Improvements relating to Looms and like Apparatus employed in the Manufacture of Coir Yarn Mats and other similar Articles.
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 10th Nov., 1897
Complete Specification Left, 8th Sept., 1898-Accepted, 10th Nov., 1898
Improvements relating to Looms and like Apparatus employed in the
Manufacture of Coir Yarn Mats and other similar Articles.
I, ROBERT EDWARD EVENDEN, of Heaton, North Coburg, in the Colony of
Victoria, Australia, but now residing at 29, East Down Park, Lewisham, in the
County of Kent, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be
as follows:-
My invention relates to looms and apparatus employed in the manufacture of
coir yarn mats and other similar articles, and comprises an automatically operated
thrummer of novel construction; a grid adapted to support the thrums while
they are being woven into the fabric; a shearing device for cutting off the thrum
yarns a thrum yarn draw-off mechanism; and other improvements hereinafter
indicated.
The said parts are applied to a loom of suitable known construction in which
the various mechanisms are so timed as to enable the following functions to be
performed in their proper order:
When the batten is back, the heddle or other suitable shedding mechanism is
operated to lift those warp-threads which are to be thrummed; the thrum yarns
are then inserted between their respective warp-threads, which form the upper
shed, close up to the batten, whereafter the end of each set of thrum yarns is
pulled under and around the warp-thread assigned to it.
The thrummer, which retains hold of the loop so formed, is then moved towards
the breast beam to allow the weft to be inserted and the batten to beat it up
to the fell. It then moves further forward to the shears by which the loops or
thrums, which now form a part of the fabric, are severed from the rest of the
yarn, or I may make the shears approach the thrummer for this purpose. The
thrummer is next returned to the position first indicated and then the shed is
again opened so as to lift those warp-threads that are to receive the next set
of thrums.
The thrummer consists of a rectangular or other frame provided with suitable
bearings preferably at or near its top, and is adapted to swing on a horizontal
shaft located over that part of the loom traversed by it. This frame contains
several guideways in which run a spacer slide, the needle-eye-guide slide, the
needle-eye slide and the needle-threader, all of which, with the gripper-carrying
bar, are controlled by cams situated upon a cam shaft carried in suitable brackets
attached to the said thrummer frame. These cams co-operate with levers, suit-
able fulcrumed on another shaft also supported by the said brackets said levers
being provided with connecting rods through which the proper movements are
imparted to the various parts.
The spacer consists of two horizontal plates which extend across the warp-
threads and between which all the other parts of the thrummer operate. These
plates may be provided at their lower edges with a series of V-shaped incisions
terminating in parallel slits, or the said plates or their equivalents may be

page_text: provided at their lower edges with a suitable number of cone pointed pins or
other like parts, adapted to equally space the warp-threads about to be thrummed
and to allocate the selvage warp-threads, so as to place them in the positions
they are respectively to occupy in the finished fabric, when the spacer is lowered.
The grippers may consist of a series of parts, each of which is provided at its
lower end with a suitable hook, or loop, while at their upper extremities each
is pivoted to a bar which is attached to the back of the needle-eye guide by
means of a pair or more links. This bar is operated by a cam which imparts to
it an up and down movement while the links constrain the bar to move so that
each of the gripper pivots describe an arc of a circle.
Near the lower ends of the grippers is a series of pins or like projections, also
carried by the needle-eye guide, between which the grippers move and by which
their hooked ends are caused to dive under the warp-threads (on one side of
them) when the gripper-carrying bar descends. When, however, the cam lifts
the gripper-carrying bar it describes an arc in the opposite direction whereby
the grippers are returned.
Instead of this construction the gripper hooks may be made fast to their sup-
porting bar, to which may be imparted the requisite movement, by means of
links, cams, slots, pattern surfaces or their equivalents, to cause the said hooks
to dive under their respective warp-threads and thereafter return with the end
of the thrum yarns.
At this point the gripper-carrying bar engages a stop, situated upon the needle-
eye guide, which arrests their relative movement, whereupon the said bar carries
the needle-eye guide with it to the top of its stroke, where it remains until the
gripper-carrying bar again descends, when it follows it down until its further
descent is prevented by another stop (with which the needle-eye guide is pro-
vided) engaging a projection fixed to the thrummer frame.
The needle eyes, which are a series of rectangular tubes through which the
thrum yarns pass when they are being inserted between the warp-threads, are
supported by a suitable sliding part and are lowered through the warp-threads
before the thrum yarns are inserted and form guides that direct them into their
proper places, whereafter they are lifted up out of the way of the other parts.
The needle threaders, which are carried by a bar adapted to slide in a suitable
guide way over the needle eyes into which they extend, may consist of rods,
plates or their equivalents provided with suitable friction devices such as plates
having one or both of their lower edges serrated so that the thrum yarns may be
drawn down through them but not up. These needle threaders, which are
caused to descend by a cam, push the thrum yarns through the needle eyes
which guide them as hereinbefore explained.
The operation of the parts may be as follows:
The spacer first descends upon the warps of the upper shed so as to properly
space them; the needle eyes next drop between the warp threads while the
gripper hooks dive under the warp-thread on one side of each respectively; the
needle threaders next feed the thrum yarns down through the needle eyes,
causing the free ends to be inserted between the warp-threads and over the hook
or equivalent part of each gripper; the needle eyes now begin to rise while the
grippers begin to return, carrying with them the thrum yarns that were lowered
into their hooks, or equivalent parts. As the grippers rise through the warp
threads of the upper shed, the ends of the thrum yarns, coming in
yarns, are caused to be bent
round the gripper hook so as to form a double or shaped loop under their
respective warp-threads and over the hook or other equivalent part, thus giving
it a sufficiently good hold to enable it, with the assistance of the other parts,
to carry the looped thrum yarns up to the fell to be woven into the fabric.
After the grippers have risen a short distance, the spacer rises while the warp-
threads (which are being thrummed) remain beside the partitions of the needle
eye guides, which may project below the other parts of the said guide. These
contact with the next set of thrum

page_text: partitions, around which the looped thrum yarns are held, so as to relieve the
warp-threads of any tendency to be pulled upwards, may be serrated at their
lower edges so as to bite into the said thrum yarns and so prevent a further
quantity from being drawn down through the said warp-threads when the
grippers rise to pull the free ends of the thrum yarns up on the other side of their
respective warp-threads. The thrummer is now moved towards the breast beam
and the needle-eye guides are partly raised, and after the weft has been inserted
and beaten up by the batten," so as to compact the thrums in the fabric, the
spacer, grippers, needle eyes and threaders return to their respective starting
positions, the latter in so doing, slipping upon the thrum yarns so as to be in
readiness to feed down the yarn for the next set of thrums. The thrummer is
now moved further forward (or the shears may be caused to approach it) to cut
off the thrum yarn, whereafter it (the thrummer) is returned to the position first
indicated as herein before set forth.
"The batten may be operated by means of suitable springs which normally
urge it towards the breast beam, while movement in the reverse direction may
be effected by wipers or other suitable cams.
In this way the batten may be made to make two or more strokes to every
one of the thrummer, the first hugging the thrummer so as to insure the thrums
being properly carried forward, whereafter the batten would be quickly returned
and make another or more strokes to beat up the weft, while the thrummer
remains stationary. Instead of operating the batten in the way just described,
I may employ one or more pairs of cranks to impart to it the required move-
ments; these cranks may be set at an angle to each other and may actuate the
batten through suitable connectors, which may be slotted so as to enable one or
more of the said pairs of cranks to operate after one or more other pairs. I may,
however, further modify the form of the batten. Instead of hinging it below,
in the usual way, I may suspend it from the thrummer shaft or another shaft
so as to make it travel in a path concentric with, or parallel to, that of the
thrummer; or it may travel in or on guides having the same direction as the
warp-threads or another direction. I may also give the reed and handrail a rising
and falling motion to enable it to perform its functions without interfering with
the operations of the thrummer. To effect this purpose, the said reed and hand-
rail may be supported by slides, or their equivalents, having suitable guides in the
fly-swords, the said slides being pinned to links pivotted to the floor, or any other
convenient part, at such points as will cause the said reed and hand rail to move
in the desired manner, when the batten is operated.
The movement of the thrummer may be controlled by a properly timed cam,
which may be keyed on to the main driving shaft, or the shaft upon which such
thrummer is itself loosely hung, the said cam imparting the requisite movement
to the thrummer through a suitably fulcrumed lever and connector, or their
equivalents. In the latter case this shaft would be driven from the main shaft
of the loom by means of chain or other suitable gearing and would again drive
The
the cam shaft carried by the thrummer in a similar or equivalent manner.
thrummer cams may, however, be mounted upon the said shaft by which the
thrummer is itself supported, or upon any other suitably located shaft.
The shears, which are located upon or near the breast-beam, are provided with
V-shaped teeth so placed as to. divide each set of thrums. These teeth are pro-
vided with cutting edges so as to shear off the thrum yarns by the longitudinal
movement of, one of the blades. The shearing may be effected by means of a
spring, in which case the forward movement of the thrummer would trip a pawl
or its equivalent at the moment when the thrum yarns were between the teeth
of the shears, whereas, during the return movement of the thrummer, it would
engage a hell-cranked lever, or other equivalent part, that would urge the mov-
able shear back against the pressure of the spring, in which position it would
be retained by the pawl. I may, however, reciprocate the, movable blade in any
convenient manner, such as by means of a toggle, crank, cam or their equivalents.

page_text: Alternatively the shears might be pivoted at a point at the side of the machine
and arranged to swing about that centre so that they approach to, and retire
from, their work at predetermined periods. This motion may be imparted through
a suitable cam on one of the cam shafts. The free end of the shears may carry
a pinion wheel designed to engage with a fixed and suitably curved rack whereby
motion in alternate directions is imparted to such pinion. The pinion may be
connected by a connecting rod or to the like to the movable knife blade so as
to impart thereto reciprocating or "cutting" movements.
The grid consists of a series of wires, or their equivalents, which extend from
the front of the loom back through the reeds of the batten to a convenient
support behind it. These wires, or their equivalents, lie under each warp thread
and are bent near the breast beam to the same angle as the fabric, which they
support, whereas from that point back they lie parallel with the lower shed.
The grid, thus converging with the upper shed in the direction of the fabric,
keeps the thrums up snugly against their warp-threads as they approach the
fell. Instead of using wires, as aforesaid, the grid may consist of a series of
teeth projecting from the breast beam in the direction of the thrummer, and may
be only long enough to receive the thrums they are adapted to support, as they
are brought forward by the thrummer.
The thrum yarns are led from a conveniently situated creel, across two rolls
located over the thrummer, and through a grid or guide situated above the
needle threaders and carried by the thrummer.
After the looped thrum yarns have been woven into the fabric but before
shearing off, a bar, supported by suitably fulcrummed levers and actuated by
one or more cams, is caused to press the thrum yarns into the space between the
two rolls just referred to, so as to draw off the creel sufficient yarn for the next
set of thrums.
The guide may consist of a board or plate having a suitable number of
chamfered holes or may be made up of rods and wires crossed.
Two or more rolls may be arranged in front of the loom, or at any convenient
part, to draw off the fabric as it is woven, one of each pair, preferably that at
the back of the fabric, being provided with spikes to give it the requisite hold.
At the back of the batten I may suitably attach to the loom frame a stationary
reed having irregular spacings which may be adjusted to keep the warp-threads
against certain dents on the batten reed. By so confining the warp-threads the
points of the spacer are enabled to pass with greater certainty between the proper
warp-threads.
I may also apply to my invention a stop motion, adapted to stop all the parts
but the take up mechanism, at certain predetermined intervals, the object being
to leave suitable spaces for the purpose of facilitating the division of pieces of
fabric, mats or other articles, when woven.
This I effect by automatically throwing a clutch, adapted to slide on a feather
on the main driving shaft, "in" and "
driven continuously.
out" of gear with the pulley, which is
This pulley has a sprocket wheel attached to, or formed integrally with it,
which, through a suitable sprocket chain and wheel, drives another shaft having
a worm adapted to drive a worm-wheel on a pattern cam spindle supported in a
bracket on the loom frame.
This pattern cam engages with the clutch shifting lever, which it actuates
at the said predetermined intervals.
The distance between these intervals may be regulated by changing the
sprocket wheels, or the worm-wheel gearing, in which latter case the pattern cam
bearing would be correspondingly adjusted, as would also the bowl or equivalent
part of the clutch shifting lever upon which the pattern cam acts.
The take-up mechanism. is actuated by a cam also attached to, or formed 5
integrally with the pulley, and therefore continues its operation whether the
clutch is "in" or "out" of gear.

page_text: The movement of the cam-operated parts may be made adjustable by using
variable throw cams, or by adjusting the fulcra of the levers through which they
are actuated, or by a combination of both or other equivalent means, and other
parts may also be adjusted in any convenient manner.
I do not, however, wish to restrict myself to the specific construction herein
iudicated, but may modify the same without departing from the spirit of my
said invention.
Dated this 10th dow of N
1005
Improvements relating to Looms and like Apparatus employed in the
Manufacture of Coir Yarn Mats and other similar Articles.
1, ROBERT EDWARD EVENDEN, of Heaton, North Coburg, in the Colony of
Victoria, Australia, but now residing at 29, East Down Park, Lewisham, in the
County of Kent, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and
in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement:-
My invention relates to looms and apparatus employed in the manufacture of
coir yarn mats and other articles characterised by the use of thrums, tufts or
loops applied preferably to their warp threads, the said thrums, tufts or loops
(hereinafter referred to as "thrums") being placed in position between each
pick of the shuttle, or between every two or more such picks, so as to be bound
in by the weft.
My said invention comprises the loom hereinafter described and which em-
braces an automatically-operated thrummer of novel construction by which the
thrums are placed in position; a shearing device for cutting off the thrums
from the yarn; a thrum yarn draw-off mechanism; and other improvements
hereinafter more particularly referred to.
The said parts are applicable to other loom parts of suitable or known con-
struction in which the various mechanisms are so timed as to enable the follow-
ing functions to be performed in their proper order:
During the backward movement of the batten the heddle or other suitable
shedding mechanism is operated to move the requisite warp threads; the thrum
yarns are then inserted between their respective warp-threads which form the
upper shed at a point about midway between the breast beam and the rearmost
position of the batten, whereafter the ends of each set of thrum yarns are turned
under and around the warp-thread assigned to it. The thrummer, which retains
hold of the loop so formed, is then moved towards the breast beam and the batten
moves forward to carry the thrum yarns right home, the shed is changed and
the batten retires. The shears approach the thrum yarn's and sever them.
While the shearing operation is being performed the weft may be shot across in
the usual way.
When the shed is closed the batten makes another forward
movement to beat up the weft and retires, being followed by the thrummer, both
of which return to the position first indicated.
These operations are repeated until the desired length of fabric has been
woven, when, by an automatic arrangement, the main driving, clutch is thrown
out, causing all the parts but the draw-off mechanism to stop. In this way the
warp threads are drawn through their let-off rolls and a corresponding unwoven

page_text: space left between the mats or other article being made: A piece of board or
the like may be placed between the warp threads in these unwoven spaces. to
preserve the compactness of the adjacent fabric. After sufficient warp thread
has been drawn off to form the desired unwoven space, the..main driving clutch
is again automatically thrown into gear the first weft.and .thrums being beaten
up. to the board that is placed between the warp threads,, as before stated.
"
The thrummer consists of a framework, preferably rectangular in form, which
depends from a shaft located over that part of the loom traversed by it. This
frame is caused to swing, in a predetermined manner, through a small angle
by means of levers which are actuated by a cam situated on a shaft driven by
the crank shaft that operates the batten; by these means a fixed relation between
the several respective movements of the thrummer and other parts of the loom
is insured. The said frame-work consists of a series of inner frames adapted to
slide one within another, their various rising and falling movements being
imparted to the respective parts by cams arranged in pairs upon the shaft that
supports the thrummer, which shaft is driven continuously. One of these inner
frames supports two spacer blades which force the warp threads that are to be
thrummed to a suitable position, and between which spacer blades all the other
parts of the thrummer operate; the guide-eyes (which guide the ends of the thrum
yarns into their proper places between the warp threads and over the grippers),
the guide box, the threaders (which feed down the thrum yarns), and the grip-
pers, each of which dive under one warp-thread to receive the ends of each set
of thrum yarns and thereafter return with them; thereby forming a loop around
the warp thread assigned to it. The thrum yarns are led from a suitably-located
creel across two spiked rolls, which will only revolve in one direction, and through
a guide plate or grid, to the needle threaders. Between each thrumming opera-
tion a third roller is caused to descend between these two spiked rolls drawing
off sufficient yarn from the creel for the next set of thrums.
I will now proceed to describe my invention more particularly with reference
to the accompanying drawings but in so doing it is not my desire to limit myself
to the specific means shown of carrying out such invention, for many alternative
means may be substituted without departing from the spirit thereof.
Figure 1 is a vertical longitudinal section between the two side frames of a
loom embodying the principal parts of my invention, the shedding mechanism
and other far details being omitted.
Figure 2 is a partial front elevation of the thrummer and shearing apparatus.
Figures 3, 4 and 5 are respectively, partial front elevations of the spacer,
grippers, and guide box, the lower portions of their actuating and supporting
parts being shown broken off.
Figure 6 is a section through the guide box between the partitions, and
Figure 7 is an edge view of one of the partitions:
Figure 8 shows a front elevation and edge view of one of the threaders.
Figure 9 shows in section and side elevation respectively one of the guide eyes.
Figure 10 shows an inner side elevation of the lower portions of the right hand
side of the thrummer frame disconnected from the parts they operate.
Figure 11 is a section through the same on the plane indicated by the broken
line zin Figure, 2 and,
T
,་
Figure 12 is another section, taken on the line y-y in Figure 10.
Figure 13 is a plan of a part of the 'shear blade.
Figure 14 is a fore view of the spacer cam and,
Figures 15, 16, 17 and 18 are similar views respectively of the gripper cam,
the guide eve cam; the guide-box cam and the threader cam:
Figure 19 is a sectional elevation of the principal parts of the thrummer
showing their relative positions when the thrum yarn is lowered between the
warn threads and,
f
Figure 20 is a similar view showing the relative' positions of the said parts after
the yarns have been turned under and around their respective warp threads

page_text: ртерагамову то, уста
the thrummer.
Figure 21 is a side elevation of the loom showing some of the principal
actuating parts.
Figure 22, is a partial side elevation on a larger scale than Figure 21 showing
other parts of the loom.
Figure 23 is a plan of the loom showing some of the actuating mechanisms.
Figure 24. is a rear end elevation of part of the loom showing the main driving
gear, stop motion and picking mechanism.
Figure 25 is a detail showing the picker actuating mechanism in plan, and
Figure 26. is a detail, showing means for stopping the draw-off rolls.
Like letters of reference indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.
A is the side frame of the loom provided with suitable. bearings wherein
rotates the crank shaft B that operates, by means of connectors B¹, the fly-
sword C pivoted at C¹ in the usual way. The crank shaft B. is the main driving
shaft through which all the parts of the loom, except the draw-off rolls 1), receive
their motion. This shaft B is provided with a chain wheel 6 (see Figure 21)
by which the cam shaft E having a similar chain wheel e is driven through an
endless chain b¹. 62 and 63 are guide rolls over which the chain 6 passes. Either
or both of the chain wheels b and e may be eccentric, (as shown in Figure 21),
or they may be concentric (as shown by dotted lines in Figure 1). In the latter
case the driver 6 may be mounted on a stud and have a differential speed imparted
to it by the shaft B, through suitable eccentric or other gearing the object in each
case being to drive the cam shaft E more quickly at a time when the thrummer
has many of its operations to perform quickly, notwithstanding any loss of time
that may be due to the varying relative motion between the cam shaft E and
the, thrummer. When eccentric chain wheels are employed one of the guide
wheels is carried at the end of a lever 65 (see Figure 21) provided with a suit-
able spring whereby such guide wheel is adapted to yield or take up slack
in the chain when the same passes over those parts of the chain wheels which
are more or less distant from their centres of rotation. In cither case the shaft E
would make one complete revolution to two revolutions of the crank shaft B.
The shaft B also drives another shaft F by means of toothed wheels 64 and f,
indicated in dotted lines in Figure 1, rotating it at one-sixth its own speed. This
shaft F is, as clearly shown in Figures 21, 24 and 25, provided at each end with
another toothed wheel which drives a disc V2 provided with one or more
notches adapted to control the operation of the picker shafts V1 which are
actuated by the main shaft in the manner hereinafter described.
In Figure 1 the parts are shown in the position they occupy just after the
thrums have been carried right home by the batten C which has already begun
its backward movement preparatory to the weft being shot across and the
shears G¹ being about to sever the thrums from the yarn. As the batten is moved
to and fro, the reed c and handrail c¹, which are carried by a frame 2 adapted
to slide in the fly-sword C, are caused to rise and fall so that their movement
may be approximately parallel to the upper shed of the warps. This rising
and falling motion is imparted to the frame by the rod 3 to which it is pivoted
and which is itself in turn pivoted at a fixed point on the frame of the loom.
His the. thrummer to which swinging movement is imparted by the cam f¹
(located on the shaft F) through the lever f², fulcrumed at f³, and the con-
nector f; while a similar motion is imparted to the shearing mechanism G by
means of the cam f³ (situated on the same shaft F) the lever f, and connector f*.
The thrummer as seen more clearly in Figure 2 consists of two depending arms I
provided with bosses through which the cam shaft E passes. On the inner
sides of the arms I are placed grooves 2¹ (see Figure 12) in which the spacer
frame K slides, while at their lower ends they are provided with forks 12.
(Figure 10) through which the gripper block L₁ slides...
K is the spacer frame having a tongue k on one side and a groove ¹ on the

page_text: other side of each of its upright members. Each of such upright members
is provided with a fork at its lower end and a roller (see Figure 14) at
its upper end and adapted to engage the groove of the cam K¹.
M is the guide box frame provided with a tongue m (see Figure 12) on the
outside of each of its upright imembers. These tongues m slide in the grooves k¹
of the spacer frame K, and the said upright members have rollers m¹ (Figure 17)
at their upper ends which are engaged by the cams M¹.
N indicates the guide-eyes. These are supported by a cross-bar N¹, which
slides in front of the guide box frame M, and is operated by the cams N2
through rods n having rollers n at their upper ends.
O indicates the threaders which are detachably supported by a cross-bar O¹
that slides in a recess m² (see Figures 10 and 12) in the guide box frame M.
This cross-bar 0¹ is operated by the cams 02 through rods o which are provided
with rollers o (Figure 18) at their upper ends. These rods o have a telescopic
connection which, by adjustment of the collar 03, admits of lost motion
enabling the length of yarn fed down by them to be regulated.
L indicates the grippers supported by the blocks L' (Figures 4, 10 and 11)
which are provided with rollers / adapted to slide in the pattern groove formed
in the bracket 2 bolted to the thrummer arms I. The block L' is supported
by rods L2 and L3 which are raised and lowered by the cams L engaging
rollers pivoted at the upper ends of the rods L³.
All the rods K, L, M, n and o, slide in suitable guideways formed between
the cross-pieces I3 which are bolted to the thrummer frame, and by the means
described a rising and falling motion is imparted to all of them.
K2 (see Figures 2, 3 and 11) indicates the spacers which consist of two
blades secured to the inside of the forked end of their supporting frame K,
the rear blade being provided with pointed serrations while in the front. blade
the points are truncated.
The grippers L (see Figures 2, 4 and 11) likewise consist of two blades which
are secured to blocks L'. These blades are provided with teeth at their lower
edges, and cross pins 15 which unite the teeth of one blade with those of the
other.
The guide-box (see Figures 2, 5, 6 and 11) consists of the two cross pieces m³
and m having a series of partitions m adapted to form guide ways for the guide
eyes N. Each of these partitions is shown in Figures 19 and 20 over a warp
thread that is to be thrummed. The said partitions are under-cut as at me and
are provided with a shoulder m² and serrations m³ for a purpose to be herein-
after explained.
The guide eyes N (see Figures 2 and 9) are rectangular tubes which slide
between the partitions of the guide box and are carried up and down by studs n²
which engage the cross bar N¹.
The threaders (see Figures 2 and 8) which operate inside the guide eyes N
each consist of a narrow strip of metal or other suitable material provided with
transverse pins 02, the uppermost of which has a flat plate 3 depending from it.
03
This plate has a series of saw slits o at its lower end, while the fingers so
formed are provided with V-shaped incisions o³.
Each thrum yarn is darned between the pins o to produce the necessary
amount of friction while it is prevented from being drawn back by the incised
finger tips o5 of the plate 03.
The shearing apparatus (see Figures 1, 2 and 13) consists of two toothed
blades G, the teeth g of which are provided with cutting edges. The lower
of these blades is secured to the ends of two depending arms G2 which are
supported by adjustable bearings on the shaft E about which they swing when
the shears are moved toward, or away from their work. Provision is also made
for varying the distance of the shear blades G₁ from the breast beam R for
different lengths of thrums by means of the screw adjustment shown at (see
Figure 1. The upper blade is provided with slots and is adapted to slide upon

page_text: its fellow about studs g¹ having suitable adjusting nuts. A reciprocating motion
is imparted to the upper blade by a cam G³ through the lever G4 which is
provided with two rollers 93 at its upper end and a suitable link g³ at its
opposite extremity, the other end of which link is pivotally connected to the
said upper blade. The teeth g of these blades G₁ are so located as to pass
between the thrums when the shears are moved towards them.
In order to relieve the threaders 0 of some of their work, the thrum yarns /
are led from the creel across the two spiked rolls P and P both of which are
provided with ratchet wheels pl that permit rotation in one direction only.
After the threaders O have done their work the roll P2 is caused to pass between
the rolls P and P₁ so as to draw off sufficient yarn from the creel so that such
yarn hangs slack between the said rolls when the roller P2 rises for the next
set of thrums. The roller P2 is carried by arms 22 on the shaft 3 which is
supported in suitable bearings by the bracket P3 which in like manner supports
the rolls P and P¹. The shaft 7 is operated by the shaft E on which is located
a finger e which engages a similar finger p on the said shaft 73. This imparts
to the arms p the desired movement, whereafter they are pulled back by the
spring 25 until the stop 26 engages the spindle of the roller P. The spring 25
is attached to the cross bar Q of the frame which cross bar supports several other
springs whose lower ends are attached to the levers K, L, M, n and o for the
purpose of counterbalancing them.
The draw-off rolls D are operated by an eccentric D² made fast to the main
driving pulley B. This eccentric D2 drives the eccentric rod da which imparts
an oscillating motion to a lever provided with a pawl adapted to co-operate
with the ratchet wheel keyed on one of the shafts of the spiked draw-off
rolls D, the other roll D being driven by means of chain and wheel gearing d.
Pressure rolls D', journalled in suitable slots in the frame A¹, are provided
to insure a proper "bite" between the spike draw-off rolls D) and the fabric,
the required pressure being obtained by weight levers d, fulcrumed at d
to the frame A¹ and adapted to bear upon the yokes which rest upon the
pressure roll shafts; the requisite pressure being obtained by weights which
rest in suitable notches on the levers d along which they may be adjusted.
Two pairs of rolls D and D are employed at a suitable distance apart so that
at least one pair may continue to draw off the fabric while the heading or
unwoven space between the pieces of fabric is passing between them.
The main driving pulley B2 is mounted on the main shaft B which it drives
through a clutch B3 adapted to slide in and out of engagement with it on a
feather on the said shaft B. This pulley has a chain wheel B also made fast
to it, which, through a chain s, drives the chain wheel S located on the parallel
shaft journalled in suitable bearings in the leg T2, and the bracket A2. This
second shaft S has a worm S2 which drives a worm wheel S3 journalled on a
transverse stud T adjustable along a slot t with which the bracket t', which is
bolted to the leg T¹, is provided. The stud T, which is supported at its outer
end by another bracket bolted adjustable along the slot ³ to the leg T2, also
carries a cam T3 which is driven by the worm wheel S3 and at predetermined
intervals actuates the clutch shifting lever T. The cam T has a flange-like
projection adapted to engage a toe 5 situated at or near the lower end of
the clutch shifting lever T causing it at the proper time to turn on its ful-
crumed pin 6, which is carried by the bracket and disengage the clutch B³
from the main pulley B2 at the same time compressing the spring 134 which
surrounds the main shaft B. In this way the toe. is held against the flange-
like projection on the cam T3 so long as it remains in the path of the said
toe, whereafter the spring forces the clutch into re-engagement with the
pulley B2, the said clutch and pulley each being provided with a single proiec-
tion and causing them, when driving, to always assume the same relative
position. In order to vary the length of the pieces of fabric or the spaces
between each length the cam T3 and the worm wheel S³, or either or both of

page_text: them, may be changed, for which purpose their stud bearing may be raised
or lowered, and the toe of the clutch-shifting lever adjusted relatively to
co-operate with the projection on the said cam T³.
By the foregoing arrangement the draw-off rolls and the loom-stop motion
continue to be driven while the other parts are at rest, enabling the formation
of an unwoven space of given. length, whereafter the main driving clutch is
automatically thrown into gear again and the weaving operation repeated.
When; however, it is desired to stop the loom altogether, the clutch must
be disengaged from the chain wheel S¹ (so as to throw out the stop motion)
as well as the main clutch, which must also be disengaged from its driving
pulley, and the lever U₁ must be lifted so that its finger u will engage the
pin, which is attached to the pawl 4, to disengage it from the ratchet
wheel and stop the draw-off. These operations are effected by moving the
lever U, which is fulcrumed on the bracket U* carried by the frame A, in
the direction indicated by the arrow in Figures 23 and 26. To this lever U
is connected a link by which it operates the main clutch-shifting lever T.
The said lever U also engages the forked end of the stop-motion clutch shifting
lever S, fulcrumed on the bracket S** in which the said lever U is adapted to
move and also engages the inclined lower edge u² of the lever U¹ (see Figure 26)
which is pivoted at ul to the bracket u³ which forms a guide for the lever U.
The picking arms V (see Figures 21 and 23) are carried at the upper ends of
vertical shafts V₁ situated on each side of the loom and actuate the shuttle in
the usual way. These vertical shafts V₁ are journalled in brackets and are
each provided with two arms 1 and 3 one of which, ¹, carries a roller 22 which
is operated upon by a helical-face cam B fixed to the hand wheel B6 located
upon the main shaft B. By these means the said vertical shafts V₁ are partially
turned. The other arm, 3, is provided with a finger which at the right
moment passes through a notch or gap in the edge of the picker-controlling
disc V2 which makes one complete revolution during two of the main shaft
or one cycle of operations. When the picker shafts VI are turned, the spring W
(which with the straps w unite the picking arms V) is put in tension in which
condition it is maintained by a dwell on the cams B5 until the controlling
disc V2 has rotated sufficiently for an uninterrupted portion of its periphery
to engage the finger by which the picking arms are prevented from making
their stroke until the proper time, which is determined by the position of the
ap This gap 5 is of sufficient length to remain in the path of the said
finger until the cam B5 again returns it. Owing to the position of the
controlling disc, which has only made one half a revolution when the cam 15
next reaches its normal operative position, the picker shaft is held out of the
way of the said cam and is therefore only operated by it every alternate revolu-
tion that it makes. The picking arms are also united at their rear ends by
means of suitable flexible cords W which are slack before each pick and are
adapted to become taut, and take the blow dealt, when the shuttle is shot. The
controlling discs V8 are provided with pinions which are driven by toothed
wheels on the shaft F.
The operation of the thrummer is as follows:-After the thrums have been
carried forward by the thrummer, all the parts of the latter having performed
one cycle of operations, are raised out of the way of the batten which drives the
thrums right home. This position is shown in Figures 2 and 14 to 18. After
the shears have operated and after the weft has been shot and beaten up, the
thrummer is moved back to its rearmost position, and during its passage most
of its parts are lowered into the position shown in Figure 19, the spacer reaching
the bottom first to properly allocate the warps chosen by the shedding mechanism,
the guide box, guide eyes, and grippers arriving next, and lastly the threaders
carrying the yarn, for which a clear course is prepared by the other parts.
After the yarn has been fed over the pins of the grippers, but before the
threaders Ŏ have reached their lowest position, the grippers L begin to rise in

page_text: the direction indicated by the dotted line in Figure 20. The guides N rise
next to get out of the way of the gripper pins 25 while the spacer rises to
remove any friction from the warp threads preparatory to the forward movement
of the thrummer during which the guide box remains down so that the warp
threads p may be relieved of any upward pull of the thrums by the lower edge
of its partitions m³, the serrations m8 of which prevent any drawing back of the
yarn when the threaders rise, while the shoulders m' assist in carrying the
thrums forward. The position of the parts during the forward movement is
shown in Figure 20.
The remaining parts reach their uppermost positions soon after the thrums
have been carried home.
The operation of the entire loom is as follows: -The shed having been opened
(in any suitable or well-known manner) the thrum yarns are turned around
the warp threads, the thrummer is then moved forward followed by the batten
which carries them right home, the batten then retires (the shears meanwhile
operating) while the shed changes for the shuttle to be shot across, whereafter
the batten again moves forward to beat it up. From this it will be seen that
the crank shaft B must make two revolutions to operate the hatten twice while
the cam shaft E makes one revolution to operate the part of the thrummer and
shears once, whereas the shaft F makes one third of a revolution during this
time to cause the cams fl and f³ to swing the thrummer. and shears to and fro
once while, in the same period, the picker controlling discs make only one
revolution in order that the picking arms may only be let go once.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is:
1. The loom adapted to manufacture coir yarn mats and like tufted fabrics
so constructed that the thrum yarns are fed around their selected warp threads,
beaten up to the breast beam, and finally severed substantially as described.
2. In the manufacture of tufted and like fabrics the method of forming and
placing the tufts, loops, or thrums in position by feeding the thrum yarns
between each of the selected warp threads forming the upper shed, at a point
between the fly and the breast beam, then pulling the end of each such varn
under and around the warp thread assigned to it so as to form loops, then
carrying the said loops up to the fell and finally severing them from their yarns.
3. In a loom for the manufacture of coir yarn mats and like tufted fabrics
the thrummer consisting of a series of frames sliding one within or upon
another, one serving to space the warp threads, another to guide the ends of
the thrum yarns into their proper places between the warp threads and over the
grippers, another to operate the guide box, another to operate the threaders
which feed down the thrum yarns, and another to operate the grippers which
dive under the selected warp threads to receive the ends of the thrum yarns and
return with them so as to form a loop or thrum substantially as described.
4. In a loom for the manufacture of coir yarn mats and like tufted fabrics,
the combination, with the thrummer substantially as described, of means serv-
ing to appropriately operate the parts of such thrummer.
. 5. In a loom for the manufacture of coir varn mats and like tufted fabrics,
the combination, with the thrummer substantially as described, of means serving
to appropriately operate the parts of such thrummer, and further means serving
to impart a swinging motion thereto.
6. In a loom for the manufacture of coir yarn mats and like tufted fabrics, a
thrummer provided with a spacing attachment serving to properly allocate
the selected warp threads and to hold them in position while the other parts
perform their respective operations substantially as described.
7. In a loom for the manufacture of coir yarn mats and like tufted fabrics,
a thrummer provided with a guide box having downwardly-extending partitions,

page_text: the lower edges of which partitions are undercut longitudinally on one side to
form a refuge for the warp threads while the other side, around which the yarn
is pulled to form the loop, has serrations to prevent a further quantity of yarn
being drawn down and a shoulder to assist in carrying the said loops home, all
substantially as described.
8. In a loom for the manufacture of coir yarn mats and like tufted fabrics,
the combination, with the thrummer and its adjuncts substantially as described,
of a thrum yarn draw-off device comprising suitably-located spiked rollers having
ratchet wheels and pawls, which admit of rotation in one direction only, across
which the thrum yarns are led from a creel to the thrummer, a third roller
heing caused after each thrumming operation to descend between the said spiked
rollers so as to draw off sufficient yarn for the next set of 'thrums.
9. In a loom for the manufacture of coir yarn mats and like tufted fabrics,
a batten having a rising and falling reed and handrail carried in a framé
adapted to slide in suitable guideways in the fly-swords, the said frame being
pivotally connected to radius rods which cause the said reed to take up a course
approximately parallel to the upper shed while the shuttle race follows its usual
course.
10. In a loom for the manufacture of coir yarn mats and like tufted fabrics,
the combination, with the thrummer and its adjuncts substantially as described,
of a batten having a rising and falling reed and handrail carried in a frame
adapted to slide in suitable guideways in the fly-swords, the said frame being
pivotally connected to radius rods which cause the said reed to take a course
approximately parallel to the upper shed, while the shuttle race follows its usual
course, substantially as described.
11. In a loom for the manufacture of coir yarn mats and like tufted fabrics,
a shearing device comprising two depending arms suspended over the breast
beam and having secured to their lower ends a blade provided with teeth having
cutting edges, upon which blade is located a second similar blade, and means
serving to impart intermittently reciprocating motion to one of such blades
and further means serving to swing the whole device to and away from the
thrum yarns, substantially as described.
12. In a loom for the manufacture of coir yarn mats and like tufted fabrics,
the combination, with the thrummer and its adjuncts substantially as described
of a shearing device comprising two depending arms suspended over the breast
beam and having secured to their lower ends a blade provided with teeth having
cutting edges, upon which blade is located a second similar blade, and means
serving to impart intermittently reciprocating motion to one of such blades, and
further means serving to swing the whole device to and away from the thrum.
yarns, substantially as set forth.
13. In a loom for the manufacture of coir yarn mats and like tufted fabrics,.
the combination, with the thrummer and its cam shaft, of the means of driving
such shaft whereby the proper relative speed. between such cam shaft and the
thrummer may be obtained notwithstanding any loss of time that may be due
to the varying relative motion between the said cam shaft and the thrummer,
consisting of eccentric, elliptical, or other chain gearing, alone or in combina-
tion with other irregular toothed gearing, substantially as described.
14. In a loom for the manufacture of coir varn mats and like tufted fabrics.
the means of operating the draw-off rolls independently of the other parts of
the loom comprising ratchets and pawls operated by suitable levers and connectors
which receive their motion from a cam or eccentric. made fast to the main driving
pulley, substantially as described.
15. In a loom for the manufacture of coir yarn mats and like tufted fabrics
the use of a clutch operating mechanism consisting of a chain wheel attached
to the main driving pulley which, through a suitable chain and wheel and worm
and wheel or other equivalent means, rotates a cam adapted to operate at pre-
determined intervals a clutch-operating lever whereby all the parts of the loom,

page_text: except the draw-off rolls, are alternately stopped and started, substantially as
described and for the purposes set forth.
16. The construction, arrangement and combination of parts constituting my
improved loom for the manufacture of coir yarn mats and like tufted fabrics
substantially as set forth and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Dated this 8th day of September 1898.
A. F. SPOONER,
323, High Holborn, London, Agent for the Applicant.