POTTER'S FLAX MUCILAGE DISSOCIATOR.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 2725, 31 December 1889, Page 3

POTTER'S FLAX MUCILAGE DISSOCIATOR.

A kew weeks ago we drew attention to a "s\v method of treating flux which iiad vn patented by Mr Albert Potter, a lornier resident of Hamilton, and drew bution to h sample of ijax prepared >r this process, which is still on view at li olfice. In the Herald of December Il)th, the machinery is thus referred to Those who tire interested in flax would do ■veil to pay ;i visit to Mr Cairn's flax mill, West, whero Mr Potter's .iax-cleaning machine is in operation, Mr 'otter is always willing to show his •ilchirie to visitors, and they will there see Process which turns (lax out in t-.n admirably white and silky condition. The principle of the machine is to take the flax immediately it leaves the strippers, and piifS it under a pair of wooden _ stampers, while ier is being sprayed on it. The machine of strong and powerful construction, made in two bays or sections, running cirallel, to work separately or conjointly, f-hereby passing the fibre through from her one or two strippers, as fast as it can >e stripped. It is of a novel and simple construction, its principal object being to •'.ivnufacture the fibie soft, white and lliixible. This is accomplished by a main shaft driven in tho übual manner with niuule belt and pulley, two cams, each acting twice every revolution upon rcvokdiscs that lift coupled stamper-rods, t» '"Hicli are attached specially-constructed tejumpers. Upon the stamper-rods arc lappits, which set in motion leveis and connections that cause an endless band to bring continuously under the stampers the fibre, which receives successive blows, causing it to open longitudinally, thus setting free and disuniting the sap and other substances held in the fibre after being stripped. To prevent the deleterious matters from settling and discolouring tho fibre when under operation, small jets of water constantly play in the troughs. The fibre is then rinsed in water, and hung up to dry under cover from the sun's rays, and tho usual bleaching is dispensed with, there being only the pure fibre to dry, and five or six days completes the whole operation. I'ibre in all stages may be seen at the works, and in a few days a bale will ba put iu a public place for inspection.