Year: 1885

page_text: I, CHARLES DENTON ABEL, of No 28 Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane in
the County of Middlesex Consulting Engineer and Patent Agent, do hereby declare
the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to apparatus for the manufacture of woven fabrics such
as were described in the specification to patent N° 5263 of 1881 in which the
shoot consists of unspun stems or stalks of plants. There are two important
operations connected with the manufacture of such fabrics. The first operation
consists in the correct weaving of the shoot into the warp and the second one
consists in the softening or rendering pliable of the fabric so obtained, such
softening being necessary for most applications of such fabrics. For carrying out
the first named operation a loom is necessary the main features of which are
similar to those of ordinary looms but in which certain details, in particular the
introduction of the shoot, the manner in which it is seized and connected to
the shuttle and the construction of the latter, require to be specially arranged for
the purposes of this manufacture, and in which also the arrangement of a movable
reed is employed for utilising the whole of the shoot. The construction of the
loom is shewn in sheets 1 to 5 inclusive of the accompanying drawings and the
arrangements for softening or rendering pliable are shewn on sheets 6, 7 and 8.
Fig. 1 is a side view of the entire loom; fig. 2 a front view of the same; Fig. 3
shews the mode of feeding in the stalks, in side view, to a larger scale, Fig. 4
shews this arrangement in front view; Fig. 5 is a front view of the gripper;
Fig. 6 a side view thereof; Fig. 7 a section on line VII and VIII of Fig. 5; Fig. 8
a section on line V-VI Fig. 5; Fig. 9 a section on line III-IV Fig. 5; Fig. 10
a section on line I-II Fig. 5; Fig. 11 is a section on line IX-X Fig. 6; Fig. 12
shews a front view of that part of the framing in which the roller R of the gripper
slides; Fig. 13 shews a side view thereof; Fig. 14 is a plan of the flap K which is

page_text: periodically actuated by the roller R; Fig. 15 shews the plate H with its hook
and the conveying plate M sliding thereon; Fig. 16 shews a front view of the
shuttle; Fig. 17 a plan of the same; Fig. 18 a back view of the shuttle; Fig. 19 a
section on line I-II Fig. 16; Fig. 20 an end view of the shuttle; Fig. 21 shews
the arrangement of the upper gripper plate relatively to the plate N which moves
the same; Fig. 22 is a side view of this part; Fig. 23 a plan; Fig. 24 shews the
arrangement of the end of the box for receiving the plant stalks; Fig. 25 is a plan
of this arrangement; Figs. 26, 27 and 28 shew the arrangement of the loom for
actuating the plates N of the shuttle; Fig. 29 shews a modified arrangement of
the feed apparatus in elevation; Fig. 30 shews the same arrangement in plan;
Fig. 31 is a front view of the softening apparatus; Fig. 32 a side view thereof;
Fig. 33 is a plan; Figs. 34 and 35 shew sections through the metal bars K K¹
and M M in the two extreme relative positions of the same; Fig. 36 is a section
on line I-II Fig. 33; Fig. 37 is a section on line III-IV Fig. 33.
As shewn in the general arrangement, Figs. 1 and 2 of sheet I, the motion of the
entire loom is effected through the pulley A on the main shaft A' from which, by
means of the lever H, bar E and suitable spur gearing, the other mechanism, as
also the cloth beam of the apparatus, are actuated. The warp is wound upon the
warp beam at U and passes over the guides Y and W through the reed R and the
finished fabric passes over the rollers X Y to the cloth beam.
The self-acting feed for the plant stalks is shewn at Figs. 3 and 4 sheet 2
respectively in front and side view. It consists of a box A on each side of the
loom which receives the stalks to bo woven in, and of parts which press the stalks
upward. The layer of stalks rests upon a rail L which is movable up and down in
the box, being suspended from cords that are connected at the top to a bar T.
The ends of these cords are connected to a cord passing over a pulley R and
connected at its free end to a balance weight G which serves to partly balance the
weight of the parts connected to the other end of the cord. The cam E, which is
connected to the driving gear of the loom, and serves as tappet, is provided with a
groove into which takes a small roller h carried by a lever H rocking on a fixed
centre, the roller, and consequently the lever, being moved in accordance with the
curvature of the cam groove. The lever H is connected at its free end to a spiral
spring terminating in a tongue which is connected by a stretched cord M with a
lever Z. The lever H also acts upon an arm c fixed to a spring and connected to
the lever B so that the lever B is, by this means moved alternately to the right
and to the left. The free end of the rocking lever B carries the pawls K and K¹
of which K¹ catches on a fixed stop W on the framing and is maintained in gear
with the stop by means of a balance weight, and, in addition, is connected with
the lever Z by means of a cord N which generally in a slack condition. The
lever Z is pivotted at z and carries at the free end of its short arm, the movable
hook or catch D. The lever Z enters the box A and the hook D rests upon the
layer of stalk to be woven in. Z receives through the lever H and cord N, an up
and down reciprocating motion. So soon as, by the gradual using up of the stalks,
the stroke of D is gradually increased until a certain maximum is attained, the
pawl K¹ which has hitherto been held against the pawl K will be drawn out of
gear by the cord N which is pulled taut by the increased stroke of Z, whereupon,
by the motion of the lever B, which has hitherto been stationary and which is
actuated through the lever H and arm c, the pawl K is enabled to operate the
ratchet wheel F. On the axis of the ratchet wheel is fixed a worm f gearing with
the worm wheel I. On the axis of the latter is fixed a toothed wheel I¹ that gears
with the rack O. This rack is provided with a movable bar carrying a fork o
embracing the rail L. The rocking motion of the lever B is converted through the
pawl K, ratchet wheel F, worm f and toothed gear I and I' and toothed rack O
into a rectilinear up and down motion which is imparted to the rail L through the
fork o so as to move the layer of stalks upward. By thus raising the stalks, the
stroke of the hook D will be again reduced, so that the cord N will gradually
become slack, allowing the pawl K¹ to gear with W again and thus prevent the

page_text: further action of the pawl K on the ratchet wheel F. As soon as the stalk supply
is again reduced, the above described action will be repeated.
The feeding of the separate stalks to the shuttle is effected by a so-called
gripping apparatus or gripper which is shewn on sheet 3 Figs. 5 to 15. As shewn
at the general view at sheet 1 the gripper is connected to the loom through a bar B
and a stud A. The gripper can move up and down together with the slide S fixed
to the stud A in a guide P (see general arrangement, Figs. 1 and 2) and at the
same time it can have a certain angular to and fro motion which serves for seizing
the stalks. The stud A is loose in a socket e Fig. 6 which has a segmental notch
as shewn at Fig. 11 and which is secured to the strap 6 that carries the gripper.
A pin a fixed on the side of A enters the notch of the socket and serves to limit its
angular motion. The backward motion is effected by a helical spring g wound
round the socket e and connected with its one end to the pin a and the other end
to the strap b that is connected to the socket e. The strap b carries the gripper. In
order to impart the rocking motion at the same time as the vertical motion, the gripper
has a small roller R that is in contact with an inclined plane L fixed to the loom
frame and which lifts the spring flap K (Figs. 12 and 14) and moves into the
position R¹. During the following downward movement of the gripper, R rolls
from its position R¹ over the flap K which is now closed until it arrives at a notch O
in this flap (see fig. 14) through which its falls into it original position.
The upward motion of the gripper is effected by the rod B and the plate C
connected thereto moves through a short distance relatively to the parts of the
gripper that are not fixed thereto, that is to say, it slides in the gripper. This
small upward movement of the plate C is transmitted through the spring F, con-
nected thereto, to the conveying plate M, which latter is shewn in dotted position
at Fig. 5 and also at Fig. 15, where the plate H with this conveying plate is shewn
separately and can be more clearly seen. This conveying is effected by the inwardly
bent end N of the spring F engaging under the beak M' of the conveying plate M.
The latter rests upon the back of the plate H which also slides in the main plate P of
the gripper, a pin 8 on the plate H serving to limit the motion of the conveying plate.
The conveying plate also carries a screw r that engages with the lever c shewn in
dotted lines at Fig. 5 which lever has its central pivot t on the plate H and which
carries on its second side a stud vfixed to the slide d carrying a needle N¹. Thus
if by the upward motion of the rod of the bar B with the plate C and spring F,
the conveying plate M is carried along by the latter, the conveying plate will move
the needle N¹ downwards by means of the lever c until the plate M comes in
contact with the studs on the plate H and is thus also caused to carry the latter
along with it. The needle N is thus made to move through a distance corre-
sponding to the relative motion of the conveying plate M and the plate H which is
limited by the slot in the conveying plate for the stud 8. The needle, in moving
towards the hook-shaped end of the plate H, passes out of its guide so that its
point is free and serves to hold or pierce the plant stalk which is seized by H. By
the further upward movement of B, the plate H will also be carried with it and a
vertical upward movement of the plate C, plate H and needle N¹, will take place
simultaneously, so that as this movement takes place relatively to the plate P of
the gripper which plate is then standing still, the stalk will be completely held by
means of the hook. When the small roller of the gripper has arrived in the
position R' Fig. 12, a fixed stop on the loom framing will cause a pressure in the
direction of the arrow, Fig. 6, to be exercised against the spring F which bends
round the fixed point x of the plate C whereby the spring will be caused to release
the conveying plate M, so that by this means the hook-shaped end of the plate H
will also be made free, whereupon this plate will fall back into its original position
while the plate C remains in the position which it has gained while the needle N¹
is moved back into its guide by means of a spring f acting upon its head d. The
further limitation of the movement of the single plates C and H is effected by pins
sliding in corresponding slots as shewn on the drawing. By these movements of
the separate parts, the seized stalk is again entirely free; immediately before, it

page_text: has been seized by the beak of the shuttle, and can now be drawn into the shed
thereby. By the further movement of the loom, the pull at B ceases and the
gripper moves back into its original position R, Fig. 12, with the opened hook H.
The movement of the suspension bar B is effected, as shewn in the general
arrangement Figs. 1 and 2, from the axis of the whipper with which the spring
arm v is connected through a bent arm with the stud t, so that the arm v partakes
of the oscillating movement of the whipper. For this purpose the suspension bar B
has at u a beak with which the arm engages at the proper moment in order to
raise the suspension har and with it the gripper. As this upward motion only has
to be effected once for every two throws of the shuttle, the arm v, as already
mentioned, has a spring action and is connected by a rod 8 with the driver arm K
so that when the driver arm is in action so as to propel the shuttle, the arm v will
be drawn away and the gripper will consequently not be raised, and will not come
into action.
The arrangement of the shuttle is shewn in Figs. 16 to 23 sheet 4, being
considerably modified from the construction described in the specification to the
before mentioned previous patent. In such previous construction the two nippers
at each side of the shuttle are made to perform their movements simultaneously
on account of the plates M¹ M¹ being fixed on an axis Q common to both. Now it
sometimes happens that it is necessary for the nipper on the one side of the shuttle
to release the last drawn-in plant stalk slightly before the moment at which the
stalk on the other side of the shuttle is seized by the nipper for forming the next
shoot.
By means of the construction of the shuttle shewn at Figs. 16 to 23 this
arrangement is carried out by providing on each side of the shuttle a separate
axis which is not actuated by one and the same plate N, but by two separate
plates N N. In the nippers arranged on each side of the shuttle and consisting of
the metal plates M¹ M' for seizing the plant stalk, the plates M³ are as before
fixed to the shuttle while the plates M¹ (the upper nipper jaw, which is provided
with projections and grooves as before) are connected to the axes Q rotatable in
the bearings U, and through these with the metal plates N in such manner that
the arrangement on each side of the shuttle is completely separate from the other.
In the interior of the shuttle springs Z arranged on each side thereof press the
metal plates N outwards, thus pressing the nippers M¹ M³ together.
The arrangement for opening the nippers is shewn in Figs. 26, 27 and 28, sheet 5;
a claw K carried by a double arm lever H₁ H' presses at the proper moment
against a plate N so as to open the nippers. The lever H¹ H' is pivotted at G on
the whipper which moves the batten with the shuttle backwards and forwards in
the direction of the warp, thus causing the rear end of the lever H*; which carries
a small roller X, to come in contact with the surface V pivotted at Y on a fixed
plate P, the end X of the lever H' being thus made to move round the said surface
in the direction of the arrow. The dimensions of these contact pieces are so
arranged that only at the moment when the roller X slides over the highest point
of the plate V the contact K of the lever H¹ enters the shuttle which is then
situated in its extreme position, and presses against the plate N for opening the
nipper M'M'. This mechanism is repeated for both plates M on each side of
the loom and it can be so arranged at will that the periods of seizing and releasing
the plant stalks differ from each other. In order to utilise the entire length of
the plant stalks, it is necessary that the shuttle should be stopped accurately in its
end position. This stopping is effected by connecting the catch H to the lathe L,
Figs. 16 and 17, which catch takes into a notch W on the shuttle, when this
arrives at the end of its stroke, at the same time a roller R connected to the lathe
by means of a movable lever T pressed upon by a spring S, enters a notch 7 formed
on the side of the shuttle and thus prevents any backward motion thereof.
Figs. 24 and 25 of sheet 4 shew the arrangement of the ends of the box A for
the reception of the plant stalks shown on sheet 2. This arrangement consists of
a movable plate A which is pressed downwards by a stud B on the lathe and is

page_text: moved back into its original position by a spring F. The gripper moves through
a slot a formed in A. When now the gripper has moved a stalk out of the box,
the stalk slides over the inwardly curved beak C and is pressed downwards by the
downward motion of A so as to be caught in the notch c and to be first seized by
the gripper at its next motion.
In order to utilise the stalks in their entire length, it is necessary that the reed
should be movable laterally and that its movement should take place in the
direction where the shuttle is. By this arrangement, it is possible to limit the
waste selvage to a minimum. This lateral movement of the reed is effected as
shewn at Figs. 1 and 2 by arranging the reed movable in the shed itself and
connecting it on one side with a spiral spring f which draws the reed back into its
normal position. On the other side the reed is connected, by a cord m passing
over a roller 1, with any part of the loom that reciprocates simultaneously with the
whipper so that by this means the movement of the reed to the other side is
effected. By this means also the extreme part of the stalk, that is held in a nipper
of the shuttle, is utilised.
In place of the automatic feed arrangement shewn at Figs. 3 and 4, sheet 2,
tables T can be employed as shewn at Figs. 29 and 30, sheet 5 which are situated
on both sides of the loom and in which the plant stalks to be used are carried in
a box U. The stalks are pressed together by means of an arm or finger V pressed
upon by a spring F so that the stalks drawn out into the fabric are followed up
by other stalks. The operator fills the boxes while the loom is working by
releasing the springs by means of a treadle R or other means, and drawing the
arms or fingers V backwards.
The fabric thus produced is entirely devoid of softness or flexibility, and it is
therefore necessary to subject it to a process by which the necessary softness or
pliability is imparted to it. This purpose is best attained by subjecting the shoot
in a diagonal direction to a rubbing process in order by this means effectually to
crush and render soft the cuticles of the stalks at every point of their length. This
is effected in the following manner:
Figs. 31 to 37 on sheets 6, 7 and 8 shew the machine for rendering the fabric
soft and pliable. In these Figa the fabric is indicated by double lines baving
section lines between them. The fabric passing into the machine between the
guide rollers A and A¹, Fig. 31 sheet 6, is led over the diagonally placed guide
roller B and passes from this between the metal rails K K¹ and M M which are
also arranged diagonally, and the cross sections of which are shewn in their end
positions at Figs. 34 and 35, sheet 7. The fabric then passes over the fixed guide
bars C, also arranged diagonally, and from these it passes to the beam D on which
it is wound up. The machine is driven by means of the pulley E, Fig. 33 sheet 7,
by means of which the toothed wheels F and G are put in motion. The wheel G
is fixed on the axis H on which are fixed the two levers I connected by hinged
joints with the metal bars K and K. The metal bars K and K¹ are connected
together by means of the bolt N provided with a spring L and are moved
simultaneously to and fro in a horizontal direction by means of the levers I.
Underneath these metal bars K and K¹ lie the fixed metal bars M and M¹ that are
also connected by means of bolts provided with springs. The fabric passes at O,
Figs. 34 and 35, between the metal bars M and M¹. These bars are fixed and
can only alter their position relative to each other to such an extent as may be
necessary to enable the fabric to be introduced into the machine at the commence-
ment of the operation. From these metal bars the fabric passes between the bars K
and K¹ which move simultaneously and equally to and fro in a horizontal
direction. The two end positions of these movements are shewn on Figs. 34
and 35. The fabric is held lightly between the metal bars and the plant stalks
forming the shoot will be broken by the to and fro notion of the metal bars K
and K at P and Q at all points, on account of the bars lying in a position
diagonally to the machine, and therefore diagonally to the fabric passing through.

page_text: The above described machine may be simplified by arranging the pairs of
rubbing bars acting in a diagonal direction underneath the loom itself. With this
arrangement the rendering pliable of the fabric is effected simultaneously with the
weaving, so that the fabric issues directly from the loom in a soft or pliable
condition. This apparatus is connected with the loom in such manner that it
only operates when the loom is working but can also be entirely disconnected
when the loom stops; of course, in this case, the metal bars K. K¹ M M' instead of
being arranged as described, diagonally in a horizontal position, would be arranged
diagonally in a vertical position on the loom.
ABEL & IMRAY,
Agents for the Applicant.
Improvements in Apparatus for the Manufacture of Woven
Fabrics, the Wett of which is Formed of Unspun Plant
Stalks.
I, CHARLES DENTON ABEL of N° 28 Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane in
the County of Middlesex, Consulting Engineer and Patent Agent 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:-
This invention relates to apparatus for the manufacture of woven fabrics such
as were described in the Specification to patent N° 5263 of 1881 in which the
shoot consists of unspun stems or stalks of plants.
There are two important operations connected with the manufacture of such
fabrics. The first operation consists in the correct weaving of the shoot into the
warp and the second one consists in the softening or rendering pliable of the fabric
so obtained, such softening being necessary for most applications of such fabrics.
For carrying out the first named operation a loom is necessary the main features
of which are similar to those of ordinary looms but in which certain details, in
particular the introduction of the shoot, the manner in which it is seized and
connected to the shuttle and the construction of the latter, require to be specially
arranged for the purposes of this manufacture, and in which also the arrangement
of a moveable reed is employed for utilizing the whole of the shoot.
The construction of the loom is shewn in sheets 1 to 5 inclusive of the drawings
accompanying the Provisional Specification and the arrangements for softening or
rendering pliable are shewn on sheets 6, 7 and 8 of the said drawings.
Fig. 1 is a side view of the entire loom, Fig. 2 a front view of the same.
Fig. 3 shews the mode of feeding in the stalks, in side view, to a larger scale..

page_text: Fig. 4 shews this arrangement in front view; Fig. 5 is a front view of the
gripper; Fig. 6 a side view thereof, Fig. 7 a section on line VII and VIII of Fig. 5.
Fig. 8 a section on line V-VI Fig. 5; Fig. 9 a section on line III. IV Fig. 5
Fig. 10 a section on line I. II Fig. 5. Fig. 11 is a section on line IX. X Fig. 6;
Fig. 12 shews a front view of that part of the framing in which the roller R of
the gripper slides; Fig. 13 shews a side view thereof; Fig. 14 is a plan of the
flap K which is periodically actuated by the roller R. Fig. 15 shews the plate H
with its hook and the conveying plate M sliding thereon; Fig. 16 shews a front
view of the shuttle; Fig. 17 a plan of the same, Fig. 18 a back view of the shuttle;
Fig. 19 a section on line I. II Fig. 16: Fig. 20 an end view of the shuttle; Fig. 21
shews the arrangement of the upper gripper plate relatively to the plate N which
moves the same; Fig. 22 is a side view of this part; Fig. 23 a plan; Fig. 24 shews
the arrangement of the end of the box for receiving the plant stalks; Fig. 25 is a
plan of this arrangement; Figs. 26, 27 and 28 shew the arrangement of the loom
for actuating the plates N of the shuttle; Fig. 29 shews a modified arrangement of
the feed apparatus in elevation; Fig. 30 shews the same arrangement in plan,
Fig. 31 is a front view of the softening apparatus; Fig. 32 is a side view thereof;
Fig. 33 is a plan; Figs. 34 and 35 shew sections through the metal bars K Ki
and M M¹ in the two extreme relative positions of the same; Fig. 36 is a section
on line I. II; Fig. 33; Fig. 37 is a section on line III-IV Fig. 33.
As shown in the general arrangement Figs. 1 and 2 of sheet I, the motion of
the entire loom is effected through the pulley A on the main shaft A' from which
by means of the lever H bar E and suitable spur gearing the other mechanism as
also the cloth beam of the apparatus are actuated. The warp is wound upon the
warp beam at U and passes over the guides V and W through the reed R and the
finished fabric passes over the rollers X Y to the cloth beam.
The self acting feed for the plant stalks is shewn at Fig. 3 and 4 sheet 2
respectively in front and side view. It consists of a box A on each side of the
loom which receives the stalks to be woven in and of parts which press the stalks
upward. The layer of stalks rests upon a rail L which is moveable up and down
in the box, being suspended from cords that are connected at the top to a bar T.
The ends of these cords are connected to a cord passing over a pulley R and
connected at its free end to a balance weight G which serves to partly balance the
weight of the parts connected to the other end of the cord. The cam E, which is
connected to the driving gear of the loom, and serves as tappet, is provided with a
groove into which takes a small roller h carried by a lever H rocking on a fixed
centre, the roller, and consequently the lever, being moved in accordance with the
curvature of the cam groove. The lever H is connected at its free end to a spiral
spring terminating in a tongue which is connected by a stretched cord N with a
lever Z. The lever H also acts upon an arm c fixed to a spring and connected to
the lever B so that the lever B is by this means moved alternately to the right
and to the left. The free end of the rocking lever B carries the pawls K. and K¹
of which K¹ catches on a fixed stop W on the framing and is maintained in gear
with the stop by means of a balance weight and in addition, is connected with the
lever Z by means of a cord N which is generally in a slack condition. The
lever Z is pivotted at z and carries at the free end of its short arm, the moveable
hook or catch D. The lever Z enters the box A and the hook D rests upon the
layer of stalks to be woven in, Z receives through the lever H and cord N an up
and down reciprocating motion. So soon, as by the gradual using up of the stalks,
the stroke of D is gradually increased until a certain maximum is obtained, the
pawl K which has hitherto been held against the pawl K will be drawn out of
gear by the cord N which is pulled taut by the increased stroke of Z whereupon
by the motion of the lever B which has hitherto been stationary and which is
actuated through the lever H and arm c, the pawl K is enabled to operate the
ratchet wheel F. On the axis of the ratchet wheel is fixed a worm f gearing with
On the axis of the latter is fixed a toothed wheel I that gears
This rack is provided with a moveable bar carrying a fork o
worm wheel I.
with the rack O.

page_text: embracing the rail L. The rocking motion of the lever B is converted through the
pawl K, ratchet wheel F worm f and toothed gear I and I and toothed rack O
into a rectilinear up and down motion which is imparted to the rail L through the
fork o so as to move the layer of stalks upward. By thus raising the stalks the
stroke of the hook D will be again reduced so that the cord N will gradually
become slack, allowing the pawl K¹ to gear with W again and thus prevent the
further action of the pawl K on the ratchet wheel F. As soon as the stalk supply
is again reduced, the above described action will be repeated.
The feeding of the separate stalks to the shuttle is effected by a so called
gripping apparatus or grippers which is shewn on sheet 3 Figs. 5 to 15. As
shewn at the general view at sheet I the gripper is connected to the loom through
a bar B and a stud A. The gripper can move up and down together with the
slide S fixed to the stud A in a guide P (see general arrangement Figs. 1 and 2)
and at the same time it can have a certain angular to and fro motion which serves
for seizing the stalks. The stud A is loose in a socket e, Fig. 6, which has a
segmental notch as shewn at Fig. 11 and which is secured to the strap b that
carries the gripper. A pin a fixed on the side of A enters the notch of the socket
and serves to limit its angular motion. The backward motion is effected by a
helical spring g wound round the socket e and connected with its one end to the
pin a and the other end to the strap b that is connected to the socket c.
strap b carries the gripper. In order to impart the rocking motion at the same
time as the vertical motion, the gripper has a small roller R that is in contact with
an inclined plane L fixed to the loom frame and which lifts the spring flap K
(Figs. 12 and 14) and moves into the position R¹. During the following down-
ward movement of the gripper, R rolls from its position R' over the flap K which
is now closed until it arrives at a notch O in this flap (see Fig. 14) through which
it falls into its original position.
The
The upward motion of the gripper is effected by the rod B and the plate C
connected thereto moves through a short distance relatively to the parts of the
gripper that are not fixed thereto, that is to say, it slides in the gripper. This
small upward movement of the plate C is transmitted through the spring F,
connected thereto, to the conveying plate M which latter is shewn in dotted
position at Fig. 5 and also at Fig. 15, where the plate H with this conveying plate
is shewn separately and can be more clearly seen. This conveying is effected by
the inwardly bent end N of the spring F engaging under the beak M¹ of the
conveying plate M. The latter rests upon the back of the plate H which also
slides in the main plate P of the gripper, a pin 8 on the plate H serving to limit
the motion of the conveying plate. The conveying plate also carries a screw r
that engages with the lever c shewn in dotted lines at Fig. 5 which lever has its
central pivot t on the plate H and which carries on its second side a stud v fixed
to the slide d carrying a needle N'. Thus if the upward motion of the rod of the
bar B with the plate C and spring F, the conveying plate M. is carried along by
the latter, the conveying plate will move the needle N¹ downwards by means of
the lever c until the plate M comes in contact with the stud 8 on the plate H and
is thus also caused to carry the latter along with it. The needle N¹ is thus made
to move through a distance corresponding to the relative motion of the conveying
plate M and the plate H which is limited by the slot in the conveying plate for the
stud 8.
The needle in moving towards the hook-shaped end of the plate H passes
out of its guide so that its point is free and serves to hold or pierce the plant stalk
which is seized by H. By the further upward movement of B the plate H will
also be carried with it and a vertical upward movement of the plate C plate H and
needle N¹, will take place simultaneously, so that as this movement takes place
relatively to the plate P of the gripper which plate is then standing still, the stalk
will be completely held by means of the hook. When the small roller of the
gripper has arrived in the position R' Fig. 12, a fixed stop on the loom framing
will cause a pressure in the direction of the arrow Fig. 6 to be exercised against
the spring which bends round the fixed point of the plate C whereby the

page_text: spring will be caused to release the conveying plate M so that by this means the
book shaped end of the plate H will also be made free, whereupon this plate will
fall back into its original position while the plate C remains in the position which
it has gained while the needle N' is moved back into its guide by means of a
spring acting upon its head d. The further limitation of the movement of the
single plates C and H is effected by pins sliding in corresponding slots as shewn on
the drawing. By these movements of the separate parts the seized stalk is again
entirely free immediately before it has been seized by the beak of the shuttle and
can now be drawn into the shed thereby. By the further movement of the loon,
the pull at B ceases and the gripper moves back into its original position R Fig. 12
with the opened hook H.
The movement of the suspension bar B is effected, as shewn in the general
arrangements Figs. 1 and 2 from the axis of the whipper with which the spring
arm v is connected through a bent arm with the stud t so that the arm v partakes
of the oscillating movement of the whipper. For this purpose the suspension
bar B has at a beak with which the arm v engages at the proper moment in
order to raise the suspension bar and with it the gripper. As this upward motion
only has to be effected once for every two throws of the shuttle the arm v, as
already mentioned has a spring action and is connected by a rod S with the driven
arm K so that when the driven arm is in action so as to propel the shuttle the
arm v will be drawn away and the gripper will consequently not be raised and will
not come into action.
The arrangement of the shuttle is shewn in Figs. 16 to 23 sheet 4 being con-
siderably modified from the construction described in the specification to the before
mentioned previous patent. In such previous construction the two nippers at each
side of the shuttle are made to perform their movements simultaneously on account
of the plates M M¹ being fixed on an axis Q common to both. Now it sometimes
happens that it is necessary for the nipper on the one side of the shuttle to release
the last drawn in plant stalk slightly before the moment at which the stalk on the
other side of the shuttle is seized by the nipper for forming the next shoot.
By means of the construction of the shuttle shewn at Figs. 16 to 23 this
arrangement is carried out by providing on each side of the shuttle a separate
axis which is not actuated by one and the same plate N but by two separate
plates N N. In the nippers arranged on each side of the shuttle and, consisting of
the metal plates M₁ M' for seizing the plant stalk, the plates M* are as before fixed
to the shuttle while the plates M¹ the upper nipper jaw, which is provided with
projections and grooves as before, are connected to the axes Q rotatable in the
bearings U, and through these with the metal plates N in such manner that the
arrangement on each side of the shuttle is completely separate from the other.
In the interior of the shuttle, springs Z arranged on each side thereof press the
metal plates N outwards, thus pressing the nippers M¹ M³ together.
The arrangement for opening the nippers is shewn in Figs. 26-27 and 28,
sheet 5, a claw K carried by a double arm lever H¹ H' presses at the proper
moment against a plate N so as to open the nippers. The lever H¹ H' is pivotted
at G on the whipper which moves the batten with the shuttle backwards and
forwards in the direction of the warp thus causing the rear end of the lever H*
which carries a small roller X to come in contact with the surface V pivotted at Y
on a fixed plate P, the end ✗ of the lever H² being thus made to move round the
said surface in the direction of the arrow. The dimensions of these contact
pieces are so arranged that only at the moment when the roller X slides over the
highest point of the plate V the contact K of the lever H' enters the shuttle which
is then situated in its extreme position and presses against the plate N for opening
the nipper M M². This mechanism is repeated for both plates K on each side
of the loom and it can be so arranged at will that the periods of seizing and
releasing the plant stalks differ from each other. In order to utilize the entire
length of the plant stalks it is necessary that the shuttle should be stopped
accurately in i's end position. This stopping is effected by connecting the catch

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to the lathe L Figs. 16 and 17, which catch takes into a notch W on the shuttle,
when this arrives at the end of its stroke, at the same time a roller R connected to
the lathe by means of a moveable lever T pressed upon by a spring S enters a
notch r formed on the side of the shuttle and thus prevents any backward motion
thereof.
Figs. 24 and 25 of sheet 10 shew the arrangements of the ends of the box A for
the reception of the plant stalks shewn on sheet 2. This arrangement consists of a
moveable plate A which is pressed downwards by a stud B on the lathe and is
moved back into its original position by a spring F. The gripper moves through
a slot a formed in A. When now the gripper has moved a stalk out of the box the
stalk slides over the inwardly curved beak C and is pressed downwards by the
downward motion of A so as to be caught in the notch c and to be first seized by
the gripper at its next motion.
In order to utilise the stalks in their entire length it is necessary that the reed
should be moveable laterally and that its movement should take place in the
direction where the shuttle is; by this arrangement, it is possible to limit the
waste selvage to a minimum. This lateral movement of the reed is effected as
shewn at Figs. 1 and 2 by arranging the reed moveable in the shed itself and
connecting it on one side with a spiral spring f which draws the reed back into its
normal position. On the other side the reed is connected by a cord m passing over
a roller with any part of the loom that reciprocates simultaneously with the
whipper, so that by this means the movement of the reed to the other side is
effected. By this means also the extreme part of the stalk, that is held in a nipper
of the shuttle is utilised.
In place of the automatic feed arrangement shewn at Figs. 3 and 4 sheet 2,
tables T can be employed as shewn at Figs. 29 and 30 sheet 5 which are situated
on both sides of the loom and in which the plant stalks to be used are carried in a
box U. The stalks are pressed together by means of an arm or finger V pressed
upon by a spring F so that the stalks drawn out into the fabric are followed up by
other stalks. The operator fills the boxes while the loom is working by releasing
the springs by means of a treadle R or other means and drawing the arms or
fingers V backwards.
The fabric thus produced is entirely devoid of softness or flexibility and it is
therefore necessary to subject it to a process by which the necessary softness or
pliability is imparted to it. This purpose is best attained by subjecting the shoot
in a diagonal direction to a rubbing process in order by this means effectually to
crush and render soft the cuticles of the stalks at every point of their length.
This is effected in the following manner.
Figs 31 to 37 on sheets 6, 7 and 8 shew the machine for rendering the fabric soft
and pliable. In these Figs. the fabric is indicated by double lines having section
lines between them. The fabric passing into the machine between the guide
rollers A and A¹ Fig. 31 sheet 6 is led over the diagonally placed guide roller B
and passes from this between the metal rails K K and M M' which are also
arranged diagonally, and the cross-sections of which are shewn in their end positions
at Figs. 34 and 35 sheet 7. The fabric then passes over the fixed guide bars C,
also arranged diagonally, and from these it passes to the beam D on which it
is wound up. The machine is driven by means of the pulley E Fig. 33 sheet 7 by
means of which the toothed wheels F and G are put in motion. The wheel G is
fixed on the axis H on which are fixed the two levers I connected by hinged joints
with the metal bars K and K'. The metals bars K and K¹ are connected together
by means of the bolt N provided with a spring L and are moved simultaneously
to and fro in a horizontal direction by means of the levers I. Underneath these
metal bars K and K¹ lie the fixed metal bars M and M¹ that are also connected by
means of bolts provided with springs. The fabric passes at O Figs. 34 and 35
between the metal bars M and M¹. These bars are fixed and can only alter their
position relative to each other to such an extent as may be necessary to enable the
fabric to be introduced into the machine at the commencement of the operation.'

page_text: From these metal bars the fabric passes between the bars K and K¹ which move
simultaneously and equally to and fro in a horizontal direction. The two end
positions of these movements are shewn on Figs. 34 and 35. The fabric is held
lightly between the metal bars and the plant stalks forming the shoot will be
broken by the to and fro motion of the metal bars K and K¹at P and Q at all
points, on account of the bars lying in a position diagonally to the machine and
therefore diagonally to the fabric passing through.
The above described machine may be simplified by arranging the pairs of
rubbing bars acting in a diagonal direction underneath the loom itself.
With this
arrangement the rendering pliable of the fabric is effected simultaneously with the
weaving, so that the fabric issues directly from the loom in a soft or pliable
condition.
This apparatus is connected with the loom in such manner that it only operates
when the loom is working but can also be entirely disconnected when the loom
stops; of course in this case, the metal bars K₁ K¹ M M¹ instead of being arranged
as described, diagonally in a horizontal position would be arranged diagonally in
a vertical position on the loom.
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 in respect of apparatus for the manufacture of fabrics in which the shoot
consists of plant stalks, is:
1. An arrangement on the loom for automatically feeding the plant stalks to the
gripper wherein a bar L, carrying the plant stalks contained in a box A, is moved
upwards by means of a mechanism consisting of a ratchet wheel and necessary
transmitting devices (such as worm and worm wheel, toothed wheels and rack)
such mechanism being put in action by the disengaging of two levers K K¹, effected
by the reduced stroke of a hook D on a lever Z actuated by the cam, substantially
as herein described with reference to Figs. 3 and 4 of the drawings.
2. A device on the loom for seizing the plant stalks out of the box by means of
a hook, such device being suspended from the loom by means of a rod B, so as to
receive a vertical motion, and connected by a strap 6 with a vertically guided
stud A so as to receive a rocking motion in a vertical plane upon such stud,
substantially as herein described with reference to Figs. 5 to 15 of the drawings.
3. In the device referred to in the preceding claim, the plate P connected to the
strap b and to the socket e with segmental slot, rotatable upon the stud A.
4. In the device referred to in the second claim, the two plates C and H sliding
on each side of the plate P, of which C is fixed to the suspension rod B, and con-
nected to the second plate H by the spring F fixed to C and by the conveying
plate M which is limited in its motion by the pin 8 carried by the plate H.
5. In the device referred to in the second claim, the double ended lever c rocking
on a centre on the plate H, which lever being actuated by a pin on the conveying
plate M moves the slide D and needle N¹ downwards, the plate H being moved
upwards together with the plate C when the conveying plate M has completed its
motion, thus causing the plate H to move relatively to the plate P and to have its
hook shaped end pressed against the latter after seizing the stalk.
6. So arranging the reed of the loom that in addition to its longitudinal motion,
it receives a lateral to and fro motion, substantially as herein described with
reference to Figs. 1 and 2.
7. The use for feeding the plant stalks into the loom of the table T having a
box U containing the stalks that are moved forward therein by means of the arm
or finger V acted upon by a spring.
8. The construction of the end of the box A containing the stalks shewn at
Figs. 24 and 25 consisting of the moveable plate A which is pressed downwards by
a stud B by the movement of the lathe and is brought back into its original
position by a spring F, and consisting also of the beak O with notch c substan-
tially as herein described.

page_text: 9. The construction of the shuttle shewn at Figs. 16 to 23, wherein two separate
nippers have each an upper nipper jaw M¹ and a plate N pressed upon by a
spring Z, in order to effect in combination with the stationary nipper jaws M", the
opening and closing of the nippers on each side of the shuttle independently of
each other.
10. In combination with the shuttle referred to in the preceding claim, the
arrangement of the double ended lever H¹ H' on the whipper, the end K of the
one lever arm being made to effect the correct movement of the plates N while
the roller of the second arm H of the lever is actuated by a rotatable
surface U pivotted to a fixed plate P, substantially as herein described with
reference to Figs. 26, 27 and 28.
11. Providing the shuttle with a groove W on its top surface, and with a notch r
on its side, in order that in combination with the catch H and roller R carried by
a lever T pivotted on the lathe and pressed by a spring, the shuttle may be held
at the end of its motion, substantially as herein described with reference to Figs. 16
and 17.
12. The method of rendering the fabric produced, soft or pliable by an arrange-
ment of diagonally placed bars M M¹ and K K¹, between which the fabric is led
by means of guide rollers, the bars M M¹ being stationary while K K¹ receive a
to and fro motion, so that the plant stalks in the fabric, which are situated obliquely
to the bars, are effectually subjected to a crushing and softening action on every
part of their length, substantially as described with reference to Figs. 31 to 37.
Dated this 11th day of September 1886.