IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR COMBING WOOL AND OTHER FIBROUS MATERIALS
Year: 1856

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Joseph Sharp Bailey, of Keighley, in the County of
York, Machine Wool Comber, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
MACHINERY FOR COMBING WOOL AND OTHER FIBROUS MATERIALS."
Sealed the 9th June 1857, and dated the 23rd December 1856.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Joseph Sharp Bailey at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
23rd December 1856.
1, JOSEPH SHARP BAILEY, of Keighley, in the County of York, Machine
Wool Comber, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IM-
PROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY FOR COMBING WOOL AND OTHER FIBROUS MATERIALS,"
to be as follows:-
The first part of my Invention relates to a peculiar arrangement of comb-
ing machinery. At or near the circumference of a disc or circular frame, I
mount comb teeth parallel to its axis. This circular comb constitutes the
taking comb of a combing machine, and which receives its supply of wool or
other fibrous material from one or more feeding heads arranged around its
circumference. This circular or annular taking comb is mounted on an axis
on which it may or may not have rotary motion. It also has a rolling oscil-
latory motion similar to the motion of the disc engine. The receiving comb
is also an annular arrangement of teeth opposed to the taking comb, and
placed concentric with its centre of motion. During the continuous.rolling

page_text: motion of the taking comb, it takes fibrous material from the feeding heads
at that part which is highest or farthest from the receiving comb, while it is
also simultaneously discharging at its opposite diameter, being that part nearest
to the receiving comb, and to which the fibrous material is transferred by
suitable stripping apparatus. The annular receiving comb has a rotary motion
on its axis, by which means the fibrous material may be successively presented
to comb, card, or brush surfaces, to be operated upon when required; it then
passes to drawing-off rollers, to be drawn off in the form of a sliver.
In another arrangement of apparatus or machinery for combing fibrous
materials, I employ an annular receiving comb with teeth parallel to and
rotating round its axis. The taking combs are mounted on the periphery of
a disc or wheel, which also has rotatory motion. The diameter of this
comb carrier is limited by the internal diameter of the circle of the receiving
comb. The taking combs are in the form of short segments of the circle
by which they are carried, and are mounted thercon by one end hinged
or jointed thereto, so that the comb may either take a position parallel with
the plane of its circular carrier, and close down upon it, or may stand up at
right angles to that plane; the changes in its position are effected by cams
cr tappets, which operate by the rotation of the carrier.
When the taking
combs are raised they are in position for taking the fibrous material from the
feeding heads, and when down are in position for transferring the wool to
the receiving comb. The feeding heads are constructed and shaped to suit
the exterior of the segment of the taking combs, so as to present the fibrous
material in sufficient proximity to all parts of the taking comb.
In transferring the wool or fibrous material from the taking combs, it may
be simply sufficient that the taking comb descend below the level of the
receiving comb, and so as to depress the fibrous material thereon, or it may
be assisted by a brush or other instrument coming down at the same time,
and pressing the fibrous material upon the teeth of the receiving comb.
Instead of the segmental comb being jointed at one end, it may be fixed in
the raised position in which it takes up the fibrous material from the feeding
beads. The transferring instrument in this case is jointed, and moves in a
manner similar to that before described with reference to the taking comb,
and when raised it enters and passes to the bottom of the teeth of that comb,
where it remains till a portion of fibrous material is taken up; the fibrous
material is then carried by the motion of the brush or transferring medium on
to the receiving comb, the motion of that medium being communicated by
stationary cams or tappets arranged at suitable intervals for that purpose. To

page_text: raise the comb or the transferring brush or medium, a spring, always in
tension, is opposed to the action of the tappets or cams, which brings either
of those parts back to their erect position. The receiving comb, which bas
rotatory motion round its axis, may either submit the fibrous material to the
action of comb, card, or brush surfaces, or to be at once drawn off by drawing
rollers, and delivered in the form of a sliver.
The next part of my Invention relates to improvements in revolving comb
frames, in which the taking combs are mounted on an axis, and have their
position controlled for the purpose of bringing the teeth inte suitable position
for taking on and transferring the fibrous materials. This operation, I find,
requires great nicety of adjustment in the axial motion of the taking combs.
For this purpose, instead of simply using a lever and cam, I use a com-
bination of mechanical parts, consisting of wheels and pinions or other.
compound leverage, whereby the taking combs may be brought with the greater:
nicety into close proximity with the feeding head from which the supply is
received, and also with the teeth of the receiving comb to which the fibrous
material is transferred. Taking combs, so actuated, may have in addition
auxiliary holding combs or surfaces, controlled by a lever and cam or other
suitable means to assist in holding and releasing the fibrous material, either
in the act of taking or discharging. Instead of combs so controlled, other
surfaces may be substituted, and have similar motion imparted to them for
taking and transferring the fibrous materials from the feeding head to the
receiving comb.
Another part of my Invention refers to the combing or lashing out the end.
of the fibrous materials, while still retained in the feeding head, by means of
a comb or combs or other pointed surfaces carried by the same rotating comb
frame as the taking combs, such lashing combs or surfaces being mounted on
an independent axis, and controlled by the combination of levers before
referred to. These same lashing combs or surfaces I also adapt to combing
or lashing out the last end of the wool, after it has been transferred by tho
taking combs to the receiving comb and before being drawn off by the drawing
rollers.
In order to clear and strip the noil from these lashing combs, a rotating or
other brush is disposed near the periphery of the revolving comb frame, which.
brush strips and removes the noil from the passing combs, they being so con-
trolled as to be in the best position for that operation. In the revolving
comb frames before described, the lashing combs or surfaces may be, disposed
in alternate order with the taking combs around the circumference of the
9

page_text: frame, or there may be two or more lashing combs for each taking comb, or
"vice versa."
Instead of transferring each tuft of fibrous material singly by the machinery,
as herein-before described, the taking comb may take an accumulation of
tufts, either by passing a number of feeding heads in one revolution, or by
repeatedly passing the same feeding head at successive revolutions of the
comb-carrying frame before discharging, which may be effected by a change
produced in the cam action by the attendant, or it may be produced by the
machine after a given number of revolutions, such change being effected
by. cam action bringing the taking comb into position to discharge the
accumulation of tufts. If the lashing combs are used in connection with
the accumulation of tufts, the noil stripper must be thrown out of action
during the accumulation, but thrown in simultaneously with and by the dis-
charging cam action.
Another part of my Invention refers to improvements in discharging either
the single or accumulated tufts from the. taking comb on to the receiving
comb, by means of a transferring comb or brush, which passes within the cir-
cumference of the taking comb frame during the greater part of its revolution,
but which when discharging has an axial motion produced by cams and levers,
which motion causes this stripping apparatus to perform a certain portion of a
revolution, which lifts the fibrous material. off the taking comb, and transfers it
to the receiving comb. This stripping instrument I also furnish with a lash-
ing or working comb at the back part, which at the same time that it is
discharging a portion of the fibrous material is also lashing or combing out
the portion previously transferred to the receiving comb. This stripping appa-
ratus receives motion from cams and levers, similar to those before described.
for actuating the taking comb. It is applicable for stripping and transferring
wool or other fibrous materials from other holding surfaces substituted for the.
taking combs.
Another part of my improvements in revolving taking comb frames consists
in placing a roller across the breast of the revolving frame immediately next
to the feeding head. This roller is free to revolve on its axis, and is pressed
by springs towards, but limited in its approach to the centre of the revolving
frame. That part of the circumference of the frame not occupied by the
combs consists of a cylindrical surface, against which the roller bears, and by
its pressure assists the taking comb in detaching the fibrous material from the
feed head.
Another part of my Invention consists in the application of eard, surfaces.

page_text: to vibrating feeding heads in lieu of comb teeth, such as described in the
Specification of a Patent, granted to me on the Seventeenth day of December,
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-three.
Another of my improvements in machinery or apparatus for combing
fibrous materials consists in the peculiar arrangement of the feeding head or
heads and drawing off rollers, in connection with an endless receiving chain
comb. I arrange the feeding heads and drawing-off rollers in connection
with a chain comb in pairs, the feeding head standing side by side with its
drawing-off rollers. The chain comb is in a horizontal plane, the opposito
feeding head standing opposite to the drawing-off rollers of the other side.
This arrangement of the feeding heads and drawing-off rollers may be
carried out in connection either with revolving comb frames, or with other
arrangements of the taking combs.
The last part of my Invention is as follows:-I mount a taking comb on
levers (one at either side, embracing the extent of the feeding head); tho
fulcruin of these levers is carried by long arms (one at each side). The
motion of the carrying, arms induce motion by suitable cam gear or tappets to
cause the descent of the taking comb teeth into the wool or other fibrous
materials delivered by the feeding head. Simultaneously with the entrance
of the taking comb from above into the portion of fibrous material projected
from the feed head, another comb rises up from below, and also penetrates the
fibrous material between the taking comb and the feed head, through which
comb the taking comb partially combs out the last end of the fibrous material.
This partially combed end becomes the first end to be drawn off by the draw-
ing rollers. When the taking comb enters the fibrous material it receives a
cant on its axis, causing it to turn its back partly in the direction of the feed-
ing head, in which position it recedes from the feed head, and advances towards
the receiving comb, on which it deposits the material, the same being trans-
ferred to the receiving comb by a brush or other stripping medium.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Joseph Sharp Bailey in the Great Seal Patent Office on
the 23rd June 1857.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JOSEPI
SHARP BAILEY. of Keighley, in the County of York. Machine Wool Comber:

page_text: WHEREAS Iler most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Twenty-third day of December, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-six, in the twentieth year of Her
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the
said Joseph Sharp Bailey, Her special licence that I, the said Joseph Sharp
Bailey, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said
Joseph Sharp Bailey, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any
time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times there
after during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use,
exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland,
the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
MACHINERY FOR COMBING WOOL AND OTHER FIBROUS MATERIALS," upon the con-
dition (amongst others) that I, the said Joseph Sharp Bailey, my executors
or administrators, by an instrument in writing under my, or their, or one of
their hands and seals, should particularly describe and ascertain the nature
of the said Invention, and in what manner the same was to be performed,
and cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within
six calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said Letters
Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Joseph Sharp Bailey, do hereby
declare the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to
be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement, reference being had to the five Sheets of Drawings here-
unto annexed, and to the letters and figures marked thereon, that is to say :-
The first part of my Invention relates to a peculiar arrangement of combing
machinery, and is as follows: At or near the circumference of a disc or
circular frame I mount comb teeth, parallel to its axis. This circular comb
eonstitutes. the taking comb of a combing machine, and which receives its
supply of wool or other fibrous material from one or more feeding heads
arranged around its circumference. This circular or annular taking comb is
mounted on an axis, on which it may or may not have rotary motion; it also
has a rolling oscillatory motion, similar to the motion of the disc engine. The
receiving comb is also an annular arrangement of teeth opposed to the taking
comb, and placed concentric with its centre of motion. During the continuous
rolling motion of the taking comb, it takes fibrous material from the feeding
heads, at that part which is highest or farthest from the receiving comb, while
it is also simultaneously discharging at its opposite diameter, being that part
nearest to the the receiving comb and to which the fibrous material is trans-

page_text: ferred by suitable stripping apparatus. The annular receiving comb.has a
rotary motion on its axis, by which means the fibrous material may be-
successively presented to comb, card, or brush surfaces to be operated upon
when required; it then passes to drawing-off rollers, to be drawn off in the
form of a sliver.
2
In another arrangement of apparatus, or machinery for combing fibrous
materials, I employ an annular receiving comb with teeth parallel to and
rotating round its axis. The taking combs are mounted on the periphery of n
disc or wheel, which also has rotatory motion. The diameter of this comb
carrier is limited by the internal diameter of the circle of the receiving comb.
The taking combs are in the form of short segments of the circle by which they
are carried, and are mounted thereon by one end hinged or jointed thereto, so
that the comb may either take a position parallel with the plane of its circular
carrier and close down upon it, or may stand up at right angles to that plane;
the changes in its position are effected by cams or tappets, which operate by
the rotation of the carrier. When the taking combs are raised, they are in
position for taking the fibrous material from the feeding heads, and when down
are in position for transferring the wool to the the receiving comb.
feeding heads are constructed and shaped to suit the exterior of the segment
of the taking combs, so as to present the fibrous material in sufficient proximity
to all parts of the taking comb.
The
In transferring the wool or fibrous material from the taking combs, it may
be simply sufficient that the taking combs descend below the level of the
receiving comb, and so as to depress the fibrous material thereon, or it may be
assisted by a brush or other instrument coming down at the same time and
pressing the fibrous material upon the teeth of the receiving comb. Instead
of the segmental comb being jointed at one end, it may be fixed in the raised
position in which it takes up the fibrous material from the feeding heads. Tho
transferring instrument in this case is jointed, and moves in a manner similar
to that before described with reference to the taking comb, and when raised it
enters and passes to the bottom of the teeth of that comb, where it remains till
a portion of fibrous material is taken up; the fibrous material is' then carried
by the motion of the brush or transferring medium on to the receiving comb,
the motion of that medium being communicated by stationary cams or tappets
arranged at suitable intervals for that purpose. To raise the comb, or the
transferring brush, or medium, a spring always in tension is opposed to the.
action of the tappets or cams, which brings either of those parts back to their
erect position. The receiving comb, which has rotatory motion round its axis,

page_text: may either submit the fibrous material to the action of comb, card, or. brush
surfaces, or, to be at once drawn off by drawing-off rollers and delivered in the
form of a sliver.
:
The next part of my Invention relates to improvements in revolving comb
frames, in which the taking combs are mounted on an axis, and have their
position controlled for the purpose of bringing the teeth into suitable position
for taking on and transferring the fibrous materials. This operation I find
.requires great nicety of adjustment in the axial motion of the taking combs.:
For this purpose, instead of simply using a lever and cam, I use a combina-
tion of mechanical parts, consisting of wheels and pinions, or other compound
leverage, whereby the taking combs may be brought, with the greater nicety
into close proximity with the feeding head from which the supply is received,
and also with the teeth of the receiving comb to which the fibrous material is
transferred. Taking combs, so actuated, may have in addition auxiliary holding
combs or surfaces controlled by a lever and cam, or other suitable means, to
assist in holding and releasing the fibrous material either in the act of taking or
discharged. Instead of combs so controlled, other surfaces may be substituted,
and have similar motion imparted to them for taking and transferring the
fibrous materials from the feeding head to the receiving comb.
Another part of my Invention refers to the combing or lashing out the end
of the fibrous materials while still retained in the feeding head by means of a
comb or combs, or other pointed surfaces carried by the same rotating comb
frame as the taking combs, such lashing combs or surfaces being mounted on an
independent axis, and held or controlled by the combination of levers before
referred to, or otherwise. These same lashing combs or surfaces I also adapt
to combing or lasbing out the last end of the wool after it has been transferred
by the takings combs to the receiving combs, and before being drawn off by the
drawing rollers.
In order to clear and strip the noil from these lashing combs, a rotating or
other brush is disposed near the periphery of the revolving comb frame, which
brush strips and removes the noil from the passing combs, they being so con-
trolled as to be in the best position for that operation. In the revolving comb
frames before described, the lashing combs or surfaces may be disposed iti
alternate order with tho taking combs around the. circumference of of the
frame, or there may be two or more lashing combs for each taking comb, or
"vice versa.".
Instead of transferring each tuft of fibrous material singly by the machinery,
as herein-before described, the taking comb may take an accumulation of tufts.

page_text: cither by passing a number of feeding leads in one revolution or by repeatedly
passing the same feeding head at successive revolutions of the comb carrying
frame before discharging, which may be effected by a change produced in the
cam action by the attendant, or it may be produced by the machine after a
given number of revolutions, such change being effected by a cam action
bringing the taking comb into position to discharge the accumulation of tufts.
If the lashing combs are used in connection with the accumulation of tufts, the
noil stripper must be thrown out of action during the accumulation, but throwi
in simultaneously with and by the discharging cam action.
Another part of my Invention refers to improvements in discharging either
the single or accumulated tufts from the taking comb on to the receiving comb
by means of a transferring comb or brush, which passes within the circum-
ference of the taking comb frame during the greater part of its revolution, but
which, when discharging, has an axial motion produced by cams and levers;
which motion causes this stripping apparatus to perform a certain portion of a
revolution, which lifts the fibrous material off the taking comb and transfers it
to the receiving comb. This stripping instrument I also furnish with a lashing
or working comb at the back part, which at the same time that it is discharging
a portion of the fibrous material is also lashing or combing out the portion
previously transferred to the receiving comb. This stripping apparatus
receives motion from cams and levers similar to those before described for
actuating the taking comb. It is also applicable for stripping and transferring
wool or other fibrous materials from other holding surfaces substituted for
the taking combs.
Another part of my improvements in revolving taking comb frames consists
in placing a roller across the breast of the revolving frame immediately next
to the feeding head. This roller is free to revolve on its axis, and is pressed
by springs towards but limited in its approach to the centre of the revolving
frame. That part of the circumference of the frame. not occupied by the
combs consists of a cylindrical surface against which the roller bears, and by
its pressure assists the taking comb in detaching the fibrous material from the
feed head.
Another part of my Invention consists in the application of carl surfaces to
vibrating feeding heads in lieu of comb teeth, such as described in the
Specification of a Patent granted to me, and bearing date the Seventeenth day
of December, One thousand eight hundred and fifty-three."
"
Another of my improvements in machinery or apparatus for combing
fibrous materials consists in the peculiar arrangement of the feeding head or

page_text: heads and drawing-off rollers in connection with an endless receiving chain comb.
I arrange the feeding heads and drawing-off rollers in connection with a chain
comb in pairs, the feeding head standing side by side with its drawing-off
rollers. The chain comb is in a horizontal plane, the opposite feeding bead
standing opposite to the drawing-off rollers of the other side.
This arrangement of the feeding heads and drawing-off rollers may be carried
out in connection either with revolving comb frames, or with other arrange-
ments of the taking combs..
The last part of my Invention is as follows:-I mount a taking comb on
levers (one at either side, embracing the extent of the feeding head); the
fulcrum of these levers is carried by long armis (one at each side). The motion
of the carrying arms induce motion by suitable cam gear or tappets to cause
the descent of the taking comb teeth into the wool or other fibrous materials
delivered by the feeding head. Simultaneously with the entrance of the
taking comb from above into the portion of fibrous material projected from
the feed head, another comb rises up from below and also penetrates the fibrous
material between the taking comb and the feed head, through which other
comb the taking comb partially combs out the last end of the fibrous material.
This partially combed end becomes the first end to be drawn off by the
drawing-off rollers. When the taking comb enters the fibrous material it
receives a cant on its axis, causing it to turn its back partly in the direction
of the feeding head, in which position it recedes from the feed head, and
advances towards the receiving comb on which it deposits the material, tho
same being transferred to the receiving comb by a brush or other stripping
medium.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS.
Fig. 1 represents an elevation of the machine or apparatus constructed
according to the first part of my Invention. The disc or wheel A constitutes
the taking comb frame, and carries upon it the taking comb or combs B, and
is mounted upon the shaft C and driven by the crank arm C', by which a
motion is communicated to the comb frame wheel or disc similar to that
known as the ordinary disc motion, and which is a rolling oscillatory motion.
Below the disc or wheel is mounted the revolving circular receiving comb D;
the relative diameters of these two combs, that is, the taking comb and the
receiving comb, are such that upon the depression of the taking comb
teeth, or their assuming their lowest position by the disc motion, they pass
inside of, but close to the teeth of the receiving comb, so as to deposit the

page_text: fibrous material carried by them on to the teeth of the receiving comb. The
crank shaft C has fixed upon it the lever or arm E, which carries the
pressing wheel F, by which the fibrous material just previously deposited in
the teeth of the receiving comb is pressed or retained there, and allows the
teeth of the disc or taking comb to be withdrawn from the fibrous material
without disturbance to it.
1.1.
Although I have here shown and described a revolving wheel or brush as
the pressing agent, still other surfaces or agents may be adapted to effect the
desired object.
'
There may be several feeding heads arranged around the wheel or disc A,
and one or any number desired of drawing-off heads. One feeding head is
shown at H, and one drawing-off head at I; these may be of any ordinary
or other construction or arrangement. In reference to the feeding head I
prefer to use a card roller curved to suit the curve of the taking comb,
or it may be cylindrical. It is here shown merely to denote the relative
positions in my improved machine. I sometimes adapt to this machine comb,
card, or brush surfaces for operating on and cleaning the fibrous materials
upon the receiving comb previous to its being drawn off, as shown at X,
Figure 1, which is a cylindrical surface mounted in stationary bearings, in
which it receives a slow rotary motion.
The mode of operation or working of the machine is this:-The machine
being in motion, the oscillatory or rolling motion of the comb disc or wheel
brings that particular part of it opposite to a feeding head up above the feeding
head; the teeth of the taking comb carried by it in descending takes the
fibrous material from that feed head and draws it out while descending, and
at the lowest point of its motion deposits the fibrous material on to the teeth
of the receiving comb, when the pressing roller or surface F following
presses the fibrous material upon the receiving comb, and prevents its being
removed by the taking comb in retiring. The rotary movement given to the
receiving comb brings the fibrous materials opposite to the drawing-off rollers,
which is there drawn off in the form of a sliver, as well understood. The
receiving comb D is driven at a comparatively slow velocity by the toothed
wheel D' fixed on its axis. The speed of the comb D is regulated according
to the speed of the drawing-off rollers and the nature of the material under
operation.
Although I have described one feeding and one drawing-off head only, two
or more of these may be employed and disposed in different positions around
the circle of the taking comb.

page_text: The second part of my Invention is illustrated in Figure 2, which shews an
elevation of a machine constructed according to this part of my Invention.
The taking combs A are mounted upon the rotary comb frame B in such
manner that when taking the fibrous material from the feeding licad C the
position assumed by it is that shewn at A, with the teeth pointing in about
the direction of their motion, but when depositing or transferring it on to the
receiving comb,then the position assumed is that shewn at A', being at about
a right angle to its former position. This alteration of position is effected by
means of a stationary cam or stop piece D, or it may be a guide race, the contour
of which, by acting on the tail E of the comb frame, causes the desired move-
ment of the taking comb. A spring F is attached to the taking comb frame,
the tendency of the action of which is to maintain the taking comb in the
position it assumes when taking the fibrous material from the feed head, and
which causes it again to assume that position when the tail E is released by
the cam or stop piece G. The circular receiving comb is mounted concentric
with the revolving taking comb frame, the relative radii or diameters of these
two comb frames being such as are favorable for the transfer of the fibrous
material from the one to the other. I is the drawing-off head or rollers. The
mode of operation is this:-The fibrous material being supplied by the feeding
beads is taken up by the passing taking comb, and the onward movement
causes (by the contour of the race or cam, or the stops D applied for the same
purpose) the descent of the taking comb, which again rises by the action of
spring to its former position preparatory to taking another portion of fibrous
material from the feeding head. The fibrous material may be drawn off
from the revolving receiving comb by drawing-off rollers in any ordinary
manner.
I sometimes make use of a brush or other medium for further pressing
down the fibrous material upon the receiving combs when deposited by the
taking comb. With some descriptions of fibrous material I sometimes employ
card or other cleaning surfaces for acting or operating upon the fibrous
material upon the taking combs, and before being deposited upon the receiving
comb, as shewn by the rotatory or stationary card surface at K.
The noil or other material remaining upon the receiving combs I remove by
A modification of this
means of a rotary brush, or other convenient means.
machine, according to my Invention, consists in mounting the taking comb
upon the revolving comb frame, permanently: fixed thereon, in a vertical
position; the fibrous material, instead of being deposited upon the receiving
comb by the taking comb itself, is taken off from the taking comb by a

page_text: moveable brush or other medium mounted immediately in front of the taking
comb stock, and acting and controlled in manner similar to that already.
described with reference to the taking comb itself, and by which the fibrous
material will be removed from the taking comb and deposited upon the
receiving comb; the brush is in position at the bottom of the teeth of the
taking comb before and while taking the fibrous material from the feeding.
head.
In this machine any suitable number of feeding heads, drawing-off heads,
taking combs, or other parts may be arranged on the same comb frame. The
fibrous material upon the receiving comb may be, if desired, operated upon by
means of combing, carding, or brushing surfaces, preparatory to being drawn
off by the drawing-off rollers.
:
The next part of my Invention relates to improvements in revolving comb
frames, upon which the taking combs are mounted on axes, and have their
positions controlled, for the purpose of bringing the teeth into suitable positions
for taking and transferring the fibrous materials. This operation I find
requires great nicety of adjustment in the axial motions of the taking combs,.
which it is the object of this part of my Invention to effect.
The Drawing, Figure 3, illustrates this part of my Invention, which Figure
shews the parts of a machine sufficient for the purpose. Upon the framework,
of the machine is mounted the revolving comb frame B, to which rotary
motion is given by any suitable means adapted for the application of this part.
of my Invention. C, C, C, are the taking combs attached to the taking comb
frames C, C, C, mounted in the revolving comb frame B, on an axis fitted in
bearings at each end; upon one end of each of these taking comb frames or
axes is mounted or fixed the toothed segment or wheel D, gearing into another
toothed segment E; the centres upon which these last move are fixed to or
attached to the revolving comb frame. Each of these segments carry a roller
or bowl E', which projects or passes into the cam or guide race F, which is
fixed to and stationary with the general framing A, A, of the machine; the
contour or eccentricity of this cam or guide race F is such as will give to
the taking comb frames C', C', their required axial movement, and maintain
them steady through the intervention of the toothed gearing. G is the feeding
head for feeding or supplying the fibrous material to be taken off by the
passing taking combs, and although I have here shown it as being oscillating
or moveable, stationary or other feed heads may be used. I have also shown
that the oscillatory movement of the feeding head is obtained by a rod-and
crank from the main driving, shaft of the machine, the necessary working f

page_text: the feed rollers of the feeding head is obtained from its oscillating movements
acting upon the ratchet wheel and clawker a and the chain b, and chain wheels
connected therewith.
The operation of this improved machine is this:-The fibrous material being
fed in by the feeding head, is projected towards the revolving comb frame in a
position and condition to be taken by the next passing taking comb on the
revolving comb frame, the cam or guide race holding or maintaining this
taking comb outwards from the revolving comb frame in a position adapted
for taking off the fibrous material from the feeding head, as shewn at C"; this
done, the taking comb holding a portion of the fibrous material amongst its
teeth, and projecting from them, passes onward by the continuous motion of
the revolving comb frame, the contour or excentricity of the cam or guide race
at this point imparting but little or no movement to alter the relative position
of the taking comb for some distance, but in its further progress it is gradually
acted upon to bring it towards the inside of the revolving comb frame, and
into a position, as at C, favourable for the fibrous material being stripped off
its teeth by the transferring combs or brush. This stripping part is arranged
according to another part of this Invention, which will be more fully described
lierein-after. The taking comb having now been stripped of the fibrous
material previously taken by it from the feed head, is in a condition to be
returned to the position it occupied upon the revolving comb frame prepara-
tory to taking another charge or tuft of fibrous material from the feed head.
I will now describe more fully my improvement of the transferring combs
or brushes as they are shewn in the Figure 3, above partially described, and
where they act in combination with my already described improvement in
taking combs one of the principal features of this improvement is, that when
the transferring combs are not in immediate action, either in the transfer of
the fibrous material from the taking combs to themselves, or subsequently
transferring it from themselves to the receiving combs, they are caused to
retire within the circumference of the revolving comb frame, and when coming
into action for the purposes of the transfer of the fibrous material, they are
projected from within, and assume positions favorable for such transfer. These
transferring combs or brushes are represented in the Drawing, Figure 3,
before partially described at I, I, I, and operating in combination with the
taking combs before described; each of these transfer combs is mounted upon
levers fixed upon or forming a transfer comb spindle K', K", K, upon the
ends of each of which is fixed a toothed segment L, L, gearing into the toothed
segments E, E, before described, which regulate and control the movements of

page_text: the taking combs, so that both of these, that is, each taking comb and each
transfer comb acting in conjunction, are regulated and controlled simultaneously,
and by the same action. The arrangement of the movements of these combs
is such, that when the transfer of the fibrous material from the taking combs
to the transfer combs is to be made, the taking comb frame turns on its
axis of motion, so as to pass the taking comb itself inwards towards the interior
of the revolving comb frame in a backward direction, as shewn by the arrow
at C, while at the same time the accompanying transfer comb is also by a
movement on its axis of motion made to move from within the circumference
of the revolving comb frame outwards, as shewn by the arrow at K", the two
combs, that is, the taking and the transfer comb, passing each other, so that the
fibrous material carried by the taking comb is taken off from it by the transfer
comb, and thus transferred from the taking comb to the transfer comb; this
donc, the transfer comb continues its movement outwards, carrying with it the
fibrous material until the contour or eccentricity of the cam or guide race con-
tinuing to act through the gearing, brings the transfer comb into a position
favorable for transferring the fibrous material carried by it from it on to the
receiving comb, as shown at K; the taking comb as it passes towards this
point assumes the position shewn at I from the point K, and after the
fibrous material has been transferred to the receiving comb, the two combs,
that is, the taking comb and the transfer comb, are caused by the contour or
eccentricity of the cam or guide race to recede and pass back to their relative
positions previous and preparatory to the taking comb again taking another
tuft or portion of the fibrous material from the feeding head.
Although I have herein shewn six transfer and taking combs arranged in
the same machine, or upon the same revolving comb frame, any other suitable
number may be used, and although I have herein-before described the move-
ments and actions of one taking comb only and one transfer comb only, other
like combs mounted in the same machine are regulated and controlled by
similar means and by similar movements, and therefore will not require further
description.
I sometimes prefer to use bars or rods, or other means of throwing or
moving outward (towards the point of the teeth) the fibrous material prepa-
ratory to and to facilitate the discharge or delivery of such fibrous material
from the taking combs; these bars or rods are inserted between the teeth, and
governed and controlled by cams. This is respresented in Figure 4, in which
g represents the bar, the ends of which are received in cam or eccentric
grooves or slots h fixed to the frame B, by which they are carried outwards to

page_text: A
discharge by the motion of gear D, E, which actuates the combs, as in
Figure 8, and withdrawn by the retrograde motion of the same. My
improved taking combs may have applied to them auxilliary holding combs, or
other surfaces, for the purpose of better and more effectually holding and
taking the fibrous materials from the feeding heads when desirable.
modification, showing the adaptation of these auxiliary holding combs, is shewn
in Figure 4, representing the revolving frame of a machine; upon the framing
of this machine is fixed a stationary cam a, the contour of which, by acting
upon the tail of the lever b carrying the auxilliary comb c, enables it to go into
and out of operation at the proper time. Figure 4 also shows an arrangement
of the taking combs, by which the fibrous material is deposited directly by the
taking comb on to the receiving comb without the employment of any inter-
mediate transferring combs. These taking combs are controlled by gearing.
D, E, and race N, as described with reference to Figure 3.
I will now describe another part of my Invention, namely, that referring to
the combing or lashing out the ends of the fibrous material while still retained.
in the feeding head, which I effect by means of combs or other pointed
surfaces carried by the same rotating comb frames as the taking combs
herein-before described, but such lashing combs or surfaces being mounted
upon an independent axis carried by the revolving comb frames, and having
axial motions regulated and controlled by mechanical parts similar to those.
herein previously described in reference to the taking combs & the transfer
The working or lashing combs or other pointed surfaces I also
employ for combing or lashing out the last or second ends of the fibrous
materials after such fibrous material has been transferred to the receiving
combs and before being drawn off by the drawing rollers.
combs.
In order to strip or clear the noil from the combing or lashing combs or.
other surfaces, brushes are disposed near the peripheries of the revolving
comb frames, which brushes strip and remove the noil from the working or
lashing combs or other surfaces, being so regulated and controlled as to be
adapted for that operation. This improvement I illustrate in Figure 5,
shewing a similar arrangement of parts to that herein-before described with
reference to my improvements in taking combs and in transfer combs, repre-
sented at Figure 3. In this arrangement I prefer mounting the combing
or lashing combs alternating with the taking and transfer combs. Thus,
upon the revolving comb frame B are mounted on axes the lashing comb
frames M, M, having independent axial motion thereon. These have toothed
connections or gearings D, E, at their ends, in the same manner as previously

page_text: described with reference to the taking combs and to the transfer combs, con-
trolled by their connection with the cam or guide race N, the contour or
eccentricity of which is such that the lashing combs while passing the feeding
head are regulated and controlled so as to assume the most advantageous
positions for combing or lashing out the ends of the fibrous material projecting
from and held by the feeding head. The continued revolving motion of the
comb frames carries the lashing combs forwards until they approach suc-
cessively the receiving comb H, when the contour or eccentricity of the cam
or guide race N causes them successively to assume positions favorable for
combing or lashing the last or second ends of the fibrous material as held
upon the receiving combs, and thereby extracting the noil from it. The
rotary movement of the revolving comb frame also carries the lashing combs
past the revolving brush or noil stripper P successively, their motion being at
the same time regulated and controlled by the cam or guide race, whereby
they are caused to assume positions favorable for having the noil remaining
upon such lashing combs stripped and removed therefrom, which may be
deposited into any suitable receptacle placed for that purpose. This is effected,
by the brushes 0, 0, 0, carried by the lashing comb spindles or axes. The
brushes 0, 0, 0, are acted on by springs, the action of which is constantly to
exert a tendency to press the brushes 0, 0, 0, down upon the comb stock at
the bottom of the comb teeth, leaving the points of the comb teeth clear for
the lashing or combing operation until the noil or other. material upon the
lashing combs has to be stripped or removed from them, when the brushes.
0, 0, 0, receive a check in their axial motion, as caused by the gear D, E,
and cam race N, by the tail end 0" coming into contact with the stops
O', O', O', while the combs still continue to receive their axial motion, which
draws them through the brushes O, thereby stripping or removing the noil or.
other material from them. The brushes 0, 0, 0, are stripped of the noil and
refuse or other material by the rotary brush P as they pass it, and which is
thrown down below or into any receptacle there placed.
I will now describe the modification of my improvements with reference to
working or lashing combs, as illustrated in Fig. 8. These working: or lashing
combs M, M, are here mounted upon the revolving comb frame B, alternating
with the taking combs, and they are governed and controlled in their move-
ments or their relative positions upon the revolving comb frame through the
toothed segments or gearing E and D, as before explained with reference to.
Fig. 3, by the cam or guido race N, the contour or eccentricity of which is
such that the teeth of the working or lashing combs after entering amongst
n

page_text: the fibrous material held by the feeding head G or receiving comb II to
be worked or combed assume positions the most favorable to the combing '
operation, that is to say, a position at right angles or nearly so to the strain
on the fibres. At the lower part of the machine the revolving brush P is
mounted in a position so as to remove from the teeth of the working or
lashing combs as they successively pass it the noil taken up by them from
the fibrous material during the working or combing operation, the contour of
the cam or guide race bringing the lashing combs into positions suitable to
effect or to facilitate the cleaning or stripping operation while passing the
brush P.
In Figure 8 the taking combs C are mounted on axes, and controlled and
actuated by a guide race N and gear E and D, as before described with
reference to Fig. 3. These parts are, however, not shown in this Figure,
being at the opposite end of the machine, but will be readily understood by
a former description of Fig. 3.
Although I have herein illustrated and described the working or lashing
operation as being effected in one machine upon the first end of the fibrous
material projecting from the feeding head, and also upon the last end of the
fibrous material projecting from the receiving comb, such combing may,
however, take effect upon one end of the fibrous material only, by the lashing
combs taking effect only on the material while it is either held by the feeding
head or by the receiving comb. I sometimes dispense with the use of the
lashing comb frames and its attendant mountings for the purpose of lashing
the fibrous material upon the receiving comb, and employ for the same
purpose the lashing combs mounted upon the backs of the stocks of the
transferring combs, by which the fibrous material already deposited upon the
receiving combs will be lashed or combed simultaneously or nearly so with
the deposit of other or fresh fibrous material from the transferring comb on
to the teeth of the receiving comb, as shown in Fig. 6 upon an enlarged
.scale.
Fig. 9 illustrates my improvements with regard to the application of card
or other like working or lashing surfaces mounted on the rotatory comb
frame; they are here shewn as card surfaces mounted on axes, whereby they
may either be held stationary or receive an axial motion by their connection
with the gear D, E, and cam race N, as before explained; during a con-
siderable portion of each entire revolution of the revolving comb frame B
the card cylinders may remain stationary on their own axis; but when they
pass the revolving stripping or noil brush P, as also the feeding head G and

page_text: receiving comb H, the contour of the cam or guide race N produces an axial
motion in the card surfaces upon the revolving comb frame, so as to more
effectually act in carding the fibrous material, and the better to remove and
strip the noil from the card surface. For example, supposing the motion of
the frame B to be such that the card surface, as it passes the feeding head or
receiving comb, has too great a speed for the carding operation, I form the
cam race such that the card cylinders as they pass either one or both of these
points, they will receive a rotary motion on their own axis in a direction con-
trary to that of the frame B, whereby the teeth of the card will not be drawn
so rapidly through the fibres; and further, if a motion of the card surfaces
quicker than that imparted by the rotation of frame B is desirable, the contour
of the cam race N should be such as to impart rotary motion to the card
surfaces on their own axes in the same direction as the motion of the frame B.
Instead of a cylinder of carding surface, a narrow strip only may be employed
in order to present less surface of action.
I have herein-before described my improvements with reference to the
operations only upon single tufts or portions of fibrous materials; but my
improvements are likewise applicable to operating upon tufts or portions in
accumulated quantities, whether taken from successive feeding heads or in
successive portions from one feeding head at successive revolutions. And I
should also hero observe, that although I refer to and mention taking combs
in describing my improvements, other holding or taking surfaces are equally
applicable and adapted for the purposes of my Invention.
Another of my improvements consists in adapting to revolving comb frames in
which the feeding heads are stationary an auxiliary roller arranged immediately
beyond the feeding head, and capable of revolving on its own axis, and acted
upon by springs or other agents tending to press them towards the centro of
the revolving comb frame. Figure 4 illustrates this improvement, & being
the auxiliary roller in position to assist the action of the taking combs.
Another of my improvements refers to vibrating feeding heads, which con-
stitute part of a former Invention described in the Specification of a previous
Patent granted to me, and dated the Seventeenth day of December Ono
thousand eight hundred and fifty-three, and consists in the adaptation to and
en:ployment therein of card surfaces in lieu and instead of the comb surfaces
therein described. This improvement is shown in Figures 3 and 5 at Z.
Another of my improvements has reference to the combination, where two
revolving machines are arranged and work together with one endless chain
receiving comb common to both machines, and for the purpose of economising

page_text: the space occupied by the machine, and I arrange them so that the feeding bead
of each machine shall be placed opposite or nearly so to the drawing-off head
of the other machine.
The last of my improvements is illustrated in Figuro 7, in which the taking
comb A, mounted upon the arm B, takes the fibrous material from the feeding
head, drawing out the ends through the comb C, which passes through the
brush O; the movement (derived from suitable cam action) carries the taking
comb forwards to the position shewn by dotted lines, and then by the action
of a transferring brush or other medium the fibrous material is transferred on
to the receiving comb to be drawn off in the usual manner.
In witness whereof, I, the sd Joseph Sharp Bailey, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty-third day of June, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-seven.
JOSEPH SHARP BAILEY. (L.S.)
L-
Witness,
WILLIAN CLARK, Patent Agent,
53, Chancery Lane, London.