CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN POWER LOOMS FOR WEAVING FIGURED FABRICS
Year: 1853

page_text: for the Invention of "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN POWER LOOMS FOR
WEAVING FIGURED FABRICS."
Sealed the 29th July 1853, and dated the 17th May 1853.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Samuel Eccles and
James Eccles at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with
their Petition, on the 17th May 1853.
We, SAMUEL ECCLES and JAMES ECCLES, do hereby declare the
nature of the said Invention for "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN POWER LOOMS
FOR WEAVING FIGURED FABRICS" to be as follows:-
This Invention of improvements in looms relates to a mode of
changing the shuttles for the purpose of throwing different kinds of
shoots into the work. This is effected by a peculiar arrangement
of machinery, which is made to actuate a revolving shuttle box; and
bring up, when required, a different shuttle in a line with the shed.
This mechanism is itself set in motion by a rotating tappet chain

page_text: working on the same principle as those already employed in figure
weaving. The pins or tappets of this chain pass through a groove
(having inclined ends) made in a reciprocating lever, which is con-
nected to the boss of a star wheel that is capable of moving laterally
on its shaft. The star wheel shaft is connected by a chain or strap
with the revolving shuttle box, and according to the direction of the
axial motion of the star wheel so will the shuttle box be moved.
An axial motion is given to the star wheel by means of two plates
which are mounted loosely on the same shaft, and take their motion
therefrom by means of a kind of clutch box arrangement. The motion
is, however, communicated from one plate to the other by means of an
intermediate pinion carried by an intermediate ring mounted loosely
on the same shaft, and thus the plates are driven in opposite direc-
tions. These plates are furnished with a pin for driving round the
star wheel, and according to the shuttle that is required to be thrown
into the shed so is the reciprocating lever rocked by the tappet chain,
in order to present the star wheel to the action of one or other of the
rotating plates. When the lever stands in an intermediate position
the star wheel is not acted upon by either of the rotating plates. The
tappet chain is driven by a pin from one of these plates acting upon a
star wheel on the tappet chain shaft, and the chain itself is composed
of links so formed and connected together as to admit of their ready
re-adjustment to suit a change of pattern.
This motion may be applied to a series of moveable shuttle boxes of
any description now used. Some alteration would have to be made in
the arrangements so as to communicate action from the star wheel to
a series of rise and fall or other description of boxes, but they will
be such as any one skilled in the art would at once understand.
In carpet and other similar looms, where there are two series of
moveable shuttle boxes, two star wheels might be required, or, if they
were connected together, a cross shaft might be placed in a suitable
position for operating two or more moveable shuttle boxes. The
rotating plates will require to have two driving pins each in them,
so as to operate upon the star wheel in a suitable manner. In jac-
quard looms the star wheel may be slidden by suitable attachments

page_text: from the gripe or lifting board; the pattern would then be arranged on
the jacquard cards.
In order to stop the shuttle box motions without suddenly stopping
the loom a lever worked in connection with the ordinary weft thread
stop motion is employed for throwing the clutch box (or its equivalent)
out of contact with the boss of the adjoining rotating driving plate.
In order to work a two shuttle box the box is connected to vertical
rods which move with the batten, and are connected by links to a
rocking lever or levers raised by means of a rotating tappet chain. An
improvement is made in the tappet chain by providing it with seg-
mental projections which shall act as tappets.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said Samuel Eccles and James Eccles in the Great
Scal Patent Office, on the 17th November 1853.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, we,
SAMUEL ECCLES and JAMES ECCLES, of Kensington, in the County of
Philadelphia, and State of Pennsylvania, United States of America,
send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Seventeenth day of May, in the year
of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-three, in the six-
teenth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors,
give and grant unto us, the said Samuel Eccles and James Eccles,
Her special licence that we, the said Samuel Eccles and James Eccles,
our executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as we, the said
Samuel Eccles and James Eccles, our executors, administrators, and
assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others, from time to
time and at all times thereafter during the term 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 "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN POWER
LOOMS FOR WEAVING FIGURED FABRICS," upon the condition (amongst

page_text: others) that we, the said Samuel Eccles and James Eccles, by an in-
strument in writing under our hands and seals, or under the hand and
scal of one of us, should particularly describe and ascertain the nature
of the said Invention, and in what manner the same was to be per-
formed, 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 we, the said Samuel Eccles and James
Eccles, do hereby declare the nature of our said Invention, and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement, reference being had to
the Drawings hereunto annexed, and to the letters and figures marked
thereon (that is to say):
This Invention of improvements in looms relates, firstly, to a mode
of changing the shuttles for the purpose of throwing different kinds of
shoots into the work. This is effected by a peculiar arrangement of
machinery, which is made to actuate a revolving shuttle box, and bring
up, when required, a different shuttle in a line with the shed.
This mechanism is itself set in motion by a rotating tappet chain,
the pins or tappets of which pass through a groove, having inclined ends,
made in a reciprocating lever, which is connected to the boss of a star
wheel that is capable of moving laterally on its shaft. The star wheel
shaft is connected by a chain or strap with the revolving shuttle box,
and according to the direction of the axial motion of the star wheel so
will the shuttle box be moved.
An axial motion is given to the star wheel by means of two plates
which are mounted loosely on the same shaft, and take their motion
therefrom by means of a kind of clutch box arrangement. The motion
is, however, communicated from one plate to the other means of an
intermediate pinion carried by an intermediate ring mounted loosely
on the same shaft, and thus the plates are driven in opposite directions.
These plates are furnished with a pin for driving round the star wheel,
and according to the shuttle that is required to be thrown into the
shed so is the reciprocating lever rocked by the tappet chain, in order
to present the star wheel to the action of one or other of the rotating

page_text: plates. When the lever stands in intermediate position the star wheel
is not acted upon by either of the rotating plates. The tappet chain is
driven by a pin from one of these plates acting upon a star wheel on
the tappet chain shaft, and the chain itself is composed of links so
formed and connected together as to admit of their ready re-adjustment
to suit a change of pattern.
This motion may be applied to a series of moveable shuttle boxes of
any description now used; some alteration would have to be made in
the arrangements so as to communicate action from the star wheel to a
series of rise and fall or other description of boxes, but they will be
such as any one skilled in the art would at once understand.
In carpet and other similar looms, where there are two series of
moveable shuttle boxes, two star wheels might be required, or, if they
were connected together, a cross shaft might be placed in a suitable
position for operating two or more series of moveable shuttle boxes.
The rotating plates will require to have two driving pins each in them,
so as to operate upon the star wheel in a suitable manuer.
In order to stop the shuttle box motions without suddenly stopping
the loom a lever worked in combination with the ordinary weft thread
stop motion is employed for throwing the clutch box or its equivalent
out of contact with the boss of the adjoining rotating driving plate.
In order to work a two shuttle box the box is connected to vertical
rods which move with the batten, and are connected by links to a
rocking lever or levers raised by means of a rotating tappet chain.
An improvement is made in the tappet chain by providing it with
segmental projections which shall act as tappets.
In the accompanying Drawings we have shewn various views of looms
and parts of looms to which our improvements have been applied.
Having, therefore, briefly explained in a general manner the principal
features of our Invention, we will now proceed to describe more in
detail the arrangement and construction of parts whereby the objects
above set forth are effected.
Fig. 1, Sheet A, represents an end clevation of a loom with our
improvements adapted thereto. Fig. 2, represents a front elevation
of the loom. Fig. 3, is a plan of the same. Fig. 4, Sheet B, is a

page_text: sectional view of part of an improved shuttle box motion drawn to
half the real size. Fig. 5, is an enlarged view of the star wheel M,
shewn as bearing on the neutral surface of the sector I; also a section
of the carrier N, and intermediate mitre wheel H, being also shewn in
this Figure. Fig. 6, is another view of the star mover G, showing the
pin L, the guide Aº, and the mitre wheel. Fig. 7, represents the back
of the star mover F, shewing the pin A', and neutral surface for the
star wheel X. Fig. 8, represents a plan view of the improved motion,
also drawn upon an enlarged scale. Fig. 9, represents the lever As, the
cylinder Z, and chain. Fig. 10, represents three links or lags of the
pattern chain (drawn full size). All the above Figures are connected
with the arrangement for working a rotating shuttle box. Fig. 11,
Sheet C, is an end elevation of part of a loom showing the requisite
motions for actuating a rise and fall box. Fig. 12, is a front elevation
of the rise and fall box motion for two shuttles. Fig. 13, is a plan view
of Fig 11. Fig. 14, represents part of the lever I', with the cylinder
R2, and chain S, drawn full size. Fig. 15, is a plan of chain S², also
drawn full size. Corresponding letters of reference are used to indi-
cate like parts in the Figures on Sheets A, and B, of the Drawings.
In order to avoid unnecessary confusion in the Drawings, the loom
framing and other parts, together with such motions that are the same
in this as in other looms now used, arc in a great measure dispensed
with, portions only of such parts being shewn in the Drawings when
their connection with the improvements claimed require it. A, (Sheets
A, and B,) represents the loom framing. B, the lay, having a common
shuttle box for one shuttle at one end, and a revolving shuttle box for
four shuttles C, at the other end, (as shewn in Figures 2, and 3.) D, is
the crank shaft; and E, the tappet or cam shaft. F, and G, are two star
movers, placed loose on the cam shaft E, and each having a small mitre
bevil wheel cast on the inside (as shewn in the enlarged sectional view,
Fig. 4), for the purpose of communicating a reverse rotary motion from
the star mover G, to the star mover F, by being geared into the inter-
mediate mitre wheel H, which revolves on the stationary pin or stud
part of the neutral surface I, (see Figures 4, 5, and 8.) K, is a pin,
fixed on the star mover F. L, is a similar pin fixed on the star mover

page_text: G, for the purpose of giving motion to the star wheel M, when the said
star wheel M, is on the surface of the star mover F, or G, as the case
may be. I, represents a casting, placed loose on the cam shaft E,
between the star movers F, and G, (as shewn at Figures 4, and 8.)
This casting I, we call the neutral surface; the rim of this casting I,
is turned the same diameter as both rims or surfaces of the star movers
F, and G. Part of the rim or surface of the star movers F, and G, is
cut away (see Figures 6, and 7,) to admit the points of the star wheel M,
to pass when required. N, represents a carrier, firmly bolted to the loom
frame A; a branch of the said carrier N, fits into a recess that is cut in
the rim of the neutral surface I, (see Fig. 5,) to prevent the said neutral
surface I, and the mitre wheel H, from revolving with the cam shaft E.
The star mover G, receives a rotary motion by friction in the following
manner-P, (Figures 2, 3, 4, and 8,) is a steel hoop which slides on
a feather key, the said key being secured to the cam shaft E. An
inclined plane, with an angle of about forty-five degrees, and a
quarter of an inch deep, is formed on the face of hoop P. A cor-.
responding inclined plane is formed on the face or front of the hub
of the star mover G. These inclined planes being held against each
other by a spiral or helical spring Q, form a friction clutch box.
R, is a regulating set screw, screwed into the end of the cam shaft
E; a small hoop and washer is placed between the head of the set
screw R, and spiral spring Q; the power of the spring may be regu-
lated by set screw R; sufficient friction is thus formed to operate
the whole improved shuttle box motion. When the stop motion lever
F2, comes in contact with the pin I2, for the purpose of stopping the
shuttle box motions without suddenly stopping the loom, or if the
shuttles or anything else prevents the motions from working freely..
the inclined plane on the hoop P, will spring back, and be forced by
the revolving of cam shaft E, from the face of the inclined plane on the
hub of the star mover G; thus the connection between the cam shaft E,
and the shuttle box motions are broken. Every time the projecting in-
clined plane on the hoop P, comes opposite to the inclined plane on the
star mover G, the spiral spring Q, forces them together; and if there is
not a greater resistance on the motions than the friction of the inclined

page_text: planes and spring Q, can overcome, the motions will revolve as before;
but if the spring cannot move the motions then they will remain
stationary until the obstruction is removed. The star mover G, will
thus revolve with the cam shaft E. The star mover F, revolves in a
contrary direction to the star mover G, (see arrows on the Figures,) by
the combined action of the three mitre bevel wheels, as before stated.
M, represents a star wheel divided into four equal parts, and the semi-
circular surfaces of the said star wheel M, are made to correspond with
the turned rims or surfaces of the star movers F, and G, and the neutral
piece I. Four spaces or slots are formed in the arms of the said star
wheel M, to admit the pins K, or L, (see Figures 5, 6, 7, and 8.) The
star wheel M, is connected to the shaft O, by a feather key, which is
firmly inserted in the shaft O. The star wheel M, is free to move side
or end ways on the shaft O. The segmental surface of the star wheel
M, is placed against the surface F, I, or G, (see Figures 5, and 8,)
and is held in that position by the shaft O, working in suitable bearings
or carriers. No motion can, therefore, be given to the shaft O, nor to
anything connected thereto, except when the said shaft O, is turned onc
fourth of a revolution by the pins K, or L.
A chain wheel S, Figures 1, 2, and 3, is keyed on to the end of the
shaft O, inside the loom framing, and a similar chain wheel is fixed on
the end of the revolving shuttle box C. T, T, are two bowls or small
flanged pulleys, placed on a stud U, which is held by a carrier fixed
near the centre of the rocking shaft V. The front of these pulleys
T, T, is in a line with the centre of the rocking shaft V, and the
revolving box C, so that there may be no perceptible movement given
to the box C, the oscillation of the lay B. The red lines W, (Figures
1, 2, and 3,) represent a wrought-iron endless chain, which commu-
nicates a rotary motion from the chain wheel S, to the box C. X,
is a star wheel divided into sixteen parts, and is keyed on to the hub of
the pattern cylinder Z, which revolves on a stud fixed to the loom frame
A. The star wheel X, receives motion from the pin A', which is
rivetted on the back of the star mover F, (see Fig. 7,) and is held (after
being moved) by the surface formed on the back of the star mover F.
The pattern cylinder Z, has sixteen spaces cut or cast on the rim, (see

page_text: Fig. 9,) so that the links or lags of the pattern chain can enter and be
progressively actuated thereby. Fig. 10, represents the plan of the links
or lags (drawn full size). Particular attention is called to the form and
shape of these links or lags, and to the position of the pins cast on
the top, for on the position of these pins depends the entire sliding
motion of the star wheel M, and the various movements of the shuttle
box C, as will be fully herein-after explained. The four flanges or
nebs of the lags A2, A3, and A4, are so arranged that they may be
turned round when required to change the position of the pin; for
instance, take the lag A", and reverse it end for end, the pin on the top
will then be in the same position as the pin on lag A'.
The lags are hinged together, and formed into an endless chain
(the length of which will entirely depend on the pattern required to be
wove, one lag serving for two picks, see red lines on Fig. 1*,) by pins
passing through the flanges at each corner; the pins have a head on
the inside, and are secured by a split cross pin outside. The pin on
the lag A, is cast or may be otherwise fixed in the centre; the pin on
the lag A³, is fixed about one fourth of an inch on one side of the centre
of the lag.
A, represents a lever fixed on the stud B2; the pins in the forked
end of the lever As, works (loose) in the square groove formed on the
hub of the star wheel M. On the under side (in the centre) of the lever
A, is cast, or otherwise fixed, a projection having four sides or internal
inclined planes (see dotted lines on Figures 3, 8, and 9); these pro-
jections are placed directly over the centre of the cylinder Z, so as to
admit and receive motion from the pins on pattern chain; there is only
just space enough between the inclined planes (in the centre) to admit
one of the pins of the lags A2, A3, or A', and the two ends of the
inclined planes are sufficiently apart to admit the pin of the lag A',
inside of the inclined planes when the pin of the lag A³, is in the centre
of the inclined planes (see Fig. 8).
On the top of the rim of the star mover G, Fig. 6, is cast a
guide A, the top and ends of which are formed like an inverted V,
thus, A (see Figures 4, 6, and 8). This guide A6, in the course of its
revolutions, will enter and fill one of the V-grooves formed on the hub

page_text: of the star wheel M; and if the pattern chain pins A², A³, or A*, do
not place the star wheel M, exactly on one of the surfaces F, G, or I,
the said guide Aº, will complete the movement by entering into the
corresponding groove on the hub of the star wheel M, just before the
pins K, or L, enter the slots of the said star wheel M. It will there-
fore be clearly seen that at the time the pins K, or L, should act upon
the star wheel M, the said star wheel cannot possibly be on part of
two surfaces, but will be positively in a right positi n on one of the
surfaces F, G, or I.
The combined operations of the above-described mechanism are as
follows:-Motion is given to the loom by a belt in the usual way;
the cam shaft E, is geared to crank shaft D, by spur wheels.
Rotary motion is given to the star movers F, and G, by the mecha-
nism before described; the star mover F, revolving in one direction,
and the star mover G, revolving in a contrary direction, simultaneously.
The lags formed into an endless chain (A2, A3, or A) is the first
part which is brought into action by the before-described means; and
the pin on the lag A2, A3, or A', passing up to the centre of the four
inclined planes on the lever A³, forces the lever A5, and the star
wheel M, into line with the said pin. We will suppose the pin on the
lag A, has moved; the pin being in the centre of the said lag A2, will
force the lever A5, and star wheel M, into a central position, as seen in
Fig. 3; the star wheel M, will then rest on the neutral surface I,
(see Fig. 5.)
The guide A, will pass into the groove 2, of the star wheel M. The
pins K, and L, in the star movers F, and G, will pass on each side of
the star wheel M, and not operate upon it. The shuttle box C, will
remain in the same position as it was before the pin on the lag A²,
acted. By the next movement of the pattern chain Z, if the pin of the
lag A³, is brought against the inclined plane on the lever A, the star
wheel M, will be slidden off the neutral surface I, on to the revolving
rim or surface of the star mover G, as shewn in Fig. 8; the guide AⓇ,
will then pass by the groove 1.
The pin L, will enter into the slot of the star wheel M, (when the
crank shaft D, is on the top centre, as shown in Fig. 1,) and turn it,

page_text: the star M, and the revolving shuttle box C, one fourth of a revolution
forward, and thereby will bring another shuttle to be acted upon in the
usual way. If by the next movement the lag A', is required, it will
slide up the opposite side of the inclined plane of the lever A³, and the
star wheel M, will be slidden off the star mover G, clear over the
neutral surface I, and will rest on the star mover F; the guide Aº,
will then enter the groove 3, of the star wheel M. The pin K, will
then turn the star wheel M, and the revolving box C, one fourth of a
revolution backwards (or just the reverse way that the pin L, turned
it). By the time the crank has made a half revolution, the pins K,
or L, will have fully moved the box C, and the star wheel M, will be
then held in a positively correct position by the rim or surface of the
star mover F, or G, as the case may be, thereby dispensing with all the
usual contrivances heretofore used for steadying and retaining a series
of moveable shuttle boxes in a proper position, when required.
It will be now perceived that the lags A2, A3, and A', must be linked
together, and formed into an endless chain, and arranged to suit the
pattern required. By turning the loom the reverse way (or by turning
the star mover G, by a handle separately) the shuttle box C, can be
brought into any position it previously occupied. The pattern chain
lags A2, A3, and A4, will return on to the cylinder Z, and act upon the
other part of the inclined planes (nearest the back of the loom); hence
the necessity of having four inclined planes on the lever A³.
The star movers may be acted upon by the pins on the pattern chain
lags instead of the star wheel M; by having a different arrangement
the star wheel M, would in such case be keyed fast on the star
shaft O.
In applying this motion to a series of moveable shuttle boxes of the
description now used some alteration would have to be made in the
arrangements so as to communicate motion from the star wheel X,
to a series of rise and fall or other description of boxes, but they will
be such as any one skilled in the art would at once understand.
In carpet and other similar looms, where there are two series of
moveable shuttle boxes, two star wheels M, might be required, or, if
they were connected together, a cross shaft might be placed in a suit-

page_text: able position for operating two or more series of moveable shuttle
boxes. The star movers F, and G, would require to have two driving
pins each in them similar to the pins K, and L, so as to operate upon
the star wheel M, in a suitable manner at every pick, when required.
In jacquard looms the star wheel M, may be moved laterally by means
of suitable attachments from the grife or lifting board; the pattern
would then be arranged on the jacquard cards.
The following is a description of a new and improved motion for
stopping the shuttle box motions without suddenly stopping the
loon. This contrivance is worked in combination with the ordinary
weft thread stop motion, which is employed for throwing the clutch
box (or its equivalent) out of contact with the boss of the adjoining
rotating driving plate:
B³, (Figures 1, 2, and 3, Sheet A,) represents a knocking off slide,
similar to those now in use. C², is a small lever placed on the rod or
shaft D, which crosses the loom. The lever C, is connected to the
slide B³, by a pin. E², is another lever, similar to the lever C, which
is fastened on to the rod D2, outside the loom frame. F, is a lever
working on a stud G2, (we have not represented the lever F, and
stud G2, in Fig. 3, as they would interfere with the view of the star
movers F, and G.) I, is a stud or pin firmly fixed on the outside of
the star mover G. When the weft thread breaks, or becomes ex-
pended, the slide B³, is always forced forward by the common stop
motion, for the purpose of throwing the driving belt from the fast on
to the loose pulley; and by the connection formed by the levers C, E,
and F, and connecting rod H2, and rod D², the said lever F, is moved
and placed in the position shewn in Fig. 1. As the pin 12, revolves
it will come in contact with the end of the lever F, and thus break
the connection between the cam shaft E,
the instant the pin I², strikes the lever F, the hoop P, will be forced,
as it were, out of gear; and although the loom may make two or more
revolutions by the momentum of the parts, the shuttle box C, and all
the motions connected thereto, will be still, and remain in that state
until the lever F2, is removed by the slide B³, being forced again for-
ward, when the weaver places the belt on the fast pulley.
and star mover G; for

page_text: It will be now understood that the pattern or figure being woven
will not be spoiled or damaged, and no time would be lost in finding
the right pick of the figure in consequence of the filling, breaking, or
being expended.
By means of these improvements a check or gingham or other
similar power loom may be now worked at the same speed as a
common calico loom, and no part of it can be easily deranged by
working at a high speed; there are no springs or weights or other
serious sources of friction to be overcome; and as it is all geared
together, no one part of the combination can overrun the other parts.
The loom will require much less power to work it, and will be less
liable to be broken or damaged by accidents in consequence of the safe-
guard (hoop N,) giving way, if anything prevents the motion from
working freely.
Any reasonable length of a pattern can be made on this loom by
the lags A2, A3, or A'; we are therefore not limited in the application
of the improvements. The circular pin wheel now in use completes
a pattern in one revolution, and the length of pattern depends upon
the number of pins in the said wheel; no pattern can be produced by
the pin wheel, except the number of picks will correspond with any
divisible number of pins. Now the lags A2, A3, and A, can be
arranged for a pattern with any number of picks in it by being formed
into an endless chain.
In Sheet C, we have shewn an improved two shuttle box mo-
tion, whereby the rise and fall of the shuttle boxes are effected by
mechanical means. In the Figures the loom framing is shewn
at K2.
L2, is the cam shaft. M, the lay, having attached thereto
a rise and fall box 0, for two shuttles. N2, is the rock shaft. P2, is
a star mover, with a pin rivetted thereon in the usual way to move
the star wheel Q, which is divided into six parts, and is keyed on
the hub of the small pattern cylinder R². S², is a representation of a
new pattern chain composed of cast iron lags 1, 2, 3, some of them
having a segmental projection on the top; the others are what we call
blank lags, having no projection on the top. T2, is a lever having a
segmental part on the under edge forming two inclined planes. This

page_text: lever T, works on a stud fixed to the back part of the framing K².
U, is a connecting rod attached to the lever T2, and short arm V2,
which is fixed on the end of the rod W2; the connecting rod U³, fits
on the other end of the short arm V2. W2, is a rod secured to the
box O, and slides in the carrier or bracket X, which is bolted to the
lay sword Y.
The operation of the above is as follows:-Motion is given to the
pattern chain S, by the pin on the star mover P, turning the star
wheel Q, and the cylinder R2, one sixth of a revolution. The lags of
the pattern chain S, are thus brought under the inclined plane of the
lever T. If a blank lag 1, is under the lever T2, the box 0%, will be
down, as shown in Fig. 11. By the next movement of the cylinder R²,
the lever 'T², will be lifted up by the lag 2, having a projection on the top,
(see the enlarged view, Fig. 14,) and by the connections before described
the shuttle box 0%, will be lifted the required height. When the pro-
jection has no flanges on either side of the centre of the lag, as shewn at
3, the shuttle box 02, will fall as the said lag 3, passes from under the
lever T2; but when the shuttle box 0%, is required to be raised and held
up so that the shuttle in the lower box may make more than two picks,
the lags 2, (see Figures 14, and 15,) having a flange on the top must be
introduced. The flanges here referred to, when placed on the cylinder R²,
as shown in Fig. 14, forms a complete circular surface, so that no mo-
tion is given to the lever T, so long as it rests on the top of these flanges
of the lags 2. The lags 1, 2, and 3, are connected, and form an endless
chain, in the same manner and by the same means as the pattern
chain explained in the former part of this Specification. The flanges
and projections on the top of these lags are turned to a correct gauge;
for it will be seen that according to the height of the projections or
flanges on the lags so is the movement of the box 0. The box 0, will
fall by its own gravity as the projection on the chain leaves the lever, as
before stated. The above combination possesses some of the same
advantages as the one first explained, and will work any length of
pattern having only two colours. By having a corresponding projec-
tion on the lags a third shuttle can be worked by the above.
The stop motion and the friction motion before explained may be

page_text: applied to the star mover P, and be equally serviceable. The star
mover P, and the star wheel Q, will serve well for this motion; but
the improved chain here described may be progressively moved by other
mechanism well known to mechanics.
Having thus fully described the nature, operation, and advantages of
our improvements in looms for weaving figured fabrics, and having also
shown and set forth several different modifications thereof, and the
best means with which we are acquainted for carrying the same into
effect, we wish it to be understood that we are aware that a star mover
and star wheel has been in use for various purposes; we, therefore, do
not claim a star mover or star wheel separate from the parts by us
invented and combined.
We wish it to be also understood that we do not intend to limit
ourselves to any of the particular arrangements herein described, as we
are fully aware that different forms and arrangements may be devised
for effecting the same objects in looms for weaving various kinds of
figured fabrics, and to which these improvements are applicable; but
what we claim as new in the above-described improvements, and as of
our Invention, and which we desire to secure by Letters Patent, is
the following (viz') :-
The star movers F, and G, arranged and worked in combination with
the neutral surface I, and the star wheel M, for the purpose of com-
municating a positive motion to, and retaining in the required position,
moveable shuttle boxes of any number or description used in power
looms for weaving figured fabrics.
We also claim the pattern chain having pins on the top, or any
nechanical equivalent therefor, arranged substantially as described,
and the projection or four-sided inclined planes on lever A', for the
purpose of changing the position of the star wheel M, as described,
whether the said chain be moved by a star wheel, as herein shewn, or
by any mechanical equivalent therefor.
We claim the guide A, and the grooved hub of the star wheel M
arranged for the purpose specified; and also the inclined planes formed
on the face of the hoop P, and the hub of the star mover G, or their
equivalents, and the helical spring Q, arranged so that the connection
..

page_text: between the cam shaft E, and the star movers F, and G, may be
temporarily broken by the operation of the lever F, as described, when
the weft thread breaks or becomes expended. The above mechanism,
that is, the hoop P, and spring Q, may be worked separate from, and
independent of, a stop motion, for the purpose of preventing breakages,
not only on the shuttle box motions, but they may be advantageously
used on other parts of looms.
We further claim the pattern chain S², composed of lags and links,
having projections or segment flanges on the top of the said lags or
links, and blank lags having no projections on the top, as herein
described, for the purpose of operating rise and fall boxes in power
looms; this motion being less complicated and better adapted for
weaving a greater variety of patterns than other arrangements hereto-
fore used.
In witness whereof, we, the said Samuel Eccles and James
Eccles, have hereunto set our hands and seals, the Twenty-
second day of October, in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and fifty-three.
Witness,
PETER RAMBO,
Postmaster at
Kensington Pa.
SAMUEL ECCLES. (L.S.)
JAMES ECCLES.
(L..S.)