IMPROVEMENTS IN METHOD OF AND MEANS FOR DRAWING, ANNEALING, AND PICKLING WIRE, AND FOR FEEDING WIRE TO A ZINC-COATING PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION
Year: 1882

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Henry Roberts, Engineer, of Pittsburgh, in the County of
Allegheny and State of Pennsylvania, one of the United States of America for
an Invention of IMPROVEMENTS IN METHOD OF AND MEANS FOR DRAWING,
ANNEALING, AND PICKLING WIRE, AND FOR FEEDING WIRE TO A ZINC-COATING
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Henry Roberts at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 28th November 1882.
HENRY ROBERTS, Engineer, of Pittsburgh, in the County of Allegheny, and State
of Pennsylvania, one of the United States of America, "IMPROVEMENTS IN
METHOD OF AND MEANS FOR DRAWING, ANNEALING AND PICKLING WIRE, AND
FOR FEEDING WIRE TO A ZINC-COATING BATH, AND WIPING OFF THE SURPLUS
ZINC THEREFROM,"
The first part of the invention relates to the provisions for engaging the drum
with the driving wheel in the drawing operation.
. I make the engagement of the drum with the driving wheel sure by the contact
of the entire abutting surfaces, and also relieve the suddenness of the concussion
when the engagement occurs. This is effected by first commencing the motion of
the drum by friction, and afterwards engaging the directly abutting surfaces.
The driving wheel is horizontal as usual, and has one long recess curved to
onform to the motion of the wheel, and extending around a considerable arc,
shallow at the forward end, and deep at the rear end. The bottom of this recess?
is formed of wood.
The lower face of the drum is provided with one projection correspondingly
wedge-shaped, and adapted to engage in the recess in the wheel.
When the attendant lowers the drum to allow its engagement with the driving
wheel, the projection at one point under the drum meets the plane upper face of
the wheel, and causes the drum to tilt and bind upon the shaft. The friction thus
induced commences to overcome the inertia of the drum. When the revolution of
the wheel has brought the recess under the projection, the drum sinks further, and
engages its projection with the wheel.

page_text: The second part of the invention relates to the annealing. I make annular
annealing pots of cast iron, with a projecting flange around the exterior of the
top, and two lugs extending inward from the top. These lugs are arranged at
points opposite to each other. The lifting device by which each annealing pot is
handled is lowered into the interior and turned partially around, so as to engage
under these lugs, and lifted. The reverse operation disengages these parts.
I place the coils of wire in the annealing pots, and fill the pots with sand and
lime so as to completely cover the coils of wire and protect them from the air.
I pile the annealing pots one upon the other in suitable heated pits. The flame
in the pits rises around the exterior, and descends in the interior of the tier of pots.
The base is properly formed to allow the current to flow outward under the bottom
pot. In some cases the current may flow in the reverse direction.
The third part of the invention relates to pickling. I provide a number of
simple reels of wood, adapted to be cach stood on end, and to receive the bundles
of wire by their being successively lowered thereon from above. The lower portion
of each reel is adapted to receive removable pins. The holes for this purpose are
bushed with copper. The upper end of each reel is equipped for convenient
engagement with the hoisting means. The reel carrying a load of wire is lowered
upon a suitably formed stand which supports the wires at intervals, and allows the
pins to sink freely between the supports. In this condition, the pins can be easily
removed.
The fourth part of the invention relates to feeding the wire to the metal-coating
bath. I feed thirteen, or other convenient number, of wires simultaneously through
the same bath of melted zinc from as many separate coils, and in case of entangle-
ment or obstruction in the delivery of the wire from any one coil, I allow time for
the attendant to rectify the evil, without interrupting the steady treatment of all
the other wires.
I do this by providing a liberal quantity of slack in each wire between the let-
off reel and the bath, and introducing as many separate pulleys and weights as
thero are wires, one acting on each to take up the slack, I provide for a long
range of traverse of the pulley and weight, making the whole very conspicuous to
the attendant. His eye instantly detects the arresting of the delivery of any wire,
and he can clear it before the weight and pulley for that wire have completed their
traverso. This allows also time for the attendant to apply a new coil, and attach
its end to the end of the preceding one.
The fifth part of the invention relates to means for wiping off the surplus zinc.
I employ rollers to agitate the asbestos or other wiping material, and a series of
reciprocating packers to keep the wiping material closely packed in and near the
vicinity of the wires. These reciprocating packers are received in tubes, which
latter are reciprocated by means of cams or eccentrics, and elastically connected to
the packers by springs.
<{
The sixth part of the invention relates to the wiping material. I have dis-
covered that the wiping is effected in a superior manner by what is known as
slag wool," or "mineral wool," a fibrous form of crude glass resulting from the
blowing away of a stream of cinder from a blast furnace by a current of high
pressure steam.
There is a double object in the wiping,-to economize the zinc and diminish
the liability of its separating from the wire on bending the latter.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Henry Roberts in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 22nd May
1883.
HENRY ROBERTS, of Pittsburgh in the County of Allegheny and State of
Pennsylvania, one of the United States of America, IMPROVEMENTS IN
METHODS AND MEANS FOR DRAWING, ANNEALING AND PICKLING WIRE, AND FOR
FEEDING WIRE TO A ZINC-COATING BATH, AND WIPING OFF THE SURPLUS ZINC
THEREFROM,
The First part of the invention relates to the provisions for engaging the drum
with the driving-wheel in the drawing operation.
I make the engagement sure by the contact of the entire abutting surfaces and
also relieve the suddenness of the concussion when the engagement occurs. This is
effected by first commencing the motion of the drum by friction, and afterwards
engaging the directly abutting surfaces.
The driving-wheel is horizontal as usual and has
conform to the motion of the wheel and extending
shallow at the forward end and deep at the rear end.
is formed of wood.
one long recess curved to
around a considerable arc,
The bottom of this recess
The lower face of the drum is provided with one projection correspondingly
wedge-shaped, and adapted to engage in the recess.
When the attendant lowers the drum to allow its engagement with the driving-
wheel, the projection at one point, under the drum meets the plane upper face of
the wheel and causes the drum to tilt and bind upon the shaft. The friction thus
induced commences to overcome the inertia of the drum. When the revolution of
the wheel has brought the recess under the projection, the drum sinks further and
engages.
The Second part of the invention relates to the annealing. I make annular
annealing-pots of cast-iron with a projecting flange around the exterior of the top,
and two lugs extending inward from the top. These lugs are arranged at points
opposite to each other. The lifting device by which each annealing-pot is handled
is lowered into the interior and turned partially around so as to engage under these
lugs, and lifted. The reverse operation disengages these parts.
I place the coils of wire in the annealing-pots and fill the pots with sand so as to
completely cover the coils of wire and protect them from the air.
I pile the annealing-pots one upon the other in suitable heated pits. The flame
in the pits rises around the exterior and descends in the interior of the tier of pots.
The base is properly formed to allow the current to flow outward under the bottom
pot.
The Third part of the invention relates to pickling. I provide a number of
simple reels of wood adapted to be each stood on end and to receive the bundles
of wire by their being successively lowered thereon from above. The lower portion
of each reel is adapted to receive removable pins. The holes for this purpose are
bushed with copper. The upper end of each reel is equipped for convenient
engagement with the hoisting means. The reel carrying a load of wire is lowered
upon a suitably formed stand which supports the wires at intervals, and allows the
pins to sink freely between the supports. In this condition the pins can be easily
removed.
The Fourth part of the invention relates to feeding the wire to the metal-coating
bath. I feed thirteen or other convenient number of wires simultaneously through
the same bath of melted zinc from as many separate coils, and in case of entangle-
mert or cbstruction in the delivery of the wire from any one coil, I allow time for

page_text: the attendant to rectify the evil without interrupting the steady treatment of all
the other wires
I do this by providing a liberal quantity of slack in each wire between the let-off
reel and the bath and introducing as many separate pulleys and weights as there
are wires, one acting on each to take up the slack. I provide for a long range of
traverse of the pulley and weight, making the whole very conspicuous to the
attendant. His eye instantly detects the arresting of the delivery of any wire,
and he can clear it before the weight and pulley for that wire have completed their
traverse. This allows also time for the attendant to apply a new coil and attach
its end to the end of the preceding one.
The Fifth part of the invention relates to means for wiping off the surplus zinc.
I employ rollers to agitate the wiping material and a series of reciprocating packers
to keep the wiping material closely packed in and near the vicinity of the wires.
These reciprocating packers are received in tubes which latter are reciprocated by
means of cams or eccentrics and elastically connected to the packers by springs.
The Sixth part of the invention relates to the wiping material. I have discovered
that the wiping is effected in a superior manner by what is known as "slag-wool"
or "mineral wool," a fibrous form of crude glass resulting from the blowing away
of a stream of ciuder from a blast furnace by a current of high-pressure steam.
There is a double object in the wiping-to economize the zine and diminish the
liability of its separating from the wire on bending the latter.
The accompanying drawings form a part of this specification and represent what
I consider the best means of carrying out the several parts of the invention.
Figure 1 is a central vertical section through the drum and immediately adjacent
parts, which I term a clutch, to be used in connection with the drawing of
the wire.
2.
Fig. 2 is a plan view of the same parts with the drum removed
Figures 3 and 4 are sections on a larger scale.
Fig. 3 is a vertical section in a radial plane through the engaging parts by which
the driving wheel imparts motion to the drum.
Fig. 4 is a section on the curved line a x in figure 2.
Similar letters of reference indicate like parts in the above designated figures.
Fig. 5 is a section partly in elevation showing the annealing apparatus.
shows two of my annealing-pots.
Fig. 6 is a horizontal section on the line 88 in figure 5
It
Fig. 7 is a plan view of the stand which supports the annealing-pot, or tier
of pots.
K
t
Šimilar letters of reference indicate like parts in figures 5, 6 and 7.
Figures 8 and 9 show my pickling device. Similar letters of reference indicate
like parts in both.
Fig. 8 is a central vertical section showing the device in the act of receiving or
discharging a series of bundles of wire.
Fig. 9 is a plan view of the device without the bundles of wire.
Figures 10 to 15 inclusive show my provisions for feeding the wire. Similar
letters of reference indicate like parts in all these figures.
Fig. 10 is a general side elevation of my apparatus, certain portions being
represented in section.
Fig. 11 is a plan view of the let-off apparatus and take-up reels on a larger
scale, parts being broken away.
Fig. 12 is a side elevation of one of the feeding devices on a still larger scale.
Figures 13 and 14 represent the traveling pulley and its immediate attach-
ments; figure 13 being a side elevation, and figure 14 au edge view of the same.
Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the guiding-pulley, which receives the wire from
the delivery-reel.
.
Figures 16 and 17 show what I term the packer, for keeping the wiping material
properly compacted between the rollers wiping the wires as they emerge from the
metal bath. Similar letters of reference indicate like parts in both figures. Fig. 16 is a

page_text: vertical section in a plane longitudinal of the apparatus or transverse to the axis of
the wiping rollers.
Fig. 17 represents on a larger scale one of the packers and its operating link.
Fig. 18 is a longitudinal section through important members of the apparatus.
It includes a single delivering reel simply mounted on a horizontal axis, and what
I term a gravel-bath, a drying-furnace, a metal bath, a wiping box with
of rollers, and a take-up reel.
Fig. 19 is a plan-view of the same parts.
Figures 20 and 21 are on a larger scale.
Fig. 20 is a section through the wiping box and its contents, and
Fig. 21 is a plan view of a portion thereof.
number
Similar letters of reference indicate like parts in figures 18 to 21 inclusive.
In carrying out the first part of the invention I provide novel means for engaging
the drum, by which the wire is drawn, with a strongly operated driving wheel
mounted immediately below. I employ as usual, a vertical, continuous revolving
shaft to which power is applied in any convenient manner, and carrying a disc
which is provided with devices which engage with other devices upon a vertical
drum above when such drum is lowered upon it. The drum is provided with a
clamp which grasps the end of the wire and is thrown into or out of engagement
at will by a pedal lever and proper connections.
In drawing large wire the weight of the winding drums, which are ordinarily
formed of cast-metal, and the strain due to the tension required on the wire, involves
serious difficulties as ordinarily used.
When, as usual, the revolving disc is provided with two projections on opposite
sides of the centre which engage with two corresponding recesses upon the lower
surface of the drum, the projections by revolving continuously when the drum is
elevated out of contact therewith, causes the wire to often become entangled in the
revolving spurs, making much waste.
The two projections or spurs have sometimes been formed upon the drum and
the corresponding recesses formed in the disc; but in such construction there are
several causes tending to delay and damage. The recesses, in order not to weaken
the disc, are plain holes through it, and much care and experience are required to
drop the drum at the right moment to have the spurs and recesses come immediately
together so that by the rapid sinking motion the engagement will bo complete.
The liability is that the engagement will occur before the drum has reached its
seat, and the edges of the recesses or spurs or both, by taking too slight a hold,
will be chipped off until they become useless.
By my invention I make the engagement sure by the contact of the entire
abutting surfaces, and also relieve the suddenness of the concussion when the
engagement occurs. I arrange to commence the motion of the drum by friction,
and afterwards to engage the directly abutting surfaces.
Referring to figures 1 to 4 inclusive, A is an upright shaft or spindle turned
strongly and continuously by a steam engine or any suitable power, and B is the
horizontal driving-wheel fixed thereon.
The wheel B is formed with one long inclined or wedge-shaped recess b curved
to conform to the motion of the wheel and extending around a considerable arc of
the circle, being deep at one end and gradually becoming more shallow towards the
other until it is lost in the general plane of the upper surface. The deep end of
the recess is at the rear.
The bottom of this recess 6 is formed by blocks of wood placed with the end of
the grain presented upwards, and secured by fitting in a recess of dove-tail section
provided for it.
D is the drum fitted loosely on the spindle A and adapted in the ordinary
manner to receive the wire, and to effect the drawing of the wire through the die
by its being powerfully rotated. The lower face of the drum D is provided with
one projection d, having its lower face inclined or wedge-shaped, corresponding in

page_text: form and size to the recess b, into which it matches when the parts are properly
applied together.
I employ lifters F, operated by the ordinary treadle not represented which carry
each a roller presented under the drum D at two opposite points. When the
attendant desires to raise the drum he steps heavily on the treadle and lifts the
lifters F, and with them the drum D. This movement lifts the projection & out of
the recess b and allows the wheel B to turn freely while the drum D stops. When
all is ready to start again the attendant releases the treadle and the drum sinks by
its gravity,
This sinking of the drum D is liable to occur while the wheel B is in any part of
its revolution. The attendant should endeavor to lower it immediately after the
deep end of the recess b has passed the projection d. Whatever the position of the
wheel B at this moment, its rotation soon presents the shallow end of the recess b
under the projection d, and the projection d commences to slide gradually down
the incline formed by the groove b; and when it arrives at the bottom, the
perpendicular end of the projection abuts strongly and fairly against the deep end
of the recess, and the parts are firmly engaged ready to exert the strong pull
required to draw the wire. But until this period arrives the supporting of the
drum on one side alone by the bearing of the single projection d on the wheel
below, induces a tilting of the drum which causes its loose bearing on the shaft A
to bind at the upper and lower edges, as indicated, somewhat exaggerated, in
figure 1.
The friction thus induced is important in commencing the required rotary
motion of the drum before the abutting surfaces engage. There is no strain of the
wire in the commencement of the motion, and there is no resistance to overcome
but the inertia of the heavy drum.
When the lifters are lowered at the proper
time so as to allow a nearly complete revolution of the shaft before the recess b
engages strongly with the projection d, tho drum has already acquired nearly its
full speed, and the concussion induced by the full engagement is reduced so as to
be nearly inappreciable.
The construction of the bottom of the recess b also contributes to this end after
the projection has begun to slide down into the recess. The considerable friction
induced by the wood bottom of the latter acting on the projection d aids to
commence to revolve the drum D. When the complete engagement occurs the
direct abutting of the perpendicular end of the recess against the perpendicular
end of the projection d, insures a strong engagement and the wheel B is compelled
to turn it with its full proper velocity.
Having only a single recess and a single projection not only induces a com-
mencement of the required motion by the friction of the parts due to the twisting
or tilting of the drum, but also gives a greater chance for a long frictional traverse
of the parts upon each other before their full engagement.
Providing the incline as shown gives a gradual descent to the drum and allows
by the wood surface C or other suitable provisions for inducing sufficient friction
to serve efficiently in commencing the motion of the drum D, before the engagement
of the parts is completed.
The wheel B has the ordinary eccentric for giving the required reciprocating
motion to the ordinary lever with its clamps or tongs as outlined in the figures,
adapted to perform the usual function of pulling the first end of the wire through
the die.
Modifications may be made in the proportions. I proposo in some cases to
extend the recess b nearly or quite around the circle so that there shall be no
considerable flat portion on which the projection d can ride.
Parts of the invention may be used without the whole. I can realize some of
the advantages without the wood surfaces C.
It may in some cases be expedient to shorten the bearing of the drum D on the
shaft A by enlarging the hole at one end or both ends so as to increase the

page_text: frictional force induced by the twisting or tilting tendency of the drum. But my
experiments do not indicate this to be necessary. The wear induced by friction
brings about this result in a short time if the bearing is originally made the full
depth of the drum.
I deem it desirable to not shorten the bearing, nor to allow it to become
shortened by wear to so great an extent as to induce destructive abrasion of the
surfaces.
In carrying out the second part of the invention I provide improved means for
annealing.
In drawing wire each passage of the same through the more and more contracted
holes in the dies induces a strained condition of the particles, which is manifest in
great hardness and a tendency to brittleness. This increases at two or threo
drawings to such an extent that a further reduction of the wire without annealing
would be impracticable. The annealing process, which is simply the subjection of
the wire to a high temperature, preferably with the exclusion of air, changes the
metal of the wire back to or near its original condition and allows it to be again
reduced by being drawn through successive smaller holes. The advantage of
annealing is so great that it is frequently practiced before each reduction of the
size. The annealing is usually conducted in pots of cast iron or other material
adapted to endure the heat and offering sufficient strength. Covering the wire
coils with Band is found to be a convenient and efficient means of protecting the
wire from exposure to the air, and consequently from oxidation. I make annular
annealing-pots of cast-iron with a projecting flange around the exterior of the top
and two lugs projecting inward from the top opposite to each other. I employ
these latter as means for conveniently engaging and disengaging the lifting device
by which each annealing-pot and its load are successively lifted in being placed in
the pit and being removed therefrom. I pile the annealing-pots one upon another
in suitable heated pits. The construction affords facilities for the circulation of a
current of heated air through the interiors of the pots, and the invention may be
successful in a degree when only parts of the apparatus are employed.
Referring to figures 5 to 7 inclusive, A is a shallow pan. B is a hollow cylinder,
open and slightly flanged at the top and bottom. These parts may be of boiler
iron. They are applied together in the position shown in figure 5. C is a seal of
sand filling the annular space in the pan A exterior to the base of the hollow
cylinder B. D is one of my annealing pots, certain portions being indicated by
additional marks, as D¹ D³, when necessary. D₁ is an external flange. It is
continued quite around the top.
D2 D2 are lugs extending inward towards the centre. Any lifting force applied
to the exterior flange, D', lifts on the outer wall. Any lifting force applied on the
Jugs D2 lifts on the inner wall, The softened condition of the metal due to its
high temperature and the considerable weight to be lifted when loaded with wire
and sand, makes it important to distribute the lifting force very evenly.
E is an annular cover adapted to match on the top and aid to receive any super-
incumbent weight imposed and to distribute the strain over a considerable
surface. It is also useful in increasing the protection of the wire against the access
of air.
G and H are corresponding parts of a grab or pair of tongs. They are connected
by a pivot, I, and are similar each to the other. Certain parts will be designated
when necessary, by additional marks of reference, as O'H¹. A short link, J, is
attached to the pivot, I, and to an eye in the lower end thereof is connected a short
rod K, the lower end of which forms a head K¹. Upon the rod K, above the
head K', is mounted a turning plate or broad swiveling-bar, L, which is capable of
engaging under the lugs D and exerting a strong lifting force thereon, or of being
turned a quarter around and out of contact with said lugs. In the latter position
the plate L may be raised and lowered without effect. The lower ends of the
tongs G, H, carry stout hooks G¹. H'. The upper ends of these parts have eyes
GH. These eyes receive short chains, only partially represented which unite

page_text: at a point above and are connected to a suitable crane or apparatus for
conveniently raising and lowering the tongs and any load which they may be
supporting.
In engaging and lifting by my apparatus one of my annealing-pots, I open the
tongs GH and turn the plate L into the position in which it will freely pass the
lugs. Now the tongs, with the link J and its attached rod K and plate L are
lowered in position over the annealing pot, the plate L is turned a quarter around
into the position shown in fig. 6, where it will, on being again lifted, engage with
the lugs D. The tongs are now ready to close upon the exterior of the annealing.
pot, and a lifting force being applied through the chains M, the pot is lifted and
may be moved to any required position. On lowering the pot the reverse of the
above movements liberates the pot and allows the tongs and their attachments to
be lifted idly. In turning the plate, L, the entire tongs may, in many cases, be
turned therewith, but when from any reason it is desirable to avoid this, the plate L,
may alone be turned. Projections are formed on the upper face of the plate L,
to aid in turning when required.
•
P P¹ is a casting of a diameter corresponding with that of the annealing-pots,
which is placed centrally in the bottom of the kiln before lowering the first
annealing-pot. It is composed of a plate. P with radial ridges P¹ on its upper
surface and liberal open spaces between them. The ridges P¹ hold the bottom of
the lowest annealing-pot up and allow the hot air of the kiln to flow freely inward
and outward, which circulation it is desirable to maintain through the centre of
each annealing-pot. The current will usually be down through the centre of the
several annealing pots and outward through the radial spaces between the
ridges P¹
The main protection of the wire against the access of air while at a high
temperature during and after the annealing process is the sand with which the
annular part of each annealing pot is closely packed. This sand is marked d. The
sand also, and obviously, aids to support the coils of wire and prevents their
becoming distorted by yielding to gravity under the prolonged high temperature.
Modifications may be made in the forms and proportions of all these parts. The
portion of the tongs above the pivot, I, may be shortened. The extensions of the
parts G and H above the pivot I may be dispensed with altogether, and the device
may still be successfully used I prefer the whole as shown. I can modify the
size and form of the pots within wide limits. I propose in some cases to provide
other means for supporting the lower-most pot of each series at such a height as
shall allow a free circulation of hot air or flame through the space within the
annealing pots. I can employ more than two lugs D2 spaced equally apart, by
providing a correspondingly formed plate L, adapted to pass them freely in one
position and to engage them firmly in another position, as described. I have
shown three annealing-pots in one cylinder B; but the number may be greater or
less. The pan A and cylinder B may be placed in any convenient position in the
heated kiln, (not shown.) The pan A and cylinder B may serve with or without a
non-conducting exterior material so may also the kiln in which the heat is
developed by the decomposition of fuel, or the introduction of incandescent gas.
In carrying out the third part of the invention, the provisions for manipulating
the wires in bundles in connection with the pickling operation, the wire is formed
of coils of nearly uniform diameter. This is done in the act of drawing, each
length of wire being a bundle composed of a great number of coils held together by
a few turns of the same or a different wire around the several coils to hold thei
together.
I provide a number of simple reels of wood, each adapted to be stood on end and
to receive the bundles of wire by their being successively dropped or lowered from
above. The lower portion of each reel receives four or other convenient number of
suitable pins, each being received in a corresponding radial hole. These holes are
bushed with copper, either to the whole depth of each or to a sufficient portion of
the depth to protect the hole against destruction in pulling out and inserting the

page_text: pius. An eye is formed in the outer end of each pin to facilitate pulling it out.
The upper end of each reel is equipped for conveniently engaging a hook or other
lifting device therewith, whereby the whole may be raised and lowered.
In the use of the invention six or other convenient number of bundles of wire
are placed on each reel so. that they rest their weight on the pins which project out
near the bottom of the reel. Then the whole is engaged by a connection from a
crane or other suitable carrier, and is lifted and traversed over a pickle-tub and
lowered therein. After resting therein for a sufficient time, the same or other
lifting apparatus is brought into action to lift out the reel with its load of wire.
The wires are disengaged from the reel at the close of the operation by drawing
out the pins and subsequently lifting out the reel, leaving the bundles of wire
resting one upon another. They may receive the necessary bath of lime-water to
neutralize the remaining acid by pouring the alkali upon the wires while the latter
are in the piled condition in which they are left by the removal of the reel, or in
any other way. It is difficult to draw out the pins while the weight of the
several bundles of wire is resting thereon. The drawing out of the pins under
such condition would tend to injure the points of the pins and the mouths of the
holes. I avoid this by providing a stand, suitably formed, to support the
lowermost bundle a little higher than the pins. Spaces. are provided in the stand
to allow for the pins. The wires are disengaged from the reel at the close by
drawing out the pins and setting the coils of wire free..
Referring to figures 8 and 9, is the ree!, which may be in a single piece, the
wings or surfaces which touch the bundles of wire being of just the right dinineter..
A is the bail, a cross-bar of copper extending through a sufficient central recess in
the upper end. A³ are bushings of copper tubing fitted around holes bored
radially near the lower end. D are pins of copper having each a head or eye at its
outer end to facilitate withdrawal. The several bundles of wire are marked m
In loading the reel it is simply set on end with the pins D in place, and the coils
or bundles of wire are put on and allowed to rest on the pins. In lifting, all are
lifted together by the bail. In resting in the pickling-tub, all may stand on the
bottom of the tub, in the same manner as all stood on the floor when loaded,
the pickle permeating all the interstices from within as well as with, being freely
admitted by grooves between the wings to the space between the bundles and the
reel, both from above and below.
The stands may be made of wood or other material of reasonable strength which
will endure the acid. I have in my experiments made the stands of cast iron.
Each is composed of a base G with a series of uprights, G³, standing therein, of
sufficient height and properly arranged to support the lowermost bundle of wire
between the several pins and allow a sufficient central space for the reel and also
liberal spaces for the several pins. When the reel, with its load of wire, is lowered
down upon the stand being turned a little if required to bring the pins into the
spaces provided for them, the uprights G¹ take the entire weight of the bundles of
wire off the pins D, which may then be easily withdrawn and the reel lifted out,
leaving the coils resting on the uprights G₁. The alkaline wash may be poured
over the bundles in their regularly-piled condition on the stand G G¹, there being
a sufficient number of the stands to allow the work to proceed and to allow a
liberal time for the alkali to penetrate all the spaces; or, if preferred in any case,
the bundles of wire may, after the removal of the reel, be lifted off the stand and
laid regularly or otherwise on the floor, or in a tank, to receive the alkali. The
entire series of bundles with the reel and its pins, may be lowered into a bath of
alkali, if preferred. The stand supports the entire pile of bundles firmly and truly
on the stand and relieves the pins entirely, allowing the latter to be quietly and
gently drawn out and the pile of bundles to stand undisturbed, if so preferred,
when the reel is lifted out.
Modifications may be made in these forms and proportions without sacrificing
the advantages of the invention. What I have te: med the "reel" (marked A) may
be in various forms. Instead of filling nearly all the space within the coils of wire

page_text: it may be of much smaller diameter. I make a reel of iron to be used at a high
temperature in the annealing and subsequent handling, and employ a stand
identical with the stand G G to be used in the unloading thereof. In such case
the bushing A may be omitted, but pins identical with the pins D may be used.
The fourth part of the invention, the apparatus for feeding wire to the zinc-
coating apparatus,-is shown in figures 10 to 15 inclusive. It is common in metal-
coating wire to cause a number of wires-usually twelve-to traverse the bath,
side by side a little distance apart. They are moved uniformly, being drawn
through by uniform rotation of the drums or reels on which they are severally
wound. They are fed in uniformly by the unrolling of the wires from the several
coils, which are supported loosely on reels allowed to revolve freely as required.
In treating large quantities rapidly in this manner, especially some kinds of wire,
there are liable to occur entanglements which involve serious difficulties. The
object of the present invention is to allow time for the attendant to clear the wire
from entanglement or obstruction in the delivery before it has broken itself or the
machinery, and without interrupting the steady treatment of the same wire or of
any of the others being treated with it. With my apparatus I am enabled to draw
the wire through the coating-baths much more rapidly than heretofore, and thus
turn out more work in a given time. I provide for a liberal quantity of slack in
each wire between the let-off reel and the bath, and for holding this slack extended
by tension induced through a pulley and weight. There is a separate pulley and
weight for each wire, all drawing the several quantities of slack upward. The
moment there an obstruction in the delivery of any wire and the quantity of
slack begins to be taken up, the descent of the pulley and ascent of the weight
attract the attention of the watchful operator who hastens to remove the difficulty.
So soon as the entanglement is cleared the delivering-reel revolves rapidly and gives
off again the proper quantity of slack to allow the pulley to rise to its regular
position, thirty feet or more above the bath. I provide for arresting the rise of
the pulley gradually as it approaches its highest point. I equip the rising-and-
sinking pulley, and also a pulley under which the wire is guided from the delivery
reel, with a slotted tongue, which insures that the wire shall be kept on the
pulleys, and aids in straightening any crooks which might otherwise provo
injurious.
I have applied the invention to the coating of wires with zinc, for which purpose
it is eminently important, and I will so describe it; but I believo it may be used
with advantage in coating wires with tin and with various other metals.
Referring to figures 10 to 15 inclusive, A. A. &c. are movable stands having
upright pivots a on which are loosely mounted reels B, one reel on each stand.
The several coils of wire m, m, &c. are carried on these reels, which I will terin
"delivery-reels," and when all is working smoothly these reels deliver their several
wires uniformly, one wire to each reel. The apparatus for each wire is similar and
a description of one will suffice for all.
C is a grooved pulley, turning on an axis supported in fixed bearings. D is a
movable pulley capable of rising and sinking in a path directly over C, being
carried in a housing E, which engages with and is guided by two vertical bars F
arranged as shown.
G is a pulley supported in fixed bearings at a sufficient elevation, and H is a
rope or chain running over the same and attached by one end to the housing E
and by the other to a weight, I, the gravity of which latter is sufficient to hold
up the pulley G against the considerable downward tension on the wire m running
over it. There is a slotted guide, J, attached to the housing or support for the
lower pulley C, and having the slot extending up and down, as shown, so as to
guide the wire reliably upon the pulley and to straighten any lateral crook as it
approaches the same, and another slotted guide, similarly marked, attached to the
moving housing E and arranged to perform a similar function for the movable
pulley D.
The usual number of these sets of devices in ordinary practice is twelve for each

page_text: bath of melted metal; but the number may be varied. They are arranged in sets,
as shown, to allow the attendants to obtain ready access to each.
The take-up reels O are provided with clutches Q or analogous means for rapid
disengagement of any one reel when required.
The several delivery-reels or let-off reels B, are movable, as stated, and can yield
by moving bodily or tumbling over when the wire is caught or tangled so that it
cannot be delivered properly. In ordinary apparatus for this purpose these means
are all that are provided for averting mischief when a wire gets foul. I can use
them with the same efficiency as in the usual apparatus. I do make available
these provisions in case any extraordinary emergency arises; but in all ordinary
cases my pulley D, by yielding downward slowly, allows the wire to continue its
motion through the acid, and through the bath, and through the wiping devices,
and to continue to be wound upon the recls at the opposite end of the apparatus
with all the convenience and expedition, and with the perfection of the product
due to such exact uniformity of treatment, notwithstanding the wires are frequently
seriously obstructed for short periods in their delivery from the reels B. Several
seconds, usually about half a minute aro available to clear the obstruction before
the pulley D will descend quite to the pulley C.
In order the better to attract attention, I paint the several weights I with a
bright color, and with the respective number of the reel with which they are
serving, and expose them in a good light.
In the ordinary operation of the mechanism the pulleys D are at the top of their
respective paths and the weights I are resting on the ground. The first foot of
change of either is detected by the eye, and the attendant promptly pulls, shakes
or otherwise manipulates, to clear the obstruction, seizing the rope K. and holding
it with sufficient force to properly retard the rise of the pulley when the obstruction
is cleared. The attendant also, by a pressure of his foot or otherwise checks the
violence of the rotations of the reel B when it has been giving off wire rapidly in
allowing the pulley D to rise.
In supplying a fresh coil of wire my invention is eminently useful. The last end
of the preceding coil is held firmly by the attendant and the pulley D allowed to
slowly descend while the fresh coil is applied on the stand A, a, and the proper end
thereof is rapidly hooked and twisted to it. Then all is set free. The pulley D
rises rapidly, checked near the top by holding more firmly on the rope K, and the
reel B is retarded and all is ready to deliver properly with the other.
Fig. 11 shows the arrangement for allowing convenient access.
The outermost
wires of the series are carried on reels B, held on stands A, quite near the acid-
tank L. The central wires of the series are extended along a considerable distance,
and the wires intermediate in arrangement in traversing through the acid-tank and
through the succeeding portions of the apparatus are extended from proportionately
farther distances. Each wire runs under its proper grooved pulley P, sufficiently
near the pulley C, corresponding thereto, so that the wire is properly guided as it
comes from the elevated pulley D, whether the latter is up in its usual position or
temporarily in various lower positions. Half the wires are received from reels B
ranged on one side of the central line and half from reels similarly ranged on the
other side of the centre line.
There are usually skillful boy attendants for each set of twelve wires, two on
each side, but this may be varied.
The stands A may be shifted about somewhat, but should always be located for
regular work at such distance from the centre line and from each other as to allow
convenient movement of boys and men between when necessary in attending to the
operation.
M represents the vessel in which is the melted zinc with its proper adjuncts for
maintaining the heat, and for holding the wires down therein, also for applying
sal-ammoniac &c. N is the wiping means.
Each reel O takes up the wire, and by thus inducing tension causes it to move
uniformly through the bath and is provided with a clutch Q which allows the

page_text: take-up to be stopped at will, when required. There are as many of the reels O
and clutches Q as there are wires to be treated, each capable of being started and
stopped independently, when required. My invention allows all to be worked at
an increased speed, and with very, much less time lost and trouble caused by
stoppages and breakages as compared with the ordinary mechanism. The wires
are led to their several pulleys C at an angle with the planes of the pulleys so that
each tends to run off its pulley on one side. This angle is liable to be considerably
varied by accidental changes in the positions of the movable stands A on which
the reels B are allowed to turn, but the angle should always be considerable. The
slotted guides J, compel the wires to enter the pulleys C properly, and by reason of
the slight friction induced against the sides of the slots J compel such a tension on
the wire and such a partial bending of the wire as obliterate all previous bends in
the wire and cause it to pass the pulley C with a uniform tendency to bend in one
direction, which, being subsequently overcome by the treatment, makes each wire
practically straight.
My slotted guide J on the lower pulley, C, may be sometimes of use in preventing
the rope K from being jammed between the wire m and the pulley C, when the
descent of the pulley D throws the rope K down in irregular coils.
Figures 16 and 17 show the means for carrying out the fifth part of my
invention, that relating to the wire wiping
It is common to coat iron or steel wires with zinc in the process known as
"galvanizing," by drawing them slowly through preparatory materials as acid
and sal-ammoniac,-then through the bath of melted zinc, and immediately after-
ward through a quantity of material which performs an important function by
wiping off the surplus of melted zinc, leaving a uniform thin coat covering the wire.
Twelve or other considerable number of wires are thus taken together through the
metal-bath and through the preparatory and subsequent treatment, being carried
a sufficient distance apart to avoid contact and to allow the several operations to
be successfully performed.
The present invention relates to the apparatus for holding the wiping material,
and is particularly adapted for use with a box and rollers, and I will so describe it.
By my invention I am able to automatically and reliably feed and pack the
wiping material against the outcoming wires without hand labor. I place the
wiping-box, as usual, over one end of the metal bath, so that the zinc wiped off
may flow back into the same. The bottom is of iron or other suitable material,
a few inches above the surface of the melted metal, having holes properly arranged
to receive the several wires and sufficiently larger than the wires to allow the
passage of the knots or junctions, which are roughly made where one length of
wire terminates and another begins. These knots, which seem to be essential to
the rough and rapid working necessary in this art, are important to be considered
in the wiping mechanism as they render impracticable the presenting of any close-
fitting rigid parts in contact with the wire. I provide two shafts held in proper
bearings behind the wiping-box and revolved by power. On these shafts are fitted
eccentrics each of which operates a plunger or packer forward and backward
through the medium of a correspondingly shaped eccentric-strap. These plungers
or packers are constructed so as to allow of proper yielding when the wiping
material in the wiping-box may for any reason have become too dense. These
packers push the wiping material against the wire and feed it to the rollers.
I support the apertured bottom referred to on ledges from uprights-one at each
side of the bath. Above the bottom plate I mount two side pieces or wings, which
extend across the bath and converge upward. The wiping material is held in
position by these side pieces or converging wings, the proper pressure being
imparted to the material through thumb-screws operating in the end supports and
bearing with variable force against the wings through the medium of longitudinal
rods or bars. I provide two slots in each of the end-pieces to accommodate the
traverse of these rods.
Referring to figures 16 and 17, K is a box which I term the "wiping-box,"

page_text: and L L &c. are rollers mounted in suitable bearings in the wiping-box and turned
by gearing (not represented) in the directions indicated by the arrows. The surfaces
of these several rolls are armed with projections 1, which engage with the slag-
wool k or other wiping material, and drag it along in the direction opposite to the
movements of the wires m, as indicated by the arrows. The general tendency of
the rollers is to move the wiping material gradaally from the back and top to the
front and bottom of the wiping-box; or, in other words, towards that part of the
wiping-box which overhangs the tank, and which receives the wires m on their
first emerging from the melted metal bath.
PP are revolving shafts mounted in fixed bearings and carrying eccentrics P1,
which give motion to the eccentric rings R and rigidly-connected tubes R¹. These
tubes R¹ extend in the direction in which it is desired to ram or push the wiping
material. Each tube R¹ receives in its interior a sliding bar, T, having its outer
end properly formed to be thrust into the wiping material k and to push a
quantity of the same in the direction in which it is required to be forced at each
reciprocation; but the bar T, instead of being rigidly connected to the tube R', is
connected through a coiled spring, Q, inclosed within the tube R¹. T¹ is a pin
inserted in the side of the bar T and standing in a slot, r, in the side of the
tube R¹. Under ordinary conditions the spring Q holds the bar T out to its
utmost extent, with the pin T¹ pressing firmly against the outer ond of the slot r.
Thus conditioned, the bar T reciprocates to the same extent as the throw of the
eccentric P'; but when, through any extraordinary accumulation of the wiping
material k in front of the bar T, it is impossible to perform the full stroke of the
latter without injury to itself or other portions of the apparatus, the spring Q
yields and allows the bar T to be received farther within the tube R. This
yielding has the effect to give the bar T, which is the effective end of the rammer
or packer, less motion for the time being, and the reduced efficiency of the
apparatus due to this cause, continues until, through the motion of the rolls Lor
other cause, the unusual obstruction is removed, after which the full stroke of the
packer will be resumed, as at first.
The uppermost tier of packers is what I esteem the principal one. It gathers
the wiping material and forces it into the upper pair of rolls L. The movement
of the rolls passes it down through the machine until it emerges from between the
lowermost of the rolls, there being a more or less complete circulation of the
material in the other portions of the wiping-box by its gradual movement back
outside of the rolls to the point where the uppermost packers can again act upon
it. The lowermost packers are less important, and may have a less stroke. They
serve to insure that the hot wiping-material which contains the melted metal shall
be forced forward, and the melted metal allowed to be discharged through the
holes where the wires m enter. The circulation of the wiping material, from the
bite of the lowermost rolls back to be received by the uppermost packers and
forced again into the bite of the uppermost rolls, is mainly in the upper and front
rather than in the lower and back portion of the wiping-box.
Modifications may be made in the forms and proportions of these details, without
departing from the principle or sacrificing the advantages of the invention. Parts
may be used without the whole. The lowermost series of packers may be dispensed
with. The yielding quality of the packers may be modified or dispensed with
altogether. I may provide one packer for each wire, or a less number may serve
efficiently. I can widen the acting end of. each rammer so that it nearly touches
its neighbor on each side. The upper surface of the acting end of each packer T
is preferably grooved or coved out so as to admit of the wire pasing up without
liability of touching; and I may slightly taper or wedge-shape the entire width of
the acting end.
.
The sixth part of the invention relates to the wiping to remove the surplus of
melted metal.
I will describe the invention as applied to the treatment of common round
م
D

page_text: but it may be understood that any metal capable of being coated with zinc or
analogous metal may be substituted, and that the wires may be flat, round, or of
various other sections, and that they may be known as "wires," or by the various
other technical names, as" "hoop-iron," "bale-ties," or the like.
I have discovered and practically wrought out peculiarly-efficient means for
wiping off the surplus metal by the application of the material known as
"Inineral-wool," "slag-wool," or "silicate-cotton." It is a silky-fibrous matter,
produced by the treatment of cinder from a blast-furnace by blowing it with a
current of steam at high pressure. "Slag-wool," as I will hereafter term it, is
highly elastic and smooth, is not destroyed by the heat, and has but a slight
affinity for, or property of adhesion to the melted metal, and is sufficiently
frictionless, elastic and mobile in its nature to allow of being worked by rollers so
as to be moved in the manner which I will describe. I lead the wires in an inclined
direction upward from the bath of melted-metal through a mass of this wiping
material. The wiping being effected by active contact with this material imme-
diately on the emergence of the wires from the melted bath, I can reduce the
consumption of zinc to a minimum. The wires emerge from the wiping box
thinly and uniformly coated, and present a remarkably perfect surface. The
preparation of the wires to receive the melted zinc and the treatment in the bath
of zinc may be of the ordinary and long-approved character.
I will describe the wiping of only one wire, but it will be understood that the
apparatus may treat a series of wires traversed side by side at a proper distance
apart.
Referring to figures 18, 19, 20 and 21, A is a reel supplying the wire to be
coated; m is the wire; B an acid-tank; C a quantity of acid and gravel therein;
D rollers therein; E a roller on the delivering end of the acid-tank; Ga furnace;
Fa tube in the upper part thereof; H a roller on the edge of the metal bath
I the metal bath heated by a furnace below and around it, (not represented ;) and
JJ are provisions for holding the wire under the surface of the bath of melted
metal. K is a box containing the wiping-material, and k is the wiping material.
Land P are rollers immersed in the wiping material, and are projections thereon.
On emerging from the metal bath I the wires are led up through slots in the
bottom of a partially overhanging box K, which contains a liberal quantity of the
Blag-wool kc, which serves as the wiping material, and the upper surface of which
should be kept damp with water or tungstate of soda. The wires are led in an
inclined direction through this box, and emerge with a just sufficient coating of
zinc, ready to be wound in coils for sale or use.
An agitation, and circulating movement of the wiping material are attained by
rollers L mounted in the wiping-box and turned by gearing in the direction
indicated by the arrows. The surfaces of the several rolls are armed with
projections, which engage with a just sufficient quantity of the slag-wool and
drag it along in the opposite direction to the movement of the wires m. The slag-
wool is in its nature a good non-conductor. Its temperature is soon raised by the
working so that it approximates closely to that of the melted zinc, except that the
upper stratum is kept wet and relatively cool by sprinkling with water, either
ordinary fresh water or preferably a solution of tungstate of soda. The melted
zinc removed by the particles of slag-wool, moved actively toward the receiving
side of the box, is deposited in that edge of the box and dropped through the
openings there provided, into the tank. The affinity or adhesion of the melted
metal to the earthy wool is very slight.
The lower part, K2, of the side of the wiping box nearest to the tank of melted
metal, is made in a separate piece from the rest, and can be removed on taking
out the screws k¹, which are inserted through lugs in the upper portion K¹ of the
side. This facilitates the removal of the finely broken wiping-material which tends
to accumulate there.
The mineral-wool is superior as a wiping material to anything before known to
me. Its fibrous character and its moderate gravity enable it to be moved by the
;

page_text: rollers in a very different manner from the sand and charcoal which have vis
recently, been universally employed. Its disposition to curl and its greater
frictional properties cause it to be worked by any agitating means and to act on
the melted metal brought up by the wires very differently from the straight
earthy fiber known as "asbestus," which has been much used within a few years
past. The several fibers of mineral wool, sometimes termed "slag-wool," employed
in my invention, engage with each other and cling with a force which makes the
material peculiarly adapted both for effectually wiping the wires and for being
worked and moved by rollers or other agitating means.
Modifications may be made in the forms and proportions of the details. I have
worked successfully with the wiping-box only about two (2) feet wide, so as to
give a wiping traverse of only two (2) feet; but this may be varied. I believe that
little gain would result from an increase of the wiping traverse in treating wire of
small size, because wires of small size become rapidly cooled. For very large wires
a wider wiping-box would be expedient.
There is a tendency of the slag-wool to become worn, abraded or broken, so as
to accumulate a fine dust in the bottom. When this has become too fine, I replaco
it with fresh. No particular difficulty is experienced if considerable of the broken,
earthy matter falls upon the melted zinc.
I claim, in the first part of the invention, as set forth in figures 1, 2, 3 and 4, and
the description thereof:-
-
1 In a wire-drawing machine, the drum D, provided with the singlo
projection d, in combination with the spindle A and driving wheel B, having the
single recess b, the recess being extended around a considerable portion of the
circle, and gradually increasing from the front end to the back end, all adapted to
serve substantially as and for the purpose herein specified.
2nd In a wire-drawing machine, the wheel B having the long inclined recess b,
and the wood C in said recess, in combination with the drum D, having a
projection d, as herein specified.
I claim in the second part of the invention, as set forth in figures 5, 6 and 7, and
the description thereof:-
8rd The annealing-pot described, composed of the annular vessel, D, having tho
external flange D¹, and internal lugs, D2, and adapted to serve as and for the
purposes herein specified.
4th The chain M, tongs G H, pivot I, headed rod K K¹ and plate L, in com-
bination with the annealing-pot D D' D2, and adapted to serve therewith, as and
for the purposes herein specified.
I claim in the third part of the invention as set forth in figures 8 and 9, and the
description thereof:-
5th The reel A, with its removable pins D, and lifting-bail A¹, in combination
with the stand G G', adapted to serve relatively to each other and to the series of
bundles of wire m, as herein specified.
6th: The pins D and bushings A2 in the reel A, arranged to serve relatively to the
bundles of wire and to the stand G G³, as herein set forth.
I claim in the fourth part of the invention, as set forth in figures 10, 11, 12, 13,
14 and 15, and the description thereof:
:
7th In combination with a metal bath M and take-up mechanism O, a series of
wire-delivering reels B B, corresponding guide-pulleys C and movable pulleys D,
one set for each wire, each with its slotted guide J, arranged to serve as and for
the purpose herein specified.
8th. In a wire feeding apparatus, the delivering drums B, pulleys C, P, guides J,
and guide-bars F, in combination with each other and with the traversing pulley D,
rope H, pulley G and weight I, all substantially as herein specified.
9th: In a wire-feeding apparatus, the movable pulleys D, and ropes H, with
means for inducing tension on the latter, in combination with the pulleys C P,
reels B, and metal bath M, and with a check-rope K for each movable pulley, as
herein specified.

page_text: I claim in the fifth part of the invention, as set forth in figures 16 and 17, and
the description thereof:
10th The combination of a series of reciprocating packers, T, with a box K,
containing wiping material k, and with the revolving rolis L, as and for the purposes
specified.
I claim in the sixth part of the invention, as set forth in figures 18, 19, 20
and 21, and the description thereof :-
11th In apparatus for coating wire, a wiper through which the several wires
pass, to remove the surplus metal, composed of artificial mineral fiber, known as
'slag-wool," combined with means for moving and working the said material,
substantially as herein specified.
68
In Witness Whereof, I, the said Henry Roberts, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, the seventh day of May, One thousand eight hundred and eighty
three
Witnesses:
JOHN BOOTH
WILLIAM H. ROBERTS
Sworn and subscribed before
me this 7th day of May
A.D. 1883
JOHN LOHRMANN Alderman
HENRY BOBERTS (L.S.)