IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY POR HECKLING, CARDING, WINDING, DRESSING, AND WEAVING FLAX, COTTON, SILK, AND OTHER FIBROUS SUBSTANCES
Year: 1849

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JOHN
COMBE, of Leeds, in the County of York, Civil Engineer, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her present most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Royal Letters Patent under the Great Seal of Great Britain, bearing date at
Westminster, the Fourth day of July, in the thirteenth year of Her reign,
did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the said
John Combe, Her especial license, full power, sole privilege, and authority,
that I, the said John Combe, my exors, admors, and assigns, and such others
as I, the said John Combe, my exors, admors, or assigns, should at any time
agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times during the term
of years therein mentioned, should and lawfully. might make, use, exercise,
and vend, within England, Wales, and the Town of Berwick-upon-Tweed,
my Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY POR HECKLING, CARDING,
WINDING, DRESSING, AND WEAVING FLAX, COTTON, SILK, AND OTHER FIBROUS
SUBSTANCES;" in which said Letters Patent is contained a proviso, obliging
me, the said John Combe, by an instrument in writing under my hand and
seal, particularly to describe and ascertain the nature of my said Invention,
and in what manner the same is to be performed, and to cause the same
to be enrolled in Her Majesty's High Court of Chancery within six calendar
months next and immediately after the date of the said in part recited Letters
Patent, as in and by the same, reference being thereunto had, will more fully
and at large appear.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the said
John Combe, do hereby declare that the nature of my said Invention, and the
manner in which the same is to be performed, is particularly described and

page_text: ascertained in and by the following description thereof, reference being had
to the Drawings hereunto annexed, and to the letters and figures marked
thereon (that is to say):-
My Invention of improvements in machinery for heckling, carding, winding,
dressing, and weaving flax, cotton, silk, and other-fibrous substances embraces
five different operations, and is therefore divided under five distinct heads.
The improvements in heckling, which constitute the first head of my Inven-
tion, consist, firstly, in a new method of making the holders without screws.
In plan No. 1, at Fig. 1, there is shewn an.end view of the holder in its place
between the girders 1 and 2, and immediately under the screw 3.
In plan
No. 2 the holder is shewn at Figs. 1 and 2. This holder is made in the form
represented in the Drawing in two parts, which are connected with a hinge at
the top, and which admit of being opened, as shewn in Fig. 1. 1, 1, is a loose
bar, which slips on three pins 2, 3, and 4, which are fixed into one side of the
holder; 5, 5, is a slip of vulcanized indian-rubber or other elastic material,
fixed on one side of the holder; and 6, 7, and 8, are similar slips of similar
material, fixed on the sides of the holder as represented in the Drawing.
The flax, or other substance to be heckled, is laid over the bar 1, 1, with the
middle of the strick as far below the bar 1, 1, as the length of the change
requires. The bar 1, 1, is then put in its place in the holder, and the sides of
the holder are closed on the substance to be heckled, the strick of which will
hang down with one half of its length on one side, and the extreme end of its
length on the other side, exposed below the nip of the holder to the action of
the heckling tools.
Under this part of my Invention I claim the construction of flax holders, as
above described, and shewn in the Drawing, or any mere modification thereof,
whereby the strick of flax may be held so that both ends thereof may be sub-
jected at the same time to the action of the heckles.
The improvements in heckling consist, secondly in a new method of sup-
plying the heckling machine with holders, and causing them to pass through
the machine in a horizontal line without any vertical movement.
In plan
No. 2, Figs. 3 and 4, is represented the method of passing the holders through
the machine. Fig. 3 is a side view of a revolving carrier, having twelve grooved
spaces in it 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, &c., each capable of receiving a closed holder by
the holder being slidden into the grooved space. This carrier revolves on a
stud 7, which is attached to the side framing of the machine, part of which is
shewn at 9, 9, 9, by means of the bracket shewn in section at 8, 8. One of a
pair of fixed guides 10, 10, which are attached to the framing, project half-way
across the revolving carrier, and stops the carrier in its motion round the stud

page_text: 7, when a holder in the carrier comes in contact therewith, and retains it in a
vertical position ready to be driven forward between the two fixed guides. After
leaving these guides, the holder is carried through the machine on these guides
and friction rollers by the following means. When the holder is stopped by
the guide 10, it is 'in the position indicated by red lines at Fig. 4, plan No 2,
that is, its forward end lies immediately below the back end of a screw which
is intended to carry the holder forward through the machine. On the top of
the holder represented at Figs. 1 and 2, plan No. 2, are projecting parts
represented at 9, 10, 11, and 12, which. fit in between the threads of the
screw 15, represented in Fig. 4, plan No. 2. When, therefore, this screw is
rotated, the holder will be drawn out of the revolving carrier, and that carrier
will be allowed to continue its rotary movement, so as to bring forward suc-
cessive holders in a line with the guides 10. The end of this screw is sup-
ported by the stud 16, Fig. 4, plan No. 2, which is made fast in the bracket 8,
which again is attached to the end framing 9, 9, of the machine. This screw is
continued along the machine as represented in plan No. 1, where the screw
is marked 3, and it receives motion from the driving shaft 41 by the inter-
gearing wheels and pinions 53, 52, 51, 50, and 49. This screw, by its con-
tinued rotation, finally passes the holder's out of the machine by the descending
guide 54, plan No. 1.
I claim the employment of a revolving carrier for supplying the heckling
machine with holders as above decribed, and also the passing of holders
through the machine by the combined use of the fixed guides and revolving
screw, às above set forth.
The improvements in heckling consist, thirdly, in a new method of giving
to 'the holders the requisite pressure for closing upon and retaining the flax or
öther substance within their grip. The pressure is obtained from the heckling
machine itself. In plan No. 1, at Fig. 1, which is a vertical cross section of
my improved heckling machine, 5 is a lever working on a pin 4, the end 6
of which is pulled downwards by means of a weight or spring. This lever
carries a runner or friction roller 8, which works freely on a stud made fast to
the underside of the lever. The girder 1 carries a corresponding runner 7,
working freely on a stud, which is made fast to the underside of the girder.
As the holder passes between these runners 7 and 8, the weight or spring
attached to the end 6 of the lever 5 gives to the substance in the holder a
pressure by compound leverage between the elastic substances 6 and 7, plan
No. 2, Fig. 1, and the bar 1, 1, plan No. 2, Fig. 1. In plan No. 1, at
Fig. 2, which is a partial side view of the heckling machine, it will be
seen that several levers, as 9, 10, 11, &c., similar to the lever 5, are attached

page_text: to the girder 2. Opposite to and corresponding with the runner of each lever
is a similar runner working on a stud projecting from the underside of the
girder 1, as shewn at Fig. 1, plan No. 1.
I claim the means herein-before described for giving the requisite pressure
to my improved holders, and thereby causing them to hold the flax securely
when under operation.
The improvements in heckling consist, fourthly, in a new kind of straighten-
ing tool, which operates on the substance to be heckled before the heckling
tools are applied to it. Figures 5 and 6, plan No. 2, are views of various
kinds of the straightening tool. 11, 11, 11, are the stocks, which carry
straightening blades of the forms represented at 12, 13, and 14, in Fig. 5.
The stocks are supposed to be planed out in the form of a dovetailed groove,
into which the blades fit, and are packed close together, as represented in
Fig. 6.
The ends of the groove are closed by packing pieces, which are
secured to the stocks by pins or screws. These straightening tools are to be
made of various pitches in the blades, and may either partially or wholly
supersede the use of heckling pins, according to the quality of flax under
operation, or the kind of heckling required.
⚫ I claim the construction of straightening tools as above described, and
shewn in the Drawings, the teeth or tines of which are formed of blades, and
may be readily removed from their stock when injured, and replaced by new
ones.
The improvements in heckling consist, fifthly, in a new kind of movement
for the heckle bars, which gives a "cut in" nearly at a right angle to the
substance heckled, and with a down stroke straight and perpendicular of any
required length for long line and cut line flax, and cutting on one or both sides
as required. The various parts of this movement are represented in working
arrangement in the cross section and side views of the heckling machine, plan
No. 1. Between the two circular plates 38 and 28 (Fig. 2.), a large boss or
ring is fixed, on which ring or boss the wheel 12 revolves freely. From the plate
28 an arm 29 projects downwards and inwards, and to this arm is attached
the internal guide piece 30: see Fig. 1. On the opposite end of the machine
there is a similar arrangement of plates, wheel, projecting arm, and internal guide
piece, and the two internal guide pieces are connected together by the girder 31.
The wheel 12, and also its companion wheel at the opposite end of the machine
(not represented in the Drawing), are provided with a series of studs fixed at
equal distances apart. From these studs the heckle bars are suspended
by connecting bars at each end as represented in the Drawing, wherein the
heckle bar 22 is suspended by the connecting bar 17, the heckle bar 21 by

page_text: the connecting bar 16, and the heckle bars 20, 19, and 18, by the connecting
bar 15, 14, and 13, respectively. Around the internal guide pieces 30 are
fixed the external guides 36, 36, and 37, 37, at such an uniform distance from
the internal guide piece 30 as will allow of the round part of the heckle bars
18, 19, 20, &c. moving freely between the guide piece 30 and the external
guides 36 and 37.
At the top of the internal guide piece a revolving wheel
32, furnished on its periphery with sockets to receive the rounded ends of the
heckle bars, is made to work freely on the fixed stud 33, which projects from
the guide piece 30, and at the bottom of the guide piece 30 a similar socket
wheel 34 works freely on the stud 35, which is also made fast into the guide
piece 30. The distance of the studs in the wheel 12, and the diameter of the
circle in which they are fixed, and the form of the guide pieces, guides, and
socket wheels, are so arranged and adapted one to another, that the motion of
the wheel 12 will cause the heckle bars 18, 19, 20, &c. to proceed in regular
succession round the internal guide piece 30, by which means a cut-in nearly
at a right angle to substance heckled, and a down stroke straight and perpen-
dicular of any required length, is attained.
Where a double cutting machine is required a similar arrangement is mado
on the opposite side of the machine, and the wheels 12 and 39 are geared into
each other in such a manner that the heckle bars are thrown in for the down
stroke from each side alternately, and at regular distances from each other.
The driving shaft 41 extends from end to end of the machine, and carries two
pinions, one of each of which works into and drives one of each pair of inter-
gearing wheels, as the pinion 40 drives the wheel 39, which intergears with
the wheel 12.
I claim the arrangement of parts as shewn and described for giving motion
to the heckle bars.
The improvements in heckling consist, sixthly, in a new method of applying
brushes to clean the heckle pins, specially applicable to the new movement for
the heckle bars above described. Brush shafts 43, 43, and 44, (Fig. 1,) plan
No. 1,) carrying two or more brushes, are placed below the external guides in
such a position that the revolution of the brush shaft will carry the brush
between the heckle pins as the heckle bar is carried round by the socket wheel
34. Below the brushes, a box 47 is placed, over the grated top of which 46,
the brushes sweep as they revolve on their respective shafts 43 and 44. The
box 47 is connected with an exhausting fan or other apparatus, by which the
dust and shives heckled out of the flax or other substance are drawn away from
the tow which is taken up by the brushes. Within the sweep of the brushes
doffing cylinders are supposed to be fixed as usual, and the novelty herein

page_text: claimed is the using of brushes in conjunction with a grating and an exhausting
apparatus as described.
The improvements in carding, which constitute the second head of my
Invention, consist in-a new method of feeding carding engines, in which the
substance to be carded is thrown into a hopper, from which it is delivered to the
feeding rollers of the carding engine by a new kind of apparatus, capable of
being adjusted to feed in approximately any weight required. in a given time.
Figures 7, 8, and 9, plan No. 2, represent various views of this card feeding
apparatus; 17, 17, Figures 8 and 9, represent the hopper into which the tow
or other substance to be carded is thrown by the attendant; 18, 19, 20, 21, 22,
23, 24, 25, 26, 27, are a series of spike wheels, which are fixed on the shaft 28,
and which revolve in the lower part of the hopper between the slips
29, 30, 31, &c., which form the continuation of the front plate of the hopper,
marked 32, 32, Fig. 8, plan No..2. Between. the spike wheels 18, 19, 20,
&c. a series of smaller spike wheels 38, 39, 40, &c. are fixed on the shaft. 41,
and have a sweep which partly intersects the sweep of the larger spike wheels
18, 19, 20, &c. Between the smaller spike wheels again are placed a series
of slips 34, 35, 36, 37, &c., which are fixed to the covering-in plate 33, and
opposite each of these slips there is a bar (one of which 42 is shewn in Fig. 8)
which bars are fixed to the shaft 43, and are capable of vibrating. freely
between the smaller series of spike wheels 38, 39, 40, &c. The back part of
the hopper is made by the sheet iron plate 53, 53, shewn in Figures 8 and 9.
At Eig. 9, two hoppers are shewn side by side, one with the back plate on,
and one with the back plate removed. The bottom of the hopper is made by
the curved plate 54, 54, which follows the sweeps of the two series of spike wheels
clear of the points of the spikes. At the termination of the bottom plate of
the hopper the tow is passed along to the feeding rollers. of the carding
engine by means of a guide plate 55, 55, or by the usual endless feeding cloth
of the carding engine 56, 56, as may be desired. The driving pulley 46 is
fixed on the same socket with an excentric wheel, which works an excentric
rod 45. This rod is jointed to an arm 44 on one end of the shaft 43, which
carries the before-mentioned bars 42, seen in Fig. 8, and through the arm 44
the rod communicates a quick vibrating motion to the bars 42. A socket pinion
47, Fig. 9, driven by the driving pulley 46, gives motion to the wheel 48, which
carries a socket pinion 49, giving motion to the wheel 50, which is fast on the
shaft 41, which carries the series of smaller spike wheels, before described. On
the other end of the shaft 41 is fixed a pinion, which drives the intermediate
wheel 52, Fig. 9, and the intermediate wheel 52 drives the wheel 51, which
is fast on the shaft 28, which carries the larger series of spike wheels. The

page_text: tow or other substance to be carded being thrown loosely into the hopper, it is
carried round in a compressed state between the bottom plate 54 and the
slips 29, 30, 31, &c., by the motion of the larger series of spike wheels.
In this compressed state the tow is received by the smaller series of
spike wheels, and is carried round by them at an increased velocity between
the second curvature of the bottom plate 54 and the slips 34, 35, 36, 37, &c.
The rapid vibrating motion of the bars 42, which act as beaters, then detaches
the tow from the spikes of the smaller series of spike rollers, and it then passes
along to the feeding rollers of the carding engine by the guide plate 55, 55, or
the usual feeding cloth 56, 56, whichever of these may be adopted. The
quantity of tow delivered in a given time may be regulated either by the speed
given to the driving pulley or by the size of the pinions which give motion to
the shafts 41 and 28.
.
I claim the arrangement of apparatus for feeding carding engines as above
described, and shewn in the Drawings.
The improvements in winding, which constitute the third head of my
Invention, consist, firstly, in a new method of constructing the swifts, which
carry the hanks of the yarn to be wound. In plan No. 3, Figures 1 and 1*
represent the swifts constructed according to the improved method; Fig. 1'
being a side view, and Fig. 1 an edge view of the same. 1, 2, 3, 4 are cast-
iron centre pieces, which work freely on studs 5, 6, &c.; these cast-iron
centre pieces 1, 2, &c. carry wrought-iron arms 17, 18, 19, 20, &c., as repre-
sented in the Drawing; and to the ends of these wrought-iron arms are
attached cross pieces of brass or other material, over which the yarn is
wound. For the purpose of giving the proper tension to the yarn one of the
cross pieces of each swift has a tube or socket attached to it, as shewn in the
enlarged detached view Fig. 2, which tube is made to slide on the end of the
arm to which the cross piece belongs; and this tube has two slots in it to
receive a stop pin which passes through the wrought-iron arm, and on the
wrought iron arm there is coiled a spiral spring, which forces the cross piece
outwards as far as the slots will allow it to move, as represented at Fig. 2,
plan No. 3.
I claim the mode of constructing the swifts as above described.
The improvements in winding consist, secondly, in a new method of
mounting the swifts in the warp bobbin winding machine, whereby a greater
number of swifts may be mounted in a given space than by the ordinary
arrangement. In Fig. 1, plan No. 3, 15 is a cross girder which is fixed
between the two frame ends 16, 16, &c.; and to this cross girder 15 are fixed
the stud carriers 7, 8, 9, 10, both above and below the cross girder; each of

page_text: these carriers supports two stud pins 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 14, &c., as represented
in the Drawing, on which the swifts revolve; and by this means a double row
of stud pins is employed above and below the girder 15; and suitable spaces
are allowed for removing the swifts from the machine independently of
each other.
'
I claim the mode of mounting swifts as above explained.
The improvements in winding consist, thirdly, in releasing weft bobbins
from their spindles, which rest on an immoveable step when the winding on of
the yarn has been effected. Fig. 3, plan No. 3, is a vertical section of an
improved weft winding machine, and Fig. 3* is a plan of the improved parts
which are applied thereto. 1, 1, 1, is a small bent lever working on a pin
at 4, one end of which is received into the circular groove of the weft bobbin,
and the other end of which is pulled towards the shaft 5 by a spiral spring.
2 is a catch piece, against which the top end of the lever 1, 1, 1, is pressed by
the spiral spring, and when the catch piece 2 rises above the point 3 of the
lever 1, 1, 1, as will be hereafter explained, then the spiral spring pulls the
top end of the lever 1, 1, 1, towards the shaft 5 in such a manner that the
bobbin then on the spindle 7, 7, is lifted off the pin 6, and by this means weft
bobbins can be wound on a fixed spindle, and stopped when they are full.
I claim the mode of releasing bobbins from their fixed spindles as above
described.
The improvements in winding consists, fourthly, in a new method of
applying the pressure to the conical part of weft bobbins. 8, 8, and 9, 9,
Figures 3 and 3*, plan No. 3, are levers which work freely on the shaft 5;
11, 11, is a continuation of the lever 8, 8, and is bevilled to suit the conical
part of the weft bobbin. 10, 10, is another bevelled part working on the pin
12, and forming, with the part 11, a pair of nippers for pressing upon the
bobbin. The part 10, 10, is acted upon by a spiral spring attached to the
points 13 and 14. The action of the spiral spring thus adjusts the opening of
the jaws 10, 10, and 11, 11, of the nippers to the diameter of the bobbin, and
the weight of the lever 8, 8, which may be weighted further if necessary, gives
the required pressure to the conical part of the bobbin.
I claim the construction of nipping jaws and the mode of working the same,
as above described, for giving the requisite pressure to the conical part of
weft bobbins.
The improvements in winding consist, fifthly, in a new method of giving
the traverse to the yarn required in the winding of weft bobbins. 15, 16, 16,
is a lever to which is made fast the stud 19, which is supported by and rocks
freely in the lever .9, 9; one end of the lever 15, 16, 16, carries a bowle or

page_text: runner 20, which works against the heart wheel 18, 18, which is made fast on
the shaft 5; the other end of the lever 15, 16, 16, carries a porcelain eye-
piece 17, through which the weft passes; this eyepiece is caused to move
up and down by the revolution of the heart wheel 18, 18, from the top to the
bottom of the conical part of the bobbin, irrespective of how much or how
little of the bobbin may be filled. Each bobbin is similarly provided with
an apparatus for traversing the yarn, as above described.
I claim the use of rocking levers for giving the required traverse to the
yarn when being wound upon the bobbins, as above described.
The improvements in winding consist, sixthly, in a new method of driving
spindles with bands from a cylinder. This is shewn in the elevation of the
weft winding machine at Fig. 3, and in plan view at Fig. 4, plan No. 3. 21 and
22 are the warves of two spindles driven by one band 24, 24, 24, 24, by the
cylinder 23, 23, according to the new method; and in like manner all the
spindles may be driven.
I claim the arrangement of driving bands for spindles as above set forth.
The improvements in winding consist, seventhly, in a new method of
holding and arranging the bobbins from which weft yarn is wound. 25, 25,
26, 26, and 27, 27, Fig. 3, plan No. 3, represent the bobbin holders, in which
the bobbins 31, 32, and 33, from which weft is to be wound, are laid; the
friction of the yarn on the bobbins against the two sloping sides of the bobbin
holders effects the required amount of drag on the yarn which is being
wound off. 28, 28, 29, 29, and 30, 30, are projecting end plates between
which the bobbins move freely, and which keep the bobbins in their proper
place endways.
I claim the construction and arrangement of bobbin holders as above described
and shewn in the Drawings.
The improvements in dressing yarn, which constitute the fourth head of my
Invention, consist, firstly, in a new method of raising and lowering the
pressing roller of dressing machines. In Fig. 2 and 2*, plan No. 4, 1, 1, is
the pressing roller, working freely on the shaft 6; this shaft carries a hand
lever 3, 3, in connection with which there is an excentric quadrant 4, 4, having
a notch or recess formed upon its edge, into which a roller 5, 5, takes; this
roller works freely on the pivot 7 of the lower roller 2, 2, and acts as a friction
bowle for the quadrant 4 to roll over. At the other end of the pressing
roller 1, 1, there is a similar arrangement, and the excentricity of the
quadrants 4, 4, &c. is such that when the hand lever 3, 3 is thrown into a
horizontal position, the rollers 5, 5, &c. will drop into the recesses in the
quadrants, and the pressing roller 1, 1, will be raised off the bottom

page_text: roller 2, 2, to the desired extent; while, when the hand lever 3, 3, hangs in a
vertical position, the pressing roller 1, 1, will rest with its full weight on the
bottom roller 2,.2.
I claim the means above described for raising the pressing roller and
supporting it in its raised position.
The improvements in dressing consist, secondly, in a new apparatus for
working a double set of sweep brushes. In plan No. 4*, Fig. 2 is an end
view of the double sweep brush motion; Fig. 3 is a plan, and Fig. 4 is a
sectional elevation taken in the line a, b, of Fig. 1; which latter Figure shews
in section this apparatus in the position it would occupy in the warp dressing
machine. 8, 8, is. a frame of cast-iron, which oscillates freely on a vertical
spindle 15 to which it is made fast, and 8*, 8*, is a similar frame similarly
mounted on a spindle 8*. Into the extreme arms of the frames 8 and 8*the
rods 14, 14, and 31, 31*, respectively are made fast; these rods 14, 14*,
and 31, 31*, are two pairs of guide rods, and are intended to carry two sets
of end frames. 10, 10%, and 11, 11*, which are made to slide freely up and
down, and to these frames the holders for the brushes to dress the yarn are
attached, the brush 12 being secured to the frame 10, the brush 13 to the
frame 11, the brush 12* to the frame 10*, and the brush 13* to the
frame 11*; to each of these rollers a brush, reaching across the warp to be
dressed, is attached. 18, 18, and 19, 19, are two pairs of balance levers,
which move freely on pins fixed in the vertical spindle 15* of the rocking
frame 8. The lever 18 is connected at one end by an universal joint with
the sliding frame 11, and by its other end to the sliding frame 11 at the
opposite side of the brushing apparatus; the ends of the lever. 19 are connected
in a similar manner with the sliding frames 10 and 10*. By thus connecting
the sliding frames together in pairs they will be compelled, when slidden upon
their guide rods, to move in opposite directions, that is, when the frame 10
rises 10 will descend, and in like manner will the frame 11 and 11* work.
32, 32, is a vibrating frame stretching across the brushing apparatus, and
supported by studs. 34, 34, which are made fast in bracket pieces 33, 88;
projecting from the rocking frame *8*. One end of the frame 32, 32, is
through the rod .22, connected with the inner sliding frame 10, 10, by an
universal joint. (see Figures-1 and 4), and the other end of the frame 32 is
connected with the outer sliding frame 11 at the opposite end of the rocking
apparatus by the rod 20; 20, which has also an universal joint. 24, 24, is one
of a pair of crank levers for communicating motion to the brushing apparatus;
these crank levers are respectively attached to the sliding frames 10 and 10
by the studs 23 and 21 (Fig. 2); the other end of each of these levers is

page_text: connected to a crank 26 of the warp dressing machine, only one of which
is shewn in the Drawing; these two cranks are keyed to and revolve with the
shaft, 27. Towards one end of each crank; lever 24, 24, there is fixed a
stud 25, on which a bowle or runner freely revolves; and these bowles are
respectively confined in their up and down movement within the sweeps of a
pair of guides 28, 28, one of which is provided at each side of the apparatus,
and bolted to the framework. It should be remarked that the two cranks 26
are fixed in such a position on the shaft. 27, that when one is raising the end
of the, crank lever to which it is connected, the other will be acting in an
opposite manner. A little play is required in the holes of the crank lever
ends which receive the studs 21 and 23, to allow the cranks on the shaft 27
to revolve in connection with the rocking apparatus, and, when the cranks in
question are made to revolve in the proper direction, a sweeping motion along
and in contact with the warp. is given to each pair of brushes alternately.
The action of this apparatus will be clearly understood from the following
explanation:-Motion being communicated. to the crank levers 24, the inner
sliding frames 10 and 10* will be caused to slide upon their vertical guide
rods, whereby the brushes 12 and 12*; which act upon the underside of the
yarn, will be made the one to rise in contact with the yarn, and the other to
take its lowest position; the two frames being connected by the balance
lever 19, will ensure this action taking place; but as the frame 10 is attached
by the connecting rod. 22 to the rocking frame 32; the inner-end of that-frame
will be caused to rise, and by means of its connection 20 it will communicate
the same motion to the frame 11, which carries the brush 13*, by which
means the brush 13 will be raised to its highest position. The connection of
the frame.11 with the frame 11 by the balance lever 18 will cause the
depression of the frame 11, which will bring down its brush in contact with
the yarn; and thus one pair of brushes 12 and 13 will be brought together-in
a position to act upon the yarn, while the other pair 12 and 13* will be
apart, and ready to move into the present position of the pair 12 and 13 when
they have made their traverse along the yarn; the throw of the cranks 26
will, however, in addition to effecting the vertical movements of the frames
10, 10, and 11, 11*, cause the frames 8 and 8* to oscillate upon their respective
centres, and thereby give a forward motion to one pair of end frames, say
10 and 11, in the direction of the arrow, Fig. 3, and a corresponding backward
motion to the end frames 10 and.11*.. The forward horizontal movement
of the end frames causes the brushes which they carry to brush the yarn in
the opposite direction to which it travels through the machine, and the

page_text: backward movement of the end frames brings the brushes, into the proper
position for closing upon the yarn to effect the brushing operation.
I claim the construction of apparatus, as above described, for actuating the
brushes of yarn dressing machines.
The improvements in dressing consist, thirdly, in a new method of construct-
ing the steam chests of dressing machines. At Fig. 1, plan, No. 4* is
represented a section of a steam chest made according to the new method.
35, 35, 35, and 36, 36, 36, are the top and. bottom plates of which the steam
chest is formed; they are made of cast-iron, and have their faces planed and
jointed as represented in the Drawing, and they are screwed together with
bolts of a number and strength proportioned to the pressure of steam to be
used. The cross slots 37, 37, 37, 37, are for the passage of air from below
the steam chest to the yarn above; and they may be either of one or of two
lengths.across, according the breadth of the dressing machine. 38, 38, 38, are
the steam spaces, which communicate one with another at the sides of the
steam chest when the air passages are in one length, and also
when the air passages are in two lengths across the steam chest; 39 is a fan,
for carrying up a current of air through the spaces in the steam chest, in order to
facilitate the drying of the warp in the dressing machine. This fan is placed
below the steam chest, and is partially enclosed in an air chest 42, 42, 42, im-
mediately under the steam chest. The vanes of this fan 39, 39, are fixed to a
central boss, 40, 40, which is made fast to the upright spindle 41, 41. When,
therefore, rotary motion is given to the shaft 41, the fan will draw up a current
of air into the air chest, where it will be warmed and made to ascend through
the spaces 37 of the steam chest, and act upon the yarn.
in the middle,
I claim the constructing of cast-iron steam chests for dressing machines
with air passages as described, and the employment in conjunction therewith of
an horizontal fan or blower for passing an upward current of air through such
passages to the yarn.
The improvements in dressing consist, fourthly, in a new apparatus for vary-
ing the speed of the beam on which the dressed warp is received. Figures 1,
and 1, plan No. 4, represent, in side and edge views, the apparatus for
changing the speed of the warp beam. 43 is a ratchet wheel, made fast to the
spindle 44, which drives the warp beam. 48 and 61 are two plates, which
work freely on the boss of the ratchet wheel 43; and between the plates 48 and
61 a number of catches 45, 46, 47, &c. are fixed in such a manner, that one
catch shall always be in a position to act upon a tooth of the ratchet wheel 43
immediately the plates commence rotating. These catches are kept in contact

page_text: with the teeth of the ratchet wheel by means of springs.
Each of the plates
48 and 61 has an arm with a slot in it, and in this slot a pin 55 slides freely.
This pin 55 passes through one end of the connecting rod 50, 50, of an excentric
wheel 49, which is fixed on the driving shaft 54 of the dressing machine. On
the shaft 54 a lever 51, 51, works freely, and this lever 51, 51, has a slot at
the other end in which the pin 55 slides freely by the motion of the excentric
49. The lever 51 is connected by the rod 52 with the lever 53, and the
lever 53 is made fast on a shaft 60 which passes along under the warp beam
59 (see Fig. 1, plan No. 4*), and on the shaft 60 are fixed two or more
levers 57, 57, &c., which carry a bar 56, which is pressed against the warp
beam 59 by the weights 58, &c. As the bar 56 is moved away from the centre
of the warp beam 59 by the coiling on of the warp, in like proportion will the
pin 55 be moved away from the centre of the ratchet wheel 43, and so the
amount of motion given to the ratchet wheel 43 by the revolution of the
excentric 49 will be reduced, and so the speed of the warp beam will be reduced.
I claim the arrangement of parts as described for regulating the beaming of
the warp in dressing machines.
The improvements in dressing consist, fifthly, in a new method of arranging
the bobbins at the back of the dressing machine, the object being to pack
them in as small a space as possible, and to prevent the entangling of the
threads from the different bobbins. In plan No. 4, Fig. 3 is a plan view of a
number of bobbins arranged according to the new method, and Fig. 3* is a
view shewing the guides for the threads in elevation. 61, 61, is a bottom board,
provided with a number of vertical spindles, on which the bobbins revolve
freely. In this bottom board are also fixed a number of thread guides
62, 63, 64, &c., through which the yarn passes from the bobbins 65, 66, 67, &c.,
as represented in the Drawing; several of these bottom boards are placed one
above another, according to the number of threads required to be made up;
and they are constructed of a width and length proportioned to the number of
threads in the warp. An extra number of bobbins is provided either at the top
or at the sides of this arrangement, to supply the place of any threads which
may break towards the interior of the mass of bobbins thus arranged.
I claim the mode of arranging the bobbins in connection with dressing
machines as described.
The improvements in machinery for weaving, which constitute the fifth
head of my Invention, consist, firstly, in a new method of constructing the
framing of power looms, whereby four looms may be connected together
and actuated from one pulley or spur wheel. At Figures 4 and 5, plan No. 4,
is represented the new method of constructing the framing power looms, in

page_text: which 68, 68, 69, 69, 70, 70, and 71, 71, represent one side of the framing of
four power looms, which are connected together by an intermediate framing
80, 80. This framing carries the shafts 72, 75, and 79. On the shaft 75 is
fixed a pulley or spur wheel (as the case may be) 76, which gives motion to
all the four looms by means of the bevil wheels 73, 74, 77, and 78, which
cause the cross shafts 72 and 79 to revolve by the revolution of the shaft 75.
This motion of the shafts 72 and 79 is communicated to the looms by thic
means herein after described under the third head of my improvements in
weaving.
I claim the combining together of power looms for the purpose of driving
them from a central pulley or spur wlieel, by the employment of a framing
constructed as above shewn and described.
The improvements relating to weaving consist, secondly, in a new method of
constructing the shuttle race and shuttle boxes-of power looms. At Figures 5
and 6, plan No: 3, the shuttle boxes and race are made in two pieces of cast
iron, the part marked 1, 1, 1, being one casting, and the part marked 2, 2, 2, the
other casting. The part 2, 2, is screwed or rivetted to the part 1, 1, 1; and by
their junction a recess is formed to receive the lower bar of the reed and hold it
securely, as shewn by red lines in the sectional Fig. 6. The part 1, 1, 1, 'has
the sides of the shuttle boxes cast on it, and the race board and shuttle boxes
are planed together on the sides and level surfaces from end to end. By this
means a more durable and true shuttle race may be produced than heretofore,
and being of metal, its liability to get out of shape is prevented..
I claim the mode of making the shuttle race and boxes of power loonis as
above described.
The improvements having reference to weaving consist, thirdly, in a new
method of constructing the stopping apparatus and of braking the fly wheel
of power looms. At Figures 1 and 1, plan No. 5, 1, 1, 1, is the crank
shaft, on which are fixed the fly wheel 2, 2, and the spur wheel 5; 3, 3, is a
conical brake, which beds into a récess turned out in the inner side of the
fly wheel and the break 3, 3, is connected with a tube 4, 4, 4, (which may be a
bar if thought desirable,) which passes along the shaft 1, 1, 1; 8, 8, is the
driving shaft, supposed to project from the intermediate framing formerly
described with reference to the first head of my improvements in weaving, 'and
on the shaft 8, 8, the coñical break 7, 7, is keyed fast; on the end of the shaft
8, 8, the spur wheel 6 works freely, gearing into the crank wheel 5, and
having one side turned out to receive the conical break 7, 7. And on the boss of
the wheel 6, 6, a steel centre piece 12 is fitted; 9, 9, is an upright spindle,
working freely on pivots at the top and bottom. The upper end of the spindle

page_text: 9, 9, carries a spring 11, which presses against a projecting portion of the tube
4, 4, 4, and the lower end of the spindle 9, 9, carries a hand lever 10, 10, which is
made to press on the steel centre piece 12 of the wheel 6, by means of a
powerful spring. The usual stopping apparatus of the loom is caused to act against
the lever 10, 10, so as to relieve the wheel 6, 6, from the pressure.which kept
it in contact with the conical break 7, 7; and by the same movement being
communicated through the spindle 9 and spring 11 to the tube 4, the break
3, 3, of the fly wheel 2, 2, will be simultaneously thrown into action.
I claim the arrangement of apparatus for communicating the driving power
to power looms, and for suddenly stopping their operation -as described.
The improvements having reference to weaving consist, fourthly, in a new
method or methods of constructing the warp beams of power looms, and giving
to them the requisite.amount of friction for dragging the warp. At Figure 4,
plan No. 5, 13, 13, represents a warp beam of the new construction. This warp
beam.is composed of a. hollow tube of cast-iron, the surface of which is turned
true in a lathe, and metal flanges are bored and turned to fit it; 14,14,-repre-
sents a method of making the warp beams of broad looms. In this instance,
the beam is made in two parts, each being a hollow tube as before; but on one
end of these tubes a flange is cast, and a bored.and turned flange is fitted to their
other end. The two flanges cast on go together in the middle of the beam,"
and these two ends of the tubes are supported by a bearing 15, 15, having a
boss on each side, which fits into a hole bored out in the ends of the tubes.
The method of applying friction to these warp beams is as follows:-16 and 17
are two end plates fixed to the side framing of the power loom, and they are
bedded or lined with leather or other clastic material, with which the ends of the
warp.beam 18 are brought into contact. These plates are also provided with a-lip
to sustain the beam in its proper position; 20, 20, is a rod which passes through
the two plates in question, and through the hollow warp beam. It has a screw
and nut at one end, and its other end is connected to the fulcrum pin of the bent
lever 18, 18, which carries the moveable weight 19. The pull of the
weight 19 causes the nib on the socket end of the lever 18, 18, to press against
the plate 16, and thereby drive it tightly against the end of the warp beam.
This pressure will cause the beam to bear tightly against the plate 17 at its
other end, which is prevented from yielding to such pressure by the tension of
the rod 20, which connects it with the fulcrum pin of the lever 18. By this
means, any required amount of friction may be put upon the ends of the warp
beam. For broad looms so much of the central beam bearer 15, 15, as is in
contact with the ends of the beam, is covered with elastic materials, and the
other ends of the beam.14, 14,.arc acted on by the friction plates similar to those

page_text: described by means of a rod passing through both tubes, and being connected
with a weighted lever similar to that shewn at 18 and 19.
I claim the constructing of warp beams of cast-iron tubes, and mounting
them in the manner described, whereby any required amount of friction may be
put upon their ends as above explained.
The improvements relating to weaving consist, fifthly, in a new method of
preventing the rebound of the shuttle from the shuttle box by the reaction of the
picking sticks, and also in giving a greater "dwell" to the slay of power
looms. At Fig. 6, plan No. 5, 1, 1, represents one of a pair of picking sticks of a
power loom; and the improvement herewith claimed consists in combining a
guard lever 2, 2, with the picking motion represented in the Drawing. The
guard lever 2, 2, (one of which is provided at each side of the slay,) works on
a fixed stud 4, which is attached to the back of the shuttle box; one end 5 of
the guard lever is made to act on the top of the shuttle, and the other end
carries a pin 3, against which the picking stick strikes when it is carried too
far back by the over violence of the pick from the other side of the loom. The
tension of a coiled spring, which connects the lower end of the guard lever with
the sword, pulls the upper end of the guard lever against the stop pin 6, and
retains it in its elevated position. But when a violent pick is made by over
speed in the engine, the picking stick 1, 1, strikes the pin 3, and thereby
depresses the top end of the guard lever. This movement brings the guard
lever down upon the shuttle, and prevents it from rebounding out of the shuttle
box. In Fig. 5, plan No. 5, 8, 8, represents the sword of a power loom, the
top and back part of which carries a bowle or runner runner 9 which acts
against a cam 13, 13, fixed on the main driving shaft 7 of the loom; 10 is a
rod jointed to the words 8, 8, and sliding in a socket 12, which is made fast to the
framing of the loom; 11 is a spiral spring on the rod 10, the action of which is to
keep the runner 9 in contact with the cam 13, 13. A similar arrangement is
made at the opposite side of the loom, and thus by the revolution of the shaft 7
a reciprocating movement, with a long dwell at the back, is given to the slay of
the loom.
.
I claim the means above described for preventing the rebound of the shuttle
from the shuttle box, and also the mode of obtaining the increased "dwell
for the slay, as above set forth.
The improvements relating to weaving consist, sixthly, in a new method of
constructing the treadles and tappets, and of gearing the tappets of power
looms. In plan No. 5, Fig. 2, is a side elevation; and Fig. 2, a sectional
plan of the improved arrangements of treadles, tappets, and tappet gearing
1, 1, 1, and 2, 2, 2, represent the treadles of the improved construction, which

page_text: are made to work freely up and down in the grooved bowles or runners
3, 4, and 5, which turn freely on pins attached to the framing of the loom.
6, 6 is a cast iron block, carrying five pairs of wrought-iron plates, marked
7, 8, 9, 10, and 11. The outer extremities of each pair of plates carry a friction
bowl for depressing the treadles by striking upon them at 12, 13, &c. When
these bowles have passed the sweeps of the treadles, the treadles will be free to
rise to their former position. The block 6, 6, is intended for five-leaved
treading, but for fewer numbers a similarly constructed block, with a less num-
ber of pairs of plates, but each pair of plates carrying an extra friction bowle,
is provided, in order to make the same form of treadle answer for different sorts
of weaving. 21, 21, Fig. 2b, is a block for four-leaved or for plain treading.
14, 14, is a bevil wheel of one hundred and twenty teeth, working freely on a
fixed shaft 15, 15, the centre of which is in the same plane with that of the
picking shaft of the loom, and on the boss of the wheel 14, 14, the block 6, 6,
is made fast. 19 is the picking shaft of the loom, which carries the bevil
wheels 16, 16, 17, 17, and 18, 18. For a three-leaved tread, the wheel
16, 16, is geared directly with the wheel 14, 14; but for a plain four or five
leaved tread, one or other of the wheels 17, 17, and 18, 18, is made to drive
the wheel 14, by an intermediate bevil wheel being placed in gear with both,
and the wheel 16, 16, is then slidden back on the shaft out of gear with the
wheel 14, 14.
I claim the construction and arrangement of treadles,. tappets, and gearing,
as above described, for effecting the requisite changes of shed in power looms.
The improvements relating to weaving consist, seventhly in a new appa-
ratus for taking up the cloth woven in power looms. At Figures 3 and 3*,
plan No. 5, which represent the apparatus in elevation and plan view, 3, 3, 3,
is a rocking frame, having a round bar 4 as its fulcrum, which bar extends
across the loom, and is secured to the main framing. The rocking frame 3, 3,
carries the rollers 1 and 2, the roller 1 being a plain turned roller, and the
roller 2 being covered with elastic material, and capable of being pressed
against the roller 1. 5 is a ratchet wheel made fast to the end of the roller 1,
outside of the frame 3, 3. Into this ratchet wheel a catch 6, attached to the
frame 3, 3, is made to play, and the lever 7, also attached to the same frame,
carries the catch 8, which plays into the ratchet wheel 5, 5, in such a manner
that when the lower end of the lever 7 is pulled backwards the ratchet wheel
is moved round. The cloth coming down over the breast beam in the line
11, 11, passes round and between the two rollers 1 and 2, and the weight of the
frame 3, 3, and all its appurtenances being on the cloth, the requisite tension is
given thereto.
As the length of the cloth increases by the continued action of

page_text: "
the loom, the frame 3, 3, rocks upon its fulcrum and brings down with it the
lever 7, which is thereby brought into a position to intercept the movement of
a catch 9 attached to the sword 10 of the loom. The action of this apparatus
is then as follows:-Every time the sword makes a backward stroke, the catch
9 will strike upon the lower end of the lever 7,-and cause the catch 8 of that
lever to drive round the ratchet wheel 5 the distance of one tooth, and thereby
effect the taking up of the cloth by the rollers 1, 2, until such time as the
Tever 7 is lifted out of the reach of the catch 9. But as the weaving proceeds,
and the cloth above the bite of the rollers 1, 2, is elongated, the frame .3,.3,
will again be depressed, which will bring the lever 7 again into contact with the
catch 9, and cause a similar take-up operation to beeffected, which operation
will be repeated as long as, the loom is continued in work.
:..
I claim the improved take-up motion as above described.
The improvements relating to weaving consist, eighthly, in a new method of
raising the lifting wires of the jacquard apparatus of power looms, for the por:
pose of opening out the shed. In plan No. 7, Figure 1, 2, and 3, represent
various views of a set of catch-bars or hookers for a loom which is provided
with eight horizontal shafts or lifting bars, marked 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28,
such lifting bars being intended as a substitute for the ordinary grid'or.grate,
which communicates the requisite vertical movenients. to the lifting. wires:
These hookers, which are shewn detached in side view at Fig. 2, are each
composed of a straight bar, with two pendent pieces or legs projecting there-
from, and at their upper side they have a lug to receive a rod,' as will be pre-
sently explained; the hookers are provided with rounded ends, which rest in
suitable sockets in a frame 9, 9, 9, 9, and in these sockets they are capable of
performing a slight axial rocking motion. To the frame 9, 9, 9, an up and
down motion is communicated by a pair of excentric cams (one of which is
shewn at Figure 1, plan No. 6, marked 29) fixed on the crank shaft: 32 of the
loom. The motion is communicated from the cams 29 by the levers 30 and
upright rods 31, which pass through a socket at each end of the frame 9,.9, 9, 9,
and are secured by the nuts 33 and 34, by which also the height of the
frame is adjusted. The shafts 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28,.slidé.in perpen-
dicular slots in the side framing, shewn at Figure 1, in' plan No. 6, marked
44, 44, 44, 44, and the ends of the shafts project, beyond the side framing, "and
are caught by a hook on the pendent parts or legs of the hookers 1, 2, 3, &a.,
as shewn at Figures 1 and 2, plan No. 7; a notched barrel 36 is fixed on the
shaft 37, and at one end of the shaft 37 the ratchet wheel 35.is fixed. • Beyond
the ratchet wheel 35 a lever 38 is made to work freely on the shaft 37, and
to the frame 9, 9, 9, 9, a runner 39 is fixed, which strikes on the lever 38 in

page_text: the descending motion of the frame 9, 9, 9, 9. The lever 38 .carries at one
end the catch 41, which is made to act on the teeth of the ratchet wheel 35
by means of a spiral spring. The same end of the lever 38 is connected by
the rod 42 with the lever 43 which works freely on a stud fixed to the frame
side 44, 44, 44, 44, and the end of the lever 43, to which the rod 42 is .con-
nected is also connected with a spiral spring which pulls it downward, but
which gives way to the force of the frame 9, 9, 9, 9, in its downward motion.
Opposite to the notches of the barrel $6 a series of rods 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,
15, 16, and 17, are made to slide freely in the plates 44 and 45, which are
fixed to the frame 9, 9, 9, 9. These rods also pass through the lugs in the
upper parts of the hookers, as represented in Figure 3, plan No. 7, the rod 10
passing through the hooker 1, the rod 11 through the hooker 2, the rod 12
through the hooker 3, and so on. These rods are cach provided with two.
spiral springs, one of which is intended to press a collar which is on one end of
each rod against the plate 45, while the other is required to press the top part
of the hooker with which the rod is connected against a stop pin in the rod.
This stop pin is so placed in the rod that when the collar of the rod is in con-
tact with the plate 45, and the top part of the hooker with which the rod is
connected is in contact with the stop pin, the hook part of the hooker will be
in the e proper position (as shewn at Figure 1, plan No. 7) to lift the shaft on
which it is intended to act on the rising motion being given to the frame
9, 9, 9, 9. But when by the descending motion of the frame 9, 9, 9, 9, a tooth of
the notched barrel 36 is brought to bear upon the end of one of these rods, so
as to thrust the collar of the rod away from the plate 45, then the hook part
of the hooker with which that rod is connected will, by reason of the axial
rocking motion communicated to it, be thrown back from the shaft on which
the hooker acts, and the shaft in question will be left in its lowest position..
when the frame 9, 9, 9, 9, ascends. When the tooth 18 strikes on the rod
10, the spring 20 is compressed, and the collar 46 is thrust away from the
plate 45, and the spring 19 also gives way till such time as the hooker 1 is,
relieved of the weight of the shaft 21 (Figure 1, plan No. 7), when the action
of the spring 19 causes the hooker 1 to start back and leave the shaft 21 in
its lowest position at the next ascent of the frame 9, 9, 9, 9, and by this
means, according as the barrel 36 is provided with teeth, or is cut out in
notches, any required tread of the shafts can be obtained by the simple up and
down movement of the frame 9, 9, 9, 9.
I claim the employment of independent shafts or lifting bars as a substitute
for the common grid or grate of jacquard apparatus, such shafts being actuated
ly a revolving notched barrel. or other analogous means.

page_text: The improvements in weaving consist, ninthly, in a new
method_or_methods
of stopping-off portions of the warp. At Figure 1, plan No. 6, and in Figures
1 and 2, plan No. 7, are represented a series of plates, two of which are
marked 49 and 64, suspended from a fixed shaft 50, and capable of rocking
thereon. This shaft 50 is attached at each end to the side framing 44
of the loom, as shewn at Figure 1, plan No. 6. By referring to Figures 1*
of this plan, the construction of the plates 49, 64, &c. will be readily under-
stood; they are composed of cast-iron or other material, and have on one
edge two projections 74 and 75, which are acted upon by notched rollers, as
will be presently explained. The inner edges of these plates 49, 64, &c. play
against the needles of a common jacquard apparatus, the wirework of which
is represented without the harness at Figure 1, plan No. 6. Behind these
rocking plates 49, 64, &c. are placed the barrels 62 and 63, which are
made fast to their respective shafts 52 and 54, which shafts are supported in
plummer blocks fixed to the side framing 44. In each of these barrels 62
and 63 there is a groove planed out with a bevelled side from end to end, into
which grooves the projecting parts 74, 75, of the plates 64, &c. drop in such
a manner that when the grooves receive the projecting parts of the plates the
needles against which the plates 64, &c. play allow the lifting wires of the
jacquard apparatus to hook over the lifting bars 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28,
as represented at Fig. 1, plan No. 6. The shaft 52 carries a five-armed
boss piece 58, 58, 58, which is capable of moving freely around the shaft.
Four of the arms of this boss piece carry the catches 55, 56, 57, and 60.
Two of these catches 55 and 56 play upon the teeth of the ratchet wheel 51,
which is keyed fast on the shaft 52, and the other two catches 57 and 60
play upon the teeth of the ratchet wheel 53, which is keyed fast on the shaft
54. The catches 55 and 56 are connected together with a spiral spring, and
the catches 57 and 60 are also connected together in a similar manner. The
lower arm of the boss piece 58 carries a pin 59, which is struck by the top
end of the lever 61, 61, 67, 67, 67, which vibrates on a stud 64, made fast to
the side framing of the loom, as represented in plan No. 6. The lower end of
the lever 61, 61, 67, 67, 67, bends inwards, as represented in the Drawing at 73,
to receive a blow from the runners 68 or 69, which are fixed one on each side of
a wrought-iron plate 70. This plate 70 is made fast to the boss of the spur
wheel 71, and revolves along with the wheel 71 on the stud 75, which is fixed
to the side framing 76 of the loom. The wheel 71 gears into the wheel 72,
which is made fast on the picking shaft 73*. The barrels 62 and 63 are cut
into spiral steps, as represented in Fig. 2, plan No. 7, which steps are pro-
vided in such number and of such width as will suit the breadth of warp to be

page_text: stopped off, and determine the time which such breadth of warp is required to be
stopped off. From the ratchet wheel 51 a tooth is taken out at 77, and from
the ratchet wheel 53 there is also a tooth taken out at 78. The catches 55 and
57 are kept in contact with the teeth of the ratchet wheels 51 and 53 by spiral
springs, as before mentioned, but the catches 56 and 60 (which are at certain
periods of the action of the loom allowed to take into their respective
ratchet wheels) are held off, so as to clear the teeth of these wheels by catch
levers 80 and 79..
Supposing the loom now to be in motion, with the barrels 62 and 63 in the
position in which they are represented at Figure 1, plan No. 6, the revolution
of the picking shaft 73* will cause the wheel 71 also to revolve and carry with
it the plate 70, on the outer corners of which are fixed the runners 68 and 69
one on each side of the plate 70. At each revolution of the wheel 71 one or
other of the runners 68 and 69 will strike on the lower end of the lever 67,
and will cause the top end 61 of the lever to strike the pin 59 of the cross
piece 58, whereby the boss piece will be moved on the shaft 52 in such a
manner that the catches 55 and 57 will be pulled over the blank spaces in the
ratchet wheels 51 and 53, and the catches 56 and 60 will be thrust upwards,
but, being held back by the catch levers 80 and 79, will pass over the teeth of
the ratchet wheels 51 and 53 without giving motion to those wheels. But
suppose that by the motion of one of the catch levers 80 or 79, one of the
catches 56 or 60 is allowed to act upon the teeth of one of the ratchet wheels
51 or 53, then when motion is given to the lower arm of the boss piece 58
by the striking in of the lever 61, 61, the ratchet wheel, on which the liberated
catch will be moved round on its shaft for the space of a tooth, and the barrel,
which is fixed on the shaft in question, will also be moved along with the
ratchet wheel. Suppose that the catch 56 were thus liberated, then by the
striking in of the lever 61, 61, the bevelled side of the groove of the barrel
62 would be thrown upwards against the projecting parts 74, &c. of so
many of the plates 64, &c. as the length of the barrel, would take in, and
would force the plate 64, &c. on which the barrel acted inwards in such a
manner that the edges of the plates striking on the needles of the jacquard
against which the plates play, the lifting wires in connection with such needles
will be thrown off the shafts or lifting bars 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, and
by this means that portion of the warp which passes through the harness
attached to the lifting wires would be stopped off, and the shuttle would pass
over that portion of the warp without throwing any weft into it. But the
ratchet wheel 51 being now moved one tooth, the catch 55 being in constant
action against the ratchet wheel. 51, and having now got hold of the tooth

page_text: beyond the blank space 77, every time that the lever 61, 61, strikes in the motion
of the boss piece 58, 58, 58, and catch 55, will move tlie ratchet wheel 51 one
tooth, and every tinic that the ratchet wheel 51 is moved a tooth the barrel 62 will
also be moved the breadth of one of the steps on its surface, and will liberate one
or more of the plates 64, &c., according to the width of the steps which are then
and there thrown out of contact with the projecting parts 74, &c. of the plate
64; &c.; and the needles which are acted upon by these liberated plates will
allow the respective lifting wires with which they are connected to hook in over
the shafts 21; 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, by which that portion of the harness
which is attached to these lifting wires will be raised by the rising of the shafts
21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, ând a shed will be niādē in that portion of the
wärp which passes through the portion of the harness in question, in the same
manner as the shed was made in it before the barrel 62 was thrown into
action by the catch 56. But when the catch 55 liàs reached the last tootli
before the blank space 77 in the ratchet wheel 51, then the groove in the
barrel 62 will have returned to the position in which it receives all the pro-
jećting parts 74 of the plates 64, &c., and all the plates 64, &c. being thereby
liberated, all the lifting wires will be hooked in over the shafts 21, 22, 23;
24, 25, 26, 27, 28, as shown at Fig. 1, plan No. 6, and all the harness being
lifted, a shed will be given and weft thrown in over the whole breadth of the
warp, which weaving over the full breadth of the warp will go on till such time
as either of the catches 56 and 60 is throwii into action upon the teeth of
either of the ratchet wheels 51 and 53:
At Fig. 2, plan No: 6, there is represented the application of this apparatus
to a modification of the common jacquard apparatus, in which a moveable
rod 81, 81, is made use of in place of the eight needles which in the comition
jacquard apparatus would otherwise have been connected with the eight lifting
wires which are represented at Fig. 2, plañ No. 6. In this instance the eight
lifting wires pass through eight holes drilled in the rod 81; 81. One end of
this rod 81, 81, is made to slide freely in a guiding bar 84, and the otlier
either presses against or may be jointed to the plate 83, which takes the
place of the plates 64; &c. as formerly described. The end of the rod 81, 81,
which slides in the guide bar 84, is also provided with a spiral spring 82;
which presses its rod towards the plate 83.
I claim the arrangement of apparátus as above described, or any mere modi-
fication thereof, for stopping off certain portions of the warp for the purpose of
weaving fabrics to any desired form.
The improvements in weaving consist; tentlily, in a new method of beaming
and dragging the warp. At Figure .1, blan No. 6. and at Figures 4. 4º. 4º. 48

page_text: of their use.
plan No. 7, the improved apparatus for beaming and dragging the warp is
represented. 91, 92, are each one of two sets of pulleys, which run freely on the
spindles 94 and 95; their number and width is regulated to suit the breadths'
into which the warp is divided by the stopping off apparatus, formerly
described. The warp is coiled on the pullies 91, &c. and 92, &c. in regular
layers, in the same manner as warp is beamed for a common loom, and pullies
such as 93 are also employed when the breadth of the warp stopped off allows
Friction bands are passed round the bars 97 and 28, and thence
pass over the warp, which is coiled on the pullies 91 and 92, &c., and down to
the ends of the levers 108, &c. to which the bands are made fast. On the
levers 108, &c. weights, 109, &c. are suspended, and are capable of sliding to
or from the fulcrum of the lever in order to give the necessary drag to the
pullies 91, 92, &c. To give the drag to the pullies 93, &c. à band is passed
over tho bar 99, and round the warp on the pulley 93, and is attached at the
other end to the crank lever 110 to which the weight 111 is suspended.
From the pullies 91, &c., 92, &c., and 93, &c., the warp passes over and under'
the bars 89, 88, 87, 86, and 85, and thence under a stretching bar to the
harness and the reed; 100 and 101 are excentric rods, geared together by the
spur wheels 104 and 105, and are used for changing pullies of the set márked
91, &c. when the warp is run out on any of them. The excentric rods are
turned round on their excentric pivots, so as to take the weight of the pullies
91, &c. off the spindle 94; the spindle 94 is then pulled out, and the pulley on
which the warp is run down is taken out from the set and is replaced with a
full pulley, after which the spindle 94 is put into its place again, and the excen-
tric rods are turned down again so as to allow. the weight of the pullies 91, &c:
to rest on the spindle 94 as before. 102 and 103 are similar excentric rods,
similarly applicable to the set of pullies 92, &c., and the pullies 93, &c. work
freely on studs 96, &c., from which they can be taken off when they are
required to be replaced with pullies filled with warp..
I claim the arrangement for beaming and dragging warp as above described.
The improvements in weaving consist, eleventhly, in a new method of taking
up fabrics woven of irregular volume. At Fig. 1, plan No. 6, and at Figures
5, 5, 5, plan No. 7, the apparatus for taking up cloth of irregular volume is
represented. 116 and 118 are two shafts, on which two pairs of rollers 117
and 119 are loosely mounted. The lower shaft 116 is driven by gearing from
one end, and the top shaft 118 is connected with the lower shaft 119 by spur
wheels fast on the shafts at one end. A moderate speed is given to these
shafts, and the top shaft is pressed towards the lower shaft by a spring
135, supported by a rod 134, and acting upon one end of the lever. 192, which
coiled

page_text: rocks in a fixed bearing, and is connected at its other end with the shaft 118.
The friction of the shafts within the loose rollers 117 and 119 causes a con-
stant pull to be kept on the selvages of the cloth, which is made to pass
between the pairs of rollers 117 and 119. The top pair 119 is covered with
thick cloth or other elastic material. Between these rollers laterally are placed
a series of nippers, which oscillate freely on the round bar 115. These nippers
are formed of a lower part 113, 113, and of a top part 114, 114, which is
jointed by a pin between two plates of wrought-iron fixed to the lower part
113, 118. The top part 114 is pressed upwards by the spiral spring 133
working on the rod 131, 131, which slides in a lug projecting from 113, and is
jointed into 114, and the pressing upwards of this end of 114 causes the other
end or the upper jaw of the nipper to bite against the upper part of 113, or
the lower jaw of the nipper, so as to seize the cloth at the point marked 136.
A shaft 120 carries a series of tappets 125, 126, &c., which strike against'
the sweep end of the top parts 114 of the nippers in such a manner that they
depress the one end of the top parts, and raise the other end or jaw, which
the spiral springs 133, &c. would otherwise cause to bite on the lower jaw of
the nippers. As the tappets 125, 126, &c. proceed in their revolution they
cause the combined portions of the nippers to rise, and to advance by a slight
movement round the bar 115, and just before the tappets 125, 126, &c., take
leave of the sweep on the top parts 114 they allow the spiral springs 133, &c.
to come into action and press down the upper jaw of the nippers, and seize
the cloth when the nippers are. in their most advanced position. After
the tappets have left the top part of the nipper altogether the weight of the
nipper, by overhanging the bar 115 on which it is suspended, acts in such a
manner as to pull at the cloth, and to maintain the shed that is required for
weaving. The tappets 125, 126, &c. are placed on the shaft 120, one on one
side, and one on the other side alternately, so that during the revolution of the
shaft 120, while the first, third, fifth, seventh, ninth, eleventh, thirteenth, and
fifteenth nippers have fast hold of the cloth, the second, fourth, sixth, eighth,
tenth, twelfth, fourteenth, and sixteenth are advancing between the others to
take a fast hold of the cloth, and vice versa, by which means the cloth is kept
always at an uniform stretch over the whole width which is exposed to the
action of the nippers between the rollers 117 and 119.
I claim the arrangement of parts for effecting the "take-up" motion as
above described.
The improvements in weaving consist, twelfthly, in a new method or
methods of changing the operations of power looms which are capable of
weaving single and double fabrics of varions textures and of irregular volume.

page_text: At Fig. 1, plan No. 6, and at Figures 1 and 2, plau No. 7, the changing
apparatus is represented. 137, Fig. 1, plan No. 6, is a bent lever moving
freely on a stud, which is made fast in the side framing 76 of the loom; the
upper end of the lever 137 carries a catch 188, which is pulled against the
teeth of a ratchet wheel 139 by a spiral spring; the ratchet wheel 139 is
made fast on a stud 140, which works freely in a bracket made fast to the
side framing of the loom; the other end of the stud 140 carries a pinion'
which works into the spur wheel 141; this spur wheel is keyed fast on the boss
of a pulley 142, which works freely on a stud 147 made fast in the side
framing of the loom. The periphery of the pulley 142 is turned out with four
grooves opposite to the catch levers 79, 148, 149, and 80, and is also furnished
with a series of pins, as represented in the Drawings. The lower end of
the lever 137 is struck by one of the bowles or runners 68 and 69 in the
revolution of the plate 70, 70, around the stud 75, and the motion thus given
to the top end of the lever 137 causes the catch 138, which it carries at its
upper end, to move the ratchet wheel 139 one tooth, and the movement of the
ratchet wheel one tooth causes the pinned and grooved pulley 142 to move a
space of about a quarter of an inch. Around the pulley 142 there is passed
a strap of sheet copper, or other pliable material, which is perforated with five
rows of holes, the centre row of which is intended to receive the pins in the
periphery of the pulley 142; this strap 143 also passes round the pullies
144, 145, and 146, which move freely on studs having their bearings in
brackets attached to the side framing of the loom. The upper ends of the
catch levers 148 and 149 are flattened out, and are made with concentric slots
of varying lengths, in which a small cross piece at the end of the lever 43
plays freely, and is stopped by the upper edge of one or other of the slots in
the catch levers. Towards their lower ends the catch levers 148, 149, are
each provided with a small pin on their inner edges; these pins at certain
periods project through holes in the metal strap, and enter the grooves
provided for them in the periphery of the pulley 142. The lower extremities.
of the catch levers are turned up, and made to hook round the pin 150 in the
striking-in lever 61, 61. Now if the material of the strap 143 on the pulley
142 be presented to the pins of the levers 148, 149, when the striking-in
lever 61, 61, allows them to move inwards, the pins will be prevented from
dropping into the grooves of the pulley 142, and consequently the same con-
centric slot in the top ends of the catch levers 148 and 149 will continue to
regulate the vibration of the cross end of the lever 43, 43, and consequently
a certain determined number of teeth of the ratchet wheel 35 will be taken
up by the catch 41, corresponding to the extent of the vibration which the

page_text: slot which may be in action allows the lever 43 to perform; but when a
perforated part of the strap 143 comes opposite to the pin of one of the
catch levers 148 and 149, then, when the striking-in lever 61, 61, strikes in,
the pin of the catch lever in question will drop through the perforation in the
strap, and by the movement of the top end of the catch lever to which the
pin belongs a different slot will be brought over the lever 43. By this means,
therefore, a different number of the teeth of the ratchet wheel 35, cor-
responding to the different range of vibration allowed to the lever 43, will now
be taken up by the catch 41, and thus a change in the treading of the loom
will be effected. The lower ends of the catch levers 79 and 80 are also
furnished with pins which play into grooves in the pulley 142, and are likewise
turned up, and made to hook round the pin 150 of the striking-in lever 61, 61;
and so by means of perforations in the strap 143, 143, corresponding with the
pins in the lower ends of the catch levers 79 and 80, either of the barrels 62 or
63 may be thrown into action, as before described; and thus the regular action
of the loom may be changed to effect such operations as the barrels in question
will cause to be performed.
I claim the arrangement of parts as above described, for effecting the
requisite changes in the weaving operation.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Combe, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Fourth day of January, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and fifty