IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR DYEING AND COLOURING FELT, SILK, AND OTHER TEXTILE OR POROUS FABRICS
Year: 1877

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to George Cantrell Gibbs, of Brentford, in the County of
Middlesex, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS
FOR DYEING AND COLOURING FELT, SILK, AND OTHER TEXTILE OR POROUS
FABRICS
"
Sealed the 20th October 1877, and dated the 27th April 1877.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said George Cantrell Gibbs at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 27th April 1877.
GEORGE CANTRELL GIBBS, of Brentford, in the County of Middlesex. "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR DYEING AND COLOURING FELT, SILK, AND
OTHER TEXTILE OR POROUS FABRICS."
This Invention relates to machinery or apparatus used for dyeing felt, silk, or
other textile or porous fabrics, and has for its objects further improvements in the
machinery or apparatus for such purpose, for which I obtained Her Majesty's Royal
Letters Patent, dated September 19th, 1874, and Numbered 3214.
My present Invention consists in improved methods of constructing, arranging,
and actuating the blocks and dies, by means of which the dye or colour is forced
through the material so as to form the desired pattern; also of improved methods of
constructing, arranging, and actuating the force pumps and valves by which the
dye or colour is so forced through the material; and novel arrangements of dye
cisterns and circulating force pumps, by which the dyes or colours are made to pass
and circulate automatically through the apparatus; and of improved apparatus for
accurately adjusting and feeding through the machine the felt, silk, or other material
which is to be dyed or coloured.
In machinery or apparatus constructed according to the Specification and Drawing
accompanying the same of my Letters Patent above referred to, hollow dies or
pressure blocks are described and shewn, between which the felt is compressed, and
the dye or colour is then forced through the lower die and through the fabric into
the upper die by means of one or more force pumps, and is then withdrawn and air
drawn through the felt by the same means, the dies being then separated and the
fabric fed forward to a sufficient distance and the process repeated.

page_text: The first part of my present Invention consists of improved methods of constructing
the dies or pressure blocks, whereby greater facility is afforded (especially where the
pattern is an elaborate one, and more than one colour is employed) in affording
access for the colour from the force pumps to the different parts of the pattern in
the dies.
I form the dies, preferably of gun metal or other sufficiently hard material, the
parts of the pattern which are to be supplied with one colour being separated from
those which are to be supplied with other colours, by raised edges between which
the felt is compressed when the blocks are forced together; each colour is thus
kept entirely separated from the rest, however complicated the pattern may be.
Between the die constructed as described and the pressure block upon which it
is supported (if the lower die), or by which it is forced down (if the upper die), I
arrange an intermediate plate of metal or other suitable material, the surface of
which in contact with the back of the die has formed across it a number of
transverse grooves, recesses, or channels, each of which is separated from the
adjoining ones by a narrow division. These recesses are sufficiently long to
reach nearly, but not quite, to the sides of the plate. Against the back or flat side
of the plate (below the lower die) is fitted the upper surface of the pressure block,
which is fixed and adjusted in the framework of the machine. This upper surface
has formed upon it as many longitudinal grooves, recesses, or channels, as there are
different colours to be used, and each of these channels is separated from the others
and has an opening communicating to it from the edge or bottom of the plate, into
which a pipe from one or other of the force pumps is fitted. The die, the inter-
mediate plate, and the pressure block, are then screwed or bolted firmly together,
the joints between their surfaces being made perfectly tight.
A sufficient number of the transverse channels in the intermediate plate aro
appropriated to one colour, and the remainder to the other colour (where only two
colours are used). Where more than two colours are used, a sufficient number of
the transverse channels are appropriated to each colour. One or more holes or
openings are made through the bottom of each transverse channel into the longi-
tudinal channel, supplied with the corresponding colour in the pressure plate, and a
sufficient number of holes are also drilled from the different parts of the pattern in
the dies between the raised lines which separate the colours into one or other of
the transverse channels beneath, supplied with a corresponding colour.
The upper
die has a corresponding intermediate channelled plate and pressure block bolted
above it, but instead of pipes being connected to the channels in the latter, each
such channel has an opening into a separate reservoir or cistern formed upon or fixed
to the top of the block. There are therefore as many such reservoirs as there are
channels in the block and different colours to be used, and the reservoirs are left
open to the air above (except in the particular form of arrangement herein-after
described).
The compound upper die, formed as described of a lower pattern die, an inter-
mediate plate with transverse channels, and an upper pressure block with longi-
tudinal channels, all bolted together, is fitted in guides in the framework of the
apparatus so as to be capable of a short vertical movement up and down, and a
revolving shaft above it fitted with cams and made to revolve slowly by any
suitable power, forces it down at intervals with great pressure and holds it down for
a sufficient time. When the cams release the pressure block the latter is raised
sufficiently by means of levers jointed to it and pivotted to the framework, their
other ends being actuated by cams or by cross heads or tappets upon the pump rods.
Where the pattern consists of a number of small parts of different colours,
times adopt a somewhat different arrangement of dies and pressure blocks to that
above described. I take an intermediate plate arranged at the back of the pattern
die, but instead of transverse grooves on its surface, I make a number of openings
completely through it, and corresponding in shape with that of one of the colours
which constitute the pattern. At the back of this plate I arrange another plate,
having openings corresponding with another of the colours, and if three or more
some-

page_text: colours are used three or more plates are used, each having openings through it
corresponding with a particular colour, the outer one of such plates having a back
which forms the pressure block of the die. One or more pipes leading from the
force pump appropriated to a particular colour communicates through the edge of
the corresponding plate (in the lower dio) with the several openings through the
plate, and holes are drilled through the hollow parts of the pattern die into the
openings in the plate supplied with the appropriate colour, passing if necessary
through the solid parts of the intervening plate or plates. The upper or moveable
dies are constructed in the same way, but instead of pipes to supply the colour the
openings in each particular plate communicate with a corresponding open reservoir
at the back or top of the outer one, as in the arrangement first described.
Another part of my Invention relates to the force pumps used for forcing the
colour through the fabric, and consists of improved methods of constructing and
actuating these pumps and valves so as to prevent the same portion of the dyeing
material from being used over and over again without change, and thus losing its
strength. For this purpose I make each force pump of considerable diameter and
stroke, and I make the piston rod which works a piston in it pass through a stuffing
box in a suitable cylinder cover, just below which is an opening into the cylinder
which communicates by a pipe with one of the supply pipes, already described, in
the lower pressure block. The piston has a passage through it, fitted with a valve
opening upwards, the tail of which valve, when the piston is at the bottom of its
stroke, strikes the plate or cross bar upon which the cylinder is fixed, and opens the
valve. At a short distance above the piston, when the latter is at the bottom of
its stroke, is an opening, or series of openings into the cylinder, communicating with
a valve chamber containing a valve. A pipe leads into this valve chamber from the
dye cistern, so that when the valve is opened (by means of a spindle passing through
a stuffing box) the dye runs into the cylinder and fills it to a certain height above
the piston. This valve is actuated by a cam upon the revolving shaft of the
machine, which is arranged in such a position that when the piston is rising, the
valve is opened as soon as the valve in the piston is closed, and it is closed before
the lower edge of the piston has risen completely past the port or opening from the
valve chamber. The opening at the bottom of each cylinder communicates with a
discharge pipe into a separate cistern below the machine. The force-pump pistons
are actuated by connecting rods from cranks upon the main shaft of the machine,
and two or more of the piston rods may be connected together by suitable cross
heads.
The action of the apparatus is as follows:-The machine being set in motion and
the shaft caused to revolve slowly, the upper die block is raised by the pivotted
levers described, and the end of a roll of felt or other fabric (which may be carried
in suitable bearings on the machine) is introduced between the dies. The upper die
block is then forced down by the cams on the shaft, and forcibly compresses the felt
between itself and the lower die. Whilst thus held, the pistons in the force pumps
begin to rise, and when the valves, in them have closed, the valves in the valve
chambers are opened by their cams, and a sufficient quantity of dye is admitted
above the piston of each pump, each being supplied with a different colour. The
valves are then closed, and as the pistons continue to rise, they force the air above
them (and in the pipes) through the dies and the felt, and this is followed by the
coloured dyes, which similarly pass through the felt into the reservoirs on the upper
pressure block. The pistons then commence their descent and draw the coloured
dyes back through the felt into the pumps, followed by a volume of air, which in
passing drives the felt. As the pistons reach the bottom of their stroke, the valves
in them are opened, and the dye above them passes through and is discharged into
the cistern below the machine. The pistons then commence rising again and the
process is repeated.
The reservoirs on the upper pressure block may be closed and the air admitted to
them through pipes, which first pass through furnaces or other apparatus for heating
the air.

page_text: When the pistons have nearly reached the bottom of their stroke, the cams
raise the upper dies and pressure blocks and release the felt, which, before
they are again forced down, is fed forward by the means herein-after described,
through a sufficient distance for another section of the pattern to be formed upon it
exactly in its true position. Waste pipes from the reservoirs on the upper pressure
block convey any surplus dye from each into the corresponding cistern below the
machine. Sometimes, however, I close the top of each of these reservoirs with air-
tight covers, but provide one or more valves opening upward in each such
cover, as well as a valve opening downward, but kept up to its seat by a spring,
the pressure of which can be regulated. By this means the air is forced out
through the first described valves when the pistons are descending; but when
they rise, the valves close, and air is drawn in through the regulated valve, by
adjusting the pressure of which, a more or less perfect vacuum may be formed in
the reservoirs.
In order to bring into repeated use the dyes which pass from the dye cisterns to
the pumps, and thence (after passing through the machine) to the cisterns below, I
use circulating pumps, arranged and used in the following way:-The dye cistern of
any particular colour which supplies the corresponding pump is itself fed from
another cistern, the proper height of the dye in the former being adjusted and then
regulated and kept constant by a ball cock or float valve.
The cistern itself may be provided with heating coil pipes, through which steam
or other fluid can be passed. A series of circulating force pumps, as many in
number as the several colours which are to be used, are arranged in a convenient
position, so as to be driven by the same power as that which drives the machine, or
by any other convenient power, and each such pump is appropriated to one
particular colour, its supply pipe communicating with the corresponding cistern
below the machine, and its delivery pipe with the corresponding supply cistern.
By the operation of the arrangement of cisterns, pipes, and circulating pumps
as described, the various dyes are repeatedly used; but being in considerable
quantity and kept constantly circulating, they are not so liable to become weaker or
deteriorated in colour.
Another part of my Invention consists of improved apparatus for feeding the
felt or other fabric accurately forward for the requisite space every time the upper
die and pressure block is raised as above described.
I arrange two horizontal axles revolving in bearings attached to the framework a
of the machine transversely accross the length of the felt, one being before and one
behind the pressure blocks and dies. At each end of these axles is a pulley, over
which are stretched two pitch chains connecting the two pulleys at the same ends
of each axle. These chains have spikes fixed to them, and are arranged at such a
height that when the felt is pressed upon the spikes, and the pulleys made to
revolve, the felt is drawn forward between the dies, when the latter are separated.
At one end of one of the axles in front of the machine I fix a ratchet wheel, having
as large a number as possible of ratchet-shaped teeth on its circumference, and upon
the axle I arrange a handle, turning loosely, and having attached to it a pall gearing
with the ratchet teeth, so that when the handle is moved backward and forward it
turns the wheel and axle, and draws forward the felt through a space proportioned
to the length of stroke of the handle. In order to regulate and limit this stroke, I
make an adjustable stop at one or both of its ends, so that it may be made to take
as many as required of the ratchet teeth, and the feed forward of the felt may be
adjusted exactly to the pattern which is being produced. As it is thus delivered
from the machine, the felt or other material passes over an angle iron or plate
which lifts it from the spikes upon the chains, and it is then removed or rolled up.
By the improvements above described the machinery or apparatus for dyeing is
made much more effective, certain in its operation, quick, and durable than has
heretofore been the case.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said George Cantrell Gibbs in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 27th
October 1877.
GEORGE CANTRELL GIBBS, of Brentford, in the County of Middlesex. " IMPROVE-
MENTS IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR DYEING AND COLOURING FELT, SILK, AND
OTHER TEXTILE OR POROUS FABRICS."
This Invention relates to machinery or apparatus used for dyeing felt, silk, or
other textile or porous fabrics, and has for its objects more especially, further
improvements in the machinery or apparatus for which I obtained Her Majesty's
Royal Letters Patent, dated September 19th, A.D. 1874, Numbered 3214.
My present Invention consists in improved methods of constructing, arranging,
and actuating the blocks and dies by which the dye or colour, or different dyes or
colours are forced through the material, so as to form the desired pattern; also of
improved methods of constructing, arranging, and actuating the force pumps and
valves, by which the different dyes or colours are forced through and withdrawn
from the material; and novel arrangements of dye cisterns and force pumps by
means of which the different dyes or colours are made to pass and circulate
automatically through the apparatus; and of improved apparatus for accurately
adjusting and feeding through the machine, the felt, silk, or other material which is
to be dyed or coloured with the desired pattern.
In machinery or apparatus constructed according to the Specification and Drawing
accompanying the same of my Letters Patent, above referred to, hollow dies or
pattern blocks are described and shewn, between which the felt (or other fabric)
is compressed, and the dye or colour is then forced through the lower die and
through the fabric into the upper die by means of one or more force pumps, and is
then withdrawn and air drawn through the fabric by the same means. The dies
are then described as being separated and the fabric fed forward to a sufficient
distance, when the process is repeated.
The first part of my present Invention consists of improved methods of con-
structing the dies or pressure blocks, by which improved methods greater facility is
afforded (especially where the pattern is an elaborate ono, and several colours are
required to form it) in providing access for the colours from the force pumps to the
different parts of the pattern in the dies.
I form the dies preferably of gun metal, or of other sufficiently hard material, and
I make those parts of the pattern which are to be supplied with one colour
separated from those parts which are to be supplied with other colours, by raised
edges, between which the felt or other fabric is compressed when the dies or blocks
are forced together; each colour is thus kept entirely separated from the rest, how-
ever complicated the pattern may be.
Between the die constructed as described and the pressure block upon which it is
supported (if the lower die), or by which it is forced down (if the upper die), I
arrange an intermediate plate of metal, or other sufficiently strong material, the
surface of which in contact with the back of the die has formed across it a number
of transverse grooves, recesses, or channels, each of which is separated from the
adjoining ones by a narrow division; these recesses are sufficiently long to reach
nearly but not quite to the sides of the plate. Against the back of the plate (or
its flat side) below the lower die I fit the upper surface of the pressure block, which
is fixed and adjusted in the framework of the machine to support the lower die.
Upon the upper surface of this pressure block, or in its substance, I form as many
longitudinal grooves, recesses, or channels as there are different colours to be used in
the pattern, and each of these channels is separated from the others and has an
opening into it from the end or bottom of the pressure block, which opening
communicates by means of a pipe with one or other of the force pumps. The
pressure block, the intermediate grooved plate, and the pattern die are then screwed

page_text: or bolted firmly together, the joints between their respective surfaces being made
perfectly tight.
One
A sufficient number of the transverse grooves, recesses, or channels in the inter-
mediate plate are appropriated to one colour and the remainder to the other colour
(where only two colours are used). Where more than two colours are used, a
sufficient number of the transverse grooves are appropriated to each colour.
or more holes or openings are made through the bottom of each transverse groove
into the longitudinal channel supplied with the corresponding colour in the pressure
block, and a sufficient number of holes are also drilled or formed from the different
parts of the pattern in the die (between the raised lines which separate the colours)
into one or other of the transverse grooves in the intermediate plate beneath, supplied
with the corresponding colour. Above the upper pattern die I arrange a corres-
ponding intermediate grooved plate having a channelled pressure block above
it, the three being screwed or bolted together, but instead of pipes being con-
nected to the channels in the pressure block, each such channel is made open at
the top, or has an opening into a separate reservoir or cistern formed upon or
attached to the top of the block. I make therefore as many such reservoirs or
cisterns as there are channels in the block, and different colours to be used in the
pattern, and (except in the particular form of arrangement herein-after described) I
prefer to leave the reservoirs open to the air.
I fit the compound upper die, formed, as above described, of a lower pattern die,
an intermediate plate with transverse grooves, and an upper pressure block with
longitudinal channels and reservoirs, all bolted firmly together into guides in the
framework of the machine, so as to be capable of a vertical movement up and down
through a short distance, and above it I arrange a strong shaft revolving in bearings
formed on or attached to the frame of the machine, and made to revolve slowly by
steam or other suitable power. This shaft is fitted with cams which come in contact
with friction rollers connected to the pressure block, which is thus forced down at
intervals with very great pressure as the shaft revolves. When the cams release the
pressure block the latter is raised sufficiently by means of one or more levers jointed
to it and pivotted to the framework, their other ends being actuated at the proper
times by cams, or by cross heads or tappets upon the pump rods or other suitable
moving part of the apparatus.
In the accompanying Drawings,-
Figure 1 is a side view of a machine constructed according to my Invention;
and Figure 2 is an end view partly in section of the same.
Figure 4 is a transverse section upon a larger scale of the pattern dies and pressure
blocks.
a is the framework of the machine supporting the lower pattern die b. The
upper die c works vertically in guides attached to the frame, and is forced down at
intervals by cams d, d¹, upon the shaft e, which revolves in bearings f, f¹, and is
driven by the spur wheels and driving pulley g. In Figure 4 the upper and lower
pressure blocks and dies are shewn constructed to be used with four separate liquid
dyes or colours; b is the lower pattern die, and c the upper one; d is the lower
pressure block having the longitudinal channels e, e, e, e, into each of which a
separate colour is forced by the pumps through the pipes p; f is the intermediate
plate having transverse grooves, each of which communicates with one or other of
the channels e, and with the part of the pattern die b appropriated to that particular
colour. The upper pressure block g is similarly arranged, but has open reser-
voirs h, h, h, h.
Where the pattern consists of a number of small parts of different colours, I adopt
a novel arrangement of the dies, pressure blocks, and intermediate plates, some-
what different to that described and shewn. I take a thin intermediate plate
arranged at the back of the pattern die, as already described, but instead of transverse
grooves on its surface, I make a number of openings completely through it, and
corresponding in shape with that of one of the colours which constitute the pattern.
At the back of this plate I arrange another thin intermediate plate, having openings

page_text: through it corresponding in shape with that of another of the colours, and if three
or more colours are used three or more thin intermediate plates are used, each
having openings through it corresponding in shape with that of one of the colours.
At the back of the outer plate I arrange the pressure block, and one or more
pipes leading from the force pump appropriated to a particular colour communicates
through the edge of the corresponding plate (in the lower die) with the several
openings through that particular plate, and holes are drilled from the hollow parts
of the pattern die into the openings in such plate supplied with the appropriate
colour, these holes passing if necessary through the solid parts of the intervening
plate or plates. The upper or moveable die and pressure block are constructed in a
similar way, but (instead of pipes to supply the colours) the openings through
each particular plate, are made all to communicate with a corresponding open
reservoir at the back or top of the moveable pressure block, in a similar way to
that already described.
Figure 5 is in illustration of this part of my Invention; a is the pattern die, and b
is the pressure block; c, d, e, f, are intermediate plates, each having openings
through it corresponding with the shape of one particular colour in the pattern.
Each intermediate plate is supplied with colour by means of a pipe through its
edge, and holes are shewn from the hollow parts of the pattern die a passing through
the solid parts of the intermediate plates to the one supplied with the particular
colour. All the openings through any particular plate are made to communicate
with each other, so that all are supplied with the colour.
Another part of my Invention relates to the force pumps and valves used for
forcing the liquid colours or dyes through the fabric, and for withdrawing the same,
and consists of improved methods of constructing and actuating these pumps and
valves, so that the same portion of the dyeing material is prevented from being
used over and over again without change or replenishment, and thus losing its strength.
I make each force pump of considerable diameter and stroke, and I make the piston
rod (which actuates a piston in it) pass through a stuffing box in a suitable cover
bolted to the top of the pump, just below which I make an opening into the pump,
communicating by means of a pipe with one of the supply pipes or openings into the
corresponding channel in the lower pressure block, as already described. I make a
passage through the piston which I fit with a valve opening upwards, but kept in
its seat by a strong spring, and I make the tail of this valve pass down through the
piston, so that (when the latter is at the bottom of its stroke) it strikes against the
bottom of the pump, or against a suitable cross bar or projection. At a short
distance above the piston (when the latter is at the bottom of its stroke) I make
one or more openings into the pump, these openings communicating with a valve
chamber containing a valve, which can be opened or closed by means of a spindle
passing through a stuffing box in the cover of the valve chamber. Above this valve
a pipe enters the valve chamber from a cistern filled with liquid dye of the par-
ticular colour required, which is kept at the necessary height in the cistern, so that
when the valve is opened a certain determined quantity of dye enters the pump
and fills it to a certain height above the piston. The valve is actuated by means
of levers and rods operated by a cam upon the revolving shaft of the machine, which
is arranged in such a position that when the piston is rising slowly, the valve is
opened as soon as the valve in the piston has closed, and it is closed before tho
lower edge of the piston has risen completely past the opening or openings from the
valve chamber. An opening at the bottom of each pump communicates with a
discharge pipe into a separate dye tank or cistern below the machine. As many
separate pumps with their pistons and piston rods, valve chambers, valves and dye
supply cisterns, and receiving cisterns, are required as there are different colours in
the pattern, which is being formed upon and through the fabric. The piston rods of
the force pumps are actuated by connecting rods from cranks upon the revolving
driving shaft of the machine, and two or more of these piston rods may be con-
nected together to a suitable cross head, so as to be driven by a single connecting
rod. Separate waste pipes from the reservoirs on the upper or moveable pressure

page_text: block may be used to convey any surplus dye from each into the corresponding
cistern below the machine. Sometimes, however, I close the top of each of these
reservoirs with air-tight covers, each provided with one or more valves opening
upward, as well as with a valve opening downward, but kept up to its seat by a
spring, the pressure of which can be regulated. By these means the air is forced
out through the first described valves when the pistons are rising, but when they
descend the valves close, and air is drawn through the regulated valve by adjusting
the pressure, upon which a more or less perfect vacuum may be formed in the
reservoirs.
Figures 1, 2, and 3 illustrate this part of my Invention. 2 is one of the supply
pipes to the lower pressure block, each pipe being connected to a force pump r, the
several pumps having pistons and rods passing through stuffing boxes, the pistons
being worked up and down by one or more cranks, connecting rods, and cross
heads & driven by the shaft e. Each piston is fitted with a valve t opening upward
but held down by a spring, and the lower end of each pump communicates with a
separate cistern or tank u (Figure 3). At the side of each cylinder is a valve
chamber with a valve v opening outward, through which liquid dye is admitted
from the separate dye tank w, each valve v being opened and closed when requisite
by lovers and rods x, actuated by the cam y on the shaft c.
In order to bring into repeated use the dyes or liquid colours which pass from the
dye cisterns to the pumps, and thence (after passing through the machine and the
fabric) to the cistern below, I use circulating pumps arranged and operated as
follows: The dye cistern containing any particular colour which supplies the
corresponding pump is itself fed from another cistern, the proper height of the dye
in the former being adjusted and then regulated and kept constant by a ball-cock
or float valve.
The cistern itself may be supplied with coil pipes or other appliances, through
which steam or other heating medium can be passed if it is desired that the dyo
should be used hot. A series of circulating pumps, as many in number as the
several colours which are to be used in the pattern, are arranged in a convenient
position so as to be driven by the same power as that which drives the machine, or
other convenient power, and each such pump is appropriated to one particular
colour, its supply pipe communicating with the corresponding cistern below the
machine, and its delivery pipe with the corresponding upper supply cistern.
Figure 3 illustrates this arrangement. Each dye tank w which supplies the valve
chamber of the pump is itself supplied with liquid dye from a higher tank z, the
height of the dye in w being regulated by a float valve A whilst any surplus dye
passes into the tank u through the pipe B. One of the circulating pumps is shewn
at C. It is actuated by the revolution of the shaft e and raises the dye from the
tank u and returns it to the upper tank z. It is understood that there are as many
pumps, valvest and e, tanks u, w, and 2, and circulating pumps C as there are
separate colours in the pattern.
By the operation of the arrangements of cisterns, pipes, and circulating pumps,
as described and shewn, the various liquid dies are repeatedly used, but, being in
considerable quantity and kept in constant circulation, they are less liable to become
materially weaker or deteriorated in colour.
Another part of my Invention consists of improved apparatus for feeding the felt
or other fabric accurately forward for the requisite space each time that the upper
die and pressure block are raised, as already described. I take two horizontal axles,
and I arrange them so as to revolve in bearings attached to the framework of the
machine, transversely across the length of the felt or other fabric which is being
passed through, one of the axles being before and one behind the pressure blocks
and dies. Upon each axle are two pulleys, nearly as far apart as the width of the
felt or other fabric, and over these pulleys are stretched two "pitch" chains
connecting the two pulleys at the same ends of the two axles. The chains have
spikes attached to them and are arranged at such a height that, when the edges of
the felt are pressed upon the spikes and the pulleys are made to revolve, the felt

page_text: is drawn forward between the dies, when the latter are separated, as herein-before
described. At or near one end of one of the axles in front of the machine I fix a
ratchet wheel, having on its circumference as large a number as possible of ratchet-
shaped teeth, and upon the same axle I arrange a handle or lever turning loosely
upon it, and fitted with a pall which engages with the ratchet teeth, so that when
the handle is moved backward and forward it moves the wheels and pitch chains
forward at intervals and draws forward the felt through a space proportioned to
the length of stroke of the handle, in order to limit and regulate which I arrange
an adjustable stop at one or both ends, so that the pall may be made to take at
each stroke as many as required of the ratchet teeth, and the forward feed of
the felt or other fabric is thus exactly adjusted to the pattern which is being
produced. As it is thus delivered from the machine, I make the felt or other
fabric pass over an angle iron or plate which lifts it from the spikes upon the
chains, and it can then be removed or rolled up.
Figures 1 and 2 illustrate this arrangement. D represents pulleys carrying
"pitch" chains E, having spikes, by which the fabric is drawn forward at intervals.
Fis a ratchet wheel upon the axle of two of the pulleys D actuated by the adjustable
handle G, so that the fabric can be drawn forward exactly through the required
space at intervals.
The action of the entire apparatus is as follows:-The machine being set in motion
and the shaft caused to revolve slowly, the upper die block is raised by the pivotted
levers, and the end of a roll of felt or other fabric (which may be carried in suitable
bearings on the machine) is introduced between the dies by means of the spikes on
the "pitch" chains. The upper compound die block is then forced down by the
cams on the shaft and compresses the felt between the two dies. Whilst thus held,
the pistons in the force pumps begin to rise, and when the valves in them have
closed, the valves in the valve chambers are opened by their cam, and a sufficient
quantity of liquid is admitted above the piston of each pump, each being supplied
with a different colour. The valves are then closed, and as the pistons continue to
rise, they force the air above them (and in the pipes) through the dies and the felt,
and this is followed by the coloured dyes, which are similarly forced through the
felt into the reservoirs on the upper pressure block. The pistons then commence
their descent and draw the coloured dies back through the felt into the pumps,
followed by a volume of air, which, in passing, drives the felt.
As the pistons
reach the bottom of their stroke, the valves in them are opened, and the dyes above
them pass through and are discharged into the several cisterns below the machine.
At the same timo the upper pressure die is raised and the felt is drawn forward
through a sufficient distance by the adjustable handle. The pistons then commence
rising again and the process is repeated, and so on, as long as desired.
The reservoirs in the upper pressure block may be closed and the air admitted to
them through pipes which pass through furnaces or other heating apparatus.
By the improvements above described in the foregoing Specification, and shewn
in the Drawings, the machinery or apparatus for dyeing is made much more effective,
certain in its operation, quick, and durable than has heretofore been the case.
Having now described my Invention and the manner in which it is to be per-
formed, I claim,—
The methods of constructing the compound pattern dies and pressure blocks,
substantially as described and shewn in the Drawings.
Also the methods of constructing and actuating the force pumps and valves for
the purpose of forcing and withdrawing the liquid dyes and air through the felt or
other fabric, substantially as described and shewn in the Drawings.
Also the arrangement of dye cisterns and circulating pumps by which the several
liquid dyes are made to circulate through the apparatus, substantially as described
and shewn in the Drawings.
Also the arrangement of pulleys, pitch chains, and spikes, actuated by a ratchet
wheel and adjustable lever, for the purpose of feeding the felt or other fabric through
the machine, substantially as described and shewn in the Drawings.

page_text: Also the general arrangement and combination of the several novel parts of
the apparatus, substantially as andį for the purposes described and shewn in the
Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said George Cantrell Gibbs, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty-seventh day of October, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-seven.