IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR COMBING FIBROUS SUB- STANCES.
Year: 1878

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by Alexander Melville Clark at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 24th April 1878. A communication
from abroad by the Firm of Heilmann-Ducommun, and Steinlen, of Paris,
France.
7
ALEXANDER MELVILLE CLARK, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex,
Patent Agent. "IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR COMBING FIBROUS SUB-
STANCES. [A communication from abroad by the Firm of Heilmann-Ducommun,
and Steinlen, of Paris, France.]
This Invention relates to further improvements in the machinery for combing
fibrous substances for which Letters Patent were granted to me bearing date
January 13th, 1877, No. 184, and also forming the subject of another application
for Letters Patent dated November 29th, 1877, No. 4508, for improvements in
said machinery, both being communicated to me by the said Firm of Heilmann,
Ducommun, and Steinlen.
In order that the present improvements may be better understood I have
embodied the description of portions of the former machines with the new parts
forming the subiect of the present application for Letters Patent.
1st. The web of fibrous substances to be treated, whether cotton, wool, silk,
or other material, is supplied to a feed apparatus, which may, according to the
condition of the material under treatinent, consist either of a fluted cylinder with
overlapping pressers, a porcupine roller with cover which compels the material to
engage in the teeth of said roller one or more porcupine rollers, or lastly, gills.
2nd. The front end of the web is seized by a nipper, arranged as herein-after
described, to operate upon a considerable length of material at one time, and also to
seize the fibres as close up to the feed apparatus as possible; the web may either
be seized by the nipper so close up to the feed apparatus that the fibres will be
Posice 1 871

page_text: drawn through and so prepared by the said apparatus or at a point more distant
therefrom, in which case the feed apparatus merely serves to support the front end
of the web and the part immediately preceding those fibres only being drawn out
which are seized by the nipper, so as to avoid loose fibres and the formation of tufts
during the action of combing.
3rd. Either before or during the movement of translation of the nipper, that is
to say, before or during the parting asunder of the web, a comb segment is made
to enter the web while the latter is stretched between the two nippers; the said
comb having rows of fine teeth next the tail ends of the fibres, and rows of coarser
teeth next the front end of the fibres, that is to say, those last fed forward by the
feed apparatus.
4th. During or after the parting of the web this first comb is put in motion, the
fine teeth serving to cleanse the tail ends:
5th: To a stationary nipper placed between the feed organ and the first comb
segment pressure is applied, slight at first, during the parting of the web, and after-
wards increased while the combing of the front end of the web is being effected.
6th. The movement of the first comb segment is continued in order that its
coarse teeth engaged in the thick matted part of the front end of the web may
effect a preliminary combing, which disentangles and parallelises the filaments.
7th. According to the material being operated on, one or other of the following
alternatives may be employed :-(a) behind this first comb segment, and while the
web is still stretched by the nippers, a second finishing comb segment is introduced
between the first comb and the stationary nipper at the thin portion only of the
web (care being taken that the fine teeth shall only enter the thin portion of the
web, which is capable of being traversed and combed by the fine teeth without
breaking the fibres), and at a slight distance only in front of the point at which the
nipper seizes the web for parting it, certain movements of this second finishing
comb being independent of the first one in rear of and simultaneously with which
it works, the web being seized between the two, whereby the front ends of the
filaments are completely purified; (b) or behind the first comb segment as soon as
there is sufficient space for it, there is caused to enter the web a combing apparatus
composed of several rows of teeth, having first a circular motion and afterwards a
movement of translation for completing the combing of the front end of the web,
as will be hereafter more fully described in divisions E and H; (c) or the front ends
of the filaments may be simply operated on by one or two small brushes, the fila-
ments being seized between them; (d) or lastly, the means described in divisions
E and H.
In cases where the second gill segment or rotary comb is arranged to operate at
a certain distance from the stationary nipper, there is interposed either in front of
or beneath the line at which the said comb engages with the filaments, a support
for the filaments between the stationary nipper and the said second comb segment,
or a second stationary nipper may be interposed between the first stationary nipper
and the second comb. In any case the size of the comb teeth and the portions of
the web on which they are to operate are mutually adapted to one another, the
teeth being made to enter the web at certain predetermined points, this being
ensured by supporting the web at those points.
8th. The two comb segments receive a movement away from the web upward or
'downward, according to the side of the web, on which they are placed for the
purpose of being cleaned.
9th. During the movement of translation of the nipper, that is to say, after the
parting asunder from the web of a strip of combed filaments, a portion of the strip
(which has been previously pieced up at the moment of parting the web asunder),
by superposing the front ends of the freshly combed web upon the tail ends of the
part of the web previously operated on or (according to the length of the fila-
iments) a portion of the web to which this strip has been pieced is passed between
two pairs of drawing rollers, carried on the nipper, and moving therewith, which

page_text: complete the piccing by causing the filaments to slide upon each other. At a short
distance from said rollers the combed web is contracted by means of a funnel which
may be provided with means for drawing and compressing the web, as will be
herein-after described, and of two drawing rollers which condense the web and
deliver it in the form of a roll or sliver, in condition to undergo the to-and-fro
movements of the nipper without having its regularity or homogeneity impaired,
all these operations being effected by mechanism mounted on and therefore moving
with the frame carrying the nipper.
10th. The roll or sliver after leaving the condensing rollers upon the nipper is
passed between two other rollers, by which it is still further compressed; or the
Bliver may be delivered to a rotary can or other apparatus, to be wound on a
bobbin or roller, as most convenient for the subsequent spinning operation. The
oscillating nipper returns to its original position with its jaws open, and with the
tail end of the combed web upon the lower jaw in readiness to be applied under
the front end of the web for piecing up, as will be explained under paragraph H:
This improved process may be summarised as follows:-The operation of a nipper
in connection with a porcupine roller or feed apparatus to effect a preliminary
disentanglement or cleaning of the fibres, by the receding of these organs, the one
from the other; the introduction into the web during the above operation of a
comb, having a movement of translation to assist the cleaning and combing of the
filaments; the interposition between the porcupine or feed apparatus and the
comb of a nipper, which is closed on the web with slight pressure at first and
afterwards more forcibly, when a strong tractive effort is exerted on the front end
of the web; the finishing combing of the extremity only of the front end of the
web either by the same or a second comb, having a movement of translation with
or without a circular movement, and acting on the web at a line slightly in advance
of the parting line, that is to say, of the bite of the jaws of the oscillating nipper,
the web being stretched or sustained at the point where the comb acts on it, so as
to enable the comb to enter and properly operate on the web; the piecing either
before or at the time of parting by the superposition of the tail end of the web,
which has been brought backward by the oscillating nipper, and of the front end
of the web which projects from the stationary nipper; the drawing and condensa-
tion of the web into a sliver not affected by the to-and-fro movements of the
nipper, these several operations being performed by apparatus, carried on, moving
with, and working with and during the to-and-fro movement of the nipper.
I will now proceed to describe the action of the machinery by which the above
processes are performed.
(3rd.) One or more combs or apparatus for cleaning the filaments.
(4th) One or more comb cleaners.
(5th) An oscillating nipper, i.e., a nipper having a movement of translation for
parting asunder, piecing up, and drawing the combed web, and forming it into a
roll or sliver, not injured by the to-and-fro movement of the nipper, by means of a
funnel (either plain, or provided with means for drawing and compressing the web)
and a pair of rollers.
(6th) An arrangement of compressing or drawing rollers for delivering the combed
sliver.
(7th) A revolving plate and can or other means for winding the combed product
on a bobbin or roller.

page_text: This apparatus may consist, according to circumstances, either of a plain or fluted
cylinder, or of a cylinder with plain or saw-toothed helical blades, against which
the web is pressed by a series of overlapping fingers or pressers; or it may consist
of a porcupine cylinder, with or without means for disengaging the web from its
teeth, and partly enclosed by a cover which forces the fibres into its teeth, as seen
at A, Figure 1 of the accompanying Drawings; or instead of this, one or more
porcupine cylinders or one or more rows of gills, having a horizontal movement of
translation may be used.

page_text: point c, d, has the advantage of retaining the impurities which might otherwise be
carried forward in the tail end of the web, and which at the next feed will be
presented with the front end, and be eliminated therefrom by the operation of the
combs.
Figure 10 represents the use, in addition to the stationary nipper B, B¹, of an
additional jaw or bar, which sustains the front end of the web in order to presont
it to the action of the finishing comb. The bar would be covered with bristles,
cloth, or other material, or it might be grooved.
The apparatus employed for the above purpose being various, I will here describe
their improvements only, whether they are placed above or below the web.
C, C, Figure 1, are the axial lines of the said apparatus. Each of the apparatus
may have an upward and downward movement, or vice versa, towards the web;
a movement of translation for combing the web; a continuous or alternate circular
motion, at first without and afterwards with movement of translation for operating
on the web; a downward or upward motion, or vice versa, away from the web for
the purpose of being presented to the apparatus, whereby they are stripped or
cleaned.
When the combs have a circular motion, it is continued while they are being
presented to the brush. The portions of the axes of the combs upon the arms
which carry them are adjustable, both vertically and horizontally, by means of
screws.
The comb when placed above the web is operated by the following mechanism :-
The upward and downward movement is produced by a lever D, Figure 1, pivoted
at d, and actuated by a cam D¹. The movement of translation is produced by the
lever E pivoted at e, and operated by the cam E'. The circular motion is trans-
mitted to the axis of the comb by bevel gearing on a shaft C, Figures 1 and 11,
through the bell-crank levers, as shown in the latter figure. This circular motion
may be either continuous or alternate, and the comb may make either a fraction of
a turn or one or more complete turns for operating on the front end of the web.
When the comb is placed beneath the web it is operated as follows:-The down-
ward and upward movement is produced by a lever T pivoted at t, and operated by
cain T. The movement of translation is produced by a lever U pivoted at
and
operated by a cam U₁. The rotary motion is produced in a similar manner to that
for the comb placed above the web.
e,
The apparatus for combing or cleaning the web consists, according to the kind
of fibres under treatment, either of a series of gills a, Figure 12, or of comb bars b
provided with metal guards to prevent the fibres entering the teeth too far.
Or a comb bar of triangular section with fixed teeth may be employed, as in
Figure 13. a is a guard to prevent the waste flying off.
Or the comb carrier may be of polygonal or cylindrical section with comb
bars fixed, as in Figures 14 and 15, with guard plates a, a, or of circular form, and
counterbalanced, as in Figure 46.
In Figures 15, 16, 17, and 18, Co is a row of coarse teeth, the remaining rows
being of increasing fineness up to row C7.
The fine teeth may be of slightly smaller radius r than the radius 1 of the
coarser teeth.
The rows of teeth may also be of alternate sizes, that is to say, a
row of coarse teeth, and then a row of fine teeth; or lastly, the teeth may be of
uniform size.
Or a segmental, cylindrical, or polygonal comb carrier furnished with combs, as
described, may be adjusted to work at any inclination in combing the web, and at
a different inclination when presented to the cleaning apparatus, Figure 41.
Figure 39 shows the mechanism for altering the inclination of the comb teeth.
C is a shaft receiving rotary motion from shaft C¹. A, A', are two discs fixed on

page_text: and turning with said shaft, in which are mounted the comb carriers P, P¹; P², P³,
P4, P, &c., capable of turning on pivots b, 61, 62, &c. D, D¹, are two other discs,
which do not revolve with discs A, A', provided with cam grooves, in which the
crank pins c, c', c², of the comb carriers P, P¹, are engaged. The axis C in rotating
carries round the comb carriers P, P¹, with it, and these being controlled by the
crank pins c, c¹, c³, &c., are made to occupy positions varying with the curvature of
the cam groove, and consequently varying the inclination of the comb teeth.
Instead of cams and crank arms an arrangement consisting of a kind of star
wheel with toothed segments, operating intermittently the comb carrier, may be
employed for varying the inclination of the comb teeth.
X, X¹, are casings, the first for preventing any down or waste falling upon the
combed web, and the latter for excluding dust from the mechanism.
Or it may be a brush for cleaning the combs, receiving a movement of translation
with or without a circular motion, and acting upon a smooth surface as upon a table,
with the object to be brushed between the two, see Figure 43.
Or two brushes may be employed, one of which consists of a hollow cylinder in
two halves perforated to receive the tufts of bristles, which are secured on the
inside, as shown in Figure 19; or the brush may have a solid core with spiral and
longitudinal grooves, the tufts being inserted at the intersection of the grooves,
and secured by means of wire, see Figure 20.
Or a cylindrical or polygonal comb having a circular motion, which is presented
to a small brush, such as described, the filaments to be combed being between the
comb cylinder and the brush, the latter forcing the fibres to engage in the teeth
of the comb, and having a slightly higher surface speed than the comb cylinder to
prevent the brusli bristles from engaging with the teeth, see Figure 1.
Or gills having rows of long coarse teeth and shorter fine teeth, see c, Figure 12,
the comb being made by the form of the cam to penetrate still further when the
fine teeth are to come into operation.
Or a gill comb, cylindrical or polygonal, see Figure 21bis, may be used in con-
nection with a bar clothed with bristles or other material, said bar having a
movement of translation together with the comb or not, the filaments to be combed
being forced into the teeth of the comb by the bristles on the bar.
Or a gill comb, cylindrical or polygonal, see Figure 21 bis bis, may be used with a
jet of air directed at intervals upon the filaments at the moment the comb comes
into action for the purpose of causing the filaments to engage in the teeth of said
comb.
F.
COMB CLEANING OR STRIPPING APPARATUS.
W is a
V, Figures 1 and 35, is a brush revolving in the direction of the arrow.
cylinder covered with felt, leather, india-rubber, or bristles, which may either be
smooth or fluted, and applied either over the whole surface or in strips encircling
the cylinder at intervals, as in Figures 44 and 45. The cylinder W is supported
at each end by an arm v, and revolves in the direction of the arrow. The part v
of arm is provided with means of varying the distance between V and W. v² is
the pitch circle of a toothed wheel, which is geared by intermediate wheels with
and driven by the wheel on the shaft of brush V. a, a, Figure 1, is a guard
plate, which travels with the cylinder around the brush to prevent any waste
falling upon the combed web.
Where a rotary comb is used without any means of varying the inclination of
the teeth one brush only is employed, having a higher surface speed than that of
the comb cylinder. When, however, means of adjusting the inclination of the
teeth are employed, two or more brushes are used for cleaning, which come into
action at the moment the teeth assume the desired inclination, as seen in
Figure 41.
When small revolving brushes are used to operate on the front end of the web
the brushes are cleaned by another brush having a higher surface speed.

page_text: OSCILLATING NIPPER FOR PIECING-UP, PARTING, DRAWING, AND ASSISTING IN
FORMING THE WEB INTO A ROLL OR SLIVER.
In Figure 1, G. is the arm, upon which the nipper is mounted, oscillating on
centre ; H, crank, by which the oscillating motion is given to the arm G and
nipper through the levers, rods, and cranks H1, H2, H3, H4, the amplitude of the
oscillating motion being regulated by the position of stud I in the slot of lever H³.
Instead of a crank a differential motion may be employed, which will admit of
the introduction of a circular comb between the two nippers to operate before the
return motion of the oscillating nipper takes place. Each of the rods H is made
in two parts united by a right and left handed screw coupling, which, together
with an index, serves to regulate the distance from the stationary nipper, at which
the oscillating nipper seizes the filaments. K, lever operated by cam K¹ for
opening and closing the jaws of nipper, with which it is geared by the toothed
segments K³, K; L, lever, whose position is adjusted by a slot for regulating the
pressure of the jaws of the nipper one upon the other; M, Figure 23, is a strip of
india-rubber to render the pressure elastic, the strip being made with a rib of hard
rubber, which serves to hold it in place, and also allows a new one to be slid in
endwise to replace it when worn. The rib is placed next the edge, round which
the endless apron N of leather or other material first passes.
The endless apron may be applied to the lower jaw instead, or to both jaws of
the nipper, and it may also assist the rollers in drawing the combed web.
Figure 24 shows a small clutch, by which the endless apron is made to travel
round the jaw.
0, 01, Figure 1, are a pair of rollers, one covered with leather, and the other of
polished metal, which receive alternate circular motion by an arrangement of
gearing represented in Figure 25, the extent of said movement varying with the
amount to which the fibres are made to overlap in piecing up the web.
0, 0%, Figure 1, are a pair of rollers, one of leather, and the other of fluted
metal, made of slightly larger diameter than 0, 0¹, in order to exert a drawing
action on and effect a more intimate union of the fibres.
The web may also be received between endless aprons of leather on leaving the
nipper, instead of passing between two pairs of drawing rollers 0, 0¹, 02, 0%, or
between two endless aprons and one pair of drawing rollers.
Figure 26 shows a contracting guide or device for contracting or condensing the
combed web. a, b, is an endless apron composed of lattice bars which moves at the
same speed as the combed web so as to carry it along; c, d, are guides placed
between the bars of the lattice and moving therewith, and so operated or guided
that as the lattice travels along the opposite guides c, d, are caused to approach
closer together so as to contract the width of the web of fibres. On the return or
under side of the endless apron the guides are again separated to the full width of
the web.
X, X¹, Figure 1, are a pair of rollers by which the web is drawn through a
trumpet and formed into a roll or sliver.
All the above parts, viz., the two nipper jaws with their endless apron, the two
pairs of drawing rollers, the device for contracting or condensing the web, and the
two compressing rollers, are all mounted upon the uprights or arms of the oscillating
nipper, move therewith, and operate during its movement.
Z, Z, Figure 31, are two bars which sustain the front end of the web and present
the same to the oscillating nipper.
Instead of the contracting guide or device above described a plain endless apron
may be used, or a plate with raised edges, which contract the web drawn through it
by the rollers.

page_text: Referring to Figure 27, suppose the front end of the web to protrude from the
feed apparatus and stationary nipper B, B¹, and the tail end to protrude from the
jaws R, S, and rest upon the lower jaw of the oscillating nipper. The latter now
moves towards the stationary nipper and brings the tail ends beneath the front ends,
as shown in Figure 27, and the jaws R, S, then close and piece up the web, as shown
in Figure 28. The jaws B, B', are at same time slightly pressed together, so as,
together with the feed cylinder, to hold the front ends and prevent any fibres being
drawn out and formed into tufts; the nipper R, S, then moves away from the
stationary nipper B, B¹, and during the first part of its course completes the piecing
up, which is effected by the gliding of the fibres over one another, after which the
nipper R, S, is closed tightly in order to again part the web asunder.
nipper R, S, has moved away a sufficient distance, as shown in Figure 28, the
comb Centers the web, and the nipper continuing its course draws the fresh
filaments which it has seized through the feed apparatus and comb C.
When the
When the tail end has been completely drawn from the nipper B, B', the latter
closes tightly, and the comb C commences to move and disentangle the front end
which protrudes from the closed nipper B, B', the nipper R, S, still continuing its
motion.
When the comb C has arrived at the point where the second finer comb C¹ should
enter the web, the latter comb descends and the two combs continue to operate on
the front end, as shown in Figures 29 and 30. When the two combs C, C¹, have
completed their work they are caused to recede from the web in the order to be
cleaned, as will be herein-after described.
The nipper R, S, on reaching the end of its course opens as seen in Figure 31,
the cylinders O, 01, 02, 0³, revolve and draw along the web a certain distance,
leaving protruding from the nipper only the proper length of filaments required to
overlap in the operation of piecing up. The web is also carried along by the
contracting guide or device above mentioned, and the compressing rollers which
deliver it in the form of a roll or sliver in such condition as to be unaffected by the
to-and-fro movement of the nipper. The nipper then returns to the position,
Figure 27, in readiness to repeat the operation. The porcupine feed cylinder is at
the proper moment partially rotated to supply a fresh part of the web to the action
of the combing apparatus.
With the above-described arrangement of combing apparatus the second or fine
comb C¹ may be made to act only upon a partially combed portion of the web,
which is important, as it avoids breaking the fibres and causes the least amount of
waste.
Where the distance between the stationary nipper B, B¹, and the oscillating
nipper R, S, is relatively greater, the following is the mode of operation-1st
position, Figure 32, the coarse comb C moves from C close to nipper B, B', to C¹;
2nd position, Figure 33, the second nipper B2, B3, closes, the finishing comb C
descends in rear of Co, and moves with it for combing the front end of the web.
When a rotary comb is employed with or without means for varying the
inclination of the teeth the following arrangement is adopted-Referring to Figure
16 the comb C has rows of teeth ranging progressively finer from C° to C7. The
cams by which this comb is operated are of such form as to cause the coarse teeth C°
to first enter the web in the position shown, and whilst in this position the comb
performs one or more revolutions on its own axis, and when it is in the position,
Figure 17, with the teeth Co to C7 in the web, it receives a movement of translation
which brings it to the position shown in Figure 18, causes it to completely penetrate
the web and frees it therefrom, at same time that it gives to the front end of the
web the proper direction for being seized by the nipper jaws R, S.

page_text: The above description of the action of the combing apparatus will be sufficient to
render clear the use of the different apparatus described under division E.
The action of a comb placed either above or beneath the web having been already
explained, it will be readily understood how one, two, or more such combing or
cleaning apparatus, as represented in Figure 38, or any other combination of combs
may be operated, whether they act on the upper or under sides, or on both, of the
web at one time.
It should be particularly noted that the facility for acting on the web while held
between the two nippers, or the employment of the second stationary nipper B2, B³,
Figure 2, or the nipper shown in Figures 7 and 9, or the jaw shown in Figures 10,
21 bis, and 21 bis bis, enables the front end of the web to be penetrated, and only the
fine combs be used for the fine or partially combed part of the web, that is to say,
instead of raising the web as in ordinary without penetrating it, the front end is
actually penetrated and combed.
In Figure 35 the comb C¹ is represented at the noment it is about to comb the
front end of the web protruding from the nipper B, B¹, which being done the comb
rises and occupies the position C', and at this moment cylinder W oscillates an
axis Y and occupies the position, Figure 36, and the cylinder W and brush V both
turn in the direction of the arrows so as to clean the comb. The cylinder W then
retires to allow the comb C to recommence the operation. The office of the small
brush roller V is to act together with the brush W on the teeth of the comb in the
direction of their length, the brushes meeting at the points of the teeth, so as to
compress between them and remove the waste. The brush W has a greater surface
speed than cylinder V and strips the waste therefrom.
Figures 22 and 34 illustrate a slight oscillatory motion imparted to the combs
when they are presented to the brush V. Thus in Figure 22 the comb C is raised
to the position C°, and oscillated on its own axis to bring it against the brush, this
oscillating movement being given by two toothed segments gearing with two pinions
placed on the ends of the comb carrier.
In Figure 37 the cylinder W receives motion from a toothed wheel v³ on shaft Z,
which is geared with the axis of cylinder V; the cylinder W is oscillated on Z to
bring it up to or move it away from the brush by a lever arm z¹ and connecting
rod z. The action will be readily understood; the cylinder W moves in the direction
of Z' to give passage to the comb, and then in the direction of Z³ in order to press
against the comb and assist in cleaning it. This done the cylinder W again recedes
to allow the comb to return to its normal position.
The brush V, in the above cases, is carried on two small supports which are
capable of adjustment for regulating the position of the brush.
The cylinder W may, as before mentioned, be brought towards cylinder V by
shortening the distance between their axes. a, cover moving with the cylinder
around the brush to prevent any waste falling upon the combed web.
When a rotary comb is employed without any adjustment of the teeth or brushes
the comb is simply presented to the action of a brush having a greater surface
speed than that of the comb or brush which has operated upon the web of filaments.
In the case of rotary combs the inclination of whose teeth is variable, the following
is the arrangement adopted :-The comb after operating on the front end of the web,
see Figure 40, rises and presents itself to the brush V, see Figure 41, and the small
cylinder W also at same time moves up to and cleans the comb; the latter then recedes
and the small cylinder which has a lower surface speed than brush V is stripped by
the latter, see Figure 42. The porcupine H may also be simply presented to the
brushes, as shown in Figure 41bis; W, brush with or without movement of translation
stripped by cylinder V.

page_text: INTERMEDIATE FRAMES.
In Figure 1, B, I, are the intermediate frames which carry the brushes for cleaning
the combs, and also the rollers clothed with cards for stripping the brushes. By
the employment of these two intermediate frames a free passage is provided for the
comb levers.
Instead of the web being passed over the porcupine roller or feed apparatus it
may pass beneath the same, and the position of the axis of the oscillating nipper
may be moved farther forward, or the machine may be otherwise modified.
According to the nature of the waste from the card-stripping roller, it may also be
formed into a sliver or card end.
The Invention herein described thus consists,―
1st. In a combing machine arranged to work in the manner specified in sec-
tion A.
2nd. And particularly in a combing machine.
(a.) The employment of a nipper operating in front of a porcupine roller or feed
apparatus which assists in disentangling, holds and supports the filaments except
those drawn out by the nipper, whether said nipper alone or both the nipper and the
feed apparatus recede the one from the other.
(b.) The operation during the receding motion of the above two parts, of one, two,
or more combs or cleaners working either independently or together to a certain
extent, introduced into the web while the latter is stretched between the nipper and
feed apparatus, which combs or cleaners have a movement of translation in the longi-
tudinal direction of the web to assist in disentangling the fibres during the operation
of parting the web asunder.
(c.) Causing these same combs to act as finishing combs for cleaning the tail end
of the web, and as roughing combs upon the front end, that is to say, for opening,
disentangling, and removing the grosser impurities from the portion of the web
newly fed forward, and this, whether the parting asunder of the web has or has
not been effected at the time the said combs are operating on the front end of
the web.
(d.) The action during this operation of a stationary nipper whose jaws are
pressed together slightly at first during the operation of disentangling and parting
asunder the web and afterwards forcibly when the combs come fully into operation;
whether this variable pressure be applied through the medium of a strip of india-
rubber pressed upon a hard surface, or whether the slighter pressure be applied by
that means or by means of two strips of soft rubber, and the increased pressure by
means of another strip specially adapted for the purpose.
(e.) The operation of a comb either before the parting asunder of the web, that
is to say, before the separation of the tail and front ends and while the web is still
continuous, or towards the end of or after this operation, the said comb being caused
to operate upon the front end of the web, and being by means of another and
distinct organ made to penetrate the web only at a certain determinate distance from
the front end, that is to say, at the thinnest, most open, and disentangled part, a point
which may be regulated at will, and which is situated a little in front of the line at
which the oscillating nipper seizes the filaments, whether this comb acts on the one
side of the web, the other comb having acted on the other side, they take the web
between them and both comb it together, or whether this latter comb acts on the
same side with the first one, or whether this comb acts alone on the point of the
front end without the use of another comb, either before, during, or after the parting
of the web. (1), the axis of comb adjustable both for direction and position; (2),
web capable of being penetrated while being held between the stationary and oscil-
lating nippers; (3), stationary nipper with flange or lip which nips the web between
the jaws nearest to the porcupine cylinder, and also supports the filaments between
the lips or flanges while allowing those fibres to slip which are to be drawn out;
14

page_text: (4), stationary nipper provided with two pads of india-rubber, one for applying a
hard pressure and the other a slight pressure, which, if desired, answers the purpose
of the finishing comb in Joshua Heilmann's combing machine by the use of a bar
covered with bristles, cloth, or grooved; (5), the use of a second stationary comb
which allows of a preliminary disentanglement of the fibres in front of the first
stationary comb, and of a second finishing operation in fornt of the second stationary
comb.
The several arrangements 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, permit the extremity only of the front end
of the web to be combed, whether the web be operated upon by gills while stretched
between the stationary and oscillating nippers, whether by a rotary comb having a
movement of translation (the filaments up to the point at which the comb enters
being supported either by the stationary nipper, the nipper with lips or flanges, the
double pad nipper, the second stationary nipper, the brush, a simple supporting bar,
or in other manner).
The idea of making fine teeth penetrate the fine portion of the front end of the
web has been before attempted in Joshua Heilmann's combing machine, in which
eccentric comb-toothed segments are employed, that is to say, the coarse teeth
have a longer radius than the finer teeth; this however failed to effect the desired
object, as the teeth often raised the web without penetrating it. To obtain the
desired effect it is necessary that the web should be supported at the point where
the fine teeth are to act, whether the web be stretched between two nippers or
whether the front end be supported by a second nipper in either of the modes before
specified, or otherwise.
This principle of operating on the front end, whether applied in this or other
machinery, forms an especial feature of the Invention, the principle consisting in
operating on the front ends of the filaments with teeth of corresponding fineness to
that of the web, so as not to injure the fibres, and by means of an additional organ
(that is to say, other than the comb, web of filaments, or stationary nipper of
ordinary combing machines) cause the teeth to enter the web at the point where
they are required to commence their work, which can be easily effected whilst the
web is stretched between the oscillating nipper and the feed apparatus or stationary
nipper.
After parting the web the filaments are supported at this point either by a first
stationary nipper, a nipper with lips or flanges, a second nipper, a simple bar, a
grooved jaw, a rotary brush, a bar covered with bristles, cloth, or other material,
in order to prevent the filaments being lifted by the comb teeth, but allow the
latter to penetrate them. By the employment of a jet of air projected inter-
mittently upon the filaments at the moment the combs enter, the filaments are
forced to engage with the teeth of the gills or circular comb, whether such air
be projected over the whole face of the comb cylinder, or at the front only, as re-
presented in Figure 21 bis bis, or otherwise.
(f). The operation of a comb having a movement of translation with or without
a rotary motion moving in contact with a brush with or without circular motion,
the filaments to be combed being held between them.
(g). The operation in this or any other combing machine of one or two brushes
with or without circular motion, and with or without a movement of translation,
the filaments being held between them or between a brush and a smooth surface,
whether such combing be effected after a preliminary combing, or only after the
oscillating nipper has simply parted the web asunder and presented the front end
to the brush or brushes, the cleansing of the tail end being effected in the body
of the web by the disaggregation of the impurities in the porcupine by the
stationary nipper, or by the slight pressure of the flanged nipper, the said im-
purities remaining in the front end of the web and simply brushed.
3rd. The system of cleaning the combs by presenting the one side to a brush,
and applying on the other side a small cylinder covered with felt, leather, india-
rubber, or bristles, the said cylinder, which was at a distance from the brush,
having been made to revolve around the brush in order to present itself to the comb,

page_text: these two parts operating in the same way as the thumb and finger drawn along
the teeth from root to point, and meeting at the point of the teeth, thus pulling
off or retaining the down or waste therefrom.
4th. The improved method of parting asunder and piecing up the web, and
of forming it into a roll or sliver, all these operations being effected by mechanism
carried upon the oscillating nipper and during its movement of translation, which
method consists in moving back open the nipper which carries the tail end of the
web on the one side, and the roll or sliver on the other, the tail end of the web
resting on the lower jaw of the nipper; in bringing the tail end beneath the front
end, and then closing the nipper for piecing up by the pressure of the two jaws
together, and by the gliding of the fibres over one another at the moment of parting
the web asunder; in carrying along the parted web by a first pair of rollers (one of
smooth metal, and the other covered with leather) having a variable alternate
circular motion to determine the extent to which the fibres overlap; in drawing out
the web by a second pair of rollers, which, owing to the gliding of the fibres over
one another, caused by the action of the first pair of rollers, binds the filaments more
strongly together; in contracting the broad web by means of a movable or stationary
funnel or equivalent device; in drawing by a pair of rollers through a trumpet,
whereby it is condensed into a roll or sliver; and, lastly, only release the web
where it may without prejudice to the homogeneity and uniformity of the roll or
sliver, into which it has been transformed, be subjected to the to-and-fro movement
of the nipper.
5th. The combination of mechanical parts composing the combing machine, herein
shown and described.
6th. The employment of a nipper during the several stages of the process, it being
understood by nipper an organ composed of two pairs of arms or jaw carriers having
a motion towards or from each other united by two cross bars or jaws of sufficient
width to nib the fibres to a sufficient extent in the direction of their length, the
one jaw being hard, and the other soft or elastic, to more effectually seize the front
end of the web, the said nipper being made to work as close as possible to the feed
apparatus, and constructed to resist any tendency to flexion, in order to operate
upon a sufficient width.
7th. The oscillating nipper with its operating mechanism, as described under
section G, and represented in the Drawings, its movement of translation being
produced either by a variable crank, differential motion, or by cams placed opposite
to one another with the guide roller between them, together with its endless
apron having intermittent motion, its india-rubber pad, its double lever for in-
creasing or reducing the pressure, its two pairs of rollers, its funnel or condenser for
contracting the web, and two drawing rollers, the whole being mounted on and
moving with the nipper in its to-and-fro motion for receiving the web of the full
breadth, and delivering it in the form of a roll or sliver.
8th. The arrangement which allows of varying the line at which the web is
parted asunder with regard to the stationary nipper.
9th. The system of independent movement applied to the comb or combs (or they
may have certain motions in common), the axis being of such form as to vary the
to-and-fro movements of each comb, according to the curves of the cams used, being
capable of receiving variable movements to and from the web to engage them in the
web, variable as regards the time and point at which they enter the web, variable
in the movement of translation, rotary motion for operating on the web, moving away
therefrom to be cleaned, and this whether the said comb or combs act from above or
below, or on one side only of the web, or whether there are one or several combing
apparatus.
What is more especially claimed is, the principle of imparting the above move-
ments to the axes of the combs, whether by the mechanical means adopted, or by
any other mechanical arrangement, and more particularly by transmitting the
motion to a rotary comb, and from a shaft having a fixed axis through the agency
of levers having movements of oscillation and of translation; also the mode of

page_text: working the rotary comb so that the rows of coarse teeth shall first come into
action and the comb travel, while still revolving, when the fine teeth enter the web,
particularly the mechanism shown and described, and more particularly the arrange-
ment for obtaining the circular momement.
10th. The special arrangement of the combs, properly so called, comprising, (a) a
comb carrier, in which the comb axis may be adjusted both vertically and hori-
zontally by a regulating screw; (b) gills with bars interposed to prevent the web
from penetrating to the bottom of the teeth at the point where the web is pieced
up; (c) gills with teeth of varying height, which by the cam action are caused to
penetrate more deeply into the web when the fine teeth are brought into use; (d) a
cylindrical or polygonal comb, either having rows of teeth of progressive, or
alternate, or uniform fineness, the said teeth being so spaced that the bristles of the
cleaning brush may readily enter between two rows of teeth; (e) two brushes
working in contact with the web between them; (f) a rotary or other comb
working in contact with a brush, rotary or not; (g) a gill comb or a porcupine,
upon which is applied a bar covered with bristles, felt, or other material, which may
or may not have a movement of translation to accompany the comb; (h) a nozzle
for projecting a current of air at intervals upon the web at the moment the teeth
enter the front ends of the filaments for the purpose of keeping the front end of the
web engaged with the teeth; (i) a brush working against a smooth surface.
11th. The guard plates, applied as shown, for preventing the admission of down
or impurities, whether the said guard plates be stationary or move with the combs
or brushes.
11th bis. The employment in this and other combing machines of one or more
combs, whether segmental, cylindrical, or polygonal, or a holder carrying several
independent comb bars, to which may be imparted a variable rotary and translatory
motion for combing, and a receding motion for cleaning the teeth, said teeth being
so mounted as to permit of their receiving a proper inclination for combing, and a
different one for cleaning, whether such movements be produced by the mechanical
means described or otherwise. What is especially claimed under this head is, the
principle of varying the inclination of the teeth for and during the combing
operation, and also for and during the cleaning the teeth, and more particularly
the application of this principle to a comb carrier having several independent comb
bars.
A
11th bis bis. The principle of employing two or more brushes, to which the said
comb holder is presented, or vice versa, and which brushes act on the teeth when
the comb is in such a position that the teeth are at a suitable inclination for being
cleaned, the mechanical arrangements for obtaining such movements being indicated
in the last two paragraphs.
12th. The principle of operation of the small cylinder, which has two movements,
the one of rotation about its own axis, and the other of translation around the brush,
and also a third motion towards or away from the brush.
13th. The mechanical arrangements described and represented for obtaining the
above movements.
14th. The guard plates for excluding waste or down applied to and moving with
the small brush cylinder or circular motion comb, or fixed in front of the stripping
brushes, as described.
15th. The arrangements of stationary nippers, comprising, (a) the first nipper
provided with a lever for regulating the pressure of the india-rubber pad with
adjustable and removeable jaws, as described and shown, for obtaining either suc-
cessively or simultaneously a slight and a firm pressure, each capable of being
regulated independently of the other; (b) the mechanism for operating said
nipper.
16. The principle of employing either, (a) the second nipper arranged similarly
to the first, except that the two jaws open wide enough to allow of the first comb
operating on the front end of the web; (b) the flanged nipper, with or without the
application of an elastic pressure at the edge of the lip or flange; (c) an organ con-

page_text: sisting either of a jaw, grooved or not, or a smooth surface brush, or it may be an
air jet applied at the point where the comb enters the web, and having a movement
of translation, and also towards and away from the web, said organ being used
when the first stationary nipper does not suffice to support the front end of the
web, or serving to sustain the fibres while being cleaned, as in the case of a brush
or smooth surface. In short the principle of employing similar arrangements, both
in this and other combing machines, for supporting the front ends of the web under
the action of combs or brushes, which do not operate near the stationary nipper of
ordinary combing machines.
17th. The forms of jaws of the different nippers, viz., (a) the forms of the nipper
and lower jaws of the stationary nipper B, B', and the oscillating nipper R, S,
adapted to the purpose for which they are required, more particularly the form of
jaw R with its square edge, and also the combination of the two forms of jaws R, S,
B, B', which permits of a very small distance between the points at which the two
nippers seize the web, and of such a section, both above and below, as to afford
considerable resistance to flexure; (b) the use of change jaws for the stationary
nipper B, B¹, or the two bars Z, Z1, Figure 31, to support the front end of the web
while parting.
17thbis. The principle of employing india-rubber pads or strips, the lower part
vulcanized hard, and the top part soft, fitted to slide in grooves in the jaws of the
nipper, and either retained by the dovetail form of the groove or by means of
metallic clips at each end.
18th. The arrangement of porcupine or feed apparatus embraced by the jaws of
nipper B, B1, one of which forms a cover and the other opening and closing, so as
when employing narrow jaws to enable the oscillating nipper to work as closely as
possible to the said porcupine or feed apparatus.
19th. The two intermediate frames B, I, which carry the brushes and allow room
for the comb levers to work.
20th. The passing the waste from the card-stripping roller through a trumpet
and drawing rollers, as described, and receiving it in the form of a card end.
21st. The employment of the several organs herein described, either combined
or separately, as for example, for effecting a preparatory treatment, with or without
a subsequent combing, by operating with a single comb or cleaner, limiting the
operation to drawing out and parting the web asunder, combing the front end and
then piecing up.
22nd. The application or employment in other machines of the principles and
mechanical arrangements described, either wholly or in part.