PROVEMENTS IN AND ADDITIONS TO PLAITING MACHINES
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Charles James Appleton at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 11th June 1878.
CHARLES JAMES APPLETON, of 131, Boulevard Sebastopol, Paris, France.
PROVEMENTS IN AND ADDITIONS TO PLAITING MACHINES."
"
'IM-
The object of this Invention is to produce a plaiting machine capable of making
regular plaiting, irregular plaiting, and graduated plaiting, or combinations of any
or all of the same.
The main features of novelty in my Invention are,-
First. An oscillating frame, whose side pieces are pivoted at or about their centre
on the axis of the lower cylinder, the said frame carrying a plaiting knife or blade
whose axis is always in the same position relatively to the axis of the lower cylinder
of the machine. The cylinders are geared together and held by side frames in the
usual manner. The frame receives its oscillating motion from the rod whose lower
end is connected to the treadle in the usual manner.
Secondly. The plaiting blade is adjustable by means of a cam on the axis of the
lower cylinder. On the axis of the upper cylinder, and gearing into the blade
regulating cam on the axis of the lower cylinder and working automatically with
it, is another cam for the purpose of raising a paul out of action with a ratchet
attached to the top roller and fitted by the side of the top cam, so that, according
to the position of the lower cam for length of plait, the upper cam gives the position
for length of feed.
In connection with the upper cam is a connecting rod actuated by an adjustable
crank or other similar motion. This device is for the purpose of producing
graduated plaiting. As the crank descends, the acting portions of the cams have a
circular downward motion, making the plaits larger, and as it ascends, the plaits
are made smaller, so that by the rotating motion of the crank the plaits alternately
become larger and smaller.
A paul is attached at or near the rear end of the oscillating frame, which in its
downward motion (when the pin is withdrawn) comes in contact with a ratchet
wheel attached to the crank, moving the said ratchet wheel one or more teeth
according to the number of plaits to be graduated.

page_text: The connecting rod between the crank and the upper cam is arranged with a
sleeve to increase or decrease its length, the object being to commence at any
desired size of plait and graduate from it.
In the case of regular plaiting, the length of plait may be adjusted by simply
turning the crank disc into the required position.
To put a greater space between the plaits, the paul in connection with the ratchet
is also arranged with a sleeve to be lengthened or shortened for giving more or less
feed.
Underneath and parallel with the lower roller is a shaft, attached to both ends
of which are crank discs or excentrics, which are connected to the shaft of the
upper cylinder by connecting rods and raised by means of a lever.
Another feature of the Invention is an arrangement for irregular plaiting or
spacing between the plaits. This is effected by a cam and ratchet wheel attached
to the oscillating frame, and arranged to raise and lower the blade according to the
pattern desired.
Motion is given to this ratchet wheel by a stationary paul fastened to the stand
of the machine, and put in action by simply withdrawing the pin.
On the face of the cam adjustable projections are arranged for raising the blade.
This is effected by the projections taking against a cam-shaped piece on the axis
of the knife or blade, the said axis working in a groove of the oscillating
frame.
The pressure of the blade on the lower cylinder is effected by adjustable springs.
A suitable vessel may be provided under the lower cylinder to steam the goods
to be plaited, which are afterwards ironed by being passed over the said cylinder
immediately before being acted upon by the plaiting blade or knife.