Patents Assigned to Uster Technologies
  • Patent number: 8199319
    Abstract: A fiber instrument for measuring properties of a fiber sample, the fiber instrument having a surface for receiving the fiber sample, a hand for pressing the fiber sample against the surface, an illumination source for selectively illuminating the fiber sample with more than one peak wavelength, where each of the peak wavelengths is independently controllable as to an applied intensity of the peak wavelength, a sensor for capturing images of the fiber sample while it is illuminated, and a controller for controlling at least the sensor and the illumination source. By providing multiple peak wavelengths of illumination that are each independently controllable as to illumination intensity, the fiber instrument as described herein is better able to detect both foreign material within the fiber sample, and color gradations of the fiber sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Uster Technologies AG
    Inventors: Preston S. Baxter, Youe-Tsyr Chu, Hossein M. Ghorashi, Michael E. Galyon
  • Patent number: 8079255
    Abstract: The device is used for the automatic determination of characteristics on textile test material such as yarns, rovings, and slivers. A path is provided for the test material, through which path the test material is moved in its longitudinal direction. At least one measuring element for measuring a parameter of the test material is arranged along the path. In order to reduce the depositing of loose fibers, dust, or dirt particles, a plurality of suction elements, which are arranged along the path and spaced apart from one another, are provided and generate a vacuum, by means of which the undesired particles are sucked from the path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Uster Technologies AG
    Inventor: Jürg Schulthess
  • Publication number: 20110276298
    Abstract: A method for determining a corrected weight of a mixed volume, by gravimetrically measuring a total weight of the mixed volume, creating an image of the mixed volume, detecting at least one selected component within the image of the mixed volume, estimating a component weight of the at least one selected component from the image of the mixed volume, and subtracting the component weight from the total weight to yield the corrected weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: USTER TECHNOLOGIES AG
    Inventors: Youe-Tsyr Chu, Preston S. Baxter, Michael E. Galyon, Hossein M. Ghorashi
  • Publication number: 20110264397
    Abstract: A method for characterizing a yarn moved along its longitudinal direction. Readings of a characteristic of the yarn along the longitudinal direction of the yarn are detected. Values of a yarn parameter are determined from the readings. An event field is provided, which contains a quadrant of a two-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, whose abscissa defines an extension of yarn parameter values in the longitudinal direction and whose ordinate defines a deviation of the yarn parameter from a desired value. Densities of events in the event field are determined from the values of the yarn parameter and their extensions in the longitudinal direction. A yarn body is represented as an area in the event field. The area on the one hand is delimited by the abscissa, on the other hand by the ordinate and further by a line in the event field that substantially follows a constant event density. The representation of the yarn body permits a clearing limit to be defined in a rapid and rational manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: USTER TECHNOLOGIES AG
    Inventors: Beat Keller, Stefan Gehrig, Peter Schmid, Loris De Vries
  • Publication number: 20110254567
    Abstract: A measuring circuit used for the capacitive examination of a moving elongated textile test material such as card sliver, roving, yarn or woven fabric, having a measuring capacitor for accommodating the test material, and a component with a capacitance which can be changed by an electric control signal. The measuring circuit can thus be balanced in a simple, rapid, cost-effective and especially automatic way.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2009
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: USTER TECHNOLOGIES AG
    Inventors: Reto Gehrig, Phillipp Ott, Rolf Joss
  • Publication number: 20110193572
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining at least one dielectric property of a capacitor arrangement, and especially for capacitive examination of a moving elongated test subject such as yarn. It contains an alternating signal generator for applying an electric alternating signal to the capacitor arrangement. The capacitor arrangement is uncoupled from the alternating signal generator by means of an amplifier in such a way that it does not relevantly influence the basic frequency and the signal shape of the applied alternating signal. Detection means detect an electric measuring variable of an electric signal tapped from the capacitor arrangement. The alternating signal generator is set up in such a way that at least one of the basic frequency and the signal shape of the applied alternating signal can be changed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2009
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: USTER TECHNOLOGIES AG
    Inventor: Reto Gehrig
  • Publication number: 20110181304
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining a dielectric property of a capacitor arrangement, having an alternating signal generator for applying an electric alternating signal to the capacitor arrangement. It further contains an evaluation circuit for evaluating at least one electric measuring quantity of an electric signal tapped from the capacitor arrangement. It further comprises balancing means which are arranged in an electric path between the alternating signal generator and the capacitor arrangement and by means of which a parameter of the electric alternating signal can be changed in such a way that an output signal of the evaluation circuit assumes a specific value, preferably zero, under defined constant conditions. Control means are provided for emitting an electric control signal to the balancing means, by means of which the change of the at least one parameter can be controlled. The apparatus can thus be balanced in a simple, rapid, cost-effective and especially automatic way.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2009
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: USTER TECHNOLOGIES AG
    Inventor: Reto Gehrig
  • Publication number: 20110061358
    Abstract: According to the method for characterizing fancy yarn, at least one characteristic of the fancy yarn is scanned along the longitudinal direction of the fancy yarn. Values of the scanning are evaluated and the results of the evaluation are outputted. The results of the evaluation are the fancy yarn parameters such as base yarn mass, base yarn diameter, slub distance, mass increase (?M) of a slub, slub diameter increase, slub diameter, slub length (LE) and/or slub total mass. At least one result of the evaluation is outputted in the form of a graphic representation, for example as a scatter diagram. Such a graphic representation provides a clear representation of the measurement results. The occurring data is reduced and may be divided up into different categories.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: USTER TECHNOLOGIES AG
    Inventors: Christine Meixner, Gabriela Peters, Sandra Edalat-Pour
  • Publication number: 20110061359
    Abstract: According to the method for characterizing fancy yarn, at least one characteristic of the fancy yarn is scanned along the longitudinal direction of the fancy yarn. Values of the scanning are evaluated and the results of the evaluation are outputted. The results of the evaluation are the fancy yarn parameters such as base yarn mass, base yarn diameter, stub distance, mass increase (?M) of a stub, slub diameter increase, stub diameter, slub length (LE) and/or slub total mass. At least one result of the evaluation is outputted in the form of a graphic representation, for example as a scatter diagram. Such a graphic representation provides a clear representation of the measurement results. The occurring data is reduced and may be divided up into different categories.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: USTER TECHNOLOGIES AG
    Inventors: Christine Meixner, Gabriela Peters, Sandra Edalat-Pour
  • Publication number: 20100328650
    Abstract: A fiber instrument for measuring properties of a fiber sample, the fiber instrument having a surface for receiving the fiber sample, a hand for pressing the fiber sample against the surface, an illumination source for selectively illuminating the fiber sample with more than one peak wavelength, where each of the peak wavelengths is independently controllable as to an applied intensity of the peak wavelength, a sensor for capturing images of the fiber sample while it is illuminated, and a controller for controlling at least the sensor and the illumination source. By providing multiple peak wavelengths of illumination that are each independently controllable as to illumination intensity, the fiber instrument as described herein is better able to detect both foreign material within the fiber sample, and color gradations of the fiber sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: USTER TECHNOLOGIES AG
    Inventors: Preston S. Baxter, Youe-Tsyr Chu, Hossein M. Ghorashi, Michael E. Galyon
  • Patent number: 7836747
    Abstract: A method for standardizing a reading taken on a fiber sample, including the steps of measuring a moisture content of the fiber sample, taking the reading on the fiber sample, and correcting the reading to a standardized reading that adjusts for a difference between the reading at the measured moisture content of the fiber sample and a standardized reading at about 7.5% moisture content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Uster Technologies AG
    Inventors: C. Roger Riley, Anja C. Schleth, Hossein M. Ghorashi, Michael E. Galyon
  • Patent number: 7836674
    Abstract: According to the method for characterizing fancy yarn, at least one characteristic of the fancy yarn is scanned along the longitudinal direction of the fancy yarn. Values of the scanning are evaluated and the results of the evaluation are outputted. The results of the evaluation are the fancy yarn parameters such as base yarn mass, base yarn diameter, slub distance, mass increase (?M) of a slub, slub diameter increase, slub diameter, slub length (LE) and/or slub total mass. At least one result of the evaluation is outputted in the form of a graphic representation, for example as a scatter diagram. Such a graphic representation provides a clear representation of the measurement results. The occurring data is reduced and may be divided up into different categories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Uster Technologies
    Inventors: Christine Meixner, Gabriela Peters, Sandra Edalat-Pour
  • Patent number: 7832190
    Abstract: According to the method for characterizing fancy yarn, at least one characteristic of the fancy yarn is scanned along the longitudinal direction of the fancy yarn. Values of the scanning are evaluated and the results of the evaluation are outputted. The results of the evaluation are the fancy yarn parameters such as base yarn mass, base yarn diameter, slub distance, mass increase of a slub, slub diameter increase, slub diameter, slub length and/or slub total mass. On evaluation, a measurement curve is produced from the values of the scanning, and an area (A(x)) between the measurement curve and a previously determined base yarn mass is computed. A permanent increase in the course of the area (A(x)) is used as a criterion for the presence of a slub. Slubs may be differentiated from yarn imperfections in a reliable manner by way of the area (A(x)).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Uster Technologies AG
    Inventors: Christine Meixner, Gabriela Peters, Sandra Edalat-Pour
  • Publication number: 20100050763
    Abstract: A method of determining a testing volume for a micronaire measurement by containing a fiber sample within a micronaire chamber having a length and at least one movable end wall. A flow is initiated along the length of the micronaire chamber. The fiber sample is compressed within the micronaire chamber by advancing the movable end wall, and the advancement of the movable end wall is stopped when at least one property of the flow attains a set point. The position of the movable end wall defines the testing volume. In this manner, there is provided a convenient method of setting a testing volume and acquiring the information needed to take a micronaire measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: USTER TECHNOLOGIES AG
    Inventors: James T. Wender, Preston S. Baxter, Hossein M. Ghorashi
  • Patent number: 7626189
    Abstract: According to the method for characterizing fancy yarn, at least one characteristic of the fancy yarn is scanned along the longitudinal direction of the fancy yarn. Values of the scanning are evaluated and the results of the evaluation are outputted. The results of the evaluation are the fancy yarn parameters such as base yarn mass, base yarn diameter, slub distance, mass increase (?M) of a slub, slub diameter increase, slub diameter, slub length (LE) and/or slub total mass. The evaluation includes a smoothing or idealization of the scanning values, e.g. an idealization of the webs (91, 91?) as horizontal stretches and of the slubs (92, 92?) as trapeziums. the idealized course of the curve may be subtracted from the original course of the curve in order to obtain information on the slubs on the one hand, and on the virtual base yarn on the other hand. The occurring data quantity may be reduced by specifying parameters of the idealized course of the curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Uster Technologies AG
    Inventors: Christine Meixner, Gabriela Peters, Sandra Edalat-Pour
  • Publication number: 20080288101
    Abstract: According to the method for characterizing fancy yarn, at least one characteristic of the fancy yarn is scanned along the longitudinal direction of the fancy yarn. Values of the scanning are evaluated and the results of the evaluation are outputted. The results of the evaluation are the fancy yarn parameters such as base yarn mass, base yarn diameter, slub distance, mass increase of a slub, slub diameter increase, slub diameter, slub length and/or slub total mass. On evaluation, a measurement curve is produced from the values of the scanning, and an area (A(x)) between the measurement curve and a previously determined base yarn mass is computed. A permanent increase in the course of the area (A(x)) is used as a criterion for the presence of a slub. Slubs may be differentiated from yarn imperfections in a reliable manner by way of the area (A(x)).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: USTER TECHNOLOGIES AG
    Inventors: Christine Meixner, Gabriela Peters, Sandra Edalat-Pour
  • Publication number: 20080276593
    Abstract: According to the method for characterizing fancy yarn, at least one characteristic of the fancy yarn is scanned along the longitudinal direction of the fancy yarn. Values of the scanning are evaluated and the results of the evaluation are outputted. The results of the evaluation are the fancy yarn parameters such as base yarn mass, base yarn diameter, slub distance, mass increase (?M) of a slub, slub diameter increase, slub diameter, slub length (LE) and/or slub total mass. At least one result of the evaluation is outputted in the form of a graphic representation, for example as a scatter diagram. Such a graphic representation provides a clear representation of the measurement results. The occurring data is reduced and may be divided up into different categories.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: USTER TECHNOLOGIES AG
    Inventors: Christine Meixner, Gabriela Peters, Sandra Edalat-Pour
  • Publication number: 20080257010
    Abstract: A method for standardizing a reading taken on a fiber sample, including the steps of measuring a moisture content of the fiber sample, taking the reading on the fiber sample, and correcting the reading to a standardized reading that adjusts for a difference between the reading at the measured moisture content of the fiber sample and a standardized reading at about 7.5% moisture content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: USTER TECHNOLOGIES AG
    Inventors: C. Roger Riley, Anja C. Schleth, Hossein M. Ghorashi, Michael E. Galyon
  • Publication number: 20080236252
    Abstract: A method of determining a testing volume for a micronaire measurement by containing a fiber sample within a micronaire chamber having a length and at least one movable end wall. A flow is initiated along the length of the micronaire chamber. The fiber sample is compressed within the micronaire chamber by advancing the movable end wall, and the advancement of the movable end wall is stopped when at least one property of the flow attains a set point. The position of the movable end wall defines the testing volume. In this manner, there is provided a convenient method of setting a testing volume and acquiring the information needed to take a micronaire measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: USTER TECHNOLOGIES AG
    Inventors: James T. Wender, Preston S. Baxter, Hossein M. Ghorashi
  • Patent number: D651101
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Uster Technologies AG
    Inventors: Norbert Ziganek, Martin Kuster