Manufacture of rugs
The first steam power loom for carpet weaving was invented by Erastus B. Bigelow in 1839. It was made to weave the flat fabric called ingrain or Scotch carpeting.
In 1848, he perfected the first power looms to weave Brussels and Wilton, and founded his own mill at Clinton, Massachusetts.
Bigelow made many other inventions to advance the industry—fifty in all. His patent rights were granted to mills in England, Scotland and throughout Europe, and carpet manufacturing was revolutionized all over the world.
It had taken a man ten to twelve hours a day, with the help of a boy, to weave seven yards of Brussels on a hand loom. Now fifty yards could be turned out in the same time.
The fabric was more even and perfect, with straight selvages and accurately matching repeats.
|
