CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN MULES FOR SPINNING
Year: 1860

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Robertson, of the City of Manchester,
Engineer, and John Muir Hetherington, of the Vulcan Works, in the
City of Manchester, Machine Maker, for the Invention of "CERTAIN
IMPROVEMENTS IN MULES FOR SPINNING."
Sealed the 23rd April 1861, and dated the 14th November 1860.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Robertson and
John Muir Hetherington at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents
with his Petition, on the 14th November 1860.
We, WILLIAM ROBERTSON, of the City of Manchester, Engineer, and
JOHN MUIR HETHERINGTON, of the Vulcan Works, in the City of Manchester,
Machine Maker, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for
"CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN MULES FOR SPINNING," to be as follows:-
Our improvements refer to the machines known as self-acting mules, and
consist first, in an improved method of communicating motion to the tin roller,
the drawing rollers, and the carriage. This is effected by erecting at right
angles to the carriage a drum a little longer than the length of the stretch.
This drum is placed in hangers from the ceiling, or in arms projected upwards
from the headstock frame, so as to be distant from the tin roller below it in
the carriage about sixty inches, at which distance it will effect our purpose,
though we do not confine ourselves specifically thereto. A half cross-strap is
passed around the drum and fast and loose pullies on the tin roller shaft
in the carriage, and by means of which strap and pullies motion is commu-
nicated from the drum to the tin roller in the carriage, and from this to the

page_text: drawing rollers and carriage in coming out, and through the loose pulley to
the carriage in going in, in-a manner to be afterwards referred to. Instead of
the drum a swing shaft may be erected at the ceiling which will be kept at the
proper distance from the tin roller by means of a weight or connecting rod
extending from the fixing which carries the tin roller in the carriage to the
swing shaft-at-the ceiling, or both of these may be combined. Instead of using
either of these a connecting rod adjusted as above to the fixing of the tin
roller in the carriage, and moving in a slot at the ceiling, may carry a pair of
carrier pullies around which the strap to the tin roller from the line shaft or
the countershaft may pass and be so kept at a uniform tension. Modifica-
tions of these various methods will suggest themselves to intelligent mechanics
which will still involve the direct communication between the motive power
and tin roller in the carriage without the intervention of headstock gearing
and pullies.
Secondly, in an improved method of communicating motion to the tin roller
during the backing off. A multiple grooved pulley is fastened on the counter-
shaft and communicates with a similarly grooved internal pulley fastened on the
tin roller shaft. The countershaft turns in a contrary direction to the forward
motion of the tin roller and the multiple-grooved external pulley communi-
cates motion to the internal pulley fastened on the tin roller in the same
direction. Should the countershaft move in the same direction as the
forward motion of the tin roller, then the multiple-grooved pullies will be
brought externally into contact to give a reverse motion to the tin roller.
Thirdly, in an improved method of giving motion to the drawing rollers. A
shaft grooved longitudinally is erected so as to be driven from the tin roller by a
wheel which is caused to travel with the carriage and to remain constantly in
geer with the tin roller while the drawing rollers are required to deliver. This
shaft is connected by suitable wheels with the drawing rollers. Instead of
the grooved shaft a square shaft, or two or more stud shafts, may be
substituted, by which the same connection may be established between the.
tin roller and drawing rollers. Instead of any of the above methods
a knee joint may be used so that when the carriage has completed its
outward run the length of the knee joint shall exceed the distance
measured direct from the point of the carriage to which one end of the
knee joint is attached to the drawing roller to which the other end is
attached. The length of the respective portions of the knee joint will be
obtained by placing the centre of the portion to which the end of the
knee joint on the carriage is attached directly under the delivering roller.
The distance between the centre on the carriage and the centre of the

page_text: .
.drawing roller is thus obtained, and this distance deducted from the dis-
tance previously obtained, the remainder is divided into two equal parts, one
of which is the length of the short portion of the knee joint, and is connected
to the drawing roller, the remaining part is added to the distance between the
centre on the carriage and the centre of the drawing roller, and is the length
of the long portion of the knee joint which is attached to the carriage The
motion is communicated from the carriage to the drawing roller over the knce
joint in any of the known methods.
To enable us to work this knee joint on both sides of the centre of the
drawing roller an arm projects from the long arm of the knee joint of such
length that a stud or antifriction roller will slide in a groove, the middle of
which is at right angles to the line in which the centre on the carriage travels,
and is also in line with the centre of the drawing roller. This stud or anti-
friction roller thus sliding in the groove placed as directed above will be a
fulcrum from which a purchase will be obtained accurately to throw the arms
of the knee joint past the position in which all their centres are in line, and
in which position without the said fulcrum they would have an equal tendency
to move either with or against the motion of the carriage.
Instead of the methods above described a band may be passed from the tin
roller communicating with a shaft in connection with the drawing roller
in the method by which at present motion is communicated from the shaft on
the headstock to the tin roller, the arrangement of which band being well
known it is unnecessary to describe.
Fourthly, in an improved method of squaring the carriage by extending the
scroll shaft, and placing thereon a number of scrolls working either with teeth
or with bands, whether the shaft travel with the carriage or be fixed on the
spring pieces or other suitable carriers.
Fifthly, in an improved method of making scroll wheels by casting the
scroll part with one half of the centre plate wheel, and bolting two such cast-
ings together to form a complete scroll, and in like manner with the corres-.
ponding racks casting one half of the plain rack with the scroll part, and;
bolting two of these together to form a complete scroll rack.
Sixthly, in an improved method of obtaining the changes in the mule.
In throwing in the backing off, positive position is communicated in opposite
lirections either by wheels or by bands working positively to the two outside
portions of a differential motion. The forward motion is derived by a con--
ection with the loose pulley. The backward motion is derived from the tin.
oller. The intermediate has a ratchet wheel fastened on the boss to which:
ts carrier stud is fastened. Into this ratchet a catch takes when. permitted,

page_text: 'to do so. The catch is placed on a stud fastened on a plate, which may be
a cam or connected with a cam or cams. The catch is held out of gear by a
swell on a two or more toothed ratchet, which is loose on the boss of the catch
plate, to permit the plate to continue to move after the two-toothed ratchet
'has been 'detained so far as to withdraw the catch from contact with the
ratchet wheel. When it is the proper time to back off, the two toothed
'ratchet is liberated, and permits the catch to fall on the ratchet tooth, but on
account of the connection between the one side of the differential motion, and
the tin roller which causes the ratchet to move in a backward direction, the
catch will not move the plate until the velocity of the tin roller has fallen so
far as to permit the motion communcated to the other side of the differential
motion slightly to move the intermediate and its ratchet wheel in a forward
direction, when the cam will put the backing off motion into contact in any
of the well known methods by which that is effected. The progress of the
cam is arrested by the second tooth in the two-toothed ratchet being stopped
until the backing off is completed, when it is relieved in the usual way by the
locking of the faller. The faller lock, however, we make in two parts, the
first of which relieves the two-toothed ratchet before the faller is quite in
position, and the second is made so as to come into operation when the faller
is home and the backing off is just ceasing. By this double lock we avoid
the rebound of the faller occasioned by a single lock. When the faller is
being locked the cam set in motion puts into contact the intaking friction
break to be afterwards described. The communication between the cam and
the intaking break is effected by a lever of suitable length communicating
with a stud on the break, by means of a book relieved when the carriage
reaches the roller beam at the termination of the inward run. Another cam
or series of cams is operated in the same manner as above described by forward
motion derived from the loose pulley on the tin roller, through the same wheels
or other gearing, but not influenced by the backward motion above described
derived by connection with the tin roller. When the carriage reaches the roller
beam, a similar two-toothed ratchet is brought into action in a similar manner,
and causes a cam or cams to place the strap on the fast pulley, and to put the
drawing rollers and carriage into connection with the tin roller so as to effect
the outward run. When the outward run has been completed a second
operation traverses the strap on the loose pulley and disconnects the drawing
rollers and the carriage from the tin roller. A cam shaft or shafts as described
may be adapted by any intelligent mechanic to the common headstocks to
accomplish the gradual stoppage of the spindles, and positively secure the
changes necessary in all mules.

page_text: Seventhly, in a combination of parts by which the inward run of the-
carriage is effected. Motion is communicated by suitable wheels from the
loose pulley on the tin roller or on the main shaft in ordinary mules, to one
side of a differential motion. To the opposite wheel of the differential motion.
is fastened a friction-grooved pulley made in two halves into. which, as before
described, at the time suitable, a cam presses a friction break. of wood or leather
or other suitable material. The holding of the fricton pulley causes the inter--
mediate to revolve, and by means of the boss on which it is suspended by a
stud, and which is fastened on the scroll shaft, or a shaft in communication.
therewith, the scroll is moved, and the carriage is put up to the roller beam.
Eighthly, in stripping mules. In raising the stripper and working the building
faller by cams on the cam shaft, and preventing the formation of snarls by a
bar of wood or metal, faced or not faced with leather or other suitable material,
which is raised at the proper rate by the builder,. operating through a shaft
and arms suitably placed on the carriage for that purpose. This bar is pressed
against the points of the cops when the spindles are stopped before the opera-
tion of stripping is performed, and so prevents the stripper from pulling any
more yarn from the spindle than is coiled between the point of the cop and.
the point of the spindle.
Ninthly, in the combination of the foregoing in such manner as to effect:
the movements of the self-acting mule and the application of any one or more
of the parts to mules as ordinarily constructed.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed.
by the said William Robertson and John Muir Hetherington, in the
Great Seal Patent Office on the 14th May 1861.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, we; WILLIAM
ROBERTSON, of the City of Manchester, Engineer, and JOHN MUIR HETHER-
INGTON, of the Vulcan Works, in the City of Manchester, Machine Maker,
send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Fourteenth day of November, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty, in the twenty-fourth year of Her
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto us,
the said William Robertson and John Muir Hetherington, Her special licence,
that we, the said William Robertson and John Muir Hetherington, our
executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as we, the said

page_text: William Robertson and John Muir Hetherington, our executors, adminis-
trators, and assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others, from
time to time and at all times thereafter during the term therein ex-
pressed; 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 "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN MULES FOR
'SPINNING," upon the condition (amongst others) that we, the said William
Robertson and John Muir Hetherington, our executors or administrators, by
'an instrument in writing under our, or their, or one of our or their hands and
seals, should particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said In-
vention, and in what manner the same was to be performed, and cause the
same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar months
'next and immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that we, the said William Robertson and John Muir
Hetherington, do hereby declare the nature of our said Invention, and in
what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement (that is to say):
:-
· Our improvements consist, firstly, in communicating motion to the tin roller
during the twisting and drawing out of the carriage direct from the driving shaft.
Secondly, in giving motion to the tin roller during the backing off, by means
of multiple-grooved pullies.
Thirdly, in giving motion to the drawing rollers from the tin roller shaft.
Fourthly, in squaring the carriage by a series of scroll wheels or pullies.
Fifthly, in forming scroll wheels and racks in two similar portions, so as
when being bolted together they may be susceptible of adjustment.
Sixthly, in forming the parts of the cam shaft so as to afford the means of
obtaining a gradual stoppage of the spindles whilst all the other changes of the
mule are positively effected, and in making the faller lock so that it will
relieve the cam shaft before locking the faller.
Seventhly, in the combination of a differential motion friction clip, engaging
can, and disengaging latch, by means of which, in conjunction with the scroll,
the carriage is run inwards.
Eighthly, in raising the stripper in stripping mules, and working the
building faller by cams on the cam shaft, and preventing the formation of
snarls by a bar of wood or metal, faced or not faced with leather or other
suitable material.
Ninthly, in the combination of these particulars for obtaining the move-
ments of the self-acting mule.
In the following description and in the Drawings the same letters and

page_text: numbers of reference are used to indicate the same or corresponding parts in
'all the Figures in which they occur. The scales to which the Figures are
drawn are marked on the Drawings.
On Sheet 1, Figure 1 is a plan; Figure 2, a front elevation; Figure 3; an
end elevation on one side of the line W, X, on the plan ;. Figure 4, an end
elevation on the other side of the line W, X, of the self-acting mule, to which
'certain forms and modifications of our improvements are applied; Figure-5 is
'a front elevation, and Figure 6 an end elevation of the faller lock.
The carriage is marked A, the carriage square B, the carriage-end C. Our
improvements in the order in which they occur are referred to by the first eight
letters of the alphabet, the several parts in each being distinctly numbered.
Our first improvement, the communication of motion to the spindles direct
from the driving shaft is marked a; one modification of this being shewn in.
-Sheet 1, another in Sheet 2.
a² is a shaft suitably suspended in a line with the motion of the carriage, or
with the line driving shaft from which motion is obtained; a³ is a loose pulley;
o³, a fast pulley thereon, through which motion is transmitted from the main
shaft; a' is a bevel wheel fastened on a³, and. geered with the bevel wheel as
fast on the shaft a; at right angles to a¹ on the shaft a is fastened the
pulley a', which communicates motion by means of the strap a³ to the pulleys a
fast, and a loose on the tin roller shaft. As the motion of the carriage would
'affect the length of the strap a³, two arms are fastened together by cross bolts
or stays, so as to form the pulley frame a¹. This frame carries the two
pulleys a¹ and a¹³, around which the strap a passes. This frame a¹¹ oscillates
on two bearings concentric with the shaft a; and is held against two pulleys
a¹ and a loose on the stud shaft al, which is carried by the brackets a" and als
fastened on the carriage ends C. By these means whilst motion is com-
municated to the tin roller direct from the driving shaft, the strap is maintained
in uniform tension throughout the stretch.
On Sheet 2, Figure 7 is a front elevation; Figure 8, an end elevation; and
Figure 9, a plan of another modification of this improvement.
A roller or drum a', rather longer than the stretch, is suitably suspended,
having the pulley a loose and the pulley a fast on its shaft, and through these
pulleys motion is received from the line driving shaft. The strap a³ com-
municates motion from the drum to the pulleys a' and a on the tin roller
shaft, the conducting pulleys a¹ and a round which it passes being used in
this modification, not to keep the strap of uniform tension, but to keep it clear
of the faller shafts, the tension of the strap being preserved by its traversing
freely along the drum a¹ with the motion of the carriage. In some cases the

page_text: pulleys a' and a¹ may be on the shaft driving the tin drums, when these are
used instead of the tin cylinder. Numerous forms may be adopted of both
these methods of driving, but these we regard as modifications of our improve-
ment.
Our second improvement, which consists in giving motion to the tin roller
during the backing off, by means of multiple-grooved pulleys, is marked b.
. The loose pulley a, see Figures 1, 2, and 3, on the tin roller shaft, has the
pinion 6¹ fast on its boss. The pinion b' is geered with the wheel 63 fast on the
shaft b³, which is supported at one end by the bracket b* fastened on the carriage
end C; the other end is made capable of a small amount of oscillation, being sus-
pended in a bearing cast with one arm of the duplex lever 65, see Fig. 6, which
is carried by the stud 6 fastened in the slot on the bracket b', which is bolted
to the carriage end C. The other arm of the duplex lever b³ is formed to
receive pressure, and is operated upon by a cam, to be afterwards described.
It has also a relieving spring 610, one end of which is fastened to the pressure
arm of the duplex lever, and the other to the carriage end C. On the portion
of the shaft 6s projecting beyond its bearing in the duplex lever is fastened
the small multiple grooved pulley 6³, shewn by dots in Figure 1, whose grooves
are made so as to enter the grooves in the internal pulley 69, also shewn by
dots in Figure 1, fast on the tin roller shaft. Pressure being applied on the
pressure arm of the duplex lever 65 by the means traced above, the motion
received will be transmitted by the multiple-grooved pulleys to the tin roller
shaft in a backward direction, producing the movement usually known in the
mule as the "backing off," and when the pressure is removed they will be
instantly disconnected, and the backing off will cease. Instead of the motion
being conveyed through the loose pulley on the tin roller shaft a separate
strap, as shewn in Sheet 2, afterwards described, may transmit motion to the
shaft b, which will operate in the same manner as the wheels described above,
in producing the backing off by means of the multiple-grooved pulleys bª
and 6º. In Sheet 4 this improvement is shewn applied to a common
headstock.
Our third improvement, which consists in giving motion to the drawing
rollers from the tin roller shaft is marked c; on the tin roller shaft is fastened
the pinion c¹, shewn by dots in Figure 3, which is geered with the wheel c³ fast
on the shaft c³, which revolves in the adjustable bracket c', as shewn in dots,
fastened on the carriage end C. On the opposite end of the spindle c³ is
fastened the change pinion c³, which is geered with the stud wheel co, which is
geered with the clutch wheel c' revolving loose on the stud fastened on the
carriage end. The clutch wheel c has a ring groove in it, into which the

page_text: shifting fork is fitted. The fork c is fast on the diagonal shaft co, suspended
By means of the fork co the
clutch bevel c", which revolves
in bearings fastened on the carriage end C.
clutch wheel c' is brought into contact with the
on the stud c³, which carries the clutch wheel c. The clutch bevel c" is geered
with the bevel pinion c", which is fitted to slide freely along, and give motion
to the grooved shaft c", which is supported by brackets c and c fastened on
the frame D. The bevel c¹ is taken along by the carriage by means of the
bearing c, in which it revolves, and which is fastened on the cross bar E.
The bevel pinion c", which is fastened on the grooved shaft c¹³, is geered with
the bevel c¹s fastened on the front delivering roller. By these means motion
is transmitted to the delivering rollers from the tin roller through the con-
necting clutch c', c, and it is also made capable of suspension, as will be
afterwards described.
A modification of this improvement is shewn on Sheet 2. A clutch c¹⁹ is
fastened on the tin roller shaft, into which the clutch pinion c² is geered.
c' has a ring groove, and a fork lever operated by the cam shaft, to be
afterwards described, alternately locking and disengaging it with c⁹. By
disengaging at this point of the train of wheels connecting the tin roller with
the carriage and delivering rollers, it does not become necessary to disconnect
the motion for the carriage from the rollers until the inward run is to be effected,
thus obviating the spring of the carriage at the out end of the stretch, which
is frequently injurious to the yarn. The clutch pinion c¹ is geered with the
stud wheel crevolving on the stud c. On the boss of c³ is fastened the
change pinion c, which is geered with the wheel c, which revolves loose on
the scroll shaft d, to be afterwards referred to. On the boss of c is fastened
the bevel pinion c, which is geered with the bevel c, fastened on the shaft c³,
which revolves at one end in the bearing c, which permits it to swing freely
around the shaft d, whilst it is kept revolving by the bevels c and c. At the
other end the shaft c³ revolves in the bearing co which connects it with the
stud c, and permits it to swing freely around thereon. The stud c is
fastened in one end of the arm c¹³, whose other end is supported concentric
with the front delivering roller, and swings freely thereon. This connection
of the shaft c, with the shaft d', the stud c", and the arm. c forming a knee
joint. On the shaft c³ is fastened the bevel pinion c¹³, which is geered with
one side of the double bevel c", which revolves on the stud c. The other
side of the double bevel c is geered with the bevel c¹, fastened on the
shaft c which revolves in bearings in the arm c¹; on the shaft cld is also
fastened the bevel c", which geers with the bevel c, fastened on the delivering
roller. By this train of wheels motion is communicated from the tin roller

page_text: shaft to the delivering rollers. The arm is made of such length that the
'shaft, when passing under the centre of the delivering roller, can never
raise this arm so as to bring the centres d', c, and the delivering roller in
the same vertical plane.
Our fourth improvement, which is the sqaring of the carriage by a series
of scroll wheels or pullies, is shewn on Sheet 3, Figure 14, representing a plan,
and Figure 15 an end elevation.
Two forms of this improvement are shewn marked d. A shaft d' is placed
longitudinally in the carriage A, and on it are fastened a series of scroll
wheels d², geered with corresponding racks d³ fastened on the floor. When
these are arranged, as shewn in the Drawings, if the carriage is moved at one
point, it will move simultaneously throughout, and when started or stopped, it
will always be at the small diameter, where the greatest power to effect this
can be employed. Instead of placing the shaft d' in the carriage, it may be
placed in bearings behind the spring pieces, and have the scrolls placed thereon,
as shewn at d' in the Drawing, which represents the improvement so clearly as
to be at once intelligible to persons conversant with such matters, or the scroll
pulleys may be placed in the position of the toothed scrolls in the carriage.
Our fifth improvement, which consists in making scroll wheels and racks in
two portions, and bolting them together to complete them, is marked e.
In Figures 16, 17, 18, and 19, of Sheet 3, this improvement is shewn.
One side of a scroll with one half of the central wheel e', is made, and another
having similar central teeth according to the length of stretch, or the rate
fixed upon for stopping or starting; these are bolted together and form a com-
plete scroll. The one side of the corresponding rack with one half of the
central rack e, is then made, and another corresponding with its scroll wheel,
the central teeth being alike, the two bolted together form a complete rack.
By this method we can adjust the scroll in making it to any length of stretch,
or to start at a slower or quicker part of it, the scroll being adjusted either
to the length of the stretch or rate of starting or stopping by adjusting the
half breadth teeth e³ to eat the full diameter of the scroll, so as to effect the
object intended, and the rack being likewise made to agree with the length
of the stretch from the point of starting and stopping fixed upon by adjusting
at the part where the half breadth teeth eto e are level and uniform.
Our sixth improvement, which consists in forming the parts of the cam
shaft so as to afford the means of obtaining a gradual stoppage of the spindles,
whilst all the other changes of the mule are positively effected, and in making
the faller lock so that it will relieve the cam shaft before locking the faller, is
marked f. On the shaft 63, Figure 20, Sheet 3, (see also Figures 1, 3, and 4).

page_text: is fastened the pinion f¹ which is geered with the wheel ƒ³, see also Figure 21,
fast on the boss of the bevel wheel f³, which forms one side of a differential
motion. The intermediate f* is loose on the intermediate stud f³, which is
fast on the boss of the internal ratchet f, on which the bevel f³ turns loose;
the band pulley f' is fast on the tin roller shaft, and communicates motion
through the band f8 to the pulley f' on the boss of the bevel f10, which forms
the other side of the differential motion. When motion is communicated at the.
same time to the band pulley f', and the wheelf with their respective bevels ƒ³
and f, the greater velocity is imparted to the band pulley, so that the inter-
mediate will follow its leading, and if the strap as be traversed from the fast
pulley a to the loose pulley a", Figures 1, 2, and 3, so as to stop the
communication between the tin roller and the driving shaft, and likewise
to cause the band pulley f' in connection therewith to move at a slower
rate, yet until the rate be reduced below that communicated in a contrary
direction to the wheel f2, the intermediate will not follow the leading of
the latter, and as the teeth of the internal racket f* are so formed as to
receive the catch f" (seen detached on an enlarged scale), when it moves with.
fs, the catch plate f, in which the stud of the catch f" is fixed, and which is
fast on the shaft f18, will receive no motion until the tin roller shaft's velocity
lias decreased until it will drive the band pulley f below the amount at which
the wheel f, operating in counteraction of it is driven. When the wheel f
has moved the internal ratchet fo in its own direction, the catch f" on a stud'
of the catch plate f" takes into its teeth and carries round the shaft f¹³, on'
which it is fast, and with it the cam f", which presses on the pressure arm of
the duplex lever 65, and puts the backing off into operation. The method of
disengaging the catch f" from the teeth of the internal ratchet f", and the
times at which it is liberated, and the means by which it is liberated, being the
same as for the positive change portion of the cam shaft, we shall describe the
latter in detail, those for the differential portion of the cam shaft being
precisely the same as those we are now going to describe.
It will be seen from the details in Figures 20 and 21, Sheet 3, that in the
differential portion of the cam shaft the backing off cam is fastened on the
shaft f, whilst, in the positive portions, the catch plate f, and also the
various cams to be afterwards described, are fastened on a socket loose on the
shaft f13. We have also to state that instead of using a two or more toothed
ratchet for disengaging the catch f", we have adopted three separate catch
levers, and one tooth on the stopping ratchet. These levers and the ratchet
with one tooth being seen on Sheet 1, Figures 1 and 3, in the combination
shewn, in which we do not embody the differential portion of the cam shaft,

page_text: because in that combination we have not found it necessary to stop the spindles
more gradually than is effected by the use of the multiple-grooved pullies
herein-before described. When the cam f" has pressed on the pressure arm
of the duplex lever b³ the tooth on the ratchet f" comes into contact with the
sliding stop rod f16, see Fig. 1, by which it is detained. In the plate of the
ratchet is an inclined slot, through which a stud from the point of the catch
fprojects, and when the ratchet is stopped the catch continues to move until
the stud has so far been pressed towards the centre by the slot that the catch to
which it is attached is clear of the teeth of the internal ratchet f, when the motion
of the shaft f¹s will cease. When the backing off has been nearly completed,
the lever f", on the top end of which are two rests, best seen in detail, Figures
5 and 6, Sheet 1, will be at liberty to move when drawn by the spring f18.
In the lower end of lever f" is a slot, in which works freely the stud f10.
fast on the lever f, shewn by dots in Figure 2, which is fast on the shaft f",
passing underneath the carriage, and on the other end of which is fastened the
lever f, on the upper end of which is the stud f23, on which is the stop rod
f16 above referred to, by which the one-tooth ratchet was stopped when the
backing off was put in action, which will now be withdrawn by the action of
the spring f acting on the lever f", which is drawn until it is stopped by the
space of the first rest being passed over. When the rod fe is withdrawn a
spring presses the catch f" into geer with the internal ratchet fo, and the
cam shaft is moved until stopped by the catch lever f". During this time the
overrun of the backing off has expended itself, and the second rest or top of
the lever comes under the adjustable rest on the top of the rack f", and
locks the fallers. At the same time the cam f2, Figure 1, presses on the
friction clip, by which the inward run of the carriage is effected, as will be
afterwards described. When the carriage has reached the roller beam, tho
catch lever comes in contact with the stopper fƒ on the floor, and liberates
the cam shaft, which then moves until it is stopped by the catch lever f
During this change, the cam f is removed from pressure, the cam f permits s
the spring f to pull the strap fork f¹, and through the stud f, to which the
end of the rod f33 is attached, causes this rod to follow the surface of the cam,
so as to place the strap as on the fast pulley a³, on the tin roller shaft. At the
same time the cam f" permits a spring to pull the lever f, the rod f", and
through the bell crank f88 the upright rod f", through which the bell crank
lever f is withdrawn from the two fork levers f" and f", and so permits the
double spring f, to press the clutch boxes c, c", and c¹s, co, by which motion
is communicated to the rollers, and for drawing out the carriage. When the
carriage has completed its outward run the. catch lever f" comes in contact

page_text: with the stopper f", by which the cam shaft is again liberated and moves until it
has been stopped by the rod f16, previously referred to. At the same time the
cam for presses the clutch boxes c', c", and c¹³, co, out of geer, by which the rollers
and carriage are stopped. At the same time the backing off cam f" has applied
pressure to the pressure arm of the duplex lever 65, herein-before described.
On Sheet 2, Figures 7 and 9, is shewn a clutch box c¹, co, herein-before
described, on the tin roller shaft, by the disconnection of which both the rollers
and carriage may be simultaneously stopped. A fork lever c is fastened to
the shaft f on which is also fastened the lever f" communicating with the
cam f on the cross cam shaft f", and kept against the cam by the spring
f50. This cam comes into operation when the carriage has completed its out-
ward run, and presses the clutch box c³, c', out of geer, thereby stopping both
the rollers and carriage. When this method is used, the clutch box c', c", is
not necessary, and the cam f" will be moved so as to act at the same time as
the cam f, by which the carriage is run inwards. The cam shaft f" is shewn
in Figures 8 and 9 as a cross shaft, and it is driven from the wheel g¹, the
effect of which will be afterwards described.
Our seventh improvement is the combination of a differential motion
friction clip, engaging cam, and disengaging latch, by means of which, in
conjunction with the scroll, the carriage is run inwards, and it is marked g.
On the wheel b³, see Figures 1 and 3, fast on the shaft 3, is fastened the
wheel 9, which geers with the intermediate wheel g³ on the stud g, in
the carriage end C; 9³ is geered with the wheel g, which is fast on the boss
9, loose on the scroll shaft d'. This boss is shewn broken in Figures 3
and 4. On the boss g is fastened the bevel 9', which is one side of a
differential motion. Fastened on the scroll shaft d¹ is the wheel plate 9³, in
the arms of which the intermediate wheels go, go, revolve and communicate
with the wheel g", which is the other side of the differential motion, and on
its boss is fastened the friction pulley 91. Around this pulley is the friction
clip g, which is brought together by the arm 9", in which are two studs,
which press together the two halves of the friction clip. Into this arm 9" is
fastened the stud 9", on which is the latch g, communicating with a stud 9"
in the lower end of the lever 918, in a stud bolted in the bracket g₁ on the
carriage square B. The upper part of the lever g¹8 is acted on by the cam f2,
which, when it presses on the lever g₁s, the friction clip stops the motion of the
wheel g, and the scroll shaft is moved at one half the velocity of the wheel
9. When the scroll shaft and scroll or scrolls thereon is moved, the carriage
is also moved inwards until the latch g₁ comes in contact with the stopper
920 on the floor, when the friction clip is relieved, its upper half being pre-

page_text: vented from resting on the pulley 9" of the projecting arm by means of the
bracket fastened on the carriage square B.
On Sheet 2, where the combination is adapted for stripping instead of
backing off, the differential motion is formed of spur wheels, and the pinion g
has a pulley on its boss, driven by a strap from the driving drum.. Also on
this view, the friction wheel g¹ drives the cam shaft, by which means the
pressure on the cam f is regulated according to the strain required, the
friction wheel g' stopping, and of course the cam shaft which it drives, as soon
as sufficient pressure has been put upon the clip to effect that
purpose.
Our eighth improvement, which is the raising of the stripper in stripping
mules and working the building faller by cams on a cam shaft, and also in
preventing the formation of snarls by placing a bar of wood or metal, faced or
not faced with leather or other suitable material, so as to rise on the spindle as
the cop increases in length, and being pressed upon the point of the cop whilst
the stripping is performed. On the cam shaft fin Figures 10 and 11, and in
dots in Figure 12 of Sheet 2, are fastened two cams h¹, h, in a bracket h³;
on the carriage square B is fastened the stud h4, on which freely turns one end
of the lever h³, its other end resting on the cam h¹. A rod hº on a universal
joint at its upper end is attached to the stripping lever arm h³, fast on the
stripper shaft h, and at its lower end on the cam lever h³ above referred to;
when the cam h¹ is moved round it raises the end of h³, which rests on it, and
also the rod he and the stripping lever arm h. The rod he is guided to keep
the stripping of the proper length by the bell crank h³, one arm of which is
regulated by the stud 1, in the builder arm seen broken off in Figure 12,
whilst by the other arm in which is the stud h" entering the slot in the rod h*,
it regulates the position of this rod on the cam lever h³, and through this the
length of the rise of the stripping lever arm h². The stud h¹¹ is also adjust-
able in its own slot, so that the variation in the rise of the stripper may be
regulated.
On the short cross shaft h¹ are fastened two levers h¹³ and 14, of which h¹
rests on the cam h³, and the lever h¹ supports and raises the catch, which
is loose on the stud h16 in the faller rack, which is raised simultaneously with
the catch when that is raised by the cam as described. The catch continues
to be raised by the cam until the catch lever rises to such height that the hook
on it opposite to that on which the arm " operates comes above the projection
from the builder h, shewn in section in Figure 12, Sheet 2, when it is drawn
over the projection h¹ and relieved from the operation of the cam h³, when the
faller will be in position for the inward run.
•

page_text: "
These cams and their connections are susceptible of considerable modification
according to the views of the persons using the same, but all modifications of
the cams and conducting levers we consider as forming part of this improve-
ment.
>
At Figures 12 and 13, Sheet 2, is shewn the mode of preventing snarls by.
a pressure bar.
A shaft placed longitudinally in front of the carriage has fastened on it
a series of wheels h¹, which are geered with the corresponding series of
racks 20 on a rectangular knee, on the top of which is bolted the bar hª¹.
This bar has a loop of leather shewn upon the top, and projecting over the
edge of it, level with the point of the cops upon the spindles. The racks 20
are placed in an inclined position, so as when they are relieved they will fall
on the point of the cop. On a series of studs h, fastened in brackets ³ on
the carriage, are placed the levers 7, having small projections behind the
racks which keep them in position when the bar is not resting upon the
spindles. These levers at their top end lie against pins in short arms h² on
the stripping faller; and when the stripper begins to rise, the levers are set at
liberty, and the bar falls into such a position as to rest against the spindles and
the points of the cops. A series of studs on short arms has on the building
faller come in contact with these levers and racks when the faller is being,
brought down to put the yarn on the cop, and press the levers h", and through
them the racks and bar to their position clear of the cops; and the pins in the
arms on the stripping faller on the carriage reaching the roller beam are,
brought to the position behind them, by which they are kept free of the cops
while the carriage is coming out. A chain pulley his fastened on the
shaft h, and to its periphery is attached the one end of the chain h", which
being passed round the guide pulley, is fastened at the other end to the
nut of the builder screw, by which the racks and bar are gradually raised as
the cop is filled.
In Figures 22, 23, and 24, Sheet 4, are shewn an outline of the mode of
application of various portions of our improvements to a common headstock.
At 6 is shewn the backing off pullies, at f the cam shaft movement, and
at g the intaking motion. From the minute details given and explained in
the previous portion of this Specification any competent mechanic will readily
adapt our improvements to any other form of machine.
We wish to observe that where the term tin roller shaft occurs, it means
any shaft in the carriage from which the spindles or drums for driving the
spindles obtain motion.
:

page_text: Having now indicated the nature of our improvements, and the manner in
which the same are to be performed, we claim as of our Invention,―
First, the methods described for driving the tin roller or drum shaft, or
other shafts used or that may be used in the carriage for driving the spindles
direct from the top driving shaft, and any modifications of the same.
Secondly, the method described of backing off by means of multiple-grooved
pullies, and the method of operating the same by the duplex lever 65 shewn
in Figure 6º.
Thirdly, the methods described of driving the delivering rollers from the
tin roller shaft or other spindle driving shaft in the carriage, and any modi-
fications of the same. Also the method shewn of disconnecting the roller and
carriage clutch on the tin roller shaft, or any other part at which the rollers
and carriage may be stopped by one change.
Fourthly, the methods shewn of squaring the carriage by scroll wheels and
racks, and by scroll pullies and bands.
...
Fifthly, the method shewn of making scroll wheels and racks, and the
method of making the same adjustable..
Sixthly, the methods described under the letter f of obtaining a gradual
stoppage of the spindles, the securing of a positive change for the other
operations of the self-acting mule, and also the double lock for the faller by
which the cam shaft is relieved before the faller is finally locked.
Seventhly, the combination herein-before described under the letter 9,
shewn, by which the inward run of the carriage is effected.
and
Eighthly, the method of raising the stripper and working the building
faller by cams on a cam shaft as set forth under the letter h, and any modi-
fications of the same, and also the bar adjusted to the point of the cop for
preventing the snarling of the yarn while stripping.
Ninthly, the combination of these parts or any of them in producing the
motions of the self-acting mule, or the application of any of them to self-acting
mules of ordinary construction.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Robertson, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Thirteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-one.
WILLIAM ROBERTSON
(ra)