THE RING SPINNING MACHINE.
(366) The term Ring Spinning is applied to that process by which yarn
is spun by means of a machine in which a spindle, revolving in the
centre of an annular ring, is used. The ring is formed with a flange
or bead over which a =C= shaped clip or “traveller” is sprung, being
drawn round the ring by the yarn during the revolution of the spindle.
It is from the use of such a “ring” that the system has been named.
The difference between mule and ring spinning is mainly that between
continuous and intermittent work. The ring frame is the successor of
the throstle, as it was called, in which the twisting was conducted by
the aid of a two-armed flyer, formed with a curl at the end of each
arm, through one of which the yarn passed on its way to the bobbin. The
flyer was fixed on the end of a vertical spindle, and the bobbin was
super-imposed on it, resting on a rail having a reciprocal traverse,
flannel washers being placed between the flange of the bobbin and the
rail to give the necessary drag to the bobbin. Generally, the principle
of the throstle is similar to that of the roving frame, when allowance
is made for the fact that the bobbin is not positively driven. As
it is not now in extensive use it is unnecessary to describe it in
further detail, but its general construction can be easily understood
if a spindle and flyer be substituted for the spindle and ring in the
succeeding description.
[Illustration: FIG. 186. J.N.]
[Illustration: FIG. 187. J.N.]
(367) Referring now to Figs. 185, 186, and 187, the mechanism will be
easily understood, and, as described, is common to most machines made
at present, the illustrations being those of the machine as made by
Mr. Samuel Brooks. Fig. 185 is a front, Fig. 186 an end view, and Fig.
187 a transverse section of the machine. A detached and enlarged view
of one spindle and its necessary roller stand and lifting mechanism is
given in Fig. 188. The roving bobbins =B= are placed in a two-height
creel, and are conducted to the three lines of rollers carried by the
stand =A=. From the front roller the roving passes through the wire
eye =E=, fixed in a wooden board known as the “thread board,” to the
ring =F=, which is held by a suitable clip on a rail extending the
length of the frame, and known as the “ring rail.” The thread boards
are hinged, and can be simultaneously thrown up by the levers =I= and
their connecting rods, which are worked from the end of the frame.
The spindle =C= is, as shown, self-contained, and is fastened into
the “spindle rail” =G= by a nut. The top rollers are weighted by a
stirrup, lever =H=, and weight =M=, ordinarily but not invariably. The
spindles are driven by bands from the tin rollers in the centre of
the machine, and the cop or spool is built by the reciprocal traverse
vertically of the ring rail. The ring is approximately of the section
shown in Fig. 188, and has slipped on to it the traveller. Without
stopping to inquire at present the precise action of the latter, it
is sufficient to say that the yarn is passed through the traveller on
its way to the bobbin, and it is evident that as the ring is raised
or lowered the yarn will be wound on the corresponding portion of the
spindle. Specially referring now to Fig. 186, the vertical reciprocal
motion of the rail =G= is obtained from the cam =E=, which is keyed on
the same shaft as the wheel =D=, driven by the worm =A=, which derives
its motion from the main shaft. Each revolution of =E= depresses the
lever in contact with it, the weight of the ring rails and their
attachments keeping the cam and lever in contact. The chain attached to
the axis of the wheel =D= is thus unwound from a pulley, which being
fixed on a longitudinal shaft causes the latter to rotate. On the
shaft small pulleys =H= are keyed, to which the ends of chains, the
other ends of which are attached to the lower ends of vertical rods
or “pokers” sustaining the ring rail, are fastened. It is a common
practice, instead of using this chain arrangement, to key levers on
the shaft, the free ends of which come under the feet of the pokers.
An arrangement of this character is shown in Fig. 202. The rotation
of the shaft obtained in the manner described raises the ring rail,
the descent being obtained by gravity, but is regulated as to speed by
the shape of the cam =E=. As this reciprocal movement is only about
1-3/4 to 2 inches, while the length of the cop or spool spun is five or
six inches, it will be seen that the ring rail must be slowly raised
and a fresh starting point at each lift of the rail be obtained. This
is effected by means of a ratchet motion automatically operated by
the rise and fall of the lever. The rotation of the ratchet wheel is
communicated through a train of gearing to the wheel =I=, and the chain
connecting =I= and =H= is thus wound on to the former and from the
latter. In this way a limited rotation of the shaft to which =H= is
attached is effected, and the lift of the pokers commences gradually
at a higher point. This elevation of the ring rail is of course a very
slow one, but it is always taking place, and the result is that a
thoroughly well built cop is obtained.
[Illustration: FIG. 185. J.N.]
(368) The history of the ring frame is interesting, and keeping in mind
the fact that a stationary annular ring is an essential feature of a
machine of this description, no earlier date than 1828 can be assigned
to it. In that year a patent was granted in the United States to one J.
Thorp, who invented a ring somewhat resembling that in Fig. 201. The
ring was in two pieces, and a groove was thus formed in which a solid
hoop was placed. The yarn was conducted between the two rings, and was
drawn round the periphery of the hoop by the pull of the spindle. In
the next year a patent was taken out in the United States by Messrs.
Addison and Stevens, in which the first mention is made of a traveller.
The first patent taken out in this country was by Messrs. Sharp and
Roberts in 1834, the next by C. de Bergue in 1836, and after that by J.
G. Bodmer in 1837. In 1847 Messrs. John Platt and Thomas Palmer took
out letters patent for spinning cops on a spindle similar to a mule
spindle by the aid of a ring and traveller, a task which is not even
yet accomplished. After this date nothing was done in this direction
for some time, and inventors in this country appear to have dropped the
subject, while in America it received much greater attention, and was
finally brought to a successful conclusion there.
(369) In the year 1866 Messrs. J. and P. Coats and Messrs. Clark and
Co., both of Paisley, and both having mills in America, introduced
into this country short sample ring frames for the purpose of twisting
sewing cottons, and in February 1867, Messrs. J. and P. Coats ordered
from Messrs. P. and J. Mc.Gregor, of this city, eight sample frames
of 238 spindles, each for doubling purposes. In May of the same year
Messrs. Clark ordered from the same firm a sample frame, and during
that and immediately succeeding years many repeat orders were executed
by Messrs. Mc.Gregor. Messrs. Wm. Higgins and Sons, of Salford, also
made machines on the American pattern for the same firms, and for
the United States. In June, 1867, Messrs. Mc.Gregor made for Messrs.
Knowles, of Burnley, a ring _spinning_ frame, all those previously
referred to being for doubling, and in October, 1869, they made for
Messrs. John Dugdale and Bros., of Lowerhouse, near Burnley, fourteen
frames of 364 spindles each. The author is not aware of any earlier
actual use in this country on a large scale of ring frames either for
spinning or doubling. At the latter end of 1872 Mr. James Blakey,
a representative of Mr. Samuel Brooks, paid a visit to the United
States, and there investigated closely the use which was being made of
the machine. It is extremely probable that shortly before this time
accuracy of workmanship was being better attained in the manufacture
of these frames, and at any rate the _renaissance_ of this as a
spinning machine began about 1866. Mr. Blakey very fully studied the
machine in its original home, and he became so imbued with a belief
in its possibilities that he advocated its modern use with great
earnestness to Mr. Brooks, who, being convinced of the future success
of the machine, began its manufacture with considerable energy, and
soon established a large business in it for doubling sewing threads.
It was not however until the difficulties arising from the use of the
ordinary spindle were overcome that the machine became unequivocally
successful. This special point need not now be enlarged on, as it will
subsequently be dealt with in detail. It is worth noting, however, that
the first extensive use made of these frames was for doubling and not
for spinning.
(370) The general description and history of the machine just given
will convey a fairly accurate idea of its development, and the details
of the machine can now be dealt with. The drawing rollers being common
to all spinning machines no further description than that given need
be furnished; but a reference to Fig. 188 will show that the roller
stands, the thread board mechanism, and the relation of the spindle and
ring are the chief points requiring explanation. It will be convenient,
therefore, to consider these details in their order, and afterwards
to deal with a few special points arising. As will be noticed, the
roller brackets A are formed so that a line drawn through the axes of
the rollers is at an angle with the horizontal. This has been found
to be absolutely essential in order to obtain good work, and for this
reason. It has been noted, and is well known, that the number of turns
per inch put into the yarn depends on the relative speed of delivery of
the rollers, and the revolution of the spindle. Now, in order to ensure
that the twist shall be put in the entire length of yarn from the
spindle to the rollers, it is essential that no portion of it shall be
held in any way by any part of the mechanism, but should be quite free
to receive the twist from the spindle to the nip of the front rollers.
But if the rollers were in a horizontal plane, a certain portion of the
yarn would be pressed against the bottom roller for about a fifth of
its circumference. This is detrimental, because the twist cannot run up
to the nip of the rollers, but is remedied by giving the roller stand
the inclination referred to. In a lesser degree the same evil arises
if the yarn passes through the wire eye =E= in the thread board at too
acute an angle. To obviate this, it is now the practice to adjust the
brackets =A= so that the nip of the front rollers is almost vertical to
the spindle. The amount of the inclination of the roller stand varies
according to the class of yarn to be spun, and whether the rollers are
self-weighted or are pressed downwards by saddle and weights. If, for
instance, weft is being spun, the number of turns per inch being less
in this way than in warp or twist, and the yarn being correspondingly
softer, the inclination is about 35°, while in the case of twist it
will vary from 25° to 35°. Different makers alter this inclination to
suit different requirements, and there are variations existing in it
from 5° to 35°, but the angles given are usual ones. The thread boards
are arranged, as described, to be lifted simultaneously by means of a
lever, this being necessary when the frame is being doffed or stripped
of its bobbins when the latter are full, the doffer being thus enabled
to give a straight lift to the bobbin and avoid any straining of the
spindles.
(371) The chief feature is, however, the relation of the spindle and
ring to each other, and their special construction. It is essential
that the spindle should be so fixed in its sustaining rail as to be
truly vertical, and when its construction is dealt with it will be
seen how perfectly this is obtained. The ring must be attached to the
ring rail so as to be absolutely concentric with the spindle, and on
the actually efficient performance of this duty depends very largely
the success of the machine. Bearing these two points in mind, it will
be convenient to deal first of all with the special construction of
the spindle. As would naturally be expected, the first form used for
this purpose resembled a throstle spindle without the flyer, or a mule
spindle, but eventually the shape adopted generally was that which
is shown in Fig. 189, the bobbin being also very light. A good many
modifications took place, but in every case the bobbin was pressed on
to the spindle above the top bearing or bolster. In 1870, however,
Mr. J. H. Sawyer, of Lowell, Mass., patented the spindle bearing his
name, and which was introduced into this country under the name of the
“Booth-Sawyer.” The main principle of this form was the provision of a
means by which the top bearing was carried up inside the bobbin =B=,
thus sustaining it at a higher point than had been before possible.
Referring to Fig. 190 the bolster =A= is formed as a hollow tube
extending upwards from the rail, and having at the upper end a phosphor
bronze bush, which acts as the bearing. A spiral groove is formed in
the bolster by means of which the oil, being fed at =C= and held in
the chamber =D=, is carried upwards so as effectually to lubricate the
spindle. Special provision is made for the footstep, and both bolster
and footstep are supplied with covers. The Booth-Sawyer spindle is
beyond doubt an efficient one, and constituted a very great advance
on those previously used. The position of the top bearing was higher
than in any previous form, and it does not require any long comment to
demonstrate the value of this improvement. It must be noticed, however,
that it is necessary to oil every day, and that there are two bearings
which are fixed in rails quite independently of each other. In spite
of these defects, however, the Booth-Sawyer spindle has done, and is
doing, excellent service in this country and elsewhere, and so far as
output is concerned, is quite equal to any other spindle in the market.
(372) As has been previously stated, the most essential point in the
successful construction of a ring frame is the preservation of the
exact concentricity of the spindle and ring. If this is destroyed a
very detrimental effect is produced, and it does not need to be pointed
out that where there are two bearings to a spindle each of which is
attached to a different rail, the difficulty of preserving a correct
vertical alignment is very great. For these reasons the introduction of
the Rabbeth spindle into this country by Messrs. Howard and Bullough
about the year 1874 led to its wide adoption, and the practical
supercession of the Sawyer, and gave a great impetus to this system of
spinning. The principle of the Rabbeth is that of the Sawyer so far as
the position of the upper bearing is concerned, but it has the further
merit of being entirely self-contained. The latter feature was not new
in the annals of British invention, but it was never thoroughly worked
out nor made a success in this country until the firm just named took
up the Rabbeth spindle. Students who desire to take up the history
of this subject, can refer to a patent granted to William Wright in
1836, and also to one obtained by David Cheetham in 1857. The Rabbeth
is entirely self-contained, its construction being that illustrated
in section in Fig. 191. The spindle =B= revolves in a case or bolster
=C= made of cast iron, which acts as a bearing for the spindle both at
its upper and lower portions. The bolster is formed with a flange, as
shown, and is accurately turned and bored all over. It has its shank
screwed with a fine thread, so that when passed through the hole in
the spindle rail, it can be firmly fixed in position by the nut shown.
As the underside of the flange is quite square with the hole in the
bolster, it follows that the spindle rail being planed on the top,
the bolster case =C= will be in a perfectly vertical position. The
spindle =B= is borne by a bronze bush at =C=, and by the footstep at
=F=, the case being recessed so as to form a chamber containing such a
quantity of oil that the necessity for lubrication more than once in
six months is obviated. Fitting on the spindle is a sleeve with a warve
or grooved pulley at its lower end as shown at =E=, the sleeve being
bored with a conical hole and being tightly pressed on the spindle.
The driving band passes round the warve and thus rotates the sleeve
and consequently the spindle. A brass cup =D= is placed on the lower
part of the sleeve, into which the foot of the bobbin is pushed, the
upper part fitting the spindle as shown at =A=. In this way the bobbin
is positively driven, and the pull of the band being low down, the
spindle can be run at a high speed with great steadiness. The sleeve
is prevented from lifting by the hook =G=, which is carried in a small
specially balanced frame suitably pivoted so as to allow of the sleeve
being removed easily when required. This device is a patented one of
Messrs. Howard and Bullough’s, and is one of the best for the purpose.
Various modifications of the Rabbeth spindle have been made, including
the Dobson-Marsh, which provides for a readier means of oiling by
taking off a cap at the lower end of the spindle and thus allowing the
dirty oil to run away, this necessitating pumping out in the Rabbeth.
In all essential features the Rabbeth may be taken as the best type of
self-contained spindle, in which the spindle proper is sustained by
rigid bearings, and one of its chief merits is that it can be readily
adjusted so as to be quite true with the ring. As a matter of fact this
was practically the only advance noticeable in the Rabbeth over its
predecessors, and was not perceived even by its inventor until after
spindles made under his first patent had been working some time.
(373) During the past few years, however, a new type has been
introduced, of which there are now several examples, and which is
rapidly superseding all others. Everyone is aware of the tendency of a
rapidly revolving body, such as a humming top a little out of balance,
to assume such a position that its axis is out of the perpendicular
while its revolution is going on with absolute steadiness. The high
rate of speed which is attained with ring spindles, running up to
11,000 revolutions per minute, produced as might be expected, a certain
amount of vibration which it is desirable to avoid. Consequently, a
spindle was produced in America to which the designation of the “top”
or “elastic” spindle was given, and which was, while held in a long
bearing at the top of the bolster, free to move at its foot until it
found its position of steadiness. It was found, however, that the
changes of position when the balance was disturbed were so abrupt that
it was necessary to restrain the movement to a certain extent.
[Illustration: FIG. 189.]
[Illustration: FIG. 190. J.N.]
[Illustration: FIG. 188. J.N.]
[Illustration: FIG. 191. J.N.]
[Illustration: FIG. 192. J.N.]
[Illustration: FIG. 193. J.N.]
(374) In Fig. 192 a spindle known as the “Whitin Gravity” is
illustrated, being made in this country by Mr. Wm. Ryder, of Bolton.
The spindle =B= has fitted on to it the sleeve =A=, made shorter than
usual. On =A= the warve is formed, as well as a conical shoulder on
which the lower end of the bobbin fits tightly. The bolster =C= has the
usual screwed shank, and passes upward into the sleeve. A noticeable
feature of the Whitin is the employment of a loose sleeve in which
the spindle fits, and which has an external diameter at the point =D=
about 1/500 inch less than the internal diameter of the bolster at
that point. The lower part of the sleeve is recessed so as to pass
over a nipple =G= formed in the bolster, the size of the sleeve being
such as to allow of its adjustment in any direction. On the top of
the nipple =G= a small pad of cork =F= is placed, the object of which
is to limit by its friction the movement of the sleeve and spindle,
and also to absorb vibration. The bolster is recessed so as to form a
cavity surrounding the tube =D=, in which the oil is placed, finding
its way to the spindle by means of small holes bored in =D=. The
spindle does not, therefore, as in the Rabbeth, revolve in oil, and
any sediment which may be in the latter is allowed to settle in a
cavity or recess at the foot =H=. The Whitin can be run without any
difficulty at very high speeds. Another spindle in which this principle
is used has been largely adopted, and is known as the “Ferguslie.”
The inner sleeve in this case has freedom of oscillation, which is
controlled by a barrel-shaped spring placed round the upper part of
the bearing. It may be noted that the lower end of the inner sleeve
is quite free, and that the entire control comes from the spring at
the top. There are many other forms of this type of spindle, Messrs.
Dobson and Barlow, for instance, employing a cork cushion in lieu of
a spring. Mr. John Dodd, of Messrs. Platt Brothers and Co., Limited,
has patented the spindle illustrated in Fig. 193, which the author
is informed is running at a very high velocity, and giving very good
results. The spindle =A= is carried in a tube or bolster =D=, formed
with a rectangular nipple =C= at its lower end, in order to prevent its
turning with the rotation of the former. The spindle =A= is formed,
as shown, of a special shape, being strengthened above the top of
the bolster, so as to be stiffened somewhat where the bobbin fits.
The main arrangement of the bolster case, sleeve, etc., is similar to
the Rabbeth, but the bolster case extends upwards a little above the
bolster, and on the spindle a collar =B= is formed, by which the oil
which works up above the top of =D= is thrown off so as to catch on
the bolster case and run down again into the chamber which is formed
at its lower end. The oil passes through holes in the tube, thus
providing for an efficient lubrication, and the tube is so fitted into
the case as to be a little less than its internal diameter. It is
probable that in working =D= will be constantly surrounded with oil,
which will form a pretty effective cushion. At any rate it is found
that high velocities can be attained with this spindle, combined with
complete steadiness. In Fig. 194 (see p. 249), the “Bee” spindle,
which is the invention of the late Mr. George Bernhardt, of Radcliffe,
is illustrated. This gentleman gave a good deal of attention to this
special class of spinning machines, and was the inventor of many
useful appliances in connection therewith. The chief feature of the
Bee spindle is the formation of the bearing in the shape of a long
tube, which can be withdrawn from the bolster case and emptied of oil
without disturbing the spindle. The tube is held in position by a
bayonet catch, and can be withdrawn and replaced in a very short space
of time. If desired, the tube can be arranged to rotate as it is acted
on by the revolving spindle, but this is not essential. The use of
a withdrawable tube is a very valuable feature in principle, and is
worth favourable consideration. In passing it may be stated that the
adoption of spindles with elastic bearings has led to a shortening of
the driving sleeve, and a reduction of the height of the top bearing,
as a comparison of Figs. 191 and 192 will show.
(375) The ring, the use of which gives its name to the system, is made
of the form shown in the drawings, and varies in diameter from 1 inch
to 5 or 6 inches, as required, 2 inches being a very common size. The
diameter is, of course, determined by the counts being spun, the cop
or spool produced being larger in proportion to the coarseness of the
counts. A table of the ordinary sizes employed will be found at the
end of this chapter. The important points in a ring are its perfect
circularity, smoothness of surface, and hardness, three features
which tax the energies of manufacturers to obtain at the prices
paid for these articles, Formerly rings were produced out of iron
of good quality, which was formed into a hoop and perfectly welded,
but latterly steel has come largely into use, and it is the practice
to obtain the blank without a joint. The rings are in some cases
milled, and in others turned and bored to the required section, and
are subsequently case-hardened. A large percentage of the soft rings
fail in the case-hardening, and the production of a perfect article is
only possible with a proportion of the blanks dealt with. In the great
majority of cases the ring is made single—that is, with one bead only
(Fig. 195)—but Messrs. Thomas Coulthard and Co., of Preston, produce
a double ring, shown in Fig. 196, which can be reversed when needed.
This firm provide a special holder for their ring, which is fitted
on to the rail, and is also formed with a vertical arm or projection
which knocks the fly off the traveller as the latter revolves. The
fly is—as explained—the collection of loose fibres which are thrown
off from the surface of the yarn in its passage to the spindle, and
which if left adhering to the ring or traveller increases the drag and
causes breakage. It may be repeated here that cleanliness is a most
important feature, and requires constant attainment if spinning is to
be conducted successfully. A special lubricant is provided for the ring
and traveller, ordinary oils being useless.
(376) The travellers are, as previously mentioned, made of a =C= shape,
but this is not invariable, and are of various weights to suit varying
circumstances. There are two standards of weight used in manufacturing
travellers in this country, one known as the Scotch and the other as
the United States. The Scotch standard probably derived its name from
the fact that it was originally, and still is, manufactured in Paisley,
by Messrs. Eadie Brothers. The difference between the two lies in the
size of the bow for fine numbers from 1/0 to 3/0—used in spinning 28’s
counts yarn and finer. The smaller bow is used in the Scotch standard,
and it enables a thicker steel to be used, giving greater strength to
the traveller and preventing it being pulled off the ring so easily.
Thus, in spinning 32’s, a number 2/0 to 3/0 Scotch standard can be
used, whereas the number in United States standard would be 3/0 to
4/0. For fine yarns a light traveller is necessary, while for coarse
counts or strong doubled yarn a proportionately heavier one is used.
A good deal depends, however, on the quality of cotton used, good Sea
Island, for instance, enabling yarn to be spun with a traveller three
or four sizes heavier than that permissible with inferior cotton. The
diameter of the ring used, the number of twists per inch, and the
speed of the spindles are among the things which influence the choice
of the traveller used. It may be said that, although definite rules
are made as to the weight of traveller used for certain counts under
fixed conditions, a careful overlooker can make a vast difference in
the production by selecting the exact size of traveller best adapted to
particular yarns.
[Illustration: FIGS. 195 AND 196.]
(377) Having thus described the essential portions of a ring spinning
machine, some of the difficulties and principles of the mechanism
may be dealt with. It is quite certain that the full theoretical
reasons for the successful accomplishment of this work are not now
forthcoming, but an approximation to them is possible. The actual
spinning process is merely a twisting together of the fibres of any
material by the rapid revolution of a flyer or spindle while the fibre
is being delivered at a definite rate. In this case the twist is put
in by the rotation of the traveller, which, as shown, is actuated from
the spindle. As it has never yet been accomplished to take off the
yarn from the spindle at the same rate as it is being wound on, it is
necessary that the twisted fibre should be collected on the spindle
or on a bobbin super-imposed on it. In order to do this, as was shown
in Chapter X., it is essential that the eye or guide through which it
is delivered to the spindle should travel either faster or slower
than any fixed imaginary point on the spindle. The latter is the
invariable rule with the ring frame, and it will be seen that as the
bobbin is revolving at a quicker rate than the flyer eye, or in this
case the traveller, it will take up the yarn and gradually wind it
on to itself. Of course, in the case of a mule this does not happen,
the winding arrangement being there altogether different. The amount
of “lead” which the bobbin has should correspond approximately to the
number of inches of yarn delivered by the rollers. That is to say, if
the yarn is receiving ten twists to the inch, the bobbin should take
up approximately, during ten revolutions, one inch of yarn. Now it is
quite clear that if the velocity of the bobbin varies, the speed at
which the traveller is pulled round the ring will vary also, but that,
owing to the resistance caused by its weight and frictional contact
with the ring, it will always tend to lag behind the bobbin. A little
examination will show that the weight of the traveller is really the
determining, or, at any rate, the most important, element in the case.
As has been explained, the rotation of the traveller is caused by
the pull exercised on it by the yarn. Now the velocity at which ring
spindles are revolved is very great, averaging in ordinary cases at
least 8,000 per minute. It is quite clear that a traveller rotating at
that speed will tend by centrifugal force to fly outwards, and thus
cause its inner lip or edge to press against the inside of the ring.
Although it is quite true that this contact is only a slight one it
exists, and constitutes one of the elements in the case. But it is
also evident that the greater the weight of the traveller the greater
will be the force that is exerted against the inside of the ring.
While the author does not wish to do more than express his own opinion
in this matter, there seems to be substantial ground for belief that
the tangential pull on the yarn between the traveller and the point
at which it reaches the bobbin will to a great extent counterbalance
the tendency to fly outwards. It therefore seems probable that the
reasonable explanation of the drag of the traveller is to be found
in the resistance set up by its weight rather than by its frictional
contact with the ring. This is the principle upon which travellers are
made, their weight being carefully graded in order to suit various
counts of yarn and velocities of spindles. There is another feature in
which the weight of the traveller is evidently of importance, and that
is its relation to what is known as ballooning.
[Illustration: FIG. 194.]
(378) A glance at Fig. 188 will show that between the ring rail and
the nip of the front rollers there is about ten inches of yarn, which,
when it is being twisted, is held by the traveller and the rollers, and
tends to fly outwards and assume a curved course, which from its shape
is called a “balloon.” This is caused by the centrifugal action of the
yarn and the resistance of the atmosphere, and leads, unless checked,
to a serious loss of twist. In addition to this as the distance between
the centres of the spindles is only 2 or 3 inches ordinarily, it is
obvious that if this tendency is unchecked contiguous ends will come
into contact and frequent breakages occur. The author was informed by
Mr. Bernhardt that a careful trial made by him established the fact
that, where the balloon is unchecked and allowed to attain its greatest
size, the breakages are six and a half times as numerous as when its
size is in some way limited. There are two methods of doing this, one
by surrounding the spindle with a guard which prevents the balloon
attaining more than a certain fixed maximum diameter, and the other by
so adjusting the position of the thread board that the distance between
the wire eye and the traveller is such that not more than a certain
sized balloon can be formed. It is a well known fact that a balloon
is absolutely essential to good spinning, as its centrifugal action
enables a lighter traveller to be used, and the drag upon the yarn is
thus reduced to a minimum. The use of a heavy traveller undoubtedly
will check ballooning, but the yarn will suffer, and therefore a well
formed but not excessive balloon is of advantage. Mr. Brooks employs
a plate (=L=, Fig. 188) pierced with a number of holes and mounted
on pokers, which gradually rise higher as the bobbin fills, so that
the balloon is checked by the hole in the plate. Other makers, such
as Messrs. Platt Brothers and Co., Howard and Bullough, and Dobson
and Barlow, employ forked wire guards which serve the same purpose as
the plates referred to. Fig. 194 represents the appliance used by Mr.
Bernhardt, which is very effective and is worth attention. Instead of
depending upon a guard of the character referred to, the ballooning
is checked by maintaining a defined distance between the guide eyes
and the ring rail. It is clear that as the latter rises, if the guides
are stationary, there will be a greater tendency to balloon when the
rail is at its lowest position than when at its highest. More than
that, the attainment of the full diameter of the cop is followed by
more ballooning than when the building is just beginning, and it is
therefore advisable to slightly shorten the distance between the guide
and the point of the spindle. The guides are in this case mounted on a
rod borne by and attached to vertical pokers =A=. The vertical position
of =A= is determined by the cam =C=, which is slowly rotated as
building proceeds. The shape of =C= is such that when spinning begins,
the guide eye =A= is about an inch above the nose of the bobbin, but
gradually falls until within 3/8 inch of the same point, after which
it slowly rises until the relative positions at the commencement and
finish are as indicated by the dotted and full lines. The rise begins
as soon as the cop is formed of full diameter, and one important
feature in this invention is that the vertical reciprocations of the
guide eyes are independent of, less than, although simultaneous with,
those of the ring rail. It is certainly remarkable how effective this
contrivance is in checking ballooning, and this without submitting
the yarn to any injurious rubbing action. The size of the balloon is
accurately checked, while at the same time it is as large as can be
permitted under the existing conditions. The inventor stated that the
effect of this arrangement is that a bobbin of 6 inch lift can be
employed, where in other cases not more than a 5 inch bobbin could
be used. The extra length of yarn so wound on is of great service in
subsequent processes, giving rise to other advantages which are well
known.
(379) So far the mechanism employed has been designed to spin on
bobbins placed on the spindles, but there is another branch of the
subject to which reference must be made. Although the attempt to spin
on bare spindles was made so far back as 1847, this special method of
spinning is not even yet completely successful, though it is quite true
that many efforts have been made which have attained partial success.
It may perhaps help to the understanding of the difficulties of the
case to remember that weft yarn is most urgently needed in the form
of cops. Now, yarn which is used for weft has many less twists per
inch put into it than warp yarn, and is in consequence much softer
and more tender than the latter, breaking with less strain, and being
altogether more difficult to spin. It is, therefore, under conditions
which are the most unfavourable possible that the attempt to spin on
the bare spindle in ring frames has to be made. In forming a cop, the
diameter on which the yarn is wound is constantly changing, and the
largest diameter is only a little smaller than the internal diameter
of the ring, while the smallest will be about 3/16 of an inch. Now,
it will be easily understood that the drag exercised by the yarn on
the traveller will be greater when it is being wound on the larger
diameter than when on the smaller, it being remembered that the spindle
is always revolving at a regular rate, and consequently taking up
more yarn per revolution on the body of the cop than on the spindle.
Thus, if a regular rate of traverse of the ring rail were adopted it
is clear that at one point the yarn would be taken up too rapidly,
or too slowly at another. In the mule this difficulty is overcome by
increasing the speed of the spindles when the yarn is being wound on
the nose. It is not possible to adopt any such method in the case of
ring spinning, and the solution has been attempted by the adoption
of a mode of giving a very quick traverse at the beginning of its
downward stroke to the ring rail, so that less yarn is wound on at
that point. Of course this difficulty more or less exists even where
spools and bobbins are used, but it is not so acute as when only the
spindle is employed. The speed of the traveller varies continually,
being greater when the yarn is being wound on the larger diameter and
less when on the smaller. There is thus a greater resistance when
winding is going on at the nose, and breakages occur more frequently
at that point. In addition to this there is the difference existing
in the way the pull is exerted on the traveller at both points, which
will be readily understood by a reference to Fig. 197. It will be seen
that the direction of the draught of the yarn is in the first case
from =B= to =C=, and is an angular or tangential one, whereas in the
second case the pull is from =A= to =C=, and is almost radial. As the
yarn in proceeding from the rollers to the bobbin is passed through
the traveller, it will be clear that while the revolution of the
spindle will in the first case draw the traveller round the ring in the
direction of the arrow, in the second case it will exercise no tractive
power, or at any rate very little, on the traveller, tending rather
to pull it against the ring. As the point =A= is, however, constantly
changing its position, a certain drag is given to the traveller, but
it is a periodical one, for as soon as its position is altered the old
conditions are again established. In this way the yarn is in a sense
twitched or wrenched, and breakages occur in consequence. In addition
to this difficulty there is another, arising from the different speeds
at which the traveller runs, to which reference has been made. Owing
to this difference more twist is put in when winding is going on at
the largest diameter, and less when at the nose of the cop. Now, the
latter place is where it is most wanted, owing to the increased drag,
and as weft yarn is always more softly spun a decrease in the number of
turns per inch is a fruitful source of breakage. The difference amounts
to between one and two per cent, and constitutes really the chief
difficulty to be overcome.
[Illustration: FIG. 197. J.N.]
(380) As this subject is one of some interest a few words may be
profitably expended on it. There is some confusion existing as to the
way in which the loss in twist should be arrived at. On the one hand
it is contended that the number of coils made in one lift of the ring
rail should be counted, and the loss of twist calculated from that. On
the other hand, it is urged that the coils laid in a double lift of the
rail should be taken as a basis. This is the view held by Mr. Charles
Lancaster, of Manchester, who has given a good deal of attention to
the subject, and with whom the author is inclined to agree. To arrive
at a conclusion it is necessary to ascertain the smallest and largest
diameter of the surface of the bobbin, calculating therefrom their
respective circumferences. The mean of the latter will give the average
length of yarn wound per revolution, and the difference of the two the
relative loss in twist. Mr. Lancaster put this matter very clearly,
and the demonstration may be given in his own words: “To prove this
calculation measure the length of a ‘draw’—_i.e._, the yarn deposited
in one up or one down motion of the ring rail—and multiply by the
number of turns per inch, count the number of coils in this layer of
yarn (which represents the actual loss), and divide into total number
of turns. Thus, if the up motion of the ring rail deposits 72 inches of
20’s yarn with 16·75 calculated turns per inch, then 72 x 16·75 = 1,206
÷ 20 coils = 1·8 per cent of loss; and if the down motion deposits 178
inches of yarn with 16·75 calculated turns, then 178 x 16·75 = 2,981·5
÷ 46 coils = 1·6 per cent, or an average of one up and one down motion
of the ring rail of 1·7 per cent.”[A] Of course the finer the yarn spun
the less the percentage of loss of twist.
(381) Whatever be the mode of calculation adopted, whether only the
single or double lift be taken into account, the fact remains that
there is a loss of twist, and that this is of most account when weft
yarns are being spun. It being most desirable to spin these upon the
bare spindle, so that they may be used in the shuttles, it will be
seen that the subject is one of some importance. Various methods have
been tried to overcome the difficulty, one mode being to take the yarn
away from the nose of the cop as quickly as possible, but it has only
been partially successful. Another, and more successful plan, is to
form a special traveller, so arranged that the yarn in passing to the
bobbin does not give a radial but a tangential pull to the traveller.
The final form of traveller adopted by Mr. William Lancaster, who has
tried a large number of shapes for this purpose, is arranged in this
way, and to a certain extent frames made by him have been successfully
used. The mode of construction adopted by Mr. Lancaster is shown in
Figs. 198 and 199. In these the traveller is made at one end with an
open fork, and at the other is =C= shaped, fitting the ring as shown
in Fig. 199. Referring to that figure it will be seen that the yarn
is carried through the =C= shaped eye, and then round the foot of the
open fork =B= to the spindle =A=. The result is that the point where
the traveller rests on the spindle acts as a fulcrum, and the yarn
exercises a pull on the end of the arm carrying the =C=, this portion
of the traveller practically becoming a lever. In this way the direct
radial pull upon the yarn is avoided, and the traveller is readily
drawn round the ring. Its actual position on the cop is shown in Fig.
198, where =B= is the fork, =A= the yarn, and =C= the spindle. In this
form a number of frames are working with considerable success.
(382) In Figs. 200 and 201 a special form of ring and traveller applied
to a bare spindle is illustrated, these being made by Messrs. Platt
Brothers and Co., Limited. The ring =B= has a groove =A= formed in
it, in which a traveller =D= made of the shape shown is placed. The
traveller has a loop or hook =E= near one extremity, and a second loop
=C= nearer the centre. The yarn is first passed under the loop =E=,
and then through =C=, thus giving a drag to the traveller at the point
=E=, and causing it to travel round the groove. The loop =C= lies close
up to the spindle when the yarn is at the nose of the cop, so that the
yarn passes at once on to the former. The machine so constructed has
been in use for some time, and it is found possible to stop it with
the ring rail opposite the extreme point of the cop and re-start it
without any considerable breakage of ends. In considering this portion
of the subject past experience will form a base on which to found
future efforts. A combination of a rapid traverse of the ring rail with
some means of avoiding the direct pull of the yarn might be effective,
but the subject is one for experimental work and not theorising.
The latter is more likely to retard than aid in the solution of the
problem. A differential speed of the spindles has been proposed, but
no data exist by which a correct judgment can be formed. If by simple
means an approximation to an equal twist can be obtained a great step
towards the solution of this extremely difficult problem will have been
made. The whole question is environed with difficulty and requires
constant attention to a number of little points, but the advance made
during the past few years is so remarkable that a good deal of hope
can be entertained as to eventual success. In the meantime weft is
being spun successfully on small wooden pirns which possess the great
advantage of allowing the whole of the yarn to be unwound from them,
and thus save the waste often made by “stabbed” cops. A frame for this
purpose, made by Messrs. Howard and Bullough, is shown in Fig. 202, and
about 400 grains of No. 20’s yarn can be wound on each.
[Illustration: FIG. 198. HILL.]
[Illustration: FIG. 199. HILL.]
[Illustration: FIGS. 200 AND 201.]
(383) With reference to the details of the machine it has latterly
become the practice to drive both tin drums positively, so that
there is no variation in the twist of the yarn on different sides of
the machine. Such an arrangement—made by Messrs. Asa Lees and Co.,
Limited—is shown in Fig. 203, the course of the ropes being clearly
indicated by the figures attached. The lift of the spindles varies from
5 to 6 inches, and their gauge from 2-1/2 to 2-3/4 inches. The diameter
of the front roller is usually 1 inch.
[Illustration: FIG. 203. J.N.]
[Illustration: FIG. 202.]
(384) Akin to the ring spinning machine is that employed for doubling.
It is, however, heavier in construction, and has a different
arrangement of rollers. The rings used are as large as three inches in
diameter, and the spindles have a lift of six inches. The travellers
are of a different shape, being made to engage with both the top and
bottom flange, or bead of the ring. There are two systems of doubling
pursued. In the English system the delivery rollers are placed in front
of longitudinal water troughs, so that the yarn may be either passed
through the water or not as preferred. In the Scotch system the rollers
are placed above the water troughs, and the bottom rollers can, by
means of a special arrangements, be lowered into the water. In both
cases there are but one line of rollers usually, and, in the case of
Scotch doublers these are invariably brass covered. The rollers are
much heavier than those used in spinning, as the delivery of the
yarn is accomplished by the nip of the top and bottom rollers, the
former not being weighted in any way. In the Scotch frames the rollers
are carried by short arms securely keyed on a longitudinal shaft,
which, by means of a worm and worm quadrant, can be oscillated so as to
lower or raise the rollers into the water trough. In the English system
of wet doubling, the yarn is taken underneath a glass rod immersed
in the water in the trough, and then through the rollers. It is not
necessary to deal further with the details of this machine, as it is
practically similar to the spinning machine.
(385) There is a large trade done in “double” yarns—that is, yarns
composed of two threads twisted together—these being used for the warps
of some of the stronger calicoes, and in the finer grades for many
other purposes, such as the manufacture of lace. There is no difficulty
in producing these, but the manufacture of sewing thread involves
a more elaborate treatment. In carrying this out the yarn is first
wound on a machine provided with a detector mechanism, and known as a
doubling winding machine—this being described in the next chapter. The
object of this machine is to enable a two-fold yarn to be produced free
from knots of large size, from single, and from slack places in any
of the strands, this producing “corkscrews.” The latter is the phrase
used, when one end of the yarn being twisted has been more slackly
wound than the other, thus becoming bagged, and resulting in it being
twisted round the other irregularly. These are very objectionable, and
not permissible in producing sewing thread, as they cause thick places
which catch in the eye of the needle. Having obtained the two-fold
yarn, the next operation is that of “cabling”—that is, the twisting
together of three of the double yarns. These are, therefore, again
wound on to a bobbin or spool on a similar machine to that previously
used, and are then twisted together into a six-fold or “six-ply”
thread. The advantages of doubling winding will be more fully explained
when the machine is described.
(386) In order to enable some idea of the class and weight of the
travellers used, the relative speeds of front roller and spindles,
and production, a table is appended to this chapter in which a few
representative counts are selected. Other tables give the result
of a number of tests made with the Emerson Power Scale and other
instruments, which enable the amount of driving power required to be
ascertained.
(387) The consideration of the various machines employed in spinning
being now concluded, a few words may be said generally about the
whole system. Before doing so, however, it may be as well to define
the meaning of one or two words which are habitually used to define
the relative fineness of the yarn. It will be noticed in the table
appended to Chapter X. that the roving was described as such a “hank”
roving, while the yarn is said to be of certain “counts.” Although
apparently contradictory, these terms are not really so, being simply
different expressions of the same fact. The standard upon which all
definitions of the fineness of yarn are based is the “hank” of 840
yards. A hank is the thread wound into coils of 54 inches circumference
until a length of 840 yards is obtained. That forms the basis by which
the “counts” of yarn are calculated, and the “counts” are simply the
number of such “hanks” in one pound weight. In ascertaining the “hank”
of roving a certain length is wrapped into a coil and weighed. The
weight is obtained in grains, and that sum is then divided into a
constant number obtained as follows: The number of yards of roving
taken is multiplied by 100 and divided by 12. This practically means
taking 8·33 as a constant number and multiplying it by the number of
yards of roving wound. The same procedure is pursued with the lap and
sliver on the scutching, carding, and drawing machines. It is no part
of the scheme of the present work, however, to do more than glance at
these modes of calculation, as there are many books of rules already
in existence, but it may just be stated that the amount of twist which
is put into any yarn is determined by the following method: The square
root of the count is taken as the basis of the calculation, and is
multiplied for mule twist by 3·75, for ring frame or extra hard twist
by 4, and for weft yarns by 3·25. The product of these calculations
give the twist per inch for any counts of yarn it is desired to spin.
The three multipliers thus given are sufficient for ordinary uses, but
if yarn is spun for doubling purposes the multiplier is 2·75, and if
for hosiery purposes 2·50.
(388) In conducting the manufacture of cotton into yarn, it is
desirable to remember that a gradual reduction in its substance is
wanted, and all the draughts throughout the whole series should be
carefully graded to ensure this. It is extremely undesirable to
overstrain the cotton at any point, and this would be the inevitable
result, unless the whole of the speeds were designed to give a gradual
reduction. This is a factor which it is unwise to neglect, and by
a little careful observation, the correct draughts throughout the
process can easily be arrived at. It is, however, essential, if it is
desired to produce a good yarn, that the mode of obtaining it should be
carefully thought out before passing the cotton through the scutchers.
Practically, the hank drawing and hank sliver are the same, but the
former is obtained from several slivers, so that there is at this stage
a considerable reduction. After this point the attenuation should be
steadily kept in view, until the completion of spinning. In conclusion,
it may again be urged that cleanliness and care in the use of spinning
machines will well repay the spinner. It is worth his while to see that
the machinery he employs is well made to begin with, and is kept in
good order subsequently. By doing so, he will ensure the production of
a good yarn, which cannot be spun in profitable quantities, without an
undue amount of waste, on machines which are neglected and allowed to
fall out of repair.
TABLE 4.
PRODUCTION OF RING SPINNING FRAMES FROM ACTUAL TESTS. MESSRS. HOWARD
AND BULLOUGH’S MACHINES. RABBETH SPINDLES.
+-------+--------+----------+------------+------------+
| | | | | |
|Counts |Speed of| Speed of | Diameter | Turns |
|of Yarn| Spindle| Front | of Front | per |
| to be | per |Roller per| Roller. | inch of |
| Spun. | Minute.| Minute. | | Twist. |
+-------+--------+----------+------------+------------+
| 10’s | 6,020 | 158 | 1 | 12·12 |
| 16’s | 6,800 | 133-1/2 | 1 | 16·21 |
| 20’s | 7,300 | 132 | 1 | 17·60 |
| 24’s | 7,500 | 130 | 1 | 18·36 |
| 28’s | 7,500 | 116-1/2 | 1 | 20·49 |
| 30’s | 7,500 | 119 | 1 | 20·00 |
| 32’s | 7,500 | 111-1/2 | 1 | 21·41 |
| 34’s | 7,500 | 107 | 1 | 22·31 |
| 36’s | 7,500 | 101 | 1 | 23·63 |
| 38’s | 7,500 | 97 | 1 | 24·50 |
| 40’s | 7,500 | 94-1/2 | 1 | 25·25 |
+-------+--------+----------+------------+------------+
| | | Number |Production per spindle |
|Counts |Diameter| of |per week of 56-1/2 hours.|
|of Yarn| of |Traveller.+------------+------------+
| to be | Ring. | U. S. | In Pounds. | In Hanks. |
| Spun. | |Standard. | lbs. ozs. | |
+-------+--------+----------+------------+------------+
| 10’s | 1-3/4 |7’s or 6’s| 5 4 | 52-1/2 |
| 16’s | 1-3/4 |4’s or 3’s| 2 12 | 44 |
| 20’s | 1-3/4 |2’s or 1’s| 2 2-1/2 | 43-1/2 |
| 24’s | 1-3/4 |1/0 or 2/0| 1 12-1/4 | 42-1/2 |
| 28’s | 1-1/2 |2/0 or 3/0| 1 5-3/4 | 38 |
| 30’s | 1-1/2 |3/0 or 4/0| 1 4-3/4 | 39 |
| 32’s | 1-1/2 |4/0 or 5/0| 1 2-1/2 | 37 |
| 34’s | 1-1/2 |5/0 or 6/0| 1 0 | 34-1/2 |
| 36’s | 1-1/2 |6/0 or 7/0| 14-1/2 | 33 |
| 38’s | 1-1/2 |7/0 or 8/0| 13-1/4 | 31-1/2 |
| 40’s | 1-1/2 |8/0 or 9/0| 12 | 30-1/2 |
+-------+--------+----------+------------+------------+
NOTE.—With elastic spindles an increase of production occurs of about
20 per cent.
TABLE 5.
POWER TESTS OF RING SPINNING MACHINES MADE AT THE DWIGHT MANUFACTURING
CO., CHICOPEE, U.S.A., APRIL, 1885, BY MR. H. S. CHASE.
+---------+--------------+------------------+--------+----------+--------+
| | | | | | |
| Date. | Time. | Make of Frame. |Spindle.| No. of | Counts.|
| | | | | Spindles.| |
+---------+--------------+------------------+--------+----------+--------+
|April 9th| 2-0 to 5-30 |Lowell Spinning |Rabbeth | 192 | 28’s |
| | (3 tests) | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| „ 10th |10-30 to 11-30| Do. | Do. | 192 | 28’s |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| „ 11th |8-15 to 11-30 | Do. |Common | 208 | 21’s |
| | | | 11 oz. | | |
| | | | | | |
| „ 13th | 9-0 to 2-30 |Biddeford Spinning|Sawyer | 144 | 21’s |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
+---------+--------------+------------------+--------+----------+--------+
| | | | | H.P. | No. of |
| Date. | Time. | Condition. |Spindle |required |Spindles|
| | | |Speeds. |for Frame.|per H.P.|
+---------+--------------+------------------+--------+----------+--------+
|April 9th| 2-0 to 5-30 | Bobbins from | 7439 | 1·5915 | 120·7 |
| | (3 tests) |1/2 full doffed to| | | |
| | | 1/2 full again. | | | |
| | | | | | |
| „ 10th |10-30 to 11-30| Bobbins 1/2 full | 7324 | 1·5094 | 127·2 |
| | | till full | | | |
| | | | | | |
| „ 11th |8-15 to 11-30 | Mean of 11 tests,| 6409·5 | 2·4930 | 83·4 |
| | | Bobbins empty, | | | |
| | | running an hour. | | | |
| | | | | | |
| „ 13th | 9-0 to 2-30 | Bobbins 2/3 full | 7184·5 | 1·2565 | 114·9 |
| | | till doffed and | | | |
| | | filling again. | | | |
+---------+--------------+------------------+--------+----------+--------+
TABLE 6.
TESTS MADE AT LONSDALE, RHODE ISLAND, U.S.A., BY MR. W. S. SOUTHWORTH,
NOW SUPERINTENDENT OF THE MASSACHUSETTS COTTON MILLS. SAWYER SPINDLES.
+-------------------++------------------------------++--------------+
| REVOLUTIONS || POWER FOOT POUNDS PER || Number of |
| PER MINUTE. || SECOND PER SPINDLE. || Spindles |
+--------+----------++----------+----------+--------++ to One |
| Front | Spindles.|| Empty | Full | Mean. || Horse Power. |
|Rollers.| || Bobbins. | Bobbins. | || |
+--------+----------++----------+----------+--------++--------------+
| 59·2 | 5,408 || 3·140 | 3·675 | 3·407 || 161·4 |
| 63·95 | 5,842 || 3·536 | 4·139 | 3·837 || 143·3 |
| 69·9 | 6,386 || 4·025 | 4·933 | 4·479 || 122·8 |
| 75·85 | 6,929 || 4·659 | 5·655 | 5·157 || 106·7 |
| 82·5 | 7,539 || 5·338 | 6·537 | 5·937 || 92·6 |
| 88·9 | 8,124 || 6·034 | 7·331 | 6·682 || 82·3 |
| 97·95 | 8,948 || 7·009 | 8·419 | 7·714 || 71·3 |
+--------+----------++----------+----------+--------++--------------+
The weight of the Spindle was 3·98 ozs., of the Full Bobbin 2·23 ozs.,
and of the Empty Bobbin 0·71 ozs.
TABLE 7.—EXTRACTED FROM THE JOURNAL OF THE FRANKLIN INSTITUTE.
TEST OF RING SPINNING SPINDLES, MADE AT CALLAGHAN’S MILLS, ANGORA,
U.S., BY Mr. S. WEBBER, 13th MARCH, 1890. COUNTS SPUN 30’s.
+------------------------------------------+-----------+---------+
| | Bates | Whitin |
| | Spindle. | Spindle.|
+------------------------------------------+-----------+---------+
| Revolutions of front rollers (counted) | 100 | 100 |
| Revolutions of spindles (calculated) | 8360 | 8160 |
| Average power in foot-pounds per spindle | 8·11 | 5·50 |
| Average number of spindles per H.P. | 67·4 | 100 |
| Average H.P. per frame | 3·144 | 2·219 |
+------------------------------------------+-----------+---------+
TABLE 8.—EXTRACTED FROM THE JOURNAL OF THE FRANKLIN INSTITUTE.
TEST MADE BY MR. S. WEBBER, AT THE GLOUCESTER GINGHAM MILLS,
GLOUCESTER, NEW JERSEY, U.S., ON THE 17th MARCH, 1890. COUNTS SPUN,
26’s.
+---------------------------------------------+----------+-----------+
| | Bates | Excelsior |
| | Spindle. | Spindle. |
+---------------------------------------------+----------+-----------+
| Revolutions of front roller (counted) | 102 | 107 |
| Revolutions of spindles (calculated) | 8039 | 8430 |
| Foot-pounds per spindle (bobbins half full) | 7·35 | 6·89 |
| Spindles per H.P. ( do. ) | 75 | 80 |
| H.P. per frame ( do. ) | 2·737 | 2·554 |
| Rollers disconnected H.P. for rollers alone | ·462 | ·481 |
| Do. H.P. for spindles and tin roller | 2·264 | 2·064 |
| Do. H.P. for tin roller only | ·462 | ·462 |
| Do. H.P. for spindles only | 1·802 | 1·70 |
| Spindles per H.P. spindles only | 113 | 120 |
+---------------------------------------------+----------+-----------+
NOTE.—Tables 7 and 8 are merely given because they throw considerable
light on the question of the power required for ring frames. The Bates
spindle is not described, as it is a new form and has not yet been
thoroughly tried practically.
FOOTNOTE:
[A] _Textile Manufacturer_, Manchester, March 15th, 1890.