IMPROVE MENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF BRAID, AND IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS EMPLOYED THEREIN
Year: 1863

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Henry Johnson, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields
in the County of Middlesex, and of 166, Buchanan Street, in the City
of Glasgow, North Britain, Gentleman, for the Invention of "IMPROVE
MENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF BRAID, AND IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS
EMPLOYED THEREIN."-A communication from abroad by Thomas James
Sloan, of Paris, in the Empire of France, Engineer.
Sealed the 17th April 1863, and dated the 28th January 1863.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Henry Johuson
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
28th January 1863.
I, JOHN HENRY JOHNSON, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the County of
Middlesex, and of 166, Buchanan Street, in the City of Glasgow, North
Britain, Gentleman, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention
for IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF BRAID, AND IN MACHINERY OR
APPARATUS EMPLOYED THEREIN," a communication from abroad by Thomas James
Sloan, of Paris, in the Empire of France, Engineer, to be as follows:-
This Invention relates, firstly, to an improved manufacture of flat braid,
and consists in making such braid with the borders or selvages thinner than
the body or centre portion thereof.
According to one mode of producing a braid having this peculiarity, it is
proposed to construct a machine somewhat similar to an ordinary flat braid
machine, but provided with separate bobbins working in grooves of their own
for forming the borders or selvages, and so actuated as to lock their threads
with the threads of the other bobbins forming the body of the braid. In
order that the borders may be considerably thinner than the body, it is pro-
posed to have fewer thicknesses of thread on the bobbins forming the borders
Price 81

page_text: for example, if each of the bobbins forming the body of the braid have three
threads, the outer bobbins will only be supplied with one thread. thus forming
the border one-third the thickness only of the body of the braid, which has
never heretofore been accomplished. It is of course requisite that the speed
of the bobbins making the borders should be greater than that of the bobbins
making the body of the braid, in proportion to the difference in the number of
threads carried by each set of bobbins, so that the borders, although made of
one thread for example, will be produced as fast as and keep pace with the
body of the braid made from two or more thicknesses of thread. The above-
mentioned arrangement affords facility for making braid of two or more
different colors, that is to say, in longitudinal stripes.
· The second part of this Invention relates to certain peculiar constructions
and combinations of parts of braiding machines whereby their productive
powers are greatly increased, whilst the work executed is superior to that
produced in ordinary braiding machines. According to this part of the Inven-
tion it is proposed to make the spindles in such a manner as to admit of the
bobbins being easily lifted off with such parts as hold the threads in their
different directions without disturbing such threads, whereby facility is
afforded for changing a deranged bobbin by simply replacing it by one in
perfect order. In carrying out this part of the Invention the spindle which
supports the bobbin is cast in one piece with the slide which travels along the
guiding grooves of the plate. The bobbin is not fitted directly on to the
spindle itself, but is carried by a tubular support, which is in turn supported
by a second tube fitted on the spindle, the spindle being cranked or bent to
one side so as to admit of the centre of the bobbin being nearly over the
centre of the sliding piece, which in this arrangement is not removed from its
grooves when removing or changing the bobbin. The spring for giving
tension to the thread is contained inside the bobbin, and guide eyes for the
thread are fitted to the tubular part which passes on to the spindle, this tube
also carries a weight for acting upon the stop motion when the thread breaks
or terminates. Aguide eye is also formed on the upper end of the tube upon
which the bobbin is placed, the whole being readily removeable from the
spindle when requisite. It is simply necessary to have a number of bobbins
ready prepared, so that on the breaking of a thread the defective bobbin can
be removed and a perfect one replaced, having its thread ready passed through
theguide eyes, consequently the loss of time incurred in the ordinary system
is obiated. It is also proposed to plait in the centre of the machine in lieu
of eccentrically thereto, as in the case when the ordinary drawing-off arrange-
ment is employed, which must be placed out of the centre of the machine. In

page_text: the improved machine the several threads. are passed up through a central
circular aperture large enough to admit of the braid passing easily through it,
In forming the edge of the braid rotating "beaters" or needles are used, and
in some cases both needles and "beaters" are employed. By this system of
plaiting in the centre the necessity for springs and weights is obviated.
Another improvement consists in carrying the braid down through the
centre of the machine, which is advantageous inasmuch as the rubbing of the
threads is avoided. When round work is being made, a tube is used as a
guide, having a bell-mouth, upon the edge of which the threads work, and are
guided in a more uniform manner than when left to the motion of the "dolls."
It is further proposed to use needles having an eye in the end in the direc-
tion of their length, or otherwise, for introducing a thread for the better
forming of the edge or selvage of flat braid. In some cases it is proposed to
use a central bell-mouthed guide both at the top and bottom of the machine,
the bottom one serving to equalize the cord to be covered or plaited upon, the
cord passing tightly through this guide so as to present a uniform surface for
the plaiting to be formed upon. This Invention embraces also a novel system
of feed rollers, consisting of a cone having a toothed wheel at each grade, and
working in combination with a pressing roller provided with a corresponding
toothed wheel. By moving or adjusting the cone longitudinally the speed of
the feed may be regulated at pleasure. It is also proposed to use a stop
motion having its axis working in the centre of the machine, and detaching
by the motion of the inner circle of spindles or centre plate.
Another part of the Invention relates to a mode of making three square or
sided braid by means of bobbins, the course of which is in the direction
indicated by the sketch, thus,-
puisu
by the said John Henry Johnson in the Great Seal Patent Office on
the 28th July 1863.
0 TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JOHN
HENRY JOHNSON, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the County of Middlesex,
and of 166, Buchanan Street, in the City of Glasgow, North Britain, Gentle-
man, send greeting.

page_text: WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Twenty-eighth day of January, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, in the twenty-sixth year of
Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me,
the said John Henry Johnson, Her special license that I, the said John
Henry Johnson, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others
as I, the said John Henry Johnson, my executors, administrators, or
assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time and
at all times thereafter 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 THE MANUFACTURE OF BRAID, AND IN MACHINERY OR
APPARATUS EMPLOYED THEREIN," a communication to me from abroad by Thomas
James Sloan, of Paris, in the Empire of France, Engineer, upon the condition
(amongst others) that I, the said John Henry Johnson, my executors oradmini-
strators, by an instrument in writing under my hand and seal, or under the
hand and seal of one of them, 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 John Henry Johnson, do hereby
declare the nature of the 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 accompanying Drawings, and
to the letters and figures marked thereon, that is to say :-
The said Invention relates, first, to an improved manufacture of flat braid,
and consists in making such braid with the borders or selvages thinner than
the body or central portion thereof.
The second part of this Invention relates to certain peculiar constructions
and combinations of parts of braiding machines whereby their productive
powers are greatly increased, whilst the work executed is superior to that
produced in ordinary braiding machines.
According to this part of the Invention it is proposed to make the spindles
or bobbin carriers in such a manner as to admit of the bobbins being easily
lifted off with such partsas hold the threads in their different directionswithout
disturbing such threads, whereby facility is afforded for changing a deranged
bobbin by simply replacing it by one in perfect order.
In carrying out this part of the Invention the spindle which supports the

page_text: bobbin is cast in one piece with the slide which travels along the guiding
grooves of the plate. The bobbin is not fitted directly on to the spindle itself,
but is carried by a tubular support, which is in turn supported by a second
tube fitted on the spindle, the spindle being cranked or bent to one side, so as
to admit of the centre of the bobbin being nearly over the centre of the
sliding piece, which in this arrangement is not removed from its grooves when
removing or changing the bobbin. The spring for giving tension to the thread
is contained inside the bobbin, and guide eyes for the thread are fitted to the
tubular part which passes on to the spindle; this tube also carries a weight
for acting upon the stop motion when the thread breaks or terminates. A
guide eye is also formed on the upper end of the tube upon which the bobbin
is placed, the whole being readily removable from the spindle when requisite.
It is simply necessary to have a number of bobbins ready prepared, so that
on the breaking of a thread the defective bobbin can be removed, and a
perfect one replaced, having its thread ready passed through the guide eyes,
consequently the loss of time incurred in the ordinary system is obviated.
It is also proposed to plait in the centre of the machine in lieu of eccen-
trically thereto, as is the case when the ordinary drawing-off arrangement is
employed, which must be placed out of the centre of the machine. In the
improved machine the several threads are passed up through a central
circular aperture large enough to admit of the braid passing easily through it.
In forming the edge of the braid rotating "beaters" or needles are used, and
i: some cases both needles and "beaters" are employed. By this system of
plaiting in the centre the necessity for springs and weights is obviated.
is also proposed to use a stop motion, having its axis working in the centre of
the machine, and detaching by the motion of the inner circle of spindles or
cenire plate.
It
Figure 1 of the Drawings represents a side elevation of an improved
braiding machine complete; Figure 2 is a transverse vertical section of the
same; Figure 3 is a plan of the machine shown in different horizontal
sections, in order that its construction and arrangement may be more easily
understood; and Figure 4 represents a full-sized sectional elevation of one of
the improved bobbin carriers.
The base A of the machine is cast in one piece with the upper part or
"crown" A', upon which are screwed the plates p, the combination of which
constitutes the grooved or slotted plate l', and in these grooves or slots, which
are of a peculiar form, traveise the bobbin carriers. The dimensions of
this machine admit of the employment of fifty-three bobbins, which are
driven or actuated by means of the arms C, cast on the bosses of the spur

page_text: pinions B, of which there are twenty-six, but these numbers may be obviously
varied, according to the size of the machine. Each of the bobbin carriers
consists of a spindle 61 (see Figures 4 and 7), cast in one piece with a slide b
and projection or tail piece b, which gears with the arms C. The slide b
(shown in horizontal section at Figure 5) is constructed in this manner, in
order that it may readily follow the grooves or slots P at the parts p1, where
the crossing of the bobbins takes place. A boss or projection a, also cast on
the bobbin carrier or slide, serves to centre the support S of the bobbin,
which is fitted by means of the tube S' on to the spindle b. The tubes, in
one piece with the support S, serves to centre the bobbin X, and encloses the
spring R, which should always maintain the proper tension of the bobbin
thread; this thread x, which leaves the bobbin in order to be crossed by
the other threads, and thus form the braid, passes successively through the
guide eyes 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.
A hinged arm or lever Q enters the notches
made in the top of the bobbin tube s, and rises at the proper periods to admit
of the rotation of the bobbin. The tension of the spring R, which prevents
the slackening of the thread, may be graduated or varied by means of the
hollow screw sl screwed into the bottom of the central tubes. The weight T,
which brings the stop motion into action when a thread breaks, slides along
the tube S'.
Figures 8 and 9 represent another arrangement of bobbin carrier. It
consists of a slide b, which traverses the grooves or slots of the plate, and of a
tube t in one piece with such slide, and upon which is mounted the bobbin B.
A second and internal tube t', which is removed at the same time with the
bobbin, carries a bracket a, in which are made the guide holes x and y for the
thread. The hinged arm or lever A is also mounted upon this bracket. The
tension of the thread is regulated by the spring, one end of which is attached
to the movable part or collar m, screwed into the tube t', whilst the other
end is connected to the central rod d of the stop mechanism. This rod d
passes through the projection or tail 61, and when a thread breaks comes in
contact with the teeth y on the "crown" Y. In the regular working of the
machine this rod is maintained elevated by the thread, which is kept in a
state of tension by the spring; so soon as a thread breaks, its spring draws the
rod downwards, so that it will strike against one or other of the teeth in the
"crown" Y, and thereby cause the instant stoppage of the machine. This
arrangement of bobbin and bobbin carrier, which is more simple than the one
previously described, offers nevertheless the same advantages, as the bobbin can
be readily removed when a thread is broken, and replaced by another in ready
working order. Upon the axes of the two extreme sets of rotating arms C¹

page_text: are fitted the "needles" D and D', which serve to guide the threads x in
forming the selvages of the flat braid, which selvages are rather thinner than
the body of the braid or centre part thereof. On referring to Figure 1, it will
be seen by the blue lines that the application of the "beaters" B and B¹
does not in any way alter the general construction of the machine. These
"beaters," consisting of a number of radial arms b, slightly curved at their
ends, may be carried by the cross bar F, and in a direction corresponding to the
fourth bobbin from the centre, round which is accomplished the change in the
direction of the grooves or slots of the plate. This position is necessary for
the formation of selvages. As fast as the arms b rotate, they each in suc-
cession penetrate between each of the threads, so as to preserve their proper
distance, and prevent them mingling with one another until they arrive at
the point corresponding to the crossing, that is to say, at the lower part of
the central tube U. The curved end of each arm 6 thus bears upon the
crossed part in such a manner as to tighten or render more close such
crossing, much in the same way that the slay of a loom beats up the weft
just thrown in by the shuttle close to the woven part of the fabric. The
driving of these "beaters" may be effected by any well known or con-
venient arrangement of mechanism actuated from the machine itself. In
order to close up or tighten the threads at such crossing, I reserve to myself
the right of using "beaters" of small diameter placed between each of the
several threads. The speed of rotation of these small "beaters" will be such
that several strokes may be made at each crossing of the threads. Upon the
lugs a', cast upon the base of the machine, are bolted the two sides of the
upper framing E, which sides unite above and support the reel M, upon which
the braid is covered as fast as it is manufactured. The cross bar F, which is
bolted to projections on the inner sides of the upright supports E, E, carries a
tube U terminated by a conical part, and through which all the thread x pass
In these supports E is also mounted the axis or driving shaft G, which carries
a roller h, against which roller two other rollers or antifriction pullies h¹ bear.
The combination of these rollers, which are each driven from the other by
spur pinions cast thereon, serves to draw off or take up the braid as fast as it is
made. The grooved cam puilies g, fixed on the shaft G, drive the small pulley
g, carried on the spindle m² of the reel. The shaft G is driven by means of
the worm wheel I, which gears into the endless screw Jon the vertical shaft K.
At the lower end of the shaft K is keyed the spur wheel k, which drives the
series of spur pinions B, by gearing with one of them. A winch handle N may
be fitted to the shaft K, whereby it may be rotated in either direction by hand,
but steam or other power may obviously be employed if preferred. The starting

page_text: and stopping gear, shewn in plan at Figure 3, and projected inside elevation in
Figure 6, has for its object the avoidance of the causes of breakage of the
threads, by enabling the machine to stop itself automatically so soon as the
slightest shock or derangement occurs.
This apparatus consists of a spur wheel L, which gears with the wheel k, and
is mounted by means of a barrel spring upon a wheel L2, identically the same
which gears with a pinion L1, keyed on an axis 4, which descends below the
table supporting the machine, in order to receive (by the aid of bevel wheels)
motion from a longitudinal driving shaft beneath. This longitudinal shaft
serves also to drive at the same time a second braiding machine, mounted
upon the same table as the first. The wheels L2 and L are both mounted
upon a lever O, which turns on the axis l', and is provided at its extremity
with a handle and a curved branch, against which latter presses a rod o,
forming a spring. This rod o, which is curved upwards, is retained in a
notch in the end of the lever V, working on a centre in the main
part A of the machine. The wheels B, K, and L, turning in the direc-
tions indicated by the arrows, the least shock or momentary stoppage in the
working of the machine is transmitted by the teeth of the wheel K. to
those of the wheel L, which tightens the barrel spring in such a
manner as to cause the displacement of the lever 0 to the left or
right. This lever which carries a projection o¹, causes it to act upon the
inclined portion of the lever V so as to disengage the rod o, and thereby
liberate completely the lever O, which on moving round the axis throws
out of gear the teeth of the wheels K and I. The red lines in Figure 3
show that the lever O might be curved or bent, thereby shortening the lever V,
which in some cases would be advantageous.
One of the most important features of this Invention consists of a stop
mechanism, which instantly stops the machine on the breaking of any one of
the several threads. This mechanism is composed of a thin circular rim Y,
having a number of projections or teeth y formed on its periphery above the
plate P, but inclining downwards on to the surface of that plate at their
extremities. This rim Y is mounted on the upper end of an axis passing
through the central boss of the machine, and descending below the same
where it carries a cross bar Y¹, to each end of which are connected the
chains y', attached to the end of the lever V. This rim Y may be moved
within certain determined limits, a notch n being made in its circumference
for that purpose, in which notch is passed a pin n¹, fixed to the main part of
the machine. This displacement of the rim in one direction or the other on
its centre imparts an oscillating motion to the cross bar Y', which pulls by cne

page_text: or other of its extremities the lever V, causing it to turn on its centre, and
disengage the rod o from the notch v1 (see Figure 3). Should any of the
threads x break the weight T, which maintains the tension of the thread,
instantly descends by its own gravity, and catches against one or other of the
teeth or projectionsy, and being carried round with the bobbin carrier it causes
the rim Y to turn slightly on its centre, which, through the cross bar Y' and
chains y, acts upon the stop lever V, and stops the machine. The attendant
then removes the defective bobbin from its carrier, which when the bobbin is
removed presents the appearance shewn in Figure 7, and replaces it by a
fresh bobbin all ready mounted, of which he ought always to have a supply on
hand ready for use. As there is consequently no longer any necessity for
removing and replacing the bobbin carrier itself, an operation which requires
some time in the ordinary braiding machines, a considerable saving of time is
effected by using this mode of nounting the bobbins, and consequently the
productive powers of the machine are considerably increased. The attendant
at his leisure passes the thread through the several guide eyes, and the bobbin
is therefore in a perfect state ready for the machine when required. The
threads which interweave with each other by the movements of the bobbins
are maintained for a certain time upon the two needles D and D', which
permits of the selvages or borders being made thinner than the body of the
braid. All these threadsare passed into the tube U, upon the lower circum-
ference of which they cross each other or form the braid, which issues in the
form of a cylinder, but assumes its flat shape some distance above the tube.
This flat braid is drawn upwards by the roller and h¹ those mounted on the
ends of blade springs, and passes thence direct to the reel M, upon which it
is wound. This reel, as well as being very simple, dispenses moreover with a
considerable amount of hand labour, for in the ordinary machines the braid is
wound upon a beam, whence it is requisite to rewind it into determined lengths
upon rollers ready for the market. Now this latter operation is entirely
dispensed with by the use of the reel M, which consists of two open plates or
discs, one of which is moveable on the axis m¹. To remove it a nut is un-
screwed, whereupon the roller m may be introduced on to or removed from the
spindle the roller serving as the holder for the braid. When the proper length
of braid has been wound on to the roller m, all that is requisite is to remove
one of the sides of the reel, and to take off the roll of braid, replacing it by an
empty roller m.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of the said
Invention, and the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried
into effect, I would observe, in conclusion, that what I consider to be novel and

page_text: original and therefore claim as the Invention secured to me by the herein-
before recited Letters Patent, is,―
1st, the general construction and arrangement of machinery or apparatus
for making braid as herein-before described and illustrated by the Drawings.
2nd, the mode of mounting the bobbins of braiding machines upon the
bobbin carriers or spindles substantially as herein-before described and illus-
trated by the Drawings.
3d, the application and use of the central tube through which the several
threads pass, and of which the lower part serves to limit the crossing of the
threads in making the braid, as herein-before described.
4th, the application and use of the two needles which compel the threads
to take a certain direction requisite for making braid with selvages thinner
than the body or central part, in combination or not with the "beaters" or
revolving arms, as herein before described and illustrated by the Drawings.
5th, the peculiar self-acting stop mechanism which arrests the working of
the machine on the breaking of a thread or when any sudden shock occurs
in the working which would have a tendency to break the threads, as herein-
before described.
6th, the peculiar form and arrangement of the bobbin, grooves, or slots as
herein-before described.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Henry Johnson, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, this Twenty-eighth day of July, in the year
of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-three.
J. HENRY JOHNSON. (L.s.)