Yarn Testing Quadrant
John Nesbitt Ltd
Category
Scientific instruments
Date
1930
Materials
Metal
Measurements
38.5 cm (height)39 cm (width)18.5 cm (depth)
Place of origin
Manchester
Order this imageCollection
Quarry Bank, Cheshire
NT 1453771
Summary
Pre-1930s Yarn Testing Quadrant in a glass fronted cedar wood cabinet, made by John Nesbitt of Manchester. The quadrant balance could be arranged for any length of yarn and adapted to any count system. To determine the counts of yarn using this method, the sample from the wrap reel was placed on the pan of the quadrant which was fixed to a weighted arm. The arm then moved in hardened steel centres over an engraved scale. When it came to rest, the pointer indicated on the scale the count of the sample. Count was measured in grams per square metre. Careful attention had to be paid when adjusting the screw to ensure for accuracy of the pointer. The pointer had to be allowed to swing naturally until it stopped in a position of equilibrium. The versatility of this type of balance was improved by engraving the scale with more than one series of values, for instance, different scales within the cotton count system. John Nesbitt was located at 42 Market Street, Manchester. The workshop manufactured instruments for the textile industry such as weighting scales, yarn balances and wrap reels. In 1913, John Nesbitt took over scale makers H. Sutcliffe & Co, which was also located in Manchester.
Marks and inscriptions
Upper part of quadrant: enamelled (metal); John Nesbitt 42 Market Street Manchester. 100 yds 1yd x 100 lbs yards 4 40
Makers and roles
John Nesbitt Ltd, manufacturer