IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR CRUSHING, PREPARING, AND COMBING FLAX, HEMP, PHORMIUM-TENAX, AND OTHER FIBROUS SUBSTANCES
Year: 1840

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, DAVID
Low, of Adams Court, Old Broad Street, Merchant, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her present most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent under the Great Seal of Great Britain, bearing date at West-
minster, the Seventh day of January, in the third year of Her reign,
did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the said
David Low, Her especial licence, full power, sole privilege and authority, that
I, the said David Low, my exors, adññiors, and assigns, or such others as I,
the said David Low, my exors, adors, or assigns, should at any time agree
with, and no others, from time to time and at all times during the term of
years therein mentioned, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and
vend, within England, Wales, and the Town of Berwick-upon-Tweed,
and also in all Her said Majesty's Colonies and Plantations abroad, an
Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR CRUSHING, PREPARING, AND
COMBING FLAX, HEMP, PHORMIUM-TENAX, AND OTHER FIBROUS SUBSTANCES,"
being a communication from a Foreigner residing abroad; in which said
Letters Patent is contained a proviso obliging me, the said David Low, by
an instrument in writing under my hand and seal, particularly to describe and
ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same
is to be performed, to be inrolled in Her Majesty's High Court of Chancery
within six calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said

page_text: in part recited Letters Patent, as in and by the same, reference being there-
unto had, will more fully and at large appear.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the said
David Low, do hereby declare that the nature of the said Invention, and
the manner in which the same is to be performed, are particularly described
and ascertained in and by the following statement thereof, reference being had
to the Plates or Drawings hereunto annexed, and to the letters and figures
marked thereon (that is to say): :-
The Invention of Improvements in Machinery for Crushing, Preparing, and
Combing Flax, Hemp, Phormium-Tenax, and other Fibrous Substances, as
communicated to me, consists in three successive operations, executed by
three separate machines, which singly crush, prepare, and comb or peckle the
fibrous substances. The first machine or the crushing apparatus receives
the flax, hemp, phormium-tenax, or other fibrous substances in the natural
state, and bruises or crushes them by means of fluted rollers, combined in
a peculiar manner, and detaches the fibres from the ligneous particles they
contain. The second, called the heating or preparing machine, receives the
fibrous substances delivered by the bruising or crushing machine, and submits
them to the action of beaters revolving with rapidity, which separate the
ligneous matters from the fibres and prepare the latter for the heckling
machine. This machine consists of a peculiar arrangement of machinery by
which stricks of flax or other fibrous materials are progressively carried through
the machine, and in their passage are continually divided, combed, and prepared
by the points of double sheets of endless heckles of different pitches, the
larger and more open heckles consuming the operation, which is continued by
closer and finer points until the heckling is completed.. The stricks of flax are,
during the operation, alternately carried on either of the revolving heckles, by
the agency of guides set in motion by an excentric. All these improvements
will be more fully understood by reference to the accompanying Sheets of
Drawings and the following description thereof; in all the Figures of each Sheet
similar letters indicate corresponding parts.
CRUSHING OR BRUISING MACHINE, Sheet 1, Figures 1, 2, 3.
This machine consists of a double series of fluted cylinders, between
which are drawn the fibrous substances, which are presented to two smooth
feed-rollers through funnel-shaped conductors or guides. These cylinders,
which are in cast iron, receive a rotary motion from a
series of pinions
driven by a band, giving impulse to a pulley fixid on the driving shaft.
Figure 1, end elevation of the bruising or crushing machine. Figure 2, plan

page_text: of the same taken just above the fluted cylinders. Figure 3, front elevation of
the side on which the fibrous materials are introduced. A, A, A, framework
of the machine in cast iron. B, B', fixed and loose pulley, set on one end of
the driving shaft C. D, pinion fixed on the opposite end of the shaft C.
E, E, E, E, pinions revolving each on a small axletree turning in the
framework; these pinions do not geer together, but severally with the
cylinders F, F, F, F, and with the roller G. The cylinders D, F, F, F³, F',
are in cast iron, and fluted on their whole width; they revolve in suitable
bearings fixed in the framework. The said cylinders are not in contact with
one another, a small distance being reserved between them to allow the straw
or boon to drop down as it is separated from the fibres by the crushing. These
cylinders do not geer one with the other, but receive and transmit the rotary
motion in the following manner :-The pinion D drives the cylinders F, F',
F drives the pinion E³, which drives the cylinder F³; this cylinder drives the
pinion E, which drives the cylinder F. F drives the pinion E¹, which drives
the cylinder ; this cylinder drives the pinion E³, which drives the feeding
roller G; this roller turns in contact with the roller G', and drives the
same. G, G', feed rollers with smooth surface; they seize and draw into
the machine the fibrous materials presented through the funnel-shaped
conductors H, H, H. I, I, I, I, I, upper fluted cylinders driven by the
lower cylinders F, F, F, F, F, with which they geer. The journals of the
cylinders I, I', &c. revolve in bearings a, a, a, a, a, which may slide up and
down in grooves cut in the upper part of the framework. K, K, iron bar fixed
by screws on the massive part of the framework. L, L, springs, with a little
fillet or tongue at their lower part, which penetrates in a corresponding groove
cut in the bearing a; this spring presses by its upper part against the
bar K, K, and below against the bearing a. Two similar springs are thus
adopted to each of the upper cylinders, so as to maintain them by an elastic
pressure in contact with the corresponding lower cylinder. M, hopper for the
delivery of the bruised fibres. When the fibrous materials have been passed
through the crushing machine and sufficiently crushed or bruised, they are to
be taken to the beating or preparing machine, which we shall proceed to
describe.
BEATING OF PREPARING MACHINE.
Its object is to free completely the fibrous materials from the straw or
ligneous materials which may adhere to the same, and thus prepare them
for the third or final operation of heckling. It consists of a pair of double
beaters fixed on the axes or shafts of two wheels of the same diameter.

page_text: One of these wheels is driven by a pulley set in motion by the power
employed; the second wheel geers with the first, and receives therefrom
its motion. The beaters are fixed at right angles on the shafts of the
wheels. These beaters turn at the rate of about two hundred revolutions a
minute. A clamp or box, similar to the one to be hereafter described in detail
as part of the heckling or combing machine, receives the fibres which are to be
beaten or prepared. This clamp travels progressively through the machine so
as to submit the fibres to the action of the beaters. An endless chain gives
motion to the clamp; and this motion, by changing some pinions, may be regu-
lated so as to suit the nature of the fibres operated upon as will more fully appear
by the description of the heckling machine in which a similar clamp is used.
Sheet 2, Figures 4, 5, 6.-Figure 4, longitudinal elevation taken on the
side of the pullies; Figure 5, vertical elevation; Figure 6, plan taken from
above. In these three Figures the same letters of reference indicate the same
parts.
A, A, A, framework of the machine in cast iron or wood. B, B',
pullies loose and fixed, set on the shaft c, which revolves in bearings fixed on
the cross bars of the framework. C', shaft parallel to the one marked c.
D, D', toothed wheels of equal dimensions; the wheel D drives the one D¹.
E, E, double beaters fixed by their centre, the beater E on the shaft D, and
the one E' on D¹. These beaters consist, each of three iron bars, a, a, a (see
Figure 5), on which are fixed edgeways thin blades of iron b, b, b, the extremity
of which is rounded off that no injury may be done to the fibres operated
upon. At each extremity of the beater is fixed an iron blade or rail d, d, in
a radial direction with reference to the shaft. The outer part of this blade is
fluted in order to present a greater surface, and act on a greater number of
fibres at once. The edge is rounded to avoid any injury being done to the
fibres. F, F, arched cover or casing surrounding the upper part of the
machine, and preventing the dust and straw from flying about the work-room.
G, vertical shaft revolving at its lower part in a collar fixed on a support H,
which is curved in order to get clear of the wheel D¹. On this is fixed a bevil
pinion, which imparts motion to the clamp through the endless chain. H,
clamp receiving its motion from the endless chain; as the action of the clamp,
its progressive motion through the machine, the means of regulating the speed
of the said clamp, are identical with what is to be hereafter described with
reference to the clamp employed in the heckling or combing machine, we shall
refer to the description of the said machine to avoid repetition. When the
fibrous materials have been sufficiently beaten and prepared by this machine,
they have been brought to a proper condition for being heckled or combed.
This is the object of the third machine, which we shall now describe.

page_text: from pulley d to pulley e. d, e, d, e, pullies similar to those d and e, but of
a different diameter. Either of these is to be used according to the speed
which is to be given to the machine. f. f', wooden drums, setting in motion the
endless sheets of licekles. g, driving shaft; on it is fixed the drum f, which
revolves with the said shaft; morcover this shaft g drives the geering, and
revolves in plummers boxes or bearings, fixed on the cross bars b. g', shaft
of the drum f. This shaft revolves likewise in bearings set on the cross
pieces ; but these bearings are so fixed as to be able to slide backward and
forward in the said cross pieces, according to the governance of an adjusting
screw. This contrivance allows the attendant to vary the distance of one of
the endless sheets to the other, according to the nature of the flax under
operation. h, toothed wheel, fixed on the shaft g, and receiving the motion
imparted to the said shaft by the pulley d. h', toothed wheel, set on the
shaft, and driven by the wheel h. i, i, wooden drums or cylinders, set in
the upper part of the machine on the shafts j, j'. These drums are of a
greater diameter than those f, f, above described. jj, shafts of the drums.
i, ; these shafts revolve in adjustable plummers boxes, set on the cross
pieces 2, 3, of the framing. These plummers boxes slide on a screw, and are
so constructed as to be governed by a setting screw, which revolves and is
retained in a collar fixed to the cross piece b³. When the setting screw is
turned in one direction, the shafts j, j', and consequently the drums they
carry, are separated from one another. When the screw is turned in
the contrary direction, the drums are brought near one another. k, k, k,
heckles, six in number, set with joints or needles of various pitches,
in such manner that they are gradually closer and finer from the right
to the left. The needles are divided in three scries, 1, 2, 3; the
largest, which are the widest apart, serve for the preparation of the raw
flax, which they comb. The flax passes from them on the other points in
succession from one end of the heckles k, k, k, to the other. The heckles are
fixed on an endless band, and in contact with one another, in such a manner
that the points of the various kind corresponding together on the continuous
heckles. Two endless heckles are used, the one surrounding the drums or
rollers i and f, and the other the drums and f¹. 1, 1, tension rollers, to give
the heckles the proper tension. These rollers are set on moveable arms, which
contrivance admits of the position of the rollers being regulated as required.
m, m, m, m, four pressing rollers, to bring near one another the two continuous
or endless heckles. n, vertical shaft, revolving at its lower end in a socket
fixed to the cross piece b², and at its upper part in a bush or collar. On this
shaft is fixed a bevil pinion o, which is driven by an Archimedian screw, cut on

page_text: a projection of the shaft g'. 0', crank or eccentric cam, formed or fixed on
the shaft n. 3, collar or ring surrounding the cam o¹. 03, rod, uniting the
collar o to the fork o'. o', fork, moveable at its point of suspension. 0, 0³,
moveable guides, united cach by one end to one of the extremities of the
fork o. o, bevil pinion, fixed on the top of the shaft n, and driving the bevil
wheel q. p, shaft, on which are fixed the wheels 7 and q'. p', shaft, parallel
to the shaft p, and on which are fixed the pulley r and the wheel . This
wheel may be changed according to the speed to be given to the chain t, here-
after described. q', q, wheels, fixed on the shafts p and p', and gearing
together. r,, grooved pullies, fixed, one on the shaft p', and the other >
on the conductor rail s; s conducting and supporting and directing the clamp
or holder, hereafter described. t, endless chain, surrounding the warves or
pullies r, . In the links of the chain is hooked the clamp u. u, clamp or
holder, made of two parts, connected together by a hinge, and so constructed
internally as to form tongues and grooves, in order to retain the flax. This
clamp is narrowed at its lower part, which moves between two directing
bars v, v.
It is suspended by a double arm, made of metal, and curved for
the purpose of half encircling the conducting rail. One of these arms is pro-
vided with a book, which enters the links of the endless chain t. When the
flax is introduced in the clamp, it is to be closed, and maintained closed, by
means of a hook or in any other convenient manner. v, vl, brushes, placed
diagonally with respect to the heckles k, k, to prevent the tow from escaping.
,, brushes placed above the heckles, to cleanse the same while they
revolve. These brushes are moveable in a vertical direction, and may there-
fore be brought to the proper place.
OPERATION OF THE IMPROVED MACHINE.
The clamp is opened, the raw flax is introduced into it and spread
as uniformly as possible, so as to constitute a layer of equal thickness
throughout, and to present at first the foot of flax to the revolving heckles.
The clamp u, hooked on the endless chain t, rests by means of its two
arms on the conducting rail s. The revolving heckles k, k, have been
brought towards one another to the proper distance by means of the
pressing rollers 1, 1, due regard being had to the nature of the flax under
operation. The heckles must be very close to one another when the flax con-
tains a great quantity of rosin, and is in consequence very difficult to divide, in
order that the extremities of the filaments may not escape the action of the
points. The motion is now imparted to the pulley d, and it carries round the

page_text: axletree g, which, by means of the above-described gearing, transmits the
motion to all the parts of the machine; the clampu, thus drawn on by the
rotation of the endless chain t, penetrates into the machine with the flax it
carries. This flax is first submitted to the action of the points the largest and
the most distant from one another, and as it proceeds it is combed by the finest
points until it goes out of the machine on the side opposite to that of its
entry. The clamp is then removed from the conducting rail, it is opened and
the flax inverted, so that the extremities of the fibres which was free is now
introduced into the clamp; the clamp thus loaded again is taken to the right
end of the machine, it is hooked on as before, and, when the flax has thus
crossed a second time the revolving heckles, the combing operation is accom-
plished, the flax to be operated upon having been introduced between the
moveable guides 0%, 0, before the beginning of the operation; and as these
guides receive a similar lateral motion transmitted by means of the fork o', the
rod o, the collar o, and the eccentric or crank o', fixed or formed on the
vertical shaft n, the flax is therefore carried alternately on either of the heckles,
and a parallelism between all the fibres of the flax contained in the clamp is
preserved during this alternate lateral motion. From this contrivance a per-
fect combing is insured to every portion of the stricks of flax contained in the
clamp to the internal as well as to the outer portion. By means of the
different sizes of the pullies which may be employed, a greater or a less
speed is given to all parts of the machine. By means of the supple-
mentary pinions q, q, q, the speed of the clamp is regulated at will, the
heckles still retaining the same speed. After a certain time the heckles being
sufficiently loaded with tow, they must be freed from the same; this opera-
tion is effected as follows:-The machine is stopped, and, by means of a hooked
blade introduced between the heckle and the tow, the layer or map of tow is
divided. The lower end of the map of tow is drawn out of the points, and, the
machine being set gently in motion, the whole map of tow will unroll and
leave the heckles. As there is an interval between every one of the series of
points in the second series, the points being closer than in the first, and closer
still in the third than in the second, it follows that there are three maps of tow
of different quality. These may be removed separately, care having been
taken to divide them previously on their whole length, or they may be attached
together and divided afterwards.
I wish it to be understood that although in the preceding Specification 1
have described the Improvements as connected with the combing of flax, the
same are equally applicable to the combing of hemp, phormium-tenax, and

page_text: other fibrous substances; the speed of the revolving heckles, their distance
from one another, and the speed of the travelling clamp, being regulated
according to the nature of the substance under operation.
In witness whereof, I, the said David Low, have hereunto set my band
and seal, this Sixth day of July, in the year of our Lord One thousand
aight hundred and forts
AND BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the Sixth day of July, in the year
of our Lord 1840, the aforesaid David Low came before our said Lady the
0 Queen in Her Chancery, and acknowledged the Specification aforesaid, and all
and every thing therein contained and specified, in form above written.
And also the Specification aforesaid was stamped according to the tenor of
the Statute made for that purpose.
Inrolled the Seventh day of July, in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and forty.