Improvements in Ironing and Calendering Machines.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 28th Feb., 1894
Complete Specification Left, 28th Nov., 1894-Accepted, 26th Jan., 1895
Improvements in Ironing and Calendering Machines.
DRUMMOND ALEXANDER MURDOCH 69 and 71, Pilot Street Belfast, Co. Antrim,
Engineer and Boilermaker do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
Improvements in ironing and calendering machines, applicable to glossing &
finishing, collers cuffs, shirts handkerchiefs and such like manufactured goods also
applicable to broad cloths table cloths, towels, and goods in web. The objects and
advantages, are, that it will finish or gloss all manners of goods to a dull or blocking
finish or a medium finish, or a very high finish, and that it will do so with great
economy and speed.
In machines of this class (is common,) a finishing roller, and a padded roller.
The former performs the glossing while the latter is simply for carrying the goods
under the finishing roller.
The principal feature of this invention lies in the peculiar construction and
rubbing action of the finishing roller." It is so constructed that it travels or
vibrates in a backward and forward manner over the circumference of the padded
roller, thereby applying a rubbing action upon the material between the rollers
while the finishing roller is performing this peculiar motion. It simultaneously
revolves on its axis, and at the same time it has provision of a novel nature to
advance to or receed from the padded roller. The axis of both rollers being at all
times parallel to each other.
The arrangement and construction of the several parts to attain this peculiar
action forms a leading novelty in this invention.
The principal features of this invention being equally applicable to narrow goods
as they are to broad goods I make my invention in several sizes, to suit the
different classes and breadths of goods.
For narrow goods such as collers, cuffs, shirts, and such like. The rollers are
placed outside the framework, or, as it is mechanically termed "overhung." For
heavy or broad cloths, of such like as table cloths, handkerchiefs towels and web
cloths. The rollers are placed entirely within the framework. In either case, the
leading features and novelties being carried throughout.
Upon a suitable framework, and in journals prepared for it, is provided a
horizontal shaft. On one end of which is fixed a short metal roller, which is
prepared and padded in the ordinary fashion, common in such like machines.
Within the framework is provided a long sleeve casting, which is accurately
fitted to the above mentioned shaft. The sleeve is not fixed to the shaft in any.
way as it is free to oscillate, or partly revolve, backward and forward on the shaft,
indipendant, of the motion of the shaft, which is free to revolve or remain stationary
within the sleeve. The object of this sleeve, is to form a foundation, whereon is
fixed the several parts, which carry the top or finishing roller.
On either side of the sleeve, is provided two eyelets or snugs, into which is fixed
four perpendicular uprights. On the top of these uprights is fixed a cover or bridge
which is prepared with holes similar & equally spaced to those in the sleeve, and
when the sleeve, cover & uprights are placed in position they form a rectangular
cage, all sides being parallel to each other.
On these four uprights is provided a rectangular hollow box shaped casting..
having on its sides suitable snugs prepared with holes to fit the uprights... This

page_text: box when in position, is between the sleeve & cover or bridge. Beneath the box
is placed on each upright a spiral spring. These four springs support the box.
The box is so fitted that it is free to slide or move to & fro along the four
parallel uprights. Four of the snugs are provided at the bottom of the box, and
four snugs are provided at the top. Between the top & bottom snugs a hollow
space is provided. Into this space is placed two floating or moveable bearings or
journals. These journals are also prepared with snugs, which fit the rods in a
similar manner to the box. One journal is fitted to the two front rods, and one
journal is fitted to the two back rods or uprights. These journals are free to slide
to & fro along their respective uprights, indipendant of the box, or the may slide
along the uprights simultaneously with the box. These journals are connected to
an eccentric shaft. By two links or connecting rods, one link on each journal.
The eccentric shaft is fitted within the box, in journals prepared for it, its axis
being constantly parallel with the axis of the padded roller shaft. It may be
placed either above the moveable journals or below them. The two links are fitted
to this shaft, and are placed one at either end. The links are equal in length and
support the two moveable journals in a parallel position, with the eccentric shaft.
Therefore the jurnals receive a sliding motion equal to the excentricity of the
eccentric shaft, which motion is indipendant of the sliding motion of the box. The
eccentric shaft is actuated by a worm screw & wheel which is preferable as its
locking action retains the journals at any distance from the eccentric shaft, or I
may employ a handle or lever for the same purpose.
A worn and worm wheel is also employed to actuate the box along the four
parallel rods.
The finishing roller may be of brass, copper, or any suitable material, or metal,
or I may construct it of glass or steel, glass, or steel being prefered for higher
finish.
The roller is fixed to a hollow or tubular axle, which is prepared to receive the
gas or steam in the ordinary manner, to the finishing roller. The tubular axle is
fitted to the two moveable journals. The position of the roller being directly over
the padded roller.
The surface of the roller is prepared in a novel and peculiar manner.
It is first
turned to a true cylinderical form. The surface is then serrated or indented with a
series of arrow shaped, or V, (the letter V) shaped indents, which are indented or
cut into the surface of the roller, in regular or irregular series.
The sides of the V may form equal angles with the axis of the roller, or they
may be so serrated as to form unequal angles or I may serrate one or more within
each other having a common apex.
For the same purpose I may indent the surface of the roller by a series of hollow
concave cavities they may be circular, or oval shaped, and they may be placed or
bored under the surface of the roller in regular or irregular order.
For the same purpose I may serrate, or cut into the roller's surface, a series of
short gutters or channels. They may form equal angles with the axis, right and
left, of the centre of the surface of the roller, or they may form varrying angles
right & left of the centre. These gutters are short, and are not continuous. They
may be placed in regular or irregular order.
Or 1 may combine any or all of these serrations in the one roller.
The object of these serrations and cavities is to stretch and take out all creases
in the material and also to form a hollow or escape for the damp vapour and
steam, given off by the material, and thereby attain a higher gloss & finish to the
material.
A
On the opposite end of the finishing roller axle is provided a novel arrangement
of gearing. A wheel is fixed to the axle, and a loose or floating wheel is placed in
contact with it. It is held in contact by a series of links or connecting rods.
link is fitted on the axle on either side of the wheels a pin is fitted to the opposite
ends of these links which is prepared to receive the floating wheel. I now provide
a second loose sleeve, which is fitted loosely on the padded roller shaft. On this

page_text: sleeve is fixed a wheel, which is placed in contact with the floating wheel by a similar
arrangement of links, a link being fitted on either side of it. The opposite ends of
these links being fitted to the pin on the floating wheel, one link on either side.
The object of this novel arrangement of gearing is to actuate the finishing roller,
indipendant of its rocking & slideing motion.
The object of fitting the sleeve loosely on the shaft is to premit it to have a
series of different motions indipendant of the motion of the shaft.
First. It may revolve at various speeds in the same direction as the shaft.
Second. It may revolve in the opposite direction to the shaft.
Third. It may oscillate or rock on the shaft.
Fourth. It may be fixed stationary.
This sleeve and its diffirent applications are novel.
Beneath the first mentioned sleeve, I fix a balance weight, which is supported by
an arm, fixed to the sleeve. On this arm is also provided, a short connecting rod,
which is connected to a wiper or crank lever.” This wiper is actuated by an
eccentric or crank motion, which imparts to the arm on the sleeve a vibrating or
pendulum motion, and since the arm is fixed to the sleeve, and also, since the
finishing roller is fixed to the sleeve, by the arrangement of the parallel uprights,
cage, box & journals, as already described. Therefore the finishing roller simil-
taneously receives the same pendulum or rocking motion. That is. That it.
circumvolves or rolls round about the padded roller.
Any ordinary driving mechanism may be employed to drive the padded roller
shaft.
The first sleeve is actuated be the arrangement already described.
The second sleeve may be driven by a worm & wheel for continuous motion.
Links levers eccentrics or cranks may be employed for the rocking motion or it
may be fixed to the framework in a stationary position.
I have now described my invention when the rollers are-overhung.
When the rollers are placed within the framework. The first sleeve is hollowed
out or bridged so that one end of the sleeve may be at either end of the roller, so
that the two front uprights may be fixed to the sleeve at the front end of the
padded roller, and the two back uprights may be fixed at the opposite end of the
roller. The box is placed on these uprights as before and the finishing roller is
placed within the box the moveable journals being placed one at either end of the
finishing roller.
The second sleeve, link gearing, rocking motion, serrations, cavities and other
leading novelties being carried throughout.
Dated this 26th day of February 1894
DRUMMOND ALEXANDER MURDOCH 69 and 71 Pilot Street Belfast, Co. Antrim
Engineer and Boilermaker 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 :-
Improvements in ironing and calendering machines applicable, to glossing and
finishing collars, cuffs, shirts, handkerchiefs, and such like manufactured goods;
also applicable, to broad cloths table cloths, towels and goods in web.
The objects
and advantages are:-That it will finish or gloss all manner of goods to a dull or
blocking finish, or a medium finish, or a very high finish, aud that it will do so with
great economy and speed.

page_text: In machines of this class (in common) a finishing roller and a padded roller.
The former performs the glossing, while the latter is simply for carrying the goods,
under the finishing roller.
The principal features of this invention lies in the peculiar construction and
rubbing action of the finishing roller. It is so constructed, that it travels or
vibrates in a backward and forward manner, over the circumference of the padded
roller, thereby applying a rubbing action upon the material between the rollers.
While the finishing roller is performing this peculiar motion, it simultaneously
revolves on its axis, and, at the same time, it has provision of a novel nature, to
advance to, or receed from, the padded roller. The axis of both rollers, being, at
all times, parallel to each other.
The arrangement and construction of the seviral parts, to attain this peculair
action forms a leading novelty in this invention.
The principal features of this invention, being equally applicable to narrow goods,
as they are to broad goods, I make my invention in several sizes to suit the different
classes and breadths of goods.
For narrow goods, such as collars cuffs, shirts, and such like. The rollers are
placed outside the framework, or, as it is mechanically termed "overhung." For
heavy or broad cloths, of such like as table cloths, handkerchiefs, towels, and web
cloths the rollers are placed, entirely within the framework. In either case the
leading features and novelties being carried throughout.
Such being the nature and object of my said invention, and in order that the same
may be more readily understood I have hereunto appended sheets of drawings
illustrative thereof to which, by figures and letters reference is made in the
following description.
"
Fig. 1. is an elevation of a inachine made in accordance with this invention.
When the finishing roller is placed within the framework. The dotted lines
indicating the position of the rollers when "overhung or outside the framework.
Upon a suitable framework (a.) and in journals (b.) prepared for it, is provided
a horizontal shaft, (c.) on one end of which is fixed a short metal roller (d.)
which is prepared and padded in the ordinary fashion common, in such like
machines.
Within the framework (a) is provided a long sleeve casting (E) which is
accurately fitted to the above mentioned shaft (c). The sleeve is not fixed to the
shaft in any way, as it is free to oscittate, or partly revolve, backward and forward
on the shaft, independent of the motion of the shaft, which is free to revolve, or
remain stationary within the sleeve (E). The object of this sleeve is to form a
foundation, whereon is fixed the several parts which carry the top, or finishing
roller.
On either side of sleeve (E) is provided two eyelets or snugs (F) into which is
fixed four perpendicular uprights (G). On the top of these uprights is fixed
a cover or bridge (H) which is prepared with holes similar and equally spaced to
those in the sleeve, (E) and when the sleeve (E.) cover (H). and uprights (G).
are placed in position they form a rectangular cage, all sides being parallel to each
other.
On these four uprights (G). is provided a rectangular hollow box shaped
casting, (I) having on its sides suitable snugs (J) prepared with holes to fit
the uprights. This box (I) when in position is between the sleeve (E) and cover
or bridge (H). Beneath the box, is placed on each upright a spiral spring. These
four springs support the box, (I).
The box, (I) is so fitted that it is free, to slide or move to & fro along the four
parallel uprights (G). Four of the snugs (J) are provided at the bottom of the
box, and four are provided at the top. Between the top and bottom snugs (J) a
hollow space is provided. Into this space is placed two floating or moveable
bearings (K) or journals. These journals are also prepared with snugs, which fit
the rods or uprights (G) in a similar manner to the box (I). One journal is fitted to
the two front rods (G) and one is fitted to the two back rods, or uprights (G).

page_text: The
These journals (K) are free to slide to & fro along their respective uprights
independent of the box, or they may slide along the uprights (G) simultaneously
with the box. These journals (K) are connected to an eccentric shaft, (I.). By
two links or connecting rods (M). One link (M) on each journal (K).
eccentric shaft, (L) is fitted within the box (1) in journals prepared for it-its axis
being constantly parallel with, the axis of the padded roller shaft, (C). It may be
placed either above the moveable journals (K) or below them. Two links (M) are
fitted to this shaft, and are placed, one at either end. The links (M) are equal in
length, and support the two moveable journals (K) in a parallel position, with the
eccentric shaft, (L). Therefore the journals (K) receive a sliding motion, equal to
the eccentricity, of the eccentric shaft, which motion is independent of the sliding
motion of the box. The eccentric shaft, (L) is actuated by a worm screw,
(N) and
wheel (N) which is preferable, as its locking action retains, the journals (K) at
any distance from the eccentric shaft, (L). Or I may employ a handle or lever for
the same purpose.
A worm & worm wheel (0) fixed to a screw, may be employed to actuate the
box (I) along the four parallel rods.
The finishing roller (P) may be of brass copper or any suitable material, or
metal, or I may construct it of glass or steel, glass or steel being preferred for
higher finish.
The roller is fixed to a hollow tubular axle (Q) which is prepared to receive the
gas or steam in the ordinary manner, to the finishing roller. The tubular axle (Q)
is fitted to the two moveable journals (K), the position of the roller being directly
over the padded roller, (d).
The surface of the roller is prepared in a novel and peculiar manner.
It is first
turned to a true cylinderical form. The surface is then serrated, or indented with a
series, of arrow-shaped, or V, (the letter V) shaped indents, which are indented,
or cut into the surface of the roller, in regular, or irregular series.
The sides of the V may form equal angles, with the axis of the roller, or they
may be so serrated, as to form unequal angles, or I may serrate one or more within
each other, having a common apex.
For the same purpose, I may indent the surface of the roller by a series
of hollow, concave cavities. They may be circular or oval-shaped, and they may
be placed or bored under the surface of the roller, in regular or irregular order.
For the same purpose I may serrate or cut into the roller's surface, a series of
short gutters or channels.
They may form equal angles with the axis, right and left, of the centre of the
surface of the roller, or they may form varying angles, right and left of
the centre.
These gutters are short and are not continuous. They may be placed in regular
or irregular order.
Or I may combine
any, or all, of these serrations in the one roller.
The object of these serrations and cavities, is to stretch and take out all creases
in the material, and also to form a hollow or escape for the damp vapour,
and steam given off by the material and thereby attain a higher gloss and finish to
the material.
Within the roller is provided two seperate air tight chambers.
One is for the reception of mixed gas and air the other for air only. A series of
hollow spaces or chambers, is also provided, between the air-chamber and the outer
or finishing surface, of the roller. These spaces or chambers, are open at each end,
and they form a continuous series of chambers, for the combustion of the gases.
The first mentioned chamber is fixed to the axle above refirred to, and mixed gas
and air is admitted to it.
It is air-tight on all sides and it is also provided with a series of small jet
burners which pass through the second or air chamber, and convey the mixed gas
and air into the combustion chambers.

page_text: Air is premitted to escape from the air chamber at each of the jet burners and
passes into the combustion chambers.
The object of this peculiar construction of roller and combination of chambers is
to supply small jets or sprays of pure air to each of the jet burners, and thereby
attain, complete combustion of the gases, and since all the heat is retained in the
outer series of combustion chambers, a great economy of gas is attained.
When the finishing roller revolves continuously the outer surface forms a
complete cylinder.
When the finishing roller only partly revolves, the outer surface may be
a complete cylinder or it may be part of a cylinder, or a segment of a cylinder-
having its " convex surface in contact with the padded roller.
"
When the finishing roller does not revolve, or partly revolve the outer surface
may be a complete cylinder, or part of a complete cylinder or segment, having its
concave surface in contact with the padded roller.
66
6
"
دو
In all the above mentioned rollers viz. the complete cylinder, the part or
segment, with convex surface, and, the part or segment with " concave surface,
the same combination of chambers & jet burners, are employed & carried
throughout.
By employing segments of large radius, instead of the complete cylinder of small
radius I attain greater rubbing surface and economy in gas.
"
Fig. III. is a sectional end view of this roller. The dotted lines indicating the
complete roller.
The part in section shewing a segment with "convex surface.
Fig. IV. is a sectional end view, shewing a segment with a
"concave
surface, (W.) is so prepared to fit the hollow axle (Q) (in Fig. 1). (X.) is an air
tight chamber, for the reception of mixed gas and air. (Y) is a chamber for the
reception of air only. This chamber (Y) is also air-tight. On all sides, (Z) shews
the series of chambers referred to. In the solid surface of the roller, or segment,
they are open at each end, and form a regular series of combustion chambers.
(A) shews the series of small jet burners, referred to. They convey the mixed
gas and air from the chamber (X) to the combustion chambers.
The arrow shewing where the air escapes from the air-chamber into the
combustion chambers.
On the opposite end of the finishing roller axle, is provided a novel arrangement
of gearing. A wheel (R¹) is fixed on the axle (Q) and a loose or floating wheel (S)
is placed in contact with it. It is held in contact by a series of links or connecting
rods (T&T), a link (T) is fitted on the axle, on either side of the wheel (R) and
wheel (S) a pin is fitted to the opposite ends of these links which is prepared to
receive the floating wheel, S. I now provide a second loose sleeve (E) which is
fitted loosely on the padded roller shaft, (C). On this sleeve is fixed a wheel (R)
which is placed in contact with the floating wheel (S) by a similar arrangement of
links (T) a link (T") being fitted on either side of it. The opposite ends of these
links (T) being fitted to the pin on the floating wheel (S) one link on either side.
The object of this novel arrangement of gearing, is to actuate the finishing roller,
independent of its rocking or sliding motion.
The object of fitting the sleeve (E¹) loosely on the shaft (C) is to permit it, to
have a series of different motions, independent of the shaft, (C).
First. It may revolve at various speeds, in the same direction as the shaft, C.
Second. It may revolve in the opposite direction as the shaft, C.
Third. It may oscillate, or rock on the shaft, (C).
Fourth. It may be fixed stationary.
This sleeve, El, and its different applications are novel.
Beneath the first mentioned sleeve, (E) I fix a balance weight, which is supported
by an arm fixed to the sleeve, E. On this arm is also provided a short connecting
rod U. which is connected to a wiper or crank lever, U¹). This wiper is actuated
by an eccentric or crank motion, which imparts, to the arm on the sleeve (E.) a
vibrating or pendulum motion, and since the arm is fixed to the sleeve, and also
since the finishing roller is fixed to the sleeve E by the arrangement, of parallel

page_text: uprights cage box and journals as already described. Therefore the finishing
roller simultaneously receives, the same pendulum or rocking motion. That is.
That it circumvolves, or rolls round about, the padded roller.
Any ordinary mechanism may be employed, to drive the padded roller shaft.
The first sleeve E is actuated by the arrangement already described U. U¹.
The second sleeve E' may be driven by a worm & wheel, for continuous
motion.
Links levers eccentrices or cranks may be employed for the rocking motion, or
it may be fixed to the framework in a stationary position.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what
I claim is-
(1.) The combination of the several parts, already described, whereby I attain a
similtaneous, revolving and vibrating, backward and forward motion, in such like
machines to the finishing roller.
(2.) The combination of the several parts, already described, whereby I attain
a similtaneous revolving (or partly revolving) and automaticaly reversing, and
revolving (or partly revolving) in an opposite direction & vica versa motion
combined simultaneously with a backward & forward motion to the finishing roller
of such like machines.
(3.) The combination of the several parts, whereby I attain a revolving (or
partly revolving) motion automatically reversing and revolving (or partly revolving)
in an opposite direction and vica versa independant of any backward or forward
motion, to the finishing roller of such like machines.
(4.) The combination of linked gearing & floating wheel, in such like machines.
(5.) The combination of the several parts, whereby I attain a backward &
forward motion to a concave roller in such like machines.
(6.) The combination of the hollow sliding box and floating or moveable bearings
actuated by eccentric shaft worms and worn wheels and links, producing either
indipendant or similtaneous motions to the box & roller.
(7.) The combination of a loose sleeve, uprights, bridge sliding box moveable
bearings eccentric shaft worm wheels and links to carry the finishing roller.
(8.) The combination of loose sleeve, wipers cranks connecting rods & link
gearing to actuate the finishing roller of such like machines.
(9.) The combination in finishing rollers, of such like machines, of two
independant, (air & gas) and air, chambers, communicating with the series of
combustion chambers, by jet burners.
(10.) The combination of a part or segment of the roller, provided with the same
combination of chambers having a convex surface.
66
"
(11.) The combination of a part or segment, of the roller, provided with the
same combination of chambers having a
66 concave "surface in such like machines.
Dated this 27th day of November 1894.
DRUMMOND A. MURDOCH.