Improvements in Machines for Cleaning Vegetable Fibre.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 13th Dec., 1890
Complete Specification Left, 14th Feb., 1891-Accepted, 21st Mar., 1891
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Machines for Cleaning Vegetable Fibre.
I, WILLIAM CARDWELL MCBRIDE, of 499, Third Street, Brooklyn, in the
County of Kings, and State of New York, United States of America, Gentleman,
do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
The object of my invention is to remove extraneous matter from the fibre of
fibrous vegetable substances which have been subjected to a crushing process;
and my invention consists in the details of construction and arrangement hereinafter
set forth.
The frame of the machine is oblong in form, preferably made of wood, and is
decked over, an opening being made in the deck about midway of the length of the
machine.
Immediately below the opening two shafts are journaled in suitable bearings
in the frame, and on each of these shafts are secured scrapers. The shafts extend
outwardly beyond the machine on each side and on one side they have additional
bearings in a frame, laterally extending from the main frame, and one of the
shafts carries a pulley by which motion is imparted to the shaft from any suitable
source.
Between the two frames are two gear wheels-one on each shaft--which engage
with each other and cause the scrapers to revolve in opposite directions, the
scrapers being so arranged that they interlock or overlap each other in a slight
degree.
Immediately under the scrapers are two tension-rollers the shafts of which are
supported in suitable bearings hung on the said shafts.
On either side of the machine are chains and each of these chains at one end
passes partly round a pulley and is fastened thereto, the other ends of the chains
being each secured to a spiral spring, which springs are in turn secured to a bar
one at each end thereof. The bar extends transversely of the machine, and is
connected to the main frame by means of a threaded pin, firmly secured to the bar
midway of its length, said pin passing through a boss on the frame. A thumb-
nut works on the threaded pin and serves to adjust the tension on the springs as
well as to hold the bar in position. The pulleys are rigidly secured to a shaft
extending across and having suitable bearings in the frame. One end of the shaft
is provided with a crank, the end of which is secured to a chain extending
vertically in both directions from the crank and secured at its upper end to the
frame and at its lower end to a treadle hinged to the main frame. The chain is
in two sections, a tension-spring being interposed between the sections at any point
above the crank-arm.
Extensions of the bearings for the before-mentioned roller are attached to the
chains and it will be understood that the chains are held taut by the opposing
forces of the tension-springs, for the springs have a tendency to pull the chains
away from the pulleys while the spring tends to elevate the crank and so wind the
chains on the pulleys.
The shafts extend beyond their bearings, each carrying at each of its ends a
pulley. One of the shafts also carries at each end a pulley, similar to the before-
mentioned pulleys, and a rope is rove around the pulleys in such a manner as to
cause the rollers to revolve in the same direction as the scrapers immediately
above them. The pulleys turn on their shafts, and the shafts are capable of
revolving in their bearings, the latter being attached to a bar, hinged to the main
frame. A chain or cord is attached to and wound around each of the shafts and
connected to one end of a spiral spring, the other end being connected with the

page_text: main frame. One end of each shaft is provided with a ratchet-and-pawl
mechanism, and by winding or unwinding the cord on the shaft, the tension on the
rope may be regulated.
The top of the frame is provided with two rack-bars, one on each side
thereof, and these rack-bars form rails on which the holders travel. I prefer to
use two holders-one moving from each end of the machine-in order that they
may be used alternately to convey the fibrous stock to the scrapers. In construc-
tion the holders are alike, and consist of a frame in which a shaft is journaled.
This shaft carries at each end a pinion, which engages with the teeth of the rack
bars. The shaft is also provided with a crank, by turning which the holder can
be propelled in either direction. About midway of the frame another shaft is
journaled and carries within the frame a fluted roller.
Two grooved wheels are loosely mounted on the shaft and are adapted to run on
the rack-bars. The shaft is also provided with a crank, by means of which the
fluted roller can be revolved. A ratchet-and-pawl mechanism is also provided to
prevent, when necessary, the turning of the fluted roller.
Plate
The ends of the two sides of a jaw hinged to the standards at the front end of
the frame extend a short distance beyond the standards and are square.
springs are secured at one end to the frame, and have their free ends extending
slightly beyond and in close proximity to the lower corners of the squared ends of
the sides. When it is desired to elevate the jaw, the ends of the sides extending
beyond the standards will depress the springs, and when the sides are in
substantially a vertical position the springs will bear on the square ends and hold
the sides in that position.
Two clastic rollers are journaled in bearings, pivoted on the sides of the jaw,
the rollers being adapted to rest saddlewise on the fluted roller.
A rod extends across from one side of the jaw to the other, and on this rod are
hinged two pairs of rods, each pair carrying dabbling-brushes, one set of brushes
being on each side of the lever rollers.
The rear ends of the sides of the jaw are bent upwardly, and a shaft carrying a
roller, is journaled in them. The shaft is provided at one end with a hand-wheel
and ratchet-and-pawl mechanism.
A yoke is adapted to the ends of the sides of the frame. This yoke is mortised
through, and hollowed out on its under side between the two mortises. In each
mortise a pulley is journaled, and a rope runs around them and under the yoke,
the ends of the rope being secured to the roller carried in the said jaws. A spring
is attached to the rope and a small amount of slack is left in the rope between
the ends of the spring, and the rope is thus made elastic to the extent of the slack.
The rope is of sufficient length to allow the yoke to swing clear of the end of the
frame when necessary to turn the jaw up. When the holder is turned down, the
yoke is made to engage with the notched ends of the frame, and by turning
the hand wheel the rope will wind on the shaft at each end and hold the jaw down
on the frame.
Dated this 12th day of December 1890.
F. W. BARKER,
Applicant's Agent.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION,
Improvements in Machines for Cleaning Vegetable Fibre.
I, WILLIAM CARDWELL MCBRIDE, of 499, Third Street, Brooklyn, Kings
County, New York State, United States of America, Gentleman, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention, and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement :-
The object of my invention is to remove extraneous matter from the fibre of

page_text: fibrous vegetable substances which have been subjected to a crushing process; and
my invention consists in the details of construction and arrangement hereinafter sét
forth in the Specification and claims.
In the drawings
Figure 1 is a side elevation of a portion of my improved machine.
Figure 2 is a similar view of the remainder of the machine.
Figure 3 is a plan view of Figure 1.
Figure 4 is a vertical longitudinal section through the linex of Figure 3.
Figures 5, 6, 7 and 8 are views of parts of the machine detached, Figure 5
being in section and Figure 8 partly in section.
Similar letters of reference indicate similar parts in the respective figures.
A represents the frame of the machine, oblong in form and preferably made of
wood. The frame is decked over, an opening B being made in the deck about
midway of the length of the machine.
Immediately below the opening B two shafts C C are journaled in suitable
bearings in the frame, and on each of these shafts are secured scrapers c. (I use
preferably four scrapers on each shaft, but do not limit myself to this number.)
The shaft C C extend outwardly beyond the machine on each side, and on one
side they have additional bearings in a frame A', laterally extending from the main
frame, and one of the shafts C extends beyond the frame A' and carries a pulley C',
by which motion is imparted to the shaft from any suitable source.
Between the two frames A A' are two gear-wheels CC-one on each shaft-
which engage with each other and cause the scrapers to revolve in opposite
directions, the scrapers being so arranged that they interlock or overlap each other
in a slight degree.
The
Immediately under the scrapers are two tension-rollers D D¹, the shafts d of
which are supported in suitable bearings D' hung on the shafts C C.
bearings D2 are each made in two parts connected by a threaded pin d'. This
construction enables the bearings to be lengthened or shortened to a small extent,
and also prevents the shafts binding in these bearings should the rollers not lie
exactly parallel with each other during the operation of the machine. Each
bearing of the roller D' is held rigidly in a vertical position by means of a
threaded pin d, passing through a boss d³, provided with a threaded opening and
secured to the frame of the machine, and also through a threaded opening in the
lower part of the bearing. The bearings of the roller D, are, however, free to
swing on the shaft C, and the minimum space between the rollers D and D--that
is, the extent of approach of the roller D to roller D-can be adjusted by means
of the pin, engaging with extensions D³ on the bearings of the roller D.
EE are chains, one on each side of the machine. Each of these chains at one
end passes partly around a pulley F and is fastened thereto, the other ends of the
chains being each secured to a spiral spring F', which springs are in turn secured
to a bar F, one at each end thereof. The bar F extends transversely of the
machine, and is connected to the main frame by means of a threaded pin F³, firmly
secured to the bar F midway of its length, said pin passing through a boss F on
the frame A. A thumb-nut F works on the threaded pin and serves to adjust
the tension on the springs F1 as well as to hold the bar Fin position. The
pulleys Fare rigidly secured to a shaft 2, extending across and having suitable
bearings in the frame A. One end of the shaft is provided with a crank, the
end of which is secured to a chain 2 extending vertically in both directions (from
the crank and secured at its upper end) to the frame A, and at its lower end to a
treadle hinged to the main frame. The chain is in two sections, a tension-
spring being interposed between the sections at any point above the crank-arm.
The extensions Ds of the bearings for the roller D are attached to the chains E,
and it will be observed that the chains E are held taut by the opposing forces of
the tension springs F¹ and for the springs F¹ have a tendency to pull the chains
away from the pulleys F, while the spring tends to elevate the crank and so
wind the chains on the pulleys F. The extensions D' are so attached to the

page_text: chains E as to normally hold the roller D a short distance from the roller D', and
when it is desired to bring the rollers more closely together it is only necessary to
depress the treadle f³, which will permit the chains to unwind from the pulleys F
and the springs F¹ by their contraction will draw the chains E, and with them the
bearings of the roller D, toward them.
The shafts d extend beyond their bearings, each carrying at each of its ends a
pulley G. One of the shafts C also carries at each end a pulley G', similar to the
pulleys G, and a rope H is rove around the pulleys G and G₁ and a pulley G³ on
each side of the machine, in such a manner as to cause the rollers D and D' to
revolve in the same direction as the scrapers immediately above them. The
pulleys G turn on their shafts and the shafts g are capable of revolving in their
bearings, the latter being attached to a bar g hinged to the main frame at g². A
chain or cord g³ is attached to and wound around each of the shafts and con-
nected to one end of a spiral spring o, the other end being connected with the
main frame. One end of each shaft is provided with a ratchet-and-pawl
mechanism and by winding or unwinding the cord on the shaft g the tension
on the rope H may be regulated. The hinged connection of the bearings of the
pulleys G² to the frame also compensates for the unequal strain on the rope H,
caused by the rollers D D¹ occupying different positions relative to each other. '
"
The top of the frame is provided with two rack-bars I I-one on each side
thereof and these rack-bars form rails on which the holders travel. I prefer to
use two holders--one moving from each end of the machine-in order that they
may be alternately used to convey the fibrous stock to the scrapers. In construc-
tion the holders are alike, and consist of a frame J in which a shaft K is journaled.
This shaft carries at each end a pinion K¹, which engages with the teeth of the
rack-bars I. The shaft is also provided with a crank k, by turning which the holder
can be propelled in either direction. About midway of the frame another shaft Lis
journaled and carries within the frame a fluted roller L'.
L2 L2 are grooved wheels loosely mounted on the shaft L and adapted to run on
the rack-bars I. The shaft L is also provided with a crank by means of which
the fluted roller L' can be revolved. A ratchet-and-pawl mechanism is also
provided to prevent when necessary, the turning of the fluted roller.
M M are the two sides of a jaw hinged to the standards Jat the front end of
the frame J. The ends of the sides M M extend a short distance beyond the
standards and are square. J J are plate springs, each secured at one end to the
frame J and with their free ends extending slightly beyond and in close proximity
to the lower corners of the square ends of the sides M M. When it is desired to
elevate the jaw, the ends of the sides extending beyond the standards will depress
the springs, and when the sides are in substantially a vertical position, the springs
will bear on the square ends and hold the sides in that position.
MM' are two elastic rollers journaled in bearings m, pivoted on the sides M M
the rollers being adapted to rest saddlewise on the fluted roller L'.
A rod N extends across from one side of the jaw to the other, and on this rod
are hinged two pairs of rods, cach pair carrying dabbling-brushes N¹ N¹, one set
of brushes being on each side of the rollers M and L. The brushes are of
sufficient length to extend below the roller L' and in close proximity to the deck
of the machine.
The rear ends of the sides M are bent upwardly, and a shaft O carrying a
roller O, is journaled in them. The shaft O is provided at one end with a
hand-wheel o and a ratchet-and-pawl mechanism o¹.
P is a yoke notched out at each end at to adapt it to the notched ends j of
the sides of the frame J. The yoke p is mortised through at p' p', and hollowed
out on its under side between the two mortises, as shown at p². In each mortise
a pulley p is journaled, and a rope P¹ runs around them and under the yoke P,
the ends of the rope being secured to the roller O. In the hollow p² a spiral
spring p is placed both ends of the spring being attached to the rope P A small
amount of slack is left in the rope between the ends of the spring, and the rope is

page_text: thus made elastic to the extent of the slack. The rope P¹ is of sufficient length
to allow the yoke to swing clear of the end of the frame when necessary to turn
the jaw up.
When the holder is turned down, the yoke is made to engage with the
notched ends of the frame, and by turning the hand-wheel o the rope P¹ will wind
j
on the shaft at each end and hold the jaw down on the frame J.
0
The operation of the machine is as follows:-The jaw of the holder is elevated
and a suitable quantity of the crushed fibre placed in the holder across the
corrugated roller L'. The jaw is then shut down and the yoke P made to engage
the
with the notched ends of the frame J, and by turning the hand-wheel
rope P will wind on the roller O and hold the jaw in position. The rollers M¹
will bear uniformly upon the top of the fibre, their pivoted bearings enabling them
to adjust themselves to any irregularity in the thickness of the layer of fibre.
The brushes N bear on the fibre, pressing it down on the deck on each side of the
roller L, and when the holder is moved over the deck will direct the ends of the
mass of fibre into the opening B, and so between the scrapers. By turning
the fluted roller the fibre will be fed down between the scrapers until it reaches
the tension-rollers D D', when by depressing the treadle these rollers will
approach each other and grip the end of the mass of fibre between them, and then
by causing the holder to travel back and forth over the opening B, and by a proper
manipulation of the fluted roller L', and the tension-rollers D D' the whole mass
of fibre can be subjected to the action of the scrapers. When the fibre is
sufficiently cleaned, the holder is moved to its end of the machine to be doffed and
refilled, during which operation the other holder can carry its mass of fibre to be
operated upon by the scrapers.
The elasticity given to the rope P', as described, and the pivoted bearings of
the rollers M Mallow the latter to adjust themselves to any irregularities in the
thickness of the mass of fibre passing between them and the fluted roller L'. The
adjustable features in the bearings of the roller D also enable it to adjust itself to
any irregularities in the thickness of the mass of fibre passing between it and the
roller D¹.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. In a machine for cleaning fibre, the combination with the main frame and
scrapers journaled therein, of tracks on the main frame and holders movable forward
and backward upon the tracks to carry the fibre to the scrapers, substantially as set
forth.
2. In a machine for cleaning fibre, the combination with the main frame and
scrapers and tension-rollers journaled therein, of holders movable forward and
backward upon the machine to carry fibre to the scrapers and tension-rollers, sub-
stantially as set forth.
3. In a machine for cleaning fibre, the main frame, a deck on the top thereof,
said deck having an opening, rack-bars on top of the frame, and scrapers and
tension-rollers journaled in the frame immediately under the opening in the deck,
combined with holders movable forward and backward upon the rack-bars to
carry fibre to and from the scrapers and tension-rollers, substantially as set forth.
4. In a holder adapted to carry fibre to the scrapers of a fibre-cleaning machine,
a frame movable on the frame of the machine, and a fluted roller journaled in
said frame, combined with a jaw hinged to one end of the frame, and two rollers
journaled in the jaw and adapted to rest saddlewise over the fluted roller when the
jaw is closed, substantially as specified.
5. In a holder for the purpose specified, the combination, with the frame and
fluted roller journaled therein, of a jaw hinged to one end of the frame, and two
rollers journaled in bearings pivoted on said jaw, substantially as set forth.
6. In a holder for the purpose specified, the combination, with the frame and
fluted roller journaled therein, of a jaw hinged to one end of the frame, two rollers

page_text: journaled in said jaw and adapted to rest saddlewise over the fluted roller when the
jaw is closed, and two sets of brushes hinged to said jaw, one on each side of the
rollers, substantially as set forth.
7. In a holder for the purpose specified, the combination, with the frame and a
yoke adapted to loosely engage one end of the frame, of a jaw hinged to the
opposite end of said frame, the free ends of the sides of said jaw being bent
upwardly, a roller journaled in said upwardly-bent ends, and a rope connecting
the yoke to the said roller and adapted to wind on the latter, substantially as
and for the purpose set forth.
8. In a holder for the purpose specified, the frame, a yoke adapted to loosely
engage one end of the frame, said yoke being provided with mortises, and pulleys
journaled in the mortises, combined with a jaw hinged to the opposite end of
the frame, a roller journaled in the free end of the jaw, and a rope passing
under the pulleys and attached at each end to the said roller, substantially as set
forth.
9. In a holder for the purpose specified, the frame and a yoke adapted to loosely
engage one end of the frame, combined with a jaw hinged to the opposite end of
the frame, a roller journaled in the free end of the jaw, a rope connecting said
yoke to the roller, and a spiral spring attached at each end to the rope, the rope
between the ends of the spring having a certain degree of slack, substantially as
set forth.
10. In a machine for cleaning fibre, the combination with the main frame and
shafts carrying scrapers journaled therein, of bearings hung on said shafts, threaded
pins passing through the bearings on one shaft and bosses on the main frame,
whereby said bearings are rigidly held in position, chains attached to the other
bearings and leadings in opposite directions therefrom, tension-springs acting on
the opposite ends of said chains, and tension-rollers mounted in said bearings,
substantially as specified.
11. In a machine for cleaning fibre, the combination with the main frame and
shafts carrying scrapers journaled therein, of bearings hung on said shafts, each of
said bearings being in two sections adjustably connected together with a threaded
pin, and tension-rollers journaled in said bearings, substantially as and for the
purpose specified.
12. In a machine for cleaning fibre, the combination with the main frame, shafts
carrying scrapers journaled therein, and means substantially as described, for
revolving said shafts and scrapers in opposite directions, of bearings hung on said
shafts, tension-rollers journaled in said bearings, pulleys at the ends of said tension-
rollers and at the ends of one of said shafts, pulleys journaled in bearings hinged to
the main frame, one on each side thereof, a cord rove around the pulleys on each side
of the machine, so as to revolve the tension-rollers in the same direction as that of
the scrapers immediately above them, and a spring-adjusting device attached to the
hinged bearings and the main frame, as and for the purpose set forth.
Dated this 14th day of February 1891.
WILLIAM CARDWELL MCBRIDE.
By his Agent, F. W. Barker.