FLAX 



443 



of Leeds, called Heilmann's tow-combing machine (fig. 973), which, on trial, is 

 much approved of. The tow is first carded in the ordinary way, say on a breaker- 



' 972 



card, and then on a finisher-card ; the latter delivers the tow in the shape of 

 sliver into cans, which are next placed at A, or back of the tow-combing machine. 



973 



From the cans A the tow goes to the back conductor B, divided into as many com- 

 partments as there are slivers ; and from the conductor B, to the feeding box c sus- 

 pended on shaft D, without being keyed to it. The front lip E of the feeding box is 

 fluted and fitted with leather, and a corresponding nipper r hung from the same shaft 

 , and keyed upon it, completes the jaw which has to hold fast the tow, while the 

 cylinder G combs it. 



The feeding box c derives its motion from the nipper F, which is moved by lever 

 and excentric as shown, and follows that nipper by its own weight, until stopped by 

 india-rubber buffers H ; when the nipper F in going further back leaves it, and the 

 jaw E F opens for more tow to be fed, and the tow already combed to be drawn through 

 the detaining comb i, as explained hereafter. 



The top K of feeding box is moveable up and down, by means of the connecting 



