An Improved Thread-tension Device for Use in Textile Machinery.
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 13th Mar., 1897-Accepted, 8th May, 1897
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Thread-tension Device for Use in Textile
Machinery.
I, ISAK HEER, of 28, Arterstrasse, V, Zurich, in the Swiss Federal Republic,
Manufacturer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner
the same is to be performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and
by the following statement:-
This invention relates to improved means applicable for use with weaver's
shuttles, reeling and twisting frames with a view to the maintenance of the threads
at a regulated and uniform tension.
It is a recognised fact that in the manufacture of textile materials the maintenance
of the threads at a regulated and uniform degree of tension during the progress of
the various operations, particularly those of passing the weft threads through the
fabric by means of a shuttle in a weaver's loom, or the winding, twisting or similar
processes to which textile material or fibre is subjected, plays an important part in
the attainment of excellence in the quality of the finished product. Many attempts
have accordingly been made with a view to bringing thread tension as near to
perfection as possible.
A thread-tension device constructed in accordance with the present invention
consists mainly of a flat bar or rail formed with a guide-eye having a gap for the
introduction of the thread or threads, and a feather spring adapted to exercise
controllable pressure upon the said bar; the said spring affording the necessary
frictional pressure upon the threads which pass through the eye in the bar.
One form of the improved thread-tension device is represented, by way of example
only, in the accompanying drawings, whereof Fig. 1 is a side elevation and Fig. 2 a
plan of the device.
a is a flat rail or bar retained in position in any suitable manner, say, by means of
a piece such as b. The rail or bar is formed with an eye a' for guiding one or more
threads c, and with an open slit or gap a' for admitting the thread or threads to
the eye.
Upon the face of the flat rail a the flat spring d is secured; the rail and spring
jointly serving to apply tension to the thread or threads as they pass between the
rail and spring. Where more than one thread is stretched, all the threads have
thus an equal degree of tension applied to them.
In order to increase or diminish the degree of tension, the apparatus is fitted with
a regulating or controlling device, preferably consisting of a loop or "keeper" such
as e, embracing both the rail and the spring, and capable of being shifted either
backwards or forwards to the desired extent. When the keeper or runner e is
shifted forwards, the threads will be stretched more tightly, the reverse result
ensuing when it is moved backwards.
If, where the thread emerges from the eye a¹, the edge of the latter be sharp,
the thread is liable to be cut or broken, particularly if any comparatively thick or
knotty part occur in it. In order to obviate this risk, the side of the rail a facing
the spring is formed with a recess a³ so that the thread reaches the point at which
the frictional tension is applied gradually instead of suddenly.
Having thus particularly described and ascertained the nature of this invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed, I claim :-
A device for stretching threads, adapted for use in textile machinery, comprising

page_text: a flat bar or rail formed with a guide-eye and an open slit for admitting the thread
or threads to the eye, and furnished on one side with a spring which, in conjunction
with the said bar, exerts an adjustable pressure and a corresponding tension upon
the thread or threads.
Dated this 13th day of Marcḥ 1897.
For the Applicant,
G. G. M. HARDINGHAM,
191, Fleet Street, London, E.C., Chartered Patent Agent.