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 platesD, adjoining the spreading plateB. By means of the adjustable screwCthe vertical position of the latter can be fixed so as to giveany 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.216is 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 drumA, which is revolved slowly, and which can be set in as desired by the wheelFand screw. As the rollerArevolves, it brings the skins in contact with a grinding rollerB, 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 stripAis placed on the table face up, and is carried forward by the feed rollersB. The extent of the roller traverse is determined by the position of a stopD, which limits the oscillatory motion of a double clip handleC. This is made in two parts, like a pair of tongs, each end being centred on the spindle on which the wheelMis placed. By squeezing the handle togetherMis gripped and can be rotated. The handleCis ordinarily in the position shown, and, when it is moved forward while gripping the wheel, it carries the latter with it until the stopDis 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 barsFare brought on to it, and the knifeKheld in the frameHat a suitable angle is also brought into position.Hslides 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 springA, 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 stopB, and by a revolution of the handleCthe 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 armsB Bon the cylinderA, 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 fanFis 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.220is a special one of Messrs. Dronsfield Brothers, and consists of asteam 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 plateAis imposed, having a reciprocal motion to and fro over the steam chest, derived from the cranksN. 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 uponthem. Their shape and general construction is well shown in Fig.221. In thisABandCrepresent 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 atAis 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 ChapterX., by means of which it is positively driven. A similar construction is shown inC, but this is a shorter tube, suitable for a roving frame, where the lift is less than that of the slubbing frame.Bis 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 ChaptersX. andXI., 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 inF,GandH(Fig.222). The forms illustrated inFandGare intended for use with Rabbeth spindles, and that markedGis hooped at its lower end for the reasons indicated in the previous paragraph. The bobbin or spoolHis 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 byMessrs. 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 letterI, 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 letterI(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 bobbinLis the form used on throstle spinning frames, as adapted for long collars, somewhat resembling in principle the Mason collar described in ChapterX.

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 ChapterX. 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 thatthese 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.227and228. Referring to the latter, an armBis fixed on a shaft, forming a centre for it, being constructed with two pointsCandD, acting as catches. On the shaft on whichBis centred is a sectorA, gearing with a worm on the back shaft. As was pointed out in ChapterX., 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 armBis also oscillated in the same direction as the sector. The triangular-shaped surfaceEis fastened on its shaft, and the pointD, on the armB, comes in contact with the notch shown inE, when the end ofBis being raised. ThusEis rotated, and whenBis reversed as described, the pointCengages withE, and continues its rotation. While this is occurring the other end ofBis descending, so as to assume a position to act on the next point of the triangle. The rotation ofEis therefore continuous, and it makes a complete revolution every three draws. On the triangular wheelEis a flange or discF, in which is secured a pinG. The wheelMis fixed in the position shown, and is constructed with fourteen teeth, half of which are the full width ofM, the other half being only half that width, but are a little longer. AsFrevolves the pinGcomes in contact with one of the long teeth inM, and moves it forward. If the discFwere quite circular the overlapping of the broad teeth, as a reference to Fig.228will show, would prevent any movement ofM. A notchHis therefore cut in the disc, so that only when one of the broad teeth is opposite the notch can any motion ofMtake place. The motion ofMis 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 wheelM, 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.229and230the 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.230is 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 nomotion 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 ChapterXI. 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 isdischarged 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.

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