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[263]

OF
A CUTTING ENGINE,
For large Bevil Wheels and Models, on the Patent Principle.

One of the most prominent subjects of this essay, if not the most important, is the System of Toothed Wheels, with which the second and third Parts were introduced, and which still claims a share of my readers’ attention. As hinted a few pages backward, it seems not enough for me to exhibit and describe the System, but I must defend it against repeated objections, on pain of seeing it’s utility delayed, and the public deprived of it’s real and solid advantages. I am far from wishing to impeach the motives of those who still nourish or express dissent, when they deign to bring reasons for so doing; but the mere opinion—“it won’t do”—expressed by a man of reputation, may impede, for a time, the progress of an useful discovery, and thus produce a public evil. This, then, is a result I am anxious to avert; as the present System has many points of excellence, against which no insuperable objection can be brought. Had I not declined, already, to name either the friends or enemies of the System, I might here appeal to persons who highly approve of it; and, indeed, who use it daily with manifest advantage. But, I forbear. If, by means of the Engines already given, and that I am going to offer, it is proved, that the difficulty of making these wheels is trifling, compared with their utility, one important point will be gained: I shall not hear it repeated, “that the System cannot succeed, because of the difficulties of it’s execution.”

The present Cutting Engine is shewn in figs. 1, 2, 3, of Plate 32. It’s immediate use is to form the teeth of wooden models, for casting. These are previously built as usual, and lagged with bay-wood, of sufficient thickness to furnish the teeth, and leave a small thickness of that wood behind or under them.—A B, in fig. 2, represents a wheel of this kind, ready for cutting;—mounted correctly on the centre pin C D, which latter is so formed as to be fixable in any position on the table or bench E F. Under the wheel A B, there is a kind of index a b, put upon the said centre pin C D, which, by means of the clamp and screw b c d, can be occasionally connected with the wheel A B so as to turn it, when it is itself turned by the means hereafter to be mentioned. To proceed with the description: G is a slide, moving horizontally on the bench E F, as seen at f e fig. 3; this slide being the basis of the headstock G H, which contains the perpendicular slide H I, itself the support of the cutter-frame K L, so constructed as to turn on it’s bolt above I, and take any proper position over the edge of the wheel or model A B. This slide, then, with it’s appurtenances H I K L, moves along the bench E F, as seen in fig. 3 at f e: and what gives it this motion, is, the screw g, furnished, purposely, with a left-handed thread, working in the half-nut contained in the small frame h, which contains also a jointed cap, that can be lifted off in an instant, and the screw set at liberty. Moreover, the second use of this screw g, is to be thus disengaged from it’s nut, and lifted up to about i, where it serves to push back the slide G towards the wheel, without that loss of time it would occasion if pushed back by the working of the screw. The letters M N, shew another important part of the Machine, applying to the cutting-process. It is an inclined plane, sloped to the same degree as the bottom of the teeth of the wheel. (See the line a k.) This inclined plane, then, is fastened, in any proper place, on the bench E F, by the wedge N, just like the puppet of a common turning lathe; and it passes through an opening in the slide G I, or rather suffers this to pass over it, as better seen at M, fig. 3. Furthermore, the slide I (fig. 2), after gliding down this inclined plane M G, will have to be raised between each cutting: and that is the office of the workman’s hand acting on the lever O P, through the iron frame Q M, which is shewn at fig. 3, in another direction; and marked with the letters Q l m. In fine, the slide G carries on each side of the Machine a pulling bar n, connected with the said slide, and with a smaller sliding piece o, the use of which is to hold a pin (seen in the figure, but leaving no room for a letter of indication), which turns the wheel A B, by the plate p, as the slide G recedes, and the cutter-system I K L descends on the inclined plane before-mentioned. Having thus adverted to all the important parts of the Machine, we turn to fig. 1, for the purpose of shewing what the plate (whose edge is seen at o p) means; and the effect it is intended to produce.

In that figure, let B A c be the section of any wheel it is desired to cut on this principle. The width of the face of such wheel is shewn by the line a b; and a c is called the projection of that face, on the base of the cone of which the wheel A B is a portion; it’s summit being at C. The line e d, shews one of the spiral teeth with which the wheel is to be furnished; and I make it by this uniform process: The pitch of the wheel, whatever it be, is set off from e to f: and that pitch is divided into eight parts, (shewn here as four on account of their smallness) while the width of the face f d, is divided into nine parts, shewn here (for the same reason) by four and a half divisions. This latter division is more numerous than the former, that the principle may be a little overdone; or that the teeth may overlap each other by ¹/₉ of the pitch: To which purpose, beginning the spiral line e d at e, I move in the second circular line from e to the second radial line C i, and draw that diagonal which forms the first part of the curved line e d. From this second point, I go to the third circular line, taking also the third radial line, and drawing the diagonal. This I do until arrived at the fifth circular line, when I find myself likewise at the fifth radial line C d f. These four spaces thus gone over, represent the eight parts into which this part of the face a b would have been divided, had the figure been larger: and there remains a small division near d, equal to one half the others, through which the curve e d is prolonged by a similar process; and this latter portion is what the successive teeth overlap each other, as before stated.

Now, it will be seen below, that the needful circular motion is given to this wheel, by a movement that takes place in a direction parallel to the base a c B of this figure. The curve e d, must, therefore, be transferred from the surface of the cone, to this base a c B. To do this, I place a point of the compasses at A, and trace, with the openings A a, A c, &c., the six quadrants included in the space a c g h, which are now the projections, on the base, of the circular lines a b f d on the surface of the said cone. Here, a slight difficulty should be obviated: strictly speaking, this projection would be horizontal, and, of course, invisible in this position of the wheel. But I have supposed the figure a c g h, turned ninety degrees downward, round the horizontal line a B, so as to make one representation suffice; and also to shew the connection of the lines a b g h, with those f d a b. The curve k l, is thus a copy of that e d, only shortened in the proportion of a b to a c—that is, of the side of the cone a C, to the half-base a A.

To secure, then, the coincidence of the pitch, as set off on the circumferences a f and a g, we must divide a similar portion of both into an equal number of parts, e f; and treat them, on the lines a c g h, as we did on those a b d f; by which means we shall get the curve k l, the projection of that e d. And this curve k l, must be made part of a plate k l m n (about ¹/₁₀ of an inch in thickness), the use of which is as follows:

This Plate k l m n, is no other than that marked o p in fig. 2; and it is there fixed to the index a b, directed to the central pin C D, as it is in fig. 1 to the centre A—insomuch, that the pin shewn in fig. 2 near o, acting on the sloping curve k l, will turn that index (and with it the wheel) by the very motion which draws back the slide G (fig. 2), and lets down the slide I on it’s inclined plane G M.

We may remark, lastly, that as the present Machine is adapted to large models, it is not, now, provided with a dividing-plate, although the means of so doing are self-evident. On the contrary, the division dots are seen on the edge of the wheel A B, as is likewise one dot, near b, on the clamp b c, from which a given distance is set off to each of the dots on the wheel, so as to give the pitch required. By these means, then, the wheel is divided and cut, in good, if not in exquisite divisions; and all the teeth take their shape from the Plate o p (or k l m n of fig. 1), and are thus good, in that respect also.

To recapitulate the steps of this process—The workman stands behind the Machine, near E; and, working the screw with his right hand, draws back the slide G, (the power then turning the cutter r very swiftly) by which means, the slide I glides down the inclined plane M, and the cutter, impinging on the sloping face of the wheel, cuts it to the depth r a; the shape of the tooth (by the turning of the wheel) being the spiral form e d of fig. 1. It may be added, that the lifting lever O permits this descent of the bar Q M, because it is suffered to fall lower than now represented. Thus, when the slide G is arrived near h, the tooth is finished; and the cutter leaves the wheel at a: after which, the cutter-frame and slide I K L are raised by means of the lever O—the screw g taken out of it’s steps, and the slide G pushed back by it, until the vertical slide I rests again on the inclined plane M, as it at first did. Nothing, now, remains to prepare for cutting a new tooth, but to change the division-dot, by the application of the gauge or compasses, from b to the next point on the wheel; to do which, of course, the clamp b c must be loosened and refastened by the thumb-screw d. I would just notice the 4th figure—to say, it is a sketch of one quarter of a bevil wheel; intended merely to shew the form and position of these teeth, and the general appearance of the System.

Finally, my readers will please to advert to what has been already said on the forms of these teeth, and their uses: and recollect especially what was observed on the epicycloid, as applied to them. It will easily be perceived, that to put that form on one of these teeth would be an almost hopeless attempt!—and, happily, it is not necessary. We can, however, by using the cutter r with various slopes, and going several times through each space, cut facets on the teeth, quite near enough to the theoretical form to make them work well together; and, as before observed, nothing is wanting to make the teeth perfect, but to run them together with the wheels placed in due position.

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OF
A CENTRIFUGAL DASH-WHEEL,
For Bleachers, Dyers, &c.

To form a true estimate of the value of any new machine, it is necessary to examine the nature and operation of those that have been used before for similar purposes. And this is the more needful here, because the present Dash-wheel is essentially good, both in it’s properties and effects. The only room left for improvement, seemed to respect the quantity of work done by it: and this is, the chief point of comparison we shall establish in what follows:—

The third figure, in Plate 33, is a sketch of the common Wash or Dash-wheel. The pieces of calico (or other goods) are put into it through the round holes, dotted in the figure; and, by the revolution of the wheel from right to left, are carried up from a to b, or nearly so; from whence they drop by their weight to about the point c, where they meet the angle formed by the circumference of the wheel and one of the four arms or partitions, by which it is divided. If the wheel go too fast, the line of falling becomes more like the curve b d, and the goods strike the circumference too high, and in an oblique direction;—whence the blow is reduced, and the washing becomes imperfect. If, on the other hand, the wheel move too slowly, the pieces slide down the ascending partition (a) before it comes to the vertex, and thus only fall from the axis to the lowest point of the wheel;—whence, also, an inefficient stroke. Thus, do these wheels require a moderate velocity: and they are reckoned to do their work best when making from 22 to 24 turns, and giving, of course, four times that number of strokes per minute.

The produce of these wheels is thus circumscribed by a natural cause that cannot be altered—namely, by the law of falling bodies; and my Invention has in view to elude the shackles which confine this process, and to produce a much greater effect in the same space,—the same time,—and with the same expence of workmanship.

To this end (see figs. 2 and 4, of the same Plate) I place two, four, or more boxes a, b, c, d, on as many wheels e f, toothed on my Patent principle; the latter, in the present case, being about two feet in diameter, and the boxes, in length, three quarters of that diameter: and of any convenient width, according to the size of the pieces. The wheels e f are mounted on the strong shafts C D, which run, below, in the wheel E; and by which, also, they are turned round the common centre, by means of the vertical wheel F. Further, in the centre, and between the wheels e f, I place the bevil wheel i, of half the diameter, in which the main shaft runs loosely, and which is itself fixed to the upper frame work, so as not to turn at all. The three Patent teeth at e i f shew that these wheels are to geer into each other on that principle: and it is likewise seen that this whole mechanism is included in a set of rails, of an octagonal form, for the purpose of preserving the men from danger, while in the act of charging and discharging the boxes. And here it is worthy of some remark, that this process must be easier, and more quickly performed, with these open boxes, than through holes made in the vertical side of a Dash-wheel, on the usual principle.

To account, now, for the sloping position of the shafts C D, and the consequent slope of the boxes, they are thus placed, in order that the goods may not drag too much on the bottoms of the boxes, when passing from one end of them to the other. Instead of this, they are, in fact, thrown, by the centrifugal force, from the inner angle h (fig. 2) to some point k up that side of the box which is then outwards; where they strike, and then fall into the contiguous angle under k, to be again projected thence, after one revolution round the common centre; for, it should here be remembered, that, by the given proportion of the wheels, the circulating wheels e f turn on their own axes exactly one half round, for every whole revolution round the common centre A B.

To elucidate this still further, I have outlined, at A fig. 1, the central wheel i, of fig. 2, together with one of the excentric wheels B, and the lines a b, a b, &c., representing the boxes, are supposed to be wires with the balls b b, &c. sliding on them, as is usual in some experiments on the Whirling Machine—(See “Ferguson’s Lectures,”) Of these wires, I have given the true directions in 12 positions of the wheel B: the epicycloid b b b, &c., shewing the steps by which the ball b is brought toward the common centre, during three quarters of the revolution; and also the position of the wire on which it slides: where it is evident that the ball b has a tendency to preserve it’s station, at the first end of the wire, until the latter takes the position b b c, when it forms (or nearly) a tangent to the curve, and is, at the same time, at right angles to the radius of motion, A b d. From this moment, then, the ball is free to leave the centre, and to fly off in a tangent with the velocity with which the curve itself is generated at that point. We might, thus, during the rest of it’s flight, seek it somewhere in the line b f g; but, as the wire continues to change it’s position, and must turn half round on it’s own axis, by the time it arrives at B b, or describes a quarter-circle on the common centre, it will again overtake the ball—and, giving it a curvilinear direction, will finally carry it to it’s other extremity, at or near the point B—where it’s motion first began: and thus shall we give as many strokes to the ball, as half turns to the wheel B; or, in other words, as many dashes to the cloth, as we give turns to the boxes, round the common centre.

By this process, then, substituted for that of the common Dash-wheel, we can increase almost indefinitely, the number of passages of the cloth from one end of the boxes to the other; and the force of the dash will be as the squares of those numbers; since (as Ferguson expresses it) “a double centrifugal force balances a quadruple power of gravity.” If, then, with four boxes we turn this machine 60 times in a minute, we shall have 240 strokes in that time, instead of about 90 given by a common Dash-wheel; and this difference might be more than doubled, if so desired: for should, then, the stroke be found too severe, the boxes might be shortened, so as to lessen it’s violence, though preserving all it’s frequency.

There are two other objects that present enough analogy to this Washing process, to be here mentioned. The first is the operation of Fulling, as applied to woollen cloths in general. That process, I fear, is not performed at present in the best manner possible; and I feel persuaded that the centrifugal motion might be applied to it with advantage—whether as to quantity of produce, or perfection of effect: and having thus said, I shall leave the idea to the riper judgment of my manufacturing readers.

The second object I shall just introduce is, that of Kneading Dough, for bread, by the same centrifugal agency. It is well known, that an ingenious baker, of Paris, invented, some time ago, a method of kneading; which consists in letting the lump of dough fall successively from the four sides of a square box, revolving on a horizontal centre. As this idea seems to have succeeded perfectly, I offer the Centrifugal System, as tending to quicken, almost indefinitely, such a process; and I particularly recommend it to the attention of Government, and of all large establishments as a mean of doing well and rapidly, by power, what is frequently done slowly and ineffectually, by the usual methods. Verbum sat.

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OF
AN HYDRAULIC LAMP
For the Table.

I call this an Hydraulic Lamp, to distinguish it from the Hydrostatic Lamps, commonly so named: and I think the distinction proper, because this Machine acts in a different manner. It’s principle will be seen in a moment, by turning to the 5th figure, of Plate 33. If, there, we pour oil (or any liquid) into the bent tube A D G at A, the first effect will be to raise it to C, in the rising branch B C; and from C it will trickle down the branch C D, leaving the air, there, to occupy it’s own place. Continuing to pour, slowly, more oil into A the trickling oil in C D will ultimately fill the rising tube E D, expelling the air before it; and, now, the weight to balance the column in A B will be both the columns B C and E D; whence, of course, that column will rise as far above C as C is above B; that is, half-way between C and A. Here, there would be a small deduction to be made, if the height B C were considerable; but, as it is only supposed to be about a foot, the compression of the air in C D, &c., (being about ¹/₃ of a foot or ¹/₉₀ of an atmosphere) may be neglected. Continuing, then, to pour oil into A, we shall again fill, not the descending tube E F, but the rising tube F G; whose column will thus be to be added to those B C and E D; so that now the column A B will rise to A, and there abide, as long as the mouth G is kept full, or nearly so.

The above is the principle of the Lamp announced in the title; whose effect depends, then, on the number of bends made in the tube A D G, which number (whatever be the form) it would be well to make rather greater than smaller, as the height B C, &c., might be so much the less, compared with the whole height of the column A B; by which means, also, a smaller difference in the level of the column below, would return the oil necessary for the consumption of the wick above.

I have given this idea what I think a better form in fig. 6. Instead of the bent tube A G, of fig. 5, this form supposes a series of air-tight cups, embracing each other; one half of them with their mouths opening upwards, and the other half with theirs opening downwards. They are shewn, by a section only, in this fig. 6; where a b c, c b a, present the under cups, forming one piece with the outer surface of the bottom vessel d a c, c a e: and, while speaking of this part of the Machine, I would just indicate it’s cover d e f g put on like the lid of a snuff-box, and carrying a case or tube f g, the use of which will be mentioned in a moment. To proceed, then, the upper vessel is shewn by the edges of it’s cups seen immediately over the figures 1 2 3, 4 5 6, placed between the letters a b c, &c.—These inverted cups make also one body with the moveable cover shewn between d and e, and to which is soldered the tube h i—which, sliding in the case f g, keeps this inverted vessel steady. Where note: that there is an inner tube soldered into the tube h i, through which alone the oil rises, and which can hardly be made too small, since it has only to supply the consumption of a lamp—namely, a few ounces of oil in a whole evening. We may, finally, take notice of the weight placed under f g, upon the said inverted vessel, and which helps to counterpoise the oil in the rising tube h i; which tube, as before observed, may be as many times higher than the distance a d or e a, as there are rising columns between the cups a b c and those 1 2 3, &c.

I am not wholly prepared to say what portion of the oil it might be best to re-elevate by the pressure of the aforesaid weight f g; but, if it were a considerable part of that contained in the central compartment c c, that column would be shortened in proportion; and the reservoir at i would, doubtless, feel the want of it to preserve it’s level. I think, therefore, it might be well to use, below, a cup or two more than sufficient, so as to raise the main column higher than actually wanted; and to coerce this rising tendency, by a small stop-cock in the rising branch, to be gently opened at the will of the person using the lamp. I cannot say I have exhausted this subject; either in these respects, or as to it’s technical capabilities. But I have fully tried this method of raising oil above it’s level; and used, for some time, a lamp made on this principle, and which is still in my possession: and, at some future time, I intend to bring forward an Hydraulic Machine, founded on the same principles.

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OF
A MECHANICAL ESSAY,
To derive Power from expanding Metals.

It is not supposed that this Essay can lead, immediately, to any result of magnitude; but it is thought to be a subject capable of further extension, and thus, finally, of future usefulness. Were this process only sufficient to supply a single house with water, at a small expence, the labour bestowed on it would not be altogether in vain.

By General Roy’s experiments, cast iron (and steel) expanded by 180° of heat (or, by passing from the freezing to the boiling point of Fahrenheit) 0.013 of an inch per foot.

Supposing, then (Plate 34, fig. 1), the tubes A B C to be 20 feet long, their whole expansion will be 0.26 hundredths of an inch. But, as the tubes are placed in the figure, the half tubes A D B D act together on the sphere D, and, both together, drive it in the direction E D, more than as the above expansion, in the proportion of the line E D to that A D. Taking, then, one half only of the above expansion = 0.13 hundredths of an inch, that must be augmented in the ratio of the sine of 60 degrees to radius, or in that of A D to E D. I, therefore, multiply this decimal 0.13 by the fraction ¹⁰⁰⁰/₈₆₆, which gives 1300 to be divided by 866, or very nearly 0.15 for the expansion, in the direction E D, occasioned by the two half bars A D B D: and the same is true at the other angles F and G.

Again, to find the expansion (and contraction) of the bars a b c, we must compute their length as compared with the half tubes above-mentioned; and that length is to 10 feet (the half tube A D or B D) as 866 is to 1000 = 11.54 nearly: the expansion of which is thus found:—if 10 feet expand 0.13, what will 11.54?—Answer, 0.15. Now, as the machine acts by the heating of the pipes A B C simultaneously with the cooling of the bars a b c, we must add the former expansion to this contraction, which gives us 0.30, or three tenths of an inch for this combined effect at the three angles of the Machine. And, supposing, now, any pair of bars to act directly against each other, as at H I K; and that, further, the bars be stretched until the angle with the horizon be only 2 degrees, then the vertical motion at I will be to the horizontal (arising from the expansion aforesaid) as 1000 to 35, the sine of 2; that will be, in round numbers, 28 times as great, or 28 times three tenths of an inch = 8.4 inches, which is the stroke of this Machine in these dimensions.

In this calculation, I have not forgotten that the vertical and horizontal motions are nearer alike, when the bars are not drawn so tight at K H; that is, when the joint I is lowered. But it is equally true that, when the joint I rises still more, the difference between these motions is still greater; so that, as a medium effect, I think we may reckon on an eight-inch stroke in the present case.

The question now recurs, of what strength are these strokes? Are they sufficiently powerful to produce a useful effect with so short a motion? This I cannot say from experience; but, from the known strength of iron and steel, their power, in these dimensions, must be very great. A few more observations may occur in the course of the enlarged description we shall give of the Machine itself.

A B C are three pipes of cast iron, well turned at the end, and having conical points of iron, well steeled, let into them, so as to have no tendency to bend. a b c are three steel bars, placed in troughs, so as to be heated or cooled by water poured into the latter. Or, these troughs may be exchanged for tubes, to admit heated or cooled air, according to the means used to cause these mutations. In a word, although I have represented these bars as contained in troughs, I intend to finish my description, on the supposition that they are tubes, because I intend to suppose the Machine worked by air instead of water.

To proceed: at d is an opening under the tube B, into which air enters, and C is an opening on the top of the tube which emits the same air, the three pipes being made to communicate by means of a short junction-pipe at each of the angles D and G. Here, then, the fire-place f g, fig. 2, must be noticed: the use of which is both to heat and cool the Machine; and the following are the means:—This little instrument contains fire in it’s middle compartment, and that fire draws air into the part f, and drives it out of the part g. It also turns on a centre-pin, seen in the figure. This chaffing-dish, then, is placed at i d, and there serves a double purpose. When it’s pipe g conveys heated air into the pipes B A C (and out at C), it heats those pipes and expands them; but, at the same time, the pipe f of this instrument draws cold air through the three tubes a b c, in which are the steel bars that require to be contracted: both which operations conduce alike to the above-described effect. By these means, the weight w is raised, and (for example) water sucked into the pump X. But, turning the fire-place half round, we reverse this effect. The hot air is now drawn, out of the pipes A B C, and cold air drawn through them, by which they are cooled; while the hot air, from the fire, is thrown through the pipe g into the tubes a b c, and passing through the chimneys k l, there heat the bars and expand them,—both which operations concur in letting down the weight E, and thus, in forcing the water of the pump to whatever destination was previously assigned it.

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OF
A MACHINE,
For Making Laces, Covering Whips, &c.

Many people, in these parts, have seen a certain machine, said to have been invented by an inmate of that laudable institution the Liverpool Asylum for Blind People; for the purpose of making laces, covering whips, &c. I hope the similarity of name will not induce any reader to suppose that I have had that machine in view, and am endeavouring to cast it into the shade, or purposely to supersede it. If any person should thus think, I have a safe reply at hand. My own invention (somewhat less perfect than it now is) was made, many years ago, on purpose to serve an Asylum for the Blind in Paris!—a reflection with which I shall, at once, close this, perhaps, unnecessary apology.

This Machine is represented in Plate 34, at figs. 3 and 4. It consists of a frame of wood or metal A B, on which are mounted the following objects:—1st, on the traverse B, a fixed tube, having for it’s base the horizontal plate a b, and rising perpendicularly to near c d; where it unites with a conical or trumpet-like vessel c d, f e; the left side of which is shewn in perspective, and the right side in a section only. To this fixture is adjusted the spherical portion g h, h, prepared to receive several cuts or slits 1 2 3 for the bobbin-slides hereafter-mentioned, to slide up and down in. This leads us to observe the upper fixture C, which is a cylinder, terminated downward by a spherical dome i k, k; also receiving the several cuts 4, 5, 6, into which the aforesaid bobbin-slides pass from the former slits 1, 2, 3, &c. Now it will be seen that the two spherical parts thus fixed, are separated from each other by the circular and horizontal slit l m, whose use is to permit the pipes shewn in the section at n o, to circulate all round the machine, while the bobbin-slides and bobbins k p are sometimes above and sometimes under the said slit l m.

Now, then, it becomes necessary to speak of the cause of this passage of the bobbin-slides from the under to the upper parts of the slits 1, 4, 2, 5, and vice versa. That cause is in the second dome q r, which covers, as far as it rises, the inner dome f i, k h; and it consists in a serpentine canal, of which a section is given to the left of q, and at s, in the section of the principal figure.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

But we have another important property to speak of. The colours on the two cylinders must be fitted in, laterally, as well as longitudinally: and the Machine performs this by an easy method. At each side of the Machine (see figs. 1 and 2) is fixed on a centre i, a short lever k l, the bent end of which (l) rises just to the brass step which carries the mandrel of the cylinder a, and is formed so as to push that step inward, when it’s end k is pressed outward; which latter motion is occasioned by the screw m n, which goes all across the Machine, and performs the same office on either side as wanted. This then, is another economy of time and pains; this setting being usually done by passing round the Machine, from one side to the other.

Finally, R S shews one of the cross-bars by which the two cheeks are connected. They are formed as portions of a hollow cylinder, and screwed to the cheeks through flanches, the breadth and form of which give considerable strength to the Machine; which is further strengthened by the bars T V and W X, in it’s upper parts.

In the above description of this Machine, (in which the parts common to other machines are omitted) I have endeavoured to avoid all invidious comparison: and have only said what my additions appear to warrant, and what, I am persuaded they will justify, when this Machine shall be compared with others, placed in the same circumstances for the sake of liberal comparison.

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OF
A MACHINE
For clearing turbid Liquors.

I confess, I again stand on a kind of forbidden ground; and am uncertain to what degree this Invention will justify it’s title. Yet I think myself safe in expecting it will produce an useful effect. But the fact is, I never fully proved it: the apparatus with which, more than twenty years ago, I was trying the System, having broken in the experiment—which I then had no opportunity of resuming.

I had then, as formerly, asked myself a question, viz: “will not the centrifugal force of a heavier body, suspended (without chemical action) in a lighter fluid, increase the subsiding tendency, and quicken the clearing process?”. I then thought “yes,” and do not yet see why it should not. But not having any absolute fact to build my conclusions on, I must leave the whole matter to time and experience; and crave the candour of my readers in favour of my somewhat bold assumption.

This Machine then, which is to purify muddy liquors by motion, is thus composed: a perpendicular axis A, (Plate 37, figs. 3 and 4) turns very swiftly, surmounted by a conical cap B C, so formed, as to receive and lodge in it’s thickness, four or more vessels a b, f e, which hang on pins c d, near that centre and have the liberty of leaving it by the centrifugal force, round the said pins, until lost in the thickness of the cap above mentioned; where they turn on the common centre, without suffering any resistance from the surrounding atmosphere. This conical cap B C, &c. is made as light as possible, by protuberant ledges, but it’s solid form would be restored by lighter substances fixed between the arms, so as to add little to the friction or resistance of the whole mass. Any turbid liquor then, being introduced into any pair of these vessels while in the position g h, fig. 3, and put into swift motion, will have it’s muddy particles thrown from the centre, and (I presume) soon deposited at the greatest possible distance from that centre: since, although the centrifugal force will add, in the same degree, to the tendency outwards of the particles of the liquid, and make them gravitate more towards the circumference; that force will not render the liquid less fluid—which, therefore, will suffer the clearing process to take place sooner with motion than without it; and this is all I dare advance in the present state of my knowledge on this subject. Thus have I again reckoned on the kind forbearance of my readers, and risqued a little more of “the bubble reputation.”

My readers will supply one remark I had omitted—which is, that if bodies heavier than the fluid, recede faster from the centre by this motion, than without it, lighter bodies will approach toward the centre, and be there collected for the same reason—another cause for which, will doubtless be the pressure occasioned by this centrifugal force in the revolving fluid.

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OF
OPEN CANALS,
As Hydraulic Machines.

I have said, and shall still say, much on the desirableness of making use of a greater portion of that gigantic agent—Wind, than has yet been customary. This article is another attempt to urge it’s propriety. But it will be of no use to those who cannot extend their views beyond the present state of things, to that possible state which every successive mechanical improvement appears to anticipate or promise. These speculations of mine, suppose extensive means and extensive necessities: and they promise results still more extensive. In a neighbouring kingdom, where the country is, as it were, redeemed yearly from the ocean’s grasp, what would not it’s inhabitants give for a security against the encroaching tide? or the means of saving several months to agriculture, by the speedy disembarrassment of it’s fields from the common destroyer of health and produce? It is even said, that in the last winter, some dykes in Holland were broken, and many lives lost by inundation: and in our own country there is many a submerged spot, over which there blows wind enough to drink up, or throw out, it’s last particle. I submit then, the present means, as capable, with proper modifications, of forwarding every analogous purpose; and thus as worthy to occupy the attention of every friend to rational improvement.

If my 38th. Plate were considered as a corner of any inundated country, whose boundary were a dyke contiguous to this chosen spot, I would propose building a long curvilinear canal A B, of which the middle space should receive and contain the lower water; and the two outside spaces the upper: especially the outer circle, which should communicate with a few branches C D, leading to and through the dyke before mentioned. In the two outside canals should float a pair of boats (long and light) E F, joined together by one or more cross-beams G, which would produce the double effect of connecting the boats so as to make them bear much sail, without oversetting; and of carrying along in the middle or lower canal a kind of water-drag H, that should take with it the under water, and raise it’s level nearly to that of the upper canals—into one of which it would enter through it’s lateral valves, and thence flow into the eduction canals C D as before stated. My idea will be better understood by referring to the small figs. 2 and 3, at the bottom of the Plate: for they are, one, the transverse section of the canals with the boats, and the other a longitudinal view of one of the vessels in it’s canal, with the water-drag H in the act of making (what is technically called) a boar, of the lower water; and raising it above the level of the valves I K, which open into the canal.

To recapitulate, E F in fig. 2, are the two vessels seen sternwise, with their sails supposed very large: G the beam that connects them; H the water-drag; and O one of several valves which open from the lower water, and close when the drag is going over them. In fig. 3, H is the same water-drag, whose distance from the bottom is regulated by the brace b: it’s beam or shaft, being fixed to the crossbeam G, of figs. 1, 2, and 3.

Thus then, at one passage of this double vessel along the curved canal A B, all the water in it’s middle compartment will be raised into it’s outer one: and be thrown into the sea through the canals C D, &c. It appears, near E F in this fig. 1, that the vessels E F, have friction pullies or wheels placed horizontally on their decks, to act against the sides of the canal and prevent the lee-way: thus converting the whole effort of the wind to a useful purpose. And here I observe, that if the wind blows in, or nearly in the direction of the diagonal, then, the vessel would go almost from one end to the other of the main canal without tacking, and thus do an abundance of work at each return: for it is a common thing for ships to sail nine or ten knots an hour! And here note, that the present curvilinear form is given to the canal in order to take all winds, (tacking more or less often) whether coming from the inside of the curve or from the outside. I cannot but add that in this Machine—in that I have already given—or in those I may yet give, there is much to be found that promises useful application in many an important position. An example now strikes me. The reservoir at the Manchester Water Works might furnish room for a floating Machine, capable, on windy days, to do all the work of the steam engine, and thus economize a good portion of the fuel it consumes.

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OF
A PORTABLE ENGINE,
For extinguishing Fires.

This Machine (see Plate 38, fig. 4) is intended to be carried or conveyed in a small cart, to the place where an incipient fire may be preluding to it’s fearful horrors! It is, as to form, a common lifting pump, inclosed in a vessel of air, whose spring perpetuates the jet in the usual manner. When used, it is held on two men’s shoulders, by means of a bar going through the ring A. Further, a rope is fastened to each of the extreme rings B C: and a stick put through each of the second rings b c. Two rows of men are then marshalled along the ropes; one set to hold-on, and the other to pull in regular time, the piston c along it’s pump, thereby sucking water through the pipe D, and forcing it through the valve v into the air vessel: from which it is forcibly expelled through the directing pipe E F. Here it is clear, that this small Machine is capable of an effect almost indefinite: since the rows of men may be very numerous; there being always people enough at a fire. To work the Engine by pulling, is nothing more than to repeat many a nautical manoeuvre: and if only one man in the company should have learn’t to sing the sailors’ song, they would soon produce—“a long pull, a strong pull, and a pull altogether.” To be serious, a hundred men may as well work at this Machine, as ten; and the effect will keep pace with the cause. In a word, there is scarcely any limit to the abundance of water, that might be thrown on a fire by such an Engine as this; of which I shall say nothing more, save that the bar of the piston rod at c, is intended to be used for drawing it inward, by the efforts of two men, at each interval in the effort of the working-men. A mere inspection of fig. 4 will fully shew what here remains unsaid.

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OF
A WIND MILL,
With double Power.

This Mill produces a double power, merely because it uses two pair of sweeps or sails, both of which (though turning opposite ways) concur in giving the same motion to the vertical shaft of the mill. A B fig. 5, (Plate 38) is the shaft in question. It has on it two bevil wheels or pinions o, b; bearing the same proportion to their respective wheels: one of which (o) works in the wheel C, fixed to the outer shaft a c, and the other (b) in the second wheel D, which takes it’s motion from the inner shaft E D. This latter, then, is turned by the front sweeps F G; which revolve, as usual, “against the sun,” while the other sweeps H I, are braced round the large shaft a c, and turn with the sun—being sloped and clothed for that purpose. Now, lest any doubt should arise, whether these two sets of sails would not injure each other’s motion—I would remark, that one principal effect of the front sail on the wind would only be to turn it aside, and thus make it the more fit to turn the other sails, which require to go the other way; and which, therefore, will rather be favoured than otherwise, by the aforesaid effect on the direction of the airy current. It may be useful to observe, that the two sets of arms can be put, circularly, into any given position, by means of the wheels C D, and will retain that position if the proportions of the wheels to the pinions o b, are the same for each pair—a result which it is easy to insure.

I shall dwell no longer on this subject, convinced as I am that nobody will question the propriety of enlarging the scope of these operations. It is a subject I especially recommend to our Batavian neighbours—the more, as, without presuming to dictate on a subject they may think I have not experience enough to judge of—I have only a hint to give to their Moolen Maakers, to insure their attention to a subject so intimately connected with the welfare of their never-forgotten Vaderland.

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OF
A WATCH ENGINE,
To extinguish incipient Fires.

It is well known, that many ruinous fires have originated so slowly, that they might have been put out in a minute, had a little water been at hand—especially with the power of throwing it to a short distance. This fact makes it more desirable than it would at first appear, to have small vessels full of water, furnished, in themselves, with the power of forming a jet, without a moment’s delay! and this is the purpose of the Watch Engine, represented in fig. 6 of Plate 39.

In that figure, A B is a cylindrical vessel, with spherical ends, made strong enough to bear (without danger) a pressure of several atmospheres: and into which is introduced, by a condenser, (which might be the very system C p r) a quantity of water sufficient to occasion the aforesaid pressure. The valve C being water-tight, retains entirely this water; and the Machine is placed on it’s three feet, in a corner of the apartment it is wished to secure. It is seen in the figure, that the valve-pipe C p, opens into the ejection pipe p q, while the valve stem p passes through a collar of leather, and comes in contact with the lever p R while in it’s present position. If, now, any part of the house or apartment should be found to be on fire, this Instrument can be carried there instantaneously, by the pipe p q, as a handle; and the jet be levelled at the point desired: when, by taking the lever p R in his hand, with the pipe p q, the bearer will open the valve C, and thus have an immediate supply of water, in a state of impulse sufficient to quell a fire that might else have become so violent as to mock every attempt to extinguish it! This, then, is the object of the present simple tribute to public safety.

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OF
A MACHINE
For Engraving the Cylinders of Calico Printers by Power.

The principle of this Machine is as follows: When two equal toothed wheels a b (see Plate 39, fig. 1,) geer together, a given tooth of either wheel visits a given tooth of the other, once every revolution: and will continue to do so as long as the wheels continue to revolve. But, when the wheels are unequal, as A B fig. 2, then different teeth in one wheel, visit the same tooth in the other, until, after a certain number of turns, the revolutions of both wheels have a common divisor. My System of equable Geering (see Part 2d. of this Work,) justified me in applying this principle to Engraving; and is the chief foundation of the Machine now to be described: for this System, as we have seen, communicates the very same kind of motion that two touching cylindrical surfaces would impart to each other by mere contact. The punch, therefore, will not scrape the cylinder, when brought into the desired places of contact by the aforesaid process. Let us suppose then, (fig. 2) that the wheels A B, are to each other in diameter and teeth, as the numbers 2 to 3; and that a given tooth in the wheel A, (which we have pointed out by a dot) now touches a certain spot on the wheel B, marked by a dot like the former. When, now, this spot on the wheel B has made one revolution, the wheel A will have made ³/₂, or 1¹/₂ revolution: and the tooth first mentioned, will be found diametrically opposite to the place where it touched the spot first adverted to. And if, further, we give the wheel B another turn, the wheel A will again have made 1¹/₂ turn; and the tooth first mentioned will again visit the spot with which it coincided at the beginning.

To recapitulate—	The	1st.	turn of B gave	1.5	turns of A, and
	The	2d.	turn of B gave	1.5	turns of A:
Sum.		2	turns of B &	3.0	turns of A:—

which numbers are thus in the inverse ratio of the number of teeth in the wheels respectively.

Referring again to fig. 3, there we see a cylinder to be engraven, (M) and a porte-outil (or tool-bearer) N, connected by the wheels A B; whose teeth are singly inclined, like those that were considered in Part 2d. It can hardly ever occur, that the circumference of a cylinder can require to be divided into two parts only: but most often into a greater number, as 9, 11, &c. and it so happens, (from these initial diameters 2 and 3) that we must take uneven numbers for our basis, in order to reduce the System to any thing like regularity. And, this admitted, the theory of this division will be as follows:

Let the chosen (uneven) number of figures required round the cylinder be called m: then must the number of teeth in the small wheel A, be likewise m: when the number in the wheel B, will come out uniformly m + (m ± 1)/2; in which formula every case of practice is included. For suppose, any uneven number to be required, say 11: Then will the cylinder-wheel A, have 11 teeth; and that of the porte-outil (B) 11 + ¹²/₂ = 17, or 11 + ¹⁰/₂ = 16: either of which numbers, working with the 11 teeth of the cylinder-wheel A, will divide the latter into 11 parts, as was before stated.

It must, however, be observed, that, as expressing a set of teeth actually working, these numbers are fictitious; because the teeth would be too coarse to work well. The numbers thus found, must, therefore, be multiplied by 2, 3, or more, so as to bring the teeth to a reasonable size, say ¹/₈ of an inch thick, according to circumstances.

As another example, take the following: suppose it were required to engrave a cylinder of 4 inches diameter—or 12.56 in circumference, and to put twenty-five figures round it, giving very nearly half an inch for each figure. Then the cylinder wheel (A) must have 25 teeth; and the porte-outil wheel 25 + ²⁶/₂ = 38: or, doubling both numbers to give the teeth a proper strength, the cylinder-wheel would have 50 teeth, and the porte-outil wheel 76.

To proceed now, in stating the principles of this Machine, it is evident (in this System of geering) that the diameters of the wheels must be in exact proportion with the number of their teeth, taken at the pitch lines; and that these pitch lines must be of the same diameters, respectively, as the cylinder to be engraven, and the porte-outil taken at the surface of the punch: which is saying, in other words, that the length of the punch must be regulated after the diameter of the porte-outil wheel has been determined from it’s number of teeth, compared with those of the cylinder-wheel. But we shall return to this topic after having described more fully the principal parts of the Machine.

In fig. 5, (which is a kind of transparent view of one end of the Machine), A B C is one of the stands or legs on which it rests; a b is a section of the frame or bench, which supports the headstock C D, one of which is bolted down at each end of the frame, (see also C D in fig. 3.) This figure shews the transverse form of the headstock, with the centre (c) of the porte-outil; and e d are the two wedges that go through the headstock to support the step of the cylinder, of which the mandrel appears at f. This mandrel-centre is also covered with a second step, over f, by which it is kept down by means of a regulating screw A, (fig. 3) which finally determines the degree of nearness of the cylinder to the porte-outil, and thus the depth of the engraving:—that is to say, this regulating screw influences this depth as far as the wedges (e d) permit: for by the screw d, these wedges slide on each other so as to raise or let fall the steps f, by small degrees; the position thus given being confirmed by the said regulating screw. It is needless to say that this operation takes place at both ends of the Machine, (C and D) and thus places the surface of the cylinder in a line exactly parallel to the slide n q of the porte-outil.

In fig. 3, all the parts thus adverted to, are given in a front view—where we may observe, that the rope marked by dots at R, is a loaded friction-drag, used to prevent the porte-outil from over-running the cylinder, when the punch is just emerging from between them.

The same figure 3, shews also the position of the frog x, in the triangular slide of the porte-outil; the latter, as well as the cylinder, borne by the headstocks C D. Moreover, the rack w, which gives the end-motion to the punch, is here shewn, as going through the frog, and connected with it in one direction by the catch o: and at n, there is a spring, formed like a horse-shoe, the use of which is to push the frog, by the catch o, to the right, whenever the rack is suffered to go that way, by the mechanism hereafter to be described.

The frog, then, (so called because it seems to leap when the Machine works) must now be adverted to: it consists of an under mass, formed prismatically to fit exactly the slide n q, cut out of the porte-outil N. This mass is capped by a thickness of steel, which completes the passage for the rack n w, and offers, besides, a compartment for the punch-clams o, and another (x) for a wooden or steel bridge, being a portion of a cylinder, so formed, as to support the engraved cylinder after the stress of the impression is passed, and thus to equalize the depth of the engraving. The compartment for the punch-clams at o, is terminated to the right hand by an obtuse angle near x, which serves as a centre, when, by proper fixing screws in the rim near o, it is found necessary to place the punch a little awry. The other properties of this frog will easily be supposed by my mechanical readers.

We come, then, to it’s motion in the slide. p r shews a wheel, running loosely on the axis of the porte-outil; and having fixed to it a concentric rim r, with three or four waves in it’s circumference. Further, above s, is seen a lever, turning on a pin in the stud s, and pressing against the right-hand end of the rack w, when driven to the left by the waves p r, &c. This rack is cut into ratchet teeth as at w, in which enters the catch o, as impelled by a proper spring acting on it, (but not seen in the figure.) As long then, as the waved wheel p r can turn, with the porte-outil N, this last described mechanism does nothing: but when p r is stopped, it begins to work usefully; for the lever s then rides on the waves p r, and presses the rack w against the spring n, so that the catch o, takes into some new tooth; by which means, when the spring n unbends (by the sinking of the lever s into any wave p) the frog is itself carried toward the right hand—which is the effect intended. But, in fine, how is this wheel p r stopped and set agoing a propos? Fig. 5 will shew this, with the aid of a little imagination—since our fig. 5 is a kind of transparency rather than a regular view. The wheel m, is a crown wheel, near which the wheel p r (fig. 3) turns, having a spiral g on it’s hither surface, which runs between the teeth of the wheel m and turns it one tooth, in each of it’s own revolutions: But when, after a given number of these turns, the end of the spiral g meets with a large tooth on m, it lodges on it, and stops the motion of the wheel p, and then the aforesaid waves r perform the task of driving the rack w backward; after which the spring n changes the place of the frog, so as to make another line of impressions round the cylinder. It remains then, only to be explained, how this stoppage is itself stopped; which is thus: to the porte-outil is fastened, near g, a small arm, which turns with it, and which in fig. 5 the dot t represents. This arm, therefore, drives back the beak t, (connected with the spring v) at every revolution of the porte-outil, thereby working the small catch that hangs to that beak. This catch, therefore, slides on the edge of the crown wheel m, but produces no effect, until it finds there, one small notch, so placed as to be acted on by the catch when this disengagement is wanted—and, then, this motion jogs forward the crown wheel m just enough to take the large tooth out of the way—when the spiral g begins to move through the common teeth of m, and thus ceases to act on the rack till the large tooth again comes to stop the wheel p, and recommence the rack’s motions. And thus is the place of action of the punch changed after any number of it’s contacts with the cylinder—that number being doubled or trebled—or more—when necessary, by increasing accordingly the number of common teeth in the crown wheel m, before a large tooth occurs.

A few practical remarks on this mode of engraving may here be added with advantage. Theoretically speaking, the punch should form a portion of a cylinder, of equal radius with the porte-outil wheel, taken at it’s pitch line. But through the relative weakness of some mandrels, a certain spring takes place, which requires the punches to be more curved than that wheel, and even considerably so. This also depends on the size of the punch, and the fullness of the pattern. In a word, it depends likewise on the method of employing the Machine—whether with few passages, and considerable pressure, or with light pressure, and many swift passages:—The latter System is in my opinion much the best; since it brings the practice nearer to the theory of this Machine. If, indeed, the cylinders and mandrels of Calico Printers, had been originally made thicker, and thus strong enough to bear the pressure without sensible deflexion, this would have been, from the first, a perfect process: and the nearer these objects are brought to this state of inflexibility, the nearer will it’s effects approach to perfection; for in all other respects it works with admirable precision.

I may just add, that the facility with which the revolutions of this Machine are counted, has induced some persons to dispense with the rack movement: but for small patterns with numerous impressions, it is doubtless better to use it—especially when employing the rapid and light pressures just alluded to; and these will become additionally interesting when the punches themselves acquire a more exact form—which is the object of the third Punch Machine, still remaining to be described.

It is not superfluous to add, that this Engraving Machine is dangerous to the persons employed—and should therefore be guarded behind, by a fence-bar, to prevent the hands or clothes from being drawn in.

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OF
A HORIZONTAL WATER WHEEL,
Probably the best of the impulsive kind.

In this title, I have repeated that given in the prospectus: nor do I think I have assumed too much in so doing. It will be seen in the course of this description, on what I found my opinion; which indeed, was substantiated by the fact as soon as formed: the execution having speedily followed the invention. The Machine, in it’s different parts, is represented in figs. 1, 2, 3, and 4 of Plate 40. Fig. 1 is a plan of the floor, on which the upper water flows, to it’s whole depth, when the flood gates are opened: this floor being close over the wheel, as seen in fig. 4, at c d. Further, a b, in both figures, is a circular slit of the whole diameter, through which the water rushes at once on all the floats of the wheel; whose axis goes up into the building through a kind of barrel, that prevents the water from escaping in any other part than the aforesaid circular aperture. The wheel itself is represented at e f, fig. 2; and fig. 4 is an elevation of it, with it’s shaft, and a few of the floats, to shew the manner of their receiving the stroke of the water. A section of the ring-formed slit is also given at a b, with two floats receiving the flowing water: and in that elevation is also shewn two of the swan-necks by which the central part of the floor is supported on the framing, without stopping the watercourse.

Finally, the slit or aperture a b, figs. 1 and 4, is fitted with a set of cast iron curves, of which six are shewn in the Plate, between c and d, and whose use is to turn aside the falling water to any desired inclination; these instruments being moved at will by a proper chain of bars, reaching from one to the other, and connected with eight or more levers at proper intervals on the floor of the water chamber.

Thus then, it appears that this Machine has two or three very important properties: 1st. all the water escapes in the same direction, (relatively to the motion of these wheels) and that direction concurs with that in which the wheel is made to turn. 2d. Every one of those fluid prisms into which the stream is divided, is urged with the same velocity, because impelled by the same head of water. 3d. The velocity of these jets is the greatest possible, because the water is carried as low as possible before it is emitted; and falls as little as possible after it has struck the wheel. 4th. In fine, the inclination of the floats may be made most perfect; and their form, being that of a boat slightly curved, is among the best forms possible for receiving the utmost impulse from flowing water.

Although by these means much is done in favour of the impulsive system, it is allowed, that, in general, a wheel acting by impulse, is less effective than a bucket-wheel acting by the weight of the water. But the higher the fall is made, the more similar these effects become. Hence, a very high fall may be made to produce, by impulse, an effect equal to that of the bucket-wheel. To meet, therefore, such a contingency as this, I have given, in fig. 3, a cover to the water chamber of fig. 4, intended to close it upward, and thus adapt it to a fall of any height; the water entering into this chamber from a large pipe A, of the required length: and being compressed accordingly, the result is forcible in proportion.

A few facts on the above subject will not be uninteresting. When this wheel, fifteen or sixteen years ago, (for I have forgotten it’s exact date) was about to be put in motion at La FertÉ in France, several knowing ones took upon them to say “that it would not turn at all.” But who so astonished as they, when, at twelve feet diameter, and with less than five feet fall, they saw it make fifty-four turns in the first minute! I acknowledge, with pleasure, that these men soon expressed their approbation with unsophisticated candour; for although an honest prejudice had beset them, it was un-poisoned by that envy, I have more than once had to deal with in a country we are accustomed to call better! I therefore take leave, on this occasion, to say to my beloved countrymen, “Go and do likewise.”

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OF
A NEW SPINNING MACHINE,
Called, and being the Patent Eagle.

The Machine commonly used for continued Spinning, in low numbers, is named a Throstle: and as my Invention acts in a similar manner, I have presumed to call it an Eagle. My motive is no mystery. The Machine spins more and better than a throstle: and reaches, especially, to a fineness unknown in throstle spinning. It could not, therefore, justly receive a meaner name, nor even an equal one.

The present Machine then, is a superior kind of throstle, the construction of which will be understood, by spinners, from the annexed figures, 5 and 6 of Plate 40. As the principal difference between the former machines and this, resides in the toothed wheel by which it’s spindles are turned, we shall begin this description by adverting to it: A B is that wheel, cut, at present, into 800 inclined teeth, and working with pinions of 11 teeth, one of which, with it’s spindle, is shewn at a b, fig. 6. The revolutions, therefore, of these spindles to one of the wheel, are 72.7272, &c.; and since the latter, in spinning, makes from 60 to 70 turns per minute, the spindles run at the rate of 5000 turns in that time, and might do more if desired by the spinner. In a word, the useful speed depends on the size and weight of the spindles, the flyers, &c.

Immediately above and below the wheel A B, are two rings of cast iron, to which are screwed rims, either of wood or metal, destined to hold the steps and bolsters of the spindles, as is usual in a throstle, with the difference of the circular form, which the wheel of course requires; and the relation of which, to the rollers, is shewn at a b, fig. 5, being a plan of this Machine. Returning to fig. 6, the next object upward is the roller-beam, (cast hollow for lightness) the form of which is that of an octagon, with two brackets c d, by which it is fastened to the pillars E F: these, in their turn, being connected with the top and bottom cross-pieces (G H, I K) so as to make up the frame, properly so called. All these parts are placed (in section) similarly to those usually composing the throstle; and the copping motion is produced by the curve f, driven by an endless screw on the shaft h f, and acting on the slide f g, and through it on the ring of which the square i is a section: and on whose iron plate, in fine, the bobbins drag, as they do in the throstle. In the Machine before us, the rollers are driven by two side-shafts h f, which take their motion either from a train of spur wheels placed above the traverse G H, or by bevil wheels from two small shafts, coming under that traverse from the central shaft L M, to those h f, and acting on the rollers by means of the bevil wheels f m, seen in the figures. Now, the rollers are contained in eight heads—1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, each of which has it’s speed wheels in the angles n o, &c. and receive their motion from six sets of bevil wheels q, &c. which propagate the motion round each half of the Machine, from the points m and p respectively.

Above this roller-beam, is the creel-ring N O, which (either in one or two rows) receives the sixty roving bobbins that supply the sixty spindles, of which the Machine is composed: and whose threads pass under the eight sets of rollers—one thread being suppressed in each of the heads—1, 4, 5, 8, on account of the columns. (This, at least, is the arrangement I prefer; but some of the Machines have been made with eight threads in all the compartments.) Finally, in this frame G H, I K, is placed a ring P Q, (of glass or bright metal) over which the rovings are thrown before they are put in the guides behind the rollers; so that the route of a thread in the act of being spun, is shewn in fig. 5, by the line P R, S b, where it meets the bobbin on the spindle a b, before mentioned.

It may be observed here, to prevent ambiguity, that the guide-boards, with their hooks, are placed below the octagon roller-beam q n o, &c. as they are in the common throstle; being, each, ¹/₈ of the whole circumference, and of a circular form on the outside, reaching, by these hooks, to the point S, so as to hold the thread just over the centre of the spindles as at a b, fig. 6. Considering this as a commonplace subject, I have not attempted to draw these boards, since their form and position would occur to every constructor: and this is the reason also, why I have given only the section of the copping ring i, fig. 6: nor at all shewn the top rollers—nor the detail of the creel—on all which topics, opinions vary considerably, while the things themselves are really of minor importance.

There is, however, in my Patent System, something which I think important, and which, therefore, I have sketched near Q, fig. 6. If w x be there considered as the second communication shaft, a wheel z is put on it, of that kind which is calculated to work in a certain geering chain, called in French chaine de Vaucanson, (from the name of it’s inventor); and further, similar wheels (y) are connected with all the pins on the creel, round which the chain is carried from the wheel z, till it comes to it again. The consequence is, that all the wheels (y) are turned by that chain, so as to untwist the roving while the spinning rollers draw it off the bobbins: and this is so, because, in my Patent System, the rovings are over-twisted, in order to admit their being made very fast, without the danger of breaking. This then, completes my Patent Eagle, formed, on the right hand of the figure so as to use over-twisted roving; and on the left hand, so as to spin common roving in the usual manner. In both cases, the motion of the spindles by geering, ensures a mathematical twist, and thus produces yarn better than common; whence also it’s fineness can be carried much farther than on a common throstle. It need hardly be added, that these spindles are stopped and set in motion by the mechanism described in my second Part, at fig. 1, Plate 19: and there mentioned as “a Machine to set-on and suspend rapid motions.”

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OF
A SECOND SPINNING MACHINE,
Adapted principally to Wool.

This Machine, represented in Plate 41, figures 1 and 2, may be called a Spinning-card: whose use, however, I shall now suppose confined to spinning coarse yarn, or rather rovings, to be re-spun on the common machines, or on machines similar to my Eagle just described. It consists, in reality, of an horizontal card A B, having it’s flyer, &c. adapted to perform, in a perpendicular position, what those several parts do, in an horizontal one, on the common carding engine. All this is so well known, that I have not thought it necessary to draw it in these figures; but merely to say, that in this Machine, those operations are performed on the left hand, as at A, where is introduced a broad flat ribbon of wool, duly made on a preparing card, and laid on edge in a box at C, from whence it is drawn by the feeding rollers, &c. so as to cover the whole of the central card A B. Now, round this central card, are placed, ten or more small fillet cards, 1, 2, 3, 4, &c. being at different heights on the central one; by which arrangement, the whole surface of the latter is stripped by these cards, and as much filament collected on each, as is sufficient to form a thread or roving, as before mentioned. But, further, these small cards have to be stripped in their turn: and that is done by the circular combs a b, which being placed obliquely to the cards, receive motion from them, and gather a regular mass of filament of a size fitted to become the yarn or roving in question. Nor need this roving be re-drawn, by rollers, before it is twisted: for it is the property of the bobbins D E, fig. 2, to draw mathematically: and with any speed that shall have been determined. If we examine how this is done, we shall see at bottom, two wheels F G, (toothed on the patent principle) one of which drives the spindles and flies, and the other the bobbins D E: the wheel that drives the bobbin having a few teeth more than that which drives the spindles—whose pinion is the same in number as that of the bobbin. Thus, therefore, the bobbin goes as much faster than the spindle as is necessary to take up all the wool furnished by the comb, and to the comb by the small card, which receives it from the central card A B; where note—that the draught, by this difference of motion is not variable, but determined: since the heads of the bobbins E D, are a hollow inverted truncated cone, on which the yarn cannot remain—for in winding, it drives downward that which is already wound, so as to fill the whole bobbin from the head—a reason for the conical shape of the latter object.

It will appear by the upper figure, (which is a plan of the central card, and the small cards, 1 2, &c.) that the latter receive their motion from the chain H I, by means of the train of wheels K L, turning on studs in the upper cross-piece. Suffice it to add, that the centres of these cards, of the combs, &c. are fixed to the rings by proper cramps, as will be easily conceived. I have offered to sight, only the essential parts, to avoid confusion: and I presume to hope every thing important will be thus seen without difficulty.

In my present view of this Invention as a preparing Machine, I would observe, that the central card is only considered as a distributor, and that I should, now, add to it a System of machinery to make it a forced distributor. I had, indeed, prepared this very System to be patentized many years ago: but the delays that occurred then, followed by the Restoration, (which gave me an opportunity of coming to England;) made me suspend this intention—respecting a method, perhaps, the only thing wanted to make this Machine in all respects excellent.

In the small figure 5, (Plate 41) x y is supposed to be the section of a central card, such as A B, fig. 2; and the horizontal lines between x and y, shew the height of the card teeth. Of these, I take out a portion in several perpendicular lines round the card—say, at an inch distance from each other: the intervals thus stripped, being about ¹/₁₆ of an inch in width: and in all these upright slits, I introduce a blade x y, (whose transverse section is like that of a card wire) and whose edge is undulated as at a b. Finally, to these blades is given, (by a proper Machine) a slow up-and-down motion, which makes them push off the filament from the card wires at the highest points of the waves, and suffer the wires to retain these filaments at the lowest points; whence it follows, from the motion just mentioned, that these points of reception and exclusion of filament, are constantly changing on the surface of the whole card, and that, therefore, the card will never be totally clogged with wool—as it is in the common process. It will be seen that the use of this System need not interrupt that of the common flyer, (or stripping card) whose use is to keep the teeth in working order, and to discharge a part of the obtruding filament.

In terminating this article, I cannot resist the desire of recommending this whole subject to any opulent English Manufacturer, whose zeal and public spirit, are commensurate with the scope which these hints embrace, and to which they tend, if duly appreciated.

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OF
MY PARALLEL MOTION,
As applied to HEAVY Steam Engines.

While this Invention, as described in page 30 of the first Part, is allowed to possess curious properties, and to be a pretty thing, opinions do not all concur in declaring it, essentially and generally, a good thing. Nor could I be unjust enough to insist that it is so, in every kind and magnitude of application. I have, however, convinced myself that it is susceptible of practical excellence, as a first motion to steam engines, whatever be their dimensions; and have, therefore, presumed to re-produce it, with those modifications which are required to make it so. In thus acting, I have again preferred the useful to the agreeable, and in some measure inverted the order of my subjects. But I trust this deviation will be excused, in favour of the motive and the result; on both which I feel a good degree of confidence.

To obviate the point of mechanical weakness in this Parallel Motion, (see Plate 41, fig. 3,) I have doubled it’s parts; and brought the piston rod a b, to act, at once, on two of the circulating wheels c d, placed exactly opposite each other, and rolling, as before, on the inside of the fixed wheels f e, so as to produce the rectilinear motion, by the action of the piston rod on them both. And to make their respective motions one, (as connected with the fly B A) this latter is fixed to a shaft common to the two wheels g h, and by which, therefore, the two other wheels i k, fixed to the crank shafts m n, are kept in due position. Thus, then, is all winding or twisting motion done away: and, therefore, can this System be employed in engines of every required power. Nor need I add, (what will be generally allowed) that much of the expence, and of the retardation, which a given engine suffers from the beam, the connecting rod, &c. will thus be completely obviated.

I must, however, stop every gainsaying mouth, on the circumstance of using geering between the engine and the fly—a system which I acknowledge to have been hitherto an evil; though, perhaps, a necessary evil—as giving (by a simple method) a double speed to the fly from a single motion of the piston. At all events, in this shape, I submit only to a very common difficulty—and might there rest my apology.

But I should have hesitated to go thus far, had I not foreseen that all the evil arising from this use of wheels, can easily be avoided by my geering:—by means of which I am bold to say, every vestige of shake or backlash may be destroyed; and this method of working a steam engine be made as silent as when a beam is used: in which case, considerable advantages must accrue from this method.

To come to the point:—the small figure 4, in Plate 41, relates to this subject. My geering is there seen in three forms or applications—each one intended to bring the above property into play. The part n o, represents the manner in which two wheels with singly-inclined teeth, work together when one of them is furnished with a cheek, as directed in fig. 3 of Plate 14. But here, in addition to that, the teeth of both wheels are sloped more on one side than on the other, so as to assume a wedge-like form: insomuch, that in beginning to work, (if not perfectly formed) the wheels would not occupy the same plane. For, in fact, the cheek screws press home the cheek o against a number of thin washers all round the wheel, and thus only draw the wedge-formed teeth into each other as they become bedded, and successive washers are taken away. Hence, a good degree of precision is obtained—accompanied with little friction, and thus with great durability.

But we stop not here. The part p q of this figure, shews a pair of wheels doubly inclined—one of them only, being made in two halves, which are connected together by screws and washers, like that just described. Here then, another degree of friction is got rid of—namely, that of the cheek o: but still, a small degree remains, (dependent on the double versed sine of the angle formed on the wheel’s circumference, by the thickness of a tooth). This quantity, is indeed, very minute; and brings, perhaps, the whole near enough to perfection. To do, however, completely away with all friction, (see my preceding statement)—as well in the wheel acting backward, as in that acting forward, we must do what is shewn in the parts r or s of fig. 4: we must have a pair of V wheels on the same shaft, with the power of turning one of them in reference to the other; and then connecting them by proper screws, &c. to preserve the position thus given: by which means, in a word, all shake or backlash will be completely annulled.

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