440 THE ROPE-MAKING INDUSTRY 



A circular loom, on an entirely new principle, has been invented by Mr. C. Whalley of 

 Clitheroe, but has not yet been tried, so far as we know, for the manufacture of jute fabrics. 

 Ball bearings have been used for a small number of spinning spindles, but the expense of a 

 really satisfactory arrangement of this kind appears to stand in the way of a general adoption. 

 A great improvement, andonewhichresultsinthesaving of from 30 per cent 1040 percent horse 

 power, has resulted from the introduction of the Boyd and Phillips patent automatic tension 

 cylinder, or the fixed tension cylinder to spinning frames. The former maintains an equal 

 tension on the driving bands under all varying atmospheric conditions, and at the same time 

 leads the driving side of the band off the spindle whorl almost perpendicularly to the axis 

 of the spindle; the fixed 'cylinder performs the same function of directing the bands at right 

 angles to the spindle, and it is this desirable condition which accounts for the great saving in 

 power. A spindle drive is now being introduced which dispenses with the use of a guide 

 cylinder. It consists of a solid drawn tube of small diameter suitably supported in ball 

 bearings, and rotating at about 1000 revolutions per minute. The bands pass direct from 

 the tube to the spindle whorls. Since the driving tube is mounted on radial arms and 

 balanced by hanging weights, it also acts as a tension cylinder and thereby maintains an 

 equal and uniform tension on the bands. 



Fdr a considerable number of years endeavours have been made to simplify the method of 

 imparting the necessary drag to the spinning bobbin as it is being filled. The latest invention, 

 and one which appears to justify all that is claimed for it is that by Mr. J. M. Mallock, 

 termed the "Turbo-Drag." It consists of an annular disc of thin steel, in the inside of 

 which are flexible vanes. Its underside is provided with a renewable leather washer which 

 rests on the bobbin board, while a loose leaden ring on the top supplies just the amount of 

 weight which is essential for the empty bobbin. The drag is driven by the bobbin, to which it 

 acts as a carrier, and as the bobbin is filled a uniform tension is maintained on the yarn by 

 the combined action of plane friction (due to weight of drag, bobbin, and yarn), the air 

 resistance induced by the vanes, and the increase of plane friction caused by the weight of 

 the column of air in motion. There is no side pressure on the bobbin such as is always 

 caused by the temper band and weight, hence the bobbin and spindle run more smoothly. 

 With this drag the spinner is free to give her whole attention to the yarn since the tension or 

 drag is applied automatically this is a distinct advantage and one which is sure to appeal 

 to employers of labour. The turbo-drag is capable of being utilised on all frames which are 

 used for the roving, spinning or twisting of long vegetable fibres. 



Another recent invention is an electrical rove stop motion by Mr. P. Sharp. The appa- 

 ratus is ingenious, and successful, as the rove is arrested immediately the yarn breaks. It 

 has been in operation for some time in America, and is being experimented with in one or two 

 Dundee jute mills. (T. WooDHOUSE.) 



ROPE AND ROPE MANUFACTURE 



Recent changes in rope manufacture are of only minor importance. As in all other 

 trades involving mechanical processes there have been various slight improvements in 

 the machines employed. The price of the raw materials used has shown the same 

 tendency as other fibres to rise, and, in consequence, attempts have been made to use 

 larger quantities of the cheaper fibres. All sizes of ropes and twines from one inch 

 downwards are now made of jute, and these are quite satisfactory where great strength 

 is not essential, but the best ropes are made from the superior fibres. 



The introduction of jute ropes and twines has caused a great development in the twisting 

 of these yarns. In addition to being used alone, the twisted yarns are extensively used in 

 connection with cables for all kinds of electrical purposes. 



A new form of driving rope, made from 8 strands of sisal or similar fibre, is now being 

 manufactured by plaiting a process somewhat similar to that employed in the manufacture 

 of box cords and the like. In some cases each of the 8 strands is composed of a large number 

 of individual threads, whereas another style consists of 8 strands, each of which is in the form 

 of a smaller rope. Although driving by means of ropes has been, and is still a very successful 

 method, its position is being seriously threatened by the electrical method. Both the group 

 drive and the individual drive by electrical motors appear to be making satisfactory progress. 



(T. WOODHOUSE.) 



WOOL AND WOOL MANUFACTURE 2 



Sheep and Wool. In the British Home Wool Industry a freer interchange of opinion 

 among sheep breeders has resulted since 1909-10 in a more perfect adaptation of the 

 animal to its environment, or rather the development of the various sheep districts to 

 their utmost capacity through the introduction of the breeds yielding the most profit. 

 Thus the rounded short grassed downs of the southern counties are now frequently 



1 See E. B. xxiii, 713 et seq. 2 See E. B. xxviii, 805 et seq. 



