OF
A BOWKING MACHINE,
To accelerate and equalize that process.
Having heard it observed by some Calico Printers, that there is more or less of inequality in this process as usually performed; and that some parts of the goods are exposed to be more acted on than the inner parts, I have thought the following Machine would be useful, both to equalize and accelerate that operation.
In [figs. 4 and 5] of [Plate 36], A B is a hollow cylinder, running on two gudgeons C D, with a very slow motion, and thus, requiring very little power. One of these gudgeons C, is hollow, for the purpose of receiving steam from a boiler, like those at present used. The cylinder A B, is double, both around it’s circumference, and at it’s ends, (see a b, c d, [figs. 4 and 5]). It is also furnished with one or more doors E, through which to introduce the goods; and which doors are afterwards closed with screws, like those mentioned in the article “[Washing Machine],” of the third Part. The goods being put in, with the usual doses of alkaline liquor, &c. the steam is introduced through the gudgeon into the interstice a b, and thence through proper openings into the body of the wheel, and between the cylindrical partitions a b, c d, &c. By the steam, the water acquires a boiling heat; and by the motion of the wheel, is carried up in the boxes a b, &c. to the top, whence it falls through proper holes upon the goods; thus keeping them wet, and steaming them at the same time. The [figures] shew the division of the liquor into several jets 1, 2, 3, &c. which are constantly falling on the goods, as the process requires. The [4th. figure] shews further, the effect of the turning motion of the cylinder A B; namely, that of changing the position of the articles; and offering, successively, every part thereof to the steam and flowing liquid: and thus, I presume, must the Bowking process become more rapid and equal, than that which takes place in a Bowking-keer, unaccompanied with such a motion.