Abstract: A sliver is created by directly condensing the carded web from a carding apparatus and then feeding it to a drafting set from which it is subsequently delivered by way of an autoleveller comprising sliver thickness sensing means and variable draft means.

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: A modular cylinder comprises a plurality of, in this case 24, modules each having a tongue to engage a groove of its neighbor and each either having a camming ramp to engage a camming ramp of its neighbor, or a filler rod inserted between adjacent modules at each interface. Where the camming means are provided, (n-1) of the modules can be placed into engagement to define 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.

Abstract: A drafting system and autoleveller are arranged such that the "tongue" roller and the "grooved" roller of the sliver sensor ahead of the first drafting rollers serve to measure the thickness of the sliver therebetween, and their output signal is used, subject to a time delay, to vary the draft ratio in the subsequent drafting means. The autoleveller throughput speed is adjustable and the time delay in the draft ratio variation is automatically adjusted in response to the speed selected.

Abstract: A damper assembly comprises a cylinder enclosing a plunger mounted on a piston rod and associated with an auxiliary plunger which is yieldably held against the main plunger by a spring. Ascent of the cylinder relative to the plunger allows a high damping force to be obtained by causing the damping liquid to pass around the exterior of the main plunger, along a first flow path, whereas descent of the cylinder allows the spring to yield and to open a larger cross-section third flow path between the auxiliary plunger and the main plunger for a lower damping force to be obtained. The damping force exerted in the first-mentioned direction is limited by the effect of a pressure relief valve which opens to allow flow of hydraulic fluid through the auxiliary plunger along a second flow path once a predetermined damper force has been attained. The cylinder is coaxially surrounded by a pre-load spring. The damper is incorporated in an anti-bounce package support in a yarn winder.

Abstract: A friction spinning apparatus and process use at least one perforated roller enclosing a suction sleeve having the static pressure applied along its suction slot changing between a tip end of the fibre bundle forming the yarn and a downstream location of the fibre bundle whereby the tip end is subjected to a weaker suction effect holding it against the surface than is the stronger downstream part of the fibre bundle.

Abstract: Friction spinning apparatus comprises two rollers arranged in parallel closely spaced relationship so as to define therebetween adjacent the line of closest approach a throat and a fibre feed means for feeding fibres into the throat for twisting into yarn as shown in G.B. No. 2042599. The surface of each of the rollers has a roughness characteristic at most 250 micro inches (6.25 microns) and the roller having its surface moving from the fibre feed means into the throat has a roughness less than that of the other roller by from 20 to 100 micro inches (0.5 to 2.54 microns).

Abstract: Friction spinning apparatus for producing a composite yarn has a groove or recess formed in at least one of the friction spinning rollers, to receive a strand guide tube which can then guide a core strand directly to the yarn formation line substantially at the nip between the rollers.

Abstract: A friction spinning apparatus comprises two rollers in closely spaced parallel arrangement which define between them a yarn formation zone at an elongate gap along the rollers and a feed duct which extends into the gap so as to feed fibres directly into the gap in such a manner that they can fall directly onto the yarn. The feed duct is formed as two separate parts slightly toward the roller which turns into the gap so as to increase the proportion of fibres joining the yarn at the junction with that roller, one of which includes a planar jointing face of the feed duct and a co-planar first side wall of the fibre feed duct passage in the feed duct, and the other is a complex part defining the other walls of the fibre feed passage as well as a second planar jointing face.