(415) In order to ascertain the counts of yarn, a machine known as a “wrap reel” is employed. This consists of a small fly or swift similar in form to the swift employed in the reels described in the last chapter, but smaller. This is revolved by a sun and planet arrangement of wheels which is, in principle, like the differential motion described in Chapter X. A short hank of yarn—one lea or 120 yards—is wound on the wrap reel, the time when the exact length is wound being denoted by the sounding of a bell, when, as the winding is a manual operation, the machine can be stopped. The hank so formed is taken off the reel and weighed, and the weight of a full hank can thus be easily ascertained. By the aid of a table the counts of any of the short hanks wrapped can be easily ascertained. By means of a small machine, the strength of the yarn can be tested, the pull upon it being obtained by a weighted arm. An indicating apparatus is provided, by which the weight of the pull is registered.
(416) During the past few years one or two simple graduated indicators or scales have been introduced, by which the weight of a piece of cloth can be readily obtained. One of these, “Staub’s,” has been introduced into this country by Messrs. George Thomas and Co., and by its aid the counts of either the warp or weft in a piece of cloth can be readily ascertained. It differs in form from the scale shown in Fig. 224, but is based upon the same principles. In the form shown in Fig. 224—which is Niess’ scale, and is controlled in England by Mr. Charles Lancaster—a light hinged arm is formed at one end with a hook, on which a length of 40 yards of yarn can be hung. This causes the arm to be depressed, and a pointer finger traverses the face of a graduated quadrant, a glance at which is sufficient to show the counts of yarn. These yarn balances are simple and reliable, and are being used in increasing numbers.
(417) It is customary to fit to spinning machines indicators by which the production is registered. One or two of these, as made by Messrs. G. Orme and Co., are described, but it may be as well to say in passing that these appliances are largely used, and are very instrumental in preventing disputes as to the remuneration of the operatives in cases where this is determined by the work done. The indicators are attached to the back shaft, and can be made in two forms, either to indicate the number of hanks produced in thousands, or the number of draws made. The first is shown in Fig. 225, the second in Fig. 226, and the details of the mechanism in Figs. 227 and 228. Referring to the latter, an arm =B= is fixed on a shaft, forming a centre for it, being constructed with two points =C= and =D=, acting as catches. On the shaft on which =B= is centred is a sector =A=, gearing with a worm on the back shaft. As was pointed out in Chapter X., the back shaft makes an equal number of revolutions in each direction at each draw, so that the sector is caused to oscillate, and partially rotate the shaft. In this way the arm =B= is also oscillated in the same direction as the sector. The triangular-shaped surface =E= is fastened on its shaft, and the point =D=, on the arm =B=, comes in contact with the notch shown in =E=, when the end of =B= is being raised. Thus =E= is rotated, and when =B= is reversed as described, the point =C= engages with =E=, and continues its rotation. While this is occurring the other end of =B= is descending, so as to assume a position to act on the next point of the triangle. The rotation of =E= is therefore continuous, and it makes a complete revolution every three draws. On the triangular wheel =E= is a flange or disc =F=, in which is secured a pin =G=. The wheel =M= is fixed in the position shown, and is constructed with fourteen teeth, half of which are the full width of =M=, the other half being only half that width, but are a little longer. As =F= revolves the pin =G= comes in contact with one of the long teeth in =M=, and moves it forward. If the disc =F= were quite circular the overlapping of the broad teeth, as a reference to Fig. 228 will show, would prevent any movement of =M=. A notch =H= is therefore cut in the disc, so that only when one of the broad teeth is opposite the notch can any motion of =M= take place. The motion of =M= is thus prevented from taking place except when required, and is communicated to the finger of the indicator by the gearing shown. From this description it will be noticed that there are seven operating and seven locking teeth in the wheel =M=, and in arranging the gearing this fact is considered.