Improvements in Machines for Pressing and Steaming Cloth and other Textile Materials.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 26th Feb., 1890-Accepted, 28th June, 1840
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
[Communicated from abroad by DAVID GESSNER, of Lincoln House, No. 3, Elm
Street, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America, Manufacturer.]
Improvements in Machines for Pressing and Steaming Cloth and
other Textile Materials.
I, HENRY HARRIS LAKE, of the firm of Haseltine Lake & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, in the County of Middlesex do hereby declare the nature
of this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
The object of the present invention is to provide mechanism for pressing and
steaming cloth which shall be durable in construction, effective in operation and
easy of adjustment.
In the accompanying drawings
Figures 1 and 2 are cross sections of the machine viewed respectively from
opposite ends. Figure 1 showing the pressure released and Figure 2 showing the
pressure being exerted by the bed plates.
Figure 3 is a cross, section showing the dismemberment of the machine to the
extent necessary for the removal of the main cylinder.
Figures 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 are details.
Figures 11 to 19 inclusive illustrate a modification of my improved pressing
machine; Figure 11 being a cross section of the machine in position for operation.
Figure 12 a cross section of the machine in position for the removal of the cylinder.
Figure 13 a cross section showing a modification form in position for operation.
Figure 14 a cross section showing the same modified form with the pressure removed.
Figures 15, 16 and 17 are details of the modification. Figure 13 is a detail of both
forms shown and Figure 19 is a detail showing a modified arrangement of the spring
which may be preferred when the most powerful presses are preferred.
Figure 20 is a cross section of my improved steamer.
Figure 21 shows a top view of the frames 6 and 7 detached by which the cover is
held in place on the steamer and
Figure 22 is a bottom view of the same.
A is the frame of the machine. B and B are two bed plates one arranged on each
side of the cylinder C.
b is a stay-rod which is connected with opposite ends of the bed plate and
between which and the back of the bed plate at the middle is arranged an adjustable
piece xx operated by a screw so as to prevent the bed plate froin springing away
from the cylinder at its middle. D D D D are carriages to which the bed plates are
journalled and which are constructed so as to rest and move upon the slides E E E E.
F F are two three-armed levers one of which is mounted upon each journal of the
cylinder C. Each of the long arms of these levers is operated by a toggle joint H
hinged at one end to the base of the machine or upon the floor. K is a shaft to
which the members of the toggle joint are pivotally connected by means of a sleeve
disposed at or near the ends of said shaft. The upper member of the toggle joint is
pivotally connected to a shaft or rod secured at either end to the long arms of the
lever. The shaft K may be screw threaded at each end at opposite pitches and the
sleeves by which it is connected to the toggle joints may be similarly threaded to
engage it, so that when said shaft is rotated the toggle joints will be moved together
whereby the long arms of the levers will be elevated.
K is a bearing bracket secured to the side of the machine and having upwardly
extending bearing surfaces. The office of this bracket is to hold the shaft K in
adjustment during the operation of the toggle joints.

page_text: The short arms of the levers F F are respectively connected with the ends of the
bed plates B B by the adjustable rods G G G G. The journals of the cylinder C rest
upon upward extensions of the frame A and are held in place by the removable
caps A¹ A'.
The cloth enters the at one side and passes under the bar a which, as shown in
Figure 1, is mounted upon the extremity of an arm a¹ whose angle of inclination
is adjustable by means of the screw gearing b, . By varying the angle of this
arm the cloth may be pressed against the brush c. e is a bar mounted upon the
extremity of an arm e by varying the angle of which the cloth may be held against
the brush, beneath which is located the flock receptacle g.. The cloth next passes
over the guide roller and the steamer i and under the guide roller; and over the
stretcher k to the bed plate B. The stretcher k is mounted as shown upon the bed
plate B. After passing between the bed plate B and the cylinder the cloth passes
away from the cylinder and around the rollers l, m, n, and over the steamer o which
is located within the loop of the cloth, and around the guide roller p to the bed
plate B'. In thus passing away from the cylinder, the cloth is cooled more or less
and by the action of the steamer o loses on the side next the cylinder some of the
lustre which was received under the pressure of the bed plate B. After passing
under the pressure of the bed plate B', the cloth passes around the guide roller q
over the steamer r and around the guide rollers s, t, and v to the folder w and
hence out of the machine. Sometimes I prefer to omit the last steaming and in
such case the cloth passes as shown in dotted lines, from the bed plate B₁ over the
roller u to the roller v mounted upon the upright arm or stand A₁ and thence as
before.
Where the steamer r is employed, it will serve to reduce somewhat the lustre
produced by the pressure of the bed plate B₁ and to improve the cloth. The
steamers o and are so constructed that the steam escapes therefrom through a
covering o¹ and ¹, of felt or other textile material which, though not shown in the
drawings are actually in contact with the cloth, will be forced up against the cloth by
the force of the passing steam and thus contact will be maintained between the two.
The construction of the carriages 1) and their combination with the slides E are
more particularly shown in Figure 4. The slide is here represented as adjustably
secured in a vertical direction to the frame A by bolts e¹ el passing through slots
in the lugs e² of the slide E. By this means the slide E may be raised or lowered
and be made level or inclined as required. This adjustment is still further facilitated
by the set screws e³ ³ forming a threaded connection with the frame, and bearing
against the under side of the slide E. A section of this arrangement for adjustment
is shown in Figure 7. The carriage D and the slides E form a tongue and groove
connection as shown in Figures 4 and 7.
In Figures 1. 2. 3I have shown the bed B' as being provided only with slides below
its bearings but in practice I may provide it also with slides above to prevent any
tendency to lift off the lower slides.
A³ in Figure 4 is the top slide. It is fastened at one end by bolt y which also holds
down the cap A¹ of the cylinder hearing, while the opposite end of A³ rests against a
projection or nose of the upright stand A4 to which it is further fastened by the
bolt x.
The upright stand A4 which is made of two parts, is connected to the main
frame by the bolt y'. z is a key planed on both sides and fastened to the top of the
carriage D and is used merely as a means of adjustment for fitting the carriage D
conveniently between the top slide A³ and lower slide E.
The journal 63 of the bed plate has its bearings in the carriage so as to permit of
the oscillation of each bed plate on its two carriages. To limit the extent of this
oscillation a stop c¹ is secured to the bed plate as shown in Figures 4 and 7 and bears
against the point of a set screw c² threaded in a lug projecting from the carriage D.
Since the centre of gravity on the bed plate is in such position as to give it a
tendency to fall forward at the top toward the cylinder, the adjustments of the set
screws c² will determine the position which the bed plate occupied on its bearings.

page_text: The arrangement for supporting the steamer is more particularly shown in
Figures 5 and 6 which represent the mechanism employed at each end of the steamer.
A² is a supplemental frame, mounted upon the cap A', and which is of the form shown
in Figure 6, adapted to contain the journals of the rollers q, s, t. f¹ is a slide adapted
to support one end of the steamer and adjustably secured in a vertical direction to the
supplemental frame A² by the bolt ƒ passing through a slot in the slide f¹. The slide
rests upon the point of a set screw f3 which is threaded in a lug or seat on the
supplemental frame. By this means the steamer r may be set up to the cloth to any
extent desired.
In Figures 8, 9 and 10 is illustrated more particularly the mechanism by which the
edges of the sheet metal facings for the bed plates are prevented from springing up
away from the surfaces of the bed plates. This consists of two pieces g¹ 9² with their
faces curved to correspond with the curvature of the sheet metal facing when in
contact with the bed plate. These pieces form a radially sliding connection with
the collar mounted concentrically with the journal of the cylinder. The curved
pieces g² are forced outward with a yielding pressure from the collar g³ by the coil
springs g. The collar ³ is formed in two parts connected together as shown in
Figure 8 by the bolts g³, 9°.
One of the great advantages afforded by this machine is the facility which it affords
for the removal of the cylinder and the obtaining of access to the surfaces of the
cylinder and bed plates. The means of accomplishing this is illustrated in Figure 3
and it consists principally in disconnecting the upper ends of the toggle joints from
the long arms of the levers F, then removing the caps A' and supplemental frames A²
and top slides A³ respectively, and the levers F; thus disconnecting the two bed
plates and enabling them to be slid back to the extremities of the slides E. The
bearing surfaces of the cylinder and bed plates are then readily accessible and the
cylinder may be lifted bodily out of the machine without further disturbing the other
parts as indicated in Figure 3.
Turning now to the modification of my improvement illustrated in Figures 11 to 19,
it will be understood that although Figures 11, 12, 13 and 14 show only the frame at
one end of the machine it is duplicated at the opposite end thereof. It will be
sufficient however, to describe the arrangement at one end of the machine as the same
is shown.
a² is the stationary frame upon which the cylinder is journalled; 64 65 are two
movable frames each of which is pivoted at the bottom as at c* c respectively. Upon
each of these frames, one of the bed plates d. d' is mounted and when the frames are
tilted forward as shown in Figure 11, the faces of these bed plates embrace the
cloth e passing between them and the cylinder. When the frames 6 and 4 are tilted
backward as shown in Figure 12, their backward movement is stayed by the set
screws which act as stops for that purpose. When the frames 64 and 6 are
tilted forward so as to produce pressure upon the cloth, the pressure is intensified by
the rod 9 interposed between the tops of the two frames 6 and 65, said rod being not
only a medium of exerting pressure, but also if coiled into the springs 97, 98, will give
that pressure a yielding character. It is however, not always essential that the rod
should be made in the form of a spring. This rod projects through the top of each
of the frames and and one end outside of the frame is provided with the nut h¹
and the check nut 2. The nut h enables a relative adjustment to be made on the
rods at the two ends of the machine so as to bring the surfaces of the bed plates
parallel with the surface of the cylinder and produce the same pressure upon one end
of the cylinder as upon the other. These nuts being once adjusted do not require to
be changed even when the parts are disconnected as hereinafter described for the
purpose of removing the cylinder.
2 is a collar surrounding the rod 96, which collar is pivoted to the frame b
at 3. This collar is between the nut h and the surface of the frame 6. Adjoining
the collar, the rod 96 rests in a slot extending downward from the top of the
frame and enabling the rod 96 to be lifted upward from the position shown in

page_text: Figures 11, to the position shown in Figure 12 where it is swung back on the
pivot as a hinge. The rod 96 near its opposite end rests in a similar slot in
the top of the frame 65 so that it may be freely lifted upward and swung back
from the position shown in Figure 11 to the position shown in Figure 12. The
extremity of the rod projecting beyond the frame 6 is, in the modification, shown in
Figures 11 and 12, screw threaded, and upon this screw thread is mounted a worm
gear which is actuated by the worm shaft k¹ upon which worm shaft is mounted a
hand wheel 12.
When the machine is in condition for pressing, the collar, connected with the
worm gear rests against the face of the frame under the overhanging lip m¹
which acts to prevent the rod from accidentally escaping from the slot in the top of
the frame. In this position the pressure upon the two frames 6 and 66 is exerted
between the collars 2 and 1 and is caused by the tightening of the worm gear j² upon
the screw thread.
When it is desired to release the pressure, the turning back ward of the worm
gear will accomplish it and then if it desired to remove the rod go from the position
in which it obstructs the removal of the cylinder, the worm gear is screwed back-
ward far enough to permit the operator to disengage the collar from the lip m¹ and
swing the rod upward and backward into the position shown in figure 12. At
the same time the frames and are tilted backward until they rest against the set
screws f³ and f and in this position nothing is required for the removal of the
cylinder excepting the removal of the journal cap n' and the corresponding cap at the
opposite end of the machine.
In the modification shown in Figures 13 and 14, the pivoted collar is omitted
so that the rod 9 will be lifted bodily out of the slots in the tops of the frames 1
and . In lieu of having the worin gear screw threaded on the rod go, it is
mounted loosely upon the same. The inverse cams 02 03 are fixed respectively to the
worm gear and the rod go so that when the worm gear jis turned forward it will
move the cams from the relative position shown in Figures 14 and 16 to the relative
position shewn in Figures 13 and 15. The surfaces of these cams are given such a
pitch that a half revolution of the worm gear will produce sufficient tightening of
the rod 96 for the production of the maximum pressure upon the cylinder; and
when the cams are in the position shown in Figures 14 and 16, the collar 2 may be
disengaged by the operator from the lip and the nut can be disengaged from
the lip m² enabling the rod gs to be lifted bodily out of the slots in the frames and b
so as to no longer obstruct the removal of the cylinder.
In the modification shown in Figure 19, the spring instead of being thrust between
the frames and 65 is located at 9 outside of one of the uprights and between it and
the nut h¹.
In figures 13 and 14 is shown an arrangement for maintaining the position of the
bed plates as the frames and are tilted backwards. This consists of the slides p¹
and p2 upon the upper surfaces of which the lower edges of the bed plates respectively
rest. The upper surfaces of these slides are arranged substantially parallel to the
path in which the centres of the bel plates move as the frames 6 and 65 are tilted
backwards so that the lower edges of the bed plates will slide backwards upon these
slides and they will serve as rests for the bed plates in whatsoever position they may
be held by the frame 6 and 65.
Between the main frame a² and the frame b is interposed a spring g' and likewise
between the frame a² and the frame 65 is interposed a spring q². The object of these
springs is to produce a backward pressure on each of the frames 4 and 5 so as to
cause them to follow up the release of the pressure by the worm gear ¹ to such
a distance as to actually release the cloth from pressure as is shown in Figure 14.
I have shown the rod 96 as resting in a slot on the top of each of the
frames 6, 6, but it is obvious that this might be omitted on the top of the
frame providing the collar and its pivot should be made strong enough to
bear the strain without the assistance of the top portion of the frame b*.

page_text: I have shown vertical slots in the uprights to receive the rods but I do not
desire to limit myself to this direction of the slots nor do I desire to limit myself
in any other manner to the particular forms of mechanism shown.
I will now describe my improved steaming box illustrated in Figures 20, 21
and 22 of the drawings.
4 is an oblong trough of usual construction which is traversed by the pipe 11
supplied with steam from the pipe 10 through the connecting pipe 13. The pipe 11
has a series of holes in its upper side for the escape of steam which is free from water
by being dashed against the deflector, 12 before it begins to fill the interior of the
steamer from which it can only escape through the cover 8 of felt or other fibrous
material. 5 is a ledge which extends all around the outside of the trough 4,
being provided with a seat 14 for the frame 6 which is encircled by the upturned
lip 15.
Between the rest 14 and the body of the steamer 4 is a recess 16 extending all the
way round the steamer. 6 is an iron frame adapted to extend all the way round the
steamer and rest at its outer edges upon the rest 14. Its inner edge overhangs
the recess 16 as shown in Figure 1 and the frame is of sufficient size so as to leave a
space 17 between its inner edge and the side of the steamer. A handle 9 is arranged
at each end of this frame 6 to provide for lifting the same off the steamer.
A slight
rebate is formed on the under side of the frame 6 adjacent to its inner edge at 18, to
receive the upper portion of the frame 7. The frame 7 I prefer to construct of
wood having its under side rounding as shown and its upper side adapted to fit in the
rebate 18 of the frame 6. The two frames will be preferably fastened together by any
suitable means.
19 is a device for securing the edges of the fibrous material 8 to the frame 7.
I prefer to construct this device in the form of a series of pins, as shown inclining
downward and outward, but I do not desire to limit myself to this form since
other forms of device will readily suggest themselves performing practically the
same function. Thus, the edges of the cover might be simply clamped between the
frames 6 and 7.
In starting up the steamer the portions nearest the steam pipes will be heated
soonest and for a considerable time water will condense on the comparatively cold
frame 6 and ledge 5 which would injure cloth if allowed to drip thereon. The lip 15
will tend to turn this water into the recess 16 where it will be held until the parts
become hot enough to evaporate it. If any water should form on the outside of the
ledge the curved contour of the same shown in the drawing will cause it to run down
the outside surface of the steamer without dripping off until it reaches the lower hot
portions of the steamer where it will dry up without dripping off.
To apply the covering of fibrous material 8 to the steamer, its edges are impaled
upon the pins 19 of the frame 7 as the frames are separate from the steamer; then
the frames carrying the fibrous material are placed upon the steamer in the position
already described. The frame 6 is preferably heavy enough so that its weight will
stretch the fibrous material 8 tightly across the top of the steamer.
The utility of this device is that while it is efficient in causing the cover of fibrous
material to fit snugly and tightly on the top of the steamer it is of such a character
also that the cover may be removed and replaced without difficulty.
Heretofore, especially where steamers were in such position on a machine as not
to be accessible on all sides, it has been necessary to remove the steamer bodily
from the machine before the cover thereof could be removed or replaced and even
then it generally required the assistance of two men for the purpose. By my
construction however it is only necessary in any case to remove the top frames for
the purpose of applying or replacing the fibrous cover, no matter what may be the
position of the steamer and this may also be readily accomplished by one person and
in much less time than was heretofore necessary.
I do not intend to limit myself to the details of construction shown, since I am
aware that they may be varied to a considerable extent without departing from the
principle of my invention.

page_text: Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is
First. In combination, the cylinder, the two bed plates arranged horizontally, the
two levers journalled at opposite ends of the cylinder, connections between each lever
and each bed plate, a carriage journalled to each end of each bed plate and a slide
whereon each of said carriages is supported, substantially as described.
Second. In a cloth pressing machine in combination, the cylinder, the two bed
plates, the two three-armed levers journalled at opposite ends of the cylinder,
connections between one arm of each lever and each bed plate, carriages to which
the bed plates are journalled, slides upon which the carriages are mounted and
mechanism whereby power is applied to the third arms of said lever, substantially
as described.
Third. In combination, the cylinder, a bed plate, the frame of the machine provided
with bearings for the cylinder, the slides for the bed plate, carriages located on said
slides and means of vertical adjustment between said slides and the frame, substantially
as described.
Fourth. In combination, the cylinder and the two co-operating bed plates, the
guiders by which the cloth is conducted away from the cylinder between its pressures
by said bed plates, a steamer by which the cloth is treated between the pressures of
the bed plates and a steamer by which the cloth is treated after passing from the
pressure of the second bed plate, substantially as described.
Fifth. In a cloth pressing machine, in combination, the frame, the cylinder, a bed
plate, a slide separate from the frame at each end of the bed plate and separate of
vertical adjustment at opposite ends of the slides whereby the inclination and elevation
of the same may be adjusted, substantially as described.
Sixth. In a cloth pressing machine, in combination the frame, the cylinder having
journals, a carriage for each journal, a bed plate, a slide separate from the frame at
each end of the bed plate, means of vertical adjustment for the slides, and a stop
whereby the movement of the bed plate on its carriage is stayed, substantially as
described.
Seventh. In a cloth pressing machine, in combination, the cylinder, the main frame
having bearings for the cylinder journals, the caps of the said bearings and a supple-
mental frame mounted on each of said caps, substantially as described.
Eighth. In a cloth pressing machine, in combination, the cylinder, a bed plate,
sheet metal facing of said bed plate, the piece g¹ bearing against said facing, the
collar 9 made in two parts and means for connecting said two parts together,
substantially as described.
Ninth. In a cloth pressing machine, in combination, a cylinder, two bed plates, a
sheet metal facing for each bed plate, the pieces g¹ g2 bearing, one against each facing,
and the collar 93 made in two parts and combining said two parts together,
substantially as described.
Tenth. In a cloth pressing machine, in combination a cylinder, two. bed plates, a
steamer arranged along the path of the cloth as it passes from one bed plate to the
other on the side of the cloth presented to the cylinder, and a steamer arranged along
the path of the cloth as it approaches the first bed plate on the side of the cloth to be
presented to the bed plate, substantially as described.
Eleventh. In a cloth pressing machine, in combination, a cylinder, two bed plates,
a steamer arranged along the path of the cloth as it passes from one bed plate to the
other, on the side of the cloth presented to the cylinder and a steamer arranged along
the path of the cloth after it leaves the last bed plate on the side of the cloth presented
to the cylinder, substantially as described.
Twelfth. In combination the cylinder, the bed plates, two pairs of uprights
respectively carrying the opposite ends of the bed plates, rods crossing from one
upright to the other above the cylinder, a worm shaft actuating worm gears on both
rods whereby the pressure is applied and released, an independent means of adjust-
ment for each rod, and means of connection between the rods and their respective

page_text: pairs of uprights permitting of disconnection and reconnection without disturbing the
relative adjustment of the two rods, substantially as described.
Thirteenth. In combination the cylinder, the bed plates, two pairs of uprights
respectively carrying the opposite ends of the bed plates, rods crossing from one
upright to the other of each pair and means of connection between the rods and the
respective pairs of uprights permitting of lateral disconnection, substantially as
described.
Fourteenth. In combination, the cylinder, the bed plates, the uprights supporting
the bed plates, the rods connecting the uprights on one side of the cylinder with those
on the other and the cams whereby the rods are caused to draw the uprights toward
one another, substantially as described.
Fifteenth. In combination, the cylinder, the bel plates, the uprights supporting
the bed plates, the rods connecting the uprights on one side of the cylinder with those
on the other said uprights being provided with open slots to receive the rods,
substantially as described.
Sixteenth. In combination, the cylinder, the bed plate, the uprights supporting the
bed plates, the rods connecting the uprights on one side of the cylinder with those on
the other; saids rods lying in slots at one end and being hinged at the opposite end,
substantially as described."
Seventeenth. In combination the cylinder, the bod plates, the uprights, supporting
the bed plates, the journals by which the bed plates are mounted on the uprights and
the slides upon which the bed plates rest as they are moved back from the cylinder,
substantially as described.
Eighteenth. In combination the cylinder, the frame supporting the same, the bed
plates, the uprights supporting the bed plates, and springs interposed between the
frame and the uprights which tend to relieve the pressure of the bed plates,
substantially as described.
Nineteenth. In combination with a steamer, a removable frame by which the edge
of the fibrous covering is secured, substantially as described.
Twentieth. In combination with a steamer provided with a surrounding ledge, a
frame adapted to rest upon said ledge, by which the edge of the fibrous covering is
secured, substantially as described.
Twenty first. In combination with a steamer, a frame and a securing device adapted
to be held downward by said frame whereby the edge of the fibrous covering of the
steamer is held, substantially as described.
Twenty second. In combination, a steamer, two frames and a securing device
adapted for securing the edge of the fibrous covering, substantially as described.
Twenty third. In combination, a steamer, a fibrous covering for the same and a
heavy frame adapted to press downward upon the edge of the fibrous covering, and
draw the same taut, substantially as described.
Twenty fourth. In combination with a steamer, a fibrous covering for the same, and
a heavy frame connected with the edges of the covering on each of its four sides,
whereby it is drawn taut, substantially as described.
Twenty fifth. In combination, a steamer, a fibrous covering a frame adapted to be
suspended by the edge of said fibrous covering and a second frame resting thereon,
substantially as described.
Twenty sixth. In combination, a steamer, a fibrous covering therefor, a frame
adapted to be suspended thereby, attaching devices whereby the edges of the fibrous
material are secured to said frame and a second frame adapted to rest upon the first,
substantially as described.
Twenty seventh. In combination, a steamer, a ledge surrounding the same, a rest
provided on said ledge, a recess provided within said rest, an attaching device adapted
to hold the edge of the fibrous cover within said recess and a frame adapted to rest.
upon said ledge and hold said attaching device down into said recess, substantially as
described.
Twenty eighth. In combination with the steamer, the ledge surrounding the same

page_text: and the lip whereby the water of condensation is intercepted, substantially as
described.
Twenty ninih. In combination with the steamer, the ledge surrounding the same,
provided with a rounded contour dying into the contour of the steamer, whereby the
water of condensation is caused to run down into the hot portion of the steamer
without dripping off, substantially as described.
Thirtieth. In combination with a steamer, a removable frame by which the edge
of the fibrous covering is secured, said frame being provided with handles,
substantially as described.
Dated this 26th day of February 1890.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, Agents for the Applicant.