The set screw support for the batten frame is a very objectional feature as will readily be seen, for the frame resting and working on two points is a great strain and some part of the screw soon becomes worn. This, of course, lowers the cylinder. When the cylinder is adjusted by turning the set screw, the frame is not only raised higher but is moved to the right or left, which throws the cylinder out of place, thus making double the amount of work to adjust it.
The method of supporting a batten frame on an iron bar is by far the best, as by this arrangement, the cylinder can be directly adjusted. The illustration given in Fig. [19], shows this method of supporting the cylinder.
In the second method of operating the movable parts (see Fig. [20]) the top motion remains the same as in the first, but the method of operating the cylinder is different. Fixed to each side of the square iron frame that supports the cylinder, is an iron spindle, which passes through two brackets which act as slides for the spindle and are fixed to the frame of the machine. Attached to this cylinder spindle is a two-inch cranked slotted arm. Attached to the spindle of the griffe is a small extension on which an iron roller is placed. This iron roller sets in the slot of the cranked arm; the slot arm being about seven inches long. The seven inches is divided into three parts, the top and lower portions being perpendicular, to allow a rest for the cylinder when it is out from the needle board, and also when it is in contact with the needle board. As the griffe is lifted, the roller passing up the slot of the cranked arm forces out the cylinder. The distance the cylinder is moved cannot be changed to any great extent, neither can the time of the cylinder be changed, so that when a warped set of cards is being used, there is always the tendency for the cards to catch on the needle points.
In the third movement (see Fig. [21]), the top motion is the same as the first and second, but the cylinder movement is distinct. A flat, iron casting which acts as a slide, is placed on each side of the machine. These slides are supported by small iron rollers, which are placed in brackets fixed to the frame of the machine. At the end of the slide, a brass cup for the cylinder and the spring hammer is fixed. A stud is attached to the slide. The rod connected to the clamp of the cam (or what is called the eccentric rod) extends upwards and is attached to an arm that is set-screwed on a shaft, but extends upwards. This movement is one of the best. The brackets that support the rollers are adjustable but seldom in the life of a harness do they require adjusting, for if the rollers are well oiled they last many years, because the friction is at the lowest possible point.
Fig. 21. Showing Overhead Lever Lift and Slide Cylinder Motion.
In the fourth movement a square cradle lever is placed in brackets near the feet of the machine, and connected to the top of the griffe spindle by means of an arm attached to the end of the cradle lever. This is shown in the double-lift machine, Fig. [22]. There is an arm at each side of the machine that is connected to the cradle lever. To the outer end of the lever the long lifting rod is attached. The length of the square lever is generally twenty-eight inches from fulcrum to connection of long lifting rod, and ten inches on the shorter end. This gives about a four-inch lift to the griffe. The cylinder is driven by an independent spindle motion. An iron spindle is attached to the frame that supports the cylinder. The spindle passes through two slide brackets fixed to the sides of the machine. Between the two brackets and set-screwed on the spindle is an extension with a stud attached to the top of it. On this stud, the connecting arm from the lever is placed. The lever is supported at the top of the same bracket that supports the square lifting lever. To the outer end of the lever the eccentric rod is attached, but instead of using a cam to give motion to the cylinder, one part of a double crank is used, the other portion is used for lifting the griffe.
The fifth method is the same as the fourth with the exception that the cylinder is operated by the slotted crank arm same as in the second method.