CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN LOOMS FOR WEAVING
Year: 1851

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, we, THOMAS
CROOK, of Preston, in the County of Lancaster, Manufacturer, and JAMES
MASON, of Preston, aforesaid, Warper, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her present most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Royal Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Ireland, bearing date at Westminster, the Seventeenth day of
June, in the fourteenth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and
successors, give and grant unto us, the said Thomas Crook and James
Mason, our exors, adñors, and assigns, Her especial licence, full power, sole
privilege and authority, that we, the said Thomas Crook and James Mason,
our exors, adiñors, and assigns, and such others as we, the said Thomas
Crook and James Mason, our exors, adiñors, or assigns, should at any time
agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times during the
term of years therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use,
exercise, and vend, within England, Wales, and the Town of Berwick-upon-
Tweed, our Invention of "CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN LOOMS FOR WEAVING;"
in which said Letters Patent is contained a proviso requiring that we, the
said Thomas Crook and James Mason, by an instrument in writing under our
hands and seals, or under the hand and seal of one of us, shall particularly
describe and ascertain the nature of our said Invention; and in what manner
the same is to be performed, and shall cause the same to be inrolled in Her
said Majesty's High Court of Chancery within six calendar months next and
immediately after the date of the said in part recited Letters Patent.

page_text: NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, we, the said
Thomas Crook and James Mason, do hereby declare the nature of our
Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be par-
ticularly described and ascertained in and by this present Instrument in
writing, as follows, reference being had to the Drawings hereunto attached,
and to the letters and figures marked thereon, that is to say:-
Our said Invention relates,-
First, to certain novel self-acting arrangements in looms for weaving,
whereby any number of "picks" may be thrown in a "shed," for the purpose
of producing a checked fabric.
Second, to certain improved self-acting mechanical arrangements for
arresting the progress of the warp at required intervals, whereby a firmer
"beat up" is obtained at those parts...
Third, to certain improved self-acting mechanical arrangements for raising
and lowering the "catch cord" at each "1
"pick."
Fourth, to a self-acting arrangement for locking the recd (when a loose one
is employed) at the moment of "beating up."
Fifth, to an improved self-acting mechanical arrangement for stopping the
Icon at certain required intervals to effect a change in shuttles.
Sixth, to an improved mode or modes of raising and lowering the drop
boxes.
Seventh and lastly, to the preparation or varnishing of certain portions of
healds employed in weaving.
Figure 1 on Sheet 1 of our Drawings represents a front elevation of a loom,
shewing merely that portion of our Invention which relates to the working of the
healds, cloth beam, and "catch cord." Figure 2 is an end elevation of the
same, partly in section, shewing the levers for working the healds and catch
cord. And Figure 3 is an end view, partly in section, shewing the lever for
stopping the cloth roller. A is the main framing of the loom, which is fitted
t one end with a chain wheel B, which is delineated in detail in Figures 1
and 2 on Sheet 2 of our Drawings. This wheel is composed of eight discs
C, bolted together at the four points D, and keyed on to the short shaft E,
which works in requisite bearings, one of which is fixed in the short standard
F, whilst the corresponding bearing is fitted into the main frame of the loom.
Six of the discs are notched, and form three pulleys for carrying the three
clains G, H, and H. The two remaining discs C¹, C', are not notched, but
are fitted with a number of pins or antifriction rollers, which are placed at
regular intervals between the discs round their entire circumference. An
overhead carrying drum I, similar to the drum or chain wheel B, works loosely

page_text: upon the stud pin J, which is secured into the slot of the upright piece K,
bolted to the side of the loom frame. The three chains pass over this small
notched drum, and their tension is regulated by raising or lowering it in the
slot of the support K. Two large detailed views of one of the chains are
delineated in Figures 4 and 5, on Shect 1 of the Drawings. They consist of
à series of short projections L connected by the junction links M, which are
of different lengths, according to the space required between each projection.
These projections may be arranged in any form, as shewn in the chain G,
Figure 3, on Sheet 1 of the Drawings, which is not set to suit any particular.
design on the fabric, but merely to shew the great varieties of arrangement
of the projections. Motion is communicated from the tappet shaft N to the
chain wheel or drum B, by the pinion O keyed on to the extremity of the
tappet shaft. This pinion gears into the spur wheel P, carried by the short shaft
Q. On the opposite extremity of this shaft is keyed a pinion R, which gears
into the larger spur wheel S on the drum shaft E. By this arrangement a'
very slow progressive movement is communicated to the chain drum, which is
caused to advance the length of one of the projections of the chain at each
"pick" of the shuttle. Beneath the chain drum B are fitted four levers,
T, U, V, and V, which work on the common fixed centre W. They are each
fitted with an anti-friction roller ✗, and are depressed by the projections of
the chains and the small pulleys arranged between the discs C¹, C¹. The
extremities of the levers T, V, and V¹ are connected by cords to one end of
the levers Y, Z, and Z', which work loosely on a stud centre supported over
the middle of the loom; the opposite extremities of these levers being again.
connected by cords to the respective levers a, b, and 6', working on the fixed
centre c. The lever a is connected at one extremity with the two catch cords
d, d, and the levers b, b', are similarly connected to the two healds. It will
be seen, on reference to the Drawings, that by depressing any one of the levers
T, V, and V', a corresponding depression will take place either in the catch
cords or one of the healds. The end of the lever U is connected by a cord to
one extremity of the short lever e, which works on a fixed centre bolted to the
side of the loom frame, and on the opposite end of this lever is set to rest the
catch or detent f which takes into the teeth of the ratchet wheel g which
works on the stud centre h in the frame A. The ratchet wheel g is keyed on
to the shaft of the cloth roller, and is moved forward one tooth at every
backward stroke of the slay, the detent f serving to retain it after each.
movement; but when this detent is raised by the depression of the lever U,
as shewn in Figure 3, on Sheet 1 of the Drawings, it is evident that the wheel
will only return to its original position (owing to the tension of the cloth):

page_text: after each stroke of the slay, there being no detent or catch to retain it. It
will be seen, on reference to the Drawings, that the longer one of the levers V
or V¹ is depressed by the passage of a projection in the chain over it, the
longer will the shed so formed remain in existance, thus giving time to throw
in a required number of picks. Now as one pick is thrown for each projec-
tion of the chain, it follows, that by joining a number of these projections
together, a corresponding number of picks will be thrown into the shed formed
by the passage of these projections over the lever beneath them. The pro-
jections on the heald chains are arranged in such a manner that for every
projection on the one chain there is a corresponding space or blank on the
other, thus allowing one lever to rise as the other is depressed. In plain
weaving a projection and blank occur alternately in each chain. As the catch
cords are required to descend at every pick the use of a chain for that purpose
is unnecessary, the antifriction rollers in the discs C¹ answering the purpose
effectually; each roller as it passes over the lever T depresses it accordingly,
and thus lowers the catch cords, which are raised again by the two helical
springs d, d. In order to obtain a firmer beat-up it is found advantageous
when weaving checks to arrest the progress of the warp at those parts where
a number of picks are being thrown into one shed. This is effected by the
chain G, the projections on which correspond to the long projections on the
two heald chains, that is to say, that for every long projection (or series
of short ones joined together) that may occur on both the heald chains I, H¹,
there is a projection of a similar length on the warp chain G, but set
one projection in advance, as shewn in the corresponding views of the chains
in Figures 1 and 2 on Sheet 1 of the Drawings. It is not absolutely neces-
sary that the warp should remain stationary during the whole time the shed is
kept open, but only so far as is necessary to beat the threads well up together.
It will be obvious to the practical man that in weaving small patterns a wheel
with projections would answer fully as well as the chains, but when large
checks or patterns are required to be produced, then a chain, as already
.described, is more convenient. The length of the chains will of course cor-
respond to the size of the pattern being woven.
Figure 3 on Sheet II. of the Drawings is an elevation of the back of the
loom fitted with a different and more simple modification of machinery for
effecting what has been already described with reference to Figures 1, 2,
and 3, on Sheet 1 of the Drawings. Figure 4 is a corresponding plan of the
same. Figure 5 is an enlarged view of a portion of the end of the loom, and
Figure 6 is a corresponding front elevation of the same. By this arrange-
ment two chains only are used, one to work the healds and the other to

page_text: regulate the progress of the warp, both chains being alike, except that the
projections in the warp chain in weaving large patterns may be set one in
advance. A small frame A consisting of two cast-iron standards, secured
together at the top by a tie bolt, is placed at one end of the loom. This
frame carries the two extremities of the short chain drum shaft B. The
drum itself is constructed in the same manner as the drum in Figures 1, 2,
and 3, on Sheet 1, excepting that instead of eight discs only three are
required, which are notched and keyed on to the shaft B, also carrying the
spur wheel C. A carrying drum D works in grooves or slots in the upper
part of the frame A. Motion is communicated to the chain drum in precisely
the same manner as in the arrangement herein-before described. Two levers
E, F, fitted with friction pulleys, are placed beneath each chain and work on
the fixed centre G. These levers are acted upon by the chains respectively,
one regulating the motion of the healds and the other the progress of
the warp. The actual motion of the healds is derived from the two tappets
II, II, working loose on the tappet shaft I, and these tappets or cams actuate
alternately the levers J, J, beneath them, which work on fixed centres in the
frame of the loon, their opposite extremities being passed through the slots
of the guide plate K, and connected by cords to the healds. A notched
disc L is cast in one piece with the tappets H, H, the whole working loose on
the tappet shaft. A sliding clutch M works on a feather on the shaft and it
takes into a noteh in the boss of the disc L, being made to press against it by
the helix N. A sliding bar O works in two slides P, P, bolted to the main
framing of the loom. To this bar is bolted an arm Q, which rests in the ring
groove of the clutch M. A second arm R is also bolted to it, and this takes
into the notches in the disc L when required. A connecting rod S is attached
at one extremity to a stud pin in the end of the sliding bar O, its other
extremity being connected to an arm of the bell crank T, which works on the
fixed centre U bolted to the main framing. To the other arm of this crank is
secured one end of the rod V, its opposite extremity being connected to the
short upright lever W, keyed on the short rocking shaft X, carried by the
bracket Y. Another lever Z, at right angles to the lever W, is also keyed
on to the rocking shaft, and is connected by the vertical rod a to one end of
the lever b, which works in a fixed centre c in the bracket d. The other end
of this lever is connected by a cord to the extremity of the lever E, which
is actuated by the notches in the chain e. It will be seen, on reference to the
Drawing, that the depression of the lever E causes the bar o to slide in the
direction of the arrow, thereby disconnecting the clutch M and bringing
the arm R into a corresponding notch in the disc L. As the disc and

page_text: tappets work loose upon the tappet shaft it follows that they instantly.cease
to revolve when the clutch M is disengaged from them, and consequently
keep one of the levers J, J, depressed, which has the effect of keeping
the shed open as long as the lever E under the chain e remains de-
.pressed; but so soon as the projections have passed them, the helix N
forces in the clutch M, and the disc L being simultaneously disengaged
the tappets commence again to revolve. The arm R has the effect of
holding the tappets in their proper place, otherwise they might turn
over and so destroy the shed. By this arrangement plain weaving is
produced when the chain has no projections, the alternate motion being given
to the healds by the tappet or cams H, H. The catch cords fare raised by
means of the tappet 9 formed on the collar bosses of the picking cams or
tappets h; at every revolution of the tappet shaft the tappets g strike the
under sides of the two levers i which work in fixed bearings at j. The
extremities of these levers are connected with the transverse rod k, to which
are attached the vertical, rods l-carrying the catch cords f. These rods work
in the slides m and are passed through the nuts n in the slotted brackets o
which are bolted to the main framing. By moving or adjusting the nuts n
in the slotted. brackets; the catch,cords may be made to suit various widths of
material. The catch cords descend by their own gravity, thus obviating the
necessity of using helical springs as in the former. arrangement. In weaving
small patterns by this loom, one chain may be made to work both the healds
and warp. Figure 4 represents an elevation of another arrangement of
mechanism for throwing the heald tappets in or out of gear; and Figure 4b is
a corresponding plan of the same. In place of the common clutch. box we
prefer the arrangement which we shall now, proceed to describe. A is a
sliding boss or collar which works on a feather on the tappet shaft I, this
boss or collar has cast upon it the two arms B and C fitted respectively with
the two pins D and E. The pin D is made to enter corresponding holes
set diametrically opposite each other in the notched disc L, which is cast in
one piece with the cams or tappets H; as previously shewn in Figures 3 and 4.
The opposite pin E slides in a hole in the arm F which is keyed on to the
tappet shaft I. The cams H are thrown in or out of gear by the bar O as
before, but the movement of this bar is obtained from the elbow lever G
working on the fixed centre J. The vertical arm K of this lever passes
through a slot in the end of the bar O, and the horizontal arm M receives a
requisite movement by levers connected with the chain e in Figure 3. The
helical spring S, which is attached to a cross bar T, serves to draw the pin D
into the hole in the disc I, but does not draw it so far as to release the pin E

page_text: from the arm F, this has the effect of communicating the motion of the tappet
shaft to the cams II. But when a projection in the chain e occurs, then the
extremity of the horizontal arm M of the elbow lever is caused to rise, thereby
moving the bar o in the direction of the arrow, and releasing the tappets H,
which remain stationary, as before described. To prevent the chance of the
pin D passing. the holes in the disc L, a small projection U is formed on one
side of each of the holes, thereby arresting the movement of the pin and
causing it to enter the hole at once. In place of the disc L being notched,
as shewn in Figures 3 and 4, a small projection may be formed on its periphery
which will answer equally well.
Figures 5 and 6 of Sheet 2 of the Drawings represent another arrange-
ment for assisting the progress of the warp for effecting a firmer beat-up.
It is effected in the following manner:-A lever arm p works in the fixed
bearing 9 in the side of the main framing, and carries a detent r at its upper
extremity; this detent takes into the teeth of the ratchet wheels which is
retained at each movement by the fixed detent t working on the stud pin u.
The lower portion of the lever arm p is slotted and is fitted with a cross tail v,
this cross tail is actuated by the slay sword at each back stroke, thereby
pushing the lever p and causing the detent r to move the ratchet wheel one
tooth, and the fixed detent t retains it when moved. A helix w serves to
draw back the lever p and causes it to be taken another tooth, ready for the
next stroke of the slay sword. When it is required to stop the progress of the
warp, a catch x is pulled up by the lever y, and the cross tail v coming in
contact with the catch a prevents the return of the lever p, and so stops the
warp. The raising of the catch x is accomplished by the projections on the
chain which depress the lever F, the extremity of which is connected by the
cord or rod 1 to one extremity of the lever y, its opposite end being connected
to the catch a by the short link 2. The helix 3 draws down the catch when
the levers F and y are released, and the movement of the warp again proceeds
as before.
We shall now proceed to describe that part of our Invention which relates.
to the locking of the reed at the moment of beating up. Figures 7 and 8
on Sheet 2 of our Drawings represent two views of this arrangement. A is
a vertical sliding bar which works in the two lugs B fitted to the side of the
slay sword C. This slide carries a friction pulley D which runs up the fixed
incline E every time the slay sword makes a forward stroke in beating up.
This has the effect of raising the slide A and brings its upper extremity
immediately behind the transverse bar F, which reaches across the breadth of
the loom; this bar is attached at intervals to the short levers or arms G,

page_text: which work on the fixed centre H. The reed I hangs loosely from its upper
edge in the rail J, its lower edge being left comparatively free; but it will be
at once seen, on reference to the Drawing, that as the slay sword advances, the
slide A is raised through the intervention of the pulley D and incline E, and
being brought behind the bar F which bears against the lower frame K of the
reed, it effectually secures it during the time of beating up. As the slay
sword recedes, the slide A is drawn down to its required position by the helical
spring L, which is attached to the lower end of the slide, and to a small lug on
the side of the slay sword. The levers a, b, represent the fabric.
Figure 1 on Sheet 3 of the Drawings represents a side view of the
arrangements for stopping the loom at intervals, to effect a change in shuttles.
A is the slay sword to which is attached the short connecting rod B working
in the slot C. The other extremity of this rod is connected to the lower
slotted end of the lever D, which works on the fixed centre E, and is fitted
with a detent F at its upper extremity. This detent takes into the teeth on
the ratchet wheel G and draws it forward one tooth at each pick, the move-
ment being obtained from the vibrations of the slay sword. The small detent
retains the wheel at every pull of the catch F and prevents it from
returning after being drawn forward. I is a lever which works on the centre
J; this lever is fitted with an upright arm K which bears against the horizontal
lever L of the weft protector. The extremity of the lever I is acted upon and
raised by a series of pins or projection M, suitably arranged in the side of the
ratchet wheel G. It will be seen, on reference to the Drawing, that when any
one of the pins M comes in contact with the under side of the lever I, it raises
the lever, the arm K at the same time forcing back the horizontal lever L, and
this movement stops the loom. The pins or projections in the side of the
ratchet wheel are moveable, holes being made all round the wheel, and may be
adjusted to allow any number of picks between each change of shuttle. This
arrangement may be easily adapted to any existing ordinary loom.
We shall now proceed to describe that part of our Invention which relates
to the working of the drop-boxes, without stopping the loom. Figure 2 on
Sheet 3 of the Drawings, represents a plan of the arrangement, fitted into an
ordinary loom frame. Figure 3 is a side view of the mechanism; and
Figure 4 is a separate view of the drop-boxes, shewing the mode of raising
them.
The tappet shaft A has keyed on to it the ordinary spur-wheel B,
which is fitted with two pins or projections C, diametrically opposite each
other. These pins take into the teeth of the wheel D, and move it forward
one tooth at every half revolution of the tappet shaft. The wheel D is keyed
on to the outer end of the shaft E; its opposite extremity works in a bearing

page_text: in the cross piece F of the frame, and has keyed on to it the pinion G, which
gears into the spur wheel H. This wheel runs loose upon a stud pin in the
cross piece F, and is furnished with a number of projecting pins I. These
pins are loose, and may be taken out and arranged at any required intervals in
the holes J formed in the side of tho spur wheel. A lever K, having one end
turned up, is supported by the bracket L, and works on the centre M; the
bent end of this lever is actuated by the pins I in the spur wheel H, which
depress the lever as they pass over it, and raise its opposite extremity. This
end of the lever is attached by a link to the horizontal arm of the elbow lever
N, which works on the fixed centre O; the vertical arm P of this lever
passes through a slot in the end of the sliding bar Q. A fork R is bolted to
this bar, and takes into the ring groove in the sliding clutch S. An arm T
is also bolted to the bar, and answers the purpose herein-before described, with
reference to Figures 3 and 4 on Sheet 2 of the Drawings. A single cam or
tappet U, cast in one piece with the notched disc V, works loose upon the
tappet shaft; but when the clutch S is brought against the notched boss of
the disc V, they commence to revolve with the shaft. This cam U actuates
the lever W beneath it, which works on the fixed centre X; the extremity
of this lever is connected by a thin rod or cord Y to one extremity of the lever
Z, shewn more clearly in Figure 4. This lever works in the fixed bearing a,
bolted to the bed of the slay b, and is connected at its opposite extremity to
the shuttle-box c. The action of this arrangement is as follows:-The wheel
D being put forward one tooth cach half revolution of the tappet shaft, com-
municates a corresponding movement to the spur wheel H through the pinion
G, which is retained by the detent G'. When any one of the pins I is
brought on to the end of the lever K, it raises its opposite extremity, which,
through the agency of the elbow lever N, causes the sliding bar Q to move
in the direction of the arrow, thereby bringing the clutch S into gear with the
tappet or cam U, which immediately makes a semi-revolution, and alters the
position of the lever W, either by depressing it or allowing it to rise. This
movement produces a corresponding rise or fall in the drop-box, and so brings
the required shuttle into action. Each hole in the wheel H represents a pick,
so that the number of picks of one color will correspond to the number of holes
between the pins I, which are set accordingly. The notched disc V and
arm T are for the purpose of retaining the tappet U in its proper place when
out of gear with the clutch S. The pin I having passed the end of the lever
K, the bar Q is released, and drawn back to its original position by the helical
spring d.
It is obvious that the arrangement herein-before described, with reference to

page_text: Figures 4 and 4b on Sheet 2 of the Drawings, will apply equally well to the
working of the drop-boxes. By using a series of cams of various lengths, in
place of one as described, any number of shuttles may be employed.
Our improvements in reference to the varnishing of healds consist in the
application of a protecting coating of varnish to certain portions of the healds,
only leaving other parts untreated. In carrying out this improvement, the
varnish is applied only to the bottom shank and ring, the knot and the upper
shank being left unvarnished. This varnishing operation is accomplished by
brushing on the protecting coating when the healds are held horizontally, a
band being drawn through the rings of the healds to prevent the varnish from
coming in contact with the knot. By this means the objectionable working of
the hard varnished knot is obviated, and the yarn is less injured by the working
of the knot.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of our Inven-
tion, and the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried into
effect, we may observe, in conclusion, that we do not confine or restrict our-
selves to the precise details or arrangements which we have had occasion to
describe or refer to, as many variations may be made therefrom without deviating
from the principles or main features of our Invention; but what we consider to
be novel and original, and therefore claim as the Invention secured to us by the
herein-before in part recited Letters Patent, is,
First, the systems or modes of weaving checked, striped, or figured fabrics,
by throwing any suitable number of picks into a shed, as herein-before described,
by the use of a check cord.
Second, the application and use of tappet or cam chains, links, or belts, for
varying the number of picks in the shed, as herein-before described.
Third, the adaptation and use of tappet or cam chains or cam wheels for
arresting the progress of the warp at determined intervals.
Fourth, the system or mode of weaving checked or striped fabrics, wherein
the traverse of the warp is stopped at certain intervals to allow of a firm
beat-up.
Fifth, the systems or modes of actuating the catch cords, as herein-before
described.
Sixth, the application and use of disengaging cams actuated by cam or
tappet chains, as described in reference to Sheet 2 of the Drawings.
Seventh, the system or mode of producing pattern or figured surfaces on
woven fabrics by means of the combination of cams or tappets with cam
chains.
Eighth, the system or mode of locking the loose reed at the moment of
beating-up, as herein-before described.
4

page_text: Ninth, the system or mode of stopping the motion of the loom at stated
intervals, as described in reference to Sheet 3 of the Drawings.
Tenth, the application and use of adjustable pin or tappet wheels for stopping
the loom, for the purposes herein-before described.
Eleventh, the system or mode of effecting the change of the shuttles without
stopping the loom, as herein-before described.
Twelfth, the system or mode of effecting the change of shuttles by the
adaptation and use of adjustable pin or tappet wheels.
Thirteenth, the system or mode of varnishing or coating healds, wherein the
knot of the heald is left unvarnished, for the purpose herein-before described.
Fourteenth, the application and use of healds, of which portions of the
working surfaces are varnished and portions unvarnished.
In witness whereof, we, the said Thomas Crook and James Mason, have
hereunto set our hands and seals, this Sixteenth day of December, in
the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty-one.
J. HENRY JOHNSON, Sol & Patent Agent.
47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, and Glasgow, N. B.
B. HUNT, his Clerk.
AND BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the Sixteenth day of December,
in the year of our Lord 1851, the aforesaid Thomas Crook came before our
said Lady the Queen in Her Chancery, and acknowledged the Specification
aforesaid, and all and every thing therein contained and specified, in form
above written. And also the Specification aforesaid was stamped according
to the tenor of the Statute made for that purpose.