Abstract: An apparatus and method of automatically moving yarn packages between yarn processing stations in a textile environment that includes the steps of providing a yarn package elevator, transporting a yarn package on the yarn package elevator from a textile machine position to a common transfer location, and holding the package in a stationary position on an elevator tray. A label is applied to a surface of the package and the elevator tray and package is moved to a knot-tying location, the package is removed from the elevator tray to a knotting head apparatus at the knot-tying location and a knot is tied in a package yarn tail of the package to secure the package tail from unraveling in subsequent package handling steps. Correct application of the knot to the yarn tail is either validated, or in the alternative, if the knot is not validated, the package is forwarded to a location for manual reworking to apply a correct knot to the yarn tail.

Abstract: A continuous process heat set tunnel for exerting a sealing force against a top sealing roll, a yarn-transporting conveyor and a bottom sealing roll. At least first and second top pneumatic lamella sealing cylinders are mounted on the sealing roll frame for exerting against the top lamella a sealing force against the roll surface of the top sealing roll, and at least first and second bottom pneumatic lamella sealing cylinders are mounted on the sealing roll frame for exerting against the bottom lamella a sealing force against the roll surface of the bottom sealing roll.

Abstract: A device for treatment of an elongated medium with at least two first rotational bodies, which are pivoted around predefined rotational axes, whereby the rotational axes are essentially parallel to one another, with at least two second rotational bodies, which are pivoted around predefined rotational axes, a first treatment chamber, which is arranged in a conveying route of the elongated medium between the two first rotational bodies and the two second rotational bodies, and a second treatment chamber for the elongated medium, which is arranged in the conveying route of the elongated medium after the second two rotational bodies.

Abstract: A knot-tying machine, including a package support for holding a package having a supply of a strand material with an exposed free end wound onto an outer surface of the package, a strand gripper for releasably gripping and holding a length of the strand adjacent the exposed free end of the strand, a loop-forming assembly for forming a loop in the length of the strand adjacent the exposed free end of the strand and intermediate the gripper and the package, the package support and the loop-forming assembly mounted for rotational movement relative to each other for forming the loop in the strand, and a knot-forming assembly for forming a slip-knot in the loop of the strand formed by the loop-forming assembly adjacent the free end thereof, the slip-knot being adapted to be subsequently removed when desired by pulling on the free end of the strand.

Abstract: One or more dye fixation combs are mounted within a high temperature dye fixation steamer housing downstream from the yarn dyeing device and a post steamer and upstream of a coiler which places the yarn in coil form onto a conveyor for subsequent operations in a dye line. The yarn is fed in warp form through the high temperature steamer. Each comb has a series of spaced apart fingers extending from the body of the comb. The body of the comb is hollow and defines a conduit. Between each pair of fingers at the location of the comb body is a root having an orifice communicating with the conduit. A strand of yarn is directed through each root guided by a pair of support rods, one of which is upstream of the comb and the other of which is downstream of the comb. The yarn is under tension and is directed against the outlet of the orifice. A source of superheated steam is supplied to the conduit so that each yarn strand as it moves in warp form through the steamer is impinged upon by steam above 212.degree. F.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for space dyeing yarn includes a series of dye stations each of which has a dye applicator roll and a rotatable pattern roll having deflecting rods which may deflect yarn into engagement with the periphery of the respective dye applicator roll. Each pattern roll is rotatably driven by a servo motor and selectively rotated to position the deflecting rods for permitting dyeing to occur at the respective station and to rotate the roll and thus the rods to angular dispositions where the yarn is not deflected. A programmable controller controls the respective motors to the selected angular positions at precise times to start and stop the application of dye to the yarn. An encoder associated with the yarn feed system feeds timing signals related to yarn movement to the controller so that rotation of each pattern roll is in timed relationship with the movement of the yarn.

Abstract: A winding apparatus which includes a plurality of yarn supply package stations for holding a plurality of packages of multifilament yarn, a processing station for receiving yarns from the yarn supply packages and processing the yarn, and a take-up package. The improvement comprises a yarn randomizing device positioned downstream from the supply packages and upstream from the processing station for intermixing filaments within a single yarn and among the plurality of yarns in a random and irregular manner before delivery of the yarns to the processing station thereby preventing patterning in the processed yarn. In one embodiment the randomizing device comprises a air vortex and in another, a rotating beater.

Abstract: A strand processing machine (10) is shown for winding a strand from a strand supply source onto a take-up package. A positive control apparatus is provided for doffing a full take-up package from and donning an empty take-up package onto the yoke assembly (60). The doffing and donning apparatus comprises a yoke actuator arm (62) which pivots yoke arms (70, 71) away from a drive roll (32) under positve control to a conveyor (30). The take-up package is deposited on conveyor (30) and the yoke arms (70, 71) return to donning position under positive control. An empty take-up package is moved by a magazine (36) to the empty yoke arms (70, 71). The empty take-up package is donned onto the yoke assembly and the free end of the strand to be wound onto the take-up package is attached thereto in closely adjacent relation to the drive roll (32) before winding is resumed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for detecting the position of a take-up package during an automatic doffing and donning cycle on a winder (10). The apparatus includes a chuck carried by a yoke assembly (60) and having two opposing chuck arms (70, 71) for clamping the take-up package for rotation therebetween. Chuck arms (70, 71) are mounted for relative movement among three positions--a first position wherein the chuck arms (70, 71) are further apart than the length of the take-up package in order for the take-up package to be placed therebetween for donning; a second position with the take-up package properly donned on the chuck arms (70, 71) for winding and a third position wherein the chuck arms (70, 71 ) are closer together than the length of the take-up package. A pusher (76) attached to a yoke shaft (75) engages and disengages the rollers carried by the lower end of chuck arm (71).

Abstract: A strand processing machine (10) is shown for winding a strand from a strand supply source onto a take-up package. A positive control apparatus is provided for doffing a full take-up package from and donning an empty take-up package onto the yoke assembly (60). The doffing and donning apparatus comprises a yoke actuator arm (62) which pivots yoke arms (70,71) away from a drive roll (32) under positive control to a conveyor (30). The take-up package is deposited on conveyor (30) and the yoke arms (70,71) return to donning position under positive control. An empty take-up package is moved by a magazine (36) to the empty yoke arms (70,71). The empty take-up package is donned onto the yoke assembly and the free end of the strand to be wound onto the take-up package is attached thereto in closely adjacent relation to the drive roll (32) before winding is resumed.