Improvements in and relating to Loom Shedding Mechanism.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application. 5th Sept., 1889
Complete Specification Left, 4th June, 1890-Accepted, 5th July, 1890
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Loom Shedding Mechanism.
ALEXANDER DICK STEWART 7 Camphill Quadrant Langside Glasgow Scotland Fancy
Dress Manufacturer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
For plain and fancy weaving with heddles-properly guided metal frames encircle
every leaf each leaf-frame is moved separately, by lever or crank, attached direct
to needles of machine-No cross needles or hangers employed-Needles very long
and flat are supported at top and bottom of machine, by gratings and the pins in cards
on barrel, act direct on upright needles-Needles are pulled up and pushed down by
two cross-levers opening like compasses, in machine and are always forced and
up
down, on the same angle as the shed of web requires. Pins in cards don't require to
be hammered in or out and cannot fall out or break-Everything below the loom is
The
dispensed with the whole machinery being either around or above the heddles.
web is put in and taken out from above the loom by simply hooking or unhooking the
heddle shafts. No twine or leather straps are required in mounting.
The object of the shedding motion hereafter described. is the improvement, simplifica-
tion and extension, of the principle of shedding, in weaving fancy heddle work, so,
that; the shedding machine not only directly lifts, but; also directly depresses them,
thus rendering the use, of springs, weights, treadles, or any other unattached appliance,
underneath the loom, unnecessary and making the shedding, both up and down, equal
and accurate. The use of twine, or straps, is also dispensed with. The machine is so
constructed, that; the strain on each leaf, is only that necessary, to inake the leaf
rise or fall, the proper distance, to form its share of the shed required, whether that
be great or little. A number of minor points are also improved, as for instance, the
make of cards and fastening of pins. The machine can be worked either in a verticle
position i.e.: with the needles and machine standing upright and working up and down,
or in a horozontal position i.e.: with the needles and machine lying on their sides and
working across the loom-The position of the machine is intended to be, at the side of
The machine can
loom, clear of web and at opposite end from handle of loom.
however be also used in centre of loom, in vertical position. The alterations required,
to change machine from a vertical to a horozontal position, are only matters of detail
and do not affect the principle, or main working parts of the machine. The machine
can also be used, as a single action shedding motion, by simply fastening back, the
lower knife and applying springs below.
Before giving details of the several parts employed, it may elucidate matters, to
explain in a few sentences, how the objects named above, are carried into effect--
Each and every leaf of heddles employed, is surrounded on all sides, by a metal frame,
which, in the case of the vertical machine at side of loom, is not rigid, but; has con-
siderable freedom of motion, but; in the case of the horozontal machine at side of loom
is perfectly rigid. It will be quite clear, that when the leaves of heddles, are properly
suspended in these frames, all that requires to be done, is to give them an up and down
motion for the proper distance and correctly guided and the sheds are at once formed―
these are the objects this machine carries into effect. The machine in a vertical
position, is the most suitable for narrow, medium or light looms and work, and the
machine in the horozontal position for broad, very broad, or heavy work.
1st. For the machine in a vertical position at side of loom, two thin plates of cast-
iron, about seven and a half inches square and having a number of grooves, one
quarter of an inch deep, about three eighths of an inch separate, more or less, and each
the proper width, to allow the end of the lower bar of the leaf frame, to move
freely in the groove, are fixed by suitable brackets, to the side frames of loom, so, that;
they are held with the faces quite square and plumb, directly below, but; slightly

page_text: inside, the two connecting rods of the loom, which join the cranks, and swords of the
lay the front groove in the plates, should be close behind the shell of lay, when
full back and the tops of the plates, should be from four to seven inches below the
line of yarn, according to the class of fastening used for leaf to frame and the depth of
leaf employed.
Only these two plates are required, for the machine in a vertical
position, but; for the machine in a horozontal position, at side of loom two additional
plates are required-these plates are exactly similar to the foregoing, but; are fixed to
the loom about thirty inches above the two lower plates, their faces and grooves, being
square and plumb, with the faces of the lower plates. These plates act as guides to the
leaf frames and an alternative way of guiding these leaf frames, which system has
been also tested, is to have cast-iron frames, with steel wire tightly strung in them, by
means of screws and nuts, bolted in the same positions, as the plates mentioned above,
and jaws, gabs or holes in the ends of the leaf frames, to fit the wires.
2nd. Each leaf is surrounded on all sides by a metal frame which when the machine
is in a vertical position at side of loom, is as follows. The bottom bar is long enough, to
stretch from the guide plate grooves, on the one side of loom, into the guide plate grooves
on the other side of loom-it is from one to three inches broad, more or less, accord-
ing to width of loom, weight of wel, etc.: from one sixteenth to one eighth of an inch in
thickness and has an angle piece, about one quarter of an inch wide, running along nearly
the whole length, to keep it straight and rigid. A small piece of the angle, is taken
off near the ends, so as to allow the bar, to enter groove of guide, or, alternatively, a
small casting is rivited, or bolted, on, to act as guide piece in groove and whether the
bar or the casting is used, a vertical hole about quarter of an inch in diameter, is
formed nearer and further from the ends alternately, to allow a long screw, on the
upright side rods, to pass through. Two or more hooks about three and a half inches
high, with square shaped jaws, about one quarter inch internal diameter and bent down
one and a half inches, made of steel from three eighths to one eighth of an inch broad
i.e. tapered and about one sixteenth of an inch thick, are fastened along the low bar,
with the hook pointing upwards and backwards, at distances of about twenty four
inches from each other, that is to say, if there are only two hooks, which will generally
be the case, they will be in ordinary looms, twenty four inches separate, or on wider
looms, each hook will be one fourth of the width of reed space, in, from the side of
reed frame and if more than two hooks, by reason of great width of loom, the hooks
will be, twenty four inches from each other-other suitable methods of holding low
heddle shaft are, to have eyelets or books on heddle shaft and small hooks, or drilled
holes, on the lower bar of leaf frame, to correspond-these are optional. The side bars
of the leaf frame, of which there are two to each leaf, one on each side, are from one
quarter to three eighths of an inch in diameter and are either round, square or flat,
whichever is most convenient-these side bars, should he, if technically correct, hinged
to the low bar, by a stud in end of same, but; the more convenient way, is to have a
long screw on end of bar, passing through the vertical hole in lower bar, before men-
tioned, having two nuts, one above and the other below bar, by means of which the
bar can be raised or lowered-the elasticity of the rod, allows sufficient lateral motion
these side rods are carried up from low bar, a distance of about twenty-seven
inches and are there hinged, by means of studs, to rows of cross-levers which will be
shortly explained and about four inches higher up, the top of side rod is split into a
jaw or gab, about two inches deep, in which the top bar of the leaf frame rests-the
one end of the top bar, is fastened to the jaw of side rod, by a pin, but; the other end
is lying loose and allowed to move freely in the jaw of side rod, at opposite side of
loom. The top bars are about the same make and strength as the bottom bars, the
quarter inch angle piece, being however at the top of bar, in place of bottom-To the top
bars two wires are hung about twenty four inches separate or, to give a general rule,
one fourth the distance in from gabs of side rods, and to these wires, when below the
cross levers, a powerful escapement spring is hung, then a small piece more wire and
then a hook, with double jaws, about two inches long-these hooks are formed, by one
piece of metal, being put through another and act exactly like a pair of scissors, the
wires being attached to the finger holes and the top shaft of heddle, being grasped by

page_text: the jaws. Of course these hooks are flat and thin and have small pieces bent at right
angles, where the points of the scissors are, which catch and support the heddle shaft-
In the case of very heavy work, in place of the wires and escapement spring, a
thin metal rod, with a screw coupling, either right & left screwed or with a collar and
ruff and single screw, are substituted-It will be now clearly understood, that; each
leaf is hooked on to the low bar and the escapement spring being drawn down, the
leaf is hooked to the top bar, when the spring is allowed to recover and the double-
jaw hooks, close on the upper shaft and draw heddle tight. In the case of heavy
work, the screw coupling, acts in same way, but; move slowly and powerfully.
The above frame is traversed horozontally, about four inches below the top bar and
parallel with it, by a row of toothed levers, the principle of these levers is not claimed
as new being in fact extremely old-these levers of which there are two to each frame,
extend on the side furthest away from shedding machine, only to the row of side
levers, to which they are hinged by studs, but; on the side next to shedding machine
they not only extend to the row of side levers, to which they are also hinged by studs,
but passing these levers for some six inches they are attached direct to the
foot of the shedding machine needles, also by means of pins and studs.
much for the form of leaf frame when the machine is in vertical position at
side of loom. The teeth in the double row of levers, of course gear into each
other, in centre and when the lever is raised above end, the whole leaf frame is raised
evenly these levers are only introduced as a connection of the machine and not as
new the support of these levers is about four and a half inches from the teeth and is
given by a large stud, passing through the whole row of levers and resting on the top
frame of loom.
So
3rd. When the machine is in a horozontal position at side of loom each leaf is also
surrounded by a metal frame the top and bottom and side bars of which, are of the
same weight as those given above, but; in place of the sides and top being compara-
tively loose, the whole four bars, are rivited together at the corners, into a rigid
frame these frames are rather less in height then those already described, being about
twenty six inches inside-the ends of both the top and bottom bars are also introduced
into guide plate grooves, which causes the whole leaf frame to move steadily up and
down these top guide plates have been already described-the bottom bar has books,
the same as described above and the top bar has wires and escapement springs or
screw couplings suspended to its lower side, in the same way as explained in other
frame, but; the motive power for this frame, is entirely above it, and consists of a
double row of right angled cranks, having arms from seven to nine inches long, which
are hinged on two large studs, by their centres, about one fourth of the reed space, from
each side of loom and placed so, that; a crank on each stud comes plumb above a leaf
frame A thin rod of metal, with a screw coupling in its length and jointed on a stud
in the lower arm of the crank and by a stud pin on the top of the leaf frame, unites
each crank to each leaf frame there being of course one rod on each side of leaf frame
from two separate cranks-In the case of a very wide loom, these rows of cranks,
can be multiplied to any extent, if required. The length of the rods and
couplings from the top of leaf frame, to the lower end of crank, is about ten
to fifteen inches, according to circumstances. The uppor arms of the two rows
of cranks, are united by flat metal rods, which run easily in grooves, or slots, in
castings attached to the loom, at two points close to crank studs-these flat rods lie on
edge and have oval slots in their sides, fully an inch long, through and in which the
studs on the upper arms of cranks move freely-the one end of these flat rods or bars,
only goes as far as the furthest away row of cranks, but; the other end goes forward
till it meets the needles of the shedding machine, to which the rods are hinged, by
suitable pins. Our explanation has now arrived both in regard to the vertical and
the horozontal machine, at the ends of the needles and we will now proceed to
explain the machine itself, which is of original and novel construction.
4th. When standing in a vertical position at side of loom, the machine has as a
foundation, a cast-iron square shaped frame, about fifteen inches long, by fourteen
inches wide by two and a half inches deep and about three eighths of an inch thick-

page_text: this frame stands on four legs, situated near the four corners and has four fitting
straps standing vertical, two on each side, about four inches separate and five inches
to centre from back of frame-these straps are on outside of frame and are to keep
side frames upright.
5th. From between these fittings straps, on each side, a side frame springs, being
bolted tightly to foundation frame-Each of these side frames, is twenty six inches
high over all, into four and a quarter inches wide and is cast as thin as possible, having
beading all round edge-these frames are quite different in construction as to details,
the one side being made to act as the fulcrum, for the cross levers and the other as the
motive power for same-Taking the left hand frame as the fulcrum one, looking
from barrel side of machine, on the outside of that frame and nine and three quarter
inches from bottom, two cast iron brackets, about two inches broad and three eighths
of an inch thick, project seven inches from solid of frame-these brackets are cast close
to beading on each side and are consequently about three and a half inches separate-
Twenty one and three quarter inches, from foot of same frame and on outside, two
more similar brackets are cast, the one pair of brackets being plumb above the other
pair. Six inches from bottom of frame, there is a longitudinal hole in frame, exactly
in centre and about three and a half inches long by fully an inch wide-Twenty and a
quarter inches from bottom of same frame and not in centre, but; close to the foot of
the right hand bracket, looking from outside of machine, another longitudinal hole
occurs this hole is about four inches long and fully one inch wide-the use of these
two holes and the two pairs of brackets, will be described in proper place on the back
edge of the same frame, projecting beyond the beading, there is a small bracket cast about
one and a half inches long, by same width; and same thickness as frame-this bracket
is about eighteen inches from foot of frame on the inside of same frame, nine and a
half inches from foot and close to the edges of frame, two pretty heavy straps, are cast,
having each a slot in them one and a half inches long by three eighths of an inch
wide the above completes the left hand frame which acts as fulcrum-on the right
hand frame which supplies the motive power-Eight inches from the bottom and on
the outside, there is a bracket bolted four inches broad, quarter of an inch thick and
projecting two inches from solid of frame-in this bracket there are two square holes
two and a half inches separate and fully one inch from solid of frame-Eighteen
inches from the bottom of frame and on the outside, there is another bracket, exactly
the same bolted-Five inches from the foot of frame and about an inch from right
hand edge of frame, looking towards machine, there is a long hole in frame, about
five inches, into half an inch wide-Twenty one and a half inches from bottom of
frame, but at opposite edge and same distance from edge, there is a long hole six
inches into half an inch wide in the exact centre close to top of frame, there is pap
about half an inch thick, into one inch in diameter, cast. If you add the small bracket,
on back edge of frame and the two pretty heavy straps inside frame, which are exactly
the same, as the similar projections already described, for the other frame you have the
right hand side frame, complete.
-
6th. Between the bottoms of the two side frames, inside and across the square
foundation frame, there is a casting, about one quarter of an inch thick, into three
inches wide, bolted, and about one and a half inches off centre, there are a succession of
slots, fully one and a half inches long, and having thin bars of metal, between them―
these slots correspond in number, to the the leaf power of machine and of course run
from back to front in direction, i.e.: parallel with side frames.
7th. Between the tops of side frames a casting about fourteen inches long, into four
and a half inches wide, into about a quarter of an inch thick and having a grating
with slots, three and a half inches long, with thin bars of metal between, the number
of slots corresponding with the leaf power of machine, is bolted-No matter how
many leaves are employed, the space occupied by the whole of the slots, must not
exceed about seven inches. The slots in the top grating, must be plumb and square,
with the slots in the bottom grating.
8th. On the square foundation frame on the top edge, and outside, two cast-iron
brackets; half inch thick and rising about two and a half inches and one and a half

page_text: inches wide, are bolted-these brackets are close behind the side frames-The above
form nearly all the fixed portions, of the machine and the movable parts and any
small fixed parts, connected with them, will now be described.
9th. From the foot of the one side frame, to the foot of the other side frame, about
an inch from and outside the square foundation frame, its top edge being level with
the top edge of foundation frame, a square shaped driving lever, encircles the greater
portion of the foundation frame and the end of lever next motive-power side frame, is
connected to a small metal link, with jaws at either end, the link being two inches
long, into one inch thick and one and a quarter inches broad at one end, by one inch
at other the other end of the lever, which is fully eighteen inches long, is connected
by a double jointed connecting rod with screw coupling, to the crank, on the top shaft
of loom and supplies the whole power, to every part of the machine-The square
shaped lever is hung on an iron rod, about three quarters of an inch thick, which
passes right through the paps, on the two arms of lever and through the two opposite
sides of the foundation frame-This iron rod is made fast to the paps of lever, by set
screws, or pins, or keys, as the case may be, but; moves freely in holes, made in the
sides of foundation square-the point where it passes through the square, is about two
and a half inches from the outside end, of foundation square and five and a half inches
from the foot of the parallel rod, with which it connects by link, previously
mentioned.
10th. Through the two squares, in the two brackets, fastened on outside of motive
power, or right hand side frame, two square rods of cast-iron, about twenty inches
long and five eighths of an inch square, having two slots, two and a half inches long
and one quarter inch wide, cast in each, eight and a half inches separate and at right
angles to one another. One of these slots in each rod, is almost exactly in centre of
length and the other, is about two inches from end of each-when put into machine,
the one end slot is at top and the other at bottom, of machine, i.e. the rods are
reversed. The short, jawed, link, formerly mentioned is attached to the low end of
the square rod next itself, that is the rod nearest square lever, to which link is
attached at other end.
:
11th. On the pap in centre of the top, of motive power side frame, a strong stud is
screwed and a lever nine inches long is fitted on stud.
12th. Two flat cast iron connecting rods with curved ends, about twelve and a half
inches long, connect the two ends of the above lever, with the two centre slots, in the
two upright parallel rods, so, that; when the one rod is moved up the other goes
down and the reverse-Another way of connecting these rods, which has been found
effective, is, to have a toothed rack, about seven inches long, inside each of the parallel
bars, and a toothed pinion, between the bars, geared into both. The pinion is fixed
on stud almost in centre of length of side frame-Either can be used.
13th. Two hangers of cast-iron, two and a half inches long and three inches wide
and fully half an inch thick shaped like the letter "H" are suspended, one to each of
the projections, or pairs of brackets, on the outside of the fulcrum side frame, by
means of studs, put through the brackets and hangers, at a distance of six inches, out
from side frame-The paps of cross levers go between the lower jaws of these
hangers.
14th. Two cross levers, each fully twenty two inches long, stretch right across the
machine, from the hangers on the fulcrum side, to the slots at the opposite ends, of
the two parallel rods and are hinged at both ends, on studs-these cross levers, pass
through the slots in side frames, formerly explained and when the bars outside the
motive power side frame are moved, the ends of these cross levers, move along with
them The low lever consists of a pap, for stud, at fulcrum end, three inches long and
about an inch in diameter; a neck of cast iron fully seven inches long and one inch
square, the lever then widens out to four inches in bredth, by one inch in depth and
one quarter inch thick-this portion of the lever, is twelve and a half inches long and
has the appearance of a long shallow box, with double ends turned bottom up and the
bottom of box rounded to the shape of the circumference of a circle, having a radius
of about eleven and a half inches-About one inch off the centre, in length and half

page_text: an inch off the centre in bredth, there is a hole cut, fully eight inches long by one and
a half inches in bredth and through this hole at the lesser side, there is a casting put,
consisting of two side brackets, with a long triangular knife between their tops-As
has been already stated, the box is double ended and two of the ends are nearly two
inches deep and are close to the edge, or ends of the hole-the two brackets attached
to the knife, are hinged at, or near bottom, on two studs, screwed into the two sides
and this supports the triangular knife, about half an inch above and parallel with, the
inner and upper edge, of the lesser side of the hole, with one of the sharp edges
pointing inwards-The knife is kept in position by a powerful flat spring which acts
as, an escapement when struck by the needles-the side brackets going against edges
of hole, prevent the spring pushing the knife too far-From the end of this wide
portion of the lever, at about an inch from the edge, a casting about three inches long,
into one inch wide and three eighths of an inch thick, projects, and is passed through
the side frame, by slot and into slot in the parallel bar outside, where it is secured by
pin The top cross-lever consists of a pap, about three inches long, into one inch
diameter a neck seven inches long, by one and a half inches broad and one quarter
inch thick, stretches through the side frame, to the main portion, which is twelve and
a half inches long, one inch thick and two and a quarter inches broad and has a core
hole about eight inches long and five eighths of an inch wide above edge and one inch
wide at other, or back--this hole is near upper edge and immediately below it, there
is a slope or angle, about one and a half inches broad, across the whole thickness of
metal, to prevent needles being caught by cross lever in its descent-The long neck
of this lever, is fastened to the end of fulcrum pap, wheras the long neck of low lever,
is fixed to centre of pap. The core hole given above, comes plumb as regards its ends,
with the ends of the hole, in the low cross lever. From the wide portion of lever, at
opposite end from fulcrum pap, a small casting projects, about three inches long, into
one and a half inches broad, into quarter of an inch thick and this passes through side
frame slot and into slot in top of the opposite parallel bar, to that in which, low cross
lever entered and is there secured by stud pin.
15th. The needles are are thirty two inches long, over all, and are composed of cast
malleable metal-their form is peculiar-the bottom eleven and a half inches, is about
half an inch broad and one eighth of an inch thick, but; has flanges, making it at
edge, one quarter inch thick eleven and a half inches from the bottom, there is a
curved rest, two and three quarter inches broad, three quarters of an inch of which
bredth, projects from one side of needle and forms a knob, or hook, about three eighths
of an inch thick and slightly pointed upwards, as it goes out from needle-this hook
catches and is caught, by the triangular knife on low cross lever, one and a half inches
of the curve projects from the other side of needle and is carried up, for three and a
half inches, at that distance out, having a strap at right angles to needle, across each
side and a strap down the projecting face, about three eighths of an inch broad, and
one sixteenth of an inch thick-this face strap is what the pins in cards act on-the
curved rest mentioned above fits the sole plate of the low cross lever exactly--for the
next four and a half inches, the needle is the same as the first eleven and a half inches
-then there is a projection on the same side as before, slightly curved upward and
about one and three quarter inches out from needle-the length of curve is about one
and three quarter inches-About one and three quarter inches above the last projection
there is a knob, or double hook, which is barely three quarters of an inch long and
sticks out on same side of needle--this knob is about half an inch broad and goes into
the slot hole in the top cross lever, when required-The rest of the needle up to top, is
same as first cleven and a half inches. The needle then has a double hook, or knob
and two larger projections on the barrel side and one single hook, or knob, on the
other or back side of it-the first knob being twenty three inches from bottom and the
last eleven and a half inches from bottom-the needles are made as light as
possible.
16th. An iron rod, about three eighths of an inch in diameter, runs from side to
side of machine, eighteen inches from foot and at back of side frames-this rod
through holes in the small back projections, mentioned in connection with formation
goes

page_text: of side frames it holds a row of almost right angled light cranks, which have gabs,
or jaws, cast on their one arm, which fit the back of needles, and in which the needles
traverse up and down-the other or projecting ends of cranks, have a small screw and
nut attached to them and the screw in turn, is fastened to a long, tempered, spiral
spring of steel, which is attached at lower end to the foundation frame, along the back
edge-In place of springs the projecting arms of cranks, can be made as weights, so
as to counterbalance needles and do away with springs-In the use of springs, the
screws, if found more convenient, can be placed at foot of spiral springs, in place of on
arm of crank.
17th. The card barrel is of wood, about twelve inches long and three inches diameter,
having eight bevelled openings round the outside, in the usual way--the gudgeons of
the barrel, pass through bushes in the top sides of two slides, which support the barrel,
and the one gudgeon has a wheel on end, with eight points, which act on stamper to
stop barrel, in proper position and the other gudgeon has a ratchet wheel with eight
sloped teeth, which as the barrel traverses backwards and forwards, are turned one
tooth at a time, by a hook attached to side frame of machine.
18th. The barrel rests on two slides, about twelve inches long, into one and a half
inches broad and three eighths of an inch thick, being put under bushes in the usual
way At the far end of slides, after they have passed through the two slots, on each
side frame, already explained in connection with side frames, the cast studs of a double
lever, are passed throughtwo oval slots, situated about one inch from end of slides.
19th. The double lever mentioned above, has one long arm, about eleven inches,
at one end and a short arm, five and a half inches long, at other end and these are
supported, close behind the side frames and near the sides of the machine, inside the
foundation frame, by a square cross bar and two studs which are all cast in one piece
with the vertical levers and are hung on the two brackets, already referred to, in con-
nection with foundation frame-The two upper arms of this lever, have a stud or knob,
about an inch long and half an inch thick, cast on the outside at top and these two
studs, pass through the two oval slots, in the back ends of the barrel slides-thus con-
necting the barrel with the lever, or crank-the bottom end of the long eleven inch
arm, bas a stud about an inch long, cast on the inside, near point, on which a con-
necting rod communicating with a crank is hinged.
20th. On the three quarter inch thick rod, inside the foundation frame on which the
main square lever rests, there is a crank fixed by set screws-this crank is about four
inches long and projects downwards it has a slot, near the point, with stud in it,
which can be moved up and down and increases or decreases the traverse of the card
barrel From the stud referred to, a connecting rod stretches, along below machine,
to the cast iron stud on foot and inside the eleven inch lever-When the machine is in
motion, the three quarter inch rod, moves the crank and, that; moves the whole barrel
motion.
21st. On the barrel side of machine and about six inches above and parallel with
the barrel, a hollow metal roller, nearly two inches in diameter, stretches from side to
side of machine, being supported by two cast iron brackets, bolted one on each of the
side frames, and in holes in these brackets the gudgeons of the hollow roller move, or
rather turn freely.
22nd. Ordinary hard wood cards about five eighths of an inch thick and nine inches
long, bevelled in usual way, to fit barrel and having a row of holes along centre, in
number and position to suit the leaf power of machine, may be used-the pins being
three quarters of an inch high and having turned shoulder next cards-The cards and
pins however which are specially patented are as follows-The cards are of hard wood,
about half an inch thick, nine and a half inches long, about five eighths of an inch
wide and have a row of comparatively small holes, pierced along centre of card,
corresponding in number and position, to the needle or leaf power of machine-these
cards are of course bevelled at sides and ends, to fit the openings in circumference of
barrel-opposite each of the holes and stretching for about one eighth of an inch, on

page_text: each side of holes and across the card, there is a small semi-circular depression made
in the wood, this depression being fully one eighth of an inch deep and one sixteenth
of an inch wide, so as to fit thickness of pin easily-In the centre of top of card and
extending from the one end of card, to the end of row of holes, a narrow groove about
one eighth of an inch deep, and one sixteenth of an inch wide is cut-the end of this
groove, next end of card and for one inch in, is about quarter of an inch deep-On
the tops of the wooden card's sides, a groove about three sixteenths of an inch wide, i.e. :
from top edge of card on each side and one thirty second of an inch deep, extends the
whole length of card-The top of each card is covered with heavy tin, or thin
galvanized iron, having the edges of samme bent over each side of wooden card, to the
extent of three sixteenths of an inch and fitting top of card and grooves exactly-At
each end of metal top and at opposite sides, a small screw nail, screwed into wood and
counter sunk into metal, secures the metal top, which is of course, also held on by the
overlapping sides-Along the centre of this metal top and corresponding slot for hole,
a row of small slots, fully quarter inch long and one sixteenth of an inch wide each,
are punched and into these slots and down into the corresponding holes below, the ends
of pins are put.
A metal wire is inserted into the longitudinal groove in wooden card, below
metal plate and pushed along till it reaches fully to the end of row of holes in card-
this metal wire, has a small projection brazed on to it, about an eighth of an inch from
end and this small projection, after wire is fully up, goes into small hole in centre of
and near outside end of metal top, thus securing the wire from going back.
23rd. The pins for above cards, are of metal, one sixteenth of an inch, or more, in
thickness, about half an inch in width, above top of card and projecting from the solid
of metal top of card, fully five eighths of an inch in height-The tops of pins are
rounded into half circle-Immediately below the half inch wide top of pin, it narrows
down to about five sixteenths of an inch and fully an eighth of an inch further down,
it narrows into a thin pin-the portion between the top and the thin pin, is a
semi-circle and fits the semi-circular depression in the wooden card in the centre of
this small semi-circular portion of pin, a hole is bored, or punched, through which the
wire described in connection with card passes-the one wire passes through the whole
row of pins, under metal plate and secures them from dropping out-the pins fit the
holes and slots neatly, but; easily and can be inserted and withdrawn by the fingers,
without hammering.
The length of pin over all, is about one inch and an eighth.
The cards are connected together by wire links in usual way.
The above and foregoing particulars, are the portions and form of machine required
when in a vertical position at side of loom and before proceeding to explain the altera-
tions in detail, required before the machine can be used in horozontal position, it may
be as well to explain, the action of the above machine-The long needles, pass right
down through the top grating (see No. 7) and through the grating at bottom (see No. 6)
passing also through the hole in sole plate of lower lever (sec No. 14) on which latter
the curved rest on needle (see No. 15) rests and can get no further-the cranks with
spiral springs attached (see No. 16), push the needle forward and put the upper knob
on needle (see No. 15) into the slot in top cross-lever, (see No. 14) unless a pin in card
on barrel intervene, in which case it remains caught by the knife on the far side, of
the low cross-lever.
The bottom of needle is attached by a pin, to the cross levers of leaf frame and the
whole needle turns a short distance, exactly like the spoke of a wheel-when the
needle in consequence of there being no pin in card, gets full forward, it forms top
shed, when there is a pin in card, it is pushed full back and forms low shed. When
the needle is pushed back and the low lever starts downwards, the projection in front
of needle, is caught on the roller (see No. 21) above the barrel and cannot get forward
again, till relieved by the rise of the low cross-lever-If you imagine the machine,
fixed to loom and connected to crank on top shaft-When the crank is straight up the

page_text: driving lever of the machine above, is raised at outer end and depressed next machine-
the end next machine, carries down the parallel bar, to the top end of which, the top
cross-lever is attached and brings the top cross-lever parallel and level and by means
of the two connecting rods and the nine inch lever at top of side frame, (see Nos. 11
and 12) the opposite parallel bar, to the bottom of which, the low cross lever is attached,
is raised and the two long cross-levers, are brought exactly parallel to one another and
about twelve inches separate-the crank fixed on the three quarter inch thick rod and
which rod is firmly fixed to and is the pivot, on which the main lever turns, is of
course thrown forward and by means of the connecting rod and casting and slides
(see Nos. 18, 19 & 20) the barrel is drawn, close to the strap face of needles (see No. 15)
and the needles are all standing level and by the action of the spring levers, or cranks,
behind (see No. 16) the strap faces are all in a straight line across machine and close
to barrel-When the loom is turned round till the crank is full down, the reverse takes
place, the two long levers separate, at the motive power end and when full open, are
still only twelve inches separate at fulerum end, but; are fully eighteen inches separate,
at motive power end and form the same slope, as sheds of web-the barrel is also
thrown full back and turns one card as it goes back (see No. 17). As the needles rise
and sink, those going up ascend quite smoothly, but those sinking are caught by the
roller above barrel (see No. 21) and are gradually thrown further back and the low
hook, or knob, on the back side of needle, passes further and further under the
triangular knife, on back edge of sole plate, of low cross lever (see Nos. 14 & 15).
If there was no roller and projection, the needle would advance towards barrel, the
moment the pins left it and would miss the triangular knife, on low cross lever and
form no low shed.
Two small matters not hitherto mentioned may here be referred to-A parallel bar
is fixed a short distance above the top grating (see No. 7) to prevent the needles leaving
the top cross lever, when it is opening and full open-Also a small hole is bored through
all the needles, about five inches from the top end and when the needles are not in use,
they are suspended by means of a wire, secured, in centre of top grating-The use of
the parallel bar given above is optional-The barre. also in place of working on slides,
may be hung on cast-iron brackets, attached to main lever and rising to same height
as slides this reduces friction, but; shakes cards too much.
The changes required in details of machine, when placed in horozontal position, at
side of loom will now be explained. (A) The square foundation frame with the square
main lever and cross rod and the cast lever which moves barrel and the rod with light
cranks and spiral springs attached and the small connecting link at foot of parallel
bar, these are all in one piece and attached to the square foundation frame and are all
taken off these are all contained in paragraphs (Nos. 4, 9 and 16) in original explana-
tion. (B) In place of the square foundation frame (No. 4) a frame about fourteen
inches across, eight inches in height, two and a half inches broad and three eighths of
an inch thick, is substituted-this fits on ends of side frames, by fitting straps in
centre, giving two inches below the side frames, and two inches above them-
the lower side of this square, forms the legs at one end of machine, when laid
on its side. (C) Two legs of cast-iron, projecting downwards two inches, are
bolted on the barrel or lower edge of side frames, eighteen inches from the
bottom, or inner end, of frames and on these and the square frame (B) the whole
machine rests, with the barrel side of machine downwards. (D) The nine inch
lever, at top of motive power frame (No. 11) becomes now the chief driving lever,
the only alteration being, that it is made with a third arm, about eight inches long,
projecting at right angles, from the centre of the other two and has a slot near centre
of length, to drive barrel lever. (E) A double lever, the same in almost every respect,
as that described in paragraph (19) but; with one of the arms, twenty inches long and
the other ten inches, is hinged on two brackets, projecting some distance from back,
or top side of machine, at about six inches, from the outside ends of side frames-this
double lever, has two studs on outside of arms, put through the slots in barrel slides,
same as before and at other end of twenty inch arm, it is attached by connecting rod,
B

page_text: to the driving arm of the three armed lever, near the centre-the above are all the
alterations required.
The action of this machine is extremely simple.
When the crank of loom is straight down, the two long cross levers (No. 14) are
parallel with each other, about twelve inches separate and the barrel, is close to the row
of needles, which are lying of their own weight, at foot of low side of machine and
when the crank is straight up, the reverse is the case, the levers being still twelve
inches separate at fulcrum end, but; about eighteen inches separate, at motive power
end and the barrel is full back or down-The needles are of course as before projecting
about five inches beyond the low, or inner grating and are attached by stul pins, to
the row of horozontal levers, or flat metal rods (see paragraph 3) and the needles rise
and fall when acted on by pins in cards, using the ends of these flat metal rods as
centres When the needles are moved backwards and forwards, the horozontal rods
move similarly and these in turn move cranks and the cranks raise and lower, the leaf
frames, forming sheds of web (see paragraph 3)-The whole of the parts in machine
except the foundation frame and the attached parts removed, are the same as in vertical
machine no springs are required for needles, as they fall of their own weight-It
will be observed that no cross needles, or hangers, are required, or used, in this machine
either when vertical, or horozontal, the gratings top and bottom, keeping the upright
needles in position and the pins in cards on barrel, act direct on the projecting portion
of them, described already in (paragraph 15).
When the machine in vertical position is required regularly for heavy work, small
wheels can be inserted into the curved rest in needles, which will make the needles
change much more easily, when the barrel strikes them-these wheels would of course
rest and run, on the curved surface of the low cross lever. A row of separate wheels,
one for each needle, can also be inserted into sole plate of low cross lever, or; a roller
the whole width of needle space-these are optional. Where the work to be done
is always light, or where it is heavy on many leaves, the best ways of attaching leaves
of heddles to leaf frames, are, to have eyelets screwed into heddle shafts, both top and
bottom, at proper spots and hooks either fixed, or movable on springs, or wires, sup-
ported properly, along the low bar of the leaf frame and hooks hung to upper wires,
to fit eyelets. The dimensions given in foregoing specification, must be considered as
guides to the formation of machine and connections, in the minds eye and not as
always binding, as to size, as if a fast working machine was wanted, the distance
between the top cross lever and knife of low cross lever, might be reduced perpen-
dicularly, thus saving time in changing needles. When it is desired to use the plain
loom wypers, for plain, or shed and shed work, the two plain treadies below, are attached
to two of the leaf frames by bottom bars, which are made specially strong for purpose,
by hooks and the ordinary plain roller is supported below the top bars of leaf frames-
In place of the nuts above and below the bottom bar, (see paragraph 2), to raise and
lower it, a single nut with a turned collar, long enough to catch the whole depth of bar,
will be found fully more convenient-The screw and bar of leaf frame, being otherwise
the same.
In many cases the hollow metal roller, described in (paragraph 21), can be placed
with advantage below the card barrel. in place of above and in some cases a roller may
be used with advantage in both positions.
The whole of the machinery contained in this and the preceding twenty-four double
pages, or leaves, is claimed as new in principle, or design, or both, except the toothed
levers crossing the top of loom and these are very old (see paragraph 2).
The other connections, viz. the horozontal bars and cranks are new when used as
these are, both to push and draw although when used to draw only, this form of con-
nection is as old if not older, than the toothed levers and can be used by anybody.
Executed by me at Glasgow, Scotland, the Third day of September, Eighteen
hundred and eighty-nine years.
ALEXANDER DICK STEWART,
7, Camphill Quadrant, Langside, Glasgow, Scotland.

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Loom Shedding Mechanism.
ALEXANDER DICK STEWART 7 Camphill Quadrant Langside Glasgow Scotland
Fancy Dress 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:-
The object of the Shedding Motion hereafter described, is the improvement, simpli-
fication, and extension, of the principle of shedding in weaving fancy heddle work,
so that the shedding machine, not only directly lifts, but; also directly depresses them,
thus rendering the use of springs, weights, treadles, or any other unattached
appliance underneath the loom, unnecessary and making the shedding both up and
down, equal and accurate-The use of twine or straps, is also dispensed with-The
machine is so constructed, that the strain on each leaf, is only that necessary, to
make the leaf rise or fall, the proper distance to form its share of the shed required,
whether that he great or little-A number of minor points are also improved, as for
instance the make of cards and fastening of pins.
The machine can be worked either in a vertical position, that is, with the needles
and machine standing upright and working up and down, or in a horozontal position,
that is, with the needles and machine lying on their sides and working across the
loom.
The position of the machine is intended to be at the side of loom, clear of web and
at opposite end from handle of loom-The machine can however, he also used in
centre of loom, in vertical position-The alterations required to change machine from
a vertical, to a horozontal position are only matters of detail and do not affect the
principle, or main working parts of the machine-The machine can also be used as a
single action shedding motion, by simply fastening back or removing the knife on
back cross lever and applying springs below.
The drawings and following specification, are for a left hand loom.
Figure 1 represents one heddle frame for vertical machine, all the others being
similar and consists of a bottom and top and two side bars-The bottom bar B of
frame, is made of iron or steel, about one sixteenth of an inch thick and any bred th
from an inch upwards and has an angle piece about quarter of an inch in bredth,
projecting from its low edge to keep it rigid. Close to each end of the bar a nut
with collar above and below bar, is inserted, by a piece of metal the width of bar being
rivetted to it, a half circle being previously crossed in both the bar and piece, to
receive nut, which fits the hole easily and turns freely-these nuts are put back and
forward about an inch, on the alternate bars to give clearance. A casting can be used
for piece-The extreme ends of bottom bar are inserted into grooves in cast iron
plates P. P. which plates are about eight inches deep and fully that width-they can
be deeper and wider-and these plates are fastened to side frames of loom, in proper
position to keep front leaf frame immediately behind upper shell of lathe or lay when
it is full back.
These cast iron grooved plates, can be fixed any length from side of loom, but the
best position is with grooved surface of plates fully two inches outside i.e. nearer
frame of loom than connecting rods of lathe or lay. Steel wires strung in frames and
the ends of bar split into gabs or pierced with holes for wires may be used instead of
grooves in plates-Slightly above centre of and parallel with bottom bar, a thin metal
rod is firmly fastened, by two brackets, which are fastened about three inches from
the ends of rod, these ends which are corrugated below, catch eyelets on low edge of
heddle shaft--Hooks or other appliances may be employed instead of rod-The top
bar "C" runs parallel with the bottom bar and is of similar metal to bottom bar,
but; the angle piece is at top in place of bottom edge-the end of this bar next
machine, is fixed by pin to side rod, but; the other moves freely in gab in opposite
side rod-The side rods E. E. are made of iron or steel and can be any shape round
square, flat, etc.—their bottom ends have long screws on them which pass through

page_text: the nuts or other convenient connection, in bottom bar and are used to adjust the
height of the heddle-their top ends are split into gabs, which receive top bar-the
position of these rods, is as close to connecting rods of loom as possible and whatever
their shape, they must have a short flat piece, above the hottom bar opposite the ends
of low heddle shaft-these rods are hinged by studs on the toothed levers D. D. at the
points S. S. The levers D. D. are geared into one another by small teeth at centre
of loom. are made of cast or cast malleable metal, and are hung on studs at the
points F. F. The outside end of the one lever is left free, the other is made longer
and attached directly to the upright needle of driving machine (see drawing).
R. R. represent two short, but; powerful escapement springs suspended from top bar
by wires and having wires suspended from their lower ends, which have small hooks
at their extremities, which hook into eyes in upper edge of top heddle shaft-these
wires and springs are put back and forward, about an inch, on the alternate leaf
frames.
In the case of very heavy work small rods with screw couplings, can be used instead
of wires and springs-A represents the heddle leaf which has eyes, generally two in
number fixed at proper distances, in the top of the upper heddle shaft and the same
in the bottom edge of the lower heddle shaft and all that requires to be done, when
putting in web, is to slip one of the lower eyes or eyelets over the point of the rod on
bottom bar, push it along till the other eye can pass over opposite end of rod and
then bring to centre-put the hooks, on the wires, from the top bar, into the eyes on
the top shaft of heddle, allow the escapement springs to recover and the leaf is ready
for weaving.
G. in Figure 1. represents the needle of vertical machine and is attached to toothed
lever D. by stud-when the needle is raised or lowered, the upper and lower shed of
the web are respectively formed, as the whole leaf frame, moves with the needle-
The needle, G. is about half an inch broad, fully an eighth of an inch thick and made
of cast malleable iron or steel. It stands perfectly vertical, passing through a grating at
or near bottom, the position of which is shewn at, T, and a grating at or near top,
the position of which is shewn at, T T-Commencing at foot, it has first the hole for
stud, then it curves back and leaves hollow for roller, X, then it goes back to perpen-
dicular by gentle slope N, then it is perfectly straight and flat, but; for the
projection, I, on the front side, which the pins in cards act on and the two projecting
knobs or hooks, K, and, K, K, which are what the cross levers, lower and raise it
by it ends in a wedge like point.
The whole back and forward and up and down motions, which act on the needles
direct, are shewn at the needle G. Figure 1-the barrel L, the crank H, the spring M,
and the roller X, representing the former and the sole plate W, and the back and
front levers, Z, and, Y, the latter. The other motive powers which do not act directly
on the needles, together with the framework for supporting them and which may all
be called outside appliances, will be clearly explained afterwards-The action of the
machine is simple and comprehensive-The pins in the cards on the barrel L, either
by being simply drawn round, or by both that and the back and forward motion, of
the barrel, force back the needle, G, by acting directly on the face, I, the lower end
of the crank H, being meantime forced back and the spring M being distended by
the upper end of same crank rising-the back knob or hook, K, is forced under the
knife of the lever Z and when the needle is forced down by that lever, it is put
slightly further back and kept there by the roller X acting on the slope N. When
the needle is forced up again by the sole plate, W, on which it rests rising, the
roller X gets again into hollow depression, J, and the crank, H, acted on by the
spring, M, forces the needle G forward, when the knob or hook K, K, is put into
slot in the lever Y, and when that lever ascends, the needle is carried up with it,
thus forming the lower and upper sheds respectively-The up and down needles never
rest against the cards or pins except for an instant, being supported by the front of
the top grating and bottom stud and roller and bottom stud respectively-Figure 2
simply represents a needle of the same description, which can only be acted on by a
fixed barrel, the pins in cards acting on the hanger or pendent, I, and through the

page_text: projection, O, which can be either on the hanger or needle, forces back the needle
which goes through the same process, as in the case of the needle G Figure 1. described
above, the only difference being that needle 2 is pushed back and kept back, by the
pins in card only, without the assistance of roller below barrel. Figures 3 and 4
are needles adapted for very light and fast work, the support of the needles in the
vertical position, being given by the cross needles at top and the grating at bottom
only and consequently not so powerful as needles in Figures 1 and 2. In Figure 3
the needle is exactly the same shape as the needle, G., Figure 1, but; has all the top
above the knobs, K, and, K K, cut off and is consequently much shorter. It is
supported at bottom by grating, see, T, Figure 10 and at top, by the cross needles H,
which is in turn guided and supported by the plates, P, and, P P. These cross
needles are the ordinary shape, viz., flat in centre with slot for upright needle and
having round and square ends, the latter being through the plate next barrel and
the former having the spiral spring on it and being through back plate. They are
hosomed and overlap. This needle can only he acted on by a barrel which goes
backward and forward and the pins in cards, are square on top and act directly on
the points of the cross needles It can be kept back to form low shed in two ways
which are both good, viz. by the roller X, same as the needle G, Figure 1, or by a
knife attached to front of back cross lever, see Figure 24, which runs across the top
of cross needles close to the back of upright needles. This knife A, Figure 24, when
cross lever Z is full up, is slightly raised by straps D D (which have long slots in
them) from top of cross needles, but; the moment the cross lever Z descends the
springs B. B. attached to underside of knife draw it down on cross needles and those
needles which are full back, are caught by small projection on upper side of cross
needles, which is cut slightly behind slot for upright needle and held firmly back,
till cross lever Z again rises and so on—In Figure 4 the needle is straight and can
only be acted on by a fixed barrel through the hanger I, and cross needle H, unless
the knife A Figure 24, above cross needles, is employed, in which case a travelling
barrel may be used-The drawings, Figures 2, 3 and 4 will otherwise explain
themselves, being very similar to G. Figure 1.
The up and down motive power consists of a sole plate W, Figures 1 and 12, on
which all the machine ends of the toothed levers rest, supporting upright needles by
studs and the cross levers Z and Y. Figures 1 and 12 the former of which in
conjunction with the sole plate lowers the needles to form bottom shed and the latter
lifts them to form top shed. These cross levers are hinged by paps and studs at one
end, to hangers R. R. Figure 12, which hangers are attached to projections on
frame S. S. Figure 12. The other side of sole plate and cross levers, pass through
slots in rods A and B, Figure 9, the sole plate and the sinking cross lever, being
put through the slots E and D respectively in the rod B and the rising or front cross
lever through the slot C, in rod A. These rods may be of any shape, but; about
three quarters of an inch square is a very good make.
They are fixed about an inch from outside of side frame, Figure 7. and are
connected together by the flat curved castings, Y. Y. Figure 9, which connect at
bottom ends by slots and studs in rods A and B or gabs and studs in castings Y. Y.
to the rods A and B at the points X. X. and at top ends are attached by gabs and
studs to the lever Z which moves on stnd fixed in the centre of top of side frame,
Figure 7, see H.
At the bottom of the rod A, Figure 9, there is a small double gabbed link S. S.
which connects by stud pins, the rod A, with the lever W, which lever turns on the
stud or pod R, and is attached at opposite end to the connecting rod from crank on
top shaft of loom.
When the crank on shaft of loom is turned, the lever W. Figure 9, rises or
sinks and moves the rod A, which in turn moves the rod B, through connections
and the cross levers which act on needles, being attached at one end to one or other
of these parallel rods, they are raised or depressed as the case may be, at the one end
thus forming sheds at proper angle. Both the cross levers Z and Y, Figures 1
and 12, are perfectly flat on the faces, next each other, except where sloped away

page_text: above and below respectively, to prevent them breaking the knobs or hooks on
upright, needles, when ascending and descending respectively and feathers on necks
to give strength to paps. They work about two and a half inches apart. The form
of the rising lever is shewn on the face by, Y. and from top edge by, Y Y.
Figure 13.
The form of the sinking lever by, Z. and, Z Z. Figure 14.
The form of the sole plate by, W. and, W W. Figure 15.
The general make of the levers and sole plate consists of a pap, a neck, a working
part and a tongue to pass through parallel rods.
Figure 16, represents an important portion of the machine which requires some
explanation.
When the card barrel turus, or if movable, turns and comes forward, against
needles, the needles are thrown back too quickly, to avoid the top sloped surface
of the knife of back cross lever in their descent and means, as explained in
provisional specification, have to be adopted, to avoid the shock and allow needles
free passage below knife.
This can be done in a negative fashion by hinging the sloped knife on top
of back cross lever, at top corners and allowing needles to push it back, the
recovery being made by a flat spring, below knife. A much better plan is shewn by
Figure 16. This consists of the sloped knife, about eight inches long, being cast
almost triangular, the apex being towards needles-from the extreme ends of the
knife two curved horns, go down round back of cross lever and come forward again
underneath the lever till the points of the horns are fully plumb, with the front edge
of the triangular knife above-the points of the horns are hinged by studs, or a rod
to projections cast on bottom of lever. A strong flat steel spring, goes through
slots in the horns of the knife and is fastened in centre of back of lever, by bolts
and nuts.
From the top of the horn next motive power end, a bracket extends outside
back of side frame, till it is equal in length to cross lever, and to the extreme point
of this bracket, outside parallel bar, a casting with a vertical, flat and sloped side, is
firmly fixed by bolts, the sloped surface pointing towards other lever. A pulley
about three quarters of an inch in diameter is fixed by bracket on the extreme point
of the opposite lever see Y Y. Figure 13, and when the two levers are meeting in
shedding, the pulley on front lever, acts on sloped surface of opposite casting and
throws the triangular knife, on back lever, clear of knob or hook on descending
needles the moment the levers separate, the spring behind forces the knife over
knob on needles and the knife, is kept firmly forward, by a pulley attached to fulcrum
end of knife, acting on sloped bracket, attached to side frame of machine. In Figure 16.
E is knife, J. J. the horns. F projecting bracket, H sloped casting the separate
figures marked J and H being side view of horns and sloped casting respectively.
The small pulley for keeping knife forward, after levers separate, is seen at A,
Figure 16. The sloped knife fixed to cross lever is shewn at Z, Figure 14.
The frame of the machine, consists of a square foundation frame see O. Figure 10,
to the left of which at the point N, the upright side or fulcrum frame, Figure 5,
is firmly bolted and to the right of which, at the point M, the upright side or
motive power frame Figure 7 is firmly fixed.
Between the sides of square foundation frame O, Figure 10, and in the centre of
side frames, the cast iron grating T, is fixed and between the tops of the side frames,
the grating, TT. Figure 11, is bolted. These gratings are of cast iron, the top one
being broader than bottom one, to allow of extra traverse of needles. When needles,
Figures 1 and 2, are employed, they pass through both gratings, but; when needles 3
and 4 are employed, the top grating is not required and an ordinary top can be
substituted.
A square shaped lever W, Figure 10, surrounds the square foundation frame O,
from the foot of one side frame, to the foot of the other side frame and is hinged,
when the barrel is movable, on the rod R, and when the barrel is fixed on two
studs. When the barrel is movable the motion is imparted by a cast iron crank

page_text: fixed on the rod, R, either in a downward, or a horozontal position, whichever suits
motion and the barrel is drawn round, by a hook or hooks, fixed to the left hand side
frame the pap of the crank is shewn at E. Figure 10. When the barrel is fixed,
it is drawn round by a single hook see B. Figure 18 or by a double hook see B B.
Figure 19 both of which are hung on stud in slot near the point D, of the lever W
see Figures 10, 18 and 19. The point S, of the lever, W. Figure 10, is attached to
crank on top shaft of loom and the opposite point, S S, to the bottom of rod A.
Figure 9, by the connecting link and this lever gives motion to the whole
machine.
Figures 5 and 6 give the outside face and profile views, of the left hand, or fulcrum
side frame, which is a thin casting, having two upper and one lower slot cast in its
face for the necks of the rising and sinking cross levers and the sole plate respectively,
to work through these levers and sole plate, being hung by intermediate brackets
see R. R. Figure 12, to the projecting castings S. S. S. S. Figures 5, 6 and 12. The
cast projection, P. Figure 5, is the support for the barrel bush, when barrel is fixed,
but when barrel is movable, this bracket will be somewhat lower down. The cast
projection R. Figure 5, is the support for the rod which carries the light cranks
behind needles, see H. Figure 1.
Figures 7 and 8 give the outside face and profile views, of the right hand or
motive power side frame, which is a thin casting, having two upper and one lower
slot cast in its face for the lifting ends, of the rising and sinking cross levers and
the sole plate respectively, to work through. These slots correspond with the slots
in Figure 5, but are narrower and longer the travel of the levers and sole plate
being greater, at the motive power end. The projections and R correspond with
the similar projections in Figure 5. The projections V. V. V. V. Figures 7 and 8,
shew position and elevation of the brackets, which hold the parallel rods A and B
Figure 9, in position opposite slots, so as to receive ends of cross levers and sole-
plate. The double lines N N. N N. Figures 5 and 7, shew the part of side frames to
which square foundation frame is bolted.
The barrel is of wood about three inches in diameter, into twelve inches long and
has eight bevelled spaces in its circumference, fully nine inches long and half an
inch wide at top, to admit cards. A turned metal gudgeon, runs through it and
after passing through two bushes, it has a ratchet wheel with eight teeth, fixed by set
screws, on its left hand end, for turning barrel and a stamper wheel with eight
points, fixed by set screws on its right hand end, for stopping barrel, in proper
position.
Its position is about six inches above foundation frame and it can be either fixed,
acting on needles by turning only or movable acting on needles by turning and then
advancing. When the barrel is a fixture, which suits needles Nos. 1. 2 and 4 it is
simply drawn round by the single hook see Figure 18, or forward and back by the
double hook, see Figure 19. When the barrel is movable three motions are given,
see Figures 20, 21 and 22 and these suit all the needles, but; more especially 1
and 3.
In Figure 20, the barrel is contained between the sides of a casting M, which by
two right angled bends, stretches from one journal to the other and is hung on studs
or rod at X.
On the bottom of this casting a bracket N, about six inches long is cast or
bolted, having stud in slot near foot. A connecting rod, S, joins the bracket to the
crank E which is fixed by set screws on the rod, R, Figure 10.
The connecting rod S has a slot about twice the width of stud at the end next
movable frame and a powerful spiral spring runs alongside, the connecting rod and
draws the bracket and movable frame forcibly towards each other. When in motion
the bracket N, comes against an india rubber pad, fixed on casting attached to
frame, and gives dwell or pause proportional, to the length of slot in connecting
rod S.
In Figure 21 the barrel is contained in casting similar to that in Figure 20, but ;
the distance between fulcrum and barrel and to bottom is shorter. At foot of bracket,

page_text: there is a slot set at an angle of about forty five degrees, a small portion of this slot
next machine, is curved round to almost the vertical, to give dwell or pause. In
this slot a metal pulley, hung on stud, on end of bracket E, travels up and down,
through the motion of bracket E, which is fixed in a horozontal position, to the
rod, R.
In Figure 22 the barrel is hung on the end of two slides P. which pass through
slots in brackets, on side frames of machine and are connected to levers J and JJ.
Figure 23, by pins, D D. Figure 23, these two levers and the connecting casting A,
being bung by the studs P. P. on two brackets close behind side frames, see M.
Figure 17.
The bottom of the lever J, Figure 23, is connected by stud (sec) K. to the
connecting rod S. Figure 22, which has small slot at end next, K, stud. The other
end of the connecting rod, S, is hung on stud, in slot, in bracket E, which is fastened
in vertical position on rod K. Figure 10. When working, the bottom slope of the
lever J. Figure 23, comes in contact with an india rubber pad, at every stroke,
which causes dwell, or pause, proportional to slot in connecting rod S. Figure 22.
Any of these motions are optional.
Ordinary wooden cards fully nine inches long and half an inch wide and deep,
bevelled at sides and ends to fit barrel and having one hole opposite each needle may
be used, the pins being fully half an inch high and having turned shoulders.
the cards which are specially patented are as follows-
But
They are made of any hard wood, say beech, fully nine inches long by half an inch
wide and deep and bevelled in usual way at sides and ends to fit barrel-there is one
hole opposite each needle and on the surface across card, opposite each hole, there
is a small semi-circular depression, about quarter inch long and one eighth of an inch
deep and along the whole row of holes up to one end of card there is a shallow
narrow groove run, which is slightly bell mouthed, next end of card. A sheet of
thick tin or thin metal, is made into shape of top of card, but; about. one eighth of
an inch wider on each side, which eighths are bent over edges of wooden card and
fit into shallow grooves, run on outer and upper edges of wooden card. Besides
being fastened by these overlapping edges the metal top has a hole, at or near each
end, into which two small wood screws are put.
Along the centre of metal top, there is a row of small slots about quarter inch
long, into one sixteenth of an inch wide, punched, each slot being exactly above a
hole in wooden card. The cards are joined together, either by wire links, in usual
way, or if work is specially heavy, a small mild steel plate, is put through card at
each end, where wire should be, having two small holes in centre for nails or pins
and two larger holes at ends for coupling wires. As these holes in plates are punched
by die, they make the distance of cards separate, very exact and are very firm. For
very light work these cards can be made without metal top, having only a half round
wire sunk flush run along top of card on each side of the depressions in wooden
card, with suitable catches for pin wire. Metal surfaces may also be made in other
ways, the principle being the saine.
The pins for above cards are punched out of thin metal say iron or steel, about one
sixteenth of an inch thick, the pin being fully one inch long over all, fully half an
inch of that being about half an inch wide and above surface of metal top of card,
the top of pin being generally rounded and the remainder of pin, which goes into
card, shaped to 6t semi-circular depression and hole in wooden card. Through the
centre of pin and close below metal top of card, when pin is in place, there is a small
hole punched or bored, and when the pins are all in position for pattern, a wire is
shoved from end of card in groove in wood, below metal top. through the whole row
of pins and is made secure from coming back, by the bent end, or a small brazed
projection, being put into small hole in metal top, above bell mouthed portion, in
wooden card. As the pins fit neatly, but; easily, they can be put in by fingers
without hammering and when pattern is no longer required, the wires can be with-
drawn and the cards turned upside down, when the pins will fall out.
To save long chains of cards, in shed and shed work, an appliance
fixed to

page_text: machine, to make barrel tilt back and forward, so, that; any length of pattern can
be worked on two cards, the tilting being done by double hooks, similar to, B B,
Figure 19. The apparatus is very simple, consisting of a lever across back or front
of machine, attached at one end to one of the double hooks, with a spiral spring
intervening and attached at other end by wires, to the back leaf frame. The lever is
worked up and down alternately by pin in card and the operation, is stopped, by a
lever and pin or lump, on checking cards of loom. When properly set this motion is
very accurate.
A good substitute for the motion shewn at Figure 9, is to have a row of teeth, or
rack, cast down the contiguous sides of the rods A and B, and a pinion gearing into
both, fixed on stud, about centre of side frame. This is optional.
When the loom is required for plain, shed and shed work, two or more of the bottom
bars, of leaf frames, can be removed and the plain wypers and rollers can then be
used, the needles of machine, being kept in position, by wire in holes through needles.
In Figure 1, the rod C, of the leaf frame is drawn too high, the proper distance
between the top bar and the toothed lovers, being between four and five inches, but;
although not minutely correct in every detail, the drawings give a sufficiently
correct idea of the principle of machine. These drawings are in no way binding as
to dimensions as the whole machine, or any of its parts, may be made larger or
smaller or heavier or lighter, so long as the principle and general construction are
adhered to.
If the front side frame, Figure 17, is lowered plumb down over the needle G,
Figure 1, and the lever D Figure 18, is then added--the barrels of course being
made to correspond-you have a correct idea of the appearance of complete machine.
The gratings shewn in Figures 10 and 11, have only sixteen slots, but; they are
made of course with any number, more or less, to suit the number of needles
required.
In place of the wooden cards with metal, or partly metal tops a card composed
wholly of metal may be made as follows-a sheet of thick tin or thin metal fully
nine inches long and one and a half inches wide has a row of slots for pins similar to
metal tops of wooden cards, punched in proper position. Four small longitudinal
slots, being at same time punched in proper positions for small steel links to pass
through, for holding cards together. The half inch in centre of sheet of metal, forms
the top of card and the two side balf inches, are bent over to form proper bovel for
fitting barrel, the ends being also cut to level of barrel. A narrow piece of metal
with a row of holes corresponding with the slots in top, is then slipped along between
and inside of bevelled metal sides and soldered firmly about one eighth of an inch
from bottom of card, or the centre of narrow piece of metal may be raised an eighth
of an inch by bending, the outside edges being kept flush with bottom of card. The
steel links are put through slots and rivitted to bottom side, of top of card, one of
then having small depression in top to receive pin wire. Small pieces of metal fixed
to inside of top of card, act as guides and supports for pin wire. The pins are of the
same make as for wooden cards, the wire going from end to end in same way and
secured in same way.
Of course this card could all be stamped out of one piece of
metal, the slots, holes and bevelled ends being cut at one operation, the principle
being the same as above.
Figure 30, is a representation of the leaf frame and connections, for the horozontal
machine, which is suitable for very broad work. The frame is composed of a bottom
bar B, a top bar C, and two side bars E. E. the two former being horozontal and
parallel and the two latter at right angles to them i.e. vertical. B and C, are made
of iron or steel about one sixteenth of an inch thick and any width, from
one and a half inches upwards and having an angle projecting about a quarter of an inch,
from the bottom of B, and top of C, to keep them straight and rigid.
The side bars E. E. can either be angle iron or steel, same as B and C, but;
narrower and rivetted firmly to the top and bottom bars at corners, or they may be of
same make as vertical machine, being binged at top by studs, and at bottom, by
0

page_text: either studs or nuts in low bar, same as vertical machine. The ends of the top and
bottom bars, are inserted into and move up and down in, grooves in plates P. P. P. P.
Strung wires and gabs or holes, can be substituted for plates. D. D. represent two
right angled cranks hung on rods F. F. and attached at low ends by studs, to the
rods and screw couplings M. M. which in turn are connected to the top bar of leaf
frame. The upper ends of cranks, are attached by stud and slot, to the horozontal
metal bar, S. which is placed on edge, in slot, frames, attached to frame of loom
at H, H. The end of metal bar, S. has a cast iron shoulder on it and this is passed
through the hole in sole plate, see Figure 35, by a method explained below. This
shoulder rests on each edge of hole in sole plate and to it the horozontal needles of
machine are hinged. A. Figure 30 represents heddle leaf, which is put on to bar by
eyes at bottom, same as vertical machine. R. R. represent strong escapement
springs, attached by wires to top bar of leaf frame and by wires and hooks to eyes, in
top heddle shaft. Thin bars and screw couplings can be used for extra heavy work.
The needles employed in this machine are the same as for vertical machine, but;
require no crank and spring behind, as they fall of their own weight. The cross
levers are the same as in vertical machine, but; the sole plate has a hole through it
see, Figure 35, the end of the sole plate next P, is raised in a curve, so as to allow
shoulder on metal bar S, to pass under it into hole. The parallel bars A and B,
Figure 33, are similar to those in vertical machine, but; A has no link at end. The
connecting rods Y. Y. Figure 33, are also similar to those in vertical machine, but
the lover has the horn attached to it, for driving the whole machine see R. Figure 33;
this horn R is attached by rod and stud, in slot, to crank on upper shaft of loom. The
side frames of machine are the same as in vertical machine, see Figures 31, 32 and 34,
but; are laid horozontal with the barrel side downwards and the motive power side
frame to back of loom. These sido frames are connected by a rectangular casting,
see Figures 36 and 34, the position of which in relation side frames is shown by
D. D. Figures 31 and 32. The whole machine rests on the low side of this rectangular
casting and the legs H. H. Figures 31 and 32. The barrel is of the same dimensions
and make as in vertical machine, as are also the cards and pins. The barrel is turned
when in a fixed position by a shoving hook, attached to the neck of the lever Y,
Figure 34, just outside the side frame of loom. When the barrel is movable it is
hung on two slides same as described in vertical machine see P. Figure 22, and is
moved from the top or back of the machine by a lever similar to A, Figure 23, but;
longer in arms, this lever is moved by horn cast on lever Z in a line with the driving
lever R, Figure 33. The barrel is turned by a fixed hook or hooks.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said Inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :
(A) The whole arrangements of the machine are claimed as a new combination and
are patented as such. The separate details claimed as new are,
1st. The entire leaf frame and connections for vertical machine, not including the
toothed levers, D. D.
2nd. The entire leaf frame and connections for horozontal machine.
3rd. The horozontal bars and cranks and connections which move horozontal leaf
frame, when used to pull and push as these do.
4th. The supporting of upright needles by passing through a grating at bottom and
another grating at top of machine, so as to work on the angle of the warp shed,
without shifting and without cross needles.
5th. The form of needles shewn by Figures 1 and 2 and described in specifications,
including connections, roller X, crank H, spring M, etc.
6th. The form of needle shewn by Figure 3, excluding cross needles, but including
connections.
7th. The form of cross lever shewn by Z and Z Z, Figure 14, and connections of
same shewn by Figure 16. Also negative spring knife.

page_text: 8th. The outside motive powers shown by Figures 9 and 33 and connections, as
described in specification.
9th. The general form and framework of machine.
10th. The motions of barrel and connections shown by Figures 20 and 21 as described
in specification.
11th. The motion for barrel and connections shewn by Figure 22, taken as a whole,
but not every detail.
12th. The form of wooden cards with metal, or partly metal tops as described in
specification. And also the wholly metal cards as described in specification.
13th. The form of thin metal pins for cards with hole for wires, as described in
specification.
14th. The principle of putting wire through all the pins in card under metal top, or
catches, to secure the pins from falling out, as described in specification.
15th. The form of cross needles with small projection on top working in connection
with Figure 24.
Dated this Third day of June 1890.
ALEXANDER DICK STEWART,
7, Camphill Quadrant, Langside, Glasgow, Scotland.