IMPROVEMENTS IN THE TREATMENT OF COTTON YARNS OR FABRICS FOR PREVENTING MILDEW
Year: 1880

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to 'David Samuel Bles, of Manchester, in the County of
Lancaster, for an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE TREATMENT OF
COTTON YARNS OR FABRICS FOR PREVENTING MILDEW."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said David Samuel Bles at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 12th January 1880.
DAVID SAMUEL BLES, of Manchester, in the County of Lancaster. "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN THE TREATMENT OF COTTON YARNS OR FABRICS FOR PREVENTING
MILDEW."
The object of this Invention is to prevent the formation of mildew or other
analogous fungoid growth upon cotton yarns and fabrics, to which they are more
especially liable during voyages to warm countries.
The Invention consists principally in treating such yarns and fabrics with a
solution of salicylic acid, the antiseptic properties of which effectually hinder the
formation of mildew or other fungoid growth upon the cotton, and thus prevent
the deterioration of the yarn or cloth by such mildew or fungoid growth.
The solution of salicylic acid may be employed in a variety of ways, but I
prefer to apply it during the process of sizing or stiffening by mixing the said
solution with the size or stiffening composition employed, and by preference I
apply it to the yarn before weaving, but it may be applied to the cloth with
equal advantage after weaving, and either before, during, or after the stiffening
process.
The strength of the solution to be employed will be regulated by the quality of
the material to which it is applied, and to the distance of the journey or the length
of time during which the yarn or cloth is required to be preserved from mildew or
other analogous fungoid growth.
I may also state that the application of the solution of salicylic acid not only
prevents the formation of mildew, but also enhances the brightness of the color
of the yarn, and thus effects an improvement in its general appearance.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said David Samuel Bles in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 10th
July 1880.
DAVID SAMUEL BLES, of Manchester, in the County of Lancaster. "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN THE TREATMENT OF COTTON YARNS OR FABRICS FOR PREVENTING
MILDEW."
The object of this Invention is to prevent the formation of mildew or other
analogous fungoid growth upon cotton yarns and fabrics, to which they are more
especially liable during voyages to warm countries.
The Invention consists principally in treating such yarns and fabrics with a
solution of salicylic acid, the antiseptic properties of which effectually hinder the
formation of mildew or other fungoid growth upon the cotton, and thus prevent
the deterioration of the yarn or cloth by such mildew or fungoid growth.
The solution of salicylic acid may be employed in a variety of ways, but I
prefer to apply it during the process of sizing or stiffening by mixing the said
solution with the size or stiffening composition employed, and by preference I
apply it to the yarn before weaving, but it may be applied to the cloth with
equal advantage after weaving, and either before, during, or after the stiffering
process.
The ordinary sizing mixture for use in the machine is first prepared and
thoroughly well boiled, and I then add salicylic acid in the proportion of about
eight ounces to each sack of flour in ordinary cases.
The mixture in the cistern to feed the machine is also treated in the same way,
and about the same proportion of acid is added.
The strength of the solution to be employed will however be regulated in a
great measure by the quality of the material to which it is to be applied, and by
the distance of the journey or the length of time during which the yarn or cloth
is required to be preserved from mildew or other analogous fungoid growth.
may also state that the application of the solution of salicylic acid not only
prevents the formation of mildew, but also enhances the brightness of the color of
the yarn, and thus effects an improvement in its general appearance.
Having now described the nature and object of my said Invention, together with
the manner in which the same is to be or may be performed or carried into practical
effect, I wish it to be understood that I claim as my Invention,―
The use of a solution of salicylic acid in the manner and for the purposes above
particularly set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said David Samuel Bles, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Ninth day of July, in the year of our Lord One