Abstract: This invention relates to a coiler using tongue and groove rollers preferably for measuring sliver thickness and guiding sliver emerging from between these rollers, using guide means such as a pair of calender rollers driven for rotation in the same conveying direction.Optionally the sliver between the conveying nip at the tongue and groove rollers and the guide means (when embodied as calender rollers) is severed by intermittent operation of the conveying and guiding nips.

Abstract: A modular cylinder comprises a plurality of, in this case 24, modules each having a tongue to engage a groove of its neighbour and each either having a camming ramp to engage a camming ramp of its neighbour, or a filler rod inserted between adjacent modules at each interface. Where the camming means are provided, (n - 1) of the modules defining an almost complete cylinder and can then be strained in a radially outward direction to provide space for the final module which is placed in position by sliding longitudinally of the gap. Where the filler rods are used, all of the n modules may be loosely assembled in a first operation and the filler rods can be inserted in a second operation to pre-stress the cylinder. First filler rods of undersized type may be installed to hold the array of a module in loosely assembled configuration, and these may then be sequentially replaced by correctly sized larger filler rods.

Abstract: Drive to the sliver feed roll of a fibre-opening unit of an open-end spinner is interrupted by de-activation of a clutch and simultaneously further rotation of the input shaft of a worm and pinion mechanism is blocked against further rotation by release of a spring finger into the path of peripheral teeth on a disc.Upon a yarn break sensed by a detector, the clutch is de-energized and the spring finger released to arrest and lock the disc.

Abstract: An open-end spinning machine incorporating a doffer robot also includes separate tracks for the doffer robot and a piecer-cleaner robot. The robots are able to patrol continuously along one side of the machine and back along the other side of the machine, with sufficient separation for the doffer robot to pass the piecer-cleaner robot, and vice versa and for the two robots to pass end casings of the machine.

Abstract: During servicing of a spinning machine station by the piecing apparatus, the yarn positioning means establishes a generally U-shaped yarn line and brings the lowermost bight section of such line into desired association with the yarn delivery rolls at the spinning machine station. Rotatable members form the bight section of the yarn line and then transport the same, while the members occupy rotative positions effective to prevent lateral movement of the bight section, to a location closely adjacent the delivery rolls. The members then are rotated to other positions wherein they permit and guide lateral movement of the bight section toward a free end of one of the delivery rolls. When a piecing-aid device is present at the spinning machine station, the piecing apparatus includes a mechanism for imparting movement to a movable component of the device, and the positioning means of the apparatus includes means for associating parts of the U-shaped yarn line with the foregoing and other components of the device.