MACHINERY FOR MORE EXPEDITIOUSLY CUTTING, STRIPPING, OR PLUCKING, THE VARIOUS FURS OF BEAVERS, SEALS, WOOL, HAIR, &C. FROM THE VARIOUS SKINS NOW CUTT, PLUCKED, OR STRIPPED BY HAND, AND FOR SUNDRY METHODS OF PREPARING AND CLEANSING THE SAID SKINS
Year: 1804

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, RICHARD
WILLCOX, of Lambeth, in the County of Surry, Engineer, send greeting.
WHEREAS His present Majesty King George the Third, by His Letters
Patent under the Great Seal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Ireland, bearing date the Nineteenth day of December, in the forty-fifth
year of His reign, did give and grant unto me, the said Richard Willcox,
my executors, administrators, and assigns, His especial licence, that I, the
said Richard Willcox, my executors, administrators, and assigns, and every of
them, should, during the term of fourteen years therein expressed, make,
use, exercise, and vend, within that part of the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Ireland called England, the Dominion of Wales, and Town of
Berwick-upon-Tweed, my new Invented "MACHINERY FOR MORE EXPEDITIOUSLY
CUTTING, STRIPPING, OR PLUCKING, THE VARIOUS FURS OF BEAVERS, SEALS, WOOL,
HAIR, &C. FROM THE VARIOUS SKINS NOW CUTT, PLUCKED, OR STRIPPED BY HAND,
AND FOR SUNDRY METHODS OF PREPARING AND CLEANSING THE SAID SKINS;" in
which said Letters Patent there is contained a clause or proviso that I,
the said Richard Willcox, should, within six calendar months next after
the date of the said Letters Patent, cause a particular description of my
said Invention, under my hand and seal, to be inrolled in His Majesty's
High Court of Chancery, as in and by the same Letters Patent, relation
being thereunto had, may more fully and at large appear.

page_text: NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the said
Richard Willcox, do hereby declare that my said Invention is described
in manner following, that is to say:-
First, instead of the left hand, now usually employed for holding down
the fur (whilst cutting), I substitute a thin plate of metal, ivory, or any
other hard elastic wood, or other suitable material capable of holding down
the fur, which I place on its edge, and press close in contact with the
pelt of the skin, which is previously laid smooth, either on a horizontal
bed or on a roller (the latter however is preferable). The apparatus neces-
sary for advancing the skin as the fur is cut is clearly exhibited in Figure 1st,
and Figure 2d, in the Drawing hereunto annexed; namely, Figure 1st,
requires the application of the hands and foot of the workman. The latter,
Figure 2d, requires no other action than that of the first mover, which
may be a steam engine, or any other source of power, together with the
attention of the workmen to supply the pelts or skins as the same are
necessary.
Secondly, to produce a similar effect, I use or employ a metal, ivory, or
ebony roller (the former, however, has a decided preference). The most
suitable size in diameter I find to be from three quarters of an inch to
one inch and a quarter, turned true, and draw-filed longitudinally with a
smooth bastard file. This roller is to be moderately pressed in contact
with the surface of the pelt, the said roller being turned in a contrary
direction to that of the skin, whereby the fur is effectually drawed or
removed out of the way of the knife, and prevented from being mutilated
or cut short. For a view of the machine, with its concomitant appendages
for cutting with rollers wrought by muscular power, see Figure 3d in the
said- Drawing annexed hereunto, with the references thereunder written.
Thirdly, for effectually separating the fur, and for. cutting, or cutting and
plucking in the same machine, I employ with the roller (which in this case will
admit of being a quarter of an inch less than the roller before mentioned,
or about half inch diameter, which should be smooth, and made of the
strongest metal, and supported either by a larger roller working above it,
or a piece of metal with a concave edge, working in contact with the said
first-mentioned roller, and preventing its giving way or bending from the
necessary pressure it must sustain, whilst round the small roller is drawn,
by a connection of leading rollers attached to a drum roller, a piece of
canvass, russia duck, ticking, or other similar strong material, joined at
the two extremities, and forming a perpetual web round the said rollers.
By this means the canvass or other cloth, being pressed in contact with

page_text: the surface of the skin, and moving with about double the speed of the
skin, in a contrary direction, causes the fur to adhere to the said canvass
in the exact order, situation, or arrangement (when cut as it were on the
skin or pelt, where it may be divided or lock'd at the option of the person
attending the machine). It is proper to state, that though I have here
specified a small roller, supported as affording the best means of avoiding
friction, and the rollers laying in an horizontal direction, I do also, instead
of the said small roller, occasionally use a bar applied on its edge, with
the corners taken off, so that the lower part forms a fixed substitute for
the roller, and in the latter case the roller, &c. may be fixed either vertically
or inclined, and in either case the same desirable effect will be produced.
For a view of the machine complete, see Figure the 5th in the said Drawings
annexed hereunto, and its corresponding references thereunder written.
Fourthly, in the machine last described, Figure 5th, contrary to any mode
heretofore practised, we cut the long or coarse hair with the furr, without
previously plucking, because both adhere to the canvass, &c., which, being
passed out of the way of the cutting part of the apparatus or machine,
the same is caused to pass over one of the leading rollers where the canvass
is bent nearly to a right angle, so as to introduce a metal plate as close
as possible to the surface of the fur attached to the canvass, as described.
The long hair, now usually plucked, comes in contact against the edge of
the said plate, whilst a roller, studded with different rows or locks of hair,
leather, or any other flexible metal or elastic matter, which being driven
in the same direction with the fur, effectually brushes, scrapes, wipes, or
separates the long hair cut from the skin from the fur, by pressing it against
the edge of the said plate, from whence it is conveyed into a trough and
prevented from falling or mixing with the fur again. It is necessary to
observe in this place that the locks of hair, leather, &c. put into the said
roller or rake may be put in what form the maker shall judge or think
proper. All that is essentially necessary for him to observe is, that only
a small part should come in contact in each time with the long hair, as
it would otherwise take up the fur with the hair, and by mixing them together
spoil the fur.
Fifthly, to strengthen the said skins, and prevent the possibility of delay.
In case the pelts being cut, I fix the skins (previously to cutting) on a strong
canvass cloth, or other similar article, covered with the cement composed
of wax, rosin, grease, and a little ochre, or of pitch, rosin, oil, and brimstone,
or of paste and rosin mixed and put on the skin, and then pressed on the
tick or cloth. Any of these adhesive compounds will answer the same purpose.

page_text: The first and second composition or cement requires to be hard enough to
sustain the pressure of the canvass, and so tough as not to break when
turning round the rollers, which is not easily effected, and suited to the
difference of the temperature, either in the room or in the atmosphere, by
adding a little more oil or grease to the composition in cold weather, should
the cement be too brittle or, vice a versa, adding rosin or brimstone in
warm weather, should the composition be too soft. However, this must
be left to the management of the person working the machine, it being
impossible to give any determinate proportion for making the said cement,
as it will require to be altered as above, according to the temperature of
the weather.
Sixthly, as the fur on some particular skins is very short, and therefore
cannot be separated by the machine here described, hence, for plucking
such skins, I fix the extremity of the skin to or between rollers, so as to
draw it slowly over a roller, with a second very small roller in front of the
skin, whilst a third larger roller, resembling a worm or quick flat thread-
screw, when viewed in its longitudinal direction, moves with a greater
velocity in the contrary direction to the skin, whereby a portion or part
of the long hair is caught each revolution, and jammed or pressed between
a part of the worm or thread and the same roller in front of the skin, and
is thereby plucked out of the skin. For a further description, see Figure
4th in the said Drawings hereunto annexed, with the references thereunder
written.
Seventhly, my knives form an important part of this my Invention,
being made of the best hardened tempered steel, which is fluted, grooved,
or toothed on the face side, so that, when ground for use on the opposite
surface, it obtains an edge similar to a very fine saw, and, being principally
made circular (particularly when annexed to machinery driven by a steam
engine or mill), possesses a twofold advantage (that is):-First, it turns on
its axis against its work, and thereby produces a drawing stroke with a
much greater velocity than would be produced without rotation. Secondly,
the whole external line constituting the circular edge of the knife, coming
successively in contact with the skin (and, as before recited, the knife being
hardened), it is found to keep its edge at least twelve times as long
as the present knives, which are made of maleable iron, for the purpose
of preserving a rough edge, that being found to answer the purpose of cutting
better than a smooth one; and this effect is produced in my knives by the
fluting, as before described, with a very great saving of labour and time.

page_text: GENERAL REFERENCES TO THE DRAWINGS.
Figure 1st presents a view in perspective of the machine complete, for
cutting of fur, &c., with a metal rake held by the hand. A, A, &c., the
framing generally; B, the rollers to which the skins are attached. The length
of the said rollers is determined or governed in every machine according to the
width of the skins intended to be cut, and the whole of the framing and rollers
in the remaining Figures 2, 3, 4, and 5, to avoid repetition, are distinguished
by the same letters. C, thin metal plate or rake placed on its edge, and
kept parallel on the roller by the connecting rods, which are fixed into a shaft
or axel working upon bearings, whereby the said rake is depressed or raised
by the hand of the operator, as occasion may require. D, the knife, fixed in
the extremity of a short lever, which works into an universal joint, and
preserves its parellel movement by sliding on a cylindrical bar fixed across the
framing. E, E, &c., the ratchet wheel, with levers and pall for communi-
cating motion to the said roller B. F, box for receiving the fur when cut off
the skin.
Figure 2d exhibits a front view, in perspective, of machinery calculated to
be driven by water or a steam engine, or any other first mover. (To render
the whole apparatus clear and plain, the parts that are hid behind the roller
and framing are represented or distinguished by the dotted lines. C, thin
steel plate, placed on its edge, and kept streight by being stretched or strained
in the manner of a saw for cutting of marble, &c. D, D, two knives fixed
into the extremity of a lever projecting forward from the carriage to bring the
knives to the centre of the said roller B. The fulcrum or centre of the said
lever, being fixed to the carriages (similar to the lever beam of an engine),
whilst the other extremity is connected to the carriage by the spiral spring
represented by the dotted lines as seen through the roller, which passes
upwards by its elasticity, brings the contrary end of the lever containing the
knife into contact with the skin, where it is prevented from either cutting
through the skin or the roller by an adjusting screw acting upon the end of
the lever to which the said spiral springs are fixed, and counteracting their
elasticity. E, E, the carriage, part of which is seen above the roller and part
behind, represented by the dotted lines, working on friction wheels, and is, by
its communication with the crank, driven to and fro or backwards and
forwards, whereby the knives, as above described, are made to work in a
parellel direction to the said plate or rake longitudinally on the roller. F, the
fly-wheel crank and connecting rods. G, the connecting rod, communicating

page_text: to a bell crank, and from that by a lever to a ratchet wheel and pinion on the
same shaft, shewn by the dotted lines through the framing, whereby the roller
B is moved at each stroke of the knives about 6 part of an inch. H, a
compound lever, whereby the weight of the rake is occasionally taken off
the skin.
Figure 3d, the perspective view of the small cutting machine, as wrought
by hand. C, wrought-iron roller, working in brass bearings. D, the frame
which keeps the iron roller in a parellel direction with the wood roller under-
neath, and, by moving on its axels fix'd to the framing, allows the said iron
roller to be raised to change the skin, or pressed into contact with the sling,
as the operator may find it necessary. E, the knife, in every respect similar
to that described in Figure 1st, excepting the end of the lever, working under
F, the bridge, which is raised or depressed at pleasure by either a wedge or
screw, whereby the person working is prevented from cutting the roller.
G, a box for receiving the fur.
Figure 4th, the perspective view of a machine for plucking the long hair out
of the skins (particularly those where the fur is short. C, a small metal roller,
supported by a bar, as represented by the dotted lines. D, roller, divided
into two or more divisions, resembling a two, three, or more threaded screw,
with the corners or edges first coming in contact with the roller C rounded or
taken off. E, crank, fixed on the axle of the said roller D, which is the first
mover. F, lever and connecting rods, whereby the motion is communicated
to the roller B by the ratchet wheel. G is a representation of the skin as
fixed in the roller for plucking, which is performed in the following manuer :-
The two rollers being turned in the direction of the darts, the roller, turning
with velocity, brushes the long hair over the small roller, between the roller
C and D, when it is pressed or jammed and plucked out. As but a small
part of the roller D comes in contact with the small roller, the skin is not
liable to be torn by the operation.
Figure 5th is a view in perspective, taken from the angle or corner of the
machine. C, the crank or first mover, that communicates power to the
parellel motion and carriage, which is omitted in this Drawing for the purpose
of making it clear, but it is shewn separately in Figure 6th, whilst on the
end of the shaft is fixed a worm working into and turning the shaft D, on
which is fixed a second worm working into a worm wheel on the shaft com-
municating with the roller B, whereby the velocity is decreased in the
proportion of one to 600; or to every revolution the worm C makes, the
roller B moves nearly of an inch. E, E, four bevil geer wheels, for com-

page_text: municating power from the roller B to the rollers for moving the canvass,
which should move with about twice the velocity of the roller B, or about
of of an inch to every revolution made by the worm on the shaft C.
F, F, &c., five rollers, for conducting and moving the canvass. G, G, &c.,
four chain wheels, connected together to turn the rollers regularly. H, the
drug or binding roller, to prevent the canvass from slipping on the rollers.
I, lever, for pressing the said binding roller in contact as occasion may require.
J, large drum roller. K, iron roller, attached by connecting rods to the axle
of the large roller, and prevented from slipping by working into geer with
the spur wheels fixed to the side of the drum. L, chain wheel, whereby the
power is communicated to drive it from the roller B. M, a small roller,
supported by a second, or a bridge of iron or other metals placed on its edge
and hollowed, to receive a portion of the roller, and prevent the canvass from
springing or bending the said roller. Note, the canvass is only shewn as
covering but a part of the rollers, on purpose to shew more distinctly each
part of the machine, but otherwise it is to be as wide as the rollers.
Figure 6th is the front view of the parellel motion carriage and knives,
which work between the roller B and the lower large drum wheel F, and in a
streight direction with the throw of the crank. A, A, four radii or rods
working on a pin or axle on each end; B, the connecting links, working
upon pins each end, and supporting the carriage by the middle joint; C, part
of the connecting rod, by which it is connected to the crank and is driven;
D, D, the carriage, supported by the parellel motion, as above described;
E, E, two circular knives, fixed to the carriage and regulated, as described in
Figure 2d, except that of turning on its axle, which is performed by simply
fixing two pullys on the axles of the said knives, and fixing the middle of
a piece of catgut on the said pullys, and the two extremities on the framing
of the machine. Hence, as the carriage moves backward and forward, the
catgut winds and unwinds itself off and on the pully, and so on vice versa.
Note, Figure 1st, 2d, and 3d, are drawn to a scale of one inch to each foot;
Figure the 4th, 1 inch to each foot; and Figures 5th and 6th, to a scale
of an inch to each foot.
Lastly, I do declare, that in the general description of the means herein-
before given, and the particular Drawings of the machinery by which my said
Invention is to be carried into effect, I have specified such constructions and
parts in combination as I do most particularly approve for that purpose; but
that it is also practicable according to the intended scale of operation, the
local situation of the work, and various other circumstances, to make the said
machinery of different dimensions and structure of parts, to answer the same

page_text: ends, and that such changes may, when needful, be easily made by any
competent workman from my said description and Specification.
In witness whereof, I, the said Richard Willcox, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, the Twelfth day of June, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and five.
Signed, sealed, and delivered by the
within named Richard Willcox
(being first duly stamed) in the
RICHP (L.s.) WILLCOX.
Inrolled the same Twelfth day of June, in the year above written.