IMPROVEMENTS IN VELVET OR CUT PILE FABRICS, AND IN LOOMS OR MACHINERY USED FOR WEAVING SUCH VELVET AND OTHER LOOP PILE FABRICS
Year: 1856

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Weild, of the City of Manchester, in the
County of Lancaster, Machinist, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS
IN VELVET OR CUT PILE FABRICS, AND IN LOOMS OR MACHINERY USED FOR
WEAVING SUCH VELVET AND OTHER LOOP PILE FABRICS."
Sealed the 5th May 1857, and dated the 5th November 1856.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Weild at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
5th November 1856.
I, WILLIAM WEILD, of the City of Manchester, in the County of Lancaster,
Machinist, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN VELVET OR CUT PILE FABRICS, AND IN LOOMS OR MACHINERY USED
FOR WEAVING SUCH VELVET AND OTHER LOOP PILE FABRICS," to be as follows:-
First, my improvements in velvet or cut pile fabrics relate principally to
such as are intended for carpets, and they consist in forming such fabrics
with weft composed of two or more separate and distinct fine threads, in placo
of one single coarse thread, that is, two or more threads are brought together
and wound at the same time, as if one thread, on to one spool for the shuttle,
so that each shoot of the shuttle gives off two or more separate and distinct
threads as if one single thread. By the employment of such weft, two shoots
to each pile loop are found sufficient, as it binds the pile equally as firm in
the body of the fabric as three shoots of single weft to the loop usually

page_text: employed, while the two shoots of double weft allow a closer and more regular
pile, and thus an improved velvet fabric is produced at a saving of work in
the weaving of one pick in three, besides the advantage of convenience in
being able to weave, cut, and uncut pile fabrics in the same loom, without
having to alter either the picking or shedding.
Second, my improvements in looms or machinery for weaving cut and
other loop pile fabrics, relate to "picking" in "single shed" looms in con-
tradistinction to the "double shed" loom, where a separate shed is formed
at the same time, both for the passage of the weft and the wire on which
the loops are made. In these loons (the "single shed") a "pick " is omitted
during that revolution of the crank at which the shed is formed for the
passage of the wire, so that, for three picks to the loop (usually given for
velvet fabrics), one pick is omitted every fourth revolution of the crank shaft,
consequently the shuttle alternates at the end of every three picks on one
side, and then on the other side of the loom, but comes back to the same
side at the end of every six picks. To meet this peculiar requirement of the
picking employ either of the following methods in which this part of my
Invention consists:-First, I geer the picking tappet shaft to make one
revolution to four of the crank shaft, and place picking bowls or tappets to
act when required on the picking mechanism on both sides of the loom at
the same time, so that whichever box the shuttle is in it is picked to the other;
second, I geer the picking tappet shaft to make one revolution to eight of
the crank shaft, and arrange the picking bowls or tappets to act alternately,
making the two omissions required.
Third, my improvements relate to an arrangement of the "reed" to provent
its too rapid destruction, by always striking the same part of it against the
wire on which the loops are formed in beating up; and my improvements
consist in so fixing the reed that it can be readily risen or lowered by suitable
adjustments, so as to change the part striking against the wire, and thus
secure a more even wearing of its face, and consequently a greater durability.
Fourth, my improvements relate to metallic harness, and consist in a
method of constructing the "mails" and attaching them to the wires, in such
manner as to provent them becoming entangled. This is accomplished by
making "each "mail" with two holes at one end at least; the ends of the wiro
after it has passed through the inner hole (both being formed in the mail in
the line of the wire) are both passed through the outer hole, one from one
side and the other from the other side, crossing each other; the mail is thus
held from turning so much out of the line of the wire attached to it as to
become entangled.
5

page_text: Fifth, my improvements relate to a mode of weighting pile yarn where it
is wound on bobbins; and they consist in a bar attached to or formed with
arms that are jointed to the creel, so that the bar always rests longitudinally
upon the yarn on the bobbin. The thread from the bobbin passes over the
bar (and the usual supporting wire), and presses it against the yarn when
the weighted loop of the thread is sufficiently long, and thus prevents the
bobbin from revolving; but when the loop of the thread is shortened so that
the thread is on a line in which it is wholly or partly clear of the bar, the
bobbin immediately begins to revolve, ceasing when the thread again presses
the bar upon the yarn with sufficient force, the bar answering as a "brake
upon the bobbin.
Sixth, my improvements relate to the "wire motion," described in the
Specification of a Patent granted to me, Numbered 505, and dated the Seventh
day of March, in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and
fifty-five; and they consist in a simplification of the parts, namely, constructing
the case and slide path 6* (sce Specification referred to, Fig. 21 to 25 of the
Drawings) in one casting, dispensing with the groove (12), with part of the
grooves or flutes on the roller or cylinder k, and with the fingers (fƒ³) for
holding the wires in the grooves, and re-arranging other parts of the mechanism.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said William Weild in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
5th May 1857.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, WILLIAM
WEILD, of the City of Manchester, in the County of Lancaster, Machinist,
send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Fifth day of November, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-six, in the twentieth year of Her
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, tho
said William Weild, Her especial license that I, the said William Weild, my
executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said William
Weild, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any time ngreo
with, and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter during
the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, uso, exercise,
and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the
Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN

page_text: VELVET OR CUT PILE FABRICS, AND IN LOOMS.OR MACHINERY USED FOR WEAVING
BUCH VELVET AND OTHER LOOPED FABRICS," upon the condition (amongst others);
that I, tho said William Weild, by an instrument in writing, under my.
hand and seal,, should particularly describe and. ascertain the nature of the:
said Invention, and in what manner the same was to be performed,..and.
cause the same to bo filed in the Great Seal. Patent Office within six;
calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said Letters.
Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said William Weild, do hereby declare the
naturo of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be per-
formed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following.
statement and accompanying Drawings, that is. to say:-
Firstly, my improvements in velvet or cut pile fabrics relate principally
to such as are intended for carpets, and they consist in forming such fabrics.
with weft composed of two or more separate and distinct fine threads, in place
of one single coarse thread, that is, two or more threads are brought together
and wound at the same time, as if one thread, on to one spool for the shuttle,
so that each shoot of the shuttle gives off two or more separate and distinct
threads as if one single thread. By the employment of such weft, two shoots
to each pile loop are found sufficient, as it binds the pile equally as firm in
the body of the fabric as three shoots of single weft to the loop usually
employed, while the two shoots of double weft allow a closer and more regular
pile, and thus an improved velvet fabric is produced at a saving of work in
the weaving of one pick in three, besides the advantage of convenience in
being able to weave, cut, and uncut pilo fabrics in the same loom, without
having to alter either the picking or shedding.
Secondly, my improvements relate to an arrangement of the reed to prevent
its too rapid destruction, by always striking the same part of it against the
wiro on which the loops are formed in beating up; and my improvements
consist in so fixing the reed that it can be readily raised or lowered by
suitable adjustments, so as to change the part striking against the wire, and
tbus secure a more even wearing of its face, and consequently a greater
durability.
These improvements are illustrated in the annexed Drawings on Sheet 1,
by Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The first is a front elevation of the slay, and the last
an end sectional elevation. The slay swords are marked a; the part forming
the shuttle race (b) is fixed to the slay swords a. The lower side of the
reed (c) is held against the part 6 by another. part d, which grasps the bar of
the reed. This part is moveable in a vertical direction within the required

page_text: limits, carrying the reed with it, and it is fixed when the adjustment is made
by bolts (6) which draw it firmly against the edge of the shuttle race (b).
The bolts (1) pass through holes in projections that descend from the part d,
which holes are slotted to admit of the required extent of vertical adjustment.
The part d is more readily adjusted and held more securely when adjusted by
employing two screws e, one at each end of the reed. These screws are fixed
to the slay swords (a) in bearings as shewn, so as to rotate, the lower end of
each screwing through an ear or projection (d') formed at each end of the
part d. The upper side of the reed is held by the cap f, secured to the slay
swords by bolts f¹. When an adjustment is to be made, the bolts and fi
are slackened, and when made they are tightened again.
Thirdly, my improvements relate to metallic harness, and consists in a
method of constructing the mails, and attaching them to the wires in such
manner as to prevent them from becoming entangled. This is accomplished
by making cach mail with two holes at one end at least; the ends of the wire
after it has been passed through the inner hole (both being formed on the mail
in the line of the wire) are both passed through the outside hole, one from
one side and the other from the other side, crossing each other. The mail is
then held from turning so much out of the lino of the wire attached to it as
to become entangled. This explanation will be plain by inspecting Fig. 3, a
front view of a mail, and attached wire drawn half size; and Figs. 4 and 5,
respectively a front and edge view of a mail full size, with a portion of the
wire attached at each end.
Fourthly, my improvements relate to a mode of weighting pile yarn during
the process of weaving when it is wound on bobbins, and they consist in
arrangements exhibited on Sheet 1, by Fig. 6 and 7; the former is a sectional
elevation of a portion of a creel, two bobbins, and weighting apparatus, and
the latter a plan view of the same. Those portions of creel bars shown are
marked a, in which the bobbins bare arranged in the usual manner. Wires
(c) pass across the creel bars, and are fixed to them by staples also as
usual. These wires form the axis on which the bars turn that press upon the
surface of the material. Two modifications of the bars d, are shewn in the
Drawings. The bobbins rotate when the yarn is drawn from them in
the direction pointed by the arrows. The yarn passes from the bobbin over
the bar d, then descends in the form of a loop on which the weight (e) is
looked and afterwards passes over the wire in front, and then to the loom.
The direction described is indicated by the lines f, representing the
in Fig. 6.
yarn shewn
Fifthly, my improvements relate to the wire motion described in the Speci-.

page_text: fication of a Patent granted to me, Numbered 505, and dated the Seventh day
of March, in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-five
The arrangements constituting these improvements will be gathered from the
following description of Drawings of the improved wire motions on Sheet 2.
Fig. 8 is a front elevation; Fig. 9, a plan view; Fig. 10 a section, through
the roller case on the line 1, 2; Fig. 9, also showing the slide and other parts;
Fig. 11, a view at the inner end of the roller; Fig. 12, a view of the roller
case and slide path, the roller being shewn in section taken through the line
3, 4, Fig. 9; Fig. 13, a section through the roller case, slide path, and slide
on the line 5, 6; Fig. 9, the grooved rollers or cylinders containing the wires
The
is marked a, it fits in the case b, upon which is cast the slide path c.
part & forms a continuation of the casing and a bearing for the shaft a', on the
end of which a toothed wheel (k) is placed, provided with a friction arrange-
ment similar to that described in the Specification of my former Patent,
herein-before referred to. The guide pulleys (c') for the rope giving motion
to the slide (c) arè also arranged as described in the Specification referred to.
Only three fingers (f) are employed for keeping the wires drawn out of the
fabric in their grooves till covered by the edge of the casing. The manner in
which these fingers (f) are constructed and jointed to projections (b) from the
lower part of the casing (b,) and the manner in which the spring f' and incline
on the slide (e) acts upon them, is shewn in Fig. 10. The form of the
finger (e) which pushes the wire out of its groove in the roller into the shed,
is shewn in Figs. 9, 10, and 18, it is jointed to a projection from the slide; a
bolt forming the axis on which it turns. The jointed end of the finger e
is pressed upon by a sliding bolt e, having a spring coiled round it, arranged
as shewn in Fig. 13. The finger e fits close to the inclined edge of the
casing (a,) and the object of this spring arrangement is to keep the finger
close down when it is pushing the wire. The end of the finger (6) is so
shaped that when down upon the edge of the casing, the front side of it
forms with the edge of the casing a recess which just admits the piece on the
end of the wire. The back or outside of the finger fits close to the bevelled
edge of the casing, and pushes against the end of the piece on the end of
the wire. This is shewn best on Figs. 10 and 18. That part of the
finger (c) forming the recess for the pieco on the end of the wiro would
come in contact with the pieces on the ends of the wires pushed out of
the roller; if this was not prevented by an incline 6 on the end of the
case (a), against which comes a projection (6) on the finger (e), and this
causes it to lift sufficiently to pass over the pieces on the ends of the
wires; but the back part of the finger keeps sufficient hold of the head of

page_text: the wire to push it home. The force of the bolt brings the finger e¹ down
on the bevelled edge of the casing (a), when the slide (e) moves back clear of
the incline 3. The part marked g is a spring (seen in Fig. 9 and 12), which,
by its friction against the upper edges of the heads of the wires, keeps them
from turning forward, and causes them to be correctly taken by the pusher
finger e. The picce h at the other end of the casing presses forward the
heads of the wires, so that they may be correctly taken by the withdrawing
instrument. This piece is attached to a straight spring h', fixed horizontally
to the side of the casing (a), seen in Fig. 9, the end of it also seen in
Fig. 11. This piece h also answers another purpose; it serves to latch a
part h hinged to the end of the casing on a joint at h³. It is best seen in
Fig. 9 and 11. The part h' keeps the wires in their grooves, and forms a
stop, against which the heads of the wires are pushed. This arrangement
allows the weaver readily to remove or replace wires as required, as he needs
only push back the spring part h', thus releasing the part h, which may then
be turned back on its joint, and it only wants forcing down to be again
securely latched. The pusher k, for drawing the wires out of the fabric into
the grooves of the rollers, is placed on a stud A, fixed in the slide e; this
and the finger at the outside end of the case, for preventing the wires from
turning when withdrawn, differs but little in arrangement from those described
in my former Specification. The finger k is pressed down by the elastic force
of an india-rubber band, and the tail part of the finger is acted upon by
a spring h³ fixed on a projection from the part d.
Another improved wire motion is represented on Sheet 2, by Figs. 14, 15,
16, and 17. Fig. 14 is a front elevation; Fig. 15, a plan view; Fig. 16, a
transverse section; Fig. 17, a view of the inner end. The peculiarities of
this modification will be ascertained from the following observations:-Only
a few grooves need be employed in the roller or cylinder; the grooves and
the diameter of the roller are so arranged that when one groove is opposite
the point for inserting the wire, another will be opposite that for withdrawing
it; the wire is detached wholly from the groove out of which it is inserted
when pushed fully into the shed, so that the roller or cylinder may be rotated
irrespective of the forward motion of the wires caused by the taking up of the
fabric as woven; the head of the wire is supported on both sides during
the time it is being withdrawn from the fabric and inserted in the shed. The
wires are kept in the grooves without the aid of fingers, and the heads or
pieces on the ends of the wires are kept in their correct positions at all times
without springs or fingers, consequently the wires are worked with more
certainty; the casing (b) is cylindrical, having the slide path (c) cast on it

page_text: in front; it has projections on the under side, by which it is screwed to feet
fixed to the framing of the loom; the casing 6 accurately fits the roller a;
the roller a is not of uniform diameter from end to end. At the outside
end, for a length equal to that of the heads of the wires, the roller is of
larger diameter, being made of the same diameter in the example shown in
the Drawings as the outside of the casing 6, with which it is "flush."
The grooves formed in the roller pass from the outside and through the
enlarged part, and terminate at a point short of the inner end of the roller
equal to the length of the head of the wire, this part of the roller being
reduced in diameter till its surface is flush with the bottom of the grooves in
the other part of, the roller, so that the wires when pushed out of the grooves
of the roller may rest on this part of it, and not obstruct its rotation. It will
be seen that the inside of the enlarged part of the outside end of the roller
abuts against the end of the casing, and that a part d covers the outside end
of it, and also answers to keep the roller in its correct position in the case (b),
and as a bearing for its axis or the shaft a', by which it is rotated. It will
also be observed that, as the enlarged part of the roller contains the head
part of the wire, it cannot move out of its correct position in passing round
from the point at which it is received from the fabric to that at which
it is to be again inserted in the fabric. Two horns or projections
formed at the inner end of the casing a.
this cap one end of a bar bis fixed, the
of the part d. This bar (6) fills the space in the casing, which I have
hitherto left open, with exception of a space for the head of the wire to pass
through opposite the point for inserting and withdrawing the wire. The, grooves
formed by the bar and the casing act as a guide and support to both sides of the
head of each wire during its movements in and out of the grooves of the roller.
It will be clear, that though fewer wires and grooves are used, the same
number as are usually employed may be in the fabric at the same time,
occupying precisely the same position as if each wire bad a distinct groove
which it never left, one wire being pushed out of a groove, and one drawn.
into a groove, for each reciprocation of the slide e. The part e' is the instru-
ment by which the wire is pushed into the shed; it is jointed or hinged to the
slide e by the bolt forming its axis.. That part of the pusher e' coming in
immediate contact with the. head of the wire projects in advance; it is kept
by its own weight on the surface of the casing on each side of the groove.
This part e¹ is arranged as described, so that it may be turned back and not
operate upon the wires, though the slide continued to reciprocate. On the
under side of the part e a hook instrument k is jointed, a bolt A forming its.
are
On these a cap 62 is secured, and to
other end being secured on the top

page_text: centro. This hook k is capable of moving sufficiently to get to the back of
the head of the wire, its front end being inclined to cause it to pass over the
head of the wire, being brought forward again so as to hook upon the head of
the wire by an india-rubber band passed round a pin on the projecting.
pusher part e', and one fixed on the hook, a pin stop being placed to prevent
it pulling the hook too far over the groove. The heads of the number of
wires employed accurately fill the space left at the inner end of the casing,
and they are kept down upon the plane part of the end of the roller by a
latch, jointed to the casing at h³. The end of this latch is held securely
down by a catch h, fitted and made to slide in a square hole in the casing (b)..
and having a spring coiled round it so as to draw it when free towards the
casing. This catch (h) is slided outwards when the latch (h) is to be liberated,
and when the latch is forced down, the catch is forced outwards (the under
side of the latch is bevelled) until it has passed the hook part, when the spring.
of the catch draws it in and secures the latch. This arrangement of tho
latch enables the weaver to readily remove and replace the wires when
required.
Figure 18 shews the side view of a wire, with the peculiar form of bead
which I prefer. A side, edge, and end view are shewn full size, respectively,
by Figs. 19, 20, and 21. The pushing and withdrawing instrument act upon
that portion of the head marked x, which projects when in the groove above
the surface of the casing (b), the top edge of the lower portion of the head
being flush with the surface of the casing, and the instruments rest upon these
portions when operating the wires, and thus prevent them from rising out of
the grooves.
By referenco to Fig. 20, it will be seen that the end of the head of the
wire is bevelled; the object of this is, to enable the head of the wire which
is being inserted in the shed to get behind the head of the wire inserted
immediately before it. That side of the part x on which the hook (k) acts
may be bevelled as shewn. The edge view of the withdrawing hook (k) is of
the form shewn detached in Fig. 18. In the example shewn, when the back
reciprocation of the slide has withdrawn a wire, the roller (a) is rotated ono-
sixth of a revolution; this brings the empty groove opposite the point for
withdrawing a wire, and another groove with a wire in it opposito the point at
which the wire is inserted.
The intermittent movements of the roller are obtained from the star-wheel
motion, arranged in a manner similar to that described in the Specification of
my Patent herein before referred to, except that I prefer to place the star
wheel (m) directly on the axis or shaft (a) of the roller a, the pin plate being

page_text: fixed on a stud having motion by bevel wheels, and a shaft driven by the
tappet shaft of the loom, the wheel on the tappet shaft being connected to it
by a friction arrangement, which will give way. in case of accidental obstruction
to the rotation of the roller, and thus prevent damage to the mechanism.
I have now particularly described the nature of my improvements, and
the modes in which the same may be carried into effect, and claim as my
Invention,-
Firstly, the formation of velvet or cut pile fabrics, by employing weft com-
posed of two or more fine threads, as herein-before described under the first
division of my improvements.
Secondly, I claim as my Invention, when applied to looms for weaving pile
fabrics by wires, arrangements (described under the second division of my
improvements) for varying the position of tho reed, so that the wear upon its
face may be more evenly distributed, by which means the reed will be rendered
more durable.
Thirdly, I claim the peculiar construction of wire harness, herein-before
described under the third division of my improvements.
Fourthly, I claim the arrangements for weighting pile bobbins, as described
under the fourth division of my improvements.
Fifthly and lastly, I claim the improved wire motions, herein-before described
under the fifth division of this Specification, which improvements will be best
ascertained and understood by comparison with the wire motion described in
the Specification of my Patent herein-before referred to, which wire motion
was illustrated in the Drawings accompanying the said Specification by
Figs. 21 to 27 inclusive.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Weild, have hereunto set my
band and seal, this First day of May, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight bundred and fifty-seven.
W. WEILD. (L.B.)