IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR COMBING COTTON AND OTHER FIBROUS MATERIAL
Year: 1858

page_text: Sealed the 3rd December 1858, and dated the 12th June 1858.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Clark at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
12th June 1858.
I, WILLIAM CLARK, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex,
Engineer and Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of the said Inven-
tion for "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR COMBING COTTON AND OTHER FIBROUS
MATERIAL," to be as follows:
My Invention relates to a new comb apparatus, represented in the Drawings
hereunto annexed.
Figs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, Sheet I., represent sections of the working
parts of the apparatus, to illustrate the principle of its action; Fig. 8, Sheet I.,
particular arrangement adopted in the application of the comb apparatus to
cotton; Fig. 20, Sheet I., the method of suppressing or exerting pressure on
the lower parts of the nippers; Fig. 9, Sheet II., elevation of the machine, as
applied for cotton; Figs. 10 and 11, Sheet III., parts for communicating

page_text: motion, placed at the right of the machine; Fig. 12, Sheet IV., front view of
the parts, serving to work the cotton placed between the parts for transmitting
motion at the right and left of the machine.
These improvements applied to combing' cotton are applicable to all other
fibrous materials. The improvements are in the parts which effect and
perform the combing action. The parts specially performing the operation of
combing are (see Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8,) f and d, feeding rollers;
a, comb drum; 9, z, first pair of nippers; g', ', second pair of nippers;
1, k, discharging or drawing-off rollers.
Particulars of the nippers.-They are composed of two parts 9 and 2, Fig. 1.
g is cylindrical and turns on an axis; its vertical section may be of any, form,
but in the application I have adopted it consists of two circular parts and two
flat parts, as represented in Fig. 1. z is a plate, bearing ong; it may be fixed
(by means of pressure), moveable, or of like action to g. Supposing z to be
fixed and g turning on its axis, so that when, as represented in the Drawing,
its cylindrical part is presented to z, its motion ceases for an instant, & g and
will have two positions in relation to each other, viz., Fig. 2, when is
in contact with the cylindrical part of g; Fig. 6, when z is in no longer in
contact with g, but opposite the flat part when there is a space between 9 and z.
If, when in the former position, pressure be exerted on, and if there be any
material between 9 and z, it will be pinched, while in the position Fig. 6 the
material will no longer be pinched between g and 2, when there will be free
passage between g and z.
The combing consists of the following operations:-
First, the feeding (Fig. 1), performed by a pair of rollers f, d, which for-
ward the cotton held between them.
Secondly, the nipping, performed by the nippers g, 2 & g', ', one of which
holds the last end of the cotton, and the other holds the first (Fig 1.)
Thirdly, the combing performed by the segments of combs placed on the
comb drum (Figs. 2, 3, 4, and 5).
Fourthly, the junction of the fibres that takes place in consequence of the
last end of the staple still projecting from nippers 9', ', when the end of the
staple leaving 9, 3, enters on '.
Fifthly, the transfer of the cotton from nippers 9, z, performed by the
grooved or roughened part of the comb drum and the cylindrical part of
9', (Fig. 7.)
Lastly, the delivery, performed by the pair of rollers l, k, which draw the
cotton out of nippers g', ', either directly or by means of an endless cloth
sliding round Fio 8

page_text: The feeding and transfer
comb drum which is not
The operation of combing complete.-If the feeding cylinders f, d, conduct
the sliver between 9, , & if this nipper closes allowing the first end of
the staple to hang on the same side as the comb drum a, that end will
be combed by one of the combing segments placed on the drum a. As
soon as the end of the staple is combed g turns on its axis and presents
its flat part to z, when the pressure ceasing to act on z, the sliver passes
freely between the two parts of nippers 9 and z.
is effected at this moment. That part of the
furnished with comb teeth conducts that end of the staple which has been
combed between itself and cylinder g', and thereby draws it out of nipper 9, z.
The whole staple advances between 9 and until the last end of the fibres, the
first end of which has been combed, has left g, z, the nipper g, z, then closes,
and the feeding ceases, while g' and the segment of a continue to draw off the
staple, and, lastly, deliver it on to, on which part pressure is exerted by g'
as soon as it has ceased to act in conjunction with the rough segment of drum a.
This being done, the last end of the staple, the first end of which has been
combed, remains projecting beyond nippers g', 2, on the side next the comb
drum, which still holds by the extremity of the fibres to the staple hanging
from nippers g, z, which is the first end of the next staple to be combed. The
combing segment combs these two staples at the same time at which the two
nippers 9, 2, and g', ', open, 'g' and a again act together, and cause the staple
to leave g, z, while l, k, cause the staple to leave g', ', so that the first end of
the staple leaving 9, z, is superposed on the tail or last end of the staple leaving
g', ', in order that l, k, may remove the fibrous material in the form of a
continuous sliver.
.
Mode of giving the necessary motion to each part serving for combing the
fibrous materials, and description of the special application of the machine to
cotton. The roller e holding the cotton to be combed is placed on two small
rollers b, b, with its axis in the fork bearing X, the sliver is passed between
rollers c and b, then between feeding rollers f and d. d and b, b, receive
motion suitable for advancing the sliver, and to make it enter between the two
parts g and z when the nipper is open, they receive motion in the following
manner-d receives motion by the toothed wheel d', placed on its axis, which
receives motion from the wheel d, placed on the axis of the upper part g of the
first nipper; b, b, receive motion from the intermediate wheel d, which
receives it from d, and this in turn receives motion from d, placed on its
intermediate shaft, which motion is communicated from intermediate wheel II,
this being driven from d placed on shaft g, so that as soon as g turns the
feeding is effected. The axis g is the-axis of the upper part of the first pincer,

page_text: which has an intermittent circular motion; this motion is imparted to it by a
part, Fig. 15, which is also a star, and which acts in the following manner,
(Fig. 15, g, 9, 1, 2):-2 is a segment of a disc, on the axis of which there is
a toothed segment g'; 1 is a star formed by circular parts, so that the segment
of disc fits exactly to one of its sides. On the same axis there is a toothed
wheel 9, which gears with the toothed segment 95; 1 is placed on shaft g,
while 2 is placed on an intermediate shaft having continuous circular motion.
The segment of disc 2 is only in contact with the side of star 1 when the
toothed segment g' has completed its action with wheel 9, in order that this
latter may remain motionless until the segment g again acts in conjunction
with wheel g. By this arrangement g has a jerking motion, and between
each movement there is a complete rest. 2 receives its continuous motion by
a wheel u placed on its axis, which receives motion from the wheel g² placed
on the same axis as the intermediate wheel g"; this receives motion from the
principal shaft a, by the wheel gI placed thereon, which shaft receives motion
directly from its pulley y. The comb drum consists of two segments furnished
with combs, and two segments furnished with leather; the two former comb
the ends of the fibre, while the two latter draw the sliver on to '. This drum
is placed directly on the principal shaft a, and has continuous rotary motion.
On both sides of this drum there is an apparatus, Fig. 20, Sheet I., which
serves to impart the two pressures on jaws and z'. On the drum itself there
are two cams placed eccentric, which turn with it and move the palls or
levers c', c, d, which are fitted on a fixed plate; these palls move two small
knobs r,, when the pressure on z and 'should cease. These knobs are
placed on segments of circles f, f', working in a slide, and connected together
at their extremity by a spring. On the corresponding annular segments a
like pressure takes place, and on which are fixed the parts z and, which by
this means have a slight movement. The other part g' of the second nipper
is of the same form as the first g, but its section may be circular; it also has
å jerking circular motion, which it receives by means of an apparatus identical
with that described with reference to g. This apparatus is represented at
Fig. 10 with regard to the parts &IV, & II, 12 D. On the same axis as &III
which receives motion from the intermediate wheel &",
there is a wheel
ou the axis of which is the wheel &', which receives motion from the wheel &,
placed on the principal shaft a. k, l, (Fig. 8,) rollers which draw the endless
cloth, pinching it between them, and making it slide on the lower part 2 of
the second nipper.; motion is imparted to it by k', which is received through
wheel gº, the intermediate wheels g³ and g², and wheel ge placed on the axis g.

page_text: The cylinders l, g', f, receive pressure (Fig. 9) by a system of springs. The
combing drum is cleaned by a circular brush q, which receives motion by
means of wheels g', g³, g², gl, gl, and axis a. The doffer r, which cleans
brush q, receives motion by means of wheels a³, a', a³, and axis a. The comb
or stripper a, which strips the waste from the doffer, receives motion by the
crank P, fixed on wheel 92 (Fig. 14), by a rod and series of levers. The
wheel g² receives motion by means of wheels g, g, axis a, and pulley y.
The cotton is removed from k, l, by a pair of winding-on rollers, moved by
axis n, which receives motion from axis a by means of wheels a, a, a, a¹,
and axis a.
The improvement in this combing machine consists in rendering it very
simple in comparison with others, in changing the nature of the working parts,
and in modifying the arrangements for giving motion to each part, the
fundamental principle remaining almost the same as in Heilmann's. This
combing machine may also act with a single nipper and a fixed comb, the
system of transferring and connecting the fibres or staple being the same.
The rollers and segments may be each grooved or covered, the feeding and
discharging may be effected otherwise than as described, and the arrangements
for imparting motion to the various parts may also be different.
The pressure
may be exerted by means of spiral or other springs or weights, and the pressure.
on each part 2, %, may be distinct; and may also have other movements,.
as in other combing machines. The combing drum may vary in form and
system, as may also the mode of cleaning it, and the system of drawing or
conducting the fibres. The form of the frames and supports is unimportant,
and may also vary. I will remark that a fixed comb may be used with the
two nippers, and the same system of combing. In a word, the whole may be.
modified except the system of nippers, which is the same in all cases.
Index of the letters.-a, motive shaft, carrying the segments; e, supply-
roller; b, b, rollers; c, roller for assisting the detaching of the cotton from e;.
d, grooved feeding roller; f, pressing roller, for detaching the cotton; g, J.
working rollers, having two grooved segments; k, grooved roller, moving the
endless band of leather; 1, pressing roller for moving the endless band of
leather; m, Heim and Co.'s system of pressing rollers; n, n', winding-on
rollers; o, arrangement of table, with transverse winding-on rollers in case
there are several heads; p, rod, carrying the funnel table bearings of the
upper winding-on roller, and the clearer for the lower winding-on roller;
9, brush, for. cleaning the comb drum segments; r, doffer, receiving the waste;
s, shaft of x; A, frame; C, bearing of the winding-on roller.
Motion on the side of the motive pullies.-A', frame, with details of

page_text: movement for roller g'; C', bearing of the winding-on roller, and of parts
represented at Fig. 15; y, y', motive pullies, one of which is fixed, and the
other loose; z, movement of the winding-on roller; u, movement of g'.
Gearing or movement on the side opposite the motive pullies.-A", frame
of the gear, with details of movement of roller & and of doffer r; I, J, endless
screw and wheel; and K, K', bevil wheels (movement of the doffer); N,
bearing frame of the brush (for its movement); O, support of the parts,
Fig. 15, of the intermediate part for the movement of roller g and brush q;
P, support of the parts, Fig. 15, of the intermediate part for the movement of
roller and rollers b, 6; 8, movement of roller g and brush r; T, movement
of roller k; U, U, discs for the movement of the nippers; , nippers; D, stars
for the movement of rollers g and g'.
In conclusion, what I chiefly desire to protect is nippers of any kind for
holding fibrous materials, of which one part at least turns on its axis, and is of
a cylindrical form, and has a jerking or intermittent motion. I also wish to
protect all the new arrangements for imparting motion employed as applied to
the nippers before described, and which serve for combing fibrous materials,
and also the combing machine itself applied for combing all fibrous materials.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said William Clark in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
11th December 1858.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, WILLIAM
CLARK, of 53, Chancery. Lane, in the County of Middlesex, Engineer and
Patent Agent, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Twelfth day of June, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-eight, in the twenty-first year of Her
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the
said William Clark, Her special licence that I, the said William Clark,
my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said
William Clark, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any
time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter
during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use,
exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland,
the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
MACHINERY FOR COMBING COTTON AND OTHER FIBROUS MATERIALS," a communica-

page_text: tion from Jean Jacques Bourcart, Gentleman, residing at Guebwiller (Haut
Rhin), upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said William Clark,
my executors or administrators, by an instrument in writing under my;
or their, or one of their hands and seals, should particularly describe
and ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the
same was to be performed, and cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal
Patent Office within six calendar months next and immediately after the
date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said William Clark, do hereby declare.
the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement, reference being had to the Sheet of Drawings hereunto annexed,
and to the letters and figures marked thereon, that is to say:-
This Invention relates to a new combing apparatus represented in the Draw-
ings hereunto annexed.
Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 represent sections of the working parts of the
comb apparatus to illustrate the principle of its action; Fig. 8 is a particular
arrangement adapted for the application of the combing apparatus to cotton;
Fig. 20, the method of suppressing or exerting pressure on the lower part of
the nippers; Fig. 9, elevation of the machine as applied for combing cotton;
Figs. 10 and 11, parts for communicating motion placed at the left of the
machine; Figs. 13 & 14, parts for communicating motion p'aced at the right
of the machine; Fig. 12, front view of the parts serving to act upon or work
the cotton placed between the parts for transmitting motion at the right and
left of the machine.
These improvements as applied to combing cotton are applicable to all
other fibrous materials. The improvements are in the parts which effect and
perform the operation of combing; the parts specially performing the combing
operation are (Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8), f, d, feeding rollers; a
comb drum; g, z, first pair of nippers; g',, second pair of nippers.; l, k;
discharging or drawing-off apparatus.
1
2
Particulars of the nipping apparatus.-They are composed of two parts.
g and (Fig. 1); 9 is cylindrical and turns on an axis; its vertical section
may be of any form, but in the application I have adopted it consists of two
cylindrical parts and two flat parts, as represented in Fig. 1; is a plate or
bar bearing on g; it may be fixed (by means of pressure) movable, or have
a like action to g. Supposing to be fixed and g turning on its axis, so that.
when, as represented in the Drawing, its cylindrical part is presented to, its
motion ceases for an instant; y and will then take two positions in relation

page_text: to each other, viz., (Fig. 2) when is in contact with the cylindrical part of g,
(Fig. 6,) when is no longer in contact with g, but opposite the flat part where
there is a space between 9 and z. If, when in the former position, pressure be
exerted on 2, and if there be any material between 9 and z, it will be pinched,
while, when in the position Fig. 6, the material will be no longer pinched
between 9 &z, as there will be a free passage between 9 and z.
The combing consists of the following operations :-
First, the feeding (Fig. 1) performed by a pair of rollers f, d, which advance
the cotton held between them.
Secondly, the nipping by the nippers g, z, and g', ', one of which holds the
last end of the cotton, and the other holds the first end (Fig. 1).
Thirdly, the combing performed by the segments of combs placed on the
comb drum (Figs. 2, 3, 4, and 5).
Fourthly, the junction of the fibres that takes place in consequence of the
last end of the staple still projecting from nippers g', ', when the first end of
the staple leaving g, z, enters g', '.
Fifthly, the transfer, of the cotton from nippers g, z, performed by the
groove or roughened part of the comb drum and the cylindrical part of g',
(Fig. 7).
Sixthly, the delivery or drawing off performed by the pair of rollers-l, k,
which draw the cotton out of nippers g', ', either directly or by means
of an endless cloth sliding round (Fig. 8).
The operation of combing complete.-If the feeding cylinders f, d, conduct
the sliver between g and z, and if this nipper closes allowing the first end of the
staple to hang on the same side as the comb drum a, that end will be combed
by one of the combing segments placed on the drum a; as soon as the end of
the staple is combed, g turns on its axis and presents its flat part to z, when
the pressure ceases to act on z, and the sliver is passed freely between the
two parts of the nipper g, z; it is at this moment that the feeding and transfer
is effected; the part of the comb drum which is not furnished with comb teeth
conducts that end of the staple which has been combed between itself and
cylinder g', and thereby draws it out of nipper g, z; the whole staple then
advances between 9 and 2, until the last end of the fibres, and the first end of
which has been combed, has left g, z; the nipper g, z, then closes & the
feeding ceases, while g' and the segment of a continue to draw off the staple,
and, lastly, to deliver it on to 2, on which part pressure is exerted as soon as
has ceased to act in conjunction with the rough segment of drum a; this
being done, the last end of the staple, the first end of which has been combed,
remains projecting beyond 9', ', on the side next the comb drum, which

page_text: tuft still holds by the extremity of the fibres to the staple or tuft hanging
from nippers g, z, which is the first end of the next tuft to be combed. The
combing segment combs these two staples at the same time on which the two
nippers 9, 2, and g', z', open; g' and a again act together, and cause the
staple to leave g, z, while l, k, cause the staple to leave g', ', so that the first
end of the staple leaving g, z, is superposed on the tail or last end of the staple
leaving g', ', in order that 1, k, may remove the fibrous material in the form
of a continuous sliver.
Mode of giving the necessary motion to each part serving for combing
fibrous materials, and description of the special application of the machine
to cotton. The roller e holding the cotton to be combed is placed on two
small rollers b, b, with its axis in the fork bearing X; the sliver is passed
between rollers c and b, then between feeding rollers f and d; d and b, b,
receive motion suitable for advancing the sliver, and to make it enter between
the two parts g and z, when the nipper is open. They receive motion in the
following manner: -d receives motion from the wheel d' placed on its
axis, which receives motion from the wheel d placed on the upper part g
of the first nipper b; b, receives motion from the intermediate wheel d",
which receives it from div, and this in turn receives motion from d" placed
on its intermediate shaft, which motion is communicated from intermediate
wheel d", this being driven from d placed on shaft g, so that as soon as g turns
the feeding is effected. This axis g is the axis of the upper part of the first
pincer, which has an intermittent circular motion; this motion is imparted to
it by a part, Fig. 22, which is also a star, and which acts in the following
manner (Fig. 22, 9, 9, 1, 2):-2 is a segment of a disc, on the axis of which
there is a toothed segment g³; 1 is a star, formed by the circular parts, so that
the segment of the disc fits exactly to one its sides; on the same axis there
is a toothed wheel go, which gears with the toothed segment gs; 1 is placed on
shaft g, while 2 is placed on an intermediate shaft, having continuous circular
motion. The segment of disc 2 is only in contact with the side of star 1, when
the toothed segment of 9 has completed its action with wheel 96 in order that
this latter may remain motionless until the segment go, again acts in conjunction
with wheel 9. By this arrangement, 9 has a jerking motion and between
each movement there is a complete rest; receives its continous motion from
the wheel u placed on its axis, which receives its motion from the wheel g"
placed on the same axis as the intermediate wheel g"; this receives motion
from the principal shaft a, by the wheel 9" placed thereon, which shaft
receives motion directly from its pulley y. The comb drum consists of two
segments furnished with combs, and two segments furnished with leather; the
--

page_text: two former comb the end of the fibre, while the two latter draw the sliver on
to this drum is placed directly on the principal shaft a, and has continuous
rotary motion.
On both sides of this drum there is an apparatus, Fig. 20, which serves to
impart the two pressures on jaws z and 2'. On the drum itself there are two
cams placed eccentric, which turn with it and move the palls or levers c', c, d',
which are fitted on a fixed plate; these palls move two small knobs r', r', when
the pressure on z and z' should cease. These knobs are placed on segments
3.
of circles f, f, working in a slide, and connected together at their extremities
by a spring; on the corresponding annular segments a like pressure takes
place, and on which are fixed the parts and ¹, which by this means have a
slight movement. The other part g' of the second nipper is of the same form
as the first g, but its section may be circular: it also has a jerking circular
motion, which it receives by means of an apparatus identical with that
described with reference to g. The apparatus is represented at Fig. 10 with
regard to the parts, & IV., & III., 12 D. On the same as &"" there is a wheel
which receives motion from the intermediate wheel & II., on the axis
of which is the wheel & I., which receives motion from the wheel & placed on
the principal shaft a; k, l, (Fig. 8,) rollers, which draw the endless cloth,
pinching it between them, and making it slide on the lower part z', of the
second nipper; motion is imparted to it by k', which receives it through the
wheel gº, & the intermediate wheels 98 and 9', and wheel g', placed on the
axis g. The cylinders l, g', f, receive pressure (Fig. 9) by a system of springs.
The comb drum is cleaned by a circular brush q, which receives motion by
means of wheels g³, g³, g³, 9", 9", and axis a; the doffer r, which cleans brush
q, receives motion by means of wheels a, a, a³, and axis a. The comb or
stripper x, which strips the waste from the doffer, receives motion by the crank
P fixed on wheel g², (Fig. 14,) by a rod and series of levers; the wheel g²
receives motion by means of wheels g", g'", axis a, and pulley y. The cotton
is removed from l, k, by a pair of winding-on rollers moved by axis n, which
receives motion from axis a by means of wheels air, a'"", a", a', and axis a.
The improvement in this combing machine consists in rendering it very
simple, in comparison with others, in changing the nature of the working
parts, and in modifying the arrangements for giving motion to each part, the
fundamental principle remaining the same as in Heilmann's. This combing
machine may also act with a single nipper and a fixed comb, the system of
transferring and connecting the fibres or staple being the same; the rollers
and segments may be each grooved or covered; the feeding and discharging.

page_text: may be effected otherwise than as described, and the arrangements for im-
parting motion to the various parts may also be different. The pressure may
be exerted by means of spiral or other springs or weights, and the pressure on
each part,, may be distinct; z and may also have other movements, as
in other combing machines.
The comb drum may vary in form and system, as may also the mode of
cleaning it, and the system of drawing or conducting the fibres. The form of
the frame and supports is unimportant and may also vary. I will remark that
a fixed comb may be used with the two nippers, and the same system of
combing. In a word, the whole may be modified except the system of nippers,
which is the same in all cases.
Index of the letters of reference.-a, motive shaft carrying the segments;
e, supply roller; b, b, rollers; c, roller for assisting the detaching of the cotton
from e; d, grooved feeding roller; f, pressing roller for detaching the cotton;
9, 9', working rollers, having two grooved segments; k, grooved roller moving
the endless band of leather; 1, pressing roller for moving the endless band of
leather; m, Heim & Co.'s system of pressing rollers; n, n', winding-off rollers;
o, arrangement of table with duplicate transverse winding-off rollers in case there
are several heads;p, rod, carrying the funnel table, the bearings for the upper
winding-off roller, and the cleaner for the lower roller n; q, brush for cleaning
the comb drum segments; r, doffer receiving the waste; s, shaft of x, which
communicates movement to the comb. A, frame; C; frame of the winding-off
rollers.
Motion on the side of the motive pullies.-A', frame with details of move-
ment for roller 9'; C', bearing of the winding off rollers and of parts
represented; y, y', motive pullies, one of which is fixed and the other loose;
z, movement of the winding-off roller; u, movement of roller g'.
Gearing or movement on the side opposite the motive pullies.-A", frame
of the gear, with details of movement of roller k and of doffer r; I, J, endless
screw and wheel, and K, K', bevil wheels (actuating the doffer); N, bearing
frame of the brush for its movement; O, support of the parts, Fig. 22, of the
intermediate part for the movement of roller g and brush 9; P, support of the
parts, Fig. 22, & of the intermediate part for the movement of roller d and
rollers b, b; R, movement of roller d and rollers b, b; s, movement of roller g
and brush r; T, movement of roller k; U, U, discs for the movement of the
nippers;, nippers; D, stars for the movement of rollers 9 and g'. These
improvements have been further modified in the combing machine above
described, which improvements are represented in the annexed Drawings.
Fig. 15 shows a section of a Heilmann's combing machine with its

page_text: modifications; Fig. 16 shows in elevation a modification of the same machine.
Fig. 17 represents a transverse section of the combing machine, showing a
modification of the transferring apparatus. Fig. 18 shows a modification of
the feeding and nipping actions of the combing machine. Fig. 19 shows a
section of the comb drum or cylinder modyfied for Hubner's combing machine.
Fig. 21 shows a vertical projection of the same drum, the same letters
indicate like parts in the Figs. 15, 16, 17, & 18. A, comb drum or cylinder;
B, nipping instrument; c, c, feeding instrument; a, b, d, s, transferring
apparatus; D, fixed comb, the same letters represent like parts in Figs. 19
& 21; c¹, c, c³, conical rings; a¹, a³, a³, combs; 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, teeth or needles
of the combs; g, g, small supplements thereto. The improvements made in
Heilmann's and Hubner's combing machines produces no change in any other
part of those machines. The improvements in Heilmann's machine consist,
1st. In a cleaning cylinder b, for which can be substituted a cleaning cover
placed on cylinder a instead of cylinders; there can also be two cleaning
cylinders, one on a and the other on s. 2ndly. In a cleaning cover or
cylinder to cylinder d; 2 represents a cap or cover c fixed on the cover c, c¹,
(Figs. 15 & 16.) 3rdly. In guides e, f, placed in advance of the fluted part
of the combing drum, having for its object to bring the head of the comb into
position before the transferring takes place (Figs. 15 and 16). 4thly. In
small additional pieces added to the fixed combs and drum combs, to cover the
bottom of the teeth to prevent the fibrous material becoming entangled (Figs.
17 and 21). 5thly. In a regulated bar H of any form serving to form a nip
with the transferring roller s, and on which slides an endless cloth I, in order
that the tail of the tuft may be also combed by the combing drum, the fixed
comb may either be used or not; the backward movement of the transferring
apparatus may also be suppressed instead of the grooved part of the combing
drum, that part of the drum may be formed of or covered with leather, and
the roller s furnished with grooved leather. The regulated bar H with endless
cloth can also be applied to the feeding apparatus (Figs. 17 and 18).
6thly. Of a combing drum applicable to Hubner's combing machine, which is
composed of rings placed on a centre of suitable form, and on which rings the
combs a¹, a, a, a, are fixed; on each ring are fixed the combs at suitable
inclinations and distances apart, the whole combination of rings furnished with
combs will form a combing drum, of which the teeth will act in opposition to
the circular nipping apparatus. In combining these rings care must be taken
to place the combs the one in relation to the other, as at Fig. 19, at 1, 2, 3, 4,
&c., and which forms a sort of helix composed of straight combs. The ring
which is furnished with the finest teeth should be of the smallest diameter,

page_text: and the ring furnished with largest combs should be of the largest diameter;
by means of an additional piece or other means I cover the bottom of the
teeth in such manner that the cotton cannot become entangled therein.
The combing drums in Hubner's machine have hollow spaces between the
combs where the brush cannot reach, and further, the combs bave points
which prevent the comb cleaning the bottom of the teeth; I suppress these
points and fill the intervals between the combs, and add a piece g, which
encloses the bottom of the teeth (Fig. 21).
Having described the nature of the Invention and the manner of per-
forming the same, I would remark that what I desire to protect as the
Invention to be secured by the herein-before in part recited Letters Patent is,
the nippers of any kind for holding fibrous materials between them, of which
one part at least turns on its axis, and is of a cylindrical form, and has a
jerking or intermittent motion. I also claim to protect all the new arrange-
ments of gear for imparting motion employed as applied to the nippers, as
and for the purpose of combing fibrous materials, as herein-before described.
I further claim the application of this improved combing machinery to the
combing of all fibrous materials.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Clark, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Eleventh day of December, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-eight.
Witness,
WILLIAM G. E. Swinnock,
53, Chancery Lane, London.
WILLIAM CLARK. (L.S.)