is also provided with two projections by means of which the boxes can be
made to move backward or forward; and in front of each is arranged a wheel
which receives the thrust of a spring at certain distances as it travels along the
machine.
Transverse bars notched or serrated at one of their edges for half their length
and having spindles upon which the guide wheels turn are arranged so that one of
the boxes just described is situated upon each end of them, the pairs of boxes being
capable as already described of approaching or receding from each other as desired.
The guide wheels run in grooved or channelled iron bars, and guide the moveable
parts and the endless chains. Upon the links of the chains are screwed jointed
clips or grippers which grasp the edges of the fabric along the top of the endless
chains, and which are arranged so that they open and close to receive or release
the fabric when necessary as hereinafter described.
In order to stretch the fabric across its width a sufficient number of transverse
screws having right handed threads in one half of their length and left handed
threads in the other half are arranged, turning in bearings in the frames, and
having toothed bevilled wheels and shafts by which they can be made to turn in
either direction simultaneously. These screws each carry two nuts which can thus
be made to approach or recede from each other, and to the upper part of the nuts
are attached longitudinal flat and angle iron bars by which the several nuts upon
each side of the machine are all firmly connected together, and the nuts upon the
end transverse bars are also provided with attachments for the forks or clutches
described below. On the outside of the longitudinal flat bars first described springs
are fixed at any desired distance apart, which tend to press apart laterally the
moveable boxes already described, as the wheels upon the latter pass them.
The angle iron bars connecting the nuts as described, are arranged in such a
position below the moving boxes as to turn the palls in the latter out of gear with
the transverse serrated bars already described when necessary, and thus to allow
the two endless chains and the several appliances attached to them to move toward
the centre of the apparatus. Bars fixed upon the end nuts carry forks engaging in
grooves round the bosses of the chain wheels so that the latter are moved laterally
upon their shafts at the same time as the other parts of the apparatus, without
interfering with their revolution. The gear actuating the transverse screws can be
turned by a handle when required.
In order to close the hinged clips upon the fabric at the right moment as the
latter enters the machine, supports are arranged upon the corresponding end of the
latter, one of these supports having a socket which carries gear by which the
apparatus closing the clips is actuated, and the supports also carrying a transverse
shaft made to revolve continuously at the proper speed by suitable gear and

page_text: actuating bevilled toothed gear which rotates two cam wheels operating upon and
closing the hinged joints of the clips. Across the machine in front of the transverse
shaft last described is arranged a revolving right and left handed screw carrying
two nuts similar to those already described, made to approach or recede from each
other simultaneously and to the same extent as the latter, the screw being con-
nected by means of chain wheels and chains with the gear actuating them, and the
two nuts carry sockets in which revolve the axes of the cam wheels which close
the hinged joints of the clips as last described. Each of the cam wheels has six
cams or projecting arms which close the clips suddenly as the latter arrive opposite
to them.
At the other end of the machine is arranged somewhat similar apparatus for
opening the clips and releasing the fabric, consisting of a fixed transverse bar
carried in supports upon the framing, and a transverse right and left handed screw
and nuts. These nuts are simply provided with curved bars or cams, so arranged
and at such an angle that they open and disengage the clips from the fabric as the
latter leaves the machine.
The machine constructed and arranged as described is adjusted to the proper
width for the fabric which is to be finished.
Supposing, for example, that it is intended to pass through it a wider piece than
has just been finished, the handle actuating the transverse screws is turned until
their nuts are sufficiently separated, these nuts being so rigidly connected by their
longitudinal bars that the separation is simultaneous through the whole length of
the machine.
As the bars separate, the springs upon them press upon the wheels on the
moveable ratchet boxes and take the latter with them. The notches upon the
transverse bars on which the boxes slide and into which the palls fall, prevent the
return of the latter, and the longitudinal angle irons assist in directing their
movement, where they do not happen to be directly opposite to the springs, the
elasticity of which is such that they can bend nearly flat when the fabric is first
stretched by the transverse stretching screws, so that the final tension necessary is
obtained by them, at least within certain limits, without touching the screws.
In this position the machine is set in motion and the fabric is introduced, its
edges being seized by the clips, and is drawn forward as the endless chains travel
forward, a workman at each side adjusting the edges into the clips as the latter
present themselves open to receive them.
The clips remain open until they commence to leave the chain wheels and to
travel in a straight line forward, and at this moment the hinged arm of the clip
passes across the revolving cam wheel, and from the speed of rotation of the arms
of the latter in combination with the speed of the clip forward, it follows that
every time a clip arm presents itself across the wheel, an arm of the latter will
turn the former through an arc sufficient to close the clip which retains the fabric
between its jaws, the width of which is adjusted so that their movement with the
endless chains does not interfere with the movement of the arms in closing.
The fabric continues to travel through the machine, being widened more and
more in proportion to the separation which has been given to the nuts upon the
transverse screws.
The closing of the clips is effected equally well whatever is the distance between
the endless chains, the nuts upon the screw carrying the closing devices described,
approaching one another in exactly the same proportion as those upon the principal
transverse screws.
During the whole of its progress, the fabric is dried by any convenient means,
such as hot air or steam pipes.
The width and consequently the tension of the fabric varying in consequence of
such drying process, those parts which are insufficiently stretched are brought to
their proper tension by the springs described pressing upon the wheels of the
noveable boxes. Once properly stretched, the fabric cannot contract as the palls

page_text: in the boxes whilst allowing their separation will not permit their approach. The
tension is not therefore diminished, even when the wheels cease to be in contact
with the springs.
The fabric leaves the machine properly stretched and dried, and at this point
and a little before the chains commence to turn round the chain wheels, the clips
are opened and it is released.
The arrangement of the screws and nuts allows the process to be performed for
all widths of fabrics.
The fabric, when released, may be rolled or folded in any convenient way.
The chain wheels return the chains and the open clips under the machine, the
wheels upon the transverse bars running on the rails arranged to receive them.
The palls in the boxes fall open by their own weight, and the latter return to
the front end of the machine where the clips seize the fabric again and so on
continuously.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Edmund Edwards in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
9th December 1882.
IN
EDMUND EDWARDS, of the firm of Edwards and Co: Patent Agents and
Engineers, of 40, Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane, in the County of
Middlesex IMPROVEMENTS
TEXTILE FABRICS A communication to me from abroad by Messieurs Carret
Chollet and J. Chollet, both of St. Quentin in the Republic of France
MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR FINISHING
"
This invention relates to machinery or apparatus operating continuously upon
lengths of textile fabrics passed through it for the purpose of finishing the latter,
and it has for its objects improvements in the construction and arrangement of the
parts of such machinery or apparatus, the material to be treated being carried
over endless chains arranged on each side of the apparatus and carrying clips or
holders which seize and carry it forward. By the use of the invention, the friction
and rubbing arising from the use of fixed guides is avoided; by the use of the
springs fixed to the machine as hereinafter described any desired tension is given
automatically to the material across its width, and lengths of material of about
similar width can be passed rapidly and without changing through the machine.
In the accompanying drawing, which is in illustration of the invention,
figure 1 is a side view, figure 2 a plan, and figure 3 an end view partly in
section, of a machine. The same letters of reference indicate the same parts in the
several figures.
The machine or apparatus consists of frames A. of cast iron or other suitable
material, one on each side, connected together by suitable stays B. Across the
ends of these frames are arranged transverse shafts C, C, each carrying two chain
wheels D, D, D, D, round which pass two parallel endless chains. These wheels
are arranged upon the shafts by key ways and keys so that they can be made
to recede from or approach each other whilst still revolving, and they are provided
with grooves into which fit the forks hereinafter described. The shaft at the front
end of the machine is driven by suitable gear and cone pulleys E of the ordinary
kind, and is carried in bearings F, F, adjustable by means of screws F¹ so that the
endless chains may be kept properly stretched. Longitudinal bars of grooved or
channel shaped iron G, G, are arranged along each side of the machine to carry the
moveable parts of the apparatus as they travel forward, and similar bars H, H,
fixed below the chains support the latter and the parts connected to them during
their return, and bearings fitted with suitable bushes are formed in the side frames
to carry the transverse stretching screws I, I, hereinafter described.
The endless chains J, J, are exactly similar, and are composed of a series of flat
links jointed together, to which are attached the gripping pieces which hold the
fabric; and at regular distances apart links of greater length than the remainder
are inserted upon which are fastened the tops of catch boxes k, k, each of which is
fitted with an arm or pall k¹ which can oscillate round a centre, allowing it to slide
upon a notched iron bar T or retaining it fixed as may be desired. The lower part
of the boxes is also provided with two projections by means of which the boxes
can be made to move backward or forward; and in front of each is arranged a
wheel which receives the thrust of a spring at certain distances as it travels along
the machine.
Transverse bars L L notched or serrated at one of their edges for half their
length and having spindles upon which the guide wheels M, M, turn are arranged
so that one of the boxes just described is situated upon each end of them, the
pairs of boxes being capable as already explained of approaching or receding from
each other as desired. The guide wheels run in grooved or channelled iron bars,
and guide the moveable parts and the endless chains. Upon the links of the
chains are screwed jointed clips or grippers N, N, which grasp the edges of the
fabric along the top of the endless chains, and which are arranged so that they

page_text: open and close to receive or release the fabric when necessary as hereinafter
described.
In order to stretch the fabric across its width a sufficient number of transverse
screws o, o, having- right handed threads in one half of their length and left
handed threads in the other half are arranged, turning in bearings in the frames,
and having toothed bevilled wheels and shafts by which they can be made to turn
in either direction simultaneously. These screws each carry two nuts P, P, which
can thus be made to approach or recede from each other, and to the upper part of
the nuts are attached longitudinal flat and angle iron bars Q, Q, and S, S, by which
the several nuts upon each side of the machine are all firmly connected together,
and the nuts upon the end transverse bars are also provided with attachments
at P1, P1 for the forks or clutches described below. On the outside of the
longitudinal flat bars Q just described springs R, R, are fixed at any desired
distance apart, which tend to press apart laterally the moveable boxes already
described, as the wheels upon the latter pass them. The angle iron bars connecting
the nuts as described, are arranged in such a position below the moving boxes as
to throw the palls in the latter out of gear with the transverse serrated bars T
already described when necessary, and thus to allow the two endless chains
and the several appliances attached to them to move toward the centre of
the apparatus.
Bars fixed upon the end nuts carry forks engaging in grooves round the bosses of
the chain wheels so that the latter are moved laterally upon their shafts at the same
time as the other parts of the apparatus, without interfering with their revolution.
The gear U, U, actuating the transverse screws can be turned by a handle or
wheel V1, V when required.
In order to close the hinged clips upon the fabric at the right moment as the
latter enters the machine, supports X, X, are arranged upon the corresponding end
of the latter, one of these supports having a socket which carries gear Y, Y, by
which the apparatus closing the clips is actuated, and the supports X, X, also carry
a transverse shaft A¹ made to revolve continuously at the proper speed by suitable
gear Y, Y, and actuating bevilled toothed gear which rotates two cam wheels
operating upon and closing the hinged joints of the clips. Across the machine in
front of the transverse shaft last described is arranged a revolving right and left
handed screw B₁ carrying two nuts C1, C2, similar to those already described, made
to approach or recede from each other simultaneously and to the same extent as
the latter, the screw being connected by means of chain wheels and chain P1, P2,
with the gear actuating them, and the two nuts carry sockets in which revolve the
axes of the cam wheels which close the hinged joints of the clips as last described.
Each of the cam wheels has six cams or projecting arms which close the clips
suddenly as the latter arrive opposite to them.
At the other end of the machine is arranged somewhat similar apparatus for
opening the clips and releasing the fabric, consisting of a fixed transverse bar E¹
carried in supports X1 X¹ upon the framing and a transverse right and left handed
screw F¹, and nuts G₁, G². These nuts are simply provided with curved bars or
cams, so arranged and at such an angle that they open and disengage the clips from
the fabric as the latter leaves the machine.
The machine constructed and arranged as described is adjusted to the proper
width for the fabric which is to be finished. Supposing, for example, that it is
intended to pass through it a wider piece than has just been finished, the handle V¹
actuating the transverse screws is turned until their nuts P, P, are sufficiently
separated, these nuts being so rigidly connected by their longitudinal bars Q, Q,
that the separation is simultaneous through the whole length of the machine.
As the bars Q, Q, separate, the springs 'R, R, upon them press upon the wheels on
the moveable ratchet boxes and take the latter with them. The notches upon the
transverse bars T on which the boxes slide and into which the palls fall, prevent
the return of the latter, and the longitudinal angle irons S, S, assist in directing
their movement, where they do not happen to be directly opposite to the springs

page_text: R, R, the elasticity of which is such that they can bend nearly flat when the fabric
is first stretched by the transverse stretching screws, so that the the final tension
necessary is obtained by them, at least within certain limits, without touching the
screws,
In this position the machine is set in motion in the direction shewn by the
arrows and the fabric is introduced, its edges being seized by the clips, and is
drawn forward as the endless chains travel forward, a workman at each side
adjusting the edges into the clips as the latter present themselves open to receive
them.
The clips remain open until they commence to leave the chain wheels and to
travel in a straight line forward, and at this moment the hinged arm of the clip
passes across the revolving cam wheel, and from the speed of rotation of the arms
of the latter in combination with the speed of the clip forward, it follows that
every time a clip arm presents itself across the wheel, an arm of the latter will turn
the former through an arc sufficient to close the clip which retains the fabric
between its jaws, the width of which is adjusted so that their movement with the
endless chains does not interfere with the movement of their arms in closing.
The fabric continues to travel through the machine, being widened more and
more in proportion to the separation which has been given to the nuts P, P, upon
the transverse screws.
The closing of the clips is effected equally well whatever is the distance between
the endless chains, the nuts C1 C2 upon the screw carrying the closing devices
described, approaching one another in exactly the same proportion as those upon
the principal transverse screws.
During the whole of its progress, the fabric is dried by any convenient means,
such as hot air or steam pipes.
The width and consequently the tension of the fabric varying in consequence of
such drying process, those parts which are insufficiently stretched are brought to
their proper tension by the springs R, R, described pressing upon the wheels of the
moveable boxes K, K. Once properly stretched the fabric cannot contract as the
palls in the boxes whilst allowing their separation will not permit their approach.
The tension is not therefore diminished, even when the wheels cease to be in
contact with the springs.
The fabric leaves the machine properly stretched and dried, and at this point
and a little before the chains commence to turn round the chain wheels, the clips
are opened and it is released.
The arrangement of the screws and nuts F¹, G, G², allows the process to be
performed for all widths of fabrics.
The fabric, when released, may be rolled or folded in any convenient way.
The chain wheels return the chains and the open clips under the machine
at T, the wheels upon the transverse bars running on the rails arranged to receive
them.
The palls in the boxes fall open by their own weight, and the latter return to
the front end of the machine where the clips sieze the fabric again and so on
continuously.
Having now described the invention and the manner in which it is to be
performed, I claim:-In machinery or apparatus used for stretching and finishing
textile fabrics, the combination of the several parts substantially as and for the
purposes described and shewn in the drawing.
In witness whereof, I, the said Edmund Edwards, have hereunto set my hand
and seal this 9th day of December in the year of our Lord 1882.
EDMUND EDWARDS (L.S.)