IMPROVEMENTS IN REMOVING THE GUMMY OR GLUTINOUS MATTER FROM TEXTILE AND OTHER MATERIALS
Year: 1853

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Henry Johnson, of 47, Lincoln's Inn
Fields, in the County of Middlesex, and of Glasgow, North
Britain, Gentleman, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
REMOVING THE GUMMY OR GLUTINOUS MATTER FROM TEXTILE AND OTHER
MATERIALS." A communication front Messieurs Alcan and Limet,.
of Paris, in the Empire of France, Civil Engineers.
Sealed the 3rd November 1853, and dated the 28th May 1853.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Henry
Johnson at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his
Petition, on the 28th May 1853.
I, JOHN HENRY JOHNSON, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the County
of Middlesex, and of Glasgow, North Britain, Gentleman, do hereby
declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN RE-
MOVING THE GUMMY OR GLUTINOUS MATTER FROM TEXTILE AND OTHER
MATERIALS" to be as follows:-
This Invention relates more especially to the removal of the gummy
or glutinous matter from the cocoons of silk, by the adoption of which

page_text: the fibres are well cleansed, and may be easily wound off for the
subsequent manufacturing processes. This primary treatment consists
in submitting the cocooms to the alternate or successive actions of
steam, atmospheric pressure, and hot water. The cocoons or matters to
be treated are steeped in water, the entrance of which to the interstices
of the fibres is assisted by the production of a vacuum in the steeping
chamber. This partially softens the glutinous matter, and the materials
are then exposed to the effect of steam to carry off this glutinous
constituent completely. In washing the materials an alkaline solution
or common soap and water is employed as the cleansing medium.
When thus treated, the cocoons are placed in reservoirs of water to
remove the floss or loose fibrous matter, and the thread is then wound
off either in hot or cold water. This general process answers also for
the treatment of various fibrous materials, whether animal or vegetable,
containing glutinous matters
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said John Henry Johnson in the Great Seal Patent
Office, on the 28th November 1853.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I,
JOHN HENRY JOHNSON, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the County of
Middlesex, and of Glasgow, North Britain, Gentleman, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Twenty-eighth day of May, in the
year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-three, in the six-
teenth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give
and grant unto me, the said John Henry Johnson, Her special license
that I, the said John Henry Johnson, my executors, administrators,
and assigns, or such others as I, the said John Henry Johnson, my
executors, administrators, or 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

page_text: "
IN REMOVING THE GUMMY OR GLUTINOUS MATTER FROM TEXTILE MATERIALS,"
being communicated from Messieurs Alcan and Limet, of Paris, in the
Empire of France, Civil Engineers, upon the condition (amongst
others) that I, the said John Henry Johnson, by an instrument in
writing under my hand and seal, should particularly describe and as-
certain 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 Scal
Patent Office within six calendar months next and immediately after
the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said John Henry Johnson, 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 accom-
panying Drawings, and to the letters and figures marked thereon, that
is to say:
The said Invention relates to a new process, cither for the preparation
of the cocoons or for the ungumming of raw silk and floss, or for the
retting of flax, hemp, &c., &c., and is for the purpose of removing
partially or totally the gummy or glutinous matter from the fibrous
materials above mentioned, to enable them to be afterwards manu-
factured. The gummy or glutinous matter is removed by the alternate
action of steam vacuum and hot water, either pure or containing soap
or alkali. The shape or size of the apparatus, which will be herein-
after described, may be modified according to the nature and quantity
of matter that is to be prepared, without changing the process of
preparation.
First, the preparation of the cocoons.
The winding of raw silk requires two essential operations. First, the
preparation of the cocoons in order to ungum the threads, and to render
them sufficiently free to be easily unwound. Second, the winding of
these threads by uniting a certain number of them to obtain a thread
of sufficient strength, and arranging them in skeins of raw silk still
containing a portion of gummy matter.
In the ordinary mode of manufacture the preparation of the cocoons
is effected by steeping them in nearly boiling water for the purpose

page_text: of softening the gummy matter which is contained in them, and
which unites the threads to each other. By such steeping the thread
In
is easily wound off. As the cocoons are always filled with air they
float on the surface of the water, and consequently this immersion is
not sufficient to saturate the whole of the threads, it is therefore
necessary to sprinkle or water them continually. This being done; the
'cocoons are beaten with brooms of different forms and sizes to raise the
first layer of silk which forms the floss, and to expose the main thread,
which ought to unwind until the entire finishing of the cocoon, that
is, if the cocoons have been properly treated. Whatever care and
attention may be bestowed on the preparation of cocoons by this
method there will be always a considerable loss in the inferiority of the
nature of the silk, and in the expense attendant on the process.
the first place, the immersion of the cocoons, as described, does not
permit of their being entirely saturated throughout, the first layers
being more acted upon than those which envelope the chrysalis, and
these latter cannot be sufficiently prepared without weakening the first
layers, which consequently causes greater waste in the subsequent
process of beating. On the contrary, when the first layers alone arc
properly prepared, the inside or last layers are not sufficiently subjected
to the action of water, and therefore the operation of unwinding is
exposed to frequent ruptures of the threads, which necessitates new
beatings, thereby producing floss instead of silk.
Cocoons thus prepared can be unwound only in very hot water,-to
'facilitate the parting of the threads, which have not been sufficiently
freed from the gum during the process of steeping. Water of a high
temperature being necessary, the result is, first, a great expense of
constant heating; second, the great evil of a large escape of steam in
the manufactory, especially in cold and damp weather, which prevents
the silk from drying, and leads to its adhering again. This incon-
venience is so great that it limits the season of winding to a great
extent. Another defect attendant on the ordinary system is, the soften-
ing and unequal tension of the threads, which in almost all cases
produces an irregular, uneven, and non-clastic thread. If the cocoons
are of inferior quality, the weight of the chrysalis, by the action of hot

page_text: water, perforates a great number of the cocoons. By the improved
system of preparation all the above-mentioned disadvantages are
obviated, the cocoons being equally prepared throughout to the degree
necessary for obtaining the best results; the use of brooms is entirely
dispensed with, and the ruptures of the threads are very rare. The
cocoons may be also unwound with facility in nearly cold water, that is
to say, from 70° to 80° Fahrt. The perforations in the cocoons are
also obviated, and the most defective may be unwound with facility.
The principle of the first part of the Invention consists in submit-
ting the cocoons alternately to the action of steam vacuum and hot
water. The application of steam is for the purpose of effecting the
softening of the gum in all the parts of the cocoons, in order to
develope or loosen the threads of which it is composed without effort
or rupture.
In order to facilitate the softening of the various layers without
deteriorating them by a too prolonged action of the steam, they should
previously have been softened slightly by soaking. In order that the
action of the water may be equal and impregnate the centres as well as
the surface of the cocoons, a vacuum is employed by the condensation
of steam at the beginning of the operation; the water having effectually
penetrated the cocoons, we apply the steam for a sufficient length of
time to soften the gum. This steam also expels the water contained
in the cocoons, dissolves the gum in the threads, swells the cocoons,
and renders them fit to be unwound, the threads being sufficiently
loosened or separated to admit of their being unwound by the slightest
mechanical action.
.
Figure 1, on the annexed Sheet of Drawings represents a vertical
section of the preparing apparatus. Figure 2, is a corresponding plan
of the same. Figure 8, is a detached elevation of the vacuum chamber
or inverted vessel; and Figure 4, is a plan of the same. A, A, is a
copper or other metallic vessel not subject to oxydation; it is sur-
rounded with brickwork, and through the bottom of it is passed a pipe
B, which conducts the steam from any suitable generator to the centre
of a chamber D, D, perforated with holes at its upper surface. Over
the vessel A, is fitted a cock K, for the introduction of cold water when

page_text: required another pipe and stop-cock R, is for the purpose of empty-
ing it. C, C, is an inverted vessel, (see Figures 3, and 4,) which may
be made of galvanized sheet iron; it is suspended by cords or chains
passing over pulleys, and fitted with counterweights for the purpose of
either allowing it to be lowered into the vessel A, or elevated above it.
An air escape cock G, is fitted to the top of the vessel C, which is
retained in its place in the vessel A, by the fastenings H, I, which
prevent it being raised by the steam admitted beneath; these retaining
bolts or catches are actuated by the handles p, p. A pannier or basket
I, of wicker-work, wood, perforated metal, or wire work is placed on
the top of the perforated chamber D, D, and under the inverted vessel
C. C, so as to fill it completely; this pannier or basket is destined to
contain the cocoons to be treated. M, is a lid to prevent the escape of
steam into the apartment, such steam being carried off by the escape
pipe T, passes to the outside of the building. A sufficient quantity
of water is introduced into the vessel A, to fill the inverted vessel C;
the temperature of the water may vary from 100° to 180° Fahr. ac-
cording to the nature of the cocoons to be treated. It is heated by
introducing steam through the pipe B, B. The pannier or basket I,
filled with cocoons, which are put in small net bags, is placed on the
double bottom D, and the vessel C, is lowered from above, and the
bolts II, H, turned so as to keep it in its place. The steam cock S,
and air cock G, are then opened when the steam enters the chamber
D, and vessel C, and penetrates the cocoons contained in the pannier
or basket J, effectually draws out the air. The cocks G, and S, are
then closed, and the steam is condensed, thereby producing a vacuum
in the vessel C, which causes the hot water contained in the vessel A,
to enter the inverted vessel C, and penetrate thoroughly and uniformily
the whole of the cocoons. In order to expedite the process a stream
or jet of water from the cock K, may be made to fall upon the inverted
vessel C, thereby instantly producing condensation and vacuum. The
steam cock S, is again opened, and the steam expells the water from the
cocoons, and swells them at the same time by penetrating the various
layers of silk. By allowing this steam to act from about five to
fifteen minutes the operation is finished as far as regards the cocoons,

page_text: which are easily impregnated; but more frequently it is necessary to
employ the vacuum and apply the water a second time, finishing always
with a fresh supply of steam for nine or ten minutes, to obtain a com-
plete and perfect preparation. Cocoons which are difficult of perfora-
tion or not easily impregnated will require to remain for a longer
term under the last operation. Instead of the chamber D, any other
distribution of the steam in the interior of the basket I, may be em-
ployed. The preparation being finished, the cocoons in their net bags
are agitated in reservoirs of water of from 100° to 120° Falır. for the
purpose of raising the "floss," which may always be effected with the
greatest facility without having resort to beaters. The first layer of
the floss adheres to the meshes of the net bag, and the workwoman
in emptying it in her reservoir retains all the threads in her hand, and
can thus easily remove the floss to prevent the cocoons which are com-
pletely saturated with water from falling to the bottom; a double
perforated moveable bottom is placed in the reservoirs. The end of
the main thread being found, the operation of winding may be carried
on as readily in cold as in hot water, and the best results have been
obtained in winding from water at a temperature of from 68° to 86°
Fahr. In this state the produce will be at least ten per cent.
superior to the ordinary produce, and, what is still more important,
the threads will be stouter and more homogenous, and of a better
description.
It will be obvious that this mode of preparation is applicable also to
the winding or spinning of silk, whatever may be the system employed,
the apparatus being placed, if desirable, in an apartment outside the
workshop, so as to obviate all escape or disengagement of steam in the
workrooms. The form and dimensions of this apparatus may be varied
according to the manufactory or place in which it is fitted and the
number of cocoons to be prepared, without changing any of the princi-
ples of the Invention. To effect the ungumming of the raw silk, in place
of pure water a solution of soap or an alkaline solution is employed.
The skeins are placed beneath the inverted vessel herein-before men-
tioned, and subjected alternately to the action of steam and vacuum
and ungumming solution; a perfect and economical ungumming being

page_text: obtained by this means.
To ungum the floss it is sufficient to em-
ploy the basket which is used for the cocoons, as has been herein-
- before described. This apparatus may be employed for the steaming
of the cocoons by raising the inverted vessel C, and arranging the
cocoons in layers underneath it anil admitting the steam. I mention
this application merely to shew that it is not by any means necessary
to construct a separate apparatus for the steaming process.
For the application of this system to the retting of flax, hemp, and
other similar fibrous substances it is only necessary to enlarge the
apparatus sufficiently to enable the stalks to be placed on the double
bottom herein-before mentioned, and proceed as described above. I
may here add, that the operation may be carried on in close vessels; if
for the purpose of hastening the retting or preparation, steam of a
certain pressure is required.
Thus, in this case, a receiver C, Figures 5, and 6, is employed, in
which the stalks to be retted are enclosed on a double perforated bottom.
This receiver should be closed hermetically by the covers O, and steam
is then admitted by the pipe s, the air escaping by the cock », and the
aqueous particles by the pipe R. A tube and cock Q, facilitates the
emptying of the receiver C.
This process is free from the inconveniences attendant on hot water
and ordinary steam retting, but embraces all the advantages of both, as
in a few hours a perfect retting is obtained without unwholesome
exhalations, and with stalks of good color, and completely freed from
gummy or glutinous matter.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of the
said Invention, and the manner in which the same is or may be used
or carried into effect, I would observe, in conclusion, that I do not
confine or restrict myself to the precise details or arrangements which
I have had occasion to describe or refer to, as many variations may be
made therefrom, without deviating from the principles or main features
of the said Invention; but what I consider to be novel and original
and therefore claim as the Invention secured to me by the herein
before in part recited Letters Patent, is,―
First, the system or mode herein-before described for preparing

page_text: cocoons by the consecutive application of steam, vacuum, and pure
water, or a solution of soap or alkali.
Second, the use of net bags in which the cocoons are put during the
preparation, and with which the ends of the threads are easily found,
without having recourse to the brooms and beating process.
Third, the double perforated moveable bottom of the reservoirs to
prevent the cocoons from falling to the bottom.
Fourth, the system or mode herein-before described of retting flax,
hemp, or any other similar fibrous materials.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Henry Johnson, have here-
unto set my hand and seal, the Twenty-eighth day of Novem-
ber, One thousand eight hundred and fifty-three.
J. HENRY JOHNSON.