IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR WARPING YARNS OR THREADS
Year: 1859

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to James Higgins, of Salford, in the County of
Lancaster, Machine Maker, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR WARPING YARNS OR THREADS."-A
munication from abroad by Richard Garsed and Clayton Denn, of the
City and County of Philadelphia, in the United States of America.
Sealed the 27th April 1860, and dated the 28th October 1859.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said James Higgins at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
28th October 1859.
I, the said JAMES HIGGINS, of Salford, in the County of Lancaster, Machine
Maker, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS
IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR WARPING YARNS OR THREADS," to be as
follows:-
In the accompanying Drawings, Plate 1 represents several views of the
machine and different parts thereof; Plate 2 represents the arrangement for
the stop motion; Plate 3 represents the looping arrangement; Plate 4 repre-
sents a cross section of the cylinder 20.
The improvement relates to machinery for drawing the yarn from the
spools, and forming it into a warp or chain preparatory to sizing and beaming.
Fig. 1, Plate 1, is a side view of the machine; Fig. 2 is a top view of the

page_text: same; Fig. 3 is a view of the arrangement for the stop motion; Fig. 4 is a.
view of the linking arrangement; Figs. 5 and 6 are views of the warp after
the lees have been taken;. Figure 7 is a view of a cross section of the bar A
detached, and in an upright position; Figure 8 is a view of the pin 57 de-
tached; Figure 9 is a view of the marking and registering apparatus; Figure 10
is a view of the pinion B, with a portion of the rack 18; Figure 11 is a view
of the spring or the back of the perforated ratchet index C.
The machine consists of a series of spools D, D, D, D, etc., arranged on a
suitable stand, as shewn in Figure 1, Plate 1, containing the yarn. These may
be arranged on a series of upright stands placed at one end of the machine, as
shown at E, E, E, Figure 2, Plate 1. F in Figures 1 and 2, Plate 1, is a
plate perforated with holes, through which the yarn passes as it comes to the
rollers G, G, from the spools D, D, D, D. The object of this plate is to
prevent the tangling of the threads by keeping them separated. These
rollers G, G, are for the purpose of holding the yarn at a certain height, and
preventing the twist of the yarn from running from one part to another; H in
Figures 1 and 2, Plate 1st, is the main shaft of the machine.
The next portion of the machine is what may be denominated the stop motion.
The arrangement of the stop motion is shown in Figure 3, Plate 1, and also
enlarged in Plate 2. The same letters of reference in the two representations
refer to the same parts. In Plate 2, Figure 12 is a front view of the drop
wires, all in their proper places as they exist while the machine is running.
Figure 13 is a view of the same, but shewing one thread broken, and the cor-
responding drop wire having fallen; Figure 14 is a view of a single drop wire
detached; Figure 15 is an end view of the stop motion arrangement. This
arrangement consists of a finely-balanced platform 1, moving upon its centre 2;
one end of this platform is immediately beneath the drop wires, while a lever 3
is attached to one side of the other end; 4 is a lever, one end of which rests
upon the lever. 3, and the other end is attached to the lower end of the lever 15
by a fulcrum at y, on which it plays loosely. The lever 5 is supported at its
centre upon a pivot 6. Figure 2, Plate 1, is a sliding rod acted upon by a
spring, which keeps it constantly pushed outwards. Upon its outer extremity
is a guide through which the pulley band passes. This is so arranged
that while the rod 6 is kept pressed outwards the band will be over the outer
pulley, which is a loose pulley, and when the rod 6 is pulled inwards the band
will be pulled upon the tight pulley, and thereby move the machinery; 7,
Figure 15, Plate 2, is a lever fixed upon a pivot 8, and kept vibrating by
means of the excentric 9 at its upper end. The drop. wires of the form seen

page_text: in Figure 14, Plate 2, are arranged in rows, as seen in Figures 12, 13, and 15,
Plate 2, in such a manner that the wires of one row will be slightly above the
wires in the preceding row. The machine is started by pulling the rod 6 back
by means of the handle X, thus throwing the band over the tight pulley. The
rod 6 is retained in this position by the upper extremity of the rod 5 catching
in a small notch in the rod 6. The yarn being drawn from the spools
D, D, D, D, etc., through the plate F, and then between the rollers G, is
passed through the drop wires in such a manner that each thread passes through
all the wires of its stack which are anterior to it, but supports but a single
wire. This arrangement can be better understood by an observation of
Figure 15, Plate 2, showing an end view of one stack of wires with the
threads passing through. Should any thread break the drop wire which it
supports must necessarily fall. Its weight upon the platform 1 causes the
platform to fall, which by means of its lever 3 raises the lever 4. The lever 7
in vibrating must now necessarily strike against the end of the lever 4, thus
pressing against the lower end of the lever 5, and thereby drawing the upper
end from the notch in the rod 6. The spring around this rod now forces it
outwards, and by the arrangement previously described throws the pulley
band upon the loose pulley, and consequently stops the machine. It should
be remarked that the weight of the platform 1 should exactly counterbalance
the weight of the levers 3 and 4. After the yarn has passed through the
drop wires, it is passed over a roller m; shewn in Figures 2 and 3, Plate 1,
and Figure 15, Plate 2. These rollers are for the same purpose as the
rollers G, G. The next portion of the machine is the cut marking and regis-
tering apparatus. This is shown detached in Figure 9, Plate 1, and also in
Plate 4; 16 in Figure 2, Plate 1 and Plate 4, is a worm upon the axle 17,
turning a small pinion connected with the cam L in Figures 2 and 9, Plate 1
and Plate 4. This cam revolves in the direction of the arrow. 18 is a rack;
19 is a spring arranged in such a manner that it will have a tendency to push
the rack towards the cam L; Bis a small pinion, on the same shaft is a small
cylinder 20. This cylinder contains coloring matter. 21 is a brush projecting
from one side of this cylinder; C is a ratchet having a series of teeth around
part of its circumference. A series of small holes are placed around near its
edge. A hammer 22 is also fastened permanently to it; 28 is a bell.
As the cam L is revolved by means of the worm and pinion previously
mentioned, it presses back the rack 18, which causes the pinion B to revolve,
the hollow cylinder 20 being held stationary by a spring catch. The pro-
jection on the cam having now passed the end of the rack, the rack by the
;

page_text: action of the spring is carried forward to its former position, causing also the
revolution of the cylinder. In the revolution of the cylinder the brush rubs
against the warp, and deposits a portion of the coloring matter upon it. Ori
the back of the perforated ratchet wheel C is a coiled spring, as shown in
Figure 11. On the cam L is a slight pin; this pin catching in the teeth of
the ratchet wheel carries this wheel around one tooth for each revolution of
the cam, and consequently for each cut; the spring by this means is gradually
wound up. The ratchet wheel is prevented from being carried back by a
spring click z. In one of the holes of the ratchet wheel is placed a pin, and a
second pin is placed in a second hole, with as many holes intervening between
the two as the number of cuts desired in one warp. A small arm 30 attached
to the axis of the ratchet wheel, and hanging loosely on it, is permitted to
hang between the two pins. As the ratchet wheel revolves the pin behind the
arm drives the arm forward until its lower extremity presses against and
réleases the spring click, and by catching in a notch or other suitable
contrivance upon the spring click retains it out of the teeth of the ratchet
wheel C. The spiral spring on the back of the ratchet wheel C immediately
causes the wheel to be thrown around. During this backward motion of the
ratchet wheel, the second-pin striking against the arm 30, forces it from the
spring click z, thereby permitting the spring click to return to its position in
the teeth of the ratchet wheel; the hammer, which is permanently fastened
to the ratchet wheel, eonsequently strikes against the bell, thus giving notice
that a warp has been completed; the operation is then repeated. Any
number of cuts may be had to a warp by simply placing the two pins a
corresponding number of holes apart.
R, R', Figure 2, Plate 1, are the heddles; A is a rod supported by pivots
on the frame of the machine, having upon its two sides a series of fingers
placed in such a manner that no finger on one side will be directly opposite to
any one on the other; the fingers may, however, be placed only on one side.
S are the reeds; T and T, Plate 1, are two rollers driven by being connected
by bevelled wheels or other suitable contrivance with the main or driving shaft
of the machine; T¹ is a guiding roller.
When the bell rings indicating that the desired number of cuts has passed
through the machine, the attendant turns the bar A, as shown at Figure 7,
Plate 1st., which depresses every other four threads, or as many as are passed
together between the reeds S, when he inserts a rod 41, as seen in the
Drawing, after which he turns the bar down in a contrary direction, and in-
serts another rod 42, thus he has four threads above and four under throughout

page_text: the width of the warps.
He then raises one heddle, and consequently every
other thread, when another rod 48 is inserted; the other heddle is raised next,
and another rod 44 is passed between. The threads then assume the position.
shown in Figures 5 and 6, Plate 1. The rods are replaced by strings which
are secured, and the whole run through the machine; it is then cut between.
the beamer's and the weaver's leas, and the ends tied; the machine is now
ready for starting again. The warp after it leaves the reed passes between the
rollers T, T, and over the roller T'; from here it passes to the linking
apparatus. The linking apparatus is supported above the rollers T, T, and is
driven by a band from the pulley on the roller T to a pulley attached to the
main shaft of the linking apparatus, and is shown in Figure 4, Plate 1, and
the various positions of its looping hooks, etc., in Plate 3. It consists of a
pair of rollers P, P, Plate 1, Figure 1, between which the warp passes after
it has been collected; by passing through a hole in the cross piece Q.;. it then
passes down through a vibrating tube V. This tube is caused to vibrate
laterally by being loosely suspended upon a pivot above it. To a point near
the upper extremity of this vibrating tube one end of a bolt W is. attached; the
other end of this bolt passes through a hole in the framework for the purpose
of guiding it. A spiral spring is attached in such a manner as to cause the
bolt to project slightly beyond the framework, and consequently causing the
vibrating tube to incline towards that side. 51, Figures 1 and 4, Plate 1, is a
toothed wheel gearing into a corresponding toothed wheel on the main shaft.
Upon the inner surface of this wheel is a cam so constructed that during a
portion of the revolution of the wheel 51 it will press against the end of the
bolt W, and thus push it in (counteracting the effect of the spiral spring), and
consequently forcing the vibrating tube over to the other side. Immediately
beneath the vibrating tube is a stationary hook grooved upon its upper surface,
and having a slit upon its outer end extending about one-third of its length.
52, Plate 3, shows a side view of the extremity of this hook; 53, Figure 7,
Plate 3, is a lever moving upon a pivot at 54, and its lower end sliding in the
groove of the stationary hook 52. To facilitate it in its movements, the lower
extremity which slides in the groove is made a segment of a circle. The lever
53 is moved backwards and forwards by being connected by a short crank with
a wheel on the driving shaft. A movable hook 55 of a peculiar shape,, as scen
in Plate 3, is attached by a pivot at the point 56, Figure 7, to the lever 53.
The tail of this movable hook is made slightly curved, and. is. acted upon by a
stationary pin 57 in the frame in such a manner that the point of the hook 55
will be alternately raised and depressed in its backward and forward motion.

page_text: This portion of the machinery is designed for the formation of the loops. Plate 3
represents the formation of the loop in its various stages. The yarn passing
through the vibrating tube is laid across the stationary hook 52, as seen in
Figure 1, Plate 3, by the tube vibrating across it. The movable hook 55 then
passes forwards, and falls in the slit in the stationary hook 52, with its upper
prong beyond the hook 52, and the lower prong consequently rests upon the
yarn. The movable hook 55 then being drawn back carries the yarn back
with it, which, being pressed between the lower' end of the upper prong 60
and a projection on the stationary hook 52, falls into the space between the
two prongs; the tube V then vibrates to the opposite side, and lays the yarn
again across the stationary hook, as shown in Figure 2, Plate 3. The movable
hook 55 then passes forwards, being raised at the same time by the action of
the stationary pin 57, and carries the yarn resting in its lower prong, which it
previously drew back with it, forwards and over the yarn just laid by the
vibrating tube upon the stationary hook, as seen in Figure 3, Plate 3. The
movable hook passes still further out, as seen in Figures 4 and 5, Plate 3, until
the prongs 60, 61, have completely passed the points of the stationary hooks;
then, by the action of the gravity or of any suitable contrivance, the point of
this movable hook is lowered, as seen in Figure 6, Plate 3. The movable hook
is then drawn back through the slit of the stationary hook, and thus forms a
link. In the backward movement of the movable hook it carries back with it
the yarn lying across the stationary hook, as shown in Figure 1, Plate 7. The
operation is then the same as before. On each side of the prong 61 of the
movable hook are slight grooves, in which the points of the stationary hook
rest as the movable hook is passing between them. The object of these
grooves is to cover the points of the stationary hook so that the yarn may not
catch upon them. The pin 57 is shown detached in Figure 8, Plate 1. It is
made so as to slide in and out of a slight tube. A spring keeps it constantly
pressed outwards. The movable hook 55 in drawing backwards, by means of an
inclined plane upon the side of its tail, presses the pin back out of its way. The
object of this sliding pin is to raise the movable hook while going outwards
only. It should be stated that the framework of the machine is sufficiently
high to enable the operator to pass beneath to examine the working of and to
adjust the various parts.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said James Higgins in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
28th April 1860.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JAMES
HIGGINS, of Salford, in the County of Lancaster, Machine Maker, send
greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Twenty-eighth day of October, One thousand
eight hundred and fifty-nine, in the twenty-second year of Her reign,
did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the
said James Higgins, Her special license that I, the said James Higgins,
my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said
James Higgins, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any time
agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter
during the thin therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use,
exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland,
the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS
IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR WARPING YARNS OR THREADS," a communi-
cation from abroad by Richard Garsed and Clayton Denn, of the City and
County of Philadelphia, in the United States of America, upon the condition,
amongst others, that I, the James Higgins, by an instrument in writing
under my hand and seal, should particularly describe and ascertain the nature
of the said Invention, and in what manner the same was to be performed,
and cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six
calendar months next and immediately, after the date of the said Letters.
Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said James Higgins, do hereby declare the
nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be per--
formed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following.
statement and accompanying Drawings, that is to say:-
Plate represents several views of the machine and different parts thereof;=
Plate 2 represents the arrangement for the stop motion; Plate 3 represents.
the looping arrangement; Plate 4 represents a cross section of the cylinder 20..
The improvement relates to machinery for drawing the yarn from the spools
and forming it into a warp or chain, preparatory to sizing and beaming..
Fig. 1, Plate 1, is a side view of the machine; Figure 2 is a top view of the
same; Figure 3 is a view of the arrangement for the stop motion; Figure 4

page_text: is a view of the linking arrangement; Figures 5 and 6 are views of the warp
after the lees have been taken; Figure 7 is a view of a cross section of the
bar A detached and in an upright position; Figure 8 is a view of the pin 57
detached Figure 9 is a view of the marking and registering apparatus;
Figure 10 is a view of the pinion B with a portion of the rack 18; Figure 11.
is a view of the spring or the back of the perforated ratchet index C.
;
The machine consists of a series of spools D, D, D, D, &c., arranged on a
suitable stand, as shewn in Figure 1, Plate 1, containing the yarn. These
may be arranged on a series of upright stands placed at one end of the
machine, as shewn at E, E, E, Figure 2, Plate 1. F, in Figures 1 and 2,
Plate 1, is a plate perforated with holes, through which the yarn passes as it
comes to the rollers G, G, from the spools D, D, D, D; the object of this
plate is to prevent the tangling of the threads by keeping them separated.
These rollers G, G, are for the purpose of holding the yarn at a certain height,
and preventing the twist of the yarn from running from one part to another.
H, in Figures 1 and 2, Plate 1st., is the main shaft of the machine.
The next portion of the machine is what is denominated the stop notion.
The arrangement of the stop motion is shewn in Figure 3, Plate 1, and also
enlarged in Plate 2. The same letters of reference in the two representations
refer to the same parts. In Plate 2, Figure 12 is a front view of the drop
wires all in their proper places as they exist while the machine is running;
Figure 13 is a view of the same, but shewing one thread broken, and the
corresponding drop wire having fallen; Figure 14 is a view of a single drop
wire detached; Figure 15 is an end view of the stop-motion arrangement.
This arrangement consists of a finely balanced platform 1 moving upon its
centre 2; one end of this platform is immediately beneath the drop wires,
while a lever 3 is attached to one side of the other end. 4 is a lever, one end
of which rests upon the lever 3, and the other end is attached to the lower
end of the lever 5 by a fulcrum at y, on which it plays loosely. The lever 5
is supported at it its centre upon a pivot 6. Figure 2, Plate 1, is a sliding rod,
acted upon by a spring, which keeps it constantly pushed outwards. Upon its
outer extremity is a guide, through which the pulley band passes; this is so
arranged that while the rod 6 is kept pressed outwards the band will be over
the outer pulley, which is a loose pulley, and when the rod 6 is pulled inwards
the band will be pulled upon the tight pulley, and thereby moves the
machinery. 7, Figure 15, Plate 2, is a lever fixed upon a pivot 8, and kept
vibrating by means of the eccentric 9 at its upper end. The drop wires
of the form seen in Figure 14, Plate 2, are arranged in rows, as seen in

page_text: Figures 12, 13; and 15, Plate 2, in such a manner that the wires of one row
will be slightly above the wires in the preceding row. The machine is started
by pulling the rod 6 back by means of the handle X, thus throwing the band
over the tight pulley; the rod 6 is retained in this position by the upper
extremity of the rod 5 catching in a small notch in the rod 6. The yarn
being drawn from the spools D, D; D, D; &c., through the plate F, and then
between the rollers G, is passed through the drop wires in such a manner that.
each thread passes through all the wires of its stack, which are anterior to it,
but supports but a single wire. This arrangement can be better understood by
an observation of Figure 15; Plate 2, shewing an end view of one stack of wires
with the threads passing through. Should any thread break, the drop wire
which it supports must necessarily fall; its weight upon the platformi 1 causes
the platform to fall, which by means of its lever 3 raises the lever 4. The
lever 7, in vibrating; must now necessarily strike against the end of the
lever 4, thus pressing against the lower end of the lever 5, and thereby
drawing the upper end from the notch in the rod 6. The spring around this
rod now forces it outwards, and by the arrangement previously described, throws
the pulley band upon the loose pulley, and consequently stops the machine.
It should be remarked that the weight of the platform 1 should exactly
counterbalance the weight of the levers 3 and 4. After the yarn has passed
through the drop wires, it is passed over a roller m, shewn in Figure 2 and 3,
Plate 1, and Figure 15, Plate 2. These rollers are for the same purpose as
the rollers G, G.
The next portion of the machine is the cut marking and registering
apparatus. This is shewn detached in Figure 9, Plate 1, and also in Plate 4.
16, in Figure 2, Plate 1 and Plate 4, is a worm upon the axle 17, turning a.
small pinion connected with the cam L in Figure 2 and 9, Plate 1 and Plate 4.
This cam revolves in the direction of the arrow. 18 is a rack; 19 is a spring
arranged in such a manner that it will have a tendency to push the rack
towards the cam L; B is a small pinion; on the same shaft is a small
cylinder 20; this cylinder contains coloring matter; 21 is a brush projecting
from one side of this cylinder; C is a ratchet, having a series of teeth around
part of its circumference, a series of small holes are placed around near its edge.
A hammer 22 is also fastened permanently to it; 23 is a bill. As the cȧm L
is revolved by means of the worm and pinions previously mentioned, it presses
back the rack 18, which causes the pinion B to revolve, the hollow cylinder 20
being held stationery by a spring catch. The projection on the cam having
now passed the end of the rack, the rack, by the action of the spring, is carried

page_text: forward to its former position, causing also the revolution of the cylinder. In
the revolution of the cylinder the brush rubs against the warp, and deposits a
portion of the coloring matter upon it. On the back of the perforated ratchet
wheel C is a coiled spring, as shewn in Figure 11. On the cam L is a slight
pin. This pin catching the teeth of the ratchet wheel carries this wheel
around one tooth for each revolution of the cam, and consequently for each
cut. The spring by this means is gradually wound up, the ratchet wheel is
prevented from being carried back by a spring click z. In one of the holes of
the ratchet wheel is placed a pin, and a second pin is placed in a second hole
with as many holes intervening between the two as the number of cuts
desired in one warp. A small arm 30 attached to the axis of the ratchet.
wheel, and hanging loosely on it, is permitted to hang between the two pins.
As the ratchet wheel revolves, the pin behind the arm drives the arm forwards
until its lower extremity presses against and releases the spring click, and by
catching in a notch or other suitable contrivance upon the spring click retains
it out of the teeth of the ratchet wheel C. The spiral spring on the back of
the ratchet wheel C immediately causes, the wheel to be thrown around.
During this backward motion of the ratchet wheel, the second pin striking
against the arm 30, forces it from the spring click z, thereby permitting the.
spring click to return to its position in the teeth of the ratchet wheel. The
hammer which is permanently fastened to the ratchet wheel consequently
strikes against the bell, thus giving notice that a warp has been completed;
the operation is then repeated. Any number of cuts may be had to a warp by
simply placing the two pins a corresponding number of holes apart. R, R',
Figure 2, Plate 1, are the heddles. A is a rod supported by pivots on the
frame of the machine, having upon its two sides a series of fingers placed in.
such a manner that no finger on one side will be directly opposite to any one
on the other. The fingers may, however, be placed only on one side. S are
the reeds; T and T, Plate 1, are two rollers driven by being connected by
bevilled wheels or other suitable contrivance with the main or driving shaft of
the machine; T' is a guiding roller. When the bell rings, indicating that the
desired number of cuts has passed through the machine, the attendant turns
the bar A, as shewn at Figure 7, Plate 1st; which depresses every other four
threads, or as many as are passed together between the reeds S, when he inserts
a rod 41, as seen in the Drawing, after which he turns the bar down in a
contrary direction, and inserts another rod 42; thus he has 4 threads above
and 4 under throughout the width of the warps. He then raises one heddle
and consequently every other thread, when another rod 48 is inserted; the

page_text: other heddle is raised next, and another rod 44 is passed between. The threads
then assume the position shewn in Figure 5 and 6, Plate 1. The rods are
replaced by strings which are secured, and the whole run through the machine.
It is then cut between the beamer's and the weaver's leas and the ends tied, the
machine is now ready for starting again. The warp after it leaves the reeds,
passes between the rollers T, T, and over the roller T. From here it passes
to the linking apparatus. The linking apparatus is supported above the
rollers T, T, and is driven by a. band from the pulley on the roller T, to a
pulley attached to the main shaft of the linking apparatus, and is shewn in
Figure 4, Plate 1, and the various positions of its looping hooks, &c. in Plate 3.
It consists of a pair of rollers P, P, Plate 1, Figure 1,. between which the
warp passes after it has been collected by passing through a hole in the cross
piece Q. It then passes down through a vibrating tubé V. This tube is
caused to vibrate laterally by being loosely suspended upon a pivot above it.
To a point near the upper extremity of this vibrating tube one end of a
bolt W is attached; the other end of this bolt passes through a hole in the
framework for the purpose of guiding it; a spiral spring is attached in such
a manner as to cause the bolt to project slightly beyond the framework,
and consequently causing the vibrating tube to incline towards that side;
51, Figure 1 and 4, Plate 1, is a toothed wheel gearing into a corresponding
toothed wheel on the main shaft. Upon the inner surface of this wheel is
a cam so constructed that during a portion of the revolution of the wheel
51, it will press against the end of the bolt W, and thus push it in (coun-
teracting the effect of the spiral spring), and consequently forcing the
vibrating tube over to the other side. Immediately beneath the vibrating
tube is a stationery hook grooved upon.its upper surface, and having a slit.
upon its outer end extending about one-third of its length. 52, Plate 3, shews
a side view of the extremity of this hook 53. Figure 7 Plate 3, is a lever
moving upon a pivot at 54, and its lower end sliding in the groove of the
stationery hook 52. To facilitate it in its movements, the lower extremity
which slides in the groove is made a segment of a circle. The lever 53 is
moved backwards and forwards by being connected, by a short crank, with a
wheel on the driving shaft. A moveable hook 55, of a peculiar shape as seen
in Plate 3, is attached by a pivot at the point 56, Figure 7, to the lever 53.
The tail of this moveable hook is made slightly curved, and is acted upon by
a stationery pin 57 in the frame in such a manner that the point of the
hook 55 will be alternately raised and depressed in its backward and forward
motion. This portion of the machinery is designed for the formation of the
loops. Plate 3 represents the formation of the loop in its various stages; the

page_text: yarn passing through the vibrating tube is laid across the stationery hook 52,
as seen in Figure 1, Plate 3, by the tube vibrating across it. The moveable
hook 55 then passes forwards and falls in the slit in the stationery hook 52,
with its upper prong beyond the hook 52, and the lower prong consequently
rests upon the yarn: The moveable hook 55 then being drawn back carries
the yarn back with it, which, being pressed between the lower end of the upper
prong 60 and a projection on the stationery hook 52; falls into the space
between the two prongs: The tube V then vibrates to the opposite side, and
lays the yarn again across the stationery hook, as shewn in Figure 2, Plate 3.
The moveable hook 55 then passes forwards, being raised at the same time by
the action of the stationery pin 57, and carries the yarn resting on its lower
prong, which it previously drew back with it; forwards and over the yarn first
laid by the vibrating tube upon the stationery hook, as seen in Figure 3,
Plate 3. The moveable hook passes still further out, as seen in Figures 4
and 5, Plate 3, until the prongs 60, 61, have completely passed the points of
the stationery hooks. Then; by the action of the gravity or of any suitable
contrivance, the point of this moveable hook is lowered, as seen in Figure 6,
Plate 3. The moveable hook is then drawn back through the slit of the
stationery hook; and thus forms a link. In the backward movement of the
moveable hook it carries back with it the yarn lying across the stationery hook,
as shewn in Figure 1, Plate 7. The operation is then the same as before.
On each side of the prongs 61 of the moveable hook are slight grooves in
which the points of the stationery hook rest as the moveable hook is passing
between them. The object of these grooves is to cover the points of the
stationery hook so that the yarn may not catch upon them. The pin 57 is
shewn detached in Figure 8, Plate 1. It is made so as to slide in and out of
a slight tube. A spring keeps it constantly pressed outwards. The moveable
hook 55 in drawing backwards by means of an inclined plane upon the side of
its tail, presses the pin back out of its way: The object of this sliding pin is to
raise the moveable hook while going outwards only. It should be stated that
the framework of the machine is sufficiently high to enable the operator to
pass beneath to examine the working of and to adjust the various parts.
Having thus described the improvement, what I claim as the Invention and
desire to secure by Letters Patent, is,-
First, the form of the drop wires as in Fig. 14, arranged in the manner and
for the purpose specified.
Second, the cylinder 20, for the purpose of marking the cuts, operated
substantially as above described.
Third, the employment of a register constructed substantially as above. speci-

page_text: fied, for the purpose of registering the number of cuts while the machine is in
motion.
Fourth, the employment of the bar A for the purpose of taking the leas,
constructed with fingers either on one or both sides, as above described.
Fifth, the combination of the vibrating tube V, the stationery hook 52,
the moveable hook 55, and the pin 57, for the purpose of forming the yarn
into links, constructed and operated in the manner substantially as above
described.
In witness whereof, I, the said James Higgins, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty-seventh day of April, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty.
JAMES HIGGINS. (L.S.)