IMPROVEMENTS IN MA- CHINERY FOR THE PURPOSE OF MAKING FIGURED OR ORNAMENTAL BOBBIN NET OR TWIST LACE AND OTHER ORNAMENTAL FABRICS LOOPED OR WOVEN
Year: 1840

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, WILLIAM
CROFTS, of Radford, in the County of Nottingham, Machine Maker, send
greeting.
WHEREAS Her present most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent under the Great Seal of Great Britain, bearing date at
Westminster, the Sixteenth day of March, in the third year of Her reign,
did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the
said William Crofts, Her especial license, full power, sole privilege and
authority, that I, the said William Crofts, my exors, adñors, and assigns,
or such others as I, the said William Crofts, my exors, admors, or
assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time
and at all times during the term of years therein expressed, should and
lawfully might make; use, exercise, and vend, within England, Wales,
and the Town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, and also in all Her said Majesty's
Colonies and Plantations abroad, my Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN MA-
CHINERY FOR THE PURPOSE OF MAKING FIGURED OR ORNAMENTAL BOBBIN NET OR
TWIST LACE AND OTHER ORNAMENTAL FABRICS LOOPED OR WOVEN;" in which
said Letters Patent is contained a proviso that I, the said William Crofts,
shall cause a particular description of the nature of my said Invention,
and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be inrolled in Her
said Majesty's High Court of Chancery within six calendar months next
and immediately after the date of the said in part recited Letters Patent,
as in and by the same, reference being thereunto had, will more fully and at
large appear.

page_text: NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the said
William Crofts, do hereby declare the nature of my Invention, and the
manner in which the same is to be performed, are fully described and ascer-
tained in and by the following statement thereof, reference being had to the
Drawings hereunto annexed, and to the figures and letters marked thereon
(that is to say):-
One part of my
Invention relates to a mode of constructing and arranging
the guides and the guide bars, whereby a larger number of guide bars can
be applied in bobbin net twist lace machines with greater convenience than
heretofore, and at the same time allowing of all the guide bars and the guides
being similar one to the other, and the separate guides can be more readily
got at than can be accomplished by the present construction and mode of
applying guide bars and their guides in bobbin net machines, and at the same
time the guides are so constructed and affixed to the guide bars that they
may be more readily removed, applied, adjusted, and varied in their relative
positions, when required for changing the pattern of lace to be made in the
machine.
Another part of my Invention relates to a mode of raising and lowering the
point bars by which their action may be rendered quicker.
Another part of my Invention relates to a mode of using such descriptions
of pattern surfaces for imparting pattern to the work produced as require
to get away from pressing the guide bars when changing, whereby two pattern
surfaces are employed in such manner that one is changing its surface whilst
the other is acting.
Another part of my Invention relates to those twist lace and warp lace
machines for making lace and other fabrics, wherein independent selecting
instruments are employed, and wherein pattern surfaces are used, according
to the pattern to be made, in order to select the different independent
instruments to govern and control the working of the threads in working one
with another.
It is well known in twist lace machines, and also in warp lace machines,
that within the last few years various descriptions of independent instruments
for selecting and controlling the mode of working the different threads, one
amongst the other, have been introduced, and the selection of such independent
instruments has been accomplished by means of cylinders or barrels with
fixed projecting studs, called "organ barrels," also perforated cards similar to
the system of "Jacquard," when weaving with warp and shuttle, also metal
plates or flat planes with projecting studs. And I mention these means of
selecting independent instruments in order to state that this part of my
Invention does not relate to any new mode of constructing such surfaces, but

page_text: to a mode of employing them, whereby a much less extent of pattern surface
will be required in a machine than heretofore, when the pattern to be produced
in lace or other fabrics made in twist lace and warp lace machines is repeated
several times across the machine; for in place of having as many sets of
pattern surfaces employed as the pattern is repeated across the machine, as
is the practise when using independent selecting instruments, as at present
practised, only one set of pattern surfaces will be necessary, and in each pattern
across the machine, the various independent selecting instruments, which in the
repeated patterns are working to produce the same effect, will be combined or
caused to act together, and thus any motion or effect communicated or permitted
to take place by the pattern surface to one of such independent selecting instru-
ments will take place in respect to others of the selecting instruments across the
machine which are working to produce the same effect and the object of so
working with independent instruments is to save the expense and time requisite
for producing pattern surfaces in width equal to the width of the machine, and
although this mode of working bobbin net and also warp lace machines may
be said to be in some respect similar to when working with extra guide bars,
with fixed guides thereon, or extra stump bars, or when the carriage threads
are selected, it may be assimilated to extra pusher bars or extra catch bars.
There will, however, be found a great advantage in working according to
this part of my Invention, owing to using of all independent selecting instru-
ments, and so arranging them, and the apparatus or parts connected therewith,
that any of such independent instruments may for the time being be connected
and worked together, and when a fresh pattern surface is applied, the com-
bination or producing of a joint action of particular independent instruments
may be quickly changed, which cannot be the case where extra guide or
stump bars, or extra pusher bars, or extra catch bars for selecting the instru-
ment which carry particular threads, are employed, owing to the fixed guides
or stumps, fixed pushers, or fixed catches, offering no means of being connected
to other instruments than their own particular bars, and consequently to
alter a pattern under such circumstances requires much alteration of the
machine in respect to the guide bars, and guides the pusher bars and pushers,
and catch bars and catches, when working bobbin net lace niachines, and
guide bars and guides when working warp lace machines, all which is avoided
by having independent selecting instruments, each capable of being separately
acted on to produce a particular effect in working, which independent selecting
instruments are not, however, new to lace machinery, but heretofore they have
required each and every of them to have a pattern surface; and this part of
my Invention simply consists of so coupling or combining or communicating
9

page_text: a joint action to the working of all those independent selecting instruments
which are to work to produce the same effect at different parts of the fabric,
that one pattern surface will be sufficient to repeat the pattern several times
across a machine, all which will be better understood when I come to describe
the Drawings hereunto annexed.
Another part of my Invention relates to a mode of making pattern surfaces,
whereby the pattern may be more readily changed than heretofore has been
the case when somewhat similar pattern surfaces have been used; and this part
of the Invention relates to employing surfaces having holes or recesses therein
to receive filling pieces, by the regulated lengths of which the quantity of
action of the instrument acting on is governed. Thus supposing I desire
to make a cylindrical pattern surface or barrel, or a flat plane pattern surface,
in place of having the projecting pins affixed by driving into wood or fixing
them into metal, I simply form holes or recesses in the surface, all of equal
depths, and I have a number of pins or filling pieces of regulated lengths,
which simply drop into the holes or recesses, and which can be removed, and
the pattern recomposed, when a change of pattern is required, there being
suitable apparatus where neceesary to prevent such filling pieces falling out
when at work, as will be hereafter described. By this means the pattern
surfaces may be worked at much less cost, owing to the facility of changing
the pattern from time to time, and thus the same pattern surface and filling
pieces may be used over and over again, in working different patterns, in place
of the pattern surfaces being broken up when the pattern they produce is
no longer called for, which has been the case when working with an organ
barrel or other surfaces with fixed projecting studs.
And another part of my Invention relates to a mode of transmitting the
pattern obtained from a pattern surface to the guide bars of bobbin net
machinery, by means of an intermediate apparatus consisting of moveable
parts, which is caused to receive a particular contour from a pattern surface,
and convey it to the guide bars, by which means the pattern surface from
which such pattern is obtained can be changed, ready for again imparting a
fresh contour or pattern, during the time that the apparatus is transmitting
the previously obtained pattern to the guide bars.
And in order to give the best information in my power, I will proceed
to describe the Drawings hereunto annexed, and the figures and letters
marked thereon.

page_text: guide bars of bobbin net or twist lace machinery that a larger number of extra
guide bars may be applied with convenience, by which means the warp
threads employed in a twist lace machine may be more independent of each
other, and thus allow of the various warp threads being worked to produce
more varied patterns of ornamental work than can be accomplished according
to the present means of construction without great difficulty, and also the
modes of constructing and applying guides to guide bars in bobbin net or twist
lace machinery are improved; and this part of my Invention consists of a mode
of arranging guide bars within a curve or an inverted arch, and in such manner
that the various guide bars and their guides converge to the space between
the inner ends of the combs or bolts in which the bobbin carriages move, and
the positions of the guides will be more readily regulated.
In constructing bobbin net machinery as heretofore practised, it has been
common to use various numbers of guide bars, according to the nature of the
pattern to be produced, consequently the advantages of having a more con-
venient means of obtaining a large number of guide bars in the machine, with
a facility of getting at and adjusting the guides, will readily be appreciated by
the workman. It will not, therefore, be necessary to enter into any descrip-
tion of the various patterns which may be produced by having any particular
number of guide bars, in order to render the warp threads capable of acting
to a considerable extent independently of each other, for my Invention in this
respect does not differ from the machinery now in use, so far as the result of
working many independent guide bars, where like number of guide bars
are used in both cases, my Invention only offering a more convenient means
of applying many guide bars than the modes now resorted to offer, and also a
better means of applying the guides to the guide bars. And it will not be
necessary to enter into any description of the construction or working of lace
machinery further than to explain the variations which I have made therein
in order to improve the working of some of the parts. At the same time [
would wish it to be understood that I make no claim to such variation in the
general working of the bobbins and carriages and some of the other parts of
the machinery; and I would also wish it to be understood that I do not
confine myself to the using of my new mode of applying guide bars in com-
bination with such arrangements of parts of bobbin net machinery as are shewn
n the Drawings, as it will be evident to the lace machine maker that many
variations may be made in the general machinery, and yet leave my improved
mode of applying extra guide bars within a curve or inverted arch, having
heir guides applied and converging towards the space between the bolts or
combs, substantively the same as herein described.

page_text: Figure 1 of Drawings.-A represents a front view of a machine for making
bobbin net or twist lace, having some of my improvements applied thereto.
Figure 2 is a right-hand end view of the same machine as is shewn in Figure
1. Figure 3 is a transverse section thereof. Figure 4 shows a transverse
section of the guide bars and parts connected therewith, shown full size, these
Figures representing the mode of applying guide bars in an inverted arch, and
also the means of constructing and applying guides thereto. Figure 5 shows a
pattern cylinder for giving the requisite rackings or shogging motions of the
guide bars. This Figure shews the parts full size. The other Figures of
these Drawings show some of the parts separately; but as the nature of each
part is written on the Drawings it will not be necessary to enter further into
description thereof here. a shows the framing of the machine, the nature thereof
being clearly indicated in the Drawings. 6 is the main shaft or axis, proceeding
from end to end of the machine, and it turns in bearings, as is clearly shewn in
the Drawings. This main shaft or axis receives motion from the crank handle c,
on the axis of which is affixed the cog wheel d, which takes into and drives
the cog wheel e,
, which takes into and drives the cog wheel f, affixed on the
main shaft or axis. 9, 9, are the comb bars and their combs, in which the
bobbin carriages work. h, h, are the bearings of the guide bars, h¹ being the
guides or combs between which the guide bars work. i, i, are the guide bars
and their guides for the various threads; and it will be seen that the guides
are so arranged that, notwithstanding their being similar one to another, they
all range suitably for carrying the threads and allowing of only about the same
length of thread being between each of them and the work which has been
made, which is consequent on the mode of placing the guides with their guide
bars within an inverted arch or curve, and causing all the guides to converge
towards the same point from which the arch is struck, and it will be seen that
the guides, in place of being screwed to the guide bars by means of holes
through the guide bars as heretofore, the plates to which the guides are affixed
are formed into what may be called clamps, each simply having a screw
through its lower end, which acts as a set and adjusting screw, there being a
groove in the lower edge of the guide bar into which the screw enters, and
the upper edge of each guide bar is bevilled off so as to act as a dovetailed
surface for the clamp of the guides i. By this arrangement it will be seen
that the guides on any guide bar i may be readily got at and removed or
slided along, or others applied, with great facility, and when moved to the
proper position will readily be set or affixed to the guide bar by means of the
screws. By this arrangement it will be seen that the greatest possible con-
venience is obtained in applying many extra guide bars, and from time to

page_text: time, for altering the pattern to be worked hereby. j, j, are the various
beams for the warp threads to be wound on, and such threads are threaded
through the different guides on the guide bars. k are the sliding bolts, which,
receiving motion from the pattern surface employed, communicate it to the
guide bars in the following manner:-The sliding bolts move to and fro in
bearings at j', the bolts being kept from turning in those bearings by means of
projecting pieces affixed thereto, which have each a hole at the lower end,
which receives a fixed pin ³, and the projecting piece slides thereon. jis a
projecting piece or finger affixed on the upper surface of each of the bolts j,
each of such projections or fingers j' entering a notch formed in its respective
guide bar i, hence the guide bars will receive motion according to the nature of
the pattern surfaces, which may be opposed to the ends of the sliding bolts j;
and I prefer to have sliding bolts j at each end of the guide bars i with suitable
pattern surfaces applied to work the guides at each end of the guide bars, and
I cause the pattern surfaces to act alternately, whereby one pattern surface at
one end can go out of the way and move to change the surface during the
time that the other pattern surface is acting on the guide bars. By this
arrangement I am enabled to work faster than when only one pattern surface
of a like kind is used, which requires time to move from the guide bars in
order to change to the pattern surface next to operate on the guide bars.
And I may remark, that I am aware that two lace wheels, one at each end
of a guide bar, has been before employed in twist lace machines, but in such
cases the two wheels at all times are acting against their guide bar, and such
pattern surfaces do not require to get out of the way to change the pattern
surfaces next to act on the guide bars. The guide bars i have each two
springs, one at each end, which are alternately brought into action, in order to
draw their respective guide bars alternately towards the right hand, then to the
left-hand end of the machine, there being apparatus suitably arranged in order
to relieve the springs at one end of the machine when the springs at the other
end of the machine are to act. 2, 22, are the springs, which are each at
one of their ends affixed to a guide bar i, and the other end of each spring
is affixed to a short wire rod ³, which passes and slides easily through one
of the plates 1, affixed to one of the sliding bolts , sliding in suitable
bearings at each end of the machine, 1 being two levers which act on the
inner ends of the sliding bolt 1, the opposite or lower ends of such levers
12 being actuated by cams affixed on the main shaft or axis 6, and the cams
are so cut that when the springs at one end of the guide bars are being drawn
on by means of their plate / being forced outwards, the springs at the other
end of the guide bars will be relieved by means of their plate being forced

page_text: inwards by its cam; hence, although there are two springs to each guide bar,
only one at a time is brought into action, and the spring which is brought into
action will so work as to cause its guide bar to be borne towards the pattern
surface which is next to act. The cams being shown separately, and their time
of action indicated on the Drawings, no further description need be given.
The machine is shown with a single tier of carriages, worked by catch bars,
the carriages being similar in construction to what are called "Lever's car-
riages," excepting that the tops are cut off to allow of the taking-up points
coming lower down. m, m, are the catch bars, which are caused to swing by
suitable levers and cams acting on swing jacks, to which the catch bars are
hinged, the catch bars moving on plates affixed at the ends of the machines,
such plates being suitably formed on their upper surfaces to guide the catch
bars into and out of the nebs of the carriages as the catch bars are caused to
swing to and from the back and front of the machine. m', m', are the swing
jacks of the front catch bar, and m², m², are the swing backs of the back
catch bar, and these swing jacks respectively receive motion from their cams,
affixed on the main or driving shaft b, such cams acting on levers m³, m³, m³, m³,
the levers m³ being connected to the swing jacks m₁ by connecting links or
rods, and the levers m are connected to the swing jacks m³ by connecting
links or rods, all which are clearly shewn in the Drawings; and as the cams
which work these parts are shewn separately as well as in their places, and as
their cut and times of action are indicated on the Drawings, no further
description thereof will be here required.
In making ornamental bobbin net or twist lace, it is important that the
points should take up at every motion, and that as quickly as possible, in
order not to lose time thereby. To accomplish this object with simplicity and
steadiness of action, I apply certain apparatus to cause and govern the up
and down motion of the points. n, n, are the front and back point bars,
which move on axes or necks in bearings carried by arms affixed to the
spindle bars n', n', such spindle bars moving in bearing affixed to the front
and back spindle bars o, o, such back and front spindle bars o, o, moving in
bearings carried by the framing of the machine. n², n³, are arms affixed to
the back and front point bars, n³, n³, being connecting links or rods by which
the arms n² are respectively connected with the arms n, n, affixed on the
back and front spindle bars o; hence it will be seen that the rising and lowering
of the points will be caused and governed by the mode of connecting the
movement of the arms n³, n, and the action will not only be quick but
steady, and the arrangement will allow of the point bars working with great
stiffness, owing to their being supported at the middle as well as at their

page_text: ends. The point bars are worked from cams affixed on the main shaft or
axis 6 in the following manner:-p are levers, one end of each of which
rests by its truck or roller against the face of its cam affixed on the main
shaft, the other end of each of the levers p being connected with an arm p',
affixed on the spindle bar o of the front point bar. By this means the
requisite up and down motion to the front points is given. 9 are levers, the
lower end of each of which, by its truck or roller, rests against its cam
affixed on the main shaft, the upper end of each of such levers q being
connected by a link to an arm q', affixed to the spindle bar n' of the
front point bar, and by this means knocking out motion to the front points
is accomplished. The working of the back points is performed by similar
means to those described for working the front points, and the parts are
marked with the same letters of reference, but with the addition of a star
applied to those letters, thus, p, p, q, q*. The cams on the axis or
shaft b, for working the points, both for raising them and falling them, as
well as for knocking them out of the work, and allowing them to come into
the threads, being shown separately in the Drawings, as well as in their
places in the machine, and the times of their action being indicated on the
Drawings, no further description thereof will be necessary.
་ ་གན་
I have not thought it necessary to enter into a description of every part
of the machinery, nor the mode of constructing and working several parts,
there being nothing new therein, and they are also well understood by lace
machine makers; and I have only thought it necessary to enter into a descrip-
tion of the parts which differ more or less from the working of bobbin net lace
machinery, in order that the combining my improvements therewith, and the
modes of action consequent on such improvements, may be more readily under
stood. The Drawings shew a pattern surface, constructed according to another
part of my Invention, applied to the machine above described, for working
the guide bars, and there is a pattern surface at each end of the machine, and
such two pattern surfaces are alternately brought into action, to select and act
on the guide bars, to produce the arrangement thereof required to work any
particular pattern. The pattern surface shewn in the Drawing consists of a
cylinder, having many rows of holes formed on the surface, to receive filling
pieces, and in the cylinder shown in the Drawing each row of holes from
end to end of the cylinder has twice as many holes as there are guide bars
in the machine, the object of which is that the pattern cylinder may be
shogged endwise, to bring the filling pieces in other holes to operate on the
guide bars. And I would here remark, that although I have shown the
cylinders to have twice as many holes in each row as there are guide bars in

page_text: the machine, I do not confine myself thereto, the object being to obtain a
greater capability for a variety of patterns with the pattern surfaces than
can be made by a simple rotation thereof. Thus, supposing there to be on
each of the pattern cylinders r sixty holes around the circumference, and
supposing that the pattern to be produced were to consist of ten holes or
meshes, and the description of lace to be made required twelve motions or
holes of the pattern surfaces to each mesh, it will be evident that as the
pattern cylinders act alternately to produce such a pattern, the two cylinders
r would each have to make a complete revolution, that is, operate on the
guide bars one hundred and twenty times, and this in fact would be the
extent of pattern which the pattern cylinders of the size above mentioned
would produce when simply turning round, and if the cylinders were only
capable of a rotatory motion, there would be great inconvenience in working
patterns of lace having other numbers of meshes; but by giving to the pattern
cylinders a motion lengthwise of its axis, as well as a rotatory motion, the
greatest variety of patterns may be produced within the range of the number
of holes above mentioned. Thus, supposing the pattern to consist of sixteen
meshes, each mesh taking twelve holes of the pattern surfaces, and in the
whole ninety-six holes of each cylinder for the pattern, then in such a case
I should cause each of the two pattern cylinders to move round forty-eight
holes in one direction, then to shog the cylinders to the next hole, and then
to turn back a distance equal to forty-eight holes, which would bring the
cylinders to the same row of holes from which it started, and if shogged back
a distance equal to that between two holes, the same holes in the pattern
cylinders would be presented to work the guide bars as were started with; by
this arrangement it will, therefore, be seen, that in addition to the advantages
to be derived from the mode of employing filling pieces, the diameter of
pattern surface will be materially reduced, and yet command a great extent
of change of pattern. The axis of each of the two pattern cylindrical surfaces
moves in bearings carried by arms affixed on an axis s, as is shewn in the
Drawings. On one end of the axis of each of the cylinders r is affixed a
plate t, with notches formed in the circumference, the object of which is to
ensure the cylinder r being kept correct for a row of holes operating on the
guide bars by their sliding bolts, as above explained, and the plate t ensures
correctness of placing, by means of the lever t', which is at all times drawn
downwards by a spring; hence if the driver in turning the cylinder r round,
as hereafter described, does not do it correctly, the pressure of the triangular
under surface of the lever t¹ will cause it to move the plate t round, and with
it the cylinder r, till the lever arrives at the bottom of the notch in the

page_text: plate t. r, r, are two collars, affixed on the axis; and s² is a lever moving
on an axis carried by one of the arms of the axis s, as is shown. is a
spring, having two notches formed on the under surface. In one or other
of these notches the upper end of the lever s2 will at all times be retained,
and the cylinder will remain revolving without movement lengthwise, till
by force the lever s2 is drawn out of one notch into the other, and such
changing of the position of the cylinder r and the lever s² will be accomplished
in the following manner:-On the plate t is a projecting stud v, which is
to be capable of being moved, and fixed at any desired part of the plate t,
in order thereby to change the time when it shall operate to force the plate t
and the cylinder r towards the back of the machine, but at present the
plate t is as far back as it can go, and consequently the next movement will
be given to the other end of the axis of the cylinder r.
And it may be
remarked, that as the apparatus at both ends of the axis are similar to each
other, the explaining the apparatus at the end which is next to act on the
end of the axis will be sufficient to cause the apparatus which works on
the plate to be understood. w is a lever, moving an axis affixed to a
projection from the framing a of the machine, the inner end of the lever w
having a truck or roller, which rests on its cam affixed on the main shaft or
axis v, and it will be seen that the corresponding lever, which operates on the
other end of the axis of the cylinder 7, is coupled with the lever w, by
a slot therein passing over the axis of the truck on the lever w, con-
sequently the two levers will work together, and similarly but on different
ends of the axis of the cylinder r. The other end of the lever w carries
another lever w¹, which moves on an axis w2, affixed to the lever w, and there
is a spring w³, which constantly presses against one end of the lever w², with
a tendency to press the upper end out of the way of the boss of the ratchet
wheels x, and when it is so out of the way of the boss of those wheels,
although the cam on the axis b, which works the lever w, acts at each time
of revolving of the main axis v, there will be no change of position in the
cylinder until the lower end of the lever w¹ is pressed on in such manner
as to throw the upper end of the lever we in the way of the boss of the
ratchet wheels x, and then the rising of the inner end of the lever w, by
being raised by its cam into the position shown in the Drawing, will cause
the upper end of the lever w³ to press against the boss of the ratchet wheels a,
and thus force the cylinder r towards the front of the machine, and such acting
on the lower end of the lever we will take place when the stud v, affixed on
the ratchet wheel a, comes round and acts against the lower end of the lever w³,
and forces the upper end of that lever into the way of the boss of the ratchet
wheels a. And it only remains to be remarked, that the studs v on the plate t,

page_text: and on the ratchet wheels a, are to be affixed in such manner as to cause
the cylinder to be racked at the end of the motion, which is necessary to
turn the cylinder a distance equal to half the number of the pattern holes
which each cylinder is required to perform in making a particular pattern, the
stud von the plate t being to act at one end of the number of holes, and the
stud v on the ratchet wheels being to act at the other end of the number of holes;
and in changing the pattern if the number of holes required to work for produc-
ing the fresh pattern be different, then the studs v will be further or less apart
in their action, according as the number of pattern holes required to produce
the next pattern is greater or less than that previously made in the machine.
It will be seen that the parts for working on the boss of the plate t are
marked with similar letters of reference to those just described for working
against the boss of the ratchet wheels x, but they have the addition of a
star, and the parts work together in the same manner in respect to the
plate t as the other corresponding parts do in respect to the ratchet wheels x.
Motion is communicated to the axis of the cylinder r in the following man-
nery is a lever, moving on an axis at y', at the lower part of the machine;
one end of the lever y, by its truck or roller, is worked by its cam affixed
on the main shaft or axis b, the other end of the lever y receiving a projecting
stud affixed to the sliding bar y² in a slot, and consequently the bar y² will
be moved up and down when the lever y is actuated by its cam. y³ are two
drivers, one to each of the ratchet wheels x, and they are so placed that
only one of the drivers at a time is at work to move the ratchet wheels, and
as the teeth of the ratchet wheels are in an opposite direction to each other,
the different drivers will cause the cylinder to move in opposite directions.
It will be seen that the drivers are kept in their proper positions for working
by a spring. I would here remark, that the mode of working with two
pattern surfaces to work the guide bars, whereby the pattern surface is
changing during the time that the other is in action, to govern the working
of the guide bars, is equally applicable to other pattern surfaces, such as organ
barrels and others, where they require to be got out of the way during the
time of changing from one part of the surface for the next, the object of
using two such pattern surfaces being to save the time which would other-
wise be expended in getting out of the way to change the pattern surface.
The cylinders r, it will be seen, are caused to swing to and from the ends of
the guide bars by means of their cams, and they change their surfaces when
away from their guide bars, as will readily be understood on a careful
examination of the Drawings, one of the pattern cylinders being shown full
size.
In one of the Drawings the nature of its construction will be at
once seen; it consists of a cylinder, with many rows of holes drilled in its 4

page_text: surface, into which filling pieces are placed of proper guaged lengths, for
producing the successive transpositions of the guide bars, according to the
requirement of the pattern, and the filling pieces are prevented falling out
by means of the shield, which embraces the circumference of the cylinder r,
excepting at that point where the instruments come which operate on the
guide bars, as is shown, and there is a door or opening at the lower part
of the shield, which, when open, will allow of the filling pieces dropping
out; and there is another door or opening at the top, where fresh filling pieces
may be inserted, in order to recompose the pattern surface. The filling pieces
are made to slide freely in the holes of the pattern cylinder, and consequently
they will at all times act with certainty and precision when they come
opposite the sliding bolts k which work the guide bars. Thus it will be seen
that a pattern surface having been composed for one pattern of work, may
be quickly removed, and a fresh pattern composed, by means of the same
instruments, the filling pieces for making patterns acting as type in printing.
And it will be evident that this mode of making pattern surfaces for bobbin
net machinery, and also for warp lace machinery, is not confined to cylindrical
surfaces, but other surfaces may be resorted to, and I have shown a flat
pattern surface, constructed with filling pieces, and capable of as quick change
as the one above explained, this part of the Invention not depending on the
figure of the pattern surface, but to the mode of using filling pieces of guaged
lengths, which are capable of being differently composed in the holding
surface, according to the pattern desired to be worked, and whereby the
filling pieces, or what may be called pattern type, may be again and again
used, each time, owing to their new composition, producing a fresh pattern of
work, which will be found to be of great advantage over fixed pattern surface,
such as stud or organ barrels, or stud plates, wherein the parts constituting
the pattern surface are fixed, and cannot be used over and over again but at
considerable cost of time and labour.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS B.
Figure 1 represents part of a front view of a bobbin net machine, similarly
constructed to that above described, and Figure 2 is an end view thereof; the
object of these views being to shew a horizontal surface for receiving filling
pieces to produce a pattern surface, in place of the pattern surface being in
the form of a cylinder. In this machine, however, in order to get room for
the pattern surfaces, I only act on the point bars for knocking them out at one
end in place of at both ends, as shewn in the previous Drawings, and I drive
the front and back point bars at opposite ends of the machine, and each point
bar has its particular cam on the main shaft, and in respect to lifting and

page_text: lowering of the points, the parts are similar to those above described. It will
not therefore be necessary to enter into any further description of the parts,
but all which will be necessary for enabling the workman to understand
this part of the Invention will be to describe the mode of constructing and
applying a pattern surface to actuate guide bars; and it should be fully under-
stood that the present part of my Invention does not relate nor is it confined
to any peculiarity of bobbin net or twist lace machine, but it simply relates to
a mode of constructing and applying pattern surfaces for working guide bars
of bobbin net machines. Figure 3 shows a longitudinal view in section of
the pattern surface, full size, shewn in Figures 1 and 2, together with some of
the parts which work therewith. These parts are marked with the same
letters of reference as those in Figures 1 and 2 of these Drawings B. r is
the pattern surface, which consists of a table r¹ moving to and fro on two
bars or rails ², carried by the framing of the machine; this table, having
two projecting surfaces on its under surface, to move on such rails or bars
2. The table carries two plates, which are placed at some distance apart,
and are drilled with corresponding holes to receive filling pieces, of length
suitable each for giving the extent of motion to its guide bar required in
making a particular pattern of work, as will be readily understood on examin-
ing these Drawings, aided by the description herein given of the mode of
working with such pattern surfaces. On the under surface of the table r¹ is
affixed toothed racks, into which the teeth of two cog wheels take, and thus
cause the table and its pattern surface to move to or from the machine, in
order to bring fresh parts of the pattern surface into action. The cog wheels
which take into and drive the racks ³ are affixed on an axis 24, which receives
motion in the following manner :-There are two ratchet wheels, with their
teeth in opposite directions, affixed on to the axis r', and there are two drivers
to actuate such ratchet wheels, and one or other of them will at all times be
driving its ratchet wheel, and according as one or other of the drivers is for
the time being working its ratchet wheel, so will be the direction in which the
pattern surface will be moving, for the working of one ratchet wheel causes
the pattern surface to travel in one direction, and the working of the other
ratchet wheel causes the pattern surface to turn in the opposite direction; and
I prefer to make such horizontal pattern surfaces with more rows of filling pieces
than there are guide bars to be acted on, in like manner to what I have described
in respect to cylindrical pattern surfaces, in order that the length of pattern
obtained from a given length of pattern surface may be varied to suit various
patterns which it may be desired to make, thereby in this respect the present
arrangement of pattern surface works similarly to that described in reference to
the cylindrical surfaces r in the Drawings A, and the horizontal pattern surfaces

page_text: r, now under description, is capable of moving laterally by the sliding of the
axis in its bearings, as hereafter explained. In the working of the machine
one or other of the ratchet wheels on the axis r* receives motion from its
drivers in the following manner is a sliding bolt, which carries the two
drivers r, and the sliding bolt is guided in its movement up and down as
is shewn in the Drawings, and the two drivers are pressed towards their
ratchet wheels by springs, also clearly shown in the Drawing; hence, as the
drivers are caused to rise, whichever is for the time being opposite its ratchet
wheel, will cause the axis 7 to turn round, and the sliding bar is caused to
rise and fall by a cam on the main shaft or axis b, which works against the
truck or roller on one end of the lever, the other end of the lever having a
slot into which a projecting stud affixed on the sliding bolt renters, and by
this means the bar is caused to rise and fall, and drive one or other of the
ratchet wheels on the axis 4. On the under surface of the table r¹ are
affixed two short racks, which are acted on from time to time by the fluted
axis. This axis moves in bearings carried by the end framings of the
machine, and the axis is grooved into teeth a length equal to that which the
pattern surface is capable of moving to and fro, hence the teeth of the axis
10 are all times ready to cause the table to move when the pattern requires
it, and thus bring a change of the rows of filling pieces to act in working the
guide bars in the following manner. On the axis 10 is a bent sliding plate,
having two projections, one or other of which coming against a stop fixed on
the under side of the table, causes such bent plate to be slided along the axis
10, and thus that plate will be placed in a position to be operated on by one or
other of two sliding bolts, which will cause the plate r to move partly round,
and with it the axis 710, and thus force the table a distance equal to the
width between two rows of filling pieces of the pattern surface r. The bent
plate having two slots formed therein, through which four guide screws pass
into the axis 10, by which means the bent plate 1 can slide a short distance
along the axis 10, but cannot turn thereon, it consequently follows that when
the plate is caused to move partly round, the axis 710 must move with it,
and by moving the teeth thereon will move the table r¹, and consequently the
pattern surface » formed thereon. 12 are two sliding bolts moving in guiding
bearings carried by the end framing of the machinė. These bolts are con-
nected each by a pin joint to a lever 13, and the levers 713 are acted on at
each motion of the machine by a cam on the main shaft or axis 6, in such
manner as to cause the sliding bolts to move in and out, but they will do so
without having any effect in respect to the pattern surface, unless the termina-
tion of the movement in one direction is come to, in which case one of

page_text: four stops, affixed on the under surface of the table, and between which
the side projections from the plate r¹ at all times are, will come against one
or other of the two side projections of the plater, and will slide the plate a
short distance, and by this means the tail piece or projection 15 will come
opposite one or other of the two sliding bolts 12, and will be forced to move,
and thus cause the axis 710 to move partly round; and it should be understood
that the two sliding bolts are not opposite each other, but move on parallel
lines a short distance apart, in order to allow of the tail piece being at all
times out of the way of the one towards which it inclines, unless the time
has arrived when it is to be forced opposite that sliding bolt; hence, when once
the pattern surface has been moved by means of the axis 10, it will go on
working on the same row of filling pieces till the pattern requires that it
should return on to the other row of filling pieces; hence by the stops ¹ on
the table being so fixed as to cause the axis 10 to be moved partly around
when half the number of projecting filling pieces (which is required to
work the pattern by a particular pattern surface) have operated, and thus to
change the row of projecting filling pieces, and again to change it back when
a like number of projecting filling pieces of the pattern surface has worked
in another row, any variety of patterns may be produced within the capa-
bility of the pattern surface r, whatever be the different number of projecting
filling pieces which may be required for different patterns, in the same
manner as has been described in respect to the pattern surface r when
composed on a cylinder, and in this arrangement there is the same facility of
composing fresh patterns with the same filling pieces, owing to the filling
pieces being of guaged lengths, and loose, and only requiring changing in their
relative positions to produce the desired effect in making a different pattern
of fabric in the machine. In order to insure the correct placing and holding
of the pattern surface r, there is a spring 16, which has two notches in its
outer surface, and there is a fixed projection on the axis r10, which at all
times lies within one or other of the notches of this spring, and by such means,
when either of the sliding bolts has forced the tail piece of the bent plate in
one or other direction, the projection on the outer end of the axis 710, which
corresponds with the tail piece of the bent plate, will be forced towards one or
other of the notches in the end of the spring 10, and the strength of that
spring will retain the projection on the axis 10 in one or other of the notches,
and thus hold and retain the axis 10 and the pattern surface r from moving
until the tail piece on the bent plate is again operated on by one of the
sliding bolts to change the position of the pattern surface, all which will
readily be understood on examining the Drawings. In this instance I have

page_text: shewn the various lengths of filling pieces as projecting above the holding
surface, but it will be evident that this may be varied, and they may, by a
slight modification of the parts worked thereby, be made to sink below the
holding surface, as described in respect to the cylindrical pattern surface before
described; and it will be seen by examining the Drawings now under descrip-
tion, that the filling pieces or pattern surface in this arrangement do not by
their pressure act on the guide bars, but the pattern surface r in this case
is only used as a means of giving to an intermediate apparatus, consisting of
as many moveable parts as there are guide bars, a contour or pattern which,
when secured, will, by acting by pressure on the guide bars, give thereto the
requisite rackings to place them from time to time in the positions required,
and there is a great advantage in thus using an intermediate apparatus
between the pattern surface and the instruments to be operated on, where the
pattern surface requires to be free when changing its surface, as by such
means not only is time allowed for such change of surface taking place, whilst
the intermediate apparatus is transmitting the pattern impression obtained,
but the strength of the pattern surface may be much less, owing to its only
operating on the intermediate apparatus, in place of having to bear the strain of
the guide bars and their various threads. A is a spindle bar moving in suitable
bearings at the end of the machine, there being an arm B affixed thereto, on
the lower end of which are two trucks or rollers, which work on cither side of
their cam C, which is affixed to the main shaft or axis b, and thus is motion
communicated to the arms D, affixed on the upper surface of the spindle bar
A. The arms D are each connected by a rod E to the ends of a sliding
frame F, which sliding frame moves to and from the ends of the guiding bars
G, affixed at the end of the machine. The sliding frame carries as many
moveable pieces as there are guide bars to be acted on, and I prefer such
moveable pieces to be bolts, such as are shown at H, H, each acting between
guiding surfaces or combs fixed to the sliding frame F, as is shewn in the
Drawings. On the upper surface of each bolt H is formed a raised rough
surface, the object of which will be hereafter explained. I, I, are levers, each
moving on an axis at the upper part of the sliding frame F, and each lever I
has its spring attached to the frame F, and the springs so act as to cause the
levers I to press the bolts in a direction away from their guide bars or
their sliding bolts k, when the bolts H are free to move, which they will at all
times be when the clamp surface J is not being pressed on to the roughed
surfaces of the bolts H; such clamped surface J proceeding from end to end
of the sliding frame F is capable of holding the bolts H securely from moving'
in the following manner :-The clamp surface J is carried by an axis K, by!

page_text: arms L, the axis K having an arm affixed at one end, or it might be at both
ends, to which the rod M is attached by a pin joint, the other end of the rod
M embracing the lever N, as is shown by dotted lines in Figure 2, and which
lever is worked by the cam O on the main or driving shaft v, in such manner
that when the bolts H have received their position or pattern from the pattern
surface, and their ends offer a contour suitable for governing the positions of
the various guide bars, and such contour or pattern surfaces of the ends of the
bolts H will be made secure from movement by the pressure of the clamp
surface J (which I prefer to be covered with leather) till the apparatus has
transmitted the pattern to the guide bars, and in the meanwhile the pattern
surface will be changed, in order to offer fresh filling pieces to operate in
arranging the pattern or contour of the bolts H when they come back
from their guide bars; and it will be seen that the rod M is so connected with
the lever N as to allow of movement of the sliding frame F, owing to the curved
surfaces of that rod, which rest under and over the lever N, which allow of
play to the rod M, and thus to the sliding frame F. The pattern surface r
operates on a series of upright bolts P, which slide freely in guides or combs
carried by the end framing of the machine, and it will be seen that the face
or edge of each towards the bolts H is an inclined plane, and the end of
each bolt H, which comes against it, is also inclined. At the other edge of each
of the upright bolts P is formed a notch in which the locker blade Q acts
so as to raise all of the bolts up at the same time, to move them from the
pattern surface when that surface is to be moved. The locker blade Q is
fixed to an axis which turns in suitable bearings carried by the end framing
of the machine, and it has an arm R affixed thereto, from which proceeds
a connecting rod S, which connects the movement of the sliding frame F
with the locker Q; hence when the frame F has moved clear of the inclined
surfaces of the bolts P, the locker blade Q comes into action and lifts them
out of the way of the pattern surface; and it will be seen that each bolt P has
a stud, which comes on to one of the filling pieces of the pattern surface r,
as is clearly shewn, and the position of the inclined plane on the edge of
a bolt P will be according to the extent to which that bolt is allowed
to fall, and consequently each of the bolts H will be driven more or
less from its guide bar, according as the respective bolts P is permitted
to fall by the length of the filling piece in the pattern surface r, and
the locker bar Q will permit the bolts P to fall as soon as the sliding
frame F moves away from the guide bars. I would remark that it will be
evident that the mode of working these parts may be varied so long as the
parts H are enabled to receive a proper contour or pattern, and be locked

page_text: or fastened up till they have worked the guide bars, and it will be evident
that the same mode of receiving and conveying a pattern surface may be
applied between other pattern surfaces, such as the pattern cylinder herein
described, the organ barrels, or the stud plates, when used in bobbin net machines.
I do not therefore confine myself to the particular pattern surface shewn,
and a workman will readily make such modifications of the apparatus as will
suit it to such pattern surfaces.
I will now proceed to describe that part of my Invention which relates to
working with independent selecting instruments in bobbin net machines,
whereby I am enabled by a single pattern surface to repeat the pattern
several times across the machine, in place of actuating each and every of such
independent selecting instruments by its particular pattern surface.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS C.
Figure 1 represents a transverse section, Figure 2 a right-hand end view,
Figure 3 a back view of so much of a bobbin net lace machine, with this
part of my Invention applied thereto, as will enable me readily to describe
this part of the improvements; the other Drawings, marked C, having
several of the parts shown full size, by which the workman will better
understand the nature and mode of working of this part of my Invention, so
far as it relates to independent selecting instruments working to govern the
movements of the warp threads of bobbin net lace machinery. It will be
seen that the machinery to which these my improvements are applied is
similar to what has been already described, there being only slight differences
which will readily be traced by the workman, there being part of the arch of
guide bars removed, and there is a row of bobbin carriages applied to supply
extra warp threads in place of having beams therefore. In this machine I
have shewn the guide bars as worked by cuts of lace wheels, with pattern
surfaces cut thereon according to the pattern of fabric to be made in the
machine, and the independent instruments are used to interfere with the
rackings of threads in any way it may be desired for making particular
patterns. The rises and falls on the lace wheels, as shewn, have no reference
to any particular pattern, but such rises and falls are merely shewn to
indicate that they are lace wheels, and are to be cut according to the pattern,
and when the threads are not intercepted, the fabric will depend on the cuts
of wheels. There is not however any novelty in so using independent selecting
or intercepting instruments for the warp threads of bobbin net machines, and
the same are used and understood by lace makers, the present Invention
relating only to the mode of working such independent instruments of the
B 2

page_text: warp threads, by means of their pattern surfaces, that in place of having the
pattern surfaces repeated across the machine as often as it is desired that the
pattern should be produced in the fabric of lace, I so arrange the working of
the independent instruments which are to work to produce the same effect
in the repeated patterns, that the acting by a pattern surface on an indepen-
dent instrument, the same effect will be obtained therefrom to the other
independent instruments to produce like effects in the machine, and when any
particular pattern of fabric is no longer to be made in the machine, and the
pattern surface is to be changed, then owing to their being independent
instruments, they may be readily re-arranged according to the improved
mode of working, so that each independent instrument which is to work to
produce the same effect will, by actuating one of the independent instruments
by a pattern surface, cause the others to produce a like effect in repeating its
part of the pattern across the machine. Z, Z, are what I call independent
instruments for intercepting the warp threads by being placed amongst the
warp threads, and prevent their threads partaking of the same rackings or
movements which are communicated to the other warp threads which are
carried by the same guide bars as those warp threads which may be
intercepted; and I may here remark that in making the cuts of wheels
and cams for actuating the various parts, care should be observed in allowing
time for the entrance and leaving of the intercepting instruments, as is
understood to lace makers, the independent instruments Z being slight
wire rods which slide through holes in plates Z', affixed to the bar Z³, at the
back of the machine, the wire rods or instruments Z having each a spring
Z³ acting against it with a tendency to force the instruments Z in amongst
the warp threads, when permitted so to do by the apparatus employed for
connecting the movement of one with the others, which are to produce a
similar effect in the repeated patterns across the machine. Y, Y, are two
rods running from end to end of the machine to act as stops to the springs
of the independent instruments Z; each of the springs is connected with
an instrument or lever arm X', on an axis X, and these arms X' and axes
are the means I prefer for connecting the different independent instruments
Z, which are to produce like effects in the repeated pattern across the
machine. There are as many independent instruments Z as there are
warp threads, which gives the greatest extent for obtaining a variety of
patterns, which can be produced by acting on the warp threads; but in
many cases where so great an extent of capability is not required, then the
independent instruments may be only half as numerous as the warp threads.
The number of axes X which will be required will depend on the width

page_text: may be coupled or
working under the
of the pattern desired to be made. The Drawing shews there to be thirty-six
such axes, which, when there is one intercepter Z to each warp thread, would
produce a pattern of eighteen meshes wide when working with a single tier
of carriages, and only half the number would be necessary when working with
a double tier of carriages. The axes X turn in suitable bearings at each end
of the machine, and they have each as many arms ✗' as there are to be
independent selecting instruments Z connected therewith, such arms X' being
capable of movement from place to place, and of being securely held on the
axes X when correctly placed, in order to their being connected with any
particular independent instruments or interceptors Z. By thus having a
series of axes X, to which the independent instruments
connected, and as all the instruments Z, which are
control of one of the axes X at all times go together in working, it will
only be necessary that each of the axes X should be influenced in its
movement by a pattern surface, by which means whatever movement takes
place with any one of the instruments Z on any one of the axes X will
likewise be communicated to all those instruments Z which for the time
being are connected with the working of that particular axis X; and in order
to connect the working of a pattern surface with the working of the axis X,
each axis has an arm X2 affixed thereto, which by means of a pin joint is
attached to a sliding bolt W, each of such bolts being similar, excepting in
their lengths, and their length will depend on the distances of their axes.
the front end of each bolt W are formed two projections W₁, W2, the object
of which will be hereafter explained. The sliding bolts W slide through
combs V, as shewn in the Drawings, and as the parts are shewn separately.
full size, as well as in their places, their construction and mode of application
to the machine will be evident on inspecting the Drawings; and in the same
combs V, the sliding bolts U move and are guided, and the vertical bolts U
are also guided in other combs U', and in such manner that the bolts U can
rise and fall when at work, there being pins U2 run through the combs in
which the bolts U move, aud also through slots in the bolts U, such pins U
acting together with the combs as guides to the bolts U in their rising and
falling movements. The vertical bolts U have a stop T hinged to their upper
surface in such manner as to be able to descend out of the horizontal position
when required, the springs T' having at all times a tendency to retain the
stops T in their horizontal position, and the object of such stops T is to
prevent the sliding bolts W being moved by their springs when their bolt
U has been selected by the pattern surface, and when so selected the inde-
pendent instruments Z, which are connected with any of the axes X which
On

page_text: have their bolts U selected by the pattern surface, will be prevented going
into the warp threads, whilst those axes X which have not their bars U
selected by the pattern surface will not bring up their stops T to prevent
the movement back of the bolts W, as it will be seen that the projection
W3 of such bolts W as have not their bolts U selected and kept up by the
pattern surface pass over the stops T of their bolts U; and it will be seen
that at the lower end of each of the bolts U is a projecting stud, which at
each movement of the machine is either supported on a raised projecting stud
in the pattern surface r, or else it is supported by the surface of the plate
which receives the filling pieces, the stud at the end of each of the bolts U
not being so small as to enter the holes therein where filling pieces are not
placed, and as the bolts U are only to be selected or not selected, they only
require to be received on one or other of two heights. S is an axis at the
lower part, and at back of the machine, which carries a locker bar S, whi h
is of a length equal to take up and lower all te sliding bolts U at each
revolution of the main shaft, by a cam, affixed on the main shaft, acting near
one fixed to the axis S, the axis S turning in suitable bearings, and the locker
bar S' acts under projections formed on the lower part of the front edge of
the sliding bolts U, and the object of such locker bar S¹ is to raise all the
sliding bolts U, in order that the pattern surface may change or move onwards,
and when the locker bar allows the sliding bolts again to descend, those
sli ling bolts under which there is a projecting filling piece of the pattern
surface will be retained up in such manner as to offer the stops T to
prevent the projections W of the bolts W passing them, and thus, as above
stated, the instruments Z, which are in connection with the bars X which
have their bars U selected, will not enter the warp threads, and their warp
threads will be permitted for the time being to partake of the ordinary
rackings of their lace wheel or other pattern surface acting on the guide bars,
whilst all those instruments Z which are connected with axes X which have
not their bolts U selected, will be allowed to enter the warp threads, and their
warp threads will not be permitted for the time being to partake, with the
other warp threads of the same guide bar, the shogging or racking motion of
their guide bar; but it should be understood that I make no claim to such
mode of working with intercepting instruments, that being well known before,
this part of the Invention, as before stated, only relating to the mode of working
such like independent instruments without having the pattern surfaces so
extensive as to act on each and every of those instruments. R is a locker
bar which works on the projections W₁ of the bolts W, and causes them all
to be taken at each half revolution of the main shaft, by means of a cam

page_text: working against an arm R' affixed on the axis R2, which carries the locker
bar R, as is clearly shewn in the Drawing. The object of this locker bar is
to take out all the instruments Z which have been permitted to enter the
warp threads, and also to take the other instruments Z back a little in order
that the bolts W, which are in connection with the axes X which have been
selected by their bolts U, may be got out of the way to allow the bolts U to be
acted on by the pattern surface to produce a fresh selection of the bolts U,
and when that has taken place the locker bar R permits the bolts U to go
back, and the springs to the instruments Z will cause those bolts W which are
not stopped by the stops T to go back, and by such means allow of the springs
to the instruments Z to force those instruments into the warp. The pattern
surface in this case is simply a plate having rows of holes for filling
pieces, and there are, as before described, twice as many holes in each
row across as there are bolts U to be selected thereby, and motion is
communicated to the pattern surface r by means of a cam on the main
shaft, which, actuating a lever, gives motion to two drivers, as before described,
which take into and drive one or other of two ratchet wheels affixed
on the axis, which, by means of two cog wheels, moves the pattern surface in
a direction to and from the front of the machine; and in place of the
pattern surface being changed laterally the comb bar U' is made capable of
sliding a short distance, equal to that between two holes in the pattern surface;
and the movements of the lower ends of the bolts U by the comb bar U¹ is
accomplished by means of two levers Q, which have each a projecting end, the
lower part of such projection carrying a small lever Q', having a spring to
retain them in any place they may be left, and on the sides of the pattern sur-
face there are stops v to work in like manner to what has been before described,
which, coming against the lower end of one or other of the levers Q', causes the
upper end of the lever to come between its lever Q and a projection of the end
of the comb bar U, and thus act as a filling piece; and each of the levers
Qis caused by their cams on the main shaft to approach towards and recede
from its end of the comb bar U, but so long as there is no filling up of the
space between the lever Q and the end of the comb bar there will be no move-
ment of the comb bar; but when the pattern surface r requires it, and causes
one of the levers Q₁ to be placed between its lever Q and the end of the comb
bar, the comb bar will be forced a distance equal to that between two holes in
the pattern surface, and when so moved will be held by means of the spring P,
having two notches in its end, which holds the end of the lever O, one end of
which is constantly in one or other of the notches, and the other end is held
between two collars on the axis which drives the pattern surface r; by this

page_text: means no movement can take place lengthwise of the axis which moves the
pattern surface till the comb bar U₁ is again moved, and then by means of the
lever M, which has its axis on the comb bar U', and its upper end forked to
receive a stud affixed on the framing which carries these parts, and the lower
end of the lever M acting between two collars on the axis which moves the
pattern surface, any movement which takes place in the comb bar will be
reversed in respect to the axis, and thus bring the other of the drivers to act
on the other of the ratchet wheels. It may be desirable to remark, that altho
I prefer to use a pattern surface, such as I have described, when working
according to this part of my Invention, by conjoining for the time being the
movements of all those independent instruments which are working by a common
pattern surface, yet it will be evident that this part of my Invention does not
depend on the pattern surface employed, so long as it is suitable for selecting
and omitting the instruments which communicate the effect of the pattern
surface with the instruments which connect the working of a series of the
independent instruments across the machine. And I would further remark,
that the apparatus for connecting such independent instruments for the time
being may be varied, so long as the mode of working herein described be
retained. The workman in arranging the working of the different instru-
ments Z for a particular pattern will commence attaching the springs to the
arms X' by thin wires or strong thread, taking care that each of the instru-
ments Z, which are to work to produce the same effect in the repeated patterns
across the machine, are tied up to arms ✗' on the same axis X. Thus, sup-
posing that the machine is working breadths, and it is desired to have the
ornamental pattern from selvage to selvage, then the independent instrument
which controls the working of the first thread of such breadth may be coupled
to the arms on the first axes X, and the instrument Z of the second thread of
each breadth to arms on the second axis X, and so on till all instruments of
the threads are in connection with an axis X. It will readily be understood
by the workmen that when the ornamental pattern is narrower than the
breadth of lace in which it is produced, then the instruments Z need only be
used for a width equal to the warp threads which go to make the ornamental
patterns, and the lace wheels will make the particular ground of lace desired.
In order to show that this part of my Invention is equally applicable to
working independent instruments working to select carriages in place of warp
threads, I will proceed to describe the Drawing D.
This Drawing represents a transverse section of a bobbin net lace machine
so constructed that any of the bobbin carriages may be selected according
to the description of work required to be produced; and as this machine

page_text: was fully described by me in a Specification, enrolled in Her Majesty's
High Court of Chancery, to a Patent bearing date at Westminster, the
Twenty-seventh day of September, One thousand eight hundred and thirty-
six, it will not be necessary for me to describe it in this my Specification,
as by referring to that Specification the mode of making of the various
parts will be found fully explained; but in the former case the pattern
surface employed was required to extend from end to end of the machine,
and in such manner that at each movement the pattern surfaces came
in contact, and operated on each and every of the levers i, by which the
required selection was accomplished; and the difference to be observed in
working a machine according to this part of my Invention is to connect the
working of all these instruments which go to select those carriages which are
to produce a like effect in repeating the pattern several times across the
machine; and in order to do this I change the figure of the levers i, as shown
in this Drawing, and I by means of wires connect the working of each of those
levers i, which go to produce the same effect by their bobbin threads in the
repeated patterns, to arms X¹, on the same axis X, and then by means of one
pattern surface I am enabled by operating on the axes X, and then, in a similar
manner to what I have described in respect to the Drawings marked C, to
repeat the pattern several times across the machine; and when the pattern
surface is to be changed it will only be necessary to re-arrange the coupling of
the levers i, or such like independent instruments, by which the carriages are
selected, and the using of the one pattern surface will be sufficient. The
various parts which are shewn in this Drawing which go to applying this part
of my Invention being marked with the same letters of reference as those
above described, and as their actions are similar, it will not be necessary again
to go over that description, as a workman will readily apply the parts in order
to their working in a machine when selecting carriages and their threads in
place of warp threads. And I would remark, that although I prefer to apply
my improvements to a bobbin net machine such as I have shewn, yet I do not
confine myself thereto, as variations may be made in the lace machine without
departing from my Invention, which relates to the conjoining the working of
those independent instruments which cause particular carriages to be selected
across a machine to produce the same effect one with the other, to be worked
with a single pattern surface in place of having a pattern surface repeated
across the machine as often as a pattern is required to be produced in the
fabric across the machine.
I will now proceed to describe so much of my Invention as relates to warp
lace machinery for making lace and such other fabrics as warp lace machinery

page_text: is capable of making. In doing so it will not be necessary to enter into any
description of the ordinary parts of a warp lace machine, further than the
improvements to be added require explanation of the working of old parts
therewith; and it is not new to work warp lace machines by pattern surfaces
acting in addition to ordinary lace wheels which work the guide bars, and in
modern machines independent instruments worked by perforated cards, and by
stud barrels or cylinders similar to organ barrels, have been brought into use
to act on independent instruments for controlling the manner in which the
various threads should be looped on the needles and interlooped amongst
themselves; but as in twist lace machinery the pattern surfaces have hereto-
fore been required to extend the whole length of the machine, in order that
each and every of the independent instruments should be operated on by
means of the pattern surface, now my Invention has for its object in respect
to warp lace machinery, first, to so connect the working of independent instru-
ments where the pattern is repeated several times across the machine, that in
place of having the pattern surfaces repeated as many times across the machine
as the pattern is required to be worked in the fabric across the machine, I
only require to have one width of pattern surface, and for the time being so
connect these independent instruments which go to perform the same office in
each of the repeated patterns across the machine that they will for the time
being work together by the simple action of one pattern surface. The mode
of arranging a series of axes X having been explained both for working inde-
pendent selecting instruments for the warp threads, and also for the bobbin
threads of bobbin net machines, it will not be necessary again to repeat that
description, as the parts are similarly constructed and combined, though they
are necessarily connected with different descriptions of instruments when
brought to bear in working in warp lace machines.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS E.
Figure 1 shews a front view of a hand warp lace machine having my im-
provements applied thereto. Figure 2 is a transverse section thereof. Figure
3 is another transverse section on a larger scale, wherein the parts can be more
readily traced. Figures 4 and 5 show two detached views of the guide bars,
and parts working therewith, the other views representing detached parts, and
as the pattern surface shewn is similarly acted on to that last described, it will
not be necessary to again describe the same, further than to shew how the
motion is first communicated thereto, which is taken from the presser bar
action, which, by means of a clawker and driver a give motion to the wheel on
the axis b, on which axis there is affixed a cam, which, acting on the lever c,

page_text: gives the requisite up and down motion to the two drivers, which alternately
actuate one or other of the ratchet wheels on the axis, which moves the pattern
surface r to and fro in the same manner as has been already fully described;
and there are two other levers actuated by cams on the axis, which cause them
to approach each other, but do not act on the comb U₁ of the combs of the
sliding bolts U, unless the filling levers come between, as before explained; and
there is another cam which causes a locker bar to lift all the bolts U off the
pattern surfaces; but as the parts are lettered with the same letters of reference
as before used it will not be necessary further to describe the action of these
parts. d, d, are the independent instruments which are connected with the arms
X by wires or by threads, and they are supported in combs at either end, and
have each a spring which has a tendency to force them towards the front of
the machine, unless prevented by the working of the arms X' on the axis X.
On the front end of each rod d, and between the front combs in which the
rods d work, there is an upright rod d¹ resting on the rod d, such rods being
kept in their places by pins passing through the combs, and such pins, in
addition to keeping the rods d upright in their places, also act as guides to the
rods d' when they are rising and falling. On the upper end of each of the
rods d' is an inclined surface that coming up between two guides it will, when
the guide bar is shogged, cause one to spring one space, in order to cause such
selected guides to range under the upper guides when lapping on the needles,
in place of ranging in the spaces between the guides of the upper guide bar.
And it should be stated that in place of having stiff guides for the lower
guide bar, I have them of such a length as will allow them readily to spring;
and I have as many rods d, d¹, as there are guides in the lower guide bar; by
this means any of the guides on the lower guide bar may, from time to time,
in order to vary the nature of the work to be produced, be caused to lap on the
same needles with the upper guide threads, by simply springing the lower
guides out of their usual position; but the using of spring guides, when uncon-
trolled, is known not to be very safe in action, and in order to prevent
vibration of the long spring guides of the lower guide bar, I apply what are
called locking combs, which, passing between the guides, retain them
secure when lapping the threads on to the needles. e, e, is the comb bar for this
purpose; the combs have twice as many spaces as there are guides in the
lower guide bar, and the ends of the combs are bent upwards so as to enter
between the guides, and it should be stated that in working, when the selection
has taken place of the rods d by a pattern surface acting through the
apparatus x, x, those rods d which protrude so far towards the front of the
machine as to be acted on by the locker bar f, which is actuated by means of

page_text: a lever g acted on by a cam, as shewn in the Drawing, will be lifted up, and
with them the rods d', which will pass between the spring guides and cause
their particular guides to spring one space, and this takes place when the
combs are from between those guides, and at the same time when the lower
guides are under the upper guides, and then the combs go up and receive
the guides between the spaces therein; those which have been sprung, in place
of entering their own spaces, will enter a space farther to the left hand, and
work under the upper guides, whilst those which have not been sprung will enter
their own spaces in the combs, and work equally spaced with the upper guides;
by this means it will be evident that a constant change of action may take
place each time of selecting the parts by the pattern surface, and when
selected the guides will be held securely in the combs, for it will be seen that
the combs go together with the lower guides when the threads are being
lapped.
Having thus described the nature of my Invention, and the manner in
which the same is to be performed, I would have it understood that I lay no
claim to any of the parts separately or combined which have been before
used and similarly applied, and some of the parts may be varied. But what
I claim is,
First, the mode of constructing and applying guides and guide bars as herein
described.
Secondly, I claim the mode of producing the up and down motion of the
point bars as herein described.
Thirdly, I claim the using or employing two pattern surfaces to work
guide bars, whereby one is allowed to be changing its pattern during the
time the other comes into action, as herein described.
Fourthly, I claim the mode of working independent selecting instruments
by operating on them in classes in place of separately by the pattern surface,
whereby the extent of pattern surface required in repeating patterns several
times across the machine is greatly reduced when working bobbin net or twist
lace machinery with independent selecting instruments.
Fifthly, I claim the mode of working independent selecting instruments by
operating on them in classes in place of separately by the pattern surface,
whereby the extent of pattern surface required in repeating the pattern
several times across the machine is greatly reduced when working warp lace
machinery with independent selecting instruments.
Sixthly, I claim the modes of making pattern surfaces r for lace machinery,
as herein described. And,
Seventhly, I claim the modes of transmitting the pattern from pattern

page_text: surfaces by means of an intermediate apparatus consisting of moveable parts,
which, taking the contour of the pattern surface, is made secure, and retains
it and conveys it to the guide bars.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Crofts, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Sixteenth day of September, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and forty.