fastened in small handfulls, to that part of the endless cord that goes
_toward_ the Machine; namely, _F E_, and taken off from that part which
_comes from_ the Machine behind the pulley _A B_: so that the triple
cord before mentioned, there consists of _three cords_, and passes round
the separate pullies at _F_. The flax being thus taken off at _M_, is
handed to the charger at _N_, and _re-fixed_ to that cord by it’s other
end--so as to be finished by a second passage. It would be superfluous
to add, that the waved form of the grooves in the cylinders, is intended
to break the flax at _every_ point of it’s passage before those grooves
as conducted by the large pulley _A B_, (in the centre of which the main
shaft _turns_ without giving _it_ any of it’s own motion) the said
pulley _A B_, being turned, as before stated, by the triple cord from
the _slow_ motion of the pullies _F_ in the figure.
OF
A BOWKING MACHINE,
_To accelerate and equalize that process_.
Having heard it observed by some Calico Printers, that there is more or
less of _inequality_ in this process as usually performed; and that some
parts of the goods are exposed to be more acted on than the _inner_
parts, I have thought the following Machine would be useful, both to
equalize and accelerate that operation.
In figs. 4 and 5 of Plate 36, _A B_ is a hollow cylinder, running on two
gudgeons _C D_, with a very slow motion, and thus, requiring _very
little power_. One of these gudgeons _C_, is hollow, for the purpose of
receiving steam from a boiler, like those at present used. The cylinder
_A B_, is double, both around it’s circumference, and at it’s ends, (see
_a b_, _c d_, figs. 4 and 5). It is also furnished with one or more
doors _E_, through which to introduce the goods; and which doors are
afterwards closed with screws, like those mentioned in the article
“Washing Machine,” of the third Part. The goods being put in, with the
usual doses of alkaline liquor, &c. the steam is introduced through the
gudgeon into the interstice _a b_, and thence through proper openings
into the body of the wheel, and between the cylindrical partitions _a
b_, _c d_, &c. By the steam, the water acquires a boiling heat; and by
the motion of the wheel, is carried up in the boxes _a b_, &c. to the
top, whence it falls through proper holes upon the goods; thus keeping
them _wet_, and steaming them at the same time. The figures shew the
division of the liquor into several jets 1, 2, 3, &c. which are
constantly falling on the goods, as the process requires. The 4th.
figure shews further, the effect of the turning motion of the cylinder
_A B_; namely, that of changing the position of the articles; and
offering, successively, every part thereof to the steam and flowing
liquid: and thus, I presume, must the Bowking process become more rapid
and equal, than that which takes place in a Bowking-keer, unaccompanied
with such a motion.
OF
A PRINTING MACHINE,
_For two Colours_.
This Machine occupies a great part of Plate 37. It is represented in
figs. 1 and 2; the first being an inside view of one of the cheeks; and
the second, a view endwise--represented as broken in the middle, to gain
space in the Plate. As far as possible, both the parts are marked with
the same letters.
To begin with fig. 1, _A B C_ is the cheek: being a kind of shallow
_box_ with edges to strengthen it and give it thickness for the _steps_
_a b_, &c. These steps are strongly fixed to the screws that slide in
the boxes _A B_, and the nuts of which, are seen at _c d_. The screws
enter, besides, into the heads of the perpendicular levers _D F_, _E G_,
against which these nuts press to _set_ the cylinders, by their steps _a
b_, against the _bowl_ _H_. This pressure of those cylinders _a b_ is a
_modified_ effect: for the levers _D F_, _E G_, are drawn inward by the
pulling bars _I K_; which, meeting in the centre of the Machine, are
pressed downward by the hanging bar _L_, to which are suspended the
scales and weights _M_, these being more or less heavy according to the
wish of the _Printer_. It were well to mention a circumstance of some
importance connected with this subject:--If the bars _I K_ form
together an angle _very_ obtuse, the power of pressure is immense; and
the weights at _M_ might be the lighter: But, then, the _degrees_ of
pressure at different angles of the bars _I K_ would vary too much, if
any excentricity of the cylinders _a b_, occasioned any motion. It is
therefore best to use a sensible angle between the bars _I K_, together
with a weight at _M_, so much the heavier; by which means these motions
will be the more mild and manageable. Proceeding with the description:
_e f_ are two hooked screws, by which the pulling bars _I K_ are raised,
when necessary, so as to increase the _nip_ in any corner of the
Machine, without affecting the rest. It should be observed also, that
the steps _a b_, have dove-tailed slides screwed to them from under the
rim, and in it’s thickness, to make them move more correctly, when
pressed horizontally by the nuts _c d_. The upper works of this Printing
Machine are not greatly different from those of the common one. In one
respect, however, I think them superior. The roller, prepared for the
returning blanket, is mounted in a frame _g_, (fig. 2) which moves on a
pin in the centre of the Machine, insomuch that _one_ screw and nut _h_,
suffices to regulate this return. This then, is an improvement, as the
printer has but one operation to perform instead of two. The use of the
piece-roller is the same as usual; and the goods are carried down on
stretching bars, &c. exactly in the same manner.
But a more important property of this Machine remains to be noticed, The
two cylinders _a b_, are made to press diametrically across the centre
of the bowl _H_; so that it’s shaft suffers no friction from that
pressure. And hence, this _two_-coloured Machine requires no more power
to work it, than a common machine for _one_ colour.
A further property of this Machine deserves attention; but for want of
room on the Plate, we are obliged to describe it by means of _dotted_
lines on the face of the present figure. At _a b_, and at _H_, we have
dotted _three_ toothed wheels, of which one is keyed on each of the
mandrels, while the central one is placed in a frame, forming part of _a
slide_ _N_, (fixed on the plate _N_ of fig. 2) and by which this wheel
is moved up and down at pleasure. Here it is evident, (see again fig. 1)
that if this central wheel rises, it will turn the mandrel _a_,
backward; and the mandrel _b_, forward: and this is a peremptory method
of increasing or lessening the distance between any two points on the
cylinders; or in other words, of fitting the colours of one cylinder
into those of the other--an operation which is thus performed by a
single movement; while in other machines it is necessary to go on both
sides of the machine to produce the same effect. In a word, this process
is completed in a few moments, by turning backward or forward a _nut_
like that _h_, applied to the screw placed against the side of the
Machine, as at _P Q_.
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_.
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.
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.
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 manœuvre: 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.
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_.
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.
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
1-1/2 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 1-1/2 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: