Part 17

But to make this important piece of the Machine better known, I have drawn it apart, in figure 4, on the _supposition_--that it is a portion of _a cone instead of a sphere_: I say a cone drawn with the radii _t q_, _t r_, according to the dotted line _t r_. The surface then of this cone, is supposed straightened in the lateral figure; and the aforesaid serpentine canal is shewn at _a b c d e_, having the rollers of the bobbin-slides placed in that canal, at the same points _a b c_, &c. Here also, certain dotted lines _f g_, _h i_, &c. shew the _relative_ positions of the slits 1 4, 2 5, &c. of the principal figure, and also of the horizontal slit _l m_: whence it appears, that the revolution of the bent canal, _a b c_, &c. must some times drive the rollers towards _g i_, &c. and sometimes towards _f h_, &c. while the _pipes_ _n o_ pass undisturbedly round the Machine, in the horizontal slit _l m_ of both figures.

The question now arises, _how_ is the circular motion given to the outer dome _q r_ of the principal figure? that dome is _screwed_ to the cone _r v w r_, being itself of one piece with the hollow tube _v w_, on which the wheel _x y_ is fixed. Now, this wheel _x y_, is driven by a vertical wheel _z_, of _twice_ the diameter, for a reason we shall soon disclose.

It remains now, principally, to speak of the drawing-system of this Machine, shewn, in small, at _c_, and of a natural size in fig. 5 of this Plate. That Machine has also it’s own tube _c x′_, working inside of the fixed tube _a b_, &c. and terminated, at bottom, by the wheel _x′_, which turns it by means of the second vertical wheel _x′ z_, fixed on the same axis as the wheel _z_ before-mentioned, and of half it’s diameter.

Supposing then, for the moment, that the mechanism _c_ derives from it’s circular motion, the property of drawing downward the threads from the pipe _n o_, and the bobbin _p_; (being one of the _twelve pair_ distributed round the Machine) we shall now set the Machine at work, for the purpose of viewing it’s operation a little more narrowly. Looking at the two kinds of texture, indicated in the figure below the traverse _B_, we see that on the left composed (in weavers’ language) of a straight _warp_, crossed by an oblique _weft_; and this I believe, is the common texture of _round, small ware_, as usually woven: the slope of the weft being less and less as the number of shuttles diminishes, insomuch that with one shuttle that slope, _might_ become almost invisible. But in the work made on this Machine, where, virtually, there are as many shuttles as threads in the chain, the slope would become very perceptible, too much so, perhaps, to give a desirable appearance to the work; although the rapidity of execution, from the multitude of crossings, would compensate for some imperfection of that kind. But, in fact, this Machine is intended to make a diagonal or diamond texture, as in the specimen to the right hand: and _that_ is the object of the _two_ pair of wheels _x y_, with _z_; and _x′_ with _x′ z_ before mentioned. Their effect is this: when the large vertical wheel _z_, has turned the outer dome and the pins _n o_, once round the common centre, the smaller vertical wheel _x′ z_, has turned the drawing-system _c_, just one half as much round that centre, and thus sloped the threads coming from the fixed slits in which the bobbins move, as much, in one direction, as the _whole_ turn given to the pins _n o_, has sloped the other half of the threads in the other direction, and the result has been the aforesaid diagonal texture.

There are a few other things to be observed by way of closing this article. As the Lace, or Cord is made on the Machine by a turning motion, it must be received below into a turning vessel, or it will be twisted, and thus injured. The vessel _D_, is provided for that purpose; and is turned by a cord from a pulley on the axis of the wheel _z_, coming under two vertical pullies, and acting on an horizontal pulley _F E_, connected with the said vessel; and if preferred, the draught itself might be placed in, or above, the vessel _D_, but it would not, I think, produce so perfect an article.

With respect to the drawing Machinery _in_ the Machine at _c_, there is shewn, a flat surface just under that Machinery. It’s purpose is to serve as a _mover_ for that System: To shew which, in a clearer manner, is the use of the fifth figure. In this figure, the drawing rollers turn in a frame _a b b_, and carry on one of their shafts a cog-wheel _c_ _or_ _d_, by which they receive this motion from the pinion _e_; this pinion being connected with the rowel _f g_, and running with it on a stud _h_, more or less removed from the centre, as circumstances may require. This rowel then, (for it’s edge, formed as in the figure, is _indented_ with sharp teeth across it’s face) runs on the _flat surface_ before indicated, at or near _e_, (fig. 3) and by the rotatory motion received from the wheel _x′_, gives a drawing motion to the rollers, the use of which has already been explained; namely, to draw down the _goods_ as they are formed. It need hardly be observed further, that _any kind of filling_ may be brought down twisted from _C_, to the entrance of these rollers at _c_, and thus be included in the plaited texture; and in fact, the rollers in fig. 5, are shewn (by the dotted lines) as formed to receive an object of considerable diameter, as a whip, &c. that it may be wished to cover. Where I remark, that this lozenge form of the grooves _O_, is not given without a motive: the grooves are thus formed (the cylinders being supposed capable of opening by a springy movement) in order that, if desired, they may draw the body downward, so much the faster, as it’s diameter increases--and thus keep the covering threads at the same angle in every case. I shall only add, that these movements can be permanently determined by wheels, when the rowel _f g_, acting on the horizontal surface _c_, has fixed the real velocities of draught required for a given purpose.

This Machine then, is capable of excellent results, and of a speed almost inconceivable: since at every turn, if there are _twelve_ bobbins _p_, and twelve pipes _n o_, it makes twenty-four passages of the threads among each other, answering, in some cases, to an _inch_ in length of the fabricated texture; so that, counting 120 turns per minute, (which is moderate) we have 2880 passages, and 120 inches of work in a minute; equal to 200 yards per hour--a quantity which does not yet limit the produce of this Machine.

OF A BATTING MACHINE, _For Cotton, or_ FINE _Filaments in general_.

This Machine is represented in figs. 1 2 3 of Plate 35. It is composed of a frame _A B_, on which are placed two sets of rollers _a b_, _c d_, round which is stretched an endless feeding cloth, on the upper surface of which the Cotton is laid by the attendant. Across this frame _A B_, is fixed a strong board _C D_, having a ledge or _bridge_ at each end, over which are tightened the cat-gut strings 1 2, 3 4, &c. Moreover, across this board, is fixed on proper bearings, (placed either straight or diagonally) the axis _e f_, furnished with any proper number of _iron fingers_ 7 8, &c. which _spring_ the cords 1 2, 3 4, &c. every time they pass by them: where it may be observed, that by the varied _forms_ of the ends of those fingers, the vibrations are made to be vertical, horizontal, or oblique, at pleasure. In fig. 2, these fingers are seen from one end of their axis _e f_--and in figs. 1 and 3, they are shewn sideways: and in the latter figure, the strings are shewn as small circles between _e_ and _f_, with the feeding cloth _a c_, stretched under them.

The following then, describes the effect of this Machine: The Cotton being laid on this feeding cloth near _B_, is gently drawn under the vibrating cords at _g h_: for while _this_ takes place by the action of the handle at _e_, the pulley _f_ by the cord _i_, gives a slow motion to the cylinder _B_, and by it to the feeding cloth _B A g h_. The Cotton then passes under the strings toward _B A_, and is greatly agitated in the passage; and when arrived at _A_, it falls into any proper receptacle--whence it is taken to undergo the succeeding operations of the factory. I would just mention, finally, that the axis _e f_, though here supposed to be turned by the handle _e_, would, _of course_, receive it’s motion from a proper _power_; set on, or stopped by the usual methods.

OF A HORIZONTAL WIND MACHINE, _For raising Water in large quantities_.

This Invention has for it’s object, to make a more abundant use of the wind’s agency, _at a given expence_, than is usually done: and the means, generally, are to avoid a part of the expence lavished on the foundations or fixtures of wind-mills, and _yet_ to carry _more sail_ than that system admits of. Machines of this nature, are chiefly used in low marshy countries, where there is much water to be raised, and little solid ground to build on. My idea here, is to found the whole on the water, and to make that element the medium, and as it were the _centre_ of every motion.

Let us then suppose already constructed, the _long_ and narrow boat _A B_, figs. 4 and 5 of Plate 35:--and that there is contained in the middle of it’s width, a cylindrical _pipe_ of iron, (or a square wooden box) of equal length, serving as a pump, by means of a spherical or square piston _a_ or _b_, drawn from end to end by the means soon to be described. The cost of such a pump-barrel would not be _great_, though it should be of considerable length--(even 300 feet would not cost so many pounds). Now, at each end of this vessel _A B_, there would be raised a vertical part of equal size _C D_, surmounted by a caster, (_E F_) turning, horizontally, on a hollow centre, _through_ which a rope would pass from the aforesaid piston, (_a_ or _b_) to the boat or ship _S_, which is the _primum mobile_ of the System. This boat would further be made to carry as much sail as possible, and to encounter as little resistance as possible from the water. It’s properties of carrying sail, might even be enlarged, by the use of one or more _out-riggers_, as is done in various eastern countries.

It would be proper, likewise, to give the vessel a rudder at each end, and to reverse her motion by changing the sails, _without tacking_. This is also represented in the two figures 4 and 5: and, in the present case, the vessel is rigged with three masts, and three large sails nearly square, yet somewhat _deeper_ on the lee side than to windward, to make the sails the more governable, though as large as possible. Supposing now, all these things arranged, and the rope _N O_ fastened to or near the middle of the vessel, and to the aforesaid piston over the pullies of the casters _E F_; _then_, if the vessel sails in the _long ellipsis_ 1, 2, 3, 4, the _sum_ of the two portions of rope _N, O_, will be always the same; and, the wind coming from _a_, in the direction of the arrow, she will sail advantageously from 1 to 4, or the contrary, carrying the piston from end to end of the pump; and thus exhausting it at every passage; and filling it again from the _lower_ water.

To recapitulate--and bring the several parts again to view; _S_, in both figures, is the vessel, supposed of the best form for carrying _much_ sail: _E F_ are two casters with their pullies; _p q_ are two pullies at the bottom of the vertical barrels _C D_, _under_ which the rope passes to the piston at _a_ or _b_, &c. In fine, _q r s_ are the three sails, and _t v_ the two rudders, by which the vessel is steered in either direction, so as to keep it’s wind without causing _too much stress_ on the rope _N O_. This consideration involves another, which must now be cleared up: namely, _how_ can this mechanism be made to produce the same effect in every direction of the wind? I answer, the whole System must be _moored_ at one end _A_, in the strongest manner; while the opposite extremity _B_, shall have liberty to veer round that point, as a centre, through 90 degrees of a circle; _some one position_, between which extremes, will suit every wind, _on this condition_, that the vessel by it’s rudders, keel, &c. be able to keep her ground, although the wind should come from the _convex_ side of the ellipsis; a thing by no means impossible, though less desirable than the state first represented.

Thus it appears, that I expect the favourable result of this System from two sources: the first, (but _least_) from the length of this pump, which permits much water to be raised without much agitation; and second, from the _quantity of sail_ it is possible to carry by this method, compared with the sails of a wind-mill. My idea is, indeed, that since the power of the wind is so boundless, we ought to use it more liberally than we do: and I am persuaded, that _ten times_ as much work might be done _at a given expense_, by such means as these, as can be done by the usual methods.

Before I quit this subject, I would just observe, that there are _many_ situations in which this powerful agent might be made useful, in conjunction with water power, as applied, perhaps, to encreasing works, and being itself incapable of proportionate extension. Thus, there are _many_ water mills (used for various purposes) that are obliged to _wait_ the re-filling of the mill pond; and which, therefore, lose much time, although the _wheel_ would be capable of doing even more work than is actually wanted. In fact, it _often_ happens, that the worse the supply of water, the better is the wheel: for _this_ has been sometimes thought a mean of making up the deficiency. In such a case then, a cheap wind apparatus might double or triple the effect of the wheel, and the produce of a given establishment. But it will be objected, that the wind is an uncertain helper! and thus less fit to be resorted to. This I acknowledge; but still say, that could it be used when only a _breeze or a zephyr_, it’s utility would be much extended; and _this_ is another consequence of a system founded on the application of _much sail_ to a given purpose. Still however, as nothing absolutely conclusive can be said on so _variable_ a subject, I shall not now lengthen this discussion.

OF A FLAX-BREAKING MACHINE.

It is important, in _most_ machines, to avoid oscillatory motions:--which uniformly protract _the time_ of an operation, or require a greater _power_ to perform it. This consideration has given rise to the form and properties of the Machine I am about to describe.

In Plate 36, figs. 1, 2 and 3, represent this production. The first is an elevation; and the second is a plan, serving to shew the manner of _feeding_ the Machine. To speak first of the second figure--_A B_ is a pulley, (shewn at large in fig. 1, and marked with the same letters;) it’s use is to receive the endless cord _C D E_, which is composed of three strands, like the apparatus of a peruke-maker; these strands being divided at _F_, and passing there over three pullies placed at a proper distance on the same shaft _F_. These pullies are gently turned by that shaft, and carry with them the afore-mentioned triple cord, _to_ which, in the passage _toward_ the Machine, have been _woven_ small handfuls of flax, by the same process as the barber uses to fasten the hair of a wig; one difference however obtains: the flax is knit to the cords at it’s _small_ end, and within a few inches of it, so that the root-ends hang pendent, and when that part of the cord enters beyond the pulley _E_, those ends hang round the large pulley _A B_, against the grooved surface of the outer rim: The method of grooving this drum is better shewn in fig. 3: and it should be noted, that the smaller drums _C D_, are grooved in a similar form, their diameters being such as to divide exactly, in _some_ ratio, the outer cylinder _E F_. In fig. 1, two _portions_ of these handfulls of flax are represented by the waved lines _m n_, drawn between the cylinders _C D_, and the section _E F_ of the said outer cylinder; where it is evident, that if these cylinders had, in that place, teeth like those of fig. 3, these handfulls of flax would appear _bent_--which is indeed the process by which the wood is broken, and the filament divested of it. It appears also by the figure 1, that the cylinders _C D_, run on centres, fastened _only_ to the pins of the cross piece _o p_, (shewn by dotted lines in fig. 2.) These cylinders I say, are thus mounted, that there may be _no centres below_, to gather up the flax or wood, and thus embarrass the motion of the Machine.

Adverting then, a second time, to the second figure, the flax is fastened in small handfulls, to that part of the endless cord that goes _toward_ the Machine; namely, _F E_, and taken off from that part which _comes from_ the Machine behind the pulley _A B_: so that the triple cord before mentioned, there consists of _three cords_, and passes round the separate pullies at _F_. The flax being thus taken off at _M_, is handed to the charger at _N_, and _re-fixed_ to that cord by it’s other end--so as to be finished by a second passage. It would be superfluous to add, that the waved form of the grooves in the cylinders, is intended to break the flax at _every_ point of it’s passage before those grooves as conducted by the large pulley _A B_, (in the centre of which the main shaft _turns_ without giving _it_ any of it’s own motion) the said pulley _A B_, being turned, as before stated, by the triple cord from the _slow_ motion of the pullies _F_ in the figure.

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.

OF A PRINTING MACHINE, _For two Colours_.

This Machine occupies a great part of Plate 37. It is represented in figs. 1 and 2; the first being an inside view of one of the cheeks; and the second, a view endwise--represented as broken in the middle, to gain space in the Plate. As far as possible, both the parts are marked with the same letters.

To begin with fig. 1, _A B C_ is the cheek: being a kind of shallow _box_ with edges to strengthen it and give it thickness for the _steps_ _a b_, &c. These steps are strongly fixed to the screws that slide in the boxes _A B_, and the nuts of which, are seen at _c d_. The screws enter, besides, into the heads of the perpendicular levers _D F_, _E G_, against which these nuts press to _set_ the cylinders, by their steps _a b_, against the _bowl_ _H_. This pressure of those cylinders _a b_ is a _modified_ effect: for the levers _D F_, _E G_, are drawn inward by the pulling bars _I K_; which, meeting in the centre of the Machine, are pressed downward by the hanging bar _L_, to which are suspended the scales and weights _M_, these being more or less heavy according to the wish of the _Printer_. It were well to mention a circumstance of some importance connected with this subject:--If the bars _I K_ form together an angle _very_ obtuse, the power of pressure is immense; and the weights at _M_ might be the lighter: But, then, the _degrees_ of pressure at different angles of the bars _I K_ would vary too much, if any excentricity of the cylinders _a b_, occasioned any motion. It is therefore best to use a sensible angle between the bars _I K_, together with a weight at _M_, so much the heavier; by which means these motions will be the more mild and manageable. Proceeding with the description: _e f_ are two hooked screws, by which the pulling bars _I K_ are raised, when necessary, so as to increase the _nip_ in any corner of the Machine, without affecting the rest. It should be observed also, that the steps _a b_, have dove-tailed slides screwed to them from under the rim, and in it’s thickness, to make them move more correctly, when pressed horizontally by the nuts _c d_. The upper works of this Printing Machine are not greatly different from those of the common one. In one respect, however, I think them superior. The roller, prepared for the returning blanket, is mounted in a frame _g_, (fig. 2) which moves on a pin in the centre of the Machine, insomuch that _one_ screw and nut _h_, suffices to regulate this return. This then, is an improvement, as the printer has but one operation to perform instead of two. The use of the piece-roller is the same as usual; and the goods are carried down on stretching bars, &c. exactly in the same manner.

But a more important property of this Machine remains to be noticed, The two cylinders _a b_, are made to press diametrically across the centre of the bowl _H_; so that it’s shaft suffers no friction from that pressure. And hence, this _two_-coloured Machine requires no more power to work it, than a common machine for _one_ colour.

A further property of this Machine deserves attention; but for want of room on the Plate, we are obliged to describe it by means of _dotted_ lines on the face of the present figure. At _a b_, and at _H_, we have dotted _three_ toothed wheels, of which one is keyed on each of the mandrels, while the central one is placed in a frame, forming part of _a slide_ _N_, (fixed on the plate _N_ of fig. 2) and by which this wheel is moved up and down at pleasure. Here it is evident, (see again fig. 1) that if this central wheel rises, it will turn the mandrel _a_, backward; and the mandrel _b_, forward: and this is a peremptory method of increasing or lessening the distance between any two points on the cylinders; or in other words, of fitting the colours of one cylinder into those of the other--an operation which is thus performed by a single movement; while in other machines it is necessary to go on both sides of the machine to produce the same effect. In a word, this process is completed in a few moments, by turning backward or forward a _nut_ like that _h_, applied to the screw placed against the side of the Machine, as at _P Q_.