Improvements in or connected with Loom Dobbies.
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 4th Aug., 1891
Complete Specification Left, 4th May, 1892-Accepted, 4th June, 1892
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or connected with Loom Dobbies.
We, GEORGE BURGESS and HUGH DAVENPORT LEDWARD of Wardley Mill,
Walkden near Bolton, Manufacturers, and JOHN CROMPTON of 114 Longcauseway,
Farnworth near Bolton, Designer, Registered Teacher of Weaving, and Prize
Medallist of the City and Guilds of London Institute, all in the County of
Lancaster, do hereby declare the nature of our said invention to be as follows:-
"
--
may be
This invention relates to improvements in mechanism employed for the purpose
of operating healds in weaving, variously known as shedding machines, dobbies,
witches, and others, and has for its object the improvement of such mechanism so
that it can be arranged as a positive motion for the purpose of weaving heavier and
more difficult materials than hitherto, and also the adoption of means whereby the
opening of the warp threads for the shuttle to pass through the "shed
effected in a shorter space of time than by the present forms of machines, thereby
accelerating the speed of the loom. This invention will allow of the horizontal
dobby being more successfully employed in the manufacture of gauze or leno clothi
in which some of the warp threads are caused to twist round other warp threads,
for by the use of this invention the healds may be brought to a dead level whilst
the crossing takes place, and yet the opening of the warp threads may be effected
in half the time. This invention also allows of the adoption of improved means of
effecting in a single lift dobby what is known as an open or V "shed," in which
some healds are caused to be depressed at the same time others are rising, each
heald commencing to form the "shed" from a common centre, thereby equalizing
the tension on the threads, and at the same time causing those healds that are
being depressed to assist in lifting the remaining healds. This invention is
designed to perform the work which has usually been performed by tappets, cams
or wipers, and is an important feature, the arrangement of which is to effect a
positive motion.
In the case of dobby shedding machines these effects are accomplished by inserting
in the dobby suitable sliding or movable fulcrums for the baulks or vertical levers
to work or operate against in lieu of the ordinary stationary parts of the dobby
frame; the sliding or movable fulcrums being connected to the draw knives by
means of a connecting link and swivel arrangement, whereby the action of one part
controls the action of the other part, and hence a more complete control over the
operation of the healds is effected, or in a non-positive dobby the draw knife may
be connected direct to one arm of the T lever, and the sliding bar connected direct
to the opposite arm of the said lever.
In the positive dobby two distinct knives may also be operated by the above
means. The fact of connecting the draw knives with the movable fulcrums or
supports also provides a means whereby those hooks not being drawn forward by
the draw knife are caused to recede backwards at the same time the others are
drawing, the same effect being transferred to the respective shafts of healds to
which they are attached. In carrying out this invention we construct cr form
slots or grooves for the movable bars forming the fulcrums to slide in, each end of
the sliding or movable bars being reduced to the form of a stud and caused to
project outwardly from the dobby frame, whereby a connection to the projecting
ends of the draw knives or to the two arms of the T lever may be effected on
the outsides of the framework of the dobby. In lieu of the aforesaid links and
swivels the sliding parts consisting of the movable fulcrums and draw knives may
be connected by levers, rack and spur gearing, or other suitable or equivalent
This invention also provides that the connecting links before mentioned
means.

page_text: A
may be made with eye pieces to fit on the projecting studs of the sliding fulcrums
and knives, thereby effecting a continuous unbroken connection, or they may be
provided with slots or grooves whereby an intermittent motion may be given to the
various parts. The jacks to which the healds are connected are provided with
means for attaching the cords at variable distances from the fulcrum so that the
same angle of "shed" may be maintained by each shaft of healds and threads.
This invention is equally applicable to single and double lift dobbies.
In single lift dobbies we mount an L lever in suitable framework, to the long
arm of which the heald is attached. The short arm of the lever, which is
supported by the before mentioned movable support, carries the draw hooks.
peg barrel operates on the needles, feelers, or tumblers supporting the hooks and
determines which shall be drawn forward by the knife. The link connection
between the draw knife and the support causes the latter to recede as much as the
former is drawn forward, and hence some of the healds are raised and some
depressed and a V "shed produced. The same effect may be produced by
dispensing with the long arm of the lever and connecting the same by wires,
leather straps, or cords from a jack, from which the wires, leather straps, or cords
pass over pulleys to connect the healds, or they may be continued from their
connection with the jack in two directions, one set passing over guide pulleys to
the top of the healds in order to raise them, and one set passing over other guide
pulleys to the bottom of the healds in order to pull them down.
This invention is applied as a positive motion by applying the link and swivel.
arrangement or other equivalent means mentioned above so as to connect two draw
knives working in opposite directions, a swing catch pivoted upon a centre lever
being caused to hook upon one or other of the knives as determined by the pattern
barrel. If hooked on at one end the lateral motion of the knife will serve to raise
a heald, or if hooked at the opposite end will depress a heald without the aid of
springs. This invention allows of the usual top and bottom jacks being employed
to form a continuous motion. An important part of our invention consist in the
construction and arrangements for jointing the various parts of the dobby and
consists in an oblong or equivalent bearing and slot to allow of the hooks and other
parts being independently placed in position or removed therefrom. The hooks
and other parts are prepared with oblong or equivalent projections or surfaces with
circular or other ends to fit the aforesaid bearings. The said bearings are So
formed and placed that when the hooks or other parts are in working position they
are locked or secured therein. This construction and arrangement allows of the
hooks or other parts being placed in position and removed therefrom in a parallel
or vertical line with the bearing or support, thereby dispensing with the old and
well known side means. Our invention is also designed for improving the
construction of the lattices employed in dobbies and consists in forming them in
two parts with a strip or layer of india-rubber, or metal, provided with holes, slits,
or slots to receive and hold metallic pegs in position. The said pegs are formed
with slots or recesses to operate in conjunction with the said strips of metal or
india-rubber. The metallic strips can be formed with projecting eyes by which
the lattices can be connected together with the usual links.
Dated the 1st August 1891.
EDMUND CHADWICK,
Agent.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or connected with Loom Dobbies.
We, GEORGE BURGESS and HUGH DAVENPORT LEDWARD of Wardley Mill,
Walkden near Bolton, Manufacturers, and JOHN CROMPTON of 114, Longcauseway,
Farnworth near Bolton, Designer, Registered Teacher of Weaving, and Prize
Medallist of the City and Guilds of London Institute, all in the County of
Lancaster, do hereby declare the nature of our said invention and in what manner

page_text: the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by
the following statement:-
may be
This invention relates to improvements in mechanism employed for the purpose
of operating healds in weaving, variously known as shedding machines, dobbies,
witches, and others, and has for its object the improvement of such mechanism so
that it can be arranged as a positive motion for the purpose of wearing heavier and
more difficult materials than hitherto, and also the adoption of means whereby the
opening of the warp threads for the shuttle to pass through the "shed
effected in a shorter space of time than by the present forms of machines, thereby
accelerating the speed of the loom. This invention will allow of the horizontal
dobby being more successfully employed in the manufacture of gauze or leno cloth in
which some of the warp threads are caused to twist round other warp threads, for
by the use of this invention the healds may be brought to a dead level whilst the
cross weaving takes place, and yet the opening of the warp threads may be effected
in half the time. This invention also allows of the adoption of improved means of
effecting in a single lift dobby what is known as an open or V "shed," in which
some healds are caused to be depressed at the same time others are rising, each
heald commencing to form the "shed" from a common centre, thereby equalizing
the tension on the threads, and at the same time causing those healds that are being
depressed to assist in lifting the remaining healds. This invention is designed to
perform the work which has usually been performed by tappets, cams or wipers,
and is an important feature, the arrangement of which is to effect a positive motion.
In the case of dobby shedding machines these effects are accomplished by inserting in
the dobby suitable sliding or movable fulcrums for the baulks or vertical levers to
work or operate against in lieu of the ordinary stationary parts of the dobby
frame; the sliding or movable fulcrums being connected to the draw knives by
means of a connecting link and swivel arrangement, whereby the action of one part
controls the action of the other part, and hence a more complete control over the
operation of the healds is effected, or, in a non-positive dobby the draw knife may
be connected direct to one arm of the T lever, and the sliding bar connected direct
to the opposite arm of the said lever. In the positive dobby two distinct knives
may also be operated by the above means. The fact of connecting the draw knives
with the movable fulcrums or supports also provides a means whereby those hooks
not being drawn forward by the draw knife are caused to recede backwards at the
same time the others are drawing, the same effect being transferred to the respective
shafts of healds to which they are attached. In carrying out this invention we
construct or form slots or grooves for the movable bars forming the fulcrums to
slide in, each end of the sliding or movable bars being reduced to the form of a
stud and caused to project outwardly from the dobby frame, whereby a connection
to the projecting ends of the draw knives or to the two arms of the T lever may be
effected on the outsides of the framework of the dobby. In lieu of the aforesaid
links and swivels the sliding parts consisting of the movable fulcrums and draw
knives may be connected by levers, rack and spur gearing, or other suitable or
equivalent means. This invention also provides that the connecting links before
mentioned may be made with eye pieces to fit on the projecting studs of the sliding
fulcrums and knives, thereby effecting a continuous unbroken connection.
The jacks to which the healds are connected are provided with means for attaching
the cords at variable distances from the fulcrum so that the same angle of "shed
may be maintained by each shaft of healds and threads. This invention is equally
applicable to single and double lift dobbies. In single lift dobbies we mount an
L lever in suitable framework, to the long arm of which the heald is attached.
The short arm of the lever, which is supported by the before mentioned movable
support, carries the draw hooks.
A peg barrel operates on the needles, feelers, or tumblers supporting the hooks
and determines which shall be drawn forward by the knife.
The link connection between the draw knife and the support causes the latter to
recede as much as the former is drawn forward, and hence some of the healds are

page_text: The same effect may be
raised and some depressed and a V "shed" produced.
produced by dispensing with the long arm of the lever and connecting the same
by wires, leather straps, or cords from a jack, from which the wires, leather straps,
or cords pass over pulleys to connect the healds, or they may be continued from
their connection with the jack in two directions, one set passing over guide pulleys
to the top of the healds in order to raise them, and one set passing over other guide
pulleys to the bottom of the healds in order to pull them down. This invention is
applied as a positive motion by applying the link and swivel arrangement or other
equivalent means mentioned above so as to connect two draw knives working in
opposite directions, a swing catch pivoted upon a centre lever being caused to hook
upon one or other of the knives as determined by the pattern barrel. If hooked on
at one end the lateral motion of the knife will serve to raise a heald, or if hooked
at the opposite end will depress a heald without the aid of springs. This invention
allows of the usual top and bottom jacks being employed to form a continuous
motion. An important part of our invention consists in the construction and
arrangements for jointing the various parts of the dobby and consists in an oblong
or equivalent bearing and slot to allow of the hooks and other parts being inde-
The hooks and other parts are
pendently placed in position or removed therefrom.
prepared with oblong or equivalent projections or surfaces with circular or other
ends to fit the aforesaid bearings. The said bearings are so formed and placed
that when the hooks or other parts are in working position they are locked or
secured therein. This construction and arrangement allows of the hooks or other
parts being placed in position and removed therefrom in a parallel or vertical line
with the bearing or support, thereby dispensing with the old and well known side
means.
Fig. 1, Sheet 1, is a sectional side elevation of a single lift dobby having our
improvements applied thereto.
Fig. 2 is an outside elevation of Fig. 1 showing means we employ for coupling
the knife and sliding or movable fulcrums.
Fig. 3 is a plan of Fig. 2.
Fig. 4 is a part side elevation of a single lift dobby showing hooks lifted out of
action with the knife by the feelers operated by the peg or lattice barrel.
Fig. 5 is an enlarged part side elevation of our improved connection for attaching
the hooks to the "jack" or heald levers.
Fig. 6 is a sectional plan through line A' B' in Fig. 5.
"
Fig. 7 is a part front elevation of "jack or heald lever with hook removed.
Fig. 8 is a part side elevation of "jack or heald lever showing method of
inserting or attaching hook in a vertical position.
Fig. 9 is an enlarged part side elevation of our improved joint for attaching
levers to the "jack or other levers.
"
Fig. 10 is a plan of same.
Fig. 11, Sheet 2, is a sectional side elevation of a single lift dobby having the
knife and sliding or movable fulcrum connected by swivels.
Fig. 12 is an outside elevation of Fig. 11.
Fig. 13 is an outside elevation of a double lift dobby having our improvements
applied thereto.
Fig. 14 is a part sectional side elevation of Fig. 13 showing our improved
connections for attaching hooks, levers, and "jacks without boring or drilling,
aud
Fig. 15 is a part sectional side elevation of a single lift dobby with our improve-
ments applied for giving a positive up and down motion to the healds.
In all the figures the same letters and numerals are employed to indicate
corresponding parts.
A is the framework of the dobby; B the heald or jack levers; C the draw
hooks; D the knives; E the sliding or movable fulcrums; F the swivels; G the
feelers; H the grids; I the lattice or peg barrels, and J the healds.
According to this our said invention we mount the knife D and the sliding or

page_text: movable fulcrum E in slots in the framework A of the dobby and connect them
outside by means of the adjustable rods K and the swivels F mounted on the shaft L
and operated to and fro by the T lever M from the crank shaft or other convenient
part of the loom. The knife D operates the draw hooks C in the usual manner
and the sliding or movable fulcrum E operates against the back side of the levers B
by which the healds J are allowed to recede during one stroke of the T lever and
are raised during the next stroke. The joint end of the draw hooks C is constructed
with the oblong circular projection 20 on each side of the body of the said hook as
in Fig. 6, which fits in the corresponding slot or recess 21 on the heald or jack
lever B. The front side of the slot or recess 21 is provided with the fork 22 to
maintain the draw hook C in position sideways. The draw hook C is received
vertically in the slot or recess 21 as shown in Fig. 8, after which the body of the
hook is turned down horizontally into the fork 22, thus dispensing with the old and
well known side means for placing the hooks in position. The slot or recess 21 is
partly formed in the web or body of the lever B to prevent its being lifted out by
the action of the knife D. The draw hooks C are operated in the usual manner by
the feelers G, the latter being pivoted on the pin or centre N extending across
the framework A. of the dobby. The feelers G are guided by the grids H and O
secured to the framework A. The levers B are provided with the forked ends 23
to slip on the supporting centre or fulcrum 24 held in the recesses 25 cast to the
inside of each frame A of the.dubby. The upper end of each lever B is provided
with the notches 26 to receive the wires, straps, or cords 27. for coupling the
same to the healds J. By attaching the wires, straps, or cords 27 at varying
distances from the fulcrum 24 the same angle of "shed" may be maintained by
each shaft of healds and warp threads.
The wires, straps, or cords 27 are guided to the healds J by the pulleys P
mounted loosely on the centre 28. The framework A is provided with the semi-
circular notches 29, in which is placed the centre 28 carrying the pulleys P. The
feelers G are operated in and out of gear by the lattices 30 and pegs 29 on the
lattice or peg barrel I; the latter being rotated by the " pawl" R attached to
the swivel F operating the ratchet wheel S on the shaft T. If desired the draw
hooks C may be coupled to the jacks B as shown in Fig. 11, the long end of the
latter being coupled to the healds J by the wires, straps, or cords 27.
The
In this arrangement the knife D and the sliding or movable fulcrum E are
disposed at varying heights, being coupled on each side by the rods K and the
swivels F; the latter being attached to the framework A by the centres 32.
swivels F are provided with the slots 33 to allow of adjustment to compensate for
the varying lengths of travel between the knife D and the sliding or movable
fulcrum E. In constructing a double lift dobby with our improvements wherein
the knives D and the sliding or movable fulcrums E are on a level and work in
opposite directions as in Figs. 13 and 14 the draw hooks C are connected to the
lever V provided with joints similar to that described and shown in Figs. 5, 6, 7
and 8. The lever V is provided with the oblong circular projection 20 on each
side, which fits into the corresponding slot or recess 21 on the upper end of the
heald or jack lever B. This joint or connection will be better understood by
referring to Figs. 9 and 10, which are enlarged views of the same. The draw
hooks Care operated by the feelers G from the lattices 30 and pegs 29 as herein-
before set forth. In a dobby wherein the knives D are in line with each other the
draw hooks may be made double as shown in Fig. 15, and are mounted on the
centre 34 on the jacks B. The latter are coupled to the upper side of the healds J
by the wires, straps, or cords 27 to raise the healds, and to the bottom side of the
healds by the wires, straps, or cords 35 and the double pivoted lever 36 to depress
or pull them down. In both cases the wires, straps, or cords 27 and 35 are guided
by the pulleys P mounted loosely on the centres 28 attached to the framework of
the dobby. The hooks C are put in gear with one of the knives D by means of
pegs 29 on the lattices 30; contact with the opposite side being effected by

page_text: lattices 30) without pegs, thereby allowing the feeler G to drop by gravity or by
its own weight and lift the hooks C.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what
we claim is :-
1. The improved construction of joint or means of attaching or jointing the draw
hook C to the jack lever B, substantially as described.
2. The improved construction of joint or means of attaching or jointing draw
hook lever V to the jack lever B, substantially as described.
3. In a double lift dobby the use of the sliding or movable fulcrums E in
combination with the sliding draw knives D for the purpose specified, substantially
as described.
4. In a dobby the swivel arrangement and connecting rods for simultaneously
operating the knife or knives and the sliding or movable fulcrum or fulcrums,
substantially as described.
5. In a single lift dobby the arrangement of sliding or movable fulcrum E in
combination with the knife D and jack levers B, substantially as described and as
shown in the drawings in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 11 and 12.
6. In a dobby the use of a centre pivoted double hook with a weighted end,
substantially as described and as shown in Fig. 15.
Dated the 29th April 1892.
EDMUND CHADWICK,
Agent.