(310) The action of the mechanism is as follows: When the carriage arrives at its outermost point the connecting rod =R= is unlocked, and is free to move. In this way the catch lever =S= can be easily raised by the bracket on the carriage =O=, over which it falls, and securely holds it, the slot in the rod =R= permitting this movement. In this position it remains during the whole period of backing-off, when in a way which is afterwards described, it is released simultaneously with the taking-in friction with which, as shown, it is connected. The locking of the carriage is the last operation requiring explanation before proceeding to deal with the movements, which, together, make up the fourth stage or period. This is the one in which the nicest problems require solution, and in which the mechanism used is the most ingenious.
(311) The first step in commencing to wind is, of course, to release the carriage and draw it in. Before proceeding to show how this is effected, it will be as well to recapitulate and describe the position of the various parts. The strap is entirely upon the loose pulley; the backing-off friction clutch is in gear; the spindles are revolving in the opposite direction to that normal to them; the winding faller is drawn down and locked in a position a little below the nose of the cop; the counter faller is held just out of contact with the threads, but free to rise as soon as an inward movement of the carriage occurs; the roller and back shaft clutches are disengaged; and the upper half of the taking-in friction is out of gear with the lower, but revolving with the vertical shaft on which it slides.
(312) When the chain =E= (Fig. 160) has sufficiently raised the faller locking lever =A= to permit it to lock, the swinging lever =V= is suddenly drawn back. An examination of the drawings, either Fig. 160 or Fig. 161, will show that so long as the face of the locking lever presses against the face of the slide no lateral movement of the former is possible. Further, the connection established between the locking lever =A= and the lever =V=, by means of the lever =F^{ 1}=, ensures that as soon as the inward movement of the lever takes place when locking occurs, the lever =V= must necessarily oscillate on its pivot. This movement of the lever =V= causes its lower jaw to exercise a pressure upon the lever =L= in the contrary direction to that previously noted, and so draws the stop =X^{ 1}= in contact with the bottom of the backing-off lever =D=. This action is aided by the spring on the backing-off rod, which is free to extend, and its whole force can be exerted on the lever =D=. In this way =D= is drawn back, and the backing-off clutch is disengaged.