Abstract: In accordance with various embodiments, lighting systems features one or more inter-connectable light panels each having multiple light-emitting elements thereon. One or more of the light panels may feature one or more connectors, and associated conductors, for the transmission of power, communication signals, and/or control signals. One or more of the light panels may include sound-absorbing material therebelow and may define one or more apertures and/or cut-out regions that reveal the sound-absorbing material.

Abstract: A vibrational frequency adjustment device comprises, as a vibrational frequency adjustment means (22): a first conversion means (40) which is provided with an input-side rotating member (41), an output-side rotating member (42), and a one-way clutch (44) for transmitting only the rotational motion in one direction of the input-side rotating member (41) to the output-side rotating member (42) and which, by causing the input-side rotating member (41) to pivot in a reciprocating manner by a set angle by means of the reciprocating linear motion of an output shaft (10), transmits only the forward motion or the reverse motion of the input-side rotating member (41) to the output-side rotating member (42) through the one-way clutch (44) to thereby rotate the output-side rotating member (42) by a given angle; and a second conversion means (50) which converts the rotational motion of the output-side rotating member (42) into the reciprocating linear motion of a second shaft member (43).

Abstract: A device and method for measuring the thickness of a cloth when the predetermined pressing force is applied to the cloth. A device for measuring a cloth thickness includes a stationary part having a base surface; a movable member having a pressing end to press a cloth against the base surface; a movable member driving mechanism to move the movable member linearly without rotating around itself from an initial position up to an over-pressing position where the pressing end presses the cloth against the base surface with a force exceeding the predetermined pressing force; a load cell for detecting a force with which the pressing end presses the cloth against the base surface; and a pulse coder for detecting the space between the base surface and the pressing end when a force value detected by the load cell reaches the predetermined pressing force.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided to minimize waste and improve quality and production in web processing operations. A first non-elastomeric layer is bonded with an elastomeric layer, and to a second non-elastomeric layer. The apparatus and methods provide defect detection in the elastomeric layer and triggers an unthreading/rethreading sequence. Web defect detection may be provided by way of at least one visual inspection station. If defects are detected in the elastic layer, the resulting products may be culled.

Abstract: A method for grading a bedding fabric comprises selecting at least two grading parameters and assigning a grade to the fabric based upon the selected grading parameters in order to grade the fabric between a minimum grade and a maximum grade. The grade is designed to assist a consumer in making consistent purchases. The grading parameters may include cost, type of fabric, thread count, comfort performance characteristics, ply, weight, fiber density and/or thickness of the fabric, aesthetic appearance of the fabric, durability, weave, bacterial, allergen, and/or fungal resistant properties, and the eco-friendly nature of the fabric. A grading system for a packaged bedding fabric includes a packaged bedding product and a grade coupled to the packaged bedding product such that a consumer can determine the quality of the bedding product based upon the grade.

Abstract: A method of inspecting cloth includes conveying a continuous cloth by activating a belt transfer device; disposing a transverse label bar assembly on the cloth wherein the label bar assembly is adapted to slide about a transverse label meter on a top edge of the belt transfer device; and in response to finding a defective point of the cloth sliding the label bar assembly to record a distance between the label bar assembly and a left end of the label meter as a value in an X axis, activating a stop watch proximate the top edge of the belt transfer device to record length of the cloth as a value in a Y axis, and representing the defective point as (Xn1, Yn2) where n1 is a number in a range of 1 to a predetermined number, and n2 is the length of the cloth.

Abstract: An automatic image replacement and rebuilding system and method thereof which can replace and rebuild the image automatically. The system includes an input module; a processing module; a storage module; and an output module. The input module inputs external image data into the system. The processing module is coupled to the input module to receive the image data, then analyzes the shading value and the direction of the sample object in the image data, and outputs an access signal and an output signal. The storage module coupled to the processing module to receive the access signal, and is stored or read out on a replaced image, and the output module coupled to the processing module to receive the output signal, and outputs the image data.

Abstract: The device for on-line detection of structural faults in moving flat textile materials includes a spade-like leaf spring contact sensor (2) having a length of from 5 to 20 cm which is advantageously rounded and/or chamfered for engagement with threads in the flat textile materials; a mounting device (5) for mounting the spade-like leaf spring contact sensor (2) so that the contact sensor is at a positioning angle of 10 to 60.degree.

Abstract: A fabric roll letoff for unrolling and inspecting a fabric roll. The apparatus includes: a continuous belt for supporting the fabric roll. A drive system for rotates the belt to letoff the fabric web. The drive system includes a drive roller; a idle roller; and a tension roller. The continuous belt rotates the fabric roll to unroll the fabric web at a constant velocity for subsequent processing. In the preferred embodiment, a pair of unloader arms is connected to the belt drive for receiving the fabric roll and for positioning the fabric roll onto the belt drive. Also, in the preferred embodiment, a guide frame is positioned downstream from the belt drive for directing the fabric web through an inspection area.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for producing localized abraded, faded and worn finishing effects on a garment by applying a finishing pattern to its component pre-cut, individual fabric workpieces before assembly by sewing. An optical detection system that contains at least one video camera operatively connected to a controller is used to capture an electronic image of a fabric workpiece which is compared to a set of stored known images contained in memory accessible by the controller. Once the workpiece is identified, the controller locates in memory a finishing pattern to be applied to the workpiece. The workpiece can be secured if necessary to a work surface, and a mechanical or electronic device used to duplicate the abraded, faded and worn pattern on the workpiece. After the finishing pattern has been applied, the workpiece can be released and moved downstream for further processing and sewing into a completed garment.

Abstract: A loom has an illuminating unit for improving the detection of deficiencies in a length of fabric. The illuminating unit extends over the entire width of the loom and at least one illumination device. The illuminating unit is pivotably fastened between loom walls in the area of a free space defined by the fabric guidance rollers and the length of fabric itself. The illuminating unit illuminates the length of the fabric and is used as a safety cover over the roller gap between the rollers.

Abstract: A woven cloth inspecting apparatus eliminates the influences of disturbances such as illuminating light and fly. At least two photoreceptor elements are arranged in the direction of the weft yarn of woven cloth. The photoreceptor elements detect different area of the woven cloth and they apply current signals to two respective current-to-voltage converters which convert the current signals into voltage signals which are fed to a difference calculating circuit. The difference calculating circuit calculates the difference between the values of the voltage signals received from the two current-to-voltage converters and supplies the obtained difference signal to a comparator which compares the received difference signal with a reference value preset by two reference value setting circuits. Exceeding the reference value is indicative of a defect in the warp. Alternatively the photoreceptor elements are arranged in the warp direction and detect defects in the weft.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for guiding a web utilizes a curved outer convex cloth guiding surface constructed of extruded aluminum with a specially hardened, brittle, wear resistant surface (A) on arcuate sections such as extrusions provided respectively at the top and bottom of the viewing area for guiding cloth and for forming a housing for the light box wherein an inner housing surface (B) is provided opposite the cloth guiding surface (A) on each extrusion. Depending receiving members (C) are provided at each respective end of the arcuate extrusions for serving as a receptacle for guiding and positioning a plexiglass viewing member and back sheet metal wall for forming a light box. A force applying member (D) is provided for controlling sag or bow in an extrusion. Apparatus and method is illustrated including diverging grooves for spreading the web as it passes over the upper section, and circuitry is provided conserving energy by limiting the time the circuitry is energized.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simulating an appearance of a moire fabric on a textile fabric having a number of filling yarns per inch utilizing a substantially transparent sheet having a number of lines per inch which substantially corresponds to said number of filling yarns per inch in the textile fabric to be viewed. The lines are aligned substantially parallel to the filling yarns of the textile fabric thereby simulating the appearance of a moire fabric. When the textile fabric has a lateral shifting of the filling yarns, then the lines on the substantially transparent sheet are straight and if the filling yarns of the textile fabric are not yet shifted, then the lines on the substantially transparent sheet are curved in accordance with the proposed filling yarn shift.

Abstract: A unitary light box for inspecting cloth manufactured on a loom (10) is provided with first and second viewing areas (B) and (C), respectively, wherein cloth (F) having a vertical run is guided over an intermediate curved surface (D) for inspection providing several angles of sight to the operator from the same vantage point so as to locate defects not ordinarily visible during conventional head on observation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inspecting and guiding a web utilizes a curved outer convex cloth guiding surface (A) on arcuate sections such as extrusions provided respectively at the top and bottom of the viewing area for guiding cloth and for forming a housing for the light box wherein an inner housing surface (B) is provided opposite the cloth guiding surface (A) on each extrusion. Depending receiving members (C) are provided at each respective end of the arcuate extrusions for serving as a receptacle for guiding and positioning a plexiglass viewing member and back sheet metal wall for forming a light box. A force applying member (D) is provided for controlling sag or bow in an extrusion. Apparatus and method is illustrated including diverging grooves for spreading the web as it passes over the upper section, and circuitry is provided conserving energy by limiting the time the circuitry is energized.

Abstract: The relative dispositions of the shear cylinder, fabric rest and ledger blade of a textile fabric shearing machine may be inspected and any necessary adjustments thereof may be precisely measured and controlled by the present inspecting apparatus which comprises a linear guide rail mounted to the frame of the shearing machine in precise axially parallel relation to the shear cylinder and a carriage mounted on the rail for linear movement therealong, wherein the carriage is equipped with a detection tool, e.g., a feeler arm assembly, selectively articulable and manipulable into a plurality of dispositions for traveling surface contact with the fabric rest or ledger blade to detect and identify irregularities in linearity or relative disposition to the shear roll or to one another.

Abstract: In order to provide a device for the lateral scanning of napless areas of fabric webs which operates automatically with great accuracy and reliability even at high web speeds while being of relatively simple construction, it is proposed to cause the fabric web (7) to pass over a guide roller (11) and to cause the napless areas (9, 12) of the fabric web (7) to be scanned by means of photodetectors (2-6) consisting of transmitters and receivers, in which the scanning beams are directed tangentially to the guide roller (11) and thus to the fabric web (7) at its deflection point.

Abstract: A rotatable capacitance sensor preferably constructed of a generally cylindrical body mounted on bearings to a carriage assembly. The body has a number of parallel, spaced apart conductive plates having edges extending through the exterior body surface, and alternate ones of the plates are connected via a bearing to a conductor in one part of the carriage assembly, and the remaining ones of the plates are connected via a bearing to a second conductor in another part of the carriage assembly.

Abstract: A method of measuring the yarn density of a woven fabric or the stitch density of a knitted fabric by recording a video image of the woven or knitted fabric to be examined by means of a video camera, converting the video image by an analog-to-digital converter into digital video information, storing the digital video information in a digital image memory and converting said information by a central processing unit into the yarn density or stitch density. The digital video information is converted by a digital band filter (14) with central circle frequency (.omega..sub.o) into a yarn or stitch density, and that the digital band filter (14) is arranged in such a manner that it operates according to the formula:Y.sub.k =A.sub.m .multidot.X.sub.k-m +A.sub.m-1 .multidot.X.sub.k-m+1. . . +A.sub.o X.sub.k -B.sub.1 .multidot.Y.sub.k-1 -B.sub.2 Y.sub.k-2. . . B.sub.n Y.sub.k-nwherein:X.sub.k represents a series of points of the digital information characteristic at interspace T before the digital filtering; Y.sub.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting and hangering laundered pairs of pants comprises an inspection station, a hangering station and a take-away device. The inspection station includes a pants gripper which supports a pair of pants at the waist with the legs in an extended position to permit simultaneous visual and touch inspection of the pants, after which the pant legs are folded along their creases on a folding table. Hangers are delivered one at a time to a hanger catch plate at one end of the folding table which supports the hangers slightly beneath the plane of the tabletop. The pant legs are slid along the folding table and partially draped over the end of the table and the bottom wire of the hanger supported on the hanger catch plate. A take-away device contacts the hook portion of the hanger and lifts it upwardly, carrying the pants therewith, and then discharges the hangered pants onto a take-away rail for movement to another station for further processing.

Abstract: A fabric web delivery apparatus is provided with a pivotable and vertically adjustable fabric delivery arm having a driven delivery roller at its outward end and also with an independently reciprocable cuttle arm enabling selective positioning of the delivery arm for disposition of the delivery roller alternatively for feeding a traveling fabric web to the cuttle arm for folding the web in pleats, or for peripheral driving contact with a fabric winding roll of a surface-driven fabric winder, or for guiding a traveling fabric web to a fabric winding roll of an axis-driven fabric winder, or for operation as a support roller for a fabric winding roll of a rising-type fabric winder.

Abstract: Grooves can be detected on both sides of non-magnetic materials, preferably in terry fabric, carpets, blankets, or the like. A sensor is provided, which can be either inductive or capacitive, and is positioned on one side of the material opposite a rotatable and movable follower or finger on the other side. The finger is preferably made of ferromagnetic material and is resiliently biased towards and in contact with one surface of a material such as terry fabric. The sensor continuously monitors the distance between the finger and a reference point and generates a signal when a change in such distance occurs.

Abstract: An inspection method and apparatus for searching a fabric in strip form to find lump type and void type flaws on both faces of the fabric. Strobes and image pickup elements are arranged at opposite sides of the fabric in transportation. The strobes at one side of the fabric are caused to emit light, and the image pickup elements at the same side detect light reflected by the fabric while the image pickup elements at the other side detect light passing through the fabric.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a fiber collection and storage device comprising in combination (1) a stable, transparent carrier base material preponderate on a surface thereof with a grid and label, the grid having uniquely identified areas wherein collected fibers are located and the label providing identification indicia, (2) an adhesive layer is disposed on the surface of the carrier base material, the adhesive layer being capable of collecting and recovering transferred-fibers from textile articles, and (3) a transparent and flexible cover for occlusively covering the adhesive layer and the method for using the device.

Abstract: A fabric grading method and system includes a computer and speech command system for converting oral commands spoken by an operator to signals for driving an inspection frame and a defect labeling device. The operator's spoken defect descriptions are automatically recorded and discriminated so that the defect labeler is only driven in response to detected major defects. The system also receives and records width and pick per inch measuring data for the fabric being inspected.

Abstract: A process for locating weft thread defects in woven fabrics includes using a macro (close-up) lens and video camera to produce an enlarged image of the fabric, and then observing and evaluating the weft pattern from the video generated image. Transmissive and reflecting illumination may be used on the fabric to enhance the video image. Evaluation and measurement of weft thread positions is carried out by direct visual observation or by using computerized pattern recognition systems with micro processor techniques involving digitizing the video image. A relaxation defect of weft thread is determined by measuring variation between weft thread spacing when the fabric is viewed from two different viewing angles.

Abstract: A loom with an off-loom take-up which employs a loom tray between the loom and the take-up to prevent the woven fabric from falling onto the weave room floor but which allows trash and dirt to pass through. The loom tray coprises a substantively rectangular frame with a mesh construction connected thereto with sufficient openness to allow trash and dirt to fall through.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to measure the angle of pile lay to generate a signal which can be employed to automatically adjust another phase of the manufacturing operation to provide a desired pile effect on the fabric. Basically, the invention involves placing a light source on one side of the pile fabric and a light sensor on the other side of the fabric and varying the relative positions of the source and sensor to the pile on the fabric to obtain a measurement of optimum light transmittance.

Abstract: Apparatus and method to detect high tension in a web material being taken-up and cutting off the take-up device upon such detection to prevent stretching and necking of the fabric being handled. The detection device provides a time delay between detection of the condition of high tension and deactivation of the fabric take-up apparatus.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for inspecting sheetlike material such as textile fabrics, the apparatus comprising a frame in which a full roll of fabric material is arranged in spaced relation to an empty spindle or bobbin which is driven, the material extending between the full roll and the empty spindle with a generally horizontal reach. An inspection board is mounted in the frame for movement along track elements, such movement being from a first position beneath the reach of material to a second position at the upper portion of the frame. During the movement of the inspection board, it engages the reach of material and properly positions the material on the inspection board when it arrives at the second position, at which the material is visually inspected by driving the empty spindle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting substrates such as flat textile fabrics which have been sculptured to a depth of less than about 0.003 inches. Opposing line sources of illumination are used to illuminate the substrate at a relatively low angle while the substrate is held flat in front of a dark, non-reflective background and is substantially shielded from ambient light.

Abstract: Manual speed adjusted cloth inspection machines are converted to fixed cloth speed machines by replacing the transmission and variable ratio pulley and belt drive system with a cloth speed responsive tachometer controlling the speed of a motor to drive the reel mount at a constant speed through a fixed ratio pulley and belt drive system. Conveniently located, start, stop and reversing switches are provided as well as end of roll speed control.

Abstract: Manual speed adjusted cloth inspection machines are converted to fixed cloth speed machines by replacing the transmission and variable ratio pulley and belt drive system with a cloth speed responsive tachometer controlling the speed of a motor to drive the reel mount at a constant speed through a fixed ratio pulley and belt drive system. Conveniently located start, stop and reversing switches are provided as well as end of roll speed control.

Abstract: A swatch remover for sampling a web such as fabric or cloth moving in open width from a loom to take-up mechanism is illustrated as having an upright transverse frame member which is pivoted outboard of the winder adjacent each end thereof, and which may be pivoted downwardly for facilitating the extending of a length of cloth for swatch removal and later rejoining as by sewing.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding a web of material from a supply thereof through an inspection area and winding the web, comprising a frame, a supply roll on the frame, a mandrel for winding the web on the frame having a gripper for gripping a leading end portion of the web, a drive for rotating the mandrel for winding the web thereon and for feeding the web through the inspection area, a panel engageable with the leading end portion of the web for backing the web fed through the inspection area, a pivotal connection mounting the panel on the frame for movement between an operative position relative to the mandrel for starting the winding of the web and a retracted position away from the mandrel, the panel being engageable with the leading end portion of the web, and cylinder units attached to the panel for moving the panel between operative and retracted positions. The gripper comprises a series of holes in the periphery of the mandrel and a vacuum pump in communication with the holes for drawing air into the mandrel.

Abstract: An instrument for measuring light reflectance from fabric and the like materials which have a heterogeneous surface configuration includes an aperture defining a sensing area, three light sources for illuminating the sensing area, and a photoelectric cell for detecting light reflected from the material in the sensing area. The light sources are mounted at 120.degree. with respect to one another around an outer periphery of the cell. The cell is mounted coaxially with respect to and a spaced distance from the aperture. Each light source is mounted on a line which passes through the center of the aperture and is at an angle of 30.degree. with respect to an axis of the aperture.

Abstract: A table-like inspection device utilized to inspect rolls of newly manufactured wall covering for design alignment, visual defects and pinholes.

Abstract: The disclosure is of an apparatus comprising a table, means for drawing cloth in two layers along the table, openings in the table and a lamp and mirrors whereby an operator can see the patterns on the under surface of the lower cloth layer with the patterns on the upper surface of the upper cloth layer, a plate to extend between and separate the cloth layers, bars for temporarily clamping the cloth layers on the table, and a carriage carrying a basting machine with a thread cutter and mounted to move transversely to-and-fro.

Abstract: A process of manufacturing a non-metallic web in which a fault is marked by means of a metal label, layers of the web are stacked on one another, the web is divided into pieces and the individual pieces, still in their stacks, are inspected by means of a metal detector. The invention is of particular value where the web is a textile material and the pieces after inspection are made up into garments.