Improvements in Machines known as Balling Machines for Balling or Winding Cotton, Wool, or other Fibrous Materials.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 30th May, 1893
Complete Specification Left, 28th Feb., 1894-Accepted, 25th May, 1894
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Machines known as Balling Machines for Balling
or Winding Cotton, Wool, or other Fibrous Materials.
CHARLES STOTT and WILLIAM HENRY SCHOFIELD both of Hill Street
Machine Works Rochdale in the County of Lancaster Machinists. We do hereby
declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
33
or
Our invention relates to machines known as balling machines for "balling
winding cotton wool or other fibrous materials which balling process is performed
preparatory to the spinning process of the material as is well known.
The object of our improvements being to wind or to "ball" the material so as
to reduce to a minimum the space or aperture at the centre of the wound material
thereby to increase its solidity and to enable the material to be portable and
capable of being transported without a wood block or piece, as is now used forming
a part thereof in order to preserve or maintain its form when removed from the
balling machine.
According to our improvements we are enabled to produce the said material in a
firmly wound condition, also to dispense with the use and cost of blocks.
In accordance with our construction we accomplish our object by the following
means. In convenient positions about the axis of the winding or "balling' spindles
we provide two drums free to rotate about their axes, one on each side of and
below the said spindle which spindle we specially adapt and arrange by means of
suitable camb mechanism to slide or have a movement in the direction of its said
axis and from the material the said spindle being provided at the part where the
material is to be wound with a bush or excressence of a diameter slightly larger
than the spindle and provided longitudinally on its surface with parallel grooves.
We also suitabie provide in connection with the balling or winding spindle which
we adapt to rise and fall a wheel and axle which axle we provide with one or more
toothed pinnions the periphy of the brake wheel or pulley being provided with a
weighted band or strap partially encircling the same consequently by such means
we interpose resistance to the movement of the balling spindle more or less
accordingly as the band is more or less weighted.
The operation of our invention is as follows
As the material is wound on the spindle which is located between the
peripheries of the pullies and as the material increases in quantity on the spindle
during winding at the same time resting or lying upon and between the peripheries
of the pullies consequently the material may be compressed and firmly wound. By
the arrangement of weighted wheel and axle in connection with the rising and
falling spindle the solidity or firm winding of the material is further increased or
affected by offering or presenting resistance to the movement of the spindle which
is the office or function of the wheel and axle.
When the winding of the material is completed the camb actuating mechanism is
caused to operate and withdraw the spindle from the material consequently
according to our improvements the material may be firmly wound and the loose
or separate wood block heretofore used to maintain the build or form of the wound
material is dispensed with.
Dated this 29th day of May 1802
CHARLES STOTT.
WILLIAM HENRY SCHOFIELD.

page_text: Improvements in Machines known as Balling Machines for Balling
or Winding Cotton, Wool, or other Fibrous Materials.
We CHARLES STOTT and WILLIAM HENRY SCHOFIELD both of Hill Street
Machine Works Rochdale in the County of Lancaster Machinists 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 :---
Our invention relates to machines known as balling machines for balling or
winding cotton wool or other fibrous materials but our present improvements relate
more particularly to such machines as are used for the purpose of balling or winding
flax or hemp which balling process is performed preparatory to the spinning process
as is well known.
The object of our improvements being to wind or ball the material by such
means, and in such a manner, so as to reduce to a minimum the space or aperture
at the centre of the ball and to firmly wind or ball the material thereby to increase
its solidity or density and to enable or allow of the ball to be portable or capable
of being handled or transported without the necessity of employing at the centre
of such ball a wood block or piece-as is now the case-to form a part of the
built up ball or wound material, which has hitherto been necessary in order to
preserve or maintain the built up state or condition or form of the ball when
removed from the balling machine, the employment of such pieces or blocks as 18
well known being a great source of expense.
According to our improvements we are enabled to produce the said material in a
firmly wound condition, also to dispense with the use and cost of the circular
blocks hereinbefore referred to.
In accordance with our construction we accomplish our object by the following
means.
lu convenient positions about the axis of the winding or balling spindle we
provide two drums, free to rotate or have a motion about their axes, that is,
motions being imparted thereto-one on each side of and conveniently situate
below the said spindle, which spindle we specially adapt and arrange by means of
suitably arranged cam and eccentric mechanism to slide or to have a movement in
the direction of its axis, or in a horizontal direction, or in direction towards or
from the material, such movement coming into operation or occurring at the
period of time when the material is fully wound, or on the completion or winding of
the ball.
The said winding or balling spindle is suitably provided with a bush or loosely
mounted piece, such piece being provided longitudinally on its surface with grooves
or indentations on which bush the material is to be wound or balled.
We also suitably provide in connection with the winding or balling spindle-
which spindle we also adapt to rise and fall in a vertical direction-a wheel and
axle or shaft; which shaft we provide with one or more toothed pinnion or gear
wheels which gear into the correspondingly toothed rack or racks of standards or
supports carrying or supporting the balling plates.
On the periphery of the said wheel or pulley we provide a strap or band partially
surrounding the same to which band we attach a suitable weight, consequently
such arrangement acts as a brake apparatus and by such means we interpose a
resistance or force to the upward movement of the balling spindle and plates, more
or less, accordingly as the weight applied on the brake wheel is greater or less,
such weight is preferably employed which approximates nearly to a counterpoise
or to a counterbalance of the balling spindle and its accessories, that is, such parts

page_text: "
serrated toothed catch wheel R.-which wheel is keyed on to the shaft G-by
means of a spiral coil or spring T. The mechanism composed of the catch or
pawl P disc K. with the wheel H when connected in the manner above described
obviously form one whole, and which being loosely mounted, that is, not keyed
on to the shaft-forms one component element, the serrated wheel R. being keyed
thereon forms the other component element of what we term a
catch" arrange-
ment, so that when the catch or pawl is caused to engage at the proper periods with
the catch or serrated toothed wheel in order to rotate the shaft J or acuate the
eccentric block U. the two component elements are obviously put into engagement
with each other. On the shalt J we mount a cam or eccentric block U. which
block is free to and capable of sliding in the direction of the axis of the said shaft,
which eccentric is situate in a sliding frame V. which frane is free to slide with or
move in the lengthwise direction of the frame W, which latter is attached to the
spindle A consequently the frame W with the sliding piece V. moves or slides
with the spindle when actuated at the proper periods by the eccentric on the
shaft G. The position of the bush A' may be entirely out of, across, partly across
the path or balling space, that is, the space between the balling plates X X¹
accordingly as the eccentric block is caused to assume the positions as indicated in
Fig. 10. 11 and 3. In Fig. 3 it will be observed that the position of the extremity
of the spindle or bush will be as indicated in the fig. in the event of the eccentric
being in the position as shewn in full at U2 and rotating in direction as indicated
by the arrow, or in the position as shewn in dotted lines at U', obviously only the
direction or movement of the spindle will be changed, that is, the spindle will in the
first case move in direction from the balling space, in the second case the said spindle
will move in the reverse direction or towards the balling space. The spindle A is
adapted and arranged so as to have a rising and falling movement or motion, at the
same time the material is effectually compressed by the interposition of a force or
resistance to the upward movement thereof which condition admits of a great
quantity of material being stored in the ball. In order to carry this portion of our
invention into effect we mount the said spindle in the block O. situate in the slide Y.
of the framework of the machine but when the bush or spindle is in its normal
position that is, when the balling process is in operation or to be commenced which
position is shewn in Fig. 11. the extremity a of the spindle is then situate in the
recessed portion Z of the balling plate X. see Figs. 3 and 4. The circular balling
plates XX are according to our arrgt. supported or carried on trunnions O³ and O₁
of the blocks O2 and O the block O2 being similar to block and situate in
slide of the framework of the machine the sd. blocks being free to slide vertically
within their respective slides.
In connection with the slide blocks O and 02 we employ standards or
carriers C2 C3 provided at their lower extremities with toothed racks into which
gear corresponding toothed spur gear wheels d d' mounted on the shaft e. on which
shaft is also mounted a pulley or brake wheel about the periphery of which we
apply a band g to which we attach a weight 1. of greater or less mass by means of
which we are enabled to interpose or place a resistance or force more or less
opposed to the upward movement of the balling plates. During the balling process
the sd. plates with the spindle and its accessories rise as the material increases in
bulk or quantity on the bush A' of the balling spindle, thus by such means we are
enabled to compress more or less the material--as the weight approximates to or
nearly to a counterbalance of the weight of the spindle with its accessories, or the
vertical sliding parts, such condition minimises the shock or concussion of such
parcs at the period when changing or falling from the position as shewn in Fig. 5
to the position as shewn in Figs. 6 and i which latter position is suitable for the
recommencement of a winding or balling operation.
The operation of our invention is as follows.
As the material is wound on the loosely mounted bush located between the
peripheries of the two drums (Con which winding or balling is effected by the
rotary movements of the sd. drums in the direction as indicated by arrows,

page_text: the material increasing in quantity such increase gradually continues until the balt
is completely formed as shewn in Fig. 5. During this operation or formation of the
ball the material rests upon and between the surfaces of the drums, this motion
and arrangt, ensuring from winding. The upward movement of the spindle during
this operation that is, the balling of the material-carrying or taking with it the
blocks, balling plates and carriers to which latter a resistance is interposed thro
the medium of the pinnions and the weight on the brake wheel on the shaft e
obviously by such means the material may be effectually compressed such being
the function or office of the brake apparatus.
When the ball has attained its proper dimensions or dia as shewn in Fig. 5 the
adjustable finger i attached to the slide block O: which finger being previously in
engagement with the pawl P see Fig. 1. disengages with the extremity P' thereof
whereby the spring T. causes the opposite extremity of the sd. pawl to interlock or
engage with the serrated toothed catch wheel R. by which means the loosely
mounted toothed bevel whecl H with its connections is placed or put into engage-
ment with this rotating shaft G which is caused continually to rotate, such
rotation being effected thro' the medium of the gear wheels E and F-that is,
whilst the machine is in operation-obviously the wheel H is actuated only at such
times or periods when the sd. wheel is put into engagement with or brought under
the influence of the shaft G thro' or by the agency of the pawl or catch mechanism
which is caused to operate in manner as before described.
When the wheel H is operated, the shaft J is then consequently caused to rotate,
the eccentric block or mechanism is then brought into action, and the balling
spindle actuated so as to withdraw the said spindle from the material, to the
position as indicated in Fig. 10. Simultaneously with this movement the ordinary
mechanism employed for the purpose of displacing the ball then comes into
operation, which mechanism is actuated by means of a piece on the revolving
plate J' such displacing mechanism forms no part of our invention and being well
known, is therefore not illustrated in the drawings herewith as this is not necessary
for the explanation of our invention.
After the removal of the ball the plates with the blocks, spindle, and accessories.
the spindle previously or in the meantime passes to the position as shewn in
Fig. 11; that is, out of the balling space-are then free to and do fall or descend
for the purpose of winding or commencing the formation of another ball.
The spindle is according to our arrgt. caused for a short period during its
descent to remain in the position as shewn in Fig. 6. in order that the material
may with certainty pass under the spindle or bush, and that the severed end -
which is severed by the ordinary means during displacement of the ball-may be
thrown over or placed around the bush A¹ by suitable and ordinary means which
means form no part of our invention and therefore not necessary to be described
herein.
As this spindle descends the bowl M at the lower part of the bracket N engages
or comes in contact with the surface of the slotted disc or plate K. see Fig. 6.
the effect of this being to maintain the position of the spindle above the line or
surfaces of the drums C and C¹ until the surface of the revolving disc from K' to K'
has passed under the bowl M. When the slot K' has passed to the vertical position
as indicated in Fig. 1. or immediately under the bowl, the spindle with its
accessories is then free to and does fall to the position as indicated that is, to its
lowest point or upon and between the surfaces of the drums C C₁ this being the
position for the commencement of the winding or balling operation, simultaneously
with this movement the finger i then resuming its former position with relation to
the pawl, that is, in engagement with it, the pawl is thereby released from the
serrated toothed wheel see Fig. 7. and so remains until released from the finger by
its upward or sliding movement with the block, that is, when the ball is formed-
as shewn in Fig. 5. Thus according to our improvements as herein described the
material may be and is firmly wound and the use or employment of loose or
separate wood blocks heretofore used and necessary to maintain or preserve the

page_text: form or build of the ball may be dispensed with, particularly when required to be
much handled or required for the purposes of transportation.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we
claim is
(1.) In combination the toothed racks C' C' plates X X', pinnion wheels d. d¹,
and weighted brake wheel f. substantially as and for the purposes herein fully set
forth and described in the annexed drawings.
(2.) In combination shaft G, wheels H and I shaft J eccentric block U. sliding
spindle A disc H', toothed wheel R. and pawl P. as and for the purposes herein
fully set forth and described in the annexed drawings.
(3.) In combination the circular slotted disc K. the bracket N. the toothed
wheel R. pawl P. the drums C. C' spindle A as and for the purposes herein fully
set forth and described in the annexed drawings.
(4.) The brake wheel and weight or weighted wheel and axle, as and for the
purpose herein fully set forth.
(5.) The drums having rotary motions as indicated and the rising and falling
spindle as and for the purposes herein fully set forth.
(6.) The cam or eccentric actuated sliding spindle with the bush piece as and
for the purposes herein fully set forth.
7.) The rotating drums as and for the purposes herein fully set forth.
(8.) The winding spindle with the bush piece and the slide block O. whereby
the spindle is capable of sliding horizontally within the block and to rise and fall
with the block as and for the purposes herein fully set forth.
(9.) The wheel H in one piece with the disc H₁ shaft G toothed wheel R.
pawl P. substantially as and for the purposes herein set forth and described in
the annexed dgs.
Dated this 23rd day of February 1894.
CHARLES STOTT.
W. H. SCHOFIELD.
J. H. Butterworth, Rochdale,
For the Applicants.