Year: 1895

page_text: I, CHARLES NEWTON PICKWORTH of 17 Lancaster Road, Fallowfield
Manchester, in the County of Lancaster Mechanical Engineer do hereby declare
the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
My invention relates to calculating instruments and has for its object the
arrangement of a special form or forms of slide rule, which I call a cloth computing
scale and by means of which, calculations specially required for determining the
cost of manufacturing woven fabrics may be much more readily effected than by
ordinary calculation or by the use of the ordinary or of special forms of slide rule
and whereby the many inconveniences attending the use of these are effectually
overcome.
In computing the cost of manufacturing woven textile fabrics, there requires to
be determined (1) The cost of the warp, (2) the cost of the weft, (3) the cost of
weaving these together, and (4) other expenses such as, cost of power, rent, makers
profit etc. Obviously this last factor is one which will vary under different
conditions and no possible means can be devised for calculating its amount. The
factors (1) (2) and (3) however are determinable by means of special formula, the
precise character of which varies somewhat for different classes of fabric or for
the same class of fabric in different localities.
In calculating the cost of cotton cloths, for which purpose my invention is more
especially intended. the cost of warp in a piece is determined by multiplying the
length of the warp in yards, by the width (inches in reed) and by the ends per inch
in the reed. This result divided by 840 and by the "counts of the yarn," gives the
weight of warp in pounds. Multiplying this result by the price per pound of the
yarn, gives the price of the warp in the piece.
32
Similarly the cost of weft is determined by multiplying the length of the piece in
yards by the width (inches in reed) and by the picks per inch. The result divided
by 840 and by the "counts of the yarn gives the weight of the weft in pounds.
Multiplying this weight by the price per pound of the yarn gives the cost of weft
in the piece.
.
To determine the price to be paid for weaving, the number of picks per quarter
inch, is multiplied by twice the length in yards and divided by 100. This result
has various percentages added to or deducted from it according to the allowances
made for deviation from the standard loom and cloth, the amount of such allowances
being laid down in the standard lists of prices in the various manufacturing
districts.
194
By the use of my invention all or any of the foregoing calculations are most
readily effected without any arithmetical calculation. whatever, without any
preparatory training in its use and with the minimum of mental effort. Moreover
the effect on the final result, of varying any one or more of the factors, in the
calculations for the price of yarn, is immediately seen, while various inversé
operations may be readily performed.
In carrying out my invention, I provide a stock somewhat similar to that of an
ordinary slide rule. In the centre or grooved or recessed portion of this stock are

page_text: placed two parallel slides or bars, capable of sliding in the direction of their length.
It will be understood that these two slides move in contact with each other on their
inner edges, while their outer edges are in contact, with the raised portions of the
stock of the rule. The upper surfaces of the two slides and the upper surfaces of
the raised portions of the stock are in one horizontal plane so that of any
graduations on these surfaces and near the edges of the slides or raised portions of
the stock-those on edges adjacent to each other may be readily brought into
coincidence with one another as in the ordinary form of slide rule. The stock and
slides may be made of cardboard, ivory, wood, metal, celluloid, or other suitable
material or of a combination of wood and celluloid, or of wood and ivory, or of
other suitable combinations of materials.
In one form of my invention, which I have found particularly convenient for
effecting calculations relating to the cost of manufacturing cotton fabrics, I lay out
on the surface of my computing scale, seven primary scales and two subsidiary
scales, each consisting of a series of graduations in logarithmic sequence.
In each scale, each of the several graduations represents by the length it is
distant from a fixed point in the scale, the mantissa of the logarithm of the
number by which such graduation is distinguished. By placing the seven primary
scales near the contiguous edges of the slides or of the slides and stock, it becomes
possible to add together or deduct from each other, various lengths of the several
logarithmic scales, this being effected by moving the slides into definite relative
positions with each other and with the scales on the stock. It is well known that
the addition of the logarithms of two or more numbers gives the logarithm of the
product of those numbers and that the subtraction of the logarithm of one number
from the logarithm of another gives the logarithm of the quotient arising from the
division of the second number by the first. By moving the slides into various
relative positions as above indicated, various lengths of the several scales are
mechanically added to or deducted from each other and the final result of the
equation is obtained.
In one form of cotton cloth computing scale, I place on the lower part of the
stock, a scale consisting of a series of graduations arranged in logarithmic sequence
and denoting "length in yards." This I call scale A. On the adjacent part of the
lower moveable slide, I place another scale (B) consisting of a series of graduations
in logarithmic sequence and representing "width in inches."
Near the upper edge of the lower slide I place another logarithmic scale (C)
representing either "picks per quarter inch" or "reed per quarter inch" according
to the requirements of the calculation. Below this scale, I place another subsiduary
logarithmic scale (C) representing "picks per inch” or
two scales C and Care adjacent, so that the operator may use either of them
"reed per inch." The
according to the manner in which the picks or reed may be stated in the equation.
Near the lower edge of the upper slide, I place, in one straight line, two
logarithmic scales, one (D) representing the price of yarn, per pound, while the
other (G) is a scale of percentages, used in calculating the weaving price. Near
the upper edge of the upper slide, I place another logarithmic scale (E) denoting
66 counts of yarn" and adjacent to this but on the stock of the instrument, I place
another logarithmic scale (F) representing "prices of warp or weft." Finally,
I place immediately above (F) and on the stock of the instrument another
logarithmic scale (F1) denoting the weight of warp or weft in pounds and ounces.
Scales A, C, C, F and F run in a direction from left to right. Scales B, D
and E run in the reverse direction. Scale G runs in both directions from a point
near the centre of its length.
"
In addition to the above-enumerated scales, I employ a series of "
or "indicating arrows" which much facilitate the calculations referred to in the
gauge points
foregoing. One of these (W), I place on B at the graduation corresponding to 8.4.
Another (E), I place on B, at the graduation 25. Further I place another gauge-
point or arrow (L 6) on D corresponding to the division line marked 1/-. I use
another arrow-line (W₁) which extends across the upper slide and at right angles
3

page_text: to the direction in which the slide moves. This coincides at its lower extremity
with the O of the scale G and at its upper extremity with the graduation 6 on the
scale E. Two other indicating arrows, (H and H₁) are, placed on F, coinciding
with the graduations 1/- and 10/- on that scale.
The manner in which my invention is employed may be thus described :-To
find the weight of warp or weft in a piece of cloth.-To length on A, set width
(or inches in reed) on B. Bring arrow Lb on D to pick or reed (according as the
weight of weft or warp is sought) on C or C¹ and over counts of yarn on E read
weight in pounds and ounces on Fl
To find the cost of warp in a piece of cotton cloth :-To length in yards on A,
set width (or inches in reed) on B. Bring price per pound of the yarn to reed per
inch on C and over the count of yarn on E. read price in shillings, pence etc. on F.
To find cost of weft, the procedure is as for cost of warp, except that the number
of picks is taken on C' (or picks per quarter inch on C) in place of reed.
To find the number of hanks of warp or wett required for a piece of cotton
cloth-To length on A set width on B. Bring arrow Lb on D to picks or ends
per inch on C¹ and under arrow H or H¹ on F, read number of hanks on E.
A cipher is to be added to the result if it is read under H².
The scales A and B may be used for a variety of calculations, such as for finding
the number of ends in a piece or for ascertaining the number of square yards in a
piece etc. These calculations, however, would be performed in a manner exactly
similar to that pursued with the ordinary slide rule, with the slide inverted.
To find the weaving price :-Set arrow W on B to length on A. Bring arrow W
on G, to picks per quarter inch on C, and over W' on E, read "standard price"
in shillings, pence etc. on F. To add or deduct any given per centage, from the
standard price so found, bring any graduation (for reference) on C to coincide with
the arrow W¹. Then move the scale G to the right for adding or to the left for
deducting, until the given per centage graduation coincides with the reference
graduation on C, when the arrow W', will indicate the result on F. Any number
of per centages may be added or deducted in this manner.
In another form of my invention, I employ logarithmic scales, arranged in
circular form. One of the scales is inscribed on an inner fixed disc, and this is
surrounded by a moveable concentric annulus or flat ring, bearing other of the
logarithmic scales. Surrounding this is another moveable annulus carrying scales,
while to the outer case is fixed another flat ring also carrying one or more scales.
It will be obvious that if means are provided for turning the two annular rings-
which correspond to the two slides in the first described arrangement-that all the
various operations above enumerated may be readily performed.
It will be obvious that instead of arranging the rule in a flat form, I may, as it
were, make what I have termed the stock or non-moveable portion of the rule in the
form of a cylinder, the moveable slides turning round on this in a circular direction.
Or I may make the rule in a cylindrical, elliptical or other convenient form and
arrange the moveable slides to work in a direction parallel to the length of the
instrument.
I am aware that special forms of slide rules have been used, for a variety of
calculations, including weaving calculations required in the manufacture of textile
fabrics.
I am also aware that circular slide rules or calculators have been used for a
like purpose, but to these 1 lay no claim, the essential features of my invention
consisting in the use of the special forms of slide rules herein before described.
Dated this 30th day of January 1895
CHARLES N. PICKWORTH,
Applicant.

page_text: Improvements in Slide Rules.
I, CHARLES NEWTON PICKWORTH of 17 Lancaster Road, Fallowfield
Manchester, in the County of Lancaster, Mechanical Engineer 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:-
My invention relates to calculating instruments and has for its object the
arrangement of a special form or forms of slide rule which I call a cloth computer
and by means of which calculations specially required for determining the cost of
manufacturing woven fabrics may be much more readily effected than by ordinary
calculation or by the use of the ordinary or of special forms of slide rules and
whereby the many inconveniences attending the use of these latter are effectually
avoided.
In computing the cost of manufacturing woven textile fabrics there requires to
be determined (1) the cost of the warp (2) the cost of the weft (3) the cost of
weaving these together and (4) other expenses such as cost of power, rent,
manufacturers profit etc. Obviously this last factor is one which will vary under
different conditions and no general method can be devised for calculating its
amount. The factors (1) (2) and (3) however are determinable by means of special
formula the precise character of which varies somewhat for different classes of
fabric or for the same class of fabric in different localities.
In calculating the cost of cotton cloths for which purpose my invention is more
especially intended, the cost of warp in a piece is determined by multiplying the
length of the warp in yards by the width (in reed in inches) and by the ends
per inch in the reed. This result divided by 840 and by the "counts" of the
yarn, gives the weight of warp in pounds. Multiplying this result by the price
per pound of the yarn gives the price of the warp in the piece. Similarly the
cost of weft is determined by multiplying the length of the piece in yards by
the width (reed in inches) and by the picks per inch. The result divided by
840 and by the counts of the yarn gives the weight of the weft in pounds.
Multiplying this weight by the price per pound of the yarn gives the cost of
weft in the piece. To determine the price to be paid for weaving, the number of
picks per quarter inch is multiplied by twice the length in yards and divided by 100.
This result has various per centages added to or deducted from it, according to the
allowances made for deviation from the standard loom and cloth, the amount of
such allowances being laid down in the standard list of prices adopted in the various
manufacturing districts.
By the use of my invention all or any of the foregoing calculations and many
others involved in the manufacturing of fabrics, are most readily effected without
any arithmetical calculation whatever, without any preparatory training in its use
and with the minimum of mental effort. Moreover the effect on the final result of
varying any one or more of the factors in the calculations for the price of yarn is
immediately seen, while various inverse operations may be readily performed.
In carrying out my invention I provide a stock somewhat similar to that of an
ordinary slide rule and marked K, K', in Fig. 1 of the accompanying drawings.
In the centre or grooved or recessed portion of this stock are placed two paralle!
slides or bars M, N, (Fig. 2) capable of sliding in the direction of their length.
It will be understood that these two slides move in contact with each other on
their inner edges while their outer edges are in contact with the raised portions of
the stock of the rule. The upper surfaces of the two slides and the upper surfaces
of the raised portions of the stock are in one horizontal plane so that of any

page_text: graduations on these surfaces and near the edges of the slides, or raised portions
of the stock, those on edges adjacent to each other may be readily brought into
coincidence with one another as in the ordinary form of slide rule.
The stock and slides may be made of cardboard, ivory, wood, metal, celluloid
or other suitable material or of a combination of wood and celluloid or of wood and
ivory or of other suitable combinations of materials.
In one form of my invention, which I have found particularly convenient for
effecting calculations relating to the cost of manufacturing cotton fabrics, I lay
out on the surface of my computing scale, seven primary scales and two subsidiary
scales each consisting of a series of graduations in logarithmic sequence.
In each scale, each of the several graduations represents by the length it is
distant from a fixed point on the scale, the mantissa of the logarithim of the
number by which such graduation is distinguished. By placing these primary
scales near the contiguous edges of the slides or of the slides and stock, it becomes
possible to add together or deduet from each other various lengths of the several
logarithmic scales, this being effected by moving the slides into definite relative
positions with each other and with the scales on the stock.
It is well known that
the addition of the logarithims of two or more numbers gives the logarithim of the
product of those numbers and that the subtraction of the logarithim of one number
from the logarithim of another gives the logarithim of the quotient arising from
the division of the second number by the first. Thus by moving the slides into
various relative positions as above indicated, various lengths of the several scales
are mechanically added to or deducted from each other and the final result of the
equation is obtained.
.
In one form of cotton cloth computing scale 1 place on the lower part of the
stock, a scale consisting of a series of graduations arranged in logarithmic sequence
and denoting length in yards. This I call scale A (Fig. 1). On the adjacent part
of the lower moveable slide N, I place another scale (B) consisting of a series of
Near to
graduations in logarithmic sequence and representing width in inches."
6.
the upper edge of the lower slide, I place another logarithmic scale (C) repre-
senting either picks per quarter inch or reed per quarter inch according to the
requirements of the calculation. Immediately below this scale I place another
subsidiary logarithmic scale (C') representing picks per inch or reed per inch.
The two scales C and C are adjacent, so that the operator may use either of them
according to the manner in which the picks or reed may be stated in the equation.
Near the lower edge of the upper slide M 1 place in one straight line, two
logarithmic. scales, one (D) representing the price of yarn per pound while the
other (G) is a scale of percentages used in calculating the weaving price. Near
the upper edge of the upper slide M, I place another logarithmic scale (E) denoting
"counts of yarn" and adjacent to this, but on the stock K of the instrument I place
another logarithmic scale (F) representing "prices of warp or weft in 'piece.'
Finally I place immediately above (F) and on the stock of the instrument another
logarithmic scale (F) denoting the weight of warp or weft in pounds and ounces.
Scales A, C, C, F, and F¹ run in a direction from left to right whilst scales B, D,
and E run in the reverse direction. Scale G runs in both directions from a point
near the centre of its length.
In addition to the above enumerated scales I employ a series of ",
gauge points"
or indicating arrows which much facilitate the calculations referred to in the
foregoing.
One of these (W) 1 place on B at the graduation corresponding to 8.4 of that
scale produced. Another (E¹) I place on B at the graduation 25. Further
I place another gauge point or arrow (L 6) on D corresponding to the division line
marked 1 (one shilling). use another arrow line (W) which extends across the
upper slide and at right angles to the direction in which the slide moves.
coincides at its upper extremity with the graduation 6 on the scale E. Two other
indicating arrows H and Hare placed on F, coinciding with the graduations 1/-
(one shilling) and 10/- (ten shillings) on that scale.
This

page_text: The manner in which my invention is employed may be thus described:-:
To find the weight of warp or weft in a piece of cloth :-To length on A set
width (inches in reed) on B. Bring arrow Lb on D to pick or reed (according as
the weight of weft or warp is sought) on C or C¹ and over counts of yarn on E
read weight in pounds and ounces on F¹. Thus for example to find the weight of
weft in a piece 24 yards long, 42 inches width in reed, 18 picks per quarter inch
and 36's yarn, the method of operation is :-
To 24 on A set 42 on B; bring arrow Lb to 18 on C and over. 36 on E read
2 pounds 7 ounces on F¹.
To find the cost of warp in a piece of cotton cloth :-To length in yards on A,
set width (or inches in reed) on B. Bring price per pound of the yarn to reed
per inch on C¹ and over the counts of yarn on E read price in shillings, pence etc.
on F. Thus to find the cost of warp for cloth 36/84, 20 x 20, 32/36, I will assume
a 73 reed to be used, the cloth to stand 38 inches in the reed and inches added
to cover cost of selvages, the taping length to be 92 yards and the price of 32's twist
6d. per pound. Then the operation is:-
To 92 on A set 39 on B and to 73 on C¹ bring 6d. on D; then over 32 on E
read 4/11 on F as the required cost of warp.
To find cost of weft the procedure is as for cost of warp, except that the number
of picks is taken on C¹ (or picks per quarter inch on C) in place of reed.
To find the number of hanks of warp or weft required for a
cloth To length on A set width on B, bring arrow Lb on D to picks or to ends
piece of cotton
per inch on C and under arrow H or H on F read number of hanks on E.
A cipher to be added to the result if it is read under H'.
The converse of the foregoing operations are also useful, as for example, when
the counts are required for a cloth of given weight, length, width, reed and pick.
The average counts being found, the counts of warp can be decided upon and
the weight found. Deducting this weight from the total gives the weight of weft
and setting the scales to the given length and width, and the arrow Lb to the
picks, the required counts of weft are found on E under the given weight on F.
It will be seen that with my device the effect on the weight of varying the counts
alone is seen at a glance when the slides are set. The effect of varying the reed
(or picks) alone or with a simultaneous variation of the counts is seen by moving
the upper slide so that the arrow Lb points to the new reed (or picks) when over
the counts is the new weight on F. Or conversely under the old weight is the
new counts required, if the weight is to remain unaltered. An endless variety of
combinations of the various factors may thus be readily effected.
The scales A and B may be used for a variety of calculations such as for finding
the number of ends in a piece or for ascertaining the number of square yards in a
piece etc. These calculations however would be performed in a manner exactly
similar to that pursued with the ordinary slide rule with the slide inverted.
The upper scales may also be used for various calculations as for example to find
the weight in pounds and ounces of a number of banks of yarn of given counts
which is effected by setting the number of hanks on E to arrow H (or to H'adding
O to the reading) and over counts of yarn on E, reading weight on F¹.
adding
or
Percentages may be readily added to or deducted from the prices or weights
given in the F or F' scales, this being effected in the following manner:- -Set
arrow W to price on F or weight on F¹ and bring 100 on C¹ to same arrow line.
Retain lower slide in position and move the upper one to the right for
to the left for deducting. Thus to deduct 10 per cent. move arrow to 90 on C, to
deduct 20 per cent. move arrow to 80 on C¹ and so on. To add 20 per cent. move
arrow to 120 on C¹, to add 40 per cent. move it to 140 and so on.
To find the weaving price:-Set arrow W on B to length on A. Bring arrow W
on G to picks per quarter inch on C and over W₁ on E read "standard price" in
shillings pence etc. on F. To add or deduct any given percentage from the
standard price so found, bring any graduation for reference on C to coincide with
the arrow W'.

page_text: Then move the scale G to the right for adding or to the left for deducting, until
the given percentage graduation coincides with the reference graduation on when
the arrow W will indicate the result on F. Any number of percentages may be
added or deducted in this manner. Thus for cloth (in a 45 inch space loom) as.
in the example illustrating the method of finding cost of warp, the procedure
is-Set W on B to 84 on A and arrow W to 19 on C. The standard price is
then read on F over the arrow W'. Next bring any line say 20 on C to Wand
move the upper slide to the left until 3 on the minus per cent. scale is over 20 on C,.
thus deducting 3 per cent. as is required. The operator then proceeds as before.
first adding 1 per cent. and finally deducting 10 per cent. when W will point to 2/6.
on F as the weaving price.
It will be obvious that the sequence of the several scales may be altered without
affecting the ultimate result. Thus, scale B might be placed in the position in
which scale D now is. Similarly scales C and A might be transposed if desired.
Instead of arranging the rule in a flat form I may make what I have called the
stock on non-moveable portion of the rule in the form of a cylinder Fig. 3, the
moveable slides, P, Q, turning round on this in a circular direction or I may make
the rule in a cylindrical, elliptical or other convenient form and arrange the move-
able slides to work in a direction parallel to the axis of the cylinder (Fig. 4).
In conclusion I would have it distinctly understood that special forms of slide
rules have been used for a variety of calculations, including weaving calculations
required in the manufacture of textile fabrics and also that circular slide rules or
calculators have been used for a like purpose, but to these I lay no claim, the
essential feature of my invention consisting in the special forms of slide rules
hereinbefore described.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, 1 declare that what I
claim is:
(1.) A slide rule for use in calculations relating to the manufacture of woven
fabrics constructed and arranged substantially as described and illustrated in
Figs. 1 and 2.
(2.) In double-slide slide rules the combination of a series of scales arranged in
logarithmic sequence and denoting respectively :-Length in yards; width in inches;
picks or reed per inch; picks or reed per quarter inch; price of yarn per pound;
percentage scale; counts of yarn; price of warp or weft in piece; and weight of
warp or weft in piece, certain of which scales are carried by the two slides while the
others are placed on the stock of the rule and so arranged as to enable the herein-
before described calculations to be readily effected.
(3.) The combination of the above enumerated scales with the indicating arrows.
or gauge points H, H', L, E, W and W' as described and illustrated in Fig. 1.
(4.) The alternative arrangements substantially as described and illustrated in
Figs. 3 and 4.
(5.) The improvements in slide rules substantially as described and illustrated in.
and by the accompanying drawings.
Dated this Twentieth day of August 1895.
CHARLES N. PICKWORTH,
17 Lancaster Road, Fallowfield, Manchester.