IMPROVEMENTS IN LOOMS, CHIEFLY APPLICABLE TO THOSE KNOWN AS FANCY LOOмs
Year: 1876

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Morgan-Brown, of the Firm of Brandon and
Morgan-Brown, Engineers and Patent Agents, of 38, Southampton Buildings,
London, and 13, Rue Gaillon, Paris, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
LOOMS, CHIEFLY APPLICABLE TO THOSE KNOWN AS FANCY LOOмs."—A com-
munication from abroad by George Crompton, of Worcester, Massachusetts,
United States of America.
ealed the 17th November 1876, and dated the 30th May 1876.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said William Morgan-Brown at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 30th May 1876.
WILLIAM MORGAN-BROWN, of the Firm of Brandon and Morgan-Brown,
Engineers and Patent Agents, of 38, Southampton Buildings, London, and 13, Ruo
Gaillon, Paris. IMPROVEMENTS IN LOOMS, CHIEFLY APPLICABLE TO THOSE KNOWN
AS FANCY LOOMS." A communication from abroad by George Crompton, of Wor-
cester, Massachusetts, United States of America.
This Invention relates to improvements in fancy looms, and has for its object to
enable a weaver to find a true shed after a broken or improper pick.
In fancy looms or looms for weaving figured fabrics when a weft thread is broken,
or fails to be properly laid, it is necessary to preserve the pattern that the weft
when mended or newly supplied be laid in the true shed, or that shed where the
weft failed to be perfectly laid, and thorefore the true shed must be found, and this
is accomplished by reversing the action of the loom, and turning the pattern
mechanism backward until the true shed is reached. If drop shuttle boxes are used
it is also necessary to turn back the pattern surface for the shuttle boxes to a
position to correspond with the reversed or changed position of the harness pattern
surface when the latter has been moved to find a true shed.
Looms have been constructed in which the crank shaft has been provided with n
clutch, so that the crank shaft could be unclutched from the belt pulley, and bo
allowed to remain at rest while the pulley adapted to be connected with the other
parts of the loom, such as the shuttle box mechanism and the pattern surface of
the harness mechanism, could be reversed.
Such a mechanism is represented in English Patent to James Lee Norton. In
such Patent the crank shaft is provided with a fast and loose pulley with two
bevelled pinions loose on the shaft, and meshing with a bevel wheel on the upper

page_text: end of a vertical shaft, and two sliding clutch parts on the crank shaft are adapted
to be connected with the loose bevelled pinions. Such Patent describes that the
shuttle box and shedding mechanisms may be operated from either a vertical shaft
provided with a bevel wheel engaged by the loose bevel wheels on the crank shaft
or they may be operated from a pinion attached to one of the loose bevel wheels,
but such Patent does not show devices for shedding the warps or moving the shuttle
boxes or pattern surfaces.
This present Invention is an improvement on such Patent, and on English Patent,
No. 632, for the year 1870, and shows how the fancy looms, known as Crompton
loons, are changed to apply to them the Invention described in the said Patents;
and this Invention shows mechanism for connecting and actuating in unison the
shedding mechanism and pattern surface, and also the pattern surface of the shuttle
box mechanism.
The Invention consists in mechanism whereby the shedding shaft that directly
imparts motion to the lifter and depresser of the shed forming mechanism, or to
such mechanism and the pattern surface of the shedding mechanism, and also to
the pattern surface of the shuttle box mechanism, may be moved independently of
the crank shaft through a finder shaft that is thrown into or out of action as it is
desired to cause it to operate the shedding shaft, the connection between the crank
and shedding shafts being through a suitable clutch, whereby the shedding shaft
during the time the crank shaft is at rest, and while the true shed is being reached,
will be operated by the finder shaft, the shedding mechanism running forward or
backward.
The shedding shaft is provided with a pinion adapted to be engaged and operated
by a pinion on the crank shaft, the latter pinion during the regular movement of
the crank shaft, the finder shaft being disconnected operating the shedding shaft ;
but when the regular driving belt of the loom is shifted to the loose pulley, or
prevented from operating the crank shaft, then one of the pinions connecting the
crank shaft and shedding shaft is disconnected from a clutching part or hub and
made loose, this enabling the shedding shaft when positively moved by the finder
shaft to operate, and not operate the crank shaft.
The finder shaft may be operated by power or by hand, and in either direction,
and may be connected with the first motion shaft or with an independent shaft
suitably operated. This loom is to be provided with drop shuttle box mechanism, the
construction of which may be of any usual form, but the construction preferred is
shewn in the accompanying Drawings; and when the operation of the crank shaft
is suspended the picking mechanism and the shuttle box changing devices are thrown
out of action. In this loom the shuttle box operating devices and picking mechanism
are operated through cams or tappets on a shaft in connection with the crank shaft,
and extending across the lower part of the loom, and the suspending of the action
of the crank shaft stops the action of the parts.
On the five accompanying Drawings,
Figure 1 represents the rear side of the loom.
Figure 2 represents a detail of the shedding mechanism, the view being partially
in section and taken from the front of the loom at the left, a pattern chain being
added.
Figure 3 is a vertical section taken across the harness frames or heddle bars
showing one series of bars or frames arranged within the other, whereby a greater
number of frames or bars may be used in the same space, the heddles connected
with the bars of the outer series passing between adjacent frames of the interior or
central series of frames provided with heddles of less length.
Figure 4 represents sheaves over which the cords or connections of the harness
frames or heddle bars pass.
Figure 5 represents the pattern cylinder at the right hand end of Figure 1.
Figures 6 and 7, details of devices by which the crauk finder and shedding shafts
and pattern mechanism are actuated, and of devices to operate the shipping lever m
. from a treadle.

page_text: Figures 8 and 9 represent the disconnecting pinions of the finder and crank shafts
to be hereafter described, Figures 6 to 9 being top views.
Figures 10 to 21, inclusive, represent modifications of the Invention described
and shown in Figures 1 to 9, inclusive; Figure 10 shows the back of the loom.
Figure 11 shows an end view.
Figure 12, a view of the devices in part for disconnecting the crank shaft pre-
paratory to finding the true shed.
Figure 13, a partial vertical section showing details of the connection between
the crank and shedding shafts; and Figures 14 to 21 represent details of a drop
shuttle box operating mechanism.
Figure 22 represents the back of a loom provided with a modified form of devices
for disconnecting the shedding and crank shafts, and operating the former inde-
pendently.
Figure 23 represents details of the devices to disconnect the crank shaft, top
view.
Figure 24, an end view thereof partially in section, and looking at the end of the
loom, see Figure 22.
Figure 25, a detail of mechanism for actuating the pattern cylinder in
Figure 24.
Figures 26 to 33, inclusive, details of a modified form of shuttle box
mechanism.
Figure 34 is an end view of a modified form of pick finding mechanisin as applied
to a variety of Crompton looms having horizontally reciprocating notched jacks,
and elevator and depresser.
Figuro 35, a partial section; and Figure 36, a side view thereof.
Figures 37 to 40, another modification; and Figures 41 to 43, yet another
modification.
Figures 44 and 45 represent face and end views of the frictional clutch. These
Figures show only part of the pick finding devices, and parts not shown are
common to other Figures already described.
Figure 46, a detail of treadle to disconnect the crank shaft shown in Figures 1
and 7.
The loom frame a is of any suitable or well-known construction to support the work-
ing parts, and in suitable bearings thereon is the crank shaft b operated, as shown in
Figures 1 to 9 inclusive, by a shaft c, called first motion shaft, and provided with a
fast pulley, a loose pulley e, and a bevel pinion f engaging face teeth of a toothed
wheel h mounted on a shaft i provided with shuttle picking and other working
cams, and the wheel engages a toothed wheel j on the crank shaft. The crank shaft
is connected by links with the lay as usual, and the lay is to be provided with
shifting shuttle boxes in any well-known way, as hereafter described. At the end
of the crank shaft is a crank shaft pinion composed in Figures 1, 8, 9, of a hub
connected with the crank shaft by means of a feather, but free to be moved longi-
tudinally thereon by means of a shipper m, and of a toothed surface mounted
loosely on the crank shaft, but adapted to rotate therewith when connected with
the part, the connection in Figure 9 being by the pin o that enters a hole in the
toothed surface n. When this pinion is connected so as to move with the crank
shaft, as shown in Figure 7, the latter is operated by the pulley d in the direction
of the arrow marked near it, and the toothed surface n engages a bevel pinion p
on the shedding shaft, which consists of a shaft q provided, as shown in Figure 7,
with a crank and with a pinion y, the forrer crank being connected by a link s
with (see Figures 1 and 2), an arm t or equivalent, a rock shaft 1, connected
with and adapted to operate a lifter and depresser u, v, that engage notched jacks w
connected with upright levers a notched at bottom and top for attachment and adjust-
ment of the harness cording, and the latter (the pinion y) operates through
connections, substantially as described, the pattern surface or surfaces.
This pinion
y on the shed operating shaft 7 engages pinion z connected with the shaft a¹ that
operates the pattern surface of the shedding devices, the connection (see Figure 1)

page_text: being by means of a clutch b' composed of the projecting portion of the hub of
pinion loose on the shaft, and the hub c' connected with but free to slide on
shaft a', a pin or finger projecting from a rock shaft 2, Figure 7, adapted to be
moved by hand from the front of the loom entering the groove , so that the
hub c may be moved out of engagement with the hub of the pinion & whenever it
is desired to stop the motion of shaft al to reverse the shedding devices and its
pattern by hand through a handle on cross shaft g¹ (see Figures 7, 11, and 24).
The upper end of shaft a¹ carries a pinion c¹ that engages a pinion f¹ on the end
of this cross shaft provided with a disk h¹ and projecting pins or teeth to
engage the star wheel on the shaft of the pattern cylinder ¹, or the shaft
that carries a pattern chain, as in Figure 2, the pins on the disk when the loom
runs regularly moving the pattern surface at encli rotation of the crank shaft.
The shaft g¹ has a handle by which the pattern mechanism can be turned in
either direction when the clutch b' is separated. By means of this cross shaft and
its handle if the clutch b' is connected and the crank shaft pinion disconnectod
from the crank shaft it is possible to reverse the pattern and shedding mechanisms
by hand, but in this Invention the independent movement of the shedding
mechanism and pattern surfaces is not intended to be given in this way, but on the
contrary the crank shaft pinion has its toothed surface n provided with teeth m
adapted to engage teeth on pinion n' on the finder shaft o, provided in Figures 1,
7, and 8 with a hub p¹, connected, if desired (see Figure 7) with shipper m, the
hub being keyed to tho shaft o' but free to be moved longitudinally thereon by the
shipper or equivalent, the end of the hub being made conical or being provided
with a pin to engage with the pinion n' when desired.
The finder shaft o' in Figure 6 is operated by a shaft q' provided with a pulley 1
operated by hand or through a belt & connected with the loose pulley e immediately
back of fast pulley d, the shaft q¹ having a pinion t' engaging a pinion u¹ on the
finder shaft o¹.
With the shipper m, in the position shown in Figure 7, the crank shaft pinion
is connected with the crank shaft, and the loom operates in the regular way, the
finder shaft being out of actuating engagement with the shedding shaft.
If a pick is broken, or for any imperfection in the weaving it is desired to find a
true shed, the shipper m is moved in the direction of the arrow placed next to it,
Figure 7, disconnecting the crank shaft from the shedding shaft q that operates the
shedding mechanism, and at the same time the driving belt of the machine is
shifted from the fast to the loose pulley. As the crank shaft is disengaged from the
crank shaft pinion the pinion ³, which in Figures 1 to 9 is a loose pinion but
which may be made to drive the shedding shaft, is connected with the finder shaft
(it being then in motion provided it is belted or goared with the loose or a moving
pulley not on tho crank shaft), and movement of finder shaft o' in the direction of
its arrow, Figure 1, will through pinion n' then made fast to it move the shedding
shaft, the connection shown in Figures 1 and 7 being through the toothed part m
of the crank shaft pinion that engages pinion and reverses the movement of
the shedding shaft q, and the shedding mechanism and pattern surface, such
movement in the reverse direction continuing until the true shed is found. The
true shed may however be found by stopping the crank shaft and operating the
shedding mechanism and pattern surface forward instead of backward, and to do
this it is only necessary to move the finder shaft o' in a direction the reverse of its
arrow, which may be done by means of a cross belt or by hand.
At the back of the loom (see Figures 1, 3, and 7), is placed a pattern connecting
shaft v provided with pinions w¹ engaging the pinions f¹ on the cross shaft g', and
in this way the pattern surfaces at opposite ends of the loom in a loom provided
with a double shedding mechanism, or with interior and exterior heddle frames
a³, b³, Figure 3, may be operated in unison, and if it is desired to operate but onc
of the shedding mechanisms at but one end of the loom then the shaft v¹ may be
provided with a clutch ¹ to disconnect the part of the shaft at the right of the
clutch from the part at the left of the clutch, and if the shedding devices are all at

page_text: one end of the loom then the shaft v¹ need not extend beyond the shuttle box
pattern surface which it also operates (scc Figures 1 and 7), wherein pin 62 on
wheel a (the wheel being provided with two pins be, but one only being shown),
engages the star wheel c on the shuttle box pattern surface d, of suitable or well-
known construction, but shown in such Figures as a rotating pin cylinder, and the
two pins operate the shuttle box pattern surface cach time that the shedding
pattern surface moves, but these pattern surfaces may be moved in other order as
the exigencies of the pattern may require. The pins of this pattern surface act on
fingers & suitably connected by wires or cords with the pawls or other selecting
devices to move the shuttle box lever or rod, and with the connection described the
shuttle box pattern surface is turned with and in unison with the pattern surface
of the shedding mechanism.
At the end of the rock shaft 1 (see Figure 1 is an arm f that is connected by
link with an arm he attached to a rock shaft 2 corresponding with the rock
shaft 1 on the opposite end of the loom.
In the loom represented in Figure 1 the levers, jacks, pattern mechanism, and
lifters, depressers, and eveners at each end of the loom are aliko, and are adapted
to operate the heddle frames or bars to which heddles are attached through con-
nections extending from the levers to the frames or bars, the cords or connections
passing over sheaves, held preferably in adjustable frames or bearings to permit
the sheaves to be raised or lowered as it is desired to place the heddle frames or
bars in a higher or lower position.
Each vertical lever a has connected with it a jack w, notched at bottom and top
to be engaged by either the lifter or depresser carried at the upper ends of arms
a10, 610, pivoted at c10, and vibrated through arms projecting from the rock shaft 1,
operated from the shedding shaft through links s and arm t.
8
The sheaves (see Figure 4) have at one edge a flange c³, the other edge being
practically without a flange, and the sheaves are placed with reference to each
other so that each flanged side comes next an unflanged side, but one flange there-
fore separates each harness frame connecting cord, and enables the harness frames
to be placed closer together than would be the case had the sheaves two flanges.
These sheaves are mounted on a shaft at the end of a pivoted sheave carrier d³ (sec
Figure 1) provided with an adjusting screw e adapted to work against or into a
screw threaded nut carried by a brace or projection f³, or the sheave carrying shaft
(see Figure 1) may be sustained in movable journals or brackets, and the journals
may be raised or lowered by set screws 28.
In broad loons it is very desirable to stop the loom instantly whenever a mis-
pick is discovered and without going to the end of the loom where is located the
shipper m; to do this a foot treadle it is used. The treadle (see Figure 46) is con-
nected with a rock shaft h' (see also Figures 1 and 7) provided with an upright
arm held by a spring j', so that the arm p' projecting back wardly from the rock
shaft will be held away from the notched cam 7, but by means of the pressure of
the foot on the treadle i' the end pt may be raised whenever the notches in the
cam wheel permit it, and then an arm q' through a link f* connected with an
arm aº of an elbow lever causes its upper end 6º to engage the shipper handle m
Figure 7, and disengage the parts l, m, and stop the crank shaft. This foot treadle
enables the operator to stop the loom quickly and easily, and leaves the operator
both hands for handling the shuttle and threads.
In Figures 1 to 9 inclusive devices have been shown for disconnecting the
shedding mechanism from the crank shaft, but it will be evident to those skilled
in the art that the details of this mechanism may be changed in form without
departing from this Invention.
Figures 10 to 13 show a modified form of loom embodying this Invention. In
such loom and in another modified form of loom, shown in Figures 22 to 24, and
hereafter described, the heddle frames are of the usual kind and not double, as
shown in Figure 1, and the single heddle frames are operated through the medium
of levers, notched jacks, and lifter, depresser, and evener bars, and pattern surface

page_text: as shown in Figure 1, and in all the Figures like parts of the shedding and
pattern mechanisms are designated by like letters, therefore in the description of
these modified looms the mechanism for moving the levers to lift the heddle frames
will not be described, they being of usual form.
Referring to Figures 10 to 13 the first motion shaft c has a fast and loose pulley
and a pinion to engage side teeth on a wheel h on the cam shaft, goared with a
pinion on the crank shaft b, substantially as shown in the loom first described,
shaft operating the crank shaft through these connections when the loom is
operating regularly. On the end of the crank shaft is a crank shaft pinion a³, it
being in this instance a bevel wheel loose on the shaft but provided with a
shouldered hub (cc Figures 12 and 13) adapted to engage with a shouldered
clutch piece c³, arranged to turn with but to slide on the crank shaft b, the clutch
piece being moved to allow the crank shaft pinion to run loosely or to be held
on the crank shaft by means of a fork engaging a groove in c. This fork is
carried by a rod e³, supported in bearings 3, Figure 12, and connected through
arm and rod g³ with a shaft rocked or turned when it is desired to loosen
pinion a by means of a handle or shipper or by means of a rod j³ extending
from the handle or shaft to a treadle is placed preferably at the front of the loom
where the weaver stands. When the shipper, in this instance is, is depressed the
pinion is disengaged from the crank shaft, a suitable spring at all other times
keeping the pinion b and clutch piece in ongagement. The movement of rod e
to disengage the pinion 63 lifts arm & connected therewith, and provided with an
adjustable pin, and the latter lifts the arm 73, mounted loosely on the rod e³, and
connected by rod 3 with an elbow lever m³, carrying a pivoted step n³, in which
the finder shaft, in this instance lettered or rests, and when the clbow lever is
moved in the direction of its arrows the worm wheel w³ on the finder shaft is
engaged with the worn on the hub of the loose pulley e, which driven by the
belt removed from the fast pulley by any usual shipping mechanisin moves the
finder shaft, so that its bevel wheel p engages with a bevel wheel g³ on and moves
the shedding shaft q, provided with toothed wheels p, y, and crank 7, to operate
the shedding mechanisin and pattern surface or surfaces, as set forth in the
Drawings already described. When the arm is lifted (the extent of its motion
being determined by the adjustable pin 3 to cause the wheels w³, ³, to fit properly)
its end when elevated is caught by the upper end of a notched catch u, held in
position by a spring (see Figure 10), and the catch prevents the wheels w³, 3, from
moving apart, but when it is desired to cenzo operating the shedding shaft from
the finder shaft, then the movement of the rod e causes the finger or arms to
strike the lower end of the catch us, which trips the catch and allows the gear
ws
to fall away from worm 3. The shaft v¹ for operating the shuttle box pattern
surface is provided with a plate or disc, having two pins to engage and move the
star wheel of the pattern mechanism, provided in Figures 10 and 11, with a
chain of usual construction on the rollers or protuberances of which rest fingers e²,
connected by rods or cords a³, with the indicating pawls y³ of the shuttle box
moving devices.
Figure 11 shows one form of devices for shifting the driving belt from the fast
to the loose pulley, the usual shipper lever is connected with an elbow lever on a
stud, and a rod m³ attached to the elbow lever is adjustably connected with the
fork part of the shipper pivoted to a pivoted radius bar or link o³, the link o
obviating friction which would result were the parts moved horizontally in
bearings.
Referring to Figures 22 to 24 inclusive wherein is described another modification
of a loom provided with devices for disconnecting the crank shaft from the shedding
shaft, so that the latter may be driven by a finder shaft; c, Figure 23, represents
the first motion shaft provided with a fast and a loose pulley d, e, and with a bevel
pinion to engage side teeth on a toothed wheel h, supported on a shaft and
engaging with a toothed wheel j on the crank shaft b, provided with a crank shaft
pinion a³ adapted to engage a toothed wheel b, having a notched hub e* mounted

page_text: loosely in this instance on the shedding shaft provided, as before described, with a
bevel gear y to move the pattern surfaces through a shaft a¹, and with a crank
and links to operate the shedding mechanism, as already described. In this
instance the crank shaft pinion is fixed to the crank shaft and the pinion b* on
the shedding shaft is corresponding in operation and function with the pinion p
represented in the looms before described is made loose instead of being positively
secured to the shedding shaft as heretofore represented.
The notched hub of the loose pinion is adapted to engage with a clutch d
adapted to rotate with, but to slide on the shedding shaft g, being actuated by a
fork e connected by a link f' with an arm g' of a rock shaft under control of a
foot treadle, or it may be a hand lever, the rock shaft being held in position to
keep e, d, locked during the regular motion of the loom by a spring j* connected
with an arın ', and when in engagement the crank shaft through its pinion operates
the shedding shaft. The clutch has connected with it a friction wheel m', having
its face provided with a series of annularly projecting ridges 228, made preferably
with bevelled sides to fit correspondingly shaped grooves on the face of toothed
disc n. The wheel m* is connected to the shedding shaft in such manner that the
wheel cannot be engaged and moved without also moving the shedding shaft, and
so far it is alike in function and operation with toothed wheel in Figure 7, but
instead of being engaged by teeth on a pinion driven from the finder shaft it is
operated through friction between its face or side and the side or face of a disc n
having teeth, the disc being arranged loosely on the shedding shaft q and engaged
by a pinion o' on the end of the finder shaft; in this instance, lettered o¹, and
operated from a short shaft q' connected preferably by belt with the loose pulley 6,
the shaft q' having a bevel pinion t¹ engaging a pin u¹ on the finder shaft, all as
described in Figures 6 and 7.
During the regular operation of the loom the faces of m³, n, are out of contact,
but when the crank shaft is stopped and the driving belt is shifted in the usual
way then the shipper e is moved to disengage the parts c, d, and engage_m², n¹,
and n' being operated by its connection with the loose pulley and finder shaft, as
before described, is turned to reverse the operation of the shedding mechanism and
its pattern surface, and with it the shuttle box pattern surface, the crank shaft
during this time remaining at rest, while the shedding shaft turns freely in the hub
of pinion b. The rock shaft h' is provided with an arm pt that extends under a
shaft i, to which are attached the shuttle picking cams and the cams 6 (see
Figures 11 and 17) for throwing forward the radius bar a, to which are connected
the pawls y³ for selecting the shuttle boxes and cans on this shaft prevent the
shipper c from being moved by the foot lever is, except when the depressed portions
of the cams are over the end of the arm p, and in such position the pawls for
moving the shuttle box operating cains are also at their extreme backward throw,
and in this position the shuttle box pattern surface may be turned freely, and the
parts may rise and fall without striking the shuttle box cams. These cams 7 also
servein a measure to prevent the accidental stopping of the loom if the treadle
should be pressed down at the wrong time.
In Figure 25 the shaft v³, common to all the Figures and used to rotate the
shuttle box pattern mechanism d, is provided with a plate & with pins t', shown
in dotted lines, the periphery of the plate being curved at u to hold the star
wheel c² in position when moved by pins t
Referring to Figure 23 the parts m, n, might be omitted and the pinion y be
placed at the opposite side of pinion 2, and be secured to the shaft q, then the loose
pinion b, c, and sleeve part feathered to the shaft might be reversed, so that bi
would engage the part at at its opposite side and the pinion j might be removed
from the place now occupied by it, and be placed between the loom frame and
crank shaft pinion. The first motion shaft, fast and loose pulleys, and shaft q',
might then be taken to the other end of the loo, and in such position the pinion
of the first motion shaft would operate the shaft q', the toothed wheel / also being
carried to the other end of the shaft q'. Then on the shedding shaft there may be

page_text: placed a friction wheel, and on the shaft q' a corresponding friction wheel of smaller
size, which may meet and be pressed together when the crank shaft is stopped, so
as to move the shedding shaft; the shaft q¹ in this instance, with its friction gear,
will serve as the finder shaft, or the shaft that operated independently of the crank
shaft turns the shedding shaft and the pattern mechanism connected therewith in
either direction, while the crank shaft remains at rest.
Figures 34 to 36 show this Invention applied to another well known form of
Crompton loom, wherein horizontally sliding notched jacks are operated by hori-
zontally reciprocating lifters and depressers. The crank of the shedding shaft
is connected by a link a with a rod 6º attached to a bell-crank lever connected 1
by a link do with a two-armed lever on a rock shaft, cach arm being connected at
each end of the rock shaft through links with the ends of the lifters and depressers
suitably guided, to be moved in a horizontal path, the lifter and depresser being
one above and the other below the notched jacks, the latter resting on the pattern
surface and the pattern surface being moved by shaft a¹, as before described. The
shedding shaft is a short shaft parallel with the crank shaft and provided with a
pinion having peripherical and face teeth 11, 12, the latter engaging a bevel
pinion on the lower end of shaft a¹, connected with and operating the pattern
cylinder or surface, as usual. The peripherical teeth 11 are engaged by the teeth
of the crank shaft pinion fo loose on the crank shaft b, and provided with a notched
hub to be engaged by a notched hub g carried by but free to be moved longitudinally
on the crank shaft.
The finder shaft o¹ extends across the loom, and is operated as in the looms
described in Figures 1, 6, 7, and 23. This finder shaft has a friction hub m* con-
nected with it by a feather and adapted to slide thereon, and on the finder shaft is
also a toothed and friction faced gear n³, its teeth being engaged with the teeth
of the crank shaft pinion f", the friction face of the hub m being adapted to be
engaged, as desired, with the friction face nt. Each hub m, n, is embraced by a
fork at the opposite ends of a shipper lever pivotted between its ends to a rock
shaft like the one shown in Figures 23 and 24, and operated by like devices.
When the loom operates in regular order the shedding shaft is operated from the
crank shaft b, the crank shaft pinion f being in engagement with hub g³, the
friction face of the hub m' and the friction face of hub n being disengaged. In
this modification to find a true shed stop the loom on the crank shaft, and the belt
moved on the loose pulley, and operating in the usual way, will turn the finder
shaft o³, and by moving the shipper, to bring faces m, n, in contact, and releasing
the crank shaft pinion, the finder shaft will then operate the pinion 70s positively,
and it, in engagement with the pinion ƒ then loose on the crank shaft b, moves
such pinion, and it, in turn, operates pinion e³ on the shedding shaft g.
Figures 37 to 40 show another way of operating the shedding mechanism and
pattern surfaces in the same class of looms just above described. The shedding
shaft q is arranged at the end of the crank shaft b, and the crank r is connected
with the elbow lever of the lifter and depresser, as shown and described in
Figure 2. The pinion is secured positively to the shedding shaft; it has bevel
teeth to engage and move the pinion = connected as usual with the shaft a¹ for
operating the pattern mechanism and peripherical teeth adapted to be engaged
by the teeth of a pinion placed loosely on the finder shaft extending across the
loom and operated as herein-before described. The pinion i has a notched hub to
be engaged by a notched hub m on the end of the crank shaft b, the hub m' being
free to slide on the end of the crank shaft under the action of a shipper nº and to
rotate with the crank shaft. The end of the crank shaft terminates in the pinion.
When the hub m³ and the hub of the pinion are engaged and the crank shaft
operates regularly (the pinion on the finder shaft being loose) then the crank
shaft operates the shedding shaft as usual.
The shipping mechanism is constructed to engage the hub m³ and also the hub
w on the end of the finder shaft o', and when the hub mo is disengaged and the
crank shaft is at rest then the hub w and the pinion on the finder shaft are

page_text: engaged, and the finder shaft is positively operated as before described, the pinion
engaging the pinion, then disconnected from the crank shaft and moving the
shedding shaft and pattern surfaces.
Figure 38 shows in section the mechanism for engaging and disengaging the
pinion with the hub w, the latter adapted to slide longitudinally on the finder
shaft o. Attached to hub w is a wedge o preferably adjustably mounted and
adapted to fit between the parts 229 of an expansible friction clutch (see Figures
38 and 40) keyed to the finder shaft, and resting within a hollow portion of the
pinion, and when the hub is moved to insert the wedge the expansible friction
clutch is enlarged and made to grasp the pinion 1º. The shipper n" has a connected
rod with a fork to engage and move hub nº.
Figures 41, 42, and 43 show yet another modification wherein the first motion or
fust and loose pulley shaft c is placed at the end of the loom frame and parallel to
the crank and finder shafts b and o. The pinion is secured to the loose pulley c,
and when the belt is on the loose pulley e the pinion & engages the pinion a on
the finder shaft and moves it. The pinion on shaft c engages pinion h, and
pinion engages pinion on the crank shaft, as in the other Drawings. At the
other end of the loom the finder and crank shafts in Figure 41 are provided with
pinions, clutches, &c., as shown in Figure 23, to move the shedding shaft.
Figure 43 shows the loose pulley Figure 41 in section. It will be noticed that
the parts m, n, of the friction disks are provided with air holes to enable the
disks to be disengaged easily by longitudinal motion of one away from the other,
and in Figure 45 is shown a stop to serve as a bearing for the back of the disk
12 when pressed against by the disk m
The devices for operating the drop shuttle boxes are shown in a number of the
Figures, and in the different Figures like letters are used to denote like parts as
far as possible. The radius bar a, the double pawls y³ for actuating the shuttle
box, ratchets, or cains, the connection between the pawls and fingers e of the
shuttle box pattern surface, the shaft i, the tappet or tappets 6 on such shaft to
move a, the drop shuttle boxes c, with two or more cells, the shuttle box rod d",
the stirrup c, and rod spring f, and the shaft go for the shuttle box ratchets or
cams, are all of usual construction.
Figure 15 is a detail of the shaft g and its shuttle box ratchets or cams, and the
shaft, with its shuttle box actuating levers i, j, k, l, the view being taken
from the rear side of the loom, all other parts being removed, and Figure 20 is a
modification thereof.
Figures 16 and 29 represent the shuttle box, ratchets, or chms on shaft g',
Figures 15 and 20 in vertical section, Figures 11 and 17 represont side views and
sections of shuttle box moving devices at that end of the loom at which the shuttle
box, ratchets, or cams derive motion, and Figure 14 represents the shuttle box
moving devices at the opposite end of the loom.
Reference is now made to Figures 11, 14, and 17 to 21. On the shaft go
supported in bearings on the loon frame and also preferably in bearings m³ outside
the frame are placed the shuttle box, ratchets, or cams n, o, p, q, the devices o", p",
being alike except that the cam projection on oº (see Figures 17 and 19) is shorter
thau a like shaped can projection on 27. The ratchet n has two teeth 6, 7, and it
is keyed to the shaft g, and when no is turned in either direction by its pawl made
like y³, then the shaft is also turned moving the cam secured at its opposite
end (see Figure 14) that acts upon a roller on the box actuating lever 1 having its
fulcrum on shaft and connected by rod, cord, or chain t with the stirrup e" of the
shuttle box rod, the chain passing over a roller or sheave 67 on the auxiliary lever u
pivotted at that end of the loom, the auxiliary lever at the opposite end of the
loom being like it, and the movement of ratchet n and cam 73 will raise or
lower the shuttle boxes shown in Figure 14, two cells.
In Figure 14, the cam is represented as having acted, and its movement to the
position shown, lifted the shuttle boxes two cells, but in such Figure 14, it will be
noticed that the box lover has also been moved by its cum e and through its

page_text: connection passing over a stationary sheave a on the loom frame has lifted the
outer end of the lever u" and lifted the box rod one cell the two levers 1º, I, together
lifting three cells. Now if cam e' is moved to allow the lower end of box lever k
to move toward shaft, the end of auxiliary lever will be lowered to drop the
boxes one cell; if cam 7 is moved to allow the upper of Lox lever to move
toward the lay, the box rod will be lowered to drop the boxes two cells; and if both
are moved together the boxes will be lowered three cells or to the position
shown in Figure 17, which is a view of the shuttle boxes at the opposite end of
the loom.
Next the ratchet n is ratchet o with attached cam projection (see Figure 19
side view and section); it is placed loosely on shaft g, has two ratchet teeth 6, 7, a
hub w, and the hub is grooved at its periphery to receive an adjustable friction
device or ring a provided preferably with packing leather or equivalent y³ (see side
view and section, Figure 18). This ratchet cam of is moved by a pawl y³ under
control of the pattern surface as usual in either direction, and when moved it strikes
a roll on shuttle box lever having its fulcrum preferably on shaft and joined
by connection sº with the outer end of the auxiliary lever at the main end of the
loom (see Figures 11, 15, and 17), such chain passing over a roller or sheave a' in
this instance on a stationary stud attached to the loom frame, but it is expressly
understood that the sheave or sheaves a might be caused to change position under
the control of suitable levers and cams moved by a pattern surface to increase the
capacity of the loom for many boxes.
The movement of ratchet of or cam ratchet through its connections as described
(the parts being as shown in Figure 17 with the upper shuttle box cell of the series
in line with the race board) will elevate the end of auxiliary lever, causing the
roller b' to lift the chain or rod c connected with the stirrup e of the box rod (or
to the box rod in any well known way), the other end of the connection e' being
fastened to the box lever held stationary by its ratchet cam 20 and will raise the
box rod far enough to move the shuttle boxes from one to the next adjacent cell.
If the cam end of o" was resting against the roller or pin of the box lever and the
end of auxiliary lever " was lifted, then the cam o if moved in the opposite
direction from that above described by reason of the lower member of a pawl y
acting against a tooth 7 would release the box lever and would lower the boxes one
cell. Camp is placed loosely on shaft g; it is constructed as cam of except that its
cam is longer, but this is not absolutely necessary, for the box lovers might be
placed on different fulcra to give them more or less length, and it acts on the box
lever or a pin or roller e' thereon, and through connection e passing over sheaves
on auxiliary lever and connected with the shuttle box rod, and if moved to
carry the upper end of box lever i away from shaft g it will through its con-
nections elevate the boxes two cells, and if in such a position as to retain the lever
away from the shaft g, then the reversal or change of the position of the cam
ratchet will release the lever and lower the boxes two cells.
The ratchet 9 at the end of shaft g" (see Figures 17 and 21), is loose on shaft yº,
and is constructed as parts of, p, except that the cam projection is omitted and
instead thereof a slotted projection 8 is provided to which is adjustably attached a
link g connected with an arm h7 on shaft extended across the loon and provided
(see Figure 14) with a cam e² fixed thereto and adapted to strike and move a box
lever pivoted as shown in this instance on the shaft g and joined by connection
f with the end of auxiliary lever, the connection f7 passing over sheave a on
a stud connected with the loom frame (or such sheave may be moved as before
described), and when the ratchet q is moved in the direction of its arrow, Figure
21, by pawl y, the cam e' will be moved to the position shown in Figure 14 and
will actuate box lever to lift the auxiliary lever u and raise the boxes one cell,
and if the parts are in position shown in Figure 14 and the rachet 7 is moved in
the direction opposite its arrow, then the lever u will be lowered, dropping the
boxes one cell.
It will be readily seen that by these devices any one of a series of four boxes may

page_text: be reached at will on one single movement, for one cam will move one coll in either
direction, another two cells, the two in unison and together will move three cells, and
the two together in opposition will movo one cell. The friction device a³ is a two-
part ring with ratchet teeth and connected together by screws or equivalents to
hold the device sufficiently close against the hub w of each ratchet cam to prevent
such ratchet cams from moving under the pressure of the box levers against them
during the time the pawls y³ are being shifted. The teeth of such friction device
are adapted to be engaged and held against movement in this instance in the
direction of the arrow Figure 18, by a pawl Fig 14.
A modified form of shuttle box actuating devices will now be described, and
having in mind the shuttle box mechanism already described, it will be noticed
(see Figures 26, 27, and 28) that the position of the shuttle box levers i, j, k, 16, is
changed. In Figure 28, looking at the rear side of the loom, the box lever " is at
the extreme right, then the lever i, then levers k" and "; each of these levers is
however constructed as and joined by connections with the auxiliary levers and
shuttle box rods, to operate as described in the other Drawings. In this instance,
however, the main part of the shuttle box mechanism is at the opposite end of the
loom from that represented in Figures 10, 11, and 17, and the ratchets and cams
and friction devices are somewhat modified, and therefore it is considered necessary
in Figures 26 to 33 to describe only the parts inodified from the construction
shown in Figures 10, 11, and 17. In Figure 17 the ratchet connected by link g²,
with arm of shaft he provided with a cam to move box lever was situated at
the extreme left of the loom, viewing it from the rear side; but in Figures 20 and
28 the corresponding parts are placed near the loom frame at the opposite end of
the loom. The ratchet m7 corresponds with ratchet n, and it is fixed to shaft g
to move such shaft positively, and cause cam or arm n', Figure 27, and corre-
sponding with cam 70, Figure 14, except that in this instance it is not fixed to
shaft go to move box lever pivoted to shaft he; ratchet o corresponds with
ratchet 9, Figure 24, and it is connected by a link g with shaft ho, as before
described to move the shaft and its cam 27 corresponding with cam e7, Figure 14, to
move a box lever 10. Ratchet cams 97, 77, correspond with similar cams o", p³,
Figures 14 and 19, and they move box levers jo, iº.
The devices o, 77, 7, are made in two parts instead of one, as in Figures 19 and
21, and are held together by an adjusting screw, the two parts of each ratchet
firmly grasping a hub 87 on a friction device t provided with teeth u7 adapted to
be held by a pawl or detent, Figure 20, to prevent motion of o7, 77, r², when not
actuated positively by the pawls as selected by the shuttle box pattern surface.
The cam n, Figures 27 and 31, instead of being secured to shaft g' by a key as
cam no, Figures 17 and 19, is placed about its friction hub t', and has teeth 6, 7,
that are caught by a double or forked arm v, Figure 32, attached to shaft g by
screws w, the ratchet cam n being moved positively in both directions.
The connections between the box levers and box rods and their connections 26, c7,
arc in this instance made by screw hooks ts adjustable longitudinally, and also
adjustable toward the ends of the box levers to compensate for wear and to
facilitate adjustments, the holes us in the ends of the box levers allowing the
position of hooks 18 to be changed to or from the ends of the levers. The finder
shaft may be connectod with and operated from the first motion shaft by gearing
rather than by belt.
The English Patent No. 632, for the year 1870, has on the crank shaft at each
end of the loom a clutching hub, and when the loom is in regular operation they
are operated from the fast pulley on the crank shaft, and such loom partially
describes how through a cross shaft provided at each end with a toothed wheel fast
to the shaft, and engaging the toothed hubs a mechanism described to move the
shuttle boxes at one end of the loom, and a shaft at the other end of the loom,
described as adapted to move shedding devices, may be arranged and operated; but
in such a loom the cross shaft cannot be driven except by hand, and it is not

page_text: apparent from the Drawing or description that the shed forming devices could be
made to form sheds when the parts are operated by hand from the hand crank.
Theso true shed finding devices might be applied to looms wherein the harness
lovers are made angular instead of being long and straight, and placed at or near
the top of the loom, the notched jacks being connected therewith and operated as
usual by a pattern surface.
Having now described and particularly set forth the nature of the said Invention,
and the manner of carrying the same into effect, I would have it understood that
what I claim is,―
First. A shedding shaft and connecting devices adapted to operate the shed
forming devices and its pattern surface, substantially as described, the crank shaft
and connected engaging and disengaging pinions, and a loose pulley in combination
with and to operate a finder shaft adapted to engage and operate the shedding shaft
as described, to form sheds while the crank shaft is at rest and disconnected from
the shedding shaft.
Second. A shedding shaft and connecting devices adapted to operate the shed
forming devices and the pattern surface of the shedding devices, substantially as
described, in combination with a crank shaft adapted to be connected with or
disconnected from the crank shaft, and with a finder shaft, a first motion shaft, and
fast and loose pulleys, whereby a driving belt on the fast pulley during the
engagement of the crank shaft with the shedding shaft will actuate the shedding
devices and the pattern surface therefor, and during the time the belt is on the loose
pulley and the crank shaft at rest the finder shaft driven from the loose pulley will
operate the shedding shaft to find a truc shed, substantially as described.
Third. The shedding shaft connected with and adapted to operate shed forming
devices, a pattern surface for the shedding devices, and a pattern surface for the
shuttle box mechanism at one end of the loom in combination with a crank shaft
and a finder shaft, and with connections between the shedding crank and finder
shafts, substantially as described, whereby the shedding shaft and its connections as
just above described may be operated from either the crank shaft or the finder
shaft, substantially as described.
Fourth. A finder shaft extended across the loom frame parallel with the crank
shaft and a shaft provided with a loose pulley, and adapted to operate the finder
shaft in combination with a shedding shaft connected with the shed forming
devices and with the pattern surface thereof, and with a crank shaft and device for
disconnecting or connecting the shedding and crank shafts, substantially as
described.
Fifth. In combination the finder shaft, a loose pulley to operate it, as described,
the crank shaft, the shedding shaft, a pinion on the crank shaft, a pinion on the
finder shaft, and two clutches and a shipper, whereby either the finder or the crank
shafts may be connected with or disconnected from the shedding shaft, to permit
either the crank shaft or the finder shaft to be operated to move the shedding shaft
to weave in the regular manner, or to find the true shed while the crank shaft is at
rest, substantially as described.
Sixth. The first motion shaft provided with a fast pulley and adapted to move
the crank shaft through suitable gearing to weave in the regular manner, in
combination with a loose pulley on the first motion shaft, the shedding shaft, and
means substantially as described to connect and operate the finder shaft from the
loose pulley when the loom is at rest.
Seventh. In a loom provided with a crank shaft, a shedding shaft, and a finder
shaft, and a shipper adapted to clutch either the finder or the crank shaft at will
with the shedding shaft, the foot treadle and means substantially as described,
connected with and adapted to operate the shipper from the treadle, substantially as
and for the purpose set forth.
Eighth. The shedding shaft 7, the shaft c, worm 3, worm gear 93³, shaft o³,
gears p³ and ³, and clutch e³, as and for the purpose described.

page_text: Ninth. The friction clutch, as shewn and described in Figures 44 and 45.
Tenth. Mechanism, substantially as described in Figures 23 and 24 to operate the
shedling shaft from either the crank or finder shaft.
Eleventh. Mechanism, substantially, as described in Figures 34, 35, and 36, to
operate the shedding shaft from either the crank or finder shaft.
Twelfth. Mechanism, substantially as described in Figures 37, 38, 39, and 40, to
operate the shedding shaft from either the crank or finder shaft.
Thirteenth. The shuttle box rod, the connections 16, f, and levers to move them
in combination with the lever u and its sheave and the stationary sheave a to
operate, substantially as described.
Fourteenth. Mechanism, substantially as shown and described in Figure 17 to
operate the shuttle boxes.
Fifteenth. The ratchet cams and friction devices constructed as described in
combination with the detents to hold the friction devices when not actuated
positively by the pawls, substantially as described.
Sixteenth. The combination of two harness motions to operate the two series of
heddles, by which a large number of harnesses can be operated.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Morgan-Brown, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty-sixth day of April, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and seventy-six.
WILLIAM MORGAN-BROWN.
(LS.)