FOOTNOTE:
[A] Textile Manufacturer, Manchester, March 15th, 1890.
CHAPTER XIII.
REELING, WINDING, AND SPOOLING MACHINERY.
(389) There are two main classes of goods in the manufacture of which yarn produced as described is used. By far the greatest bulk is utilised in weaving fabrics of various kinds; and, before it can be so employed it necessarily requires treatment by a series of machines. With all the processes so involved it is not intended to deal, but there is a second class of manufacture—the production of thread—which requires special machines, and is worthy of separate treatment. It is also a very common practice in England to form yarn into hanks, a number of which are packed together, and formed into a “bundle.” In this shape large quantities of yarn are shipped, being afterwards employed abroad in the manufacture of cloth. A brief description of the machines used in this connection will therefore be given, and as the simplest mode of dealing with the material, reeling will be treated first.
(390) The yarn, spun either in the form of a cop or on ring bobbins, can be formed into hanks by means of a machine known as a “reel.” It depends upon whether it is employed to wind the yarn from cops or bobbins whether it is known as a “cop” or “bobbin” reel. In either case the hank is wound upon a “swift” or “fly,” consisting of a central barrel or roller, which has centres or axles formed at each end. The latter revolve in bearings in, or attached to, the framing, and the “fly” can be driven either by hand or by a belt from the line shaft or counter shaft. On the barrel is fitted a number of light wooden or iron frames, to the arms of which are attached longitudinal bars or “staves” of timber. These are made about 2 inches wide, and are rounded on their outer edges, being well polished and smoothed so as not to adhere to the yarn. The arms, as ordinarily constructed, are made double with a central boss, so that each has two “staves” fixed to it. When desired, the whole of the arms can be oscillated so as to bring the staves together, and the hanks wound upon the swift are thus left loosely hanging upon them. By drawing them to one end they can be easily slipped off when that end is raised. The number of hanks usually formed at one time is forty on each swift, and ordinarily one swift only is used in a cop reel and two in a bobbin reel. The appearance of the last named machine is well shown in Fig. [204], which is a representation of a double bobbin reel as made by Mr. Joseph Stubbs.
Fig. 204.
(391) The general description thus given of the reel enables some of its details to be more particularly described. If cops are to be “reeled” they are placed on “skewers”—which correspond in size to the upper portion of mule spindles—fixed in a creel board. The cops are held at such an angle that the yarn draws easily off the cop nose. The threads are slipped into slits formed in a guide plate fixed to a guide rail sliding in suitable bearings. The same course is taken with the bobbin reel, but, in this case, the bobbins are mounted in a somewhat different manner. Ring bobbins require a special arrangement to enable the yarn to be easily drawn off without running into “snarls.” The purpose of the guide rail is to traverse the yarn so that the threads may be laid in one of two ways. Either the full hank of 840 yards is wound into seven smaller ones—each containing 120 yards—known as “leas”; or it is “cross wound”—that is, a rapid reciprocal motion is given to the guide rail, so that the coils are laid across each other throughout the whole length. The latter is the usual procedure when it is intended to dye or bleach the yarn, and the former when it is to be shipped. The diameter of the swift across the staves is usually sufficient to enable a hank of 54 inches circumference to be wound. In France a hank of 561⁄4 inches is adopted, and the number of coils in it are correspondingly arranged.
(392) If the hank is intended to be wound in seven “leas” the arrangement shown in Fig. [205] is used. This is a partial side elevation of one end of a bobbin reel. The barrel B of the swift is made of a light wrought iron tube, into each end of which plugs, reduced at end, are welded, so as to form the journals for the barrel as described. On the end of the axle the fast and loose pulleys are placed, so that the machine can be easily driven. The staves A are shown without their connecting arms. On the end of the barrel a worm C is fixed, which gears with the wheel D on the shaft, to which a lifting catch or pawl E is fastened. This engages with the coarsely pitched rack F, and every revolution of the wheel D causes the pawl to raise F one tooth. The teeth F are formed at the lower end of the bracket or “rack” G, which is guided by and glides in the frame. The upper end of G is formed with seven steps, and a finger or pin, placed at H in a bracket fastened to K, is constantly pressed against the face of G by means of a spring exercising a longitudinal pull on K. The raising of G to the extent of one of the teeth F is sufficient to allow the pin H to slip on to the next step, and thus the yarn is wound on to a fresh portion of the surface of the swift. This takes place regularly until seven small hanks are wound, when the machine is automatically stopped.
(393) The length of yarn in each of these “skeins” or “leas” is ordinarily 120 yards, and it is, therefore, necessary to cause the wheel D to make one revolution every time the swift has made 80 revolutions. The length of the hank being 11⁄2 yards—54 inches—that number ensures 120 yards being wound prior to the rack G being lifted one tooth. If it is desired to shorten the hanks, a smaller wheel must be substituted for D, and to get the desired amount of exactitude, it is sometimes necessary to use a series of change wheels.
(394) It was shown that in order to remove the hanks from the reel, it is customary to close up the swift, and, after gathering the hanks at one end, to lift it and thus remove them. There are two chief objections to this course. First, a considerable danger exists of the yarn being soiled by contact with the greasy bearing; and second, the task of lifting a heavy swift with 40 hanks of yarn on it is sometimes too great for the attendant, who is generally a woman. It is customary, therefore, especially in bobbin reeling, to fit the machine with a “doffing motion”—the operation of stripping a spindle or other surface of yarn being known as “doffing.” The staves are fixed on the ends of the arms of an iron spider, and two of them are sustained by a hinged frame which can be released so as to oscillate in a forward direction, thus “dropping” the two staves attached to it. This is called the “drop motion.” The hanks are thus released, and can easily be drawn up to the doffing motion. There are three forms of this. The first consists of a wheel, grooved on its periphery and fitting in a circular bracket turned to correspond. The centre boss of the “doffing wheel” bears one end of the swift, and a segment is removed from the wheel, so as to leave a space into which one side of the hanks can be placed. By giving the wheel a half turn the hanks are brought to the front of the swift, and can be easily removed. Another form, which was introduced by Mr. Joseph Stubbs, was called the “gate” doffing motion, owing to the fact that a hinged bracket similar to a gate was used, by removing which the end of the swift was left free. The movement of opening the gate oscillated a lever, on which was a cross bar enabling the swift to be sustained during the operation of doffing. A further improvement by the same firm bears the name of the “bridge” doffing motion, and is shown in Fig. [204]. It simply consists of a small bracket bridging a gap formed in the frame end, in which a longitudinal slot is made, and at each end of it pivots are formed upon which it can be oscillated. The end of the swift barrel A (Fig. [206]) is fitted into a round shell B, in which the lubricant is retained, and a nipple on which slides in the slot in the bridge bracket. The doffing is effected by simply allowing the hank to be drawn into the gap named, and then by a smart push making the bridge bracket rest upon its pivots at the other side of the gap. This enables the hanks to be easily lifted, after which a pull is sufficient to restore the swift to its working position. The position of the bridge in its working position and during doffing, is shown on the left and right hand side respectively of Fig. [204]. This motion is an undoubted improvement on its predecessors, and oiling of the hanks is practically unknown.
Fig. 206.
(395) Messrs. Guest and Brooks have recently introduced the skeining motion shown in Fig. [207]. In this case the rack G is driven, not by a lifting tooth, but by means of the pinion E gearing with a finely-pitched toothed rack F. In this way a continuous motion is given to G. At the upper end of the latter, a bracket or arm M is formed, having fixed at one end a centre pin O, on which the bracket, or arm, P can be oscillated. The position of P is fixed by means of a bolt and nut passing through it and the slot R. The stepped portion of G, instead of being cast, is obtained by the use of six bars L, which have a certain vertical movement given to them by small pins engaged in the slot Q formed in the arm P. The pins are fastened in the bars, and it is clear that the vertical elevation of the arm P will shorten or lengthen the steps formed by the difference in the length of the bars L. In this way skeins, or leas, of any desired length can be wound, it being obvious that, if the steps be shortened or lengthened, the engagement of the pin K1 with them successively, will take place at proportionate intervals, and K1 being fixed in the bracket K which is attached to the guide rail H, a shorter or longer lea will be formed prior to the traverse of H taking place.
Fig. 205.J.N.
(396) The hanks being reeled, they are, if cross reeled, dyed or bleached, and, if in leas, bundled. This operation is effected in a machine called a “bundling press” (Fig. [208]) consisting of two strong frames securely fastened together by stays, and in which the bearings for the necessary driving straps are formed. Bundles are usually either 5lbs. or 10lbs. weight each, and are generally fastened with five strings. To the upper part of each of the frames wrought-iron plates, extending upwards, are fastened, narrow spaces being left between each pair of plates, so that the strings or bands for tying up the bundles can be easily passed round them. To the upper end of one set of plates cover bars are hinged, which can be pulled down on to the top of the other set, where they are locked by bars hinged to the latter. In the space between the two sets of vertical plates an iron table rises and falls, and it will be readily understood that the elevation of the table, when the top plates are closed and locked, compresses the bundles. The extent to which the pressure is exerted depends on the throw of two eccentrics fixed on the main shaft, these being connected by means of strong rods to the underside of the sliding table. By this arrangement the amount of pressure is strictly limited and cannot become excessive. After the bundle is pressed it is tied up and the pressure released, the top bars unlocked, and the bundle removed, in addition to which a knocking off or stop motion is fitted. In an improved form of press, invented by Mr. Thomas Coleby, the top plates are automatically and simultaneously released.
Fig. 207.J.N.
Fig. 208.
(397) The procedure thus followed is that which is adopted in the case of yarns for export only. Where it is intended to twist them into thread a special machine is employed to wind the several strands together prior to doubling. Machines of this class are called “doubling winding” machines, and they enable a more perfect thread to be produced than is otherwise possible. When yarn is “doubled” by twisting together threads drawn singly from cops or bobbins placed in a creel, there are two chief evils existing. If one of the threads breaks, a certain length of the single thickness may be wound on the doubling bobbin, with the result that a faulty place in the finished article is found. There is, in addition, the difficulty that the broken thread may become wrapped round the top roller, producing a “roller lap,” which is so much waste. The production of “single” and of “roller laps” is undesirable, and should be avoided if possible. Further, if the two threads in passing through the feed rollers are not both at the same tension, one becomes loosely twisted round the other in a manner which is technically known as “corkscrewing,” as explained in paragraph 385. When thread is used for sewing machine, lace, or similar purposes, either of these faults is very objectionable. By using a machine in which the strands to be twisted are wound together before being so treated, and in which detector mechanism is employed, a finished thread is produced, which is generally quite free from the defects named.
Fig. 209.
(398) In Fig. [209] a perspective view of a doubling winding machine made by Mr. Joseph Stubbs, and in Fig. [210] a transverse section of the same machine, are given. Mounted on a shaft, extending longitudinally of the machine, is a series of drums A, which drive by frictional contact flanged bobbins B. The latter are held in the head of forked cradles C, and revolve freely upon a small spindle. The lower ends of C are subjected to the pull of weights J, connected with them by chains, as shown by the dotted lines. Coupled to the tail of the cradle C is a double frame E, which carries at its outer extremity a swinging or oscillating box or frame, in which are placed a series of small wires—known as detector wires—corresponding in number to the strands to be wound. The wires are formed at their upper ends G with a curl, and their lower ends F are straight. Immediately below the box a three winged wiper H revolves at a rapid rate. The operation of this mechanism is as follows. The cops to be wound have skewers thrust into them, which fit in adjustable cast iron brackets fixed on a longitudinal rod in the bracket O, fastened to the “bottom box.” In the case of bobbins, special provision is made for holding them. In any case, the yarn is drawn upwards through a guide plate fixed as shown, over a flannel-covered curved rail Y, the friction of which is sufficient to ensure a sufficient tension being put upon the yarn. Each “end” is then taken through one of the detector eyes G and upwards over a light roller X, then through a guide wire W, secured to the rod or rail Z. To the latter a reciprocal lateral motion is given, corresponding in length to the length of the bobbin between the flanges—in other words, to its “lift.” After passing the guide wire W the yarn is taken to the bobbins B, and as the two bobbins are by reason of their position on each side of the drum A driven in opposite directions, the yarn is taken on to them at different sides of the centre of the bobbin barrel. So long as the “ends” are being wound, the lower end F of the detector wire is kept out of the path of the wiper H, but when, from the failure, breakage, or slack tension of an “end,” this sustaining power is withdrawn, the end F of the wire affected comes in the path of H. This causes the oscillating box to swing on its centres, and thus to release the holding down catch I, which usually keeps the pivoted frame E pressed downwards. This release is followed by a certain movement of the cradle C, set up by the pull of the weight J, and brings the bobbin B on to a brake surface D, by which its motion is instantaneously arrested. To piece up, the bobbin can be drawn forward into the position shown on the right hand side of the drawing in dotted lines, so that it can be turned back as much as required. The position of the parts before and after an “end” has failed is clearly shown on each side of the drawing respectively. It only remains to be said that a box T is fixed on the position shown, on which the wound bobbins can be placed prior to removal. Although the yarn is wound at a speed of 4,000 to 5,550 inches per minute, a broken end is usually arrested before it reaches the bobbin.
(399) In preparing thread for the lace trade it is the practice to remove the loose fibres, or “ooze,” projecting from its surface. This is done by a machine called a “gassing” frame, a sectional view of one head of which, as made by Mr. Stubbs, is shown in Fig. [211]. This represents one side of a machine only. The bobbin B is driven by frictional contact with a drum A, revolving rapidly, and is held in a weighted frame C, hinged at its inner end. C is raised by a bracket or arm D, mounted on the same pin. At the inner end of D is a slot in which a finger fixed on the stem of the burner E engages. The burner derives its gas from a tube G running along the frame, and is fixed in a swivel joint, being generally of the Bunsen type. The thread is drawn from the bobbin K, mounted on a freely revolving spindle, and is passed two or three times, as shown, over the grooved bowls H, these being formed with four grooves for the purpose. A guide I, receiving a longitudinal reciprocatory motion, guides the thread on to the surface of the bobbin B. As the thread passes rapidly through the gas flame from the upper end of the burner E, the “ooze” is rapidly singed off. When an end breaks or is “burnt down” the lever D is raised so as to lift the frame C and bobbin B out of contact with the drum A, and is sustained by a catch during the time of piecing. The same movement causes the burner E to be pushed at one side out of the path of the thread, and the restoration of the parts to the position shown again brings it gradually under the thread, but not until after the winding has commenced.
Fig. 210.J.N.
(400) In addition to these machines, where lace yarns are made it is sometimes the practice to use a “clearing frame.” This is an ordinary vertical spindle winding machine, but the yarn is passed through an adjustable nick, which is finely set, so as to catch or stop any knots or other unevenness in the yarn. This calls the attendant’s notice to the defect, and the thread is re-pieced, so as to remove the lump or knot. The best and most widely used “clearers” are those known as “Suggitt’s” patent, and consist of two cast iron plates, one fixed and the other adjustable. Vertical faces are formed on these, which come up to one another throughout their whole length, thus providing an opening or fine nick through which the yarn can be drawn.
(401) During the past few years it has become customary to dispense with the large flanged bobbins, such as are shown in Figs. [210] and [211], and to wind the yarn into a similar shape on a wooden or paper tube or spool. To do this it is necessary to give a very rapid reciprocal traverse to the guide rail, which is obtained by using a quick pitched cam, one revolution of which will give the double traverse required. In this way, instead of the yarn being wound in fine spirals, it is wrapped in coarsely pitched layers, and it is found that when wound in this manner a cylindrical spool or bobbin can be obtained which does not require the large wooden flanges to prevent it from unravelling at the ends. This object is attained in a winding machine made by Mr. Samuel Brooks by forming a slot, corresponding to the cam course, on the surface of the pulley driving the bobbin. The yarn is taken through the groove on its way to the bobbin, and the groove thus acts as a guideway or course. Messrs. Dobson and Barlow employ a quickly pitched cam, and have recently adapted the principle to gassing machines. Messrs. John Hetherington and Sons also make a machine on the same principle, but all the different methods employed have—where a guide rail is actuated—the fault that the working of the cam is rather noisy, and there is still room for an effective noiseless motion of this character.
Fig. 211.J.N.
Fig. 213.
Fig. 212.
(402) Sewing thread requires a special set of machines to fit it for the market. It is sold in one of two forms, either bright or soft finished. Bright thread is polished by being subjected to the action of a rapidly revolving brush. Some of the machines for this purpose made by Messrs. Shepherd and Ayrton are illustrated, and will serve to show the principle of this class of appliances. The doubled thread is formed into a beam, having first been wound on to special bobbins, 360 of which are placed in a creel, and the threads from them laid side by side on the beam, which is a cylindrical barrel with large flanges at its ends. The thread is then collected into a chain, or loose untwisted rope, and is bleached or dyed by means of a special plant which it is not necessary to describe. Having been so treated, the material is wound on to a beam shown in the machine illustrated in Fig. [212], which is provided with a special adjunct in a machine known as a holding back machine, by which the required tension is put on the thread. After being beamed for the second time the thread is passed through the machine shown in Fig. [213]. The beam on which it has been wound is shown at the right hand side of this illustration, and contains, as stated, 360 threads. These are first taken through a size box, in which a pure size or starch is placed, and are then passed through the bristles of two cylindrical brushes. The brushes revolve at a high velocity, and thoroughly polish the thread without altering its shape, it being very desirable to preserve its rotundity. At the end of the machine, after being dried, the threads are wound on three brass beams, each divided equally by a central flange. 120 threads are wound on each beam, 60 of these being in each of the divisions, These beams are placed, with the threads on them, contiguous to a special form of winding machine, where they are wound on to wooden spools or bobbins, each of which, when full, contains 11⁄4lb. of the finished threads. These are used to feed the spooling or balling machines afterwards described. In preparing soft thread—that is, unpolished thread—a similar procedure is followed, except that, after bleaching or dyeing, the threads, after being dried, are wound on to the second beaming machine. This system is—with special modifications adopted by various manufacturers—the one universally employed. The polishing machine will polish 120lbs. weight of 30’s 3-cord thread in 10 hours, and soft thread can be produced in the same numbers at a rate of 5,670lbs. in 56 hours. The cost in wages of this system is much lower than that of the older method of hank polishing, in addition to which fewer knots are made in the thread, owing to the longer lengths treated continuously.
Fig. 214.
(403) When thread is finally produced, by the processes described, in a suitable condition for sale, it is necessary to form it into small reels or bobbins, or into balls, each containing from 100 to 500 yards. The reels on which thread is wound for sale to the consumer are small bobbins in which a short barrel is used, with a head or flange at each end. The flange is bevelled on its inner side, and the length of the opening between the flanges is greater at their peripheries than at their roots. The reels are filled with thread by the action of a machine of great ingenuity called the “spooling machine.” This was originally invented by the late Mr. Wm. Wield, and is now made by his successors, Messrs. Shepherd and Ayrton. A perspective view of it is given in Fig. [214], and, as there shown, it has eight heads. The empty spools are placed in a trough, the mouth of which terminates immediately behind the winding head. The latter consists of two spindles which grip the spool in the centre, being formed conically at their extremities, so that they get a firm grip of the hole in the centre of the barrel. The operative mechanism in this machine is fixed in the double frame, or “headstock,” shown at the right hand of the machine, and drives, by means of longitudinal shafts and wheels, the spindles of the whole of the heads. The thread is guided by steel guides, threaded on their underside to correspond with the pitch of the spirals formed by the thread, upon which during winding they rest. The guide rods, upon which the guides are fixed, receive an oscillatory movement after the reels are filled, so as to leave the space free for the removal and replacement of the spools. In addition to this they have a reciprocal horizontal traverse equal in length to the length of the spool, and gradually increasing as the surface upon which the thread is wound increases, owing to the bevel of the heads of the reels. This reciprocal movement is obtained from the revolution of a finely pitched screw on a roller, with which two half nuts alternately engage, one on each side of its centre. As these are thrown into gear they give a traverse to the guide rail in each direction, and it will be easily understood that the period of their engagement determines the length of the guide traverse. In commencing to wind a set of reels the first operation is to place them between the spindles. One reel falls out of each trough on to a plate, which rises so as to hold the reel or spool between the open spindles. The spindles close upon the spool, which immediately begins to revolve and draw thread from its bobbin, which, with its fellows, is held in a suitable creel. The thread is passed through a spring tension clip, which holds it sufficiently to keep it tight, and afterwards over the guide referred to. Winding goes on until the required definite length is wound on, when it automatically ceases. Immediately this occurs a knife placed in an arm descends and cuts a nick in one end of the spool, and the thread is drawn into this nick. In this way the end is secured, and, as soon as this is effected the thread is drawn over a knife and cut. The spindles then open and the spools fall down a shoot. Another set of spools is then fed, as described, and the ends of the thread are so held that, immediately the spindles begin to revolve, they are drawn on to the spools, winding thus beginning automatically. Owing to the perfect automaticity of the machine a high rate of speed is obtained, and 26 gross of spools, each containing 200 yards of thread, can be produced from a machine in 101⁄2 hours.
(404) There are spooling machines in which the operations of feeding and emptying the spools are carried out manually, but, as thread making is now mostly carried out in large establishments, their use is not great. In some cases, especially for “crochet” cottons, the thread is wound into balls. In this case it is wound on short cylinders, revolved at a slow speed, round which a flyer rotates. Through an eye in the flyer the yarn is passed, and is wound on to the cylinders by the superior speed of the flyers. To the former an alternate oscillating movement is given, by which the coils of thread are wound in coarse spirals. In the end a barrel shaped spool is formed. As a rule the “balling” machine is worked by hand, but a machine has been made by which the operation is nearly an automatic one. The use of balling machines is, however, limited, and there is not the necessity for an automatic machine, such as exists in spooling thread.
CHAPTER XIV.
MISCELLANEOUS MACHINES AND ACCESSORIES.
(405) It will be easily understood that there are a number of accessories required to complete the equipment of a mill before the machinery previously described can be fully utilised. It is neither necessary nor profitable to deal with the whole of these, but some of them may be advantageously described. Among the earliest needs in the process of spinning are the cans which are used for the reception of the sliver as it leaves the carding engine. These are made of tin sheets, which are rolled into short cylinders and soldered together, the various lengths being similarly connected. The cans are about 10 inches in diameter and 4 feet long, and are strengthened at the top and bottom by iron hoops. In spite of this precaution they are often bulged or dinted in consequence of the rough way in which they are handled. To obviate this defect Mr. Lang Bridge has for a few years past made the can with corrugations extending longitudinally of it, the additional strength thus given being advantageous without adding anything to the weight.
(406) The rollers used in the various operations of spinning and drawing are, as has been pointed out, mainly of two types. The lower lines are generally fluted and the upper lines smooth surfaced. The former are usually made of a fine grained iron, and the flutes are carefully made so as to be very smooth, their pitch depending upon the character of the work to be done. The lower lines of drawing rollers are, as was shown, continuous, and, it being manifestly impossible to make them in one length, they are jointed or coupled at suitable intervals. The coupling is made by forming the roller with a square nipple at one end and a correspondingly formed socket at the other. By fitting the nipple of one roller into the socket of the other a firm and perfect union is effected. The rollers are coupled, so that they are perfectly in line throughout, and when placed in the frame they revolve steadily. The top rollers, as previously shown, are formed in short lengths, and are smooth on their peripheries. In order to give a soft yet firm grip to the yarn, as it is delivered, it is customary to cover the top rollers with a sheath of woollen cloth and leather. This is in many cases done by hand, the cloth and leather being cut to length and formed into a sheath in this way, after which it is drawn on to the roller. Such a mode of procedure has all the defects of handwork, and a description of a complete set of machines made by Messrs. Dronsfield Brothers will not be without interest.
(407) The first of the series is shown in Fig. [215], and is employed to spread the paste upon the cloth. The cloth is fed from a roll, and can be delivered by a slight addition of mechanism in measured lengths. As it is drawn forward it passes through a paste box formed of sliding plates D, adjoining the spreading plate B. By means of the adjustable screw C the vertical position of the latter can be fixed so as to give any amount of paste required. The cloth is cut into lengths and wrapped on the roller, to which it adheres, the joint being carefully made so as to leave no gap or thick place. After this surface is prepared and dried a leather sheath is drawn over it.
Fig. 215.
(408) The leather used for covering rollers is specially prepared from sheep skins, and is very thin and soft. It is carefully polished or glazed on one side, and must be free from any roughnesses or defects. In spite of all the care bestowed on their preparation, “roller skins” are often uneven in thickness, and in order to correct this fault, the machine shown in Fig. [216] is used. The skins are cut up by a special appliance into strips of the necessary width to cover the boss of the roller, and these are subjected to a grinding action on their unpolished side. The strips are held at one end by a clamp on the drum A, which is revolved slowly, and which can be set in as desired by the wheel F and screw. As the roller A revolves, it brings the skins in contact with a grinding roller B, covered with sand or glass paper. In this way the leather is ground down to one thickness throughout the strip, and the chance of unevenness in the roller is thus diminished. A fan is fixed to draw away the dust and deposit it in a suitable receptacle. After the strips are so ground, they are passed to a splicing machine—that is, a machine in which they are cut to the necessary length to form a sheath. The edges in this operation are bevelled, so that in overlapping no thick place is formed. The splicing machine in its complete form is shown in Fig. [217]. The leather strip A is placed on the table face up, and is carried forward by the feed rollers B. The extent of the roller traverse is determined by the position of a stop D, which limits the oscillatory motion of a double clip handle C. This is made in two parts, like a pair of tongs, each end being centred on the spindle on which the wheel M is placed. By squeezing the handle together M is gripped and can be rotated. The handle C is ordinarily in the position shown, and, when it is moved forward while gripping the wheel, it carries the latter with it until the stop D is reached, when the motion ceases. Thus any length of leather can be fed by one stroke of the handle. When the leather is fed the pressing bars F are brought on to it, and the knife K held in the frame H at a suitable angle is also brought into position. H slides on a cross surface prepared for it, and by drawing it across the leather while held in position, the latter is cut to the required bevel, which remains constant throughout the whole of the working of the machine.
Fig. 218.
Fig. 219.
(409) When the short lengths of leather are obtained, they are cemented along their bevelled edges with a special cement, and are firmly pressed together by a light screw press. In this way a sheath is formed large enough to draw over the boss of the roller, but a little longer than it. The covering so formed is then pulled over the roller by the machine shown in Fig. [218], which is the type commonly used, however the covering is prepared. The leather tubes are placed upon the spring A, consisting of a thin cylinder of sheet metal, which is divided into several ribs as shown. The roller to be covered is placed end up on the recessed stop B, and by a revolution of the handle C the spring is drawn over the roller leaving the sheath behind it. The special construction of the spring enables it to pass over the boss of the roller and draw out of the leather tube. A small portion of the tube projects beyond the boss at each end, and this it is necessary to wrap over so as to firmly secure the covering. This operation is effected by placing the roller in suitable holders, and subjecting the projecting ends of the tube to an end pressure. For this purpose the rollers are revolved by being brought into frictional contact with a rotating cylinder. The most complete machine for this purpose is shown in Fig. [219]. The rollers are held in arms B B on the cylinder A, the bearings or steps in the arms being specially constructed, so as to provide a very thin surface to sustain the roller. The ends of the leather being cemented, they are turned over by means of a rod or bar, and are thus perfectly secured. A fan F is placed under the hood of the machine, and takes away any fumes produced by the process of ending. The cylinder is made of thin steel, and is run at from 700 to 1,000 revolutions per minute.
Fig. 216.
Fig. 217.
(410) Having covered the rollers they are subjected to a rolling pressure, so as to render them perfectly cylindrical. The machine shown in Fig. [220] is a special one of Messrs. Dronsfield Brothers, and consists of a steam chest to which steam is admitted. The upper side of the chest is planed so as to be quite true, and upon it the rollers are placed. Above the steam chest a table or plate A is imposed, having a reciprocal motion to and fro over the steam chest, derived from the cranks N. Four rollers are fed at one time, and after being subjected to the action of the pressure plate during four of its double movements, are delivered at the other end of the machine. Owing to the heat of the surface on which they are rolled, and the peculiar movement given to them, the rollers emerge in a truly cylindrical form. Ten rollers can be thus rolled per minute, and no difficulty is experienced in attending to the machine. It is, of course, essential that there should be no unevenness of the rollers, and the treatment accorded them by the series of machines described ensures this being avoided.
Fig. 220.
(411) It is sometimes the practice to grind the leather covered rollers so as to remove any flats formed during working. Messrs. John Hetherington and Sons make a machine for this purpose. By it the rollers, while held in suitable bearings, are subjected to the action of a revolving grinding disc, covered with glass paper, which traverses the whole surface of the roller and grinds it up perfectly true. The rollers so produced are quite cylindrical, and a large number of the machines are in use.
(412) The bobbins which are used in the various machines employed are made of specially selected timber, which is kept in stock until it is thoroughly well seasoned. The bobbins are carefully turned, and are smoothly finished on their surface, so that the cotton does not adhere to them when it is wound upon them. Their shape and general construction is well shown in Fig. [221]. In this A B and C represent various types of roving bobbins, spools, or “tubes,” these being drawn from samples supplied by Messrs. Wilson Brothers, Limited. The tubes are shown of three designs. The one shown at A is single ended—that is, can only be used one end up. In the foot of the tube—which is enlarged—four notches are cut which engage with the projections on the top of the driving bevel pinion described in Chapter [X]., by means of which it is positively driven. A similar construction is shown in C, but this is a shorter tube, suitable for a roving frame, where the lift is less than that of the slubbing frame. B is double ended, and can be used either end up, as desired. It will be noticed that all these tubes are shelled out internally, so as to be very light, and they are so constructed at the top that they fit easily upon the spindle or collar. In this way, while they are steadily held, they can slide without undue friction, which is a somewhat important point. The bosses of the tubes, as shown, are hooped with metal rings or shields. The object of this is to protect them from damage when, after doffing, they are placed upon the spindles, this operation being often very roughly carried out. The tubes are, as stated in Chapters [X]. and [XI]., placed in the creels of the roving frames, mule and ring frames, on “skewers,” the construction of which is shown at D and E. These are made of ash usually, and are finely pointed, so as to revolve easily and freely.
Fig. 222.
Fig. 221.
(413) Bobbins for ring frames are made as shown in F, G and H (Fig. [222]). The forms illustrated in F and G are intended for use with Rabbeth spindles, and that marked G is hooped at its lower end for the reasons indicated in the previous paragraph. The bobbin or spool H is used for spinning weft on ring frames, and is much smaller than the type employed for twist yarn. It is a common practice to fit shields to all kinds of bobbins, several makers doing so in one form or another. A special form of ring bobbin is made by Messrs. Wilson Brothers, of Barnsley, in which the grip at the foot is entirely done away with. The bobbin is a double flanged one, something like the type shown by the letter I, but has a projecting lower boss or nipple which loosely fits the spindle cup. This is the invention of Mr. W. R. Sidebottom, of Stockport, and at the time of writing it is undergoing an extensive trial. So far as this has gone the results are favourable, and no loss of twist has been detected although the grip contact does not exist. The bobbin shown by the letter I (Fig. [223]), is the form employed for doubling purposes on ring frames, and is driven by the slot shown in the detached plan view. The bobbin L is the form used on throstle spinning frames, as adapted for long collars, somewhat resembling in principle the Mason collar described in Chapter [X].
Fig. 223.J.N.
(414) An important improvement in ring bobbins has been recently adopted by Messrs. Wilson Brothers, Limited. This is a mode of enamelling or coating them with a composition which is entirely impervious to damp. The plan is an American one, but a series of tests made by the author show that bobbins treated in this way can be subjected to the action of hot or cold water or oil without being in the least affected. It is a very usual practice in preparing yarns for weaving purposes to “condition” them—that is, to allow them to absorb a certain amount of moisture. This is often done while they are wound on the spool or bobbin, and the result is that the latter speedily lose their form and become out of balance. By coating them as described this evil is avoided, and yarn can be conditioned with impunity while on the bobbins.
(415) In order to ascertain the counts of yarn, a machine known as a “wrap reel” is employed. This consists of a small fly or swift similar in form to the swift employed in the reels described in the last chapter, but smaller. This is revolved by a sun and planet arrangement of wheels which is, in principle, like the differential motion described in Chapter [X]. A short hank of yarn—one lea or 120 yards—is wound on the wrap reel, the time when the exact length is wound being denoted by the sounding of a bell, when, as the winding is a manual operation, the machine can be stopped. The hank so formed is taken off the reel and weighed, and the weight of a full hank can thus be easily ascertained. By the aid of a table the counts of any of the short hanks wrapped can be easily ascertained. By means of a small machine, the strength of the yarn can be tested, the pull upon it being obtained by a weighted arm. An indicating apparatus is provided, by which the weight of the pull is registered.
(416) During the past few years one or two simple graduated indicators or scales have been introduced, by which the weight of a piece of cloth can be readily obtained. One of these, “Staub’s,” has been introduced into this country by Messrs. George Thomas and Co., and by its aid the counts of either the warp or weft in a piece of cloth can be readily ascertained. It differs in form from the scale shown in Fig. [224], but is based upon the same principles. In the form shown in Fig. [224]—which is Niess’ scale, and is controlled in England by Mr. Charles Lancaster—a light hinged arm is formed at one end with a hook, on which a length of 40 yards of yarn can be hung. This causes the arm to be depressed, and a pointer finger traverses the face of a graduated quadrant, a glance at which is sufficient to show the counts of yarn. These yarn balances are simple and reliable, and are being used in increasing numbers.
Fig. 224.
Fig. 225.
Fig. 226.
(417) It is customary to fit to spinning machines indicators by which the production is registered. One or two of these, as made by Messrs. G. Orme and Co., are described, but it may be as well to say in passing that these appliances are largely used, and are very instrumental in preventing disputes as to the remuneration of the operatives in cases where this is determined by the work done. The indicators are attached to the back shaft, and can be made in two forms, either to indicate the number of hanks produced in thousands, or the number of draws made. The first is shown in Fig. [225], the second in Fig. [226], and the details of the mechanism in Figs. [227] and [228]. Referring to the latter, an arm B is fixed on a shaft, forming a centre for it, being constructed with two points C and D, acting as catches. On the shaft on which B is centred is a sector A, gearing with a worm on the back shaft. As was pointed out in Chapter [X]., the back shaft makes an equal number of revolutions in each direction at each draw, so that the sector is caused to oscillate, and partially rotate the shaft. In this way the arm B is also oscillated in the same direction as the sector. The triangular-shaped surface E is fastened on its shaft, and the point D, on the arm B, comes in contact with the notch shown in E, when the end of B is being raised. Thus E is rotated, and when B is reversed as described, the point C engages with E, and continues its rotation. While this is occurring the other end of B is descending, so as to assume a position to act on the next point of the triangle. The rotation of E is therefore continuous, and it makes a complete revolution every three draws. On the triangular wheel E is a flange or disc F, in which is secured a pin G. The wheel M is fixed in the position shown, and is constructed with fourteen teeth, half of which are the full width of M, the other half being only half that width, but are a little longer. As F revolves the pin G comes in contact with one of the long teeth in M, and moves it forward. If the disc F were quite circular the overlapping of the broad teeth, as a reference to Fig. [228] will show, would prevent any movement of M. A notch H is therefore cut in the disc, so that only when one of the broad teeth is opposite the notch can any motion of M take place. The motion of M is thus prevented from taking place except when required, and is communicated to the finger of the indicator by the gearing shown. From this description it will be noticed that there are seven operating and seven locking teeth in the wheel M, and in arranging the gearing this fact is considered.
Fig. 229.
Fig. 230.
The figures on the dial represent thousands of hanks, the number being arrived at from a calculation based on the number of spindles and the length of draw of the mule. Where required to meet special local cases, the indicator can be arranged to indicate the number of draws made by the mule. In Figs. [229] and [230] the indicator used for slubbing, roving, and drawing frames is shown. Instead of using a graduated dial and finger the figures are arranged on discs, of which there are three, one disc registering the decimal part of the hanks passed. The worm shown in Fig. [230] is driven by direct attachment to the front roller. The three discs are driven from one another, there being a very similar locking motion to that described in connection with the mule indicator. The effect of this arrangement is that the first disc has to make a complete revolution before the second is moved one figure. When the second has completed its revolution it in turn moves the third. The discs are locked after each movement, so that until again unlocked no motion can occur. The indicator is arranged to indicate up to 100 hanks, with decimal parts of each hank. Owing to their special construction no fly can enter the working parts, although there is easy access to them.
Fig. 227.
Fig. 228.
Fig. 231.
(418) It was stated in Chapter [XI]. that it was customary to paste or starch the bottoms of cops, in order to render them adhesive and to stiffen them. Usually the starch used is carried about in buckets, and the method is both dirty and wasteful. Mr. Lang Bridge makes the apparatus shown in Fig. [231], which consists of a copper pan in which the starch is boiled, and round the inside of which a copper steam coil is placed. An agitator or dasher is constantly revolved in the manner shown, and a small gun metal pump is driven from the same shaft. By a system of pipes the starch is raised to the various mule rooms, and is discharged over enamelled basins placed as shown, the orifice of the pipes being closed by a self-closing tap. The spinner can at any time get a supply of starch, and any surplus returns by gravitation to the mixing tank, where it is again used up. It is obvious that this method possesses many advantages over the crude mode previously described.
(419) In concluding these pages the author is fully conscious of many shortcomings, which are inevitable in a task of this magnitude, but he believes that something has been done to formulate present knowledge and practice. Many things could be added, but the intention with which the book was commenced has been carried out, and it is confidently believed that the information given and the treatment accorded to the various machines will be found of value to many students. Any suggestions of improvements or enlargements will be gratefully received, so as to enable future issues to be more valuable and useful.
APPENDIX.
Description of the Arrangement of Machinery in the Mill of the Standard Spinning Company, Limited, Rochdale.
It will be interesting to many persons to have some particulars of the arrangement of one of the most recently constructed Lancashire mills. The Standard Spinning Company’s mill is not only one of the latest but also one of the largest yet built. It consists of five floors and a basement. Each of the main rooms is 250 feet long by 125 feet wide, and adjoining the building on the ground floor is a shed 240 feet long by 40 feet wide, in which most of the cards are placed. The remaining four floors contain the mules. Placed a little apart from the main building is the scutching or blowing room, which is 70 feet by 60 feet, and has placed above it two mixing rooms. The general arrangements are shown in Fig. [232], which is a plan of the ground floor, showing the arrangement of the machinery.
Referring now to that figure, and dealing first with the mixing and scutching arrangements, the former are shown in the small detached drawing. The arrangement of mixtures and cross lattices is well shown. The three longitudinal lattices shown convey the cotton to the mixing bin, the cross lattice receiving it from the bale breaker, which is placed in the room above. There are four porcupine feed tables employed, each with an extra length of lattice, which deliver the cotton into the dust trunks, by which it is conveyed to the openers fixed in the ground floor room. Of the opening machines there are four, each of which is fed by its special tube or trunk, as clearly shown. The openers are provided with lap attachments, so that the cotton is formed into that shape at as early a point as possible. Adjoining the openers, with their feed end close to the lap machine, six scutching machines with single beaters are placed. These are fed with three laps, and the cotton is, after being treated by them, again formed into laps, which are fed to the six finisher scutchers placed immediately behind the first six. The finishing machines are fed with four laps each, the doubling being considerable. It will be noticed that the whole of the arrangements are made so that the cotton moves steadily forward without much handling. In this respect the design is admirable, and this part of the work has been carried out by Messrs. Lord Brothers.
The carding machines are of the revolving flat type, made by Messrs. John Hetherington and Sons. There are in actual use 128, and each is made with a cylinder 50 inches diameter, being fed from 40-inch laps. The drawing frames adjoin the carding engines, as shown, and are nine in number, each machine having four heads with seven deliveries each, the latter being indicated by the thick black dots. These machines supply drawn slivers to twelve slubbing machines, fitted with long collars, and each containing 90 spindles, their lift being 10 inches. The gauge of these machines is four spindles in 19 inches. The slubbing frames can be distinguished by the dotted lines behind them, which represent the position of the cans, and each of them is fed by the drawing machines placed relatively to them as shown by the curved arrows. It will be noticed that the same readiness of access has been kept in view as in the case of the scutching machines, and the necessary carriage of the cans is reduced to a minimum. In addition to the slubbing frames there are 18 intermediate frames, each containing 132 spindles of 10-inch lift and a gauge of six spindles in 191⁄2 inches. The equipment of this room is completed by 52 roving machines of 168 spindles each, 7-inch lift, and a gauge of eight spindles in 201⁄2 inches. The whole of the drawing and roving machines are made by Mr. John Mason, and the latter are fitted throughout with Mason’s long collars. Before leaving this department a few words may be said about the driving. The machinery is driven from a second motion shaft, driven by ropes from the engine, the engine house and rope race being indicated in the drawing. The carding machines are driven by counter-shafts from the line shaft shown, as are also the drawing frames. The roving machinery, on the contrary, is all directly driven from the line shafts, two of which are specially arranged for the purpose, as clearly shown. The belts are long and have a half twist, but the advantages of direct driving are so great that this slight disadvantage is not worth taking into account.
The mules are of an improved Parr-Curtis type, made by Messrs. Taylor, Lang, and Co., Limited. They are almost equally divided between twist and weft mules. Of the former there are 44 in all, each of which is made of a spindle gauge of 13⁄8 inch. Half of them contain 1,038, and the other half 1,044 spindles each, in all 45,804 twist spindles. There are also 44 mules for weft, the gauge of the spindles being 11⁄8 inch. Twenty-two of these contain 1,260 and twenty-two 1,272 spindles each respectively, giving a total of 55,704 weft spindles. The total number of spindles, therefore, in the mill is 101,508. The numbers spun are from 40’s to 50’s twist, and 50’s to 70’s weft.
Fig. 232.