IMPROVEMENTS IN STOCKS EMPLOYED IN THE MANU- FACTURE OF LEATHER YARNS AND WOOLLEN OR OTHER WOVEN OR FELTED FABRICS
Year: 1876

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Robert Middleton, of Leeds, in the County of York, for
the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN STOCKS EMPLOYED IN THE MANU-
FACTURE OF LEATHER YARNS AND WOOLLEN OR OTHER WOVEN OR FELTED
FABRICS."
Sealed the 17th April 1877, and dated the 9th December 1876.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Robert Middleton at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 9th December 1876.
"
ROBERT MIDDLETON, of Leeds, in the County, of York. IMPROVEMENTS IN
STOCKS EMPLOYED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF LEATHER YARNS AND WOOLLEN
OR OTHER WOVEN OR FELTED FABRICS."
My Invention has reference to "stocks" of ordinary construction and particularly
to those having a horizontal movement, the object of it being to reduce the friction
of the foot (which is of great weight) whilst sliding on the bottom of the trough.
Within the foot I mount in adjustable bearings two or more rollers; these are
caused to project below the bottom of the foot so that they come in contact with
the bottom of the trough, the distance being regulated by adjusting screws, a con-
venient space being allowed between the bottom of the foot and the trough. On
the stocks being put in motion, the rollers being in contact with the bottom of the
trough and carried backwards and forwards, run thereon supporting the foot. By
the application of these rollers the friction is much reduced.
When preferred these rollers may be inserted in the bottom of the trough, pro-
jecting a suitable distance, so that the foot during its backward and forward motion
may ride upon them.
The effects produced by these improvements are, that much less driving power is
required while greater speed may be employed, and consequently much more work
can be done, also the foot may be readily adjusted.

page_text: Figure 1 is a side elevation, Figure 2 an end elevation, and Figure 3 a part
longitudinal section of apparatus constructed according to my Invention.
a is the trough, and bare the feet working therein. At the bottom of each foot
and within them are provided the rollers c, which are mounted on the shaft & in
adjustable bearings e. The bush over the shaft is fitted within the bearing e so
as to be capable of adjustment therein, which is effected by the set screws g or
packing by this arrangement the rollers c can be made to project below the foot
or feet c a convenient distance so that they come in contact with the bottom i of
the trough a, thereby supporting the foot or feet b free from the bottom.
The means employed for imparting the required reciprocating motion to cach
foot b may be of ordinary construction, and consists of the eccentric or eccentrics j,
shaft k, running or working in bearings on the trough a, gearing m, fly wheel n,
driving pulley o fixed on the shaft p running in the bearings q on the trough a,
the required rotary motion being given to the driving pulley from any suitable
motive power.
A modification of the above arrangement is shewn at Figure 3. In this case?
are the rollers which are carried in bearings in the bottom i of the trough a, the
bearings of which may when preferred be made adjustable. It will be seen by the
Drawing hereunto annexed that the rollers ? project above the bottom of the
trough and prevent the foot thereby being in contact therewith, so that the
foot b during its backwards and forwards motion rides upon the rollers ? and clear
af the bottom i of the trough u.
Having now declared the nature of my said Invention and shewn by Drawings
how the same may be carried into practice, I would have it understood that I do
not limit myself to the exact details or configuration of the parts I have explained
and shewn, as the same may be varied or modified without in any way departing

page_text: from the nature of my said Invention, but what I do claim and desire to be secured
to me by Letters Patent is,-
First. The arrangement, construction, and application of rollers c (adjustable or
otherwise, shewn at Figures 1 and 2) to the feet of stocks and parts connected
therewith, substantially as and for the purposes herein set forth.
Second. The arrangement, construction, and application of rollers » (adjustable or
otherwise, shewn at Figure 3) and parts connected therewith, substantially as and
for purposes herein set forth.
Third. The combination of the various parts forming the machine, substantially
as herein set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said Robert Middleton, bave hereunto set my
hand and seal, this First day of June, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and seventy-seven.
DADT
TAATSMAY
RODT MIDDLETON. (L.8)