Abstract: A system and method for electronically comparing yarn lengths to assist in grading yarn qualities, in which the yarn diameter or another yarn quality at a number of locations along the total length of the yarn is measured, and representations of the measured qualities are displayed to allow comparison of portions of the yarn.

Abstract: A system for electronically comparing yarn lengths to assist in grading yarn appearance quality in which the yarn diameter at a number of locations along the total length of the yarn is determined, and representations of the diameters of the yarn are displayed to allow comparison of portions of the yarn.

Abstract: A system and method for testing yarn altering devices in which the yarn is moved under precision yarn controls such as speed and tension, and then through the yarn altering device. Downstream of the yarn altering device the yarn is imaged, and from the image the widths of closely-spaced portions of the yarn are determined to establish the effect on the yarn of the yarn altering device.

Abstract: A yarn profile analyzer and method in which the yarn is moved under substantially constant tension through an imaging area including a light source and a spaced light sensing array. The width of closely spaced portions of the yarn passing through the imaging area is then determined from the array output, and the widths are stored and then analyzed for a variety of parameters.

Abstract: A yarn tension control for a yarn testing machine includes: a support; a carriage moveable relative to the support; and a tension arm pivotably mounted to the carriage for engaging the yarn. The tension arm is set in a neutral position to apply a predetermined tension to the yarn. Rotation of the arm indicates an incremental change in the yarn tension. Upon such a change in tension the carriage is moved from an initial position to a compensating position to re-establish the predetermined tension. The drive elements then vary the speed of the yarn to produce an offsetting incremental change in the yarn feed rate to restore the tension arm to its neutral position.

Abstract: A damping mechanism for a rotating-head tensiometer, of the kind with a handle and a measuring head rotatably attached thereto, having an escapement pivoted about its own center of mass, and engaged with a toothed surface, such that, as the measuring head rotates, the escapement oscillates and the desired damping of the measuring head is provided by the inertial resistance of the escapement to oscillation.

Abstract: A skate sharpener having a grinding wheel supported over the skate by a combined parallelogram and Watts linkage which guides the grinding element substantially parallel with the sharpened surface of the skate blade while keeping the grinding pressure constant; in preferred embodiments a tension spring forms one vertical link of the parallelogram linkage and a hydraulic cylinder, connected between the parallelogram linkage and the sharpener base, provides a smooth sharpening speed.

Abstract: A knitting machine is provided having one or more needles for knitting from one or more strands a variety of cord-like structures formed of one or more wales of knitted stitches. The machine is particularly useful for the manufacture of knitted yarns, either from strands of continuous or spun filaments or from a roving or sliver of staple fibers.