Improvements in Apparatus and Processes for Treating Fibrous Plants for the Purpose of Obtaining Fibres therefrom, applicable also for Treating or Finishing Yarns and Fabrics.
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 27th Nov., 1891
Complete Specification Left, 24th Sept., 1892-Accepted, 17th Dec., 1892
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Communicated from abroad by GEORGE EMERSON ARMSTRONG, of 123, Franklin
Street, New York, Merchant]
Improvements in Apparatus and Processes for Treating Fibrous
Plants for the Purpose of Obtaining Fibres therefrom, applicable
also for Treating or Finishing Yarns and Fabrics.
I, WILLIAM BOTTOMLEY, of 154 St. Vincent Street, Glasgow, North Britain,
Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows :--
My process is applicable to the manufacture of all fibrous stalks, leaves, grasses,
yarns, or textiles, and I proceed to describe my method as applied to the manu-
facture of flax; but it is equally advantageous when used with other fibrous
substances, such as hemp, ramie, jute, cotton stalks, yarns, textiles, etc.
I am aware that various forms of treatment as substitutes for "retting" have
been proposed, but none of them so far as I have learned have resulted in producing
a satisfactory product, all being defective in some respect.
My improved process may be practiced as follows:-
After the flax has been pulled or out I first strip off the seed, which can be saved
either for feeding, crushing or sowing purposes. I next pass the straw, stem or
leaf of the plants in their natural state through my apparatus in conjunction with
my resolving solution or the yarn or textiles into my resolving solution by any
mechanical contrivance.
The apparatus used in the treatment of fibrous material consists of three sets of
rollers, each set consisting of an upper and lower one. These rollers are fluted.
The flutes are right and left on each side and interlock like the teeth of geared
wheels. The lower rollers are geared together by means of the intermediate
pinions so as to make them revolve in the same direction.
The upper rollers are held down by springs. The flax is fed along on the
feed table through the feed rollers, and into the crushing rollers. In passing
through these rollers the woody or central portion of the stalk of the flax will be
broken up into small pieces and drop down below the rollers and is caught by an
endless belt, allowing the clean fibre to pass out into brushes which revolve at a
high rate of speed and deliver the fibre along the table to the discharge rubber
rollers.
But the crushing rollers do not revolve continually in the same direction, but
alternately backward and forward. This is done in such a way that for each two
revolutions forward they make one in the opposite direction, making the advance-
ment, one revolution each time. In other words, the time occupied by the three
revolutions (two in one direction, and one the opposite way) is divided equally, so
that one third of the time is given to each revolution, that means that the forward
motion consumes twice the length of time, and that consequently the speed in one
direction is exactly the same as that in the other direction. To accomplish this a
double rack is used which engages two toothed wheels on a roller shaft, one twice
the diameter of the other. These toothed wheels revolve freely on the shaft, and
carry each three pawls, which engage ratchet wheels which are solid on the shaft.
The pawls of the two toothed wheels point in opposite directions, so that when one
set is engaged the other is not. Below are two elliptical toothed wheels. One, the
driving wheel, drives the other, which in turn communicates motion to the double
rack through crank pin and connecting rod. The axes of the two elliptical wheels
are arranged in such a way that the crank pin will pass from the lower to the
upper centre in just half the time that it takes to pass from the upper to the lower

page_text: centre, and of course the upward and downward motions of the rack are made
simultaneously with those of the crank pin. When the rack is carried up the pawls
of the large toothed wheel are engaged, and the three sets of rollers are revolved in
one direction, while the pawls on the small toothed wheel only engage on the
downward stroke, and therefore simply slip around on the ratchet wheel. The
distance travelled by these racks is such that the toothed wheel will make one com-
plete revolution while the ratchet is carried up. When the rack starts downward
the pawls of the small gear engage and the rollers are revolved in opposite
direction. But since the small toothed wheel is half the size of large one, it
follows that the wheels will make two revolutions on the down stroke. Again,
since the down motion of the rack occupies twice the length of time con-
sumed by the upward motion, it is evident that the speed of the rollers revolving
in either direction is the same. It was said before that the pawls of the small
toothed slip round on the ratchet wheel, when the rack moves up. This can be
done because said toothed wheel travels twice as fast as the ratchet wheel. Not
so however with the pawls of the other toothed wheel when the rack moves down.
In that case the ratchet wheel moves twice as fast as the pawls. It would there-
fore soon overtake the pawls and cause a jam. Hence it is necessary to disengage
said pawls when the crank pin passes the upper centre. To do this a conical wedge
is arranged on the outer end of shaft, and held in place by a forked lever which
is pivoted. The horizontal arm passes through a slot in the frame and is connected
by means of a rod to a lever below, which is operated by a cam on the crank
shaft.
Now, at the proper time the cam acts on the levers throwing the cone towards
the pawls. These are provided with horizontal arms, and as the cone moves along,
it lifts the arms and thereby disengages the pawls. These are held by the cone
until near the end of the stroke, when the cone is thrown out by a spring on hori-
zontal arm, and the pawls are ready to engage as soon as the motion is reversed. It
is desired to have each set of the crushing rollers run at a different speed; that is,
the second a little faster than the first, and the third a little faster again than the
second, causing a slight tensile strain on the flax straw when moving forward, and
an opening action when moving the other way, an action which is very desirable to
promote the separation of the flax fibre from the central or woody portion. This
is accomplished by making the teeth on the second, one tooth, and that on the
third, two teeth less than that on the first. The brushes are geared together by
means of pinions.
Underneath the rollers a watertight tank is formed, the top of which is higher
than the lowest part of the upper rollers. This tank may be filled with a fluid to a
sufficient height so that the flax when between the rollers may be immersed
entirely, or the machine may be used on dry material.
-
The composition of this revolving solution is one of the essential and novel
features of my invention, and the use of the materials specified by me for such
solutions is one of the features which gives distinguishing novelty and merit to my
process.
My solution consists of the following ingredients:-To each gallon of water
(preferably used warm) I add from one to seven ounces of a dry compound
composed as follows:-Sodium carbonate 41.55; sodium stearate 5.40; sodium
palmetate 7.12; sodium oleate 20.55; sodium myristate and laurate 37; resin 25.01.
Of course any known chemical equivalent or equivalents of any of the above
mentioned ingredients may be substituted therefor.
The above proportions are those which I find best adapted to the purpose; but
such proportions may of course be varied to a very considerable extent, and one or
more of the ingredients may be omitted, the essential feature consisting in the use
of a considerable portion of resin in connection with saponaceous ingredients which
render the resin soluble in water.
Application of this resolving solution for from one to eight minutes is sufficient,
the length of time depending upon the character and condition of the plant, yarn

page_text: or textile treated, but a longer application will not injure the material. The dry
compound used in the resolving solution which I have hereinbefore mentioned is an
entirely new compound, and is one of the essential features of my invention;
being a dry powder it is of course totally different from the soaps and soapy
substances heretofore used in this art. Its effects too, and the results produced by
it upon the material to which it is applied are new and useful. More than has ever
been done before the gummy portions of the material acted upon are eliminated,
and the naturally oily nature of the fibre is better preserved, giving the material
more sheen or gloss, and rendering it more pliable, less liable to shrinkage, and
facilitating the bleaching, dyeing and finishing.
After the surplus solution has been pressed out of the material, in order to save
the same, the material may be passed through fresh water for the purpose of
washing it free of the solution, and again squeezed, but this washing is not
essential.
The material should then be passed through a weak solution of acidulated water
for the purpose of arresting any undue action of the treating solution, and preventing
its going beyond the point desired, or further than is necessary to set the cuticle,
and woody portion free. For this weak solution of acidulated water I prefer to use
acetic acid, as it is less dangerous from careless handling, but phosphoric, sulphuric,
sulphurous, or any other acid or combination of acids which has a neutralizing
effect, or a bath of salt sea water, will serve the same purpose.
After the final washing the material is squeezed as dry as possible, and thoroughly
dried either by artificial or natural heat. The material may then be opened or
finished by any of the mechanical contrivances known to the art.
This process of disintegrating or freeing the staple from the gums, cuticle and
woody portions of the plant I find also applicable to yarns and textiles, the fibre
of which has been treated by the old processes and retains considerable of such.
deleterious portions of the plant. I use it also on plants from which the gums,
cuticle and woody portions can be removed easily. Generally however in true
disintegration of fibre when it is in the raw state I find it advisable to use some
additional step or steps which I will now proceed to describe.
I find it very advantageous in some cases to bruise or slightly crush the plant
before the application upon it of my resolving solution, when this is done the
resolving solution acts upon the material very much more quickly.
I have found by experiment that the time required for the application of my
resolving solution can be reduced by this preliminary bruising or slightly crushing,
one-half, and in some plants very much more. To accomplish this bruising or
slightly crushing I use the ordinary contrivances known to the art.
I have found too that if the plant be more or less dry when thus bruised or
slightly crushed, the fibre is apt to be cut or injured. In such cases therefore I
pass the raw straw, stem or leaf of the plant in their natural state into a chest or
cistern containing steam, or hot or even cold water.
'
This moistening bath renders the plant pliable and prevents the fibre from being
injured during this process of slightly crushing or bruising.
Naturally the fibre is of a creamy white color, but I have found by experience
that it is stained by the action of other elements in the plant during the process of
disintegration, thus ren.lering the bleaching of the material more difficult.
I have discovered that the action of this coloring material upon the fibre can be
neutralized and its natural color preserved by slightly acidulating the moistening
bath already referred to. Another effect of the acidulating of the moistening bath
is to preserve the reed or ribbon of the fibre more intact. I therefore sometimes
slightly acidulate this preliminary moistening bath.
I have also discovered that the action of my resolving solution can be greatly
accelerated, as well as rendered very much more efficient for all the purposes set
forth by rubbing or rolling the material during the application of the resolving
solution, using for this purpose the ordinary machinery known to the art, but
preferably my disintegrating break. I recommend this additional process

page_text: particularly when the material has not already been treated by my preliminary
moistening bath and bruising referred to above.
Here additional steps which I have described may also be employed to advantage
in connection with other resolving solutions than the one herein described.
I have found that in some instances the final washing of the material does not
entirely eliminate the action of the acidulated bath referred to above as a
neutralizing agent to my treating solution, and in cases where the material acted
upon is an exceedingly delicate one, and where an exceedingly fine and strong
product, such as shirtings or cambrics is desired, I have found that such final
washing can be assisted and made entirely competant for all purposes in the
following manner:
Ammonia may be added to neutralize the acid, and then I slightly heat the
material to evaporate the ammonia, thus freeing it from all chemicals previously
used.
""
Each one of these operations may be repeated if the results are inadequate.
The advantages of my improved treatment are:-That it not only does away with
all of the delays and injurious results incident to the "retting
process, and
obviates the necessity of using the strong chemicals which are required to remove
the stains incident to the old "retting process, but it is expeditious, preserves
the natural color of the fibre and its naturally oily nature, etc.
The strength, spinning and weaving qualities are greatly increased; the product
can be more readily spun dry and the fibres become more closely contiguous after
wet spinning. The spinning room or factory will not be required to be provided
with a moistened atmosphere, and the yarns, threads or fabrics produced will take
dyes with greater uniformity. Owing to more of the material being saved the
yield is increased and its value enhanced for fine work, as the filaments can be
split up to their finest degree. By varying the strength of the solution the results
can be changed to suit all requirements; a stronger treating solution produces a
finer filament, but with more tow; a weak solution a larger yield of what is known
as "line."
I find also yarns and fibres thus prepared spin better, and the thread produced
from them attains an elasticity, has greater strength, and is more even, than that
produced by the use of any other process with which I a'n familiar.
My treating solution can also be applied to straws, leaves and plants which have
been previously dried and crushed. The process can thus be practiced at any
time, for it can be commenced immediately after the crop is harvested on green
straw, stalks or leaves, avoiding unnecessary delays or expense of drying, or it can
be used upon dry material, and as I have stated above, it can be used upon
manufactured material such as yarn and textiles.
I am aware that various attempts have been made to educe fibres from raw
material by various quick processes as substitutes for "retting," by the use of
strong alkalies, by neutral soaps, oils and acids under various conditions. These
I do not claim, but claim broadly the treatment of fibre whether manufactured or
unmanufactured, with a highly resinous and saponaceous menstrum to dissolve the
gummy matter which unites the fibres, such as flax, to the cuticle or bark or
woody portion of the stalks.
Dated this 26th day of November 1901
BOTTOMLEY & LIDDLE,
154, St. Vincent Street, Glasgow, Applicant's Agents.

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Apparatus and Processes for Treating Fibrous.
Plants for the Purpose of Obtaining Fibres therefrom, applicable
also for Treating or Finishing Yarns and Fabrics.
I, WILLIAM BOTTOMLEY, of 154 St. Vincent Street, Glasgow, North Britain,
Patent Agent, 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 :-
My process is applicable to the manufacture of all fibrous stalks, leaves, grasses,
yarns, or textiles, and I proceed to describe my method as applied to the manu-
facture of flax; but it is equally advantageous when used with other fibrous
substances such, as hemp, ramie, jute, cotton stalks, yarns, textiles, etc..
I am aware that various forms of treatment as substitutes for "retting" have
been proposed, but none of them so far as I have learned have resulted in producing
a satisfactory product, all being defective in some respect.
My improved process may be practiced as follows:-
After the flax has been pulled or cut I first strip off the seed which can be saved
either for feeding, crushing or sowing purposes. I next pass the straw, stem, or
leaf of the plants in their natural state through my apparatus in conjunction with
my resolving solution, or the yarns or textiles into my resolving solution by any
mechanical contrivance.
In order that my invention may be properly understood and readily carried into
effect I have hereunto appended three explanatory sheets of drawings in the
several figures of which corresponding parts are marked with the same letters of
reference.
Figure 4 is a longitudinal view of the roller.
Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the gearing for driving the rollers.
Figures 6 & 7 are enlarged views showing the conical arrangement for disengaging
the pawls.
The operating part of the machine consists of three sets of rollers, A', A³, A³,
each set consisting of an upper and lower one. These rollers are fluted as shown
on detail drawings, Figs. 3 and 4. The flutes are right and left on each side and
interlock like the teeth of gears. The lower rollers are geared together by means
of the intermediate pinions B so as to make them revolve in the same direction.
The upper rollers are held down by springs. The flax is fed along on the feed
table C-through the feed rollers and into the crushing rollers A', A', A³. In
passing through these rollers the woody or central portion of the stalk of the flax
will be broken up into small pieces and drop down below the rollers and is caught
by the endless belt T, allowing the clean fibre to pass out into the brushes D
and M which revolve at a high rate of speed and deliver the fibre along the table E
to the discharge rubber rollers.
But the crushing rollers do not revolve continually in the same direction, but
alternately forward and backward. This is done in such a way that for each two
revolutions forward they make one in the opposite direction, making the advance-
ment, one revolution each time. In other words, the time occupied by the three
revolutions (two in direction of arrows, and one the opposite way) is divided equally
so that one third of the time is given to each revolution, that means that the forward
motion consumes twice the length of time, and that consequently the speed in one
direction is exactly the same as that in the other direction. To accomplish this a
double rack is used, which engages two gears on a roller shaft G; one twice the
diameter of the other. These gears revolve freely on the shaft and carry each

page_text: three pawls, which engage ratchet wheels, which are solid on the shaft. The pawls
of the two gears point in opposite directions, so that when one set is engaged, the other
is not. Below are two elliptical gears H and H'. The latter runs at a uniform
speed and drives H; H in turn communicates motion to F through crank pin and
connecting rod as shown. The axes of H and H¹ are arranged in such a way that
the crank pin will pass from the lower to the upper centre in just half the time
that it takes to pass from the upper to the lower centre, and of course the upward
and downward motions of the rack are made simultaneously with those of the crank
pin. It will be seen from Fig. 2 that when the rack is carried up the pawls of the
large gear I are engaged, and the three sets of rollers A are revolved in opposite
direction to arrows, while the pawls on the small gear (not shown) only engage on
the downward stroke, and therefore simply slip around on the ratchet wheel.
The distance travelled by these racks is such that I will make one complete
revolution during the upward,stroke of the rack. When the rack starts downward
the pawls of the small gear engage and the rollers A are revolved in the direction
of arrows. But since the small gear is half the size of 1, it follows that A will
make two revolutions on the down stroke. Again since the down motion of the
rack occupies twice the length of time consumed by the upward motion, it is
evident that the speed of A revolving in either direction is the same. It was said
before that the pawls of the small gear slip around on the ratchet wheel, when the
rack moves up. This can be done because said gear travels twice as fast as the
ratchet wheel. Not so, however, with the pawls of the other gear I when the rack
moves down.
In that case the ratchet wheel moves twice as fast as the pawls.
It would therefore soon overtake the pawls and cause a jam. Hence it is necessary
to disengage said pawls when the crank pin passes the upper centre. To do
this a conical wedge is arranged on the outer end of shaft G as shown in Figure 1
and 7, and held in place by the forked lever K, Figure 1 & 7, which is pivoted as
shown. The horizontal arm O passes through a slot in the frame and is connected
by means of a rod to a lever Q below, which is operated by a cam R on the crank
shaft. Now at the proper time the cam acts on the levers throwing the cone L
towards the pawls. These are provided with horizontal arms S as shown, and as
the cone moves along it lifts the arms and thereby disengages the pawls. These
are held by the cone until near the end of the stroke, when the cone is thrown out
by a spring on horizontal arm shown and the pawls are ready to engage as soon as
the motion is reversed. It is desired to have each set of the crushing rollers run
at a different speed; that is A runs a little faster than A', and A³ a little faster
than A, causing a slight tensile strain on the flax straw when moving forward, and
an opening action when moving the other way, an action which is very desirable
to promote the separation of the flax fibre from the central or woody portion.
This is accomplished by making the gear on A³ one tooth; and that on A³ two
teeth smaller than that on A. The brushes are geared together by means of
pinions. The upper brush shaft extends through the bearing as shown in Figs. 1
and 2. The extremity carries two flanged pulleys, one for driving said shaft by a
belt passing around pulley on main driving shaft N, and the other to drive the
other feed roller. The second flanged pulley on shaft N drives the lower discharge
roller. On the other end of N is the main driving pulley. A pinion on the same
shaft drives a large gear or shaft below containing H'. That gear is made very
heavy so that its momentum will overcome the tendency of H¹ to rotate with varied
velocity.
Referring to Figure 2 a half circle will be seen to extend below the crushing
rollers A1, A2, A³. That indicates a sheet of boiler plate which is bent to conform
with the shape of flanges P on castings which contain the bearings for
rollers A', A', A³. This plate is fitted water-tight. The tank formed thereby is
filled with a fluid to the height of the horizontal dotted line shewn more
particularly in Figure 5. Hence it will be seen that the flax, when between the
rollers, may be immersed entirely, or the machine used on dry material.
It will be seen from the detail drawings that the bearings of the lower rollers

page_text: are contained in the tank described above, leaving a solid wall of metal outside.
The only exception is the shaft G which has a bearing on side frame, and where it
penetrates the wall of the tank a stuffing-box is arranged to prevent leakage.
This machine is designed with heavy framing and light weight running parts, so
From 300 to 500
that high speed may be obtained at the vibrating rollers.
vibrations per minute is the design in running.
The composition of the resolving solution is one of the essential and novel
features of my invention, and the use of the material specified by me for such
solutions is one of the features which gives distinguishing novelty and merit to my
process.
My solution consists of the following ingredients:-To each gallon of water
(preferably used warm) I add from one to seven ounces of a diy compound
composed as follows:-sodium carbonate 41.55; sodium stearate 5.40; sodium
palietate 7.12; sodium oleate 20.55; sodium myristate and laurate 37; resin 25.01.
Of course any known chemical equivalent or equivalents, or any of the abovenamed
ingredients may be substituted therefore.
The above proportions are those which I find best adapted to the purpose, but
such proportions may of course be varied to a very considerable extent, and one or
more of the ingredients may be omitted, the essential feature consisting in the use
of a considerable portion of resin in connection with saponaceous ingredients which
render the resin soluble in water.
Application of this resolving solution for from one to eight minutes is sufficient,
the length of time depending upon the character and condition of the plant, yarn,
or textile treated, but a longer application will not injure the material. The dry
compound used in the resolving solution which I have hereinbefore mentioned is an
entirely new compound, and is one of the essential features of my invention; being
a dry powder it is of course totally different from the soaps and soapy substances
hereinbefore used in this art. Its effects too, and the results produced by it upon
More than has ever been
the material to which it is applied are new and useful.
done before the gummy portions of the material acted upon are eliminated, and the
naturally oily nature of the fibre is better preserved, giving the material more
sheen or gloss, and rendering it more pliable, less liable to shrinkage, and
facilitating the bleaching, dyeing and finishing.
After the surplus solution has been pressed out of the material, in order to save
the same the material may be passed through fresh water for the purpose of
washing it free of the solution, and again squeezed, but this washing is not
essential.
The material should then be passed through a weak solution of acidulated water
for the purpose of arresting any undue action of the treating solution, and
preventing its going beyond the point desired or further than is necessary to set
the cuticle and woody portion free. For this weak solution of acidulated water I
prefer to use acetic acid, as it is less dangerous from careless handling, but
phoshoric, sulphuric, sulphurous, or any other acid or combination of acids which
has a neutralizing effect, or a bath of salt sea water will serve the same purpose.
After the final washing the material is squeezed as dry as possible and thoroughly
dried either by artificial or natural heat. The material may then be opened or
finished by any of the mechanical contrivances known to the art.
This process of disintegrating or freeing the staple from the gums, cuticle, and
woody portions of the plant I find also applicable to yarns and textiles the fibre of
which has been treated by the old processes and retains considerable of such
deleterious portions of the plant. I use it also on plants from which the gums,
cuticle, and woody portions can be removed easily. Generally however in true
disintegration of fibre when it is in the raw state I find it advisable to use some
additional step or steps which I will now proceed to describe.
5 I find it very advantageous in some cases to bruise or slightly crush the plant
before the application upon it of my resolving solution; when this is done the
resolving solution acts upon the material very much more quickly.

page_text: I have found by experiment that the time required for the application of my
resolving solution can be reduced by this preliminary bruising or slightly crushing,
one half, and in some plants very much more. To accomplish this bruising or
slightly crushing I use the ordinary contrivances known to the art. I have found
too that if the plant be more or less dry when thus bruised or slightly crushed, the
fibre is apt to be cut or injured. In such cases therefore I pass the raw straw,
stem, or leaf of the plant in their natural state into a chest or cistern containing
steam or hot, or even cold water.
This moistening bath renders the plant pliable, and prevents the fibre from being
injured during this process of slightly crushing or bruising.
Naturally the fibre is of a creamy white colour, but I have found by experience
that it is stained by the action of other elements in the plant during the process of
disintegration, thus rendering the bleaching of the material more difficult.
I have discovered that the action of this colouring material upon the fibre can
be neutralized and its natural colour preserved by slightly acidulating the moistening
bath already referred to. Another effect of the acidulating bath is to preserve the
reed or ribbon of the fibre more intact. I therefore sometimes slightly acidulate
this preliminary moistening bath.
I have also discovered that the action of my resolving solution can be greatly
accelerated as well as rendered very much more efficient for all the purposes
set forth by rubbing or rolling the material during the application of the
resolving solution, using for this purpose the ordinary machinery known to the art,
but preferably my disintegrating break. I recommend this additional process
particularly when the material has not already been treated by my preliminary
moistening bath and bruising referred to above.
Here additional steps which I have described may also be employed to advantage
in connection with other resolving solutions than the one herein described.
I have found that in some instances the final washing of the material does not
entirely eliminate the action of the acidulated bath referred to above as a neutra-
lizing agent to my treating solution, and in cases where the material acted upon is
an exceedingly delicate one, and where an exceedingly fine and strong product such
as shirtings or cambrics is desired. I have found that such final washing can be
assisted and made entirely competant for all purposes in the following manner.
Ammonia may be added to neutralize the acid, and then I slightly heat the
material to evaporate the ammonia, thus freeing it from all chemicals previously,
used.
Each one of these operations may be repeated if the results are inadequate.
The advantages of my improved treatment are:-That it not only does away
with all of the delays and injurious results incident to the "retting" process and
obviates the necessity of using the strong chemicals which are required to remove
the stains incident to the old retting" process, but it is expeditious, preserves the
natural colour of the fibre and its naturally oily nature, etc.
65
The strength, spinning, and weaving qualities are greatly increased, the product
can be more readily spun dry, and the fibres become more closely contiguous after
wet spinning. The spinning room or factory will not be required to be provided
with a moistened atmosphere, and the yarns, threads or fabrics produced will take
dyes with greater uniformity. Owing to more of the material being saved the
yield is increased and its value enhanced for fine work, as the filaments can be
split up to their finest degree. By varying the strength of the solution the results
can be changed to suit all requirements; a stronger treating solution produces a
finer filament but with more tow; a weak solution a larger yield of what is known
as " line."
I find also yarns and fibres thus prepared spin better, and the thread produced
from them attains an elasticity, has greater strength and is more even than that
produced by the use of any other process with which I am familiar.
My treating solution can also be applied to straws, leaves, and plants which have
been previously dried and crushed. The process can thus be practiced at any

page_text: time, for it can be commenced immediately after the crop is harvested on green
straw, stalks, or leaves, avoiding unnecessary delays or expense of drying, or it can
be used upon dry material, and, as I have stated above, it can be used upon
manufactured material such as yarn and textiles.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that
what I claim is :-
1. The apparatus for bruising or crushing fibrous material substantially as
described and illustrated on the accompanying drawings.
2. In apparatus for bruising or crushing fibrous material, the use of fluted
rollers, the fluting being performed spirally on the rollers, substantially as
described and illustrated on the accompanying drawings.
3. The process of disintegrating vegetable fibrous substances which consists in
subjecting them from one to eight minutes or thereabouts, to a highly resinous
saponaceous solution herein described; second, the application of an acidulated
bath; and third washing the material, substantially as and for the purpose set
forth.
4. The process of disintegrating vegetable fibrous substances which consists in
subjecting them from one to eight minutes or thereabouts to a highly resinous
saponaceous solution herein described, and the application of an acidulated bath,
substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
5. The process of disintegrating vegetable fibrous substances which consists in
freeing or slightly crushing the plant, and then subjecting it to a highly resinous
saponaceous solution substantially as described.
6. The process of disintegrating vegetable fibrous substances which consists in
moistening the plant and bruising or slightly crushing the same, and then sub-
jecting it to a highly resinous saponaceous solution substantially as described.
7. The process of disintegrating vegetable fibrous substances which consists in
moistening the plant in a slightly acidulated bath and bruising or slightly
crushing the same, and then applying a resolving solution, substantially as
described,
8. The process of disintegrating vegetable fibrous substances which consists in
subjecting them to a highly resinous saponaceous solution, and at the same time
rubbing or rolling the material, substantially as described.
9. The process of disintegrating vegetable fibrous substances, which consists in
subjecting them to a resolving solution, then applying an acidulated bath and then
neutralizing the acid of said bath, substantially as described.
10. The process of disintegrating vegetable fibrous substances which consists
in subjecting them to a highly resinous saponaceous solution substantially as
described.
11. The process of disintegrating vegetable fibrous substances, which consists
in moistening the material in a slightly acidulated bath, and bruising or slightly
crushing the same, the subjecting it to a highly resinous saponaceous solution,
and rubbing or rolling the material; then the application of an acidulated bath,
and then washing the material, substantially as described.
12. The process of disintegrating vegetable fibrous substances which consists
in moistening the material in a slightly acidulated bath, and bruising or slightly
crushing the same; then subjecting it to a highly resinous saponaceous solution,
and rubbing or rolling the material; then the application of an acidulated bath,
and then neutralizing the acid of said last named bath, substantially as described.
Dated this 23rd day of September 1892.
BOTTOMLEY & LIDDLE,
154, St. Vincent Street, Glasgow, Applicant's Agents.