GB1037281A - Method and machine for the straightening and bundling of cattle and horse hairs - Google Patents

Abstract

In a machine for straightening, bundling or binding animal hairs in preparation for heat-setting to remove curl or crinkle therein, each bundle of hair is subjected to pressure directed radially and around the periphery thereof, is drawn axially through the means whereby such pressure is applied so as to tension and straighten the individual hairs, and a thread or wire is progressively wound around the bundle to secure the hair in straightened condition. In operation, the jaws 6, Fig. 3 (not shown), of a pressure device A, Fig. 1 (not shown), are opened and then closed, by moving a handle 7 to rotate a slide (5) operating ring 3, to receive and then grip a bundle of hairs passed therethrough, and the leading end of the bundle is tightly clamped between manually operated jaws 23 of an axially displaceable device B which at this stage is in its extreme right hand position. Driving motor C is started and clutch 39 is momentarily held disengaged by pressure on pedal 48 (during which time several turns of thread are wound, from a rotatably driven bobbin 10, around the end of the bundle). Clutch 39 is engaged to start rotation of screw-threaded rod 32 and move carriage 30 therealong, to the left, so as first to produce a gradually increasing tension on the hairs and then to draw them through the jaws 6: the thread from bobbin 10 continues to be wound in helical form around the bundle. On completion of the operation, the carriage 30 engages a limit stop 45, clutch 39 is disengaged, motor C is (automatically) stopped, jaws 23 are opened and the thread end cut to release the bundle. Motor C is run in reverse direction and, through a high speed belt and pulley 34, 36, (or chain and sprocket) drive, returns carriage 30 to limit stop 46 whereat the machine is prepared for the next operative cycle. The pitch of the thread binding and the screw-threaded rod 32 may correspond.