Improvements in Looms for Weaving Wire.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 18th Apr., 1896
Complete Specification Left, 18th Jan., 1897-Accepted, 27th Feb., 1897
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Looms for Weaving Wire.
We, DANIEL STEWART BIRRELL, of 201 Padgate Lane, Warrington, in the
County of Lancaster, Engineer, and ANDREW RATHBONE, of 43 Arpley Street,
Warrington, in the County of Lancaster, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature
of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention has reference more particularly to looms for weaving wire fabrics
composed of warps and wefts, and relates more especially to that type of such
looms in which the shuttle containing the weft is moved from side to side
mechanically, that is to say, by means other than hand; and it has more particularly
for its object to provide improvements in such machines, by which, by a simple
mechanical means, the different operations connected with the movement of the
shuttle can be effectively performed, and a high rate of movement and number of
picks, and a large production or manufacture of material is produced in a given
time.
According to the present invention, the shuttle is pulled or drawn backwards
and forwards through the shed by means of rods or bars, and the operation of
these rods is effected by cam motion. By effecting the movement of the shuttle
by pulling or drawing it through, the employment of cams in the manner described
is rendered practicable and efficient. The mechanism is so arranged and adapted
to operate, that when the shed is formed, one rod is moved forward through the
shed, engages the shuttle, then draws it through, practically in a continuous
motion; and under a further arrangement and mode of action, it is so adapted that
the shuttle moving cam operates the picking motions or rods at either side of the
machines; namely the cam is moved out of gear with one of the mechanisms after
it has been operated, then moved into a position disconnected from the picking
mechanism at either side, and then further moved into gear with the parts of the
picking mechanism of the other side, so that it is in continuous movement.
this means, one cam performs two operations.
By
The moving of the cam which operates the shuttle rods into and out of gear
with one or other of the picking mechanisms, is effected by another cam, which
moves or gives the bodily displacement to that cam by operating the shaft upon
which it is fixed, or by acting directly on the cam; and this, in one arrangement
is effected by arranging the second cam with its plane at right angles to that of
the picking motion cam.
According to one arrangement, the picking motion cam acts upon rollers on two
bars or rods parallel with each other, one of which is connected with one shuttle
rod and its mechanism, at one side of the machine, and the other with the other
shuttle rod and its mechanism at the other side. These rods or bars in this
arrangement are connected with reciprocating levers having telescopic ends or
extendible portions, or equivalent means, which are connected with a slide which
carries the shuttle rod, one of such slides and lever arrangements being disposed at
either side of the machine. When in operation, the cam actuated bars or rods,
when they are not being acted upon by the picking motion cam, are held in position
by a suitable detent, which is withdrawn when the cam acts upon such rods or bars
in coming into operation.

page_text: According to a convenient and simple arrangement of parts and mechanisms, the
whole mechanism is driven from a single continuously operating shaft; and from
this shaft, through a shaft, say parallel with it, and spur gearing, the picking
motion cam is rotated-also continuously; while its longitudinal motion, or motion
of displacement between one and the other of the bars or rods which it actuates, is
effected through a second cam, which moves this latter shaft and the picking cam
longitudinally, and is driven through bevel gearing from the main shaft. This
displacement cam will be parallel with the desired or necessary projecting parts,
recesses, and neutral parts, to give the required pauses and intermittent lateral or
to and fro motions to the picking motion cam shaft. The gearing for this latter
cam will be such as will give a complete cycle of lateral or displacement movements
of the picking motion cam, during the cycle of actions of the picking mechanisms
on the opposite side of the loom; and to do this it will be driven at a slower rate
than the picking motion cam.
The shuttle in one case consists of a spool and its carrier, the carrier having
recesses or apertures in its ends, or provision on it, with which hooks on the end of
the shuttle actuating rods are adapted to engage and disengage; and in the case of
the part on the shuttle carrier which is engaged by such rods, being a bar or catch,
such bar or catch is adapted to be disengaged from the hook of the shuttle rod
when the shuttle has been moved to a certain point near the inner end of its stroke,
by a suitable releasing or disengaging provision or device which operates it; and
the bar hook being freed is moved clear of the shuttle carrier. The return of the
part or provision of the shuttle which is engaged with and released from the rods, is
suitably effected by a spring.
A suitable beating up motion, to be used in connection with the loom, may
consist of a slide operated by a crank, which is continuous motion.
It is to be understood that the features or improvements under this invention
above described, are not restricted to the constructions of the mechanisms or parts
more particularly and fully specified; and that they may be used separately as
well as conjointly, under this invention, in looms, for the performance or effecting
of the different purposes or actions.
Dated this 17th day of April 1896
CHEESBROUGH & ROYSTON,
15 Water Street, Liverpool, Applicants' Patent Agents.
We, DANIEL STEWART BIRRELL, of 201 Padgate Lane, Warrington, in the
County of Lancaster, Engineer, and ANDREW RATHBONE, of 43 Arpley Street,
Warrington, in the County of Lancaster, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature
of this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement:-
This invention has reference, more particularly, to looms for weaving wire fabrics
composed of warps and wefts, and relates, more especially, to that type of such
looms in which the shuttle containing the weft is noved from side to side
mechanically, that is to say, by means other than hand; and it has, more particularly,
for its object to provide improvements in such machines, by which, by a single
mechanical means, the different operations connected with the movement of the
shuttle can be effectively performed, and a high rate of movement and number of
picks, and a large production or manufacture of material is produced in a given
time.

page_text: According to the present invention, the shuttle is pulled or drawn backwards
and forwards through the shed by means of rods or bars, and the operation of
these rods is effected by cam motion. By effecting the movement of the shuttle
by pulling or drawing it through, the employment of cams in the manner described
is rendered practicable and efficient. The mechanism is so arranged and adapted
to operate, that when the shed is formed, one rod is moved forward through the
shed, engages the shuttle, then draws it through, practically, in a continuous
motion; and under a further arrangement and mode of action, it is so adapted that
the shuttle moving cam operates the picking motions or rods at either side of the
machines; namely, the cam is moved out of gear with one of the mechanisms after
it has been operated, then moved into a position disconnected from the picking
mechanism at either side, and then further moved into gear with the parts of the
picking mechanism of the other side, so that it is in continuous movement. By
this means, one cam performs two operations.
The moving of the cam which operates the shuttle rods into and out of gear
with one or other of the picking mechanisms, is effected by another cam, which
moves or gives the bodily displacement to the cam by operating the shaft upon
which it is fixed, or by acting directly on the cam; and this, in one arrangement,
is effected by arranging the second cam with its plane at right angles to that of
the picking motion cam.
According to one arrangement, the picking motion cam acts upon rollers on two
bars or rods parallel with each other, one of which is connected with one shuttle
rod and its mechanism, at one side of the machine, and the other with the other
shuttle rod and its mechanism at the other side. These rods or bars, in this
arrangement, are connected with reciprocating levers having telescopic ends or
extendible portions, or equivalent means, which are connected with a slide which
carries the shuttle rod, one of such slides and lever arrangements being disposed at
either side of the machine. When in operation, the cam actuated bars or rods,
when they are not being acted upon by the picking motion cam, are held in position
by a suitable detent, which is withdrawn when the cam acts upon such rods or bars
in coming into operation.
According to a convenient and simple arrangement of parts and mechanisms, the
whole mechanism is driven from a single continuously operating shaft; and from
this shaft, through a shaft, say parallel with it, and spur gearing, the picking
motion cam is rotated also continuously; while its longitudinal motion, or motion
of displacement between one and the other of the bars or rods which it actuates, is
effected through a second cam, which moves this latter shaft and the picking cam
longitudinally, and is driven through bevel gearing from the main shaft. This
displacement cam will be parallel with the desired or necessary projecting parts,
recesses, and neutral parts, to give the required pauses and intermittent lateral, or
to and fro, motions to the picking motion cam shaft. The gearing for this latter
cam will be such as will give a complete cycle of lateral or displacement movements
of the picking motion cam during the cycle of actions of the picking mechanisms,
on the opposite side of the loom; and, to do this, it will be driven at a slower rate
than the picking motion cam.
The shuttle in one case consists of a spool and its carrier, the carrier having
recesses or apertures in its ends, or provision on it, with which hooks on the end
of the shuttle actuating rods are adapted to engage and disengage; and in the case
of the part on the shuttle carrier which is engaged by such rods, being a bar or
catch, such bar or catch is adapted to be disengaged from the hook of the shuttle
rod when the shuttle has been moved to a certain point near the inner end of its
stroke, by a suitable releasing or disengaging provision or device which operates it,
and the bar hook, being freed, is moved clear of the shuttle carrier. The return
of the part or provision of the shuttle which is engaged with and released from the
rods, is suitably effected by a spring.
A suitable beating up motion, to be used in connection with the loom, may consist
of a slide operated by a crank, which is continuous motion.

page_text: It is to be understood that the features or improvements under this invention
above described, are not restricted to the constructions of the mechanisms or parts
more particularly and fully specified; and that they may be used separately as
well as conjointly, under this invention, in looms, for the performance or effecting
of the different purposes or actions.
The invention will now be described with reference to the, accompanying
drawings, in which
Figure 1 is a plan of loom according to this invention; Figure 2 is a front
elevation; and Figure 3 is a side elevation.
Figures 4 and 5 shew a shuttle to be used in connection with the loom.
Referring to the drawings, a is one of the shuttle actuating rods, which is
carried in a slipper a, adapted to slide to and fro upon a slide b, fixed upon a.
bracket on the main frame c of the loom. At the other side of the machine, a
similar shuttle actuating rod, slipper, and slide will be provided; but both of these
mechanisms are worked by the single actuating mechanism shewn, and hereafter
described. These shuttle actuating rods are driven by a cam d,, the rod (a) shewn
being operated by this cam, through slide bar e carrying the rollers e¹ (which are
acted upon by the cam) and supported in guides ex, rod e, a rocking lever and shaft e³,
connecting rod et, and a lever es fulcrummed at its lower end in a ball socket joint,
and connected at its upper end to the slipper a¹ by a link e, the connection of es to
the slipper being by a universal coupling e. These parts constitute the
mechanism for actuating the shuttle operating rod a on one side of the loom.
The mechanism for operating the rod at the other side, for moving the shuttle in
the opposite direction, consists of a similar mechanism, namely, a slide bar f
carrying rollers and suitably supported in guides fx, a rod f (shewn in dotted
lines), a motion reversing lever and shaft 3, and a connecting rod f, which will
actuate a lever exactly similar to e; and so, through another similar slipper and
slide, the shuttle rod at that side of the frame.
The shuttle is supported at each side of the loom, when it reaches the end of
its throw or stroke, upon a table or bed g, fixed upon the frames e; and the sley h
which carries the reel, and by which the beating up of the weft is effected,
extends across the machine, and is carried on slippers 2, which slide to and fro
on the inclined slides ; motion being given to the slippers h² from the shaft h
(having one revolution for each picking movement, and driven from a suitable
part of the machine), cranks on , and connecting rods connected to the
slippers 2.
The cycle of movements of the picking motion parts are:-First, a forward
motion of the rod a across the shed (e), and a backward motion of it: this being
effected by one complete rotation of the cam d. Then, there is a pause of the
rods a for about an equal period of time, in which the beating up motion or
action is effected. The third is the outward and return movement of the shuttle
rod at the other side of the loom similar to the former; and following it, is
another pause equal to the former, during which the beating up action takes place
as before. This completes the cycle of actions as regards the shuttle's per-
formances; both the two actions of the shuttle picking motion rods a, at both sides
of the loom, and the pauses, being produced or effected by the one cam d and
mechanism described, the cam d itself, in the cycle, performing four complete
revolutions.
The mechanism by which these effects and actions of the cam d are enabled to be
performed, are as follows:-
The cam d is fixed upon and revolved with and by the shaft i; and the shaft i is
rotated by the bevel wheels j (which are driven by the driving gearing of the
loom) through a key and keyway or the like, on the shaft i, and bevel wheel on it.
The shaft i has also longitudinal movement; and this is effected by the cam k
which is fixed on the shaft k', and driven by the driving gear of the loom. The
longitudinal movement is imparted to the shaft i by the cam k through slide bars k²,
carrying rollers &³ (operated upon by the cam) and suitably guided at each end

page_text: the bars being connected to i through a collar
neck of the shaft i.
thereon, which fits over the
The relative rates of revolution of the cams d and k are 4 to 1; and the number
of actual movements effected by the cam k is four; while the number of separate
parts and functions of the cam k is eight. In the position shewn in the drawings,
the rotation of the cam is inoperative upon its bars and the shaft i, holding the
shaft in this position, while the cam d makes, one complete revolution. Then the
cam presses the shaft i inwards, bringing the cam d to a position intermediate
the operative rollers e' and f of the picking motion slides e and, respectively.
Then the cam k in the next part of its revolution ceases to act upon the shaft i,
and retains it in this position, while the cam d makes an idle revolution; during
which time the beating up motion is actuated through the cranks 4° and connecting
rods 4. After this, the cam & imparts to the slide bars and shaft i further
movement in the same direction, and brings it into the space between the rollers/
of the cam slide har/; and when in this position, it holds the shaft i and cam d,
while the latter is making another complete revolution; in which revolution it
operates the picking motion at the other side of the loom. After this, the cam k
presses the cam d out of engagement with rollers, into a position again inter-
mediate and, and holds it in this position while it makes another idle.
revolution; during which time the beating up of the pick last made is effected.
And, after this, the cam k moves the cam d'again into position within the cam
rollers e, so completing the cycle of operations. Thus the cam k gives four
positive lateral movements to the shaft i, and cam d; and also gives four pauses in
respect of the longitudinal movements of the cam d.
To give these four several pauses, the cam k has, as will be seen in Figure 2, four
parts, the peripheries of which are parts of a circle, having as their centre, the axis
of the shaft k. One of these pause parts is comparatively close to the axis, and
that exactly opposite it, is furthest from the axis; whilst the other two have a
length of radius between these two extremes, and equal to one another. For
imparting the four lateral movements to the cam, d, the cam k has four humps or
rises, two of which give the lateral movements of d in one direction, and the other
two, the lateral movements in the opposite direction.
As regards the cam d, and its action upon the slides e and f, its shape is such,
that when the rod a has been pushed either out or pulled in, and is at the extreme
end of its stroke, it gives it a pause or rest by not acting upon the cam slide roller e
or; and at these periods of the cycle of movements, the cam d is moved laterally
by k out of contact with e' or f' into the intermediate position between them; and
also into the active positions in which it operates them. These pauses, at these
moments, are provided to enable this shifting of the cam d, into and out of its
active positions, to be performed smoothly and without jar.
While these changings of positions are taking place, that is, when the cam dis
being moved out of gear with the cam rollers, the cam slide e or f, as the case may
be, is automatically locked; and it is held in this position as long as the cam is not
engaged with it. While, on the other hand, when the cam goes into engagement
with either of such cam slides, it simultaneously unlocks that slidé. These lockings
and unlockings are effected by two locking pins 1, each of which is fixed on a
plate carried by a shank , held or working in a sleeve ; the shank being
normally pressed outwards towards the cam slides by a.spring, (shewn in dotted
lines) within the sleeve ; while, on the other hand, it is pressed in by the boss d
of the cam d, when that cam is moved into engagement with one or other of the
cam slides. In action, when the boss d' moves away from the plate of the '
locking device, the locking pin 4 enters a hole in the cam slide, and locks that slide;
and, vice-versa, when the cam is pressed into engagement with one of the cam slides,
its boss d' comes in contact with a locking pin plate l, and presses its pin / from
out of the hole in the slide, and so unlocks the slide.
The shuttle illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5 (half only of which is shewn), consists of
a frame o baving a spool o' within it containing the weft wire, which is paid out

page_text: from the shuttle spool over rollers o². At each end of the shuttle there is a neck o³
into which the rods a pass when making engagement with the shuttle. Projecting
into the interior of each of the necks o³, there is a catch p, having an inclined end,
which is normally pressed up into the neck by a spring p; and this catch engages
with a notch a' in the rod nose, when it enters the neck o³. The action is that as
the coned nose of a enters the neck o³, the catch p is pressed back by it, and when
the notch a¹ comes opposite p, it is pressed by the spring p into the notch and so
engages the rod a; and this being effected, the shuttle is drawn across through the
shed in the return action of the rod a.
The releasing of the rods a from the shuttle is effected by a trigger q, and a
stationary releasing projection on the end of the bracket carrying the slide b.
The action between these parts is;-that when the rod a is approaching the inner
end of its stroke, pulling with it the shuttle, the inclined nose of the trigger q (the
shank of which passes through a slot in the catch p) comes in contact with the
inclined face of the projection r, and presses the trigger away from the rod a,
drawing with it the catch p, and taking it out of engagement with the rod nose.
After this, the rod a continues moving backwards until it is clear of the shuttle.
When the shuttle has been so released, it rests upon its bed g, until the picking
rod from the other side engages with, and carries it back again through the shed.
The warp wires a are carried upon a suitable warp reel or roller t, and pass over
a roller t', at the back of the loom; and the woven fabric is passed over a front
roller u, and wound on a taking off roller in the usual way.
With regard to the general operation of the different motions or mechanisms,
and their co-action, to produce the material, these are as follows:-In a complete
set or cycle of operations, there are four movements or actions connected with the
actual weaving of the wire fabric. Firstly, assuming the shuttle to be at one side
of the loom, resting upon its table or bed, and the shed ready to receive a pick, the
rod a is moved forward by the cam d, and gearing connected with it, through the
shed, and engages the shuttle, the cam d giving the rod a slight pause or
comparatively deliberate movement while the engagement, and commencement of
return, are being effected. The shuttle is then drawn through the shed by the
backward movement of the rod a, onto the table g at the other side of the loom ;
this outward and backward motion of the rod being effected by one complete
revolution of the cam. Then a pause takes place in the picking motion by the
lateral removal of the cam d to a position intermediate the two sets of cam
rollers e and f1, this being done by one of the rises or humps of the cam k; and during
this pause, an idle revolution of d takes place. During this idle revolution, the
pick last made is beaten up into position in the fabric by the beating up motion,
and brought back to the opposite end of its stroke. As the revolutions of the
cranks, which operate the beating up motion make only half the number of
revolutions of those of the cam d, the rods a have sufficient time to pass forward
and backward through the shed while the beating up mechanism is at the back end
of its stroke, at which point it will receive only a small longitudinal movement from
the cranks. After this beating up motion, the cam d is pulled by the cam k to the
position between the rollers f, and by its next revolution, the shuttle actuating
rod (a), at the other side of the loom, is moved forward through the shed, engages
the other end of the shuttle, and pulls it back to the opposite side of the loom.
Then the cam d is again moved by the cam k out of engagement with rollers f, into
the intermediate position, and the beating up motion is repeated, while dis
performing another idle revolution in this position; and at the return of the
beating up mechanism, the full cycle of operations is complete.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we
claim is :-
1. In a wire weaving loom, means substantially as described for effecting the
operation of the shuttle, consisting of rods adapted in the picking action to pass

page_text: through the shed and engage with the shuttle, draw it back through the shed, and
then release it; for the purposes described.
2. In a wire weaving loom, means substantially as described for effecting the
picking action, consisting of a reciprocating rod at either side of the loom, adapted
to pass through the shed, engage the shuttle at the opposite side, draw it back
through the shed, and release it; and a mechanism for operating said rods con-
sisting of a cam, and intermediate operating levers, or levers and rods, adapted to
operate the said mechanisms, alternately, by being moved into engagement, first,
with one of them, then moved out of engagement therewith, and then moved into
engagement with the other mechanism; substantially as set forth.
3. In a wire weaving loom, in which the shuttle is moved across the shed by rods
at either side, a cam or cams, and cam actuated parts connected with and for
operating said rods, adapted to be moved into and out of engagement with each
other, whereby the cam or cams perform, alternately, active and idle revolution,
and thereby alternately operate said rods, and give them a period of rest; for the
purposes described.
4. In a wire weaving loom, in which the shuttle is moved across the shed by
rods at either side, a cam having rotative, and bodily lateral movement, and
adapted to operate, alternately, the two mechanisms connected with said rods, and
to provide pauses of the picking motions by idle or inoperative action or movement
whilst the beating up motion is actuated; substantially as and for the purposes
set forth..
5. In a wire weaving loom, in which the shuttle is moved across the shed by rods
at either side, a cam mechanism connected with the operation thereof, comprising
a cam having rotary movement for directly operating said rods, alternately; and
a second cam for moving said cam laterally into and out of engagement of the two
rod operating mechanisms; operating substantially as and for the purposes set
forth.
6. In a wire weaving loom, the cam d, cam slides e and f, shaft i carrying said
cam, and the cam k disposed and revolving in a plane at right angles to the plane
in which the said cam d is disposed and revolved, and operating the shaft i, said
cams having differential relative rates of movement; substantially as set forth
with reference to and shewn in the drawings.
7. In a wire weaving loom, the shuttle actuating rod a, slides b, cam d, and
intermediate connecting and operating levers and rods; arranged and adapted to
operate as set forth with reference to and shewn in the drawings.
8. In a wire weaving loom, a shuttle and actuating rods a, said shuttle having at
each end a catch adapted to engage with the ends of the rod, and releasing devices;
substantially as herein set forth and shewn in the drawings.
9. In a wire weaving loom, the combination with a single cam and two sets of
mechanisms alternately actuated by said cams, of locking devices adapted to be
operated and controlled by the cam in being moved into and out of engagement
with the parts of the mechanisms operated by said cams: substantially as described.
10. The wire weaving loom having picking rods (a), cam mechanisms for
operating same, and beating up motion, arranged and co-operating particularly as
shewn in and set forth with reference to the drawings.
Dated
CHEESBROUGH & ROYSTON,
15 Water Street, Liverpool, Applicants' Patent Agents.