IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PRODUCTION OF WEBS OR SHEETS TO BE EMPLOYED IN EMBOSSING FABRICS."
Year: 1877

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Henry Boddy, of Leeds, in the County of York, for
the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PRODUCTION OF WEBS OR SHEETS
TO BE EMPLOYED IN EMBOSSING FABRICS."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Henry Boddy at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 22nd November 1877.
$s
JOHN HENRY BODDY, of Leeds, in the County of York. IMPROVEMENTS IN THE
PRODUCTION OF WEBS OR SHEETS TO BE EMPLOYED IN EMBOSSING FABRICS."
"
This Invention relates to a method of producing "webs" or sheets for embossing
patterns upon cloths of various materials in a ready and economical manner, and it
consists in making such "webs or sheets of india-rubber (either employed alone or
in combination with fibrous or other suitable materials) by means of rollers of the
required design, in lieu of by the slow and expensive method now in use.
The improved process comprises,―
First. The making and multiplying of the design so as to enable the producer to
readily make a roller or rollers of any required pattern.
Secondly. The incorporation of various materials or substances with india-rubber
or mixtures thereof so as to form when dried (and either vulcanized or not, as may
be required) a light, flexible, and cheap material.
Thirdly. The perforating of these "webs" or sheets by means of needles carried on
cylinders or flat plates, the object of such perforations being to admit of the steam
passing through the "web" or sheet when the same is wound on the steaming
cylinder, together with the fabric requiring to be embossed.
In carrying out my Invention I prepare a small pattern cut in wood or other
suitable material, and I take off the said pattern after the manner adopted by
stereotypers, a paper mould, from which a cast is made. I then use the cast as a
species of die for the purpose of stamping a quantity of impressions in gutta percha
when in a soft condition, which are then trimmed and joined together. From this
combined pattern I then take another mould in paper, and another casting, and

page_text: proceed as before until a paper mould is obtained of sufficient size to cover the
roller. A casting is then made therefrom, either in in a cylindrical form or on the
flat, and bent round the roller, such casting forming the working surface for the
production of the pattern in the "web" or sheet. When the designs are in
straight or waved lines, either diagonally, lengthway, or across, and of a clear round
groove, I may obtain a similar result by the use of wires, arranged as required, and
then pressed into a sheet of gutta percha sufficiently deep to produce a deep groove;
I then take a paper mould from this, and then make a casting in type metal as
before. Or any other convenient method may be employed for multiplying designs
for the rollers, as for example, in lieu of employing gutta percha I may multiply
the designs in type metal, and take from the jointed pattern a paper mould from
which a solid cast is subsequently made.
The rollers carrying the required pattern having been produced I proceed to
make the "webs or sheets in the following manner:-I take a roller of the
required design and place it in a suitable frame or machine so as to enable it to
turn readily; I then place thereon the end of a sheet of paper of the required length
and width, which I allow previously to pass through water or other suitable liquid
in order to be softened, and by means of a hard brush I proceed to hammer the
paper into the design until the impression is sufficiently clear. I then take a thin
sheet or film of india-rubber of the requisite size previously wetted with any solvent
of this material, and place it on the roller and bring pressure to bear so as to
cause it to firmly adhere to the paper and fill up the indentations which appear on
the back of the paper; I then place, if necessary, in order to strengthen the sheet a
backing of woven fabric, and before such compound sheet leaves the roller I bring
pressure to bear thereon so as to cause the constituent layers to adhere, the process
being continued until a sheet of the required length and width is obtained.
It is proposed in some cases to mix with the india-rubber fibrous materials, such,
for example, as hemp, cotton, flax, asbestos, or other similar fibres, also paper, pulp,
saw dust, and the like. The combined materials may be made into sheets, and
when required may be softened by any of the usual solvents of india-rubber, and
squeezed through rollers of the required pattern and then vulcanized. These sheets
may be used either alone or in combination with paper, in sheets, as may be
required.
According to another mode of carrying out this part of my Invention, the paper
face sheet is hammered on the roller as before described, and I then apply a sheet
of calico or other woven fabric, previously or during the process, coated with a layer
of india-rubber or mixture thereof, these sheets when being pressed between
the rollers form one mass, the india-rubber filling up the cavities of the paper
face.
"
In order to produce these "webs or sheets economically, I dispense with a
portion of the india-rubber by using twine to fill up the cavities formed on the
paper sheet, and I back it with india-rubber and woven fabric as before.
I may make the "webs" or sheets with two faces, so that two faces of the fabrics
may be embossed simultaneously.
In lieu of employing a paper face I may, by means of a solution of india-rubber
and carded cotton, make a thin species of felt in sheets, which when required may
be saturated in a solvent of india-rubber, and hammered into the pattern, the same
being subsequently backed with india-rubber in the manner herein-before
described.
In lieu also of employing india-rubber any other suitable cement having the same
qualities may be used.
The webs may be made without a paper face if desired. They may also be
moulded in portions on a flat mould having the necessary design, and then after-
wards joined and fastened on to a backing of woven or other suitable fabric to
impart strength, and subsequently perforated.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said John Henry Boddy in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 22nd May
1878.
JOHN HENRY BODDY, of Leeds, in the County of York.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE
PRODUCTION OF WEBS OR SHEETS TO BE EMPLOYED IN EMBOSSING FABRICS."
This Invention relates to a method of producing "webs" or sheets for embossing
patterns upon cloths of various materials in a ready and economical manner, and it
consists in making such "webs" or sheets of india-rubber (either employed alone or
in combination with fibrous or other suitable materials), by means of rollers of the
required design, in lieu of by the slow and expensive method now in use.
The improved process comprises,―
First. The making and multiplying of the design, so as to enable the producer to
readily make a roller or rollers of any required pattern.
Secondly. The incorporation of various materials or substances with india-rubber
or mixture thereof, so as to form when dried (and either vulcanized or not, as may
be required) a light flexible and cheap material.
"
Thirdly. The perforating of these "webs or sheets by means of needles carried
on cylinders or flat plates, the object of such perforations being to admit steam
passing through the "web" or sheet, when the same is wound on the steaming
cylinder, together with the fabric requiring to be embossed.
A
In carrying out my Invention I prepare a small pattern cut in wood or other suit-_
able material, and take off the said pattern after the manner adopted by stereotypers,
a paper mould, from which a cast is made. I then use the cast as a species of die
for the purpose of stamping a quantity of impressions in gutta percha when in a soft
condition, which are then trimmed and joined together. From this combined
pattern I then take another mould in paper, and another casting, and proceed as
before, until a paper mould is obtained of sufficient size to cover the roller.
casting is then made therefrom, either in a cylindrical form or on the flat, and bent
round the roller, such casting forming the working surface for the production of the
pattern on the "web" or sheet. When the designs are in straight or waved lines,
either diagonally, lengthway, or across, and of a clear round groove, I may obtain a
similar result by use of wires arranged as required, and then pressed into a sheet of
gutta percha sufficiently deep to produce a deep groove; I then take a paper mould
from this, and then make a casting in type metal, as before; or any other conve-
nient method may be employed for multiplying designs for the rollers, as, for
example, instead of employing gutta percha I may multiply. the designs in type
metal, and take from the jointed pattern a paper mould from which a solid cast is
subsequently made.
13
The roller carrying the required pattern having been produced, I proceed to make
the "webs or sheets in the following manner: I take a roller of the required
design and place it in a suitable frame or machine, so as to be able to turn it readily;
I then place thereon the end of a sheet of paper of the required length and width,
which I allow previously to pass through water or other suitable liquid in order to
be softened, and by means of a hard brush I proceed to hammer the paper into the
design until the impression is sufficiently clear. I then take a thin sheet or film of
india-rubber of the requisite size, previously wetted with any solution of this
material, and place it on the roller and bring pressure to bear, so as to cause it to
firmly adhere to the paper and fill up the indentations which appear on the back of
the paper. I then place, if necessary, in order to strengthen the sheet a backing of
woven fabric, and before such compound sheet leaves the roller I- bring pressure. to
bear thereon, so as to cause the constituent layer to adhere, the process being con-
tinued until a sheet of the required length and width is obtained.
It is proposed in some cases to mix with the india-rubber fibrous materials, such,
for example, as hemp, cotton, flax, asbestos, or other similar fibres, also paper pulp,

page_text: sawdust, or the like. The combined materials may be made into sheets, and, when
required, may be softened by any of the usual solvents of india-rubber, and squeezed
through rollers of the patterns required, and then vulcanized: These sheets may be
used either alone or in combination with paper in sheets, as may be required.
According to another mode of carrying out this part of my Invention the paper
face sheet is hammered on the roller, as before described, and I then apply a sheet
of calico or other woven fabric previously or during the process coated with a layer
of india-rubber or mixture thereof; these sheets when being pressed between the
rollers form one mass, the india-rubber filing up the cavities of the paper face.
"
In order to produce these "webs or sheets economically I dispense with a portion
of the india-rubber by using twine to fill up the cavities formed on the paper sheet,
and I back it with india-rubber and woven fabric, as before.
I may make the "webs" or sheets with two faces, so that two faces of the fabrics
may be embossed simultaneously.
Instead of employing a paper face I may, by means of a solution of india-rubber
and carded cotton, make a thin species of felt into sheets, which, when required,
may be saturated in a solvent of india-rubber and hammered into the pattern, the
same being subsequently backed with india-rubber, in the manner herein-before
described.
In lieu also of employing india-rubber, any other suitable cement having the same
qualities may be used.
The "webs" may be made without a paper face if desired. They may also be
moulded in portions on a flat mould having the necessary design, and then afterwards
joined and fastened on to a backing of woven or other suitable fabric to impart
strength, and subsequently perforated.
And in order that my Invention may be more completely understood, reference is
given to the accompanying Sheet of Drawings, and to the letters and marks of
reference thereon
Figs. 1 and 2 represent respectively a side and end elevation of machine con-
taining rollers constructed according to my Invention for embossing the "webs"
or sheets.
Figs. 3 and 4 are respectively a section and sectional plan of round box for
producing the design or pattern castings.
Figs. 5 and 6 are sections of a flat casting box.
Figs. 7 and 8 are respectively a side and end elevation of press employed for
perforating the "web" or sheet.
This Invention relates to a method of producing "webs" or sheets to be used in
embossing woven or felt fabrics.
The objects of this Invention being to dispense with the slow and expensive
method of weaving these "webs," and enable those requiring them to supply them-
selves readily, and thus facilitate the turning out of the goods in the embossed state.
One great object of my Invention being also to enable those using these "webs
have a much greater variety of designs, for by my method patterns or designs can
be produced which are impossible by any other method.
to
My method consists in using a pair of rollers made of any suitable material, one
of which being furnished with any required design or pattern, the other being per-
fectly plain. I place these rollers in any suitable frame or machine, as shewn at
Figs. 1 and 2, and bring pressure to bear by means of screws marked a. Pattern
roller is marked b, and plain roller c.
When I use india-rubber I proceed in the following manner (by the term india-
rubber I wish it to be distinctly understood that I mean that material or known
mixtures thereof, either in combination with fibrous materials, such as hemp, cotton,
flax, asbestos, or other similar fibres, also paper pulp, sawdust, and the like or not,
as required)-I take a sheet of woven fabric, such as linen, or cotton, or other

page_text: bultavit material, is being coated on one side with a sheet oma-10bber.
I then warm it sufficiently to make it soft; in addition to heat I may use any of the
solvents of this material. I then pass the sheet through the rollers in order to get the
impression required. After drying I then vulcanise it by the well-known method
of Mr. Parkes'. I then proceed to perforate the sheet by means of needles or pins,
which I cause to pass through the sheet, but in order to perforate effectually, so as
to allow steam to pass through, it is necessary to have as little rubber in the cavities
of the pattern as possible.
The perforations may be done by a flat plate fitted with pins placed in a press,
shewn at Figures 7 and 8. The part coming in contact with the needles, marked a,
Figs. 7 and 8, I substitute a piece of india-rubber or other soft or elastic material,
so as not to damage the points. These perforations may be carried out by means of
a roller, and fitted into framework similar to that shewn at Figs. 1 and 2. b
would then be the needle cylinder, and c a roller coated with india-rubber or other
soft or elastic material.
Providing I require a "web" or sheet with two faces having the same or different
designs on, I have the woven fabric coated with india-rubber on both sides; and
instead of using a pair of rollers, one plain and the other with design or pattern
thereon, I use two pattern rollers, the object of this "web" being to enable two
pieces of fabric to be embossed at one process.
For some purposes I find it advantageous to have a paper face on the "webs," as
the paper gives a better finish to the embossed goods. To do this I take a length
of paper that will readily become flaccid when moistened; it is then hammered into
the design by hand or steam power by means of a hard brush. The fabric having
the coating of india-rubber is allowed to pass through the rollers at the same
time.
Instead of coating the woven fabric with india-rubber previous to passing through
the rollers the india-rubber may be made into sheets, and then passed through loose,
and by coming in contact with the woven fabric under pressure it will firmly adhere
to it.
For some designs common twine may be used to fill up the grooves so as to use
less rubber.
Instead of using a woven back I may, by means of a solution of india-rubber and
carded cotton or other suitable material, make a thin species of felt into sheets; this
felt may be used for the face, provided the india-rubber be softened by solvent and
hammered into the design, as done with paper.
Another method of making these "webs" or sheets is to first make a paper mould
the length and width required, by means of a concave and convex pattern, and fixed
in any suitable press, say, as shewn at Figs. 7 and 8, the paper being prepared
in the same manner as adopted by stereotypers; the press may be heated by having
a hollow chamber at b. I then proceed to place the paper in the press, and bring
pressure to bear, and thus continue until the length is finished. This mould can
then be coated on the face side by means of a layer of india-rubber, with a backing
of woven fabric; this may then be placed round a roller and vulcanized, providing
sulphur has been mixed with the rubber, or it may be taken off and vulcanized by
the method herein-before mentioned.
The following method may also be adopted :-I take one or more sheets of paper;
these may be coated with a thin film of india-rubber, and softened by means of any
suitable liquid. I then by means of a concave and convex pattern, and place it in
the press shewn at Figs. 7 and 8. Each piece is passed through the machine, and
impressed with the desired pattern. Providing the press is made hot these sheets
may be vulcanized at the same time if sulphur is mixed with the india-rubber.
By using a hot press and flat design plates the india-rubber may be made in
lengths and vulcanized, and afterwards cemented on to a backing of woven fabric.
I wish it to be understood that all the "webs" or sheets are presumed to be
afterwards perforated by means of needles, as before described.
In order to make suitable rollers having the required design on I first take a small

page_text: piece of wood or other suitable material, say, about one or two inches square, and
have it cut to the required design, I then take from this mould a paper mould, as
adopted by stereotypers, from the paper mould. I then take several castings in type
metal, which I place together. From this increased model I take another paper mould,
and proceed as before, until I have produced a paper mould of sufficient size for the
purpose. This mould I then place in the round casting box, as shewn at Figs. 3
and 4; or if required in flat plates I place the mould in a box, as shewn 'at Figs. 5
and 6; a (Figs. 3 and 4) being a pipe to strengthen, the type metal is left within
it is a type metal casting; c is a paper mould; d is the casting box; these
rollers may be cast in halves or sections, and afterwards secured together by ordinary
means.
By this method it will be seen that the designs can be produced both quickly and
cheaply, and should a roller break it can be quickly melted up again and recast,
using the same paper mould it was cast in.
There are other methods of multiplying designs, such as using gutta percha, and
afterwards joining them together, as done by using type metal; this may then be
used for a model to cast the plates or rollers in other metal other than type
metal.
I wish it to be distinctly understood that I do not confine myself to the use of
india-rubber or mixtures thereof, but any other suitable material may be used, or to
any particular class of metal for making rollers, plates, or to the manner of making
or multiplying the designs.
What I claim as my Invention is,―
First. The arrangement and application of roller b, having pattern or design
thereon, substantially as and for purposes herein set forth.
Second. The arrangement and application of flat plates, having designs or patterns
thereon, substantially as and for purposes herein set forth.
Third. The application of needles for perforating the "web" or sheet, substan-
tially as herein set forth.
Fourth. The means or apparatus employed for producing any required pattern or
design, substantially as herein set forth.
Fifth. The employment of india-rubber or its equivalent, substantially as and for
purposes herein set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Henry Boddy, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twentieth day of May, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and seventy-eight.
T
T
מדתבמת
J. H. BODDY. (L.S.)