This separation of the bobbins into two rows is also re quisite for making the crosses, which is done by moving one of the rows of bobbins one space to the right or left without moving the other, and, when this is done, the threads proceeding from one row of bobbins will be found crossed over the other row of bobbins, instead of being pa rallel to them. That comb-bar, which is in front of the perpendicular threads, is moveable a small space to the right or left ; and, when only one of the rows of bobbins is in this comb-bar, it is moved a space. The other row of bobbins being at the same time in the back comb-bar, will receive no motion. Consequently, when one of the rows is passed between the threads, so as to bring the two rows together into the same comb-bar, one row of bobbins will be found to be moved sideways with respect to the other, and this produces the crosses.
The last operation to be noticed, is, that of drawing the twist close, and giving form to the meshes. This is done by a row of sharp pins, called points, which are suspended in a frame, so that they can be brought down low enough to be introduced between the threads beneath the crosses just made, and being then moved upwards, these points will carry both the twists and crosses upwards before them, and draw them close, and also give form to the meshes. There are two rows of points ; one which is used as above, to give form to the recently formed meshes ; and another row, which relieve the former, and hold fast the last made meshes, whilst the first mentioned points repeat their ac tion.
The whole of Mr. Heathcoat's machine is very ingeni ously contrived, and it works with great rapidity. The workman is seated before the machine, and employs both his hands and feet to give the different motions. The ma chines are made of different widths, from 1 to 21 yards, and the bobbins are from 10 to 12 per inch in each row, that is, equal to 20 to 24 per inch. If the machine is 2 yards wide, the number of bobbins will be from 1440 to 1728 ; but all these are passed between the perpendicular threads in an instant, and it is rarely that any derangement happens.
The manufacturers of Nottingham have exercised much ingenuity in making lace-machines, since Mr. Heathcoat produced his ; but though their machines differ in the me chanism which produces the movements, they are all on the principle of Mr. Heathcoat's second machine, and work by license under his patent.
This invention has been carried into France by some of Mr. Heathcoat's workmen, who have established a manu factory at Douay.
Mr. Heathcoat has recently invented machinery, by which his second machine is made to interweave the gimp in figures or flowers at the same time that the lace is made. Hitherto the machines have only made the plain nct, and the figures have been worked by hand after the net was finished. (J. F.)